Ananda Marga Universal Forum: 06/20/26

Baba

Cow’s milk not sentient--when?

Note: This letter is only for health conscious sadhakas - margiis and wts - who are very strict in adhering to a sentient diet.

Namaskar,

As per Ananda Marga teachings, milk is sentient. It is a sattvika food item. Yet we should bear in mind that there are some important considerations.

When the capitalist-minded agro-dairy industry and related corporations use steroids, injections, and other unnatural techniques to get the cows to produce excessive amounts of milk at the risk of the overall health of those cows etc, then that milk cannot be considered sentient. It is full of pollutants, poisonous chemicals, and other harmful agents.
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Many Indian cows eat junk & night-soil

The situation of some Indian cows is also quite compromised. Some of the cows in the Indian cities eat all kinds of things: paper, plastic, garbage, cardboard etc. They eat so much of it that when a cow gets sick and surgery is needed, then invariably doctors find 30 - 65kg of junk / garbage inside the cow.

Such problems are not limited to cows in the city. In the countryside and suburban towns where inhabitants defecate outside, then cows in those areas often eat night-soil. Whereas goats and buffaloes do not eat night-soil.

For those not aware, cow's milk from the villages is widely-distributed. Those villagers often form a cooperative and keep their milk in a central location. Then an area "milk-man" comes around for pick-ups once or twice a day. That milk is brought to processing plants in larger cities. At those plants, milk from various areas gets mixed, packaged, and shipped for wider delivery. So it is not that the village milk stays in a village. The milk of those cows that eat night-soil reaches a wide spectrum of buyers. Many are then exposed to milk produced by (some) cows that eat night soil.

In both conditions, city and country, the sentient quality of the cow in India - and cow's milk - is greatly disturbed. And verily these scenarios are applicable to any land or country where the cows live under such conditions.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Then there is the problem that cows that do not have calves do not allow all their milk to be taken. So dairy farmers around the world inject such cows with chemicals and drugs so those cows will release all their milk. In turn, those chemicals get mixed in with the milk. Anyone can taste and smell the toxins in the milk. This is a large-scale, global problem.

It all comes to this: Unless you know the history of the cow and how it has lived, purchasing or drinking cow's milk is risky. The answer lies in enclosed natural areas or sanctuaries so cows can live in a natural setting and have some freedom without endangering or exposing them to harmful agents, like pollution, garbage, and night soil.

Till that time, drinking cow's milk in India - and other lands where the cows are subjected to such conditions - is tamasika on many occasions.

Milk from a newly-calved cow is tamasika

Here is another key parameter to take into consideration which is applicable to the entire world - everywhere. This point is not limited to any particular place.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba guides us that it is not sentient to drink the milk of a cow that recently gave birth. Essentially, that milk contains colostrum which is harmful to the mind of a sadhaka. Such milk is tamasika.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "The milk of a newly-calved cow [sandhinii] [is] ta'masika." (1)

Here are further guidelines about this:

(a) In the original Bengali and Hindi editions of Caryacarya, Baba says do not drink the milk of a sandhinii cow. The term sandhinii is consistently used and defined as a cow which has recently given birth. .

(b) Then in the English edition of Caryacarya, the phrase - newly-calved cow - has been used. Here again we are not to drink that milk.

(c) Then in Shabda Cayanika Baba also defines sandhinii as a newly-calved cow.

Baba says, "Given birth to a calf. A cow in that stage is called sandhinii.” (2)

Furthermore, in Samskrta language literature, the term sandhinii is qualified as being a ten-day period.

"The milk of a female animal [sandhinii] whose offspring is not ten days old." (Courtesy of League of Devotees (dot) com)

So this link clarifies that sandhinii refers to a ten-day period for the cow after giving birth.

How company produced cow's milk is tamasika

Now that we have confirmed that our Ananda Marga guideline is that milk from a cow that has given birth less than 10 days ago is tamasika, we should compare this with today's markets around the world.
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In the US, government regulations stipulate that dairy farms / manufacturers cannot sell milk from a newly-calved cow for 4 days. After that 4-day period, it is approved by the FDA for human consumption. That is the standard in the USA.

"By regulation, everything the dairy farmer collects from a cow for the first four days (8 "milkings") cannot be sold as milk, and is classified as colostrum." (Courtesy of www (dot) willardswater (dot) com)

In Ananda Marga our standard is different. Baba guides us that we should not drink milk from a sandhinii cow (a newly-calved cow) i.e. within a 10-day period of delivering her calf. Thus, any milk made in the US during that 6-day window, i.e. day 4 to day 10 after a cow has given birth, is tamasika. Whether it is organic or not, that milk is classified as tamasika according to our Ananda Marga standard.

So the problem is that there is no way of knowing which milk on the shelf in the US was produced during that period. By this standard, it is literally impossible to know if the milk you are buying in the US is tamasika or not.

In the area where you live, you should find out what the laws and regulations are. Because if the standard is less than the specified 10-day period as given in Ananda Marga, then there will be tamasika milk on the shelves in stores.

For instance, let's say in Italy the rule is not to produce milk from a newly-calved cow for 5 days after giving birth, then there is a remaining 5-day window wherein tamasika milk is being produced, and hence sold in stores. Let's take another hypothetical example. Let's say in Argentina the rule is not to produce milk for 12 days after a cow has given birth. In that case, the milk produced in Argentina is sentient (at least on this factor) according to our Ananda Marga guideline. Because our guideline is a 10-day period, at minimum, and Argentina is going beyond that mark. These are all hypothetical examples, but the point is understood.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Any milk produced by a newly-calved cow / sandhinii cow that is less than the mandatory 10-day waiting period is tamasika.

Cow eats garbage in USA

~ Courtesy of Mother Jones ~

“Chicken shit: What’s not to love about the fecal waste of America’s 36-million-plus broiler chickens? It’s plentiful and cheap. But according to a recent OnEarth story by Brad Jacobson, the problem may be less the poop itself than the smorgasbord of other substances it frequently comes with, including feathers, heavy metals, bacteria, antibiotics, and bits of rodents. Jacobson also notes that the practice could promote the spread of mad cow disease.”

“Crab guts: For ranchers and feedlots near the coast, the guts and other undesirable parts of fish, crabs, shrimp, and crawfish can be an abundant source of cheap protein. Ground up into a tasty meal, seafood byproducts can be mixed into other feeds. Fish-meal cattle feed isn’t a new idea; Marco Polo observed in his diary that cows ate it.” (Courtesy of Mother Jones)

Conclusion: cow's milk sold in stores is tamasika

Unless we have perfect proof about how the milk is produced, then we have to assume that the milk sold in stores is tamasika. Because that milk contains steroids or other harmful agents; the milk of a newly-calved cow contains colostrum; there is the issue of commercial factory farming etc. In all such cases, that milk is tamasika and should be avoided.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Let’s reflect again: Unless we have perfect proof about how the milk is produced, then we have to assume that the milk sold in stores is tamasika. That is the only way to approach it; drinking any milk from any store is to walk along a slippery slope - anything is possible. One may fall at any moment. That milk should be treated as tamasika.

Verily there are many dos and don'ts regarding the sanctity of milk. Best is to just assume that all milk from a regular supermarket etc is tamasika. Remember, when store-bought milk itself is tamasika, then it also means that those products produced from and using that milk are also tamasika: butter, cream, cheese, sour cream, yogurt etc.

Finally, again bear in mind that the point of waiting 10 days after the birth before milking a cow for human consumption applies to buffaloes and goats as well.

Namaskar,
Sharada
(Sarah Loggins)

~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Suppose a physician says, “As a human, you require animal protein for your health;” but suppose dharma says, “No, a human should not take carnal food;” then in that case you will have to follow dharma and not the physician, because the order of dharma is above all other orders. Dharma is the highest Lord, the highest authority." (3)

Neo-humanistic reason: about cow's milk

There is also a neo-humanistic reason why as Ananda Margiis we refrain from taking milk from a newly-calved cow: We are to watch for the well-being of all creatures, including baby calves. We are to ensure those calves get all the food and nutrition they need. One way of ensuring this is to not deprive them of any of their mother's milk. Baba has expressed this point in His teachings.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Emits foul smell from body

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Those who consume a lot of static food also emit this sort of foul smell...Similarly, an intensely foul smell is emitted from the bodies of tigers because they are carnivorous...A hilsa fish (an Indian herring) is extremely fond of flesh – rotten flesh is its favourite food – hence it produces a kind of repulsive secretion. If a fish bowl or container which held hilsa fish is cleaned with a cloth, and the cloth is used to clean another container, a repulsive smell will be emitted from the second container unless it is properly ventilated. A vegetarian will feel uncomfortable if this container is used for eating, drinking or anything else. Strict vegetarians avoid using any container which has been used to hold non-vegetarian food." (4)

Eating any food, proper or improper will not do

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Strict vegetarians avoid using any container which has been used to hold non-vegetarian food." (5)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Static food: Food which is harmful for the mind and may or may not be good for the body is static. Onion, garlic, wine, stale and rotten food, meat of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, fish, eggs, etc., are static. Very often people eat food without knowing its intrinsic qualities. For example, the milk of a cow which has just given birth. Or white eggplant, khesárii pulse [horse gram], red puni [Basella rubra Linn.], or mustard leaves, all of which often grew out of rotten matter. In order to have a balanced mind and to progress spiritually, human beings will have to pay attention to the qualities of the food they eat. The idea that “I will just do my sádhaná and eat any food, proper or improper” will not do." (6)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "Támasika áhára: All kinds of foods which are harmful to either the body or mind and may or may not be harmful to the other are called támasika. Stale and rotten food, the flesh of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, and all types of intoxicants, are categorized as támasika. Small amounts of tea, cocoa and similar drinks which do not excite a person to the point of losing his/her senses are in the rájasika category. The milk of a newly-calved cow, white brinjals, khesárii dál, green vegetables of the type of red puni or mustard are támasika. Masúr dál cooked for one meal will become támasika by the next meal." (7)

References
1. Caryacarya - 3. Procedure for Eating
2. Shabda Cayanika - 4, Kálii to Kikhi (Discourse 25)
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
4. Microvita in a Nutshell, Some Examples of Microvita in Daily Life – Section C
5. Microvita in a Nutshell, Some Examples of Microvita in Daily Life – Excerpt C
6. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
7. Caryacarya - 3, Procedure for Eating

* * *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

* * *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

All are kith & kin

"Tomákei bhálobási ámrá, tomár pathe cali tomár kathá boli..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3821)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, You are our everything, our Heart of hearts. We love only You. We are moving ceaselessly along Your effulgent path and treading on that very path which You have graciously shown to us. O' All-Pervading One, day and night we sing Your boundless glories and dance according to Your sweet rhythms. We always propagate Your grand ideals. You have created us: We are Your thought projection as well as Your progeny. Baba, You are our Father - Our Ista. We love only You.

Supreme Entity, we love one and all equally; everyone's existence is treasured. We do not differentiate between high and low, small and big, rich and poor, touchable and untouchable, sinner and virtuous, literate and illiterate etc. All are kith and kin - all are family members and part of that indivisible humanity. We are all bound together by Your immortal love. With Your infinite compassion, You always draw us near with Your beacon call, which pulls our heart close to You. We hear Your sound and move towards You. You are the Goal. Our each and every action and deed is aimed toward Your divine stance - toward reaching up to You. You are our Aim and the Polestar of our life.

My Parama Purusa Baba, You have blessed us with the ideals of neo-humanism. First, You have granted us individual freedom; second, You have infused us with universal spirit; and third, You have spiritualised our minds with the dhyana of the Supreme One. With these three attributions one other quality unfolds: We wage a relentless fight against all the evils and sin. And by Your grace victory is sure. Baba, by these four noble qualities of neo-humanism - individual freedom, universal spirit, dhyana of the Omnipotent entity, and the fight against evil forces - we have created a potent, bitter medicine that cures all sorts of ailments like dogma, infighting, and narrow-mindedness. O' Ever gracious Entity, with this approach we have made this dusty earth into a golden paradise, by Your causeless blessing.

Baba, we all love only You; You are our Goal. O' our most Adored One...

Note about Prabhat Samgiita #3821

[1] "vyaśt́i...amara'r": In the third and final stanza of the above song, Ananda Marga philosophy presents 4 special principles that are part and parcel of our neo-humanistic philosophy: (a) individual freedom, (b) universal spirit, (c) dhyana of the Supreme Entity, (d) the fight against injustices and sin. All four are needed to create a golden paradise on this earth and build a society in the real sense of the term.

Spirituality is an essential aspect of neo-humanism. Without proper dhyana, individual freedom can be twisted to exploit the masses. Such is the case in capitalism since it is devoid of a spiritual approach. People just equate individual freedom with selfish pleasure and degrading activities. Communism does not allow for individual freedom nor does it recognise spirituality: Both are missing. For this reason, collective interest and a loving society could not be attained in communism. So it is more murderous than capitalism. Comparatively speaking, communists are worse than capitalists.

Then in the dogma-centered philosophy such as in the various religions, individual freedom and perfect spirituality are missing. The religions are ritualistic and dogma-based. There is no true feeling of universal love. That is why even followers of the same religion can kill each other - what to speak of harming members of other religions. History has witnessed this again and again. So the religious society is also defective.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us that in an ideal society all 4 principles are needed: (a) individual freedom, (b) universal spirit, (c) dhyana of the Supreme Entity, and (d) the fight against injustices and sin. Failing that, this world cannot become a golden paradise. In the absence of any of these aforementioned principles, groupism and factionalism will erupt.

So our neo-humanistic approach is wholly revolutionary. In this God-centered approach, individual freedom is used for virtuous deeds which bring collective welfare, and all the while there is a pactless fight against all injustices. This is the speciality of our neo-humanism and this is the grand ideal that is being propagated in this above song.

In our present day AMPS, these qualities are missing: (a) individual freedom, (b) universal spirit, (c) dhyana of the Supreme Entity, and (d) the fight against injustices.

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Beware: do you own a pet?

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "A monkey is a more developed animal than a dog or a cow, but as it does not live with humans, its development - the speed of its development - is less. Dogs and cows, who live with humans have a speedier evolution. A monkey which lives in the proximity of humans also has a speedier development." (1)

Note: But the reverse effect happens in the case of humans. Those people who keep such animals as their pets and live around those animals become that animal in their future life. This happens due to deep attachment with that animal and overall lack of Brahmabhava. Baba has given countless demonstrations about this.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Don't Be Misguided

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Prout’s stand: intervene & stop injustice

Prout philosophy states, “Now, suppose a man seems to have good relations with his neighbours, but it becomes apparent that he is about to murder his wife, what should be the duty of the neighbours? Will they remain tight-lipped, sit quietly with their arms folded, and dismiss the situation as purely a domestic affair, thereby making the murder of the woman easier, and thus assist in establishing static peace? No, that is not the dictum of human dharma. On the contrary they should rush to the house, break down the door, save the woman, take suitable action against the male tyrant, and in this way come forward to establish sentient peace.” (1)

Note: The above Proutistic teaching applies to both individual and collective life. Wherever there is an injustice, then there must be an intervention, either by the neighbouring family, or the neighbouring country. Sitting quietly and biding away the time while a wrongdoing is unfolding is not our way. According to Prout, it is the bounden duty of every right-thinking individual and government to jump into action.

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #15

== Section: Important Topic ==

Main thread in sadhana

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Whatever a man is to do in his spiritual life he is to do - why? Because he is in love with the Supreme Entity. Love is the first word, love is the starting point, and love is the last point." (1)

Note: Baba's above guideline is very beneficial for sadhana. However, these days some innocent or simple people just do meditation for "mental peace". And even worse, some Wts do sadhana for show - to pose as someone great. Such Wts hardly do sadhana when they are alone; but when they go to margiis' houses then in grand style they sit in meditation for a long time. All done in order to put themselves on display and create one show that they are highly elevated sadhakas. A few margiis do a similar thing when they attend retreats. Only by evaluating the ongoing conduct can one understand how far they are really doing sadhana or not. It is just like if you are approaching one animal at night. At first you may think that it is a tiger or a lion, but when that animal makes its weird 'Huan, Huan' sound, then you know that it is just a jackal. Same is the case when being around those types who put on a show of sadhana. By their conduct and dealing they just expose themselves etc.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Starting Point and the Last Point

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Far-reaching effects

Prout philosophy states, “Whatever dignity a person possesses as a human being in either the Kśatriya Age or the Vipra Age is dealt its heaviest blow in the Vaeshya Age. In the Vaeshya Age a person's dignity is measured in terms of money. The repercussions of this defective evaluation of human beings are not confined only to the realm of dignity; they have far-reaching effects in all spheres of society.” (Human Society-2, The Vaeshya Age)

Prout philosophy states, “In the Vaeshya Age this religious exploitation is more psychic than physical, because the vaeshyas use the vipras to try to spread intellectual propaganda among the masses to prevent them from finding any philosophical justification for their suppressed grievances against the vaeshya structure. This intellectual propaganda aims to convince people that they are the victims of circumstance. It argues, “Everything is destiny. Everything is preordained.” Such doctrines help the vaeshyas to perpetuate their structure. They destroy the personal force of people and make them the playthings of fate. People accept the idea that everything is preordained, and support the status quo.” (1)

Reference
1. Human Society-2, The Vaeshya Age

== Section 4: Links ==

Upcoming Dogma: Father's Day - June 21