Rampant ills of selfishness + 3 more

Baba

Rampant ills of selfishness

Namaskar,

Plants and animals are not selfish; they take care of their own existence, which everyone does, but not more than that. They do not take more than what is needed.

For example, a lion does not go on killing all of the animals in the jungle, even though it is capable of doing so. It kills only when it is hungry, for its existence. Because that is how Parama’tma’ has designed animals. Similarly, a shark does not kill all the fish in the ocean, even though it is capable of doing so. But sick human beings, in addition to preserving their own existence, have a tremendous desire for self-pleasure and that is misdirected.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Covetous capitalists want to amass as much as possible even though other human beings are not getting food to eat. If bloodsucker capitalists keep on exploiting general masses, a situation may arise wherein general people, deprived of basic necessities, may forcefully take money or kill the parasite capitalists to protect their own existence.

This selfish nature is most evident in sick human beings specifically in capitalist countries. Capitalism is nothing but selfish nature at its extreme in human beings. Such a selfish nature is not good for society.

Wrong direction: marry but don't want children

In capitalist countries, people with no children feel that why should they pay for education for other children. Education is so expensive that people marry but do not have any interest in having their own children. In rich countries, even the population is decreasing. In Germany, the population has decreased, also in the U.S. That is why there is a need for the US to have immigrants. Without immigrants, the population of the U.S would have reduced even further.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In the U.S, old people are dying, and the same number of children are not being born. Because there is a fear among people that if they have children, then it will be an added responsibility in raising the children which is so expensive. When such people grow old, then there will not be anyone to even give them medicines, or to take them to the graveyard. Because they felt that to have children is an added responsibility, and why have children as it will cost so much - not to mention the amount of time they have to spend to raise children. Japan has a similar problem. 

More police & gated communities: sign of distrust

Looking back at India, about 50 years ago, the number of police officers was much less because there was no need. Slowly people became selfish, wanted to amass more money, build large houses, and for their security they needed police. More gated communities were built, and more police were needed to maintain security as the deprived people got engaged in illegal activities to fulfill their basic necessities. Prior to the 1970’s, there were no houses with big boundaries. Prior to Independence, people did not construct boundaries around their houses. Simply to mark the house boundary, people may have erected a pole, but they did not construct actual boundaries.

Nowadays in India, there are tall boundaries around houses as well as apartment complexes with tight security in place, and one may need to have a pass to enter into the premises. Being affected by self-interest and capitalism, people amass more wealth than they need, and in turn others do not get their basic necessities fulfilled. The deprived people often become criminals, and attack the wealthy. Mostly rich people are on the receiving end of a crime and face serious consequences. The lives of those impacted by crime are severely affected, either their family members are killed, or their wealth is stolen etc.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Selfish persons suffer in misery

Capitalism is based on the principle of selfishness. Selfishness is a disease, and the result is not beneficial. Selfishness is not good at one’s home or in society. Selfishness is a mental disease in which one thinks that no one is mine; a selfish person thinks that everyone is on their own. As long as one is physically well and has the ability to earn money, one works hard and earns as much as possible. But when something happens to the selfish person’s health, there is no one to take care of them as they never lived with anyone.

If a selfish person needs to be taken to the hospital or needs care then no one is there to help them. When a selfish person thinks only for their own self, then he does not have any friends or family members. Due to the resultant stress, such a person’s lifespan typically is reduced. Over time, consequent to this stress, such people experience loneliness and not uncommonly attempt suicide. It is very sad how one has failed to utilize the capacity of human birth. For a perceived short term gain, the selfish person forgets the long term benefits of living and sharing with others.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

AM philosophy says that the whole world is one society. Everyone is my own. With this type of feeling, love for each other will increase in a society. A lot of problems which exist today in the world will be easily resolved and new ones arising in the future can be prevented by developing a sense of togetherness and removing self-interest by thinking the whole world is one society, and everyone is my own.

In Him,
Nirakar

“Human beings of the world, unite!”

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Sadvipras will firmly declare, “All human beings belong to one race. Everyone has equal rights. Human beings are brothers and sisters!” These sadvipras will sternly warn the exploiters of society, “The exploitation of human beings cannot be allowed!” and, “Religious hypocrisy cannot be tolerated!” Giving a clarion call to the fragmented human society from beneath the saffron flag, the symbol of service and sacrifice, they will proclaim at the top of their voices, “Human beings of the world, unite!” (1)

Ananda Marga ideology teaches us, “Saḿgacchadhvaḿ saḿvadadhvaḿ saḿ vo manáḿsi jánatám.” (2)

References
1. Problems of the Day, Point #37
2. Ánanda Vacanámrtam - 3, Saḿgacchadhvaḿ

*        *        *

The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Spiritual exhilaration

"Ámi, tomáre bhúliyá chinu kata din...” (Prabhat Samgiita #4091)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, I remained forgetful and oblivious of You for such a long span of time. Unmindful about Your presence, I traveled on the rugged, jagged path of dogma, groupism, and materialism; as a result, I got swept away in the ocean current. My Golden Lotus, that time You were unknown to me.

My Supreme Entity, my days were full of stains. Barraged by insults, my life lost its charm and became shrouded in hopelessness, without any spirituality. So many lonely, lifeless, isolated silent nights passed in Your longing, i.e. crying in utter despair, without any hope. My spiritual journey got hit by the cold, northern breeze. Sadhana was poor and my mind just became more and more dry. There was no flow. That drained me of all my optimism, inspiration, and bhakti. I became drowned in staticity and degradation, fully under the control of animal vrttis.

Baba, now You are here. Today, spring has come; it is so blissful. The whole environment is filled with colourful flowers and a sweet aroma. The dark night has changed into glittering moonlight, shining in the sky. Peacocks are dancing in happiness and expressing their joy by extending their feathers. By Your grace, the sweet breeze is blowing softly. This grand scene is thrilling and exhilarating for my whole existence; it is making me quiver in the subtle vibration. That lovely air is giving me the hint and telling me, "Listen! Whose divine flute is resonating; Baba is calling you..."

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Negative samadhi

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "By the way you should know that samádhi does not only occur as a result of a certain realization; other samádhis can occur on indriyas or the five fundamental factors. When the mind is focused on a particular object and becomes intensely concentrated it is called samádhi. According to spiritual science the samádhi attained when the entire mind is pin-pointed on Parama Puruśa is called prajiṋá samádhi."
   "When a sádhaka focuses his or her mind on the solid factor (solid is one of the five fundamental factors) and thinks “I am the earth” he or she attains kśitibhaetik samádhi, losing all practical intelligence in the process. Those who constantly think about rupees or dollars attain a kind of samádhi, too, for they become completely identified with their crude object of attraction. If such people incur heavy losses due to the collapse of their business or bank, they will die an instant death, for the pillars on which their life was built crumbled beneath them. So, once they lost their wealth, they lost their lives too." (1)


Story of my own cousin

Note: Tragically, my own cousin experienced this type of negative samadhi. During the last economic downturn, he became very worried about his finances. He had an inheritance of 20 million dollars, and he thought he was going to lose it all. He experienced a very strange, deep, dark depression and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

Finally, his mind just stopped - and he sat there frozen - completely fixated on the prospect of losing all his money. He sat in a comatose state completely engrossed in thoughts about losing money - everything else in his mind vanished. It was just money, money, money. He skipped his food, ignored natural call, and sat in one spot all day long for almost 1 week. He did not die, but he came very close to death. When at last he emerged from this state, he was totally unaware about what had happened. It was as if he had been in a vacuum.

Baba's warning is that mundane things like money or wealth should never be one's object of ideation. Worldly things are by definition transient. They slip away. And when that happens, people become shocked, even negative samadhi. This becomes very serious for those who were very attached with those objects. They will fall into a state of terrible misery, and perhaps even death.

Best is to goad and point the mind to Parama Purusa. Because if one is fixated on the mundane and prone to that negative type of samadhi then one may remain depressed or even resort to suicide…

In Him,
Sudhiindra

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell, Ekendriya – 7

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Soul vs átmá

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Ruh, spirit, soul and átmá are not exactly the same thing. A ruh can rise up from the grave; a spirit can move around and frighten people; a soul can come close to God and sit beside Him; while a non-attributional átmá is not bound by the bondages of time, space or person. This entity beyond the realm of nature was the contribution of the vipras. Their intellectual struggle against the hostile aspects of nature, assisted by the kśatriyas, gave them the opportunity to imagine this kind of puruśa [consciousness] entity beyond the realm of nature." (1)

Reference
1. Human Society - 2, The Vipra Age

== Section 3: Links ==

Prabhat Samgiita Day - 14 September

Blissful times: Baba & Prabhat Samgiita

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2012/09/story-babas-divine-reception.html

Spiritual treasure: PS

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2022/11/prema-of-bhakta.html

Intimacy of PS

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/intimacy-of-prabhat-samgiita.html

PS: how it all began

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/history-what-devotees-were-singing.html

Postings to Read

AM lifestyle saves money

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/10/how-to-save-money-3-more.html

How to face controversy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/02/loose-or-strict-3-more.html

Solution to flickering mind

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-focus-in-sadhana-2-4-more.html

About Baba's mango grove story

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/03/inner-sense-of-mango-story.html

Proper outlook: not here for long

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-ignorance-causes-depression.html

How to feel His grace + 3 more

Baba

How to feel His grace

Namaskar,

Suppose a beggar arrives at Tom’s door. Upon seeing this ravenous beggar, Tom feeds the beggar a variety of tasty and sumptuous dishes until the hungry beggar has eaten up to his heart’s content. On the one side, Tom fed the beggar out of a sense of duty and wants nothing in return. And on the other hand, the beggar feels gratitude and thinks that he was fed due to Tom’s kindness and generosity. In that case, naturally the beggar will develop a sweet feeling in his heart for Tom - even though Tom does not desire any recognition or praise etc. And the beggar may even walk around town recounting how Tom lovingly prepared so many tasty dishes to fully satisfy his hunger. In this way, that beggar will sing Tom’s good deeds. And he will automatically feel a close connection with Tom, even though Tom does not desire any recognition or praise etc.

In contrast, if the beggar feels that he got that tasty food only because of his own efforts of walking many miles to Tom’s residence, then he will not feel an iota of gratitude toward Tom. Rather he will contemptuously recount that, “Tom did not provide me with the food that I really wanted.” The beggar will complain that, “For dessert Tom only gave me 1 KG of rasagolla and I wanted 2 KG.” In this way, the beggar will remain completely dissatisfied and furious with Tom. Yet, Tom fed the beggar out of a sense of duty and wanted nothing in return.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In reality, Tom gave the very food that he himself was going to eat, and he gave the sweets that he usually reserves for special guests. But if in the street someone tells that beggar that, “Tom fed you well”, the beggar will be dissatisfied thinking that, “I should have gotten more.” In that case, the beggar will not have any sweet feeling towards Tom. The relation between them will seem cold and distant. The beggar might even feel angry and inimical towards Tom. Yet all along, Tom fed the beggar out of a sense of duty and did not wish to receive anything in return.


Dry sadhaka vs bhaktas

Likewise, with Parama Purusa, each and every sadhaka should cultivate the idea that all the joys and smiles in life are due to His supreme grace. And, verily, this is the grand reality. Parama Purusa really does do everything. It is all due to His grace, as He is the Supreme Controller of this vast universe.

Believing everything to be a result of His cosmic grace is not just one’s own mental fabrication or imagination, this is the grand truth of this created universe: He is the Doer and all credit goes to Him. By realising this truth, that sadhaka will feel more love and affection for Parama Purusa and have a deep sense of gratitude towards Him. In that case, a close and intimate relation will surely blossom between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. Then the bhakta will feel His grace, always.

In contrast, if out of one’s own vanity any dry sadhaka fails to recognise this divine truth, then in their own mental laboratory they will build up their own superiority complex and think that all good things are due to their own greatness. Because of this vain and self-centered approach, such dry sadhakas remain far away from Parama Purusa and they cannot make that sweet relation with Him. Step by step, this feeling of isolation permeates every aspect of their life until finally their whole existence is characterised by woe and frustration. Such dry sadhakas never feel His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Human desire & longing

Ultimately human beings want someone who is very close - someone who will be their grand companion in life. Human beings want that type of intimate relation and eternal Friend. And such a companion, such a relation, such a Friend, can only be Parama Purusa – not any human being.

So if in their life anyone has been blessed to have that type of close link with Parama Purusa, there will always be a sweet flow of love and bhakti. And they will always feel happy, content, and internally satisfied because their life is drenched in His love. They feel His grace working each and every moment.


Unfortunate umbrella of vanity

But if due to their own unit ego and vanity anyone is unable to cultivate a sweet feeling with that most loving Entity, then that dry sadhaka will always feel sad, lonely, and depressed. Their life will always feel empty. And the root cause behind it all is that unfortunate umbrella of vanity. Here below Baba describes this situation.

   Ananda Marga ideology says, “He has got equal love for each and every creature of this universe, for all animate and inanimate objects. His krpa’ and His compassion is being equally showered upon each and every individual, upon each and every object. He bestows His compassion equally on each and every object. Equally on pa’piis [sinners] and pun’yava’nas [the virtuous].”
    “But common people do not feel it, they do not feel that they are getting His krpa’. Why do they not feel it? That krpa’, that water of compassion, is being showered on each and every creature equally, but ordinary people do not feel that they are being drenched by those sacred waters. Why? Because they are holding the umbrella of vanity over their heads, that’s why they are not being drenched.”
   Ananda Marga ideology says, “And what is sa’dhana’? You will have to remove that umbrella from above your head and get yourself drenched by the sacred water. You will have to remove that umbrella of vanity…and get yourself drenched by that water; and then you will feel that you are being graced by Him. This is what is called krpa’. Krpa’ is there, but you will have to come to feel it by your sa’dhana’. And when you will remove that umbrella, you will get proper direction, and then you will be guided by hla’dinii shakti, by Ra’dhika’ shakti. Here you will come in contact with His nu’pura dhvani [Divine Sound].” (1)

As Baba guides us in His above teaching, the bhakti cult of sadhana enables one to feel the sweet presence of His divine grace. Because when one does sadhana then naturally the mind becomes soft, serene, and peaceful. And in that way, the sadhaka instinctively feels that everything is due to the grace of Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

However, without that inner feeling, such dry sadhakas develop a gross superiority complex and suffer from vanity. In that unfortunate instance, they harbour the idea that they themselves are the only doer in this universe. They give all credit to themselves, instead of Parama Purusa. And that is the umbrella of vanity. Then one cannot feel His grace, even though it is showering down constantly.


Conclusion

These days the common people do not know how to think or use their minds. The masses are just self-engrossed, thinking only about themselves. They have no greater outlook than their own indulgence and pleasures. In that condition, the periphery of their mind decreases—making people more narrow-minded and selfish.

The operative rule is—'As you think so shall you become'. So by thinking about the unit self, then the dimension of one's mind gets smaller and smaller.

By holding the umbrella of vanity over their head, these dry sadhakas  remain far from the charming and loving presence of Parama Purusa. They do not feel the continuous flow of His sweet grace. This is their unfortunate state – all because of the umbrella of vanity.

In Him,
Chandra Deva

~ In-depth study ~

“I did this, I did that”

Here Baba describes how vanity affects people.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “‘I did this, I did that – I built this road when I was a minister I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works Department’ – this is how people become mad for their little ‘I’.” (2)

When people suffer from this type of vanity it is impossible to develop an intimate and sweet relation with Parama Purusa. When they get any success then they proudly think that they are doing everything and that Parama Purusa is not doing anything. And if anything bad occurs then those same dry sadhakas vehemently blame Parama Purusa for causing such a disaster. By this type of demented outlook, ultimately such dry sadhakas create an inimical relation with Parama Purusa. And any balanced person can see how vanity is a huge hindrance on the path of spirituality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


The umbrella of vanity

Here Baba explains more how due to their vanity dry sadhakas feel that only others get His divine grace – but not themselves.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Now, you can say, ‘This gentleman has got the grace of the Supreme and I do not get the grace. What am I to do?’ No, He is omnipotent, omniscient, and all-loving. His grace is for all without any exception. But because of your individual vanity, you do not realize it. Suppose there is a heavy rain of His grace. If you hold an umbrella of vanity over your head, you will not get drenched with the rain. So, if you remove the umbrella of vanity from your head, you will be  drenched with His grace.” (3)

The only solution for dry sadhakas is to remove their unfortunate umbrella then only will they get relief and mental peace – otherwise their life will pass in frustration.


Who else is your genuine friend

As sadhakas, the main thing in life is to cultivate a sweet and intimate relation with Parama Purusa. Because only He is our eternal Friend who remains along with us forever and ever; only He is that all-powerful Entity of this grand universe who can save us from all kinds of troubles and difficulties; only He is that Bliss Personified Entity who can fill our hearts with unending love and compassion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So when Parama Purusa alone is that Divine One, naturally then it is most advantageous and very intelligent to nurture an intimate relation with Him. In Baba’s below mentioned guideline, He uniquely shows us how in our day to day existence we can establish such a loving and intimate link with Parama Purusa – one that will grow and flourish, by His grace.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “He constantly showers His grace without reservation even on those persons who make no effort for salvation and who gradually degrade themselves. Even though you calumniate Brahma and deny His existence, yet He will not be displeased with you. He will not thrust you on the path of destruction. His imposing countenance of forgiveness will for ever remain, and He will forever go on directing you to the ways of salvation. Who else is your genuine friend and compassionate companion?” (4)


Chief difference between bhaktas & dry sadhakas

Doing anything in this universe takes energy; and that energy comes from Him. All are aware that the bhakti scriptures of A’nanda Ma’rga proclaim that everything happens due to the supreme grace of Parama Purusa. There is not a single event, or day to day occurrence, that transpires in this vast expressed universe that is not the direct result of His divine grace – His krpa’.

Gurukrpa’ hi kevalam
“The Guru’s grace is everything.”

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “This alone is the supreme truth. This is the be-all and end-all of life.” (5)

Baba’s grace is everything. All good things in life and all positive results are due to His causeless grace. And verily the bhakta feels in his heart that Parama Purusa is gracious and doing everything - bhaktas give credit to Parama Purusa and that brings more feelings of closeness and bhakti. Whereas, dry sadhaka feel that they themselves are doing everything. And that is the chief difference between the bhaktas and Dry sadhaka. Dry sadhaka give all credit to themselves and that creates separation and the feeling of vanity, i.e. the umbrella of vanity. That is why those dry sadhaka do not feel graced.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 33, ‘Brahmacakra’
2. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle
3. 17 August 1979 DMC, Taipei
4. Subhasita Samgraha – 1, ‘Brahma Krpa Hi Kevalam’
5. A Few Problems Solved - 8, The Neo-Ethics of Multi-Lateral Salvation

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Female condition in Islam

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “The social and religious rights of women were curtailed in numerous ways so that they would be kept forever in thrall to the men. They were even forbidden walking in the open space under the open sky. Covered in burkas and veils, they were reduced to the status of caged birds living on seeds and water. It was decreed that they were not entitled to their ancestral property. The girls were given much less than the boys. It was categorically declared that they were not entitled to mukti or mokśa; that women go to heaven, it’s true, but the men get all sorts of privileges there that women cannot get. These rubbish ideas have died out due to various circumstances. In some places they are in the process of extinction, and in other places they are totally extinct.” (1)


Caged birds living on seeds and water

The below scene is a gathering of females and they are not allowed to breathe fresh air. Seeing this inhumane condition, Sadguru Baba is graphically opposing this dogma. Please pay attention to the chain which they are holding in their right hand. Because their face is fully covered, they can’t see very clearly what is around them. So going from point A to point B, they may lose the path and go astray. To avoid this catastrophe, this system is there. So, when they are going from point A to point B, and if on the way there may be a crowd, then one male member leads the group, and the females all follow behind holding onto the rope. You might have seen, in rural areas when farmers want to take a group of cattle from point A to point B, they chain all those animals, like this. Especially they do this when there are crops on both sides of the road. In that way this below scene is very inhuman and ghastly. In Islam, females are treated like animals. And this is the proof. Baba opposes such types of cruelty. And these types of torture of women, are a blot on human society.

The following photo description appears above the photo as well; if you have already read it you may skip this para. 

The above scene is a gathering of females and they are not allowed to breathe fresh air. Seeing this inhuman condition, Sadguru Baba is graphically opposing this dogma. Please pay attention to the chain which they are holding in their right hand. Because their face is fully covered, they can’t see very clearly what is around them. So going from point A to point B, they may lose the path and go astray. To avoid this catastrophe, this rope system is there. So, when they are going from point A to point B, and if on the way there may be a crowd, then one male member leads the group, and the females all follow behind holding onto the rope. You might have seen, in rural areas when farmers want to take a group of cattle from point A to point B, they chain all those animals, like this. Especially they do this when there are crops on both sides of the road. In that way this above scene is very inhuman and ghastly. In Islam, females are treated like animals. And this is the proof. Baba opposes such types of cruelty. And these types of torture of women, are a blot on human society.


How the burka came in India

   Ananda Marga Ideology states, “There was a time in India when the ruling class would kidnap women. The burka was introduced throughout northern India, where this particular ruling class had undisputed authority, so that those wicked men could not see the women’s faces.”
   “At that time dogma pervaded not just a few, but all aspects of life. Dogma in the psychic realm thwarts human progress. Dogma has long been rampant in our society, and wherever there is dogma, there cannot be proper conduct, or the development of rational intellect, or the thought of genuine sacrifice.” (2)

This above teaching is related with Muslim rulers, those who invaded the country from the Middle East, and occupied a large section of India. In the above teaching, Baba is indirectly talking about those Muslim rulers. They were forcibly abducting girls, so non-Muslim people also started using veils, to save themselves from barbaric attack and kidnapping by their own Islamic kings.

In His above teaching, Baba is talking about scenes like the one portrayed in the above photo. Many may not understand what is meant by a veil. But here you can see what a veil really is. The entire head is covered - as is the rest of their body - and if you look carefully you will notice a small screen in front of the eyes. This allows them to see in a very contrived and limited manner. The field of vision is just barely enough to walk and move around. But nobody can see from the outside in.

This is extremely suffocating - the flow of air is stifled making it even difficult to breathe. That is why it is non-hygienic as one is breathing the same air, even when outdoors.

The worst thing is that this rule of wearing a veil is mostly imposed in the Middle East amidst searing temperatures in the hot desert sun. Plus it is used in parts of Africa, and throughout northern India where in the past Islamic rule was enforced by the sword. These are hot climate areas and that makes it more terrible. To cover the body from head to toe in such extreme heat is nothing but hell in the name of religion.

Those wearing such veils were indoctrinated into this lifestyle since their birth. So they become habituated with it and some do not even want to leave this dogma.

Namaskar,
Zamil Ahmad
(Jayaprakash)

About Islamic cruelty 

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Humanity, in its all-out quest for this aesthetic science, attained spirituality. One must acknowledge this. Herein lies the excellence of aesthetic science. For this reason, I have given my whole-hearted and explicit support for nandana vijiṋána. You know that there are certain religions which do not encourage aesthetic pursuits. You will notice that in those religions inertia, inferiority complexes and a sense of violence are predominant.” (3)

References
1. Shabda Cayanika-10, “Kramalaya”
2. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 15 , ‘Fight Against All Dogmas – Excerpt D
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, Yatamána – the Stage of Perseverance

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Divine tune & sweet melody

"Ga'nera jharn'a' boye ja'y, bela' abela' na'hi ma'ne..." (Prabhat Samgiita #4868)

Purport:

Baba, the grand fountain of songs is flowing eternally, completely independent of the normal cycle of time. These blissful songs float according to their own schedule and routine - not caring about day or night, summer or winter. The divine tune and sweet melody of Your musical compositions are dancing on the jagged path. They lead one towards that vast Cosmic Ocean of refulgence, the Supreme Entity...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Blindness of capitalism

Prout philosophy states, “Society will have to encourage the individual search for absolute freedom because the psychic and spiritual realms are unlimited, and possession in these spheres does not hinder the progress of others. But unrestricted freedom to acquire wealth in the physical sphere has every possibility of permitting a few people to roll in luxury while hampering the all-round growth of the majority, because physical resources are limited. Individual liberty in the physical sphere must not be allowed to hamper the development of the complete human personality, and at the same time it must not be so drastically curtailed that the all-round growth of society is impeded.”

“Freedom is a right of every human being. To encourage comprehensive, unbarred human expression in the different spheres of social life a congenial socio-economic environment has to be created, because as such an environment does not exist today.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 13, Socio-Economic Groupifications

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Mountain wrongly named

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Mt. Everest, of the Himalayan range is the highest mountain in the world. This fact was established by Ra'dha'nath Sikadar. Most probably he named the peak after his supervising officer, the Surveyor General of that time, Mr. Everest." (1)

Note 1: Baba is revealing the reality that Ra'dha'nath Sikadar of India first established the truth that Everest is the highest peak in the world. Hence credit should be given to Ra'dha'nath Sikadar, not Mr. Everest. But Mr. Everest took the credit and kept it in his own name. Otherwise the name would be Mt. Ra'dha'nath.

Note 2: Generally speaking, people are not aware how this illustrious mountain of the Himalayan range was named. In particular, why was a European given for this peak when other Himalayan peaks are named in Sanskrit - like Mt. Kaela'sh.

Note 3: During the British rule of India, the 'Surveyor General' post was occupied by Mr. Everest.

Reference
1. Varn'a Vicitra, Sanskrit Grammar Book, last discourse part 1

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Unity: how it can be achieved in AMPS

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "How far is the unification of all religions possible?"

"Ans.: – To seek infinite bliss is the only dharma of humanity. Humanity has but one dharma. Thus, the question of the unification of religions does not arise. The apparent dissimilarity between various religions arising due to differences in their ritualistic practices is not a spiritual difference. Whenever rituals dominate and efforts to attain bliss are feeble, whatever that may be, it is not spirituality." (1)

Mixing the various religious dogmas

According to the above guideline, the only way to create ek manav samaj (one human society) is to rid society from all such dogmas and build a neo-humanistic social order based on the pure spiritual ideals of Ananda Marga. However, in the general society, the prevailing confusion is that if we mix the rituals of various religions like Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and people follow the religions accordingly then society will be harmonious. In many countries there are religious places where all kinds of believers attend and practice their dogma. The organisers think by this way there will be unity in the society. But according to the above teaching there will not be harmony. Only they can create a pseudo type of harmony by superficially following their religious edicts. But the moment they become strict in their religious dogma a fight will break out.

For instance, religion A preaches, “My religion [religion A] is the real thing and others are heathens, so you can forcibly convert them or even kill them.” And in response, religion B preaches “This religion [ i.e. religion B] is the real thing and others are heathens, so you can forcibly convert them or even kill them.” So if both religions A & B think like this and believe only their religion is great, then they can never unite. As long as their religious feeling is superficial then they can sit in one room, but the day they become strong adherents of their religion they cannot bear seeing each other. So humans cannot be united on the point of religion.


AMPS must be dogma-free

Sincere margiis want to unite various factions of Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. However, unity cannot be achieved by mixing various group agendas and dogmas. Please again see Guru’s above teaching highlighted in yellow. The summary is that the first work is to remove all factional dogma from our landscape. No group agenda can be in vogue. For example, so long as mahaprayan (MPD) and Jamalpur holy land dogma exist there cannot be unity. To unite and move together all dogma must be removed, including the dogma of geo-socio sentiment etc.

The idea and reality of ek manav samaj can only be achieved by creating one human society based on the universal, dharmic teachings of neo-humanism and Ananda Marga ideology. In that endeavour there is no scope or question of creating organisational or social unity by merging the various sects, or the dogmas of the different groups of AMPS, or compromising with their dogmas. That will never bring harmony, inside or outside the organisation.

in Him,
Kevalam

References
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell Part 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt B, question #49

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Question: Which religion is Baba referring to?

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In places where, for whatever reason, intellectual clashes among the vipras were not very intense, their philosophy was very simple. They would say to the people directly, "I am the angel or incarnation of God. The things I have said are not the words of a human being but the words of God," or "I have received the divine revelation that you will eat this and not that, worship in this way and not that, and offer this to God. If you obey my commandments God will bless you and you will go to heaven; otherwise you will be burnt to death in the fire of hell." The people were fooled this easily.”

“The vipras used to tempt people with an imaginary heaven and inject in them the fear of an imaginary hell. In this way they would accomplish their objectives; their exploitation would proceed smoothly; and moreover the fear they aroused in people's minds would turn those people into fanatics.”

“It is noticeable that in the fanatical religious communities that we see in the world today, there is very little intellectual clash among the vipras. However, whenever fanatical religious communities made systems of social rules and regulations – in other words, whenever they made some effort to build a social structure – their social systems would be stronger than those of societies which followed a subtle philosophical theory or those of kśatriya societies.”  (1)

Answer:

In His above teaching, Sadguru Baba is talking about the semitic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

Reference
1. Human Society - 2, The Vipra Age

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Matter of great regret: Artists goaded towards sensuality

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Here it must be noted that artists must seek to exhibit to people the simple form of truth, sweetened with the sweetness of their hearts. But it is a matter of great regret that a class of modern artists, in the realms of poetry, novels, cinema, drama, etc., employ all their artistic talents for the sole purpose of kindling people’s crude sensuality, instead of portraying human propensities with the idealistic outlook of a true artist – what to speak of portraying their subtle human feelings. Without supporting conservatism, I would say that this class of artists is truly a blot on society." (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved -1, The Practice of Art & Literature

== Section 3: Links ==

About April Fools Day

Day of Malevolent Pranks

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/03/why-pranks-should-always-be-condemned-3.html

Jokes to cause suffering

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/enjoying-by-harming-others-4-more.html
  

Postings to Read

Sadhana: prerequisite to serve

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/04/one-cant-do-social-service-unless-2-more.html

How to measure donations

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/05/wrong-person-gets-praised-3-more.html

Why similes needed

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/05/use-of-simile-in-devotion.html
  

Psychic disease of Indian youth

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/11/treatment-for-inferiority-complex.html

Baba’s humorous analogy about ego + 3 more

Baba

Baba’s humorous analogy about ego

Namaskar,

Parama Purusa Baba uses colourful analogies to explain His teachings and guide us for our betterment and learning. Some of these analogies are very easy to understand, some less so. It depends upon the person and their experience. Yet each of these analogies holds great meaning and insight into the life of every spiritual aspirant. So we should strive to understand every aspect of Baba's analogies.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Three things needed for understanding 

Baba has given one analogy about the bulls and its inflated ego. The analogy relates to the psychic disease of ego in a sadhaka’s life. To gain a clear understanding of Parama Purusa Baba's teaching in this analogy, three things are needed:
(1) knowledge about bulls;
(2) knowledge of Hindi, and;
(3) a desire to know Guru’s spiritual teachings on vanity, ego, and bhakti.

Once one is aware about the above components, the reader will have a complete understanding about Sadguru Baba's teaching on the psychic disease of ego and how this affects the life of a sadhaka.


About bulls: some basic info

First off, as you may know, bulls are simple creatures that are fairly intelligent and live around villages. They have big, sharp horns, and a potentially strong disposition. They are also huge and can weigh up to 1000 kg or 2200 lbs or more, even as much as 2000 kg or 4400 lbs. So they can be quite intimidating and ferocious. They express their fury when they feel encroached upon by others, i.e. when someone crosses their path.

Often these bulls live in areas where they are the biggest animals, as usually there are no elephants nor whales where bulls reside. So those full-grown, healthy bulls consider themselves to be the strongest entity. And they are well-known for making this type of loud sound, "Hummmm, Hummmm, Hummmm, Hummmm”. This is their natural sound, especially when they are angry.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


About Hindi: some basic info

The next component needed to understand this analogy are two simple Hindi words. The term "ham / hum" in Hindi and other Indian languages means "I". And the term "tum" in Hindi means "you". That is also essential to understand Parama Purusa Baba's teaching.


About ego, vanity & bhakti

We all know that ego or I-ness has an inverse relationship with bhakti. Where there is more ego there is less bhakti, and where there is less ego there is more bhakti. No human being has any reason to praise himself. All their energy comes from Parama Purusa in the form of food, air, light, water etc. Humans cannot create any energy on their own. In that case, on what grounds can one brag about their own greatness. Doing so is the height of all audacity.

The aim of our human life is to realise that Parama Purusa is the Supreme Subject and Supreme Doer in the universe, not our own little "I" feeling. We are to think, "O' Parama Purusa; You are everything; because of Your grace everything happens."

Ananda Marga ideology states, "By His mercy one can [do] anything and everything. Without His mercy even a blade of grass cannot move." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Gurukrpa' hi kevalam - “The Guru’s grace is everything.” This alone is the supreme truth. This is the be-all and end-all of life." (2)

With this idea in mind, then one can lead a spiritual life, realising that His love, presence, and touch guides us in all circumstances.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Sadguru Baba says, "Through devotion you should realize that He is the life of your life, the Lord of your inner heart." (3)

By His grace, with bhakti we can practically feel that He is the be-all and end-all of life. However, a spiritual outlook is categorically impossible when one is dominated by their own egoistic feeling. In that case, one thinks, "I am great, I have done so many things, I am better than others" etc. Such persons give all credit to themselves, and do not even think of Parama Purusa. Here below Baba characterize how egotistical people think: 

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "“I did this, I did that, I’m not an ordinary man” – like this. In devotion there is no scope for being puffed up with vanity." (4)

The more one gets absorbed in their own petty ego, the less one is able to realise Him. Ego is the main stumbling block in leading a spiritual life based in bhakti.


How Baba writes the analogy

With the above understanding about bulls, Hindi, and ego, then we can best understand Baba's below analogy and how it relates with human life.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "People say that a bull, when he is in the fullness of his strength, [calls] Hummmm, Hummmm, Hummmm, meaning “I am great.” After he dies, the cotton-ginner makes a bow with strings from his intestines, and it produces the sound Tu'mmm, Tu'mmm, Tu'mmm, meaning “You are great.” Thus will fall the ego ultimately. Therefore the wise will take the “You are great” stance from the very beginning." (5)

In the above photo, one person is ginning the cotton. In her left hand she is holding the wooden portion of the bow and with the right hand she pulls the string of the bow and brings that string under tension; when she releases the string then the sound “tummmmm” is made and the string smacks the cotton and makes it fluffy. The woman must do this over and over again - hundreds of times to produce the desired effect. When she pulls back on the string - which is made out of the bull’s intestine - then tension mounts on that string. As soon as she releases the string then the sound “tummmmm” is made.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Literal explanation

Since the bull thinks it is so strong and walks around all day calling "hummmm", "hummmm, "hummmm" - similar to the sound of the Hindi word "ham / hum" meaning "I" - Baba is making the joke that a bull is completely involved in its own unit ego, touting its own greatness, day in and day out.

However a day is sure to come when it will die and its body parts and intestines will be dried, cured, and used as a string to gin cotton. Then the sound of that bull will be "Tu'mmm", "Tu'mmm" - similar to the Hindi word "tum" meaning "You". Thus after its death, when its ego is crushed, then and only then does the bull recognise "You" Parama Purusa and repeat, "You are everything."

Best then is to overcome the pitfalls of the ego early in life, and sing His praises each and every day - why wait until death, like the bull does. That is the grand teaching that Baba is giving to all sadhakas. This is the highly significant meaning of Baba's humorous analogy.


How this takes form in human life

In human life, when people gain worldly success - name, fame, prosperity, and fortune - then they think that they are really great. Then their ego is on the top. In that case, they are prone to a fall. In social life, their ego will be a problem. But in their spiritual life it will be deadly. Because with a big ego, one will forget Him and accumulate all kinds of samskaras, i.e. bound by so many actions. When one forgets that He is the Doer then unknowingly one adopts the mantra, "I am great - I did this" etc. In such circumstances, there is not an iota of scope for bhakti.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Immersed in that egoistic superiority complex, they create problems in their personal and social life. And that hampers their spiritual life. The main factor is that when a person thinks more about their own self, then their mind gets smaller and smaller.

Yádrshii bhávaná yasya siddhirbhavati tádrshii
“As you think, so you become.”

So by thinking about oneself the mind contracts. And that contraction is directly contrary to the path of spirituality where the aim is to expand the mind. The only way out is to escape the shackles of one's ego and accept Parama Purusa as the sole aim of life. That is the intelligent way to live. And that should be started from this very moment, not when one is old and gray, or even worse - dead, like the bull.


More thoughts on Baba's use of analogies

Parama Purusa Baba's way of teaching and unique use of analogies is ideal. Baba knows that not all are of the same intellectual calibre and that not everyone grasps deeper philosophical topics etc. But dharma is for all. That is why Baba uses commonly known, day to day life examples in His analogies to portray more intricate ideological tenets and theorems.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The aforementioned analogy about the bull comes in this category. This analogy represents a deep idea, yet is very easy to understand for those who have lived around bulls and know Hindi. Baba has used this analogy throughout most of India, where the common people were well aware about bulls and the Hindi language. Bulls roam freely around the Indian countryside and even in the cities. So people are very familiar with the ways and antics of bulls, and most people know Hindi as well. Thus, through this analogy, Baba easily and simply conveyed abstract aspects of yogic philosophy.

So this letter is primarily for those coming from (a) regions where bulls are not commonly seen, and (b) regions where Hindi is not known or spoken. By this way, all our brothers and sisters can readily assimilate and benefit from Baba's teaching.


Ignorant people brag about their personal greatness

After countless animal lives, one is granted human life. Every human being has infinite desire. So they cannot be satisfied by finite, worldly things; hence they are always hungry for more. Their desire is never satiated. Because transitory, earthly gains can never bring permanent peace. Those with less intellect cannot understand this simple truth. That is why ignorant people invest their entire life rushing after material gain. In turn, they waste their human life. Whereas, those who are intelligent realise early in life that the path of spirituality is the only path of human fulfilment. But when they start moving ahead on that path, negative propensities try to pull them back. One such propensity is vanity / ego.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Why is vanity detrimental? Nothing belongs to human beings. If even the strongest human does not breathe for a few seconds they will die. Humans survive on the constant supply of energy from Parama Purusa - through air, water, food etc. That is why intelligent people understand that they do not own anything on this earth. Whatever they have - including their body - comes from Parama Purusa. So having vanity is gross ignorance; it is a psychic disease. But ignorant people do not understand this fact and they suffer from the psychic disease of an inflated ego / vanity.

Those who are ignorant do not understand: They are engrossed in vanity and brag about their personal greatness. To warn such sadhakas, Baba has given this analogy about the bull. A bull touts its ego its entire life but ultimately dies and after death that bull finally surrenders. But by that time it is too late - it is useless - they wasted their entire life. So human beings should realise this truth early in life - as soon as possible. Without the dominance of ego, sadhakas can make swift progress along the path of true spirituality. And in this very life they will reach to their final destination - Parama Purusa.

in Him,
Arvind

~ In-depth study ~

Follow spiritual ideal & not caught by ego

Baba has graciously given us the perfect recipe for living a life above the fray of ego and vanity, ensconced in the spiritual ideal that He is everything and that all inspiration and energy stem from Him. Then one can serve all without vanity and reach Him by surrendering unto His sweet will.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

One should not live their life like a bull, dominated by their own false sense of prestige and vanity - singing their glory as long as they survive on this earth, only to realise when they die that Parama Purusa (God) is great, not oneself. This should not be one's approach to living.

Best is to do sadhana and lead a spiritual life, always singing the glories of the Lord.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Now, this complete surrender, complete self-sacrifice, is to be done. But how? What is the secret? All human egos, all egoistic expressions, are based on the vanity moving around the self, moving around the “I” feeling, the first expression of existence. “I am” is the base, is the fundament, of all egos and all vanities. You know, when a man learns much or earns much, his ego, his vanity, gets puffed up. The man gets puffed up with vanity, and under such circumstances he becomes so conscious of his little existence that it becomes very difficult for him to surrender before the Supreme. What to speak of surrender, even if a logical theory is placed before him, he does not like to accept it. He thinks that if he accepts that theory, if he accepts that veracity, it will be humiliating for him. This sort of psychology misguides him under such circumstances. How to surrender? This can be done internally with the help of dhya'na [meditation in which the psyche is directed towards Consciousness], and externally by ascribing Godhood to all external entities."

"While helping the poor people your vanity may increase. You may think: “I have done this, I have done that. I am not an ordinary man.” This is a psychic disease. Actually, vanity is a psychic disease, a psychic ailment. But if, while helping a man, a poor man, or a diseased person, you ascribe Godhood to him, that is, if you think, “I am not helping a man, I am helping God in human structure,” then vanity will not be encouraged. What will be the reaction within the person? “This body, this mind, this wealth has been given to me by Parama Purus'a, and Parama Purus'a has come before me, God has come before me, as a suffering person, and I am paying back that thing to Him. That is, the actual owner of this body, the actual owner of this mind is He, and His wealth I am paying back to Him.” So there will be no vanity."

"And I said that the internal process is meditation. In meditation, Parama Purus'a becomes your object and you become the subject. You become the seer and He becomes the seen. But the inner spirit of meditation is that while looking at Him internally with your inner eye, you should think: “I am not meditating on Him nor am I seeing Him mentally. What is actually happening is that He is seeing me; that is, I am the object and He is the subject. He sees whatever I do, He sees whatever I think, so I am His object and He is my subject.” This idea helps in freeing oneself from the serpentine noose of ego and vanity." (6)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The Phases of Human Approach
2. A Few Problems Solved - 8, The Neo-Ethics of Multi-Lateral Salvation
3. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 7, The Highest Category of Devotion
4. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Human Life and Its Goal
5. Ananda Vacnaamrtam - 23, Consciousness
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam -14, “Prańipátena Pariprashnena Sevayá” – 1 / Yoga – Its Fundamental Factors

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Pull me back to the path of bliss
 
“Cirakáler baôdhu nikaíe ese…” (Prabhat Samgiita #3002)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, my eternal Bandhu, by coming very near, please break my slumber. Be gracious - awaken me from any psychic or spiritual stupor. If I become intoxicated in mundane thoughts or forget You, or give up sadhana and get attracted to the material world, kindly break my sleep, wake me up, and bring me back onto the path of blessedness, the way of eternal bliss. You are my timeless Friend. Our relation is not just of this life. Since the dawn of creation the beginning of this life also, You have been with me. My and your connection is beyond time - You are my eternal Companion.

Parama Purusa, by coming very near please break my slumber, my eternal Bandhu.

Baba, You are omniscient and omnipresent. Nothing is unknown to You. Past, present, and future all lie within You. You are ever-present in each and every pore - everywhere throughout this entire universe and the expressed and unexpressed worlds - all the places. What I do and don't do, You always see. You witness everything. My most dear One, You are my Polestar. If ever I am oblivious of You, and get lost in this material world, be merciful and pull me back onto the path of dharma. If I give up my Sixteen Points and get drowned in sensual pleasures, then pull me back to the path of bliss.

Parama Purusa, by coming very near, please break my slumber, my eternal Bandhu.

Baba, in this beginningless and endless divine liila of Yours, searching for Your real form becomes hard and painful. Doing sadhana and completing all the lessons is not easy. Following dharma is very difficult. There are so many material allurements that divert me from the Goal - that draw me away from You, All kinds of avidya maya come and disturb me. The illusion created by maya obscures my vision. Please bless me by lighting the lamp of divine knowledge and show me the path of dharma so easily I can march ahead on the path of blessedness.. 

By coming very near please break my slumber, my eternal Bandhu, arouse me and give me shelter at Your lotus feet...


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #3002:

[1] Bandhu: This is one of the names of Parama Purusa, i.e. the Eternal Companion who stays with you even after death. Here below are some of Guru’s teachings on the term bandhu.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “What is the meaning of “bandhu”? In Saḿskrta, the meaning of the word “bandhu” is “to bind”. Bandhu indicates that person or entity who cannot stand separation. Parama Puruśa or Saguńa Brahma is closely and intimately connected with this expressed world, or jagata. He is pervasively connected with every individual entity, be it a living being or a crude object. He is also linked through and through with the universe as a whole. In other words, He is indissolubly and inextricably involved (ota prota) with everything. Therefore, He is the only bandhu of this universe. The rest of your bandhus in the physical world are not your eternal friends. Though they are with you now, a day will soon come when they will go away; they will be separated from you. When you depart from this world, these friends will accompany or carry your dead body. But how far will they accompany you? They will accompany your body up to the cremation ground or the burning ghat. Having gone so far, at the most they will return to their own dwelling places. So they are not your real bandhu. There is a shloka in Saḿskrta:”

    Atyágasahano bandhu sadaevánumatah suhrd;
    Eka kryaḿ bhavenmitraḿ samapráńáh sakhásmrtah.

“He who loves [[so much that]] he can never sustain the grief of separation, is known as “bandhu”. In this sense, nobody can have any bandhu in this world. Only that Jagatabandhu – that Parama Puruśa – can be your bandhu. No one else is your bandhu. Only He is your real friend.” (1)


[2] 'Please light the lamp of divinity and remove the darkness of ignorance'. As a Sadguru Baba graces us with true, inner knowledge by lighting our lamp within. And that is one of the main messages of this particular Prabhat Samgiita. By His grace an idea similar to the one expressed in the above Prabhat Samgiita is expressed in our Guru Puja.

    "...Jina'na'injana shala'kaya'..."

Ananda Marga ideology says, "You know that an eye ointment is applied with a stick ('Shala'ka' means stick). Now, all the microcosms are parts of that Noumenal Entity, all are actually parts and particles of that Supreme Entity, but due to ignorance, due to the darkness of ignorance, they cannot see what is what and which is which. That is why they require the ointment of spiritual knowledge. Guru (with a stick) applies the ointment of spiritual knowledge to their eyes." (2)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Parama Puruśa – the Only Bandhu
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Guru Puja

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Tiljala typo

In Ananda Sutram, Sadguru Baba has given the following sutra:

Prárthanárcaná mátraeva bhramamúlam. (1)

But Tiljala Publications made a typo when the reproduced this same sutra:

Prárthanárcanámátraeva Brahmamúlam (2)

The original meaning of the surtra is: Prayer and ritualistic worship are a source of confusion. But due to TP’s typo, their meaning is: Prayer and ritualistic worship are a source of God. As if one finds or realizes God by engaging in those dogmatic practices.

References
1. Ananda Sutram 3-11
2. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life in a Nutshell Part 10, “The Devotee and the Lord”

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Protecting your child

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/01/way-to-protect-children.html

Feeling of bhakta

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/01/find-out-whether-one-is-bhakta-3-more.html

Marriage invite: whether to attend

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/11/marriage-attend-or-not-3-more.html