Sadhana: main pillar of life + 2 more

Baba

Sadhana: main pillar of life 

Namaskar,

Each and every margii knows the importance of practising sadhana on a daily basis so that we can move along the path of spirituality and reach our goal i.e, attain Parama Purusa. And even more fortunate are those who learn sadhana in childhood as the following story explains.
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Baba story about a young sadhaka

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Once a child named Dhruva started doing sadhana and singing bhajanas at the early age of five. This scared the eminent rsis and munis. They thought that this young boy would surpass them in spiritual excellence. So, as devotees, they all implored Narayana to save them from being defeated and humiliated. Narayana sent Narada to resolve the issue. So Narada came to the boy Dhruva and tried to allure him with toys, sweets, a kingdom, and things of that sort. He inquired why the boy was so enthusiastic about sadhana and bhajanas at such an early age, especially when he had a whole lifetime at his disposal for spiritual pursuits. 

Dhruva replied,
Kaomara acaret prajinah dharman
Dhgavataniha Durlabham manusam janma tadapyadhruvamarthadam

"'O Narada! You are a sage, you know much more than I do. Yet I wish to mention, in order to clarify things, that we get a human form after numerous animal lives.' 'Sukrataer manavo bhutva.' This human life is attained through the medium of lots of clash and cohesion. Of all creatures' existence, this human existence is the most rare. But even rarer is the human body that has been perfected through sadhana..."    

"Dhruva further said, 'Narada, who knows what will happen tomorrow? You have become old and you got the opportunity to do sadhana and sing bhajanas at this age. But in my life, the sun may or may not rise tomorrow. Suppose I die tonight? So how can I wait till old age?'"

"Then Narada went away silently."

"'Dharman Bhagavataniha,' Dhruva said. Everyone should try to become established in Bhagavata Dharma in childhood." (1)

Sadhana: centerpiece of life

From this story, we can realize the importance of learning sadhana in childhood so that our whole lives can be infused with spirituality. As Dhruva says, why should we wait until old age to pursue spirituality as death can come at any time. So those who learn sadhana in childhood are truly blessed. And verily, whenever one enters onto the path of sadhana, they should make it the centerpiece of their life. And one should not delay in getting all the lessons of sadhana and practicing them diligently. 
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Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Human life is short. It is wise to get all the instructions regarding sádhaná as soon as possible.” (2)

Ista mantra & realization

In our AM sadhana system, each and every ista mantra has two parts, or two syllables, and is coordinated with one’s breathing. The first syllable is repeated during the inhalation, and the second is repeated during the exhalation. And in each and every Ista mantra, the second syllable, i.e. the exhalation, is related with Godhood or Brahma bhava-- not one's unit 'I’ feeling. During sadhana, one gains realization primarily on the exhalation. 

Ensconced in the Supreme

It is well known that people do not die while inhaling, but rather when exhaling. At the time of death, one performs their final exhalation and does not inhale again. In that case, no matter when death arrives, when one's final exhalation occurs, one is imbibed in ideation of the Supreme as they repeat the 2nd syllable of their Ista mantra. Therefore, at the time of death every Ananda Margii will certainly be ensconced in Brahma. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Sadhana, mantra japa (repetition), and breathing are key elements in the life of every sadhaka. We should be very particular to know the meaning of our mantra and repeat it during each and every breath. By sincere and regular sadhana, that ideation will remain with us through every respiration, day or night. Then one’s life is truly blessed. 

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Now this japa is adjusted to your breathing, inhalation and exhalation. So if you practise it properly what will happen? Even while sleeping, automatically this japa kriyá will go on in accordance with your respiration – in accordance with your inhalation and exhalation. So while asleep you can do this thing. This is called ajapájapa. That is, there is no special endeavour from your side – the japa goes on automatically. Thus during the night you can also do puńya. Kuru puńyam ahorátram – “For all the twenty-four hours you can do puńya.”" (3)

In Him,
Hariish

Note: In select circumstances, the mantra itself is repeated in reverse sequence in order to gain the proper ideation, i.e. so that the ideation of Brahmahood is linked with the 2nd syllable, upon exhalation. These are some of the technical points related with sadhana. On these matters any further questions can be asked directly to a qualified acarya.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Importance of breathing

One of the most integral aspects of sadhana is breathing. 

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "One's life is determined on the basis of a few pulsations, and these pulsations depend on a specific number of inhalations and exhalations. The number of such inhalations and exhalations-- on an average, from twenty-one thousand to twenty-five thousand per day-- varies from person to person. The process of breathing has a great influence on the human mind and self, or soul." (4)

As Baba guides us, breathing is an intrinsic part of human life-- it is something we do 21,000 to 25,000 times per day, and this has a tremendous influence on our quality of mind and ability to dive deeper in sadhana. 


References
1. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 3, The Requirements for Sádhaná
2. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Sádhaná (Intuitional Practice) Point  #8
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Puńya All Twenty-Four Hours
4. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Shiva – the Focal Point of Everything (Discourse 3)

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Melody of the cosmos

“Nandana vane ke go ele…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0580)

Purport:

O’ Divine Entity, who are You who came in the lush and heavenly garden of my mind and spiritually intoxicated my whole being with the play of Your melodious flute? You filled the gentle breeze with the intoxicating and aromatic fragrance of sandalwood. The sweet scent of sandalwood is even emanating from Your body. Your presence has transformed everything.

Now, because of You, the mystical sound of omnkara resonates incessantly in my mind and heart. Every iota of my  being is vibrated by that subtle and enchanting sound. With the octaves of the seven worlds, You made me dance to the rhythm and melody of the cosmos. It is Your grace.

O’ my Dearmost, my restless heart does not want to leave You ever, rather it wants more and more of Your magnetic closeness. I feel that You are an integral part of my existence. Without You, I cannot survive. O’ Liilá Puruśa, with the divine play of Your Liila, You smeared the nectar of love in my mind and fully captivated my entire being. O’ Supreme Entity, I belong to You and You alone…

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Prout strategy for elections

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/03/why-contest-election-only-from-samaj.html

Balanced life: the pratiika

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/dos-and-donts-balanced-life-pratiika-3.html

Baba's joke about communism

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/12/story-who-is-owner-of-what.html

Quality of bhaktas

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/find-out-if-true-bhakta-or-coward-3-more.html

Pet owners & their hypocrisy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/03/desperate-for-love-contest-election-on.html

Navigating challenging times + 3 more

Baba

Navigating challenging times

Namaskar,

In the 1970's when Baba was in jail, in Patna, then one margii went to see Baba inside the jail. And Baba asked, "How is it going on?" The simple margii replied innocently, "Baba, there is so much negative propaganda. Nobody is listening these days to our call."

Then Baba smiled and told the margii, "Your only duty is to be strict in Sixteen Points. As much as you are strict in Sixteen Points, you will get direct guidelines and inner inspiration from Parama Purusa to move forward. If you are loose or lax in Sixteen Points, then you will lose the inspiration to do pracara. Even you will lose the inspiration to do anything, i.e. any type of social service."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba continued, "So the best thing is to be strict in Sixteen Points. Do not allow any negativity to enter into your mind. Thinking about negative things, the mind will only become more depressed. The duty of sadhakas is to keep the eyes fixed on the Goal. The goal is Parama Purusa."

So in this way Baba has steered everyone's vision toward the path of dharma—toward the ultimate Goal.


How to overcome dilemma & confusion

Usually when there is a dilemma (dvidha’) or confusion (dvandva) about what to do and what not to do, initially people get flustered and frustrated. In that confused state, most of the time what they do exacerbates the situation and creates more problems.

Because the general tendency of the human mind is to run toward external objects and lowly desires such as money, name and fame, or power etc. This is the common temptation. Human beings have crossed thousands and thousands of animal lives in which they were only dominated by basic propensities—animal instincts. So those lower, debased propensities are very familiar whereas higher values are not. And the supreme veracity and dharmic teachings do not reflect in the mind until the mental plate is cleaned.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So only when Sixteen Points is practiced more and more, only then does dharma become a force in the mind. Only then does the mind become more pinnacled and pointed. Whatever human beings do in that condition is very meaningful and valuable—and they will not harm anyone. Whereas if one is not following dharma then they will not only harm others but themselves also. So following Sixteen Points means following dharma and by that way there are benefits in all aspects of life.


Where to fix our eyes

In various discourses, Baba guides us that our eyes should be fixed on Parama Purusa. Inviting unnecessary thoughts and filling the mind in that manner is very detrimental. If anyone fails to keep their eyes on the Polestar, then on a dark night that person will certainly lose the path. So the eyes should be fixed on the Goal. And that Goal is Parama Purusa—none else.

The final takeaway and key guideline is to firmly adhere to Baba’s below formula:
(a) As sadhakas our only duty is to be strict in Sixteen Points.
(b) To the degree we are strict in Sixteen Points, we will get direct guidelines and inner inspiration from Parama Purusa, and we will have a clear path forward, unencumbered by doubt, confusion, or uncertainty.
(c) In contrast, if someone is negligent and insincere in Sixteen Points, they will completely lose all inspiration to do pracara. Not only that, one will lose the motivation and inspiration to do any type of social service.

https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him
Kaosikii

~ Related teachings ~

Ananda Marga philosophy states: "Now to materialize any principle or ideology, one requires firmness, especially those who provide leadership to society, those who are the pioneers, the vanguard of a new movement. “We must keep the goal fixed before us, and keep moving towards the goal. We shall never deviate from our goal, whatever the obstacles or hindrances in the way. Once we start moving, we shall never stop or look back”." (1)

Ananda Vanii states, “The movement and the path, the means and the chariot are all inseparably linked. The path is not always easily accessible, smooth and littered with flower petals; nor is it always inaccessible, thorny and covered with stones. One must keep one’s eye fixed on the Goal. This Goal provides inspiration, supplies the means for forward movement and makes the little lamps of life infinitely effulgent. Since eternity this very Goal has provided and is providing inspiration to all and will continue to do so in future; and by revitalising the life-force as if with a flow of water, it will make the earth ever full of sweetness, and at the same time it will keep the triumphant flag of humanity flying on top of the golden mountain peak. So let one’s vision be fixed on the goal. There is no necessity to think of anything else.” (2)

Parama Purusa is our Goal. And the only way to keep the eyes fixed on the Goal is by strictly adhering to Sixteen Points. That is the path of our forward movement. And that is the way Baba directs us that we should proceed.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Vanii says, "Be firm on sixteen points. Unite all the righteous forces. All the tall talks of the evil forces will be silenced." (3)


What to do in this time

So in this organisational crisis and transitional period which we are facing today, our duty is to be more and more strict in 16 points. By that way, inner strength will develop. And Baba will guide us how to carry out His mission; Baba will make us the medium to execute His work. So when our organisation is struggling and stuck during a period of pause, then we should see the situation more again carefully and grab hold of Baba's teachings.

Baba says, "Pause means the gathering of momentum for speed in the subsequent phase. If one closely watches the effect of speed on a particular community or the entire humanity, one sees that generally people eulogize the period of speed. However we cannot afford to ignore the state of pause, because by judging what the previous state of pause was like, we can discern the speed of the next phase." (4)


Optimism is life

So this pause period does not mean frustration for one and all. Rather big training is going on and society is preparing to move forward in the proper direction.

Baba says, "There are some people who are pessimistic. They say that the society around us is very bleak, that it has no expression of vitality and that is seems that everyone is in deep slumber. Pessimists say this because they have never made any detailed study of human history, nor do they care to. Had they done so, they would certainly be optimistic, because if they had looked carefully at the symptoms of pause, they would have realise that significant preparations were being made for the subsequent phase of speed. So under no circumstances should human beings be pessimistic. That is why I am always an incorrigible optimist, because I know that optimism is life." (5)


“I am also with you”

About transitional periods Baba guides us in the following way:

Baba says, "In the present day also, you can see for yourself how the social movement is grinding to a halt. When social progress loses its velocity it is called 'yugasandhi' (transitional period) in Sam'skrta. You have all been born in such a transitional period and have assembled here today. In the future, the honest and virtuous people of the society will respond to Your call and will unite. The same polarization is taking place now as occurred in the past: the honest people are with you and will remain with you; the dishonest people will oppose you now and will continue their efforts to block your progress in future. Whenever there is a war between dharma and adharma, you are sure to be victorious. You are not alone-- dharma is with you, the benevolent intellect is with you, and I am also with you." (6)


Human unity is purely an ideological unity

As we all know, without unity and the development of one human society, nothing will be achieved. So now samghe shakti, unity is needed. And that must first be established within our own organisation. The best way to achieve this is to follow Baba. And following Baba, means adhering to His divine guidelines.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Human unity is purely an ideological unity, which means unity in the psychic sphere. Where there is psychic unity, physical unity will also occur. In the realm of unity, unity is always psychic – ideological unity means unity in the subtlest level of the mind. However, psychic or ideological unity may be affected if we encourage the exploitation of one group by another. So to avoid this there should not be any scope for exploitation [groupism] in society." (7)

References
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva – Both Severe and Tender (Discourse 2)
2. Ananda Vanii #67
3. Ananda Vanii #44
4. Prout in a Nutshell - 7, Dynamicity and Staticity
5. Prout in a Nutshell - 7, Dynamicity and Staticity
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, The Transitional Period
7. Prout in a Nutshell - 3, 'Talks on Prout'

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.

*        *        *

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 ==

You save me always

“Tumi ámár práńer pradiip, tumi áshár álo…” (Prabhat Samgiita #3892)

Purport: 

O’ Parama Purusa, You are the lamp of my life. You are the source of all my vitality and inspiration. You are my only ray of hope. Without You, there is only doubt and confusion. Baba, You are my everything. With love and affection, You always gaze upon me with Your unblinking stare, watching my each and every action: my bad ones as well as my good ones. 

O’ Parama Purusa, in my life, all of the happiness, dissatisfactions, sorrows and disappointments, blissful collyrium of my eyes, and raining and wailing of tears vibrate, resonate, and reverberate in You. You know and feel everything that I experience. You know me better than I know myself. 

O’ Lord, on the shore of life, sitting alone when I ponder "who is there as my own", then on my mala of oyster shells You pour endless pearls. You shower Your causeless karuna. Baba, You are my lifeboat. You save me in all circumstances and guide me how to proceed. 

Baba, I surrender at Your lotus feet…

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Just 4 times food

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “There are many people who are otherwise good but have no control over the food they eat. It is very important that whatever one gets should not be taken indiscriminately; rather, there should be control over food, and at the same time it should be nutritious.” (1)

Note: All the rules given in Ananda Marga teachings are rational and scientific. They are firmly grounded in logic and the spirit of welfare. With regards to the above conduct rule, people have a strong inclination or weakness for food. For instance, even if a person has just taken a full belly of food, but if they see something that entices them then they will eat it. But eating food in an untimely way - i.e. when one is not hungry - ruins one’s digestion and eventually leads to numerous diseases. To help and protect our Wts from such weakness, Baba has given the rule that they may eat only four times in any 24-hour period. By this rule, Baba is ensuring that there will be a sufficient gap in between meals. That helps in digestion and keeps the system strong. So that is why our Wts are only allowed to eat four times per day. 

Then there is the matter of only eating four items in a given meal. Here again this rule was given for the welfare of our Wts. In some places huge feasts are commonplace where 50 - 100 food items are available at a single sitting. And in the temples, the Lord must be fed 56 items of fresh food at every meal. The point is that in the religious traditions, feasting is front and center. But that leads to health issues and one’s premature demise. Combining different types of food is harmful to the body as some foods get digested by alkaline juices and other items by acid. If one eats a huge variety of food at one meal then one is far more likely to combine foods that are not complementary to one another, thereby causing serious problems for the stomach. By restricting the number of foods and following this simple rule, that pitfall is essentially avoided. 

So all the rules and teachings are for our overall well-being and progress. 

The more family people adhere to the rules given for Wts - such as fasting four times per month, or restricting one’s food intake in the above ways, the more they will be benefited. 

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Seven Secrets of Success

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

How they get off course

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/12/dangerous-myth-in-marga-4-more.html

Unique quality of mind

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/your-preferences-change-they-are-not.html

When stories undermine pracara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/02/why-undressed-magical-stories-are.html

What people really want - peace + 7 more

Baba

What people really want - peace

 
Namaskar,

One day Baba was discussing the 'Seven Secrets of Success', and in that darshan He differentiated between 'worldly success' & 'peace' - stating that 'peace' is the real charm that people want, not worldly success. Then He graciously told that to attain peace in day-to-day life, two more points are needed.

In a nutshell, those two points are [#1] Keeping mind fixed on the Goal of life Parama Purusa, and [#2] Doing abhidhyana intermittently throughout the day. Those are the two very special and highly unique points. And it is these two ingredients which are so keenly important for inviting peace and bliss into one's life. These two points are Baba's special message to us for making our life blissful and peaceful.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So we should take this time as a special occasion and great opportunity to truly understand what Baba is saying, lest we lose out on the essence of life by not getting peace. Applying these two points in our daily life will bring peace and bliss into our own individual lives. The aforementioned topic about these two points was given by Revered Baba in Diigha on 9 Feb 1989.


Fame brings mental tension

We should remember that worldly success and inner peace are two vastly different things. Worldly success generally means mundane gains such as money, name, fame, prestige, and career. Sadly, this is what people mostly yearn for, due to their confusion. But the results are just temporary. Either such worldly gains or possessions will decay or diminish leaving you in tears; or, you will leave them behind when you depart from this earth. In either scenario, those so-called worldly treasures will not remain with you.

Name and fame bring mental tension, anxiety, and a whole host of psychic diseases. Often such persons become so mentally degraded and deranged that they are unable to even sleep because they suffer from so much anxiety. And ultimately they end up addicted to drugs, committing suicide, or dying in some other tragic manner. Fame and happiness form an inverse relationship. So the more name and fame one has, the more depressed and stressed-out one will become. There is a long and known history how prestige is linked with psychic tension and premature death.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

As Baba says, it is peace of mind, not worldly success, that people truly desire. Peace is something higher and more subtle. Peace means balance and equipoise; in a phrase, peace means being in a spiritual flow and ensconced in His bliss. Ultimately, this is what every human yearns for.


Keep remembering goal of life

Most people on this earth have no true goal in life; indeed most never even ponder, “Who am I, and why have I come here.” In that case, their life will be nothing more than a goalless journey, utterly devoid of any real peace. For Ananda Margiis, our Goal is crystal clear. Parama Purusa is our Goal. And this we should remember - keeping the mind fixed on Him all day long in order to bring peace into our lives.

Along these lines of remembering the goal, Baba brings forth the example of a train traveling from point A to B. There are so many stations between the passenger and their destination. The tendency is to think about the various stops and stations along the way, and even miss their own destination. We should not be like such travelers. Those who forget about the Goal of life misuse their time, miss the opportunity to follow bhagavad dharma, and go astray. As sadhakas, we must always keep the vision fixed on the Goal of life. That is Parama Purusa. Remembering the Goal is the first key ingredient for attaining peace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Short meditation throughout the day

The second key ingredient for attaining perfect peace, or peace of mind, or complete mental equipoise, is to do abhidhyana throughout the day, many times, whenever one gets that chance. And this is quite manageable because one can do abhidhyana in so many ways. When in between duties or various works, a sadhaka can close the eyes and meditate on Him. Those involved in more physical engagements can do abhidhyana during any short respite. Plus just before eating food one can ideate, as well as just prior to leaving the house we can think of Him by doing abhidhyana. In addition, when on line at the store, while waiting for a friend, while gardening or farming, when riding on a train, when waiting for an appointment - verily on all these occasions and more we can do abhidhyana.

This very instant is an ideal time. Close your eyes, and start doing abhidhyana / mantra japa for a moment, and see the beneficial effects. And, verily, whenever we have a tiny gap in the day, then we should do abhidhyana for a few moments - and one needn’t sit in a meditative posture per se. Just one needs to ideate and these mini abhidhyana sessions will have a magnificent effect on one’s life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Because when we think of Him, His divine vibration and sweet love consumes our existence. We instantly feel His grace and in turn we get tremendous strength, courage, and inspiration to do anything and everything. Doing intermittent abhidhyana can be done for a minute or two - whenever we have time during the day (or night).

So making abhidhyana a regular element in our daily routine is quite easy and quite beneficial. It is easy in that nothing extra is needed. It is not like doing half-bath which demands having certain facilities; and it is not like fasting which is only done on certain days etc. Abhidhyana can be done just about anytime and anywhere. The more we do it, the more regular and easier it will become. Indeed, instantly, Baba's sweet grace and divine presence will fill one's mental plate. In that case, mental peace will be a natural and inherent element of life.


Conclusion

These above two points - [#1] keeping mind fixed on the Goal of life, and [#2] doing abhidhyana intermittently throughout the day - are quite practical and the effects are immediate. Perfect peace will descend in your life, and your coming on this earth as a human be will be successful.

In Him,
Gurusharan’

~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga ideology says, "For everlasting freedom from duhkha, paramártha [that which provides permanent liberation] is the only remedy. Paramártha does not bring only temporary remission, but everlasting freedom from duhkha. Atyantikii nivrtti can be obtained only by Paramártha which relieves one of all duhkha: physical, mental and spiritual. This Paramártha can only be obtained by sadhana, that is, spiritual practices. For maintaining peace psychic equilibrium is necessary, and for maintaining this equilibrium freedom from all duhkha forever is necessary. Freedom from duhkha or atyantikii nivrtti can be obtained only from Paramártha, and Paramártha can be achieved only by sadhana, or spiritual practices." (1)


Until tactual contact with the Supreme Self

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Absolute or permanent peace cannot occur in collective life because the created universe, which is embedded in the process of saiṋcara [extroversion] and pratisaiṋcara [introversion] is, in fact, dominated first by avidyá [extroversial force], and then by vidyá [introversial force], respectively. When the existence of the universe is rooted in the existence of these two, then permanent peace (támasikii or sáttvikii as the case may be) in the universe would mean the cessation of the activities of either vidyá or avidyá, or both. This is why it has to be said that collective peace in the universe cannot occur except in the case of pralaya, and the concept of pralaya is illogical. However in individual life human beings can certainly achieve absolute peace through sadhana." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "While doing spiritual practice, spiritual sadhana, while singing kiirtana and dancing, we should remember the fact that all our spiritual activities are just a dance around Parama Puruśa, lessening the distance, lessening the length of the radius, coming from close to closer proximity to our ideological Desideratum. We should always remember this fact. And there cannot be any peace, any happiness or any beatitude till the aspirant comes in tactual contact with the Supreme Self." (3)


There is no other alternative

Ananda Marga ideology says, "On many different occasions in life, whether big or small, one can hope to attain a certain degree of mental composure, but permanent composure or “prashánti” or “átyántikii shánti” (composure beyond which there is no further composure, and which, once attained is never lost) cannot be attained easily. In war, an army may win one battle thus attaining a certain degree of composure, but they may be defeated in the next battle. Victory, once attained, may not necessarily be permanent. Only vijaya, that is, victory which is never followed by defeat, is permanent. A person wishing to attain permanent composure will have to attain Shiva or Parama Puruśa. There is no other alternative." (4)


Remembering Cosmic Entity always

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The sadhana, or spiritual practices, of the Marga do not teach forsaking the world. They teach the right and correct use of all property, crude or subtle. Our sadhana is a systematic and scientific method for physical, mental and spiritual progress and advancement by which permanent psychic equilibrium, and thus everlasting peace, is established." (5)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Try to remember Him always. This remembering Him always, in all spheres and all strata of life, is called “dhruvásmrti”. Don’t forget this for a single moment. By dint of your sádhaná, try to develop dhruvásmrti and be one with Him, and in peace, for infinity." (6)


Intermittent abhidhyana

There are so many benefits. The person will no longer get into petty arguments; all doubts and fears will melt away; one will be more self-assured and confident; one will never feel bored; loneliness will vanish; the person will be inspired to do more and more good works; and so many positive results will come. And, on the whole, life will certainly be more joyful, peaceful, tranquil, and calm.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Practicing these two points - keeping mind fixed on the Goal of life & doing intermittent abhidhyana for a minute or two throughout the day - will bring a plethora of beneficial results in the life. By His grace, one will always feel that His presence, and that is the biggest boon of all, forever being ensconced in His grace.

We are blessed to have His divine teachings. By this we will easily be able to bring peace and bliss into our lives, and attain the ultimate Goal of life.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "So the intellect of the sensuous man is wasted over external objects. The human mind that has in it an unbridled desire for mundane pleasure is never at peace. In such a state no one can attain Brahma. When the mind preoccupied with finite objects, can one get the integrated whole? When your longing is towards the crude, you will undoubtedly become crudified yourself. Your mind will leap from one crude desire to another - will run from one object after another in a wild pursuit. Such is the way of the materialistic, isn’t it? But an aspirant, being in the midst of all and making the right use of everything, proceeds towards the supreme goal. Learn the Intuitional Science from the competent preceptor and proceed accordingly." (7)


Self-realization

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Átmajiṋánam is jiṋánam”. What is átmajiṋánam? What is self-knowledge? What is self-realization? You see, it is the natural wont of each and every living being to see others, not to see himself. That is, whenever one becomes a subjective entity, he takes others as objective counterpart, but never the self as objective counterpart. One's subjectivity never merges with objectivity and that is the trouble. You want to know so many things but you never want to know yourself. Your “self” is your nearest entity but you never want to know yourself. That is the pity, that is the trouble. Átmajiṋánam means a stage of objectlessness. Seeing one's own self within oneself and not guiding any cognitive or psychic faculty towards any objectivity. You have got so many psychic faculties. You have got so many cognitive faculties, too but you always try to goad your psychic and cognitive faculties to other objects. But, if you withdraw all your psychic and cognitive faculties and goad these faculties towards yourself and be at peace without coming in contact with any objective world that phase of your mind and spirit that stance of relativity, is átmajiṋánam. It is the true jiṋánam because all other knowledges are contaminated by relativities. This jiṋánam, because of its non-dependence on any second objectivity is of absolute character and it is átmajiṋánam. For acquiring this átmajiṋánam one need not go through volumes of books. One should develop sincere urge to attain this átmajiṋánam and develop love for the Supreme. This is the sádhaná. And in this process, after self-realization, one attains salvation.” (8)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
2. Problems of the Day #15
3. 19 May 1979 evening, Timmern, West Germany
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, The Attainment of Permanent Composure
5. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, Your Real Friend
7. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Desire & Attachment
8. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 2, Agama and Nigama

*        *        *

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 ==

Toss aside burkas & veils

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “A handful of unprincipled, power-hungry men propagated these [religious] doctrines in order to paralyse women’s reasoning, and to inflate men’s vanity. This doctrine is against nature and we have only to look out into this wide world to find numerous proofs against it. Can anybody drape a burka over a tigress? Is there anyone with enough courage to do it? Can anyone dictate to a tigress, “You cannot cross this boundary,” or “You cannot take part in games and sports, for this is prohibited to women”? Those who propagated these doctrines were not only unprincipled, they were also well aware of the inherent loopholes in their arguments. That is why they did not propagate their ideas directly in their own name. On the contrary, they propagated all those ideas in the name of God. They proclaimed them as the gospels of God; no one shall dispute it; one has to accept it without a murmur. When women will develop a sense of self-respect and be like other spirited creatures, they will cast aside the burkas and veils of servitude. They will then be enabled to expand their role in serving society in a balanced and consolidated way.” (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika-9, from “Kaomára”

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Fake show of social service

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Fifteenth January nineteen thirty-four में जमालपुर मुंगेर में ज़बर्दस्त earthquake-भूकम्प हुआ था | तो, उस वक्त तो बहुत, मकान के नीचे,  dead body क्या, Wounded persons, जो कि मरे नहीं थे---तो, कुछ लोग कुदाली लेकर ईंटा हटाना शुरू कर दिए | और कुछ दो-चार leader आए, तो एक-दो minute कुदाली लेकर, बस photo के इन्तज़ार में थे | उसके बाद ही चले गए, और सके नहीं | हम देखे थे | तो, ठीक वैसे ही मध्यम group के मनुष्य ऐसे ही होते हैं | काम start करते हैं, देखते हैं बहुत मुश्किल | तब तक करते हैं जब तक उनका [photo]  फोटो  नहीं लिया जाएगा |” (1)

Note: In the above quote, Baba is giving the example of a few hypocritical political leaders. In particular, Baba is recounting the tragedy of the Jamalpur earthquake of 15 January 1934. So many people were buried under the debris and rubble of collapsed houses. Some were dead and some were alive, crying out for help. Sincere local volunteers and neighbors were trying hard to remove the debris and rescue the victims / survivors. In the meantime, a few political leaders came with a cameraman. Those politicians borrowed spades and shovels from volunteers and posed for photos as if they were trying to dig out survivors etc. Immediately after the photo was taken they walked away. That is the eyewitness account Baba is giving in this above Hindi quote.

Only hypocrites do like this; Ananda Margiis should never conduct themselves in this way. In the life of an Ananda Margii, sincerity is the beginning, sincerity is the middle, and sincerity is the end. The main quality of a sadhaka is sincerity - no hypocrisy.

Reference
1. ज़िद चाहिए, Zid Ca'hiye, V24-07

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Study by ears, eyes, and gestures

Ananda Marga ideology states, “मनुष्य ज्ञानार्जन करते हैं, किस तरह से ? कोई आँख से पढ़ते हैं; कोई कान से पढ़ते हैं; कोई इङ्गित से, मुद्रा से, पढ़ते हैं | जैसे प्राचीन भारत में literate का percentage; अ, आ, क, ख, जाननेवालों का percentage बहुत कम था | अर्थात्‌ साक्षर की सङ्ख्या कम थी; मगर विद्वान की, शिक्षित की सङ्ख्या अधिक थी | क्यों ? न, धर्म-कथा, उस सब में वे लोग क्या कहते हैं---उसी से लोग सीख लेते थे | अर्थात्‌ आँख से नहीं पढ़ते थे, कान से अधिक आदमी पढ़ते थे | और आज के लोग आँख से पढ़ते हैं, मगर कान से कम पढ़ते हैं | इसलिए साक्षर की सङ्ख्या अधिक है, शिक्षित की सङ्ख्या घट गई है |” (1)

Note: In His above teaching, Baba is guiding us that people learn in three ways: (a) with their eyes by reading, (b) with their ears by listening, and (c) via gestures in sign language. In Ancient India the number of literate people were less as they did not know how to read and write but the number of scholars and educated people was very high as they were learning and acquiring knowledge by listening to dharmic stories etc. That is how they they were getting their education. But in the present era people are very literate in that they are able to read and write, but they are less educated as they do not assimilate that knowledge. The central idea is that are three ways to learn and we should utilize all three methods to create an educated society. Whatever dharmic things we learn, we should follow and incorporate into our day to day life.

Reference
1. General Darshan 25 July 1970 Purnia

== Section: Hindi Quote ==

मेरे घर में अन्धेरा

“इस मन का जो अन्धकार है, इसको हटाना है | ऐसा नहीं कहना है कि---"घर में दीवाली, मेरे घर में अन्धेरा |" घर में भी दीवाली होनी चाहिए | और यह दीवाली, आत्मा की दीवाली |” [यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई]Reference
1. अप्रकाशित भाग, 3rd June 1990, DMC, “The Cult of Spirituality, a Cult of Pinnacled Order”

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

सभी तुमसे तुम्हारे कृपा कणा की याचना कर रहे हैं

 प्रभात संगीत 3004: ताल तमालिर वनेर माझे

इस वर्षा ऋतु में इन ताल और तमाल के जंगलों में तुम कौन हो जो नये वस्त्रों और नये रूप में आये हो? यह तुम्हारी कृपा है कि तुमने मुझे आपने पास आने दिया। तुमने मुझे मोहित कर लिया है, और मेरे मन के दरवाजों को खोलकर उसे  भक्ति से भर दिया है और अपने कार्य में, साधना में और जन सेवा में मुझे लगा लिया है।

तुम्हारे यहां आने के कारण सूखी पृथ्वी बरसात से आप्लावित हो गई है और गड्ढे तथा छोटे तालाब मिलकर एक हो गये हैं। चारों ओर पानी ही पानी है, ग्रीष्म की धूल जा चुकी है। मेरा स्पंदित मन तुममें, तुम्हारे चिंतन में तुम्हारे ध्यान में और तुम्हारे नन्दन वन की महक से भर गया है। तुम कौन हो जो नये वस्त्रों और नये रूप में यहाँ आये हो?

आकाश  और पाताल सब एक हो गये हैं और एक ही लय में नाच रहे हैं। उसी एक ब्रह्म ज्योति से मतवाला होकर सभी सुध बुध खो बैठे हैं । सभी तुमसे तुम्हारे कृपा कणा की याचना कर रहे हैं। तुम कौन हो जो नये वस्त्रों और नये रूप में यहाँ आये हो?

हे प्रभु! तुम्हारे चरणों में शत-शत प्रणाम ।

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Help illuminate those

“All the entities of the universe are on the move. No one has come to rest, to lament unnecessarily. And in this movement lies the success of every entity, the colourful glamour of one’s existence. So move on individually, move on collectively. Let your sincere help illuminate those who have lagged behind on the path of movement.” (Ananda Vanii #64)

Note 1: True Ananda Vaniis have a number whereas Fake Ananda Vaniis do not - just as a fake car license plate has no number. By this way, you can easily recognise a Fake Ananda Vanii.

== Section: Bangla quote ==

এতে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হতে
“এই বারাণসী বা কাশী এখানে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হয়ে গেলে মনকে খুৰ দ্রুত উপরে তুলে ফেলতে হয় | এবং তন্ত্র সাধনা, কপাল সাধনা যা তোমাদের কেউ কেউ শিখেছ, এর ফলে মনে সেই দ্রুতি আসে, বেগ আসে | তখন এই যে বারাণসী তত্ত্ব এতে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হতে একটু সুবিধা হয় | তা না হ’লে, পারৰে সৰাই | কেন পারৰে না ? যে মানুষের শরীর পেয়েছে, সেই পারৰে | “ (1)

Unfortunately, the below English translation from the Electronic Edition of Baba's books (2009) is not up to the mark. It does not accurately portray Guru's original teaching given in Bengali featured above.

“To establish the mind on this point of Váráńasii or káshi, one has to quickly elevate the mind. Those who have learnt the technique of Tantra sádhaná or kápálika sádhaná, know what joy can be derived from this. It helps to establish the practitioner in the cult of Váráńasii. Those who have not yet mastered it, will one day be established in the cult of Váráńasii. Why not? Those who have acquired a human structure will surely be established in Váráńasii.]” (1)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, Where Is Varanasi

== Section 3: Links ==

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