Ista & sadhaka life + 2 more

Baba

Ista & sadhaka life

Namaskar,

There are some who normally keep pictures and photos of numerous religious dogmatic gods and goddesses on their puja table. They have photos and pictures like that of Ramakrsna, goddess Durga, mother Kali, Rama, Shankaracarya, Buddha, Christ, mosque, synagogue etc. So they do sadhana and also go to their church, synagogue, or the Buddhist or Hindu temple etc—or some other place of worship. In that case who can think that that sadhaka / Wt has one-pointed strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista, Parama Purusa. It means that the sadhaka’s / Wt's mind is also divided in that way i.e. his faith in Ista, Parama Purusa, is compromised—i.e. marginalised.
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Here is more about those sadhakas / Wts who pray to multiple gods and goddesses: Their lack of faith and trust in Ista, Parama Purusa, is openly expressed by their keeping so many various deities on their own puja table and / or visiting certain houses of worship—whether it be a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue etc. In that case, they do not have firm faith and single-minded bhakti for Parama Purusa. That is why for them their sadhana becomes fruitless.

Everyone is aware that one of the aspects of Sixteen Points centres exclusively on Ista.

"Observe non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista." (Point #10 of Sixteen Points)

However, a few may wonder how it is possible to evaluate this - how can one know if someone is strong on the point of Ista - or not. In response, we can say that there are some key factors that indicate one's dedication and faith in Ista. 


Only their sadhana will bear fruit

The situation of multi-deity worshippers is most precarious—it is just like someone trying to stand on two different boats. Their base is very sketchy, unreliable. Any moment they can fall and drown. Similarly, those who worship multiple deities are living on a slippery slope because they do not have a strong foundation in Ista, Parama Purusa.

So this is one point for determining if one is strict in Ista, Parama Purusa. Does that person only rely on Parama Purusa or do they pray to all kinds of religious deities etc.
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Those who in their heart truly follow the point of Ista, Parama Purusa, only think of Him. Their mind is one-pointed towards Parama Purusa in all circumstances and at all times. They remember one Divine Entity—not many. Always that sadhaka / Wt feels that Parama Purusa is along with them, solving their problems, listening to their difficulties, and taking care of everything. Such sadhakas / Wts are top-grade disciples. They alone are strict in Ista, Parama Purusa. Their sadhana will bear fruit while those who are not strict in Ista, Parama Purusa, always think their purodha pramukha, or their group leader, or their friend, or money, or their wife / husband will save and rescue them in their hour of need. Such persons are most degraded and they will not realise anything. Their sadhana will be dry.

“My goal is the Singular Entity”

In numerous discourses, Baba tells the story of the mythological monkey devotee Hanuman who would only worship Rama—not any other entity. Baba's teaching from this story is for every sadhaka to be very strict on the point of Ista. A sadhaka/ Wt must have faith in Ananda Marga sadhana. They must not go to church, mosque, synagogue, temple, durga puja etc.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Once upon a time some of the devotees asked Hanuman, “Hanuman, you are a great devotee and learned scholar also, and you know that Náráyańa means Shriinátha, (Shrii means, Lakśmii) Shriinátha means Náráyańa. Shriinátha, i.e. Lakśmiinátha, Náráyańa and Jánakiinátha i.e. Ráma are the same entity; but you never take the name of Náráyańa. Why?”"

“Hanuman said: You know fundamentally there is no difference between Náráyáńa and Ráma. Nára means Prakrti, Ayana means Shelter. Náráyańa means Shelter of Prakrti i.e. Cognitive Puruśa and Ráma, i.e. the most attractive entity of the entire cosmos is Parama Puruśa. “I also know”, said Hanuman, “that there is no fundamental difference between Ráma and Náráyańa, but you know my goal is a singular entity – singular in name, singular in idea, ideology and ideation. Ráma is my everything, I don’t know any Náráyańa.”" (1)

Those who do not adhere to this tenet will never get proper fruit from their sadhana. Their approach will be fruitless.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Please pay attention to the yellow highlighted section below, that is the main teaching of this entire letter.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Iśt́a means the object who loves you the most. Because of this Iśt́a there is flow in your incantative form or incantative structure. Only under such circumstances can your existential emanation maintain a parallelism with your entitative structure. So, Iśt́a is a must for movement, Iśt́a is a must for all sorts of living beings in all strata of life. You cannot do anything concrete in even a single arena of your life without the help of your Iśt́a. So wherever there is Dharma, there must be Iśt́a. And Iśt́a is the primordial necessity for yoga. Nobody can exist without Iśt́a. The aspirant is a finite entity, but the Iśt́a of that aspirant is an infinite entity. If you practice yoga, then your finite existence will come in contact with that infinite Iśt́a and you will acquire infinity, you will acquire the infinite spiritual stamina and you will become victorious in all the arenas of your existence. So the wise people, the true yogiis should realize it clearly and definitely that their entitative existence along with the entitative force of their Iśt́a, moves towards the Supreme goal. The yogii should know the single name of his Iśt́a and not two names or three names. Wherever the Iśt́a is a singular entity in name, form, and idea, in ideation and also in ideology, success is sure, success is fully assured." (2)

Conclusion

The conclusion is that margiis / Wts must have faith in Parama Purusa—and faith in Ananda Marga sadhana. And when one is fully linked with Baba, they will not go to a church, mosque, temple, synagogue, or engage in religious ritualistic worship like durga puja etc. Nor will they give credence to other so-called gods and goddesses. If some new margii / Wt, due to their previously imposed negative samskaras, is continuing to indulge in multiple deity goddess worship, they will not get anything despite their entire life’s effort.

To proceed ahead in the field of spirituality, one must have full faith and trust in one Parama Purusa. There is no other way. That is why sincere margiis / Wts do not sing Lord Krsna and Lord Shiva songs in their personal spiritual practices. That would bifurcate and trifurcate the mind.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ista is a key aspect of 16 points. Every Ananda Margii must have only one Ista, Parama Purusa Baba.

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Ma’dhurii

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Thus we see that ideation is association with one or the other idea – knowledge, action or devotion – just as meditation is associated with ideology. Thus in meditation and ideology, the spiritual aspirant is moving toward the singular Supreme Entity, the pinnacled goal. If the mind accepts two goals, two Lords, the mind becomes bifurcated.” (3)


~ In-depth study ~

Photos of numerous deities throughout their abode

There are many good margii sisters of India who are very strict in ista—and do not indulge in multi-deity worship and do not keep photos of multiple deities etc.

But this multi-deity worship is very common throughout India. Many ignorant margiis—especially women—are deeply involved in this dogma. They do not like to give up their previous rituals despite coming onto the path of Ananda Marga. When you enter inside their house, it is all quite visible: There are photos of numerous deities throughout their abode.

All Wts know this contravenes the point of Ista, Parama Purusa. But if that family is wealthy, then those Wts who go there for money do not dare tell them that it is bad. Due to their own selfishness and lack of courage, such Wts remain mum and don’t open the eyes of that blind margii. They do not say anything. They know it is wrong but…
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Everyone should know that in India, the standard protocol is for non-margii females to continue their family’s ritualistic worship in their house, whereas many males do not do anything in this regard. So females do worship for the entire family. And when coming into Ananda Marga they continue those various pujas and add a photo of Baba. Many go to the weekly dharmacakra and then come home and do those dogmatic, religious rituals as well.

Their sadhana does not work

The central idea is that if one worships all kinds of gods and goddesses and also does Ananda Marga sadhana and attends dharmacakra, then they are wasting their time and they will get nothing—they will not realise anything. Their mind will be divided—it will ruin everything. In that case sadhana does not work. That is why sincere Ananda Margiis only do the sadhana which is taught by Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. Those doing Ananda Marga sadhana plus other religious services like church sermons, namaz, Hindu rituals, and Islamic and Jewish call to prayer etc are wasting their time. They always think their purodha pramukha, or their group leader, or their friend, or money, or their wife / husband will save and rescue them in their hour of need. Such persons are most degraded and they will not realise anything. Their sadhana will be dry. Their sadhana will never bear any fruit because this type of toxic worship bifurcates or balkanises the mind.

Note: This below note section is not for everyone. So if you are not strict in Ista then do not read the below as it is not for you—it is for A-grade margiis and A-grade Wts.

Here in this letter, those pseudo-sadhakas / Wts might refer to ordinary margiis, or acaryas, or purodhas who do such type of aforementioned things. They are half-baked. There are some Wts who cross the ocean and move around various Hindu and fake yoga ashrams in India (Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi, & Yoga Da in Ranchi) and learn and adopt their fake practices. And from India they go back to their posting areas and preach those dogmatic beliefs. They also fall in this half-baked category.
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Please forgive me if I have omitted any name

Ananda Marga ideology states, "A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone’s name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also.” Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not." (4)

In His above teaching Baba is guiding us that those who subscribe to multi-deity worship can never do proper sadhana. For them, sadhana is useless.

Relation will certainly fail

Or think in this way. Suppose a husband has a photo of his wife on his desk, along with photos of so many other females whom he desires and loves. In that case, who can think that that person is a devoted husband. Never. Rather one will think he is unfaithful and lacks a basic level of respect and commitment for his spouse. And the same is the case if one wife has a collection of photos of the various male loves of her life on her bureau. In that case, who can imagine that she is a faithful and committed wife. It is impossible to think in that way. Rather, one will conclude that she fails to hold the requisite loyalty to be a proper spouse. In that case, the relationship will certainly fail.
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Worshipping multiple deities: waste of time

There are some sadhakas / Wts who perform Ananda Marga sadhana, do Guru Puja, and sing kiirtan etc, but when a worldly problem arises they pray to some other imaginary god /goddess in hopes of being rescued.

For instance, some sadhakas/ Wts from a Hindu background who are struggling to find a suitable husband for their daughter may go to the Hindu temple and seek a boon from the mythological elephant god, Ganesh. They think that Ganesh will rescue them by granting them a handsome, well-educated, wealthy husband for their daughter without effort.

But this type of appeal to the so-called elephant god itself reveals that they do not have full faith and trust in Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji. They do not have strictness and faith inIsta. Because if they had full faith in Ista then they would have not surrendered to the mythological elephant god, Ganesh etc.

Those who fall in this category can never do proper sadhana - they will not realize anything. Their sadhana is useless.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Some dilute their inner approach

Yet, this is what we see. In various times of trouble and difficulty, certain sadhakas seek out some other entity for help such as Kali, goddess Durga, monkey Hanuman or so many others. And this issue is not just related with those margiis from a Hindu background.

Margiis who grew up in the Catholic faith may go to confession to purge themselves of sin. They do not have the requisite faith in Ista, Parama Purusa. They do not feel that Parama Purusa alone can solve the problem or purify them, so they resort to their Catholic roots and go to confession etc.

And this situation also applies to those sadhakas who come from Islamic, Buddhist, Jewish, and Christian backgrounds etc. Essentially, when anyone appeals to any other so-called entity - for any reason - then it means that they do not feel that Parama Purusa Baba alone can solve their problem or grant them the happiness that they seek. That shows that they lack faith and trust in Ista, Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

This lack of faith in Ista, Parama Purusa is not limited to times of problem. There are some who express this lack of faith in their day-to-day living patterns. Sadly, their efforts in sadhana will be fruitless.

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, The Spirit of Yoga
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, The Spirit of Yoga
3. Yoga Psychology, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity Transcends All Colours

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Way to form a world government

Sadguru Baba guides us that the best way to form a world government is through tirelessly engaging in constructive activities and rendering selfless service. The states or regions which abide by and participate in this approach will be greatly benefited and will form a world government in a very just and peaceful manner. In contrast, those who choose a different route for forming a world government by indulging in the political power plays etc will give way to a bloody and harmful approach toward forming a world government. 

Here is Baba’s teaching from the book "Problems of the Day", Point #32: 

The question may arise, Is it possible to establish the world government and Ánanda Parivára without struggle? In reply I will say, “Yes.” The greatest social welfare for the human race will be accomplished if those who aspire to establish the world government or Ánanda Parivára engage themselves only in constructive activities and selfless service, instead of wasting their vital energy in the vortex of politics, or in political conflicts. They will have to go on rendering social service with steadfast commitment, without any ulterior motive in their minds.

Those states which cooperate with such missionaries in their social service activities will be considered to be desirous of establishing the world government or Ánanda Parivára. The common people of those states which do not cooperate will become agitated, and these agitated people will form the world government or Ánanda Parivára through revolution. For this, the missionaries need not enter the dirty arena of party politics.

Those who want to cure society of disease will have to keep an eye on every individual, because collective purification lies in individual purification. Otherwise, by delivering high-sounding speeches from political platforms, it will not be possible to raise the collective standard of living.

Only psychic and spiritual education can create sadvipras. Only those who are established in yama and niyama – who are imbued with Cosmic ideation – I call sadvipras.

Political leaders cannot create sadvipras by haranguing people from public platforms – this demands righteousness and the practice of self-purification in personal life. Furthermore, what type of people come to deliver lectures from these platforms? Are they not the ones resorting to mud-slinging for the sake of party politics? Most of them are blinded by their obsession for power, so what can they teach others?

Andhenaeva niiyamánáh yathándháh

(Problems of the Day, Point #32)

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Style of each Mahasambhuti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/pessimists-dont-like-to-understand-this.html

Yogic science of breathing

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/11/very-useful-but-rarely-practised-point.html

How to prevent a bad marriage

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/06/way-to-bring-tragedy-2-more.html

Story: how sadhana cured

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/story-sick-became-healthy-due-to.html

Experiencing His divine vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-memories-with-baba.html

Shraddhá & success + Four types: happiness & suffering

Baba

Shraddhá & success

Namaskar,

Baba explains that if a father forces his son to become an engineer when the son’s real desire is to become a doctor, then Baba guides us that the son will not become a good engineer because that son does not have any regard for engineering.

Here the key point is that one must have a deep feeling for and give high importance to any particular endeavour in order to achieve true success in that arena. For instance, if a young girl wants to learn to play the flute, but her parents insist she learn the violin, then she will not become a great violinist because she does not hold that faculty in high regard. Likewise, if someone chooses or their mother forces them to become a lawyer in order to make a lot of money, yet they do not hold that faculty in high regard, they will never become a great lawyer. Because they do not have a high regard for that faculty. And verily, this type of scene plays out in so many spheres of life; there are numerous examples.
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Examples in AM

This point of shraddhá (i.e. high regard) is an essential factor in our AM way of life. Specifically, in order to achieve success in sadhana, one must have full faith in the process, efficacy, and system of meditation. They must think that AM sadhana is perfect and will lead one to salvation. Without that inner feeling, success in sadhana will remain a distant dream. If anyone thinks that Buddhist meditation or the sadhana of Patanjali is better than AM sadhana, their entire practice of AM sadhana will be utterly useless. It will not be fruitful at all. Unfortunately, not everyone in AMPS has cultivated the requisite confidence; rather, some harbour innumerable doubts and insecurities, and that is why they remain spiritually dry their whole life. Here are a few case studies.

(A) There is one margii I know who was initiated nearly 50 years ago, but because he just thought that sadhana was a form of mental exercise or some type of psychic puzzle, he could not delve deeper into the practice. He actually could not believe that sadhana was a veritable pathway to come in contact with the Supreme Entity. Instead, he just felt it was a form of self-hypnosis or mental imagining. Thus, when he sat for sadhana, he did not experience any subtle vibration or spiritual pull. So his depleted practices only further cemented the feeling in his mind that sadhana was just some type of mundane hobby. Decades of his life have passed in this spiritual desert because he had a serious deficit on this point of shraddhá (i.e. high regard).

(B) There is a Wt who feels that both AM sadhana and Baba are out of reach. So instead he likes to engage in all kinds of external, pseudo-culture pursuits and visits dogmatic Hindu and fake yoga ashrams. Sadly, for him, AM spiritual practices are like an anathema, and that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy when he sits down for sadhana and nothing happens. That is why he fills his life with all kinds of silly activities - primarily because he is terribly lacking in this point of shraddhá (i.e. high regard).
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(C) Yet another Wt used to talk big about sadhana, but in reality his approach to sadhana was staring at an earthen lamp and watching the flame. He gave up on AM sadhana years earlier. The main cause was his own disenchantment and disbelief that sadhana really worked. Alas, he too could never progress and gain success in his dharma sadhana. And the root cause was that he was not up to the mark on the point of shraddhá (i.e. high regard).

Conclusion

According to AM teachings, shraddhá is an essential component for getting success in any sphere of life. When one has great faith and deep regard for whatever one is pursuing, then they will quickly make tremendous strides and gain success. Without that inner belief and determination for a given pursuit, any real success will always remain elusive, completely out of reach. And this is true in all spheres of life.

In Him,
Jyotishvara

The keys to success in all spheres of life are embedded in Sadguru Baba’s unique guidelines of the “Seven Secrets of Success.” Here we have focused on point #2 and how it relates to both worldly life and one’s endeavour in the spiritual realm.

Needs high regard

In one of His discourses, Baba describes this point of shraddha /  high regard, in a very understandable and practical manner. Baba explains that if a father forces his son to become an engineer when the son’s real desire is to become a doctor, then Baba guides us that the son will not become a good engineer because that son does not have any regard for engineering. And by this way it becomes very evident what is meant by the second secret of success, i.e. shraddha (i.e. high regard).
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Dvitiiyaḿ shraddhayá yuktam. A man must have shraddhá for his ideology. What is shraddhá? Shraddhá is a very old Vedic term. Shrat” means “recognized status of veracity”, and “dha” means “movement towards it”. That is, when the ideological goal has been accepted, all my might, all my propensities, should move unto that goal. This is shraddhá.” (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Dvitiiyaḿ shraddhayá yuktam. The second requisite factor of success is shraddhayá yuktam. One must have shraddhá for one’s desideratum. What is shraddhá? Shraddhá is a Sanskrit word having no corresponding word in any other developed language of the world. That is why I will have to explain this word. Shraddhá comes from shrat, meaning satyam, and dhá from the root verb dha. When one ascribes everything to one’s goal, or one’s object, or to the Supreme Subjectivity appearing as one’s object, and moves, or rather directs one’s everything towards Him, then that movement is shraddhá. First ascribing that supreme veracity to the object (actually it is the Supreme Subjectivity taken as an object) and then directing one’s everything towards Him, is that mental movement which is called shraddhá.” (2)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Shiva's Seven Secrets
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Seven Secrets of Success

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Live peacefully

“Ulká ashani bahiche vahni, saphańa kálo sarpa…” (Prabhat Samgiita #4599)

Purport:

O’ human beings, nowadays, the demons are destroying all of humanity. Meteors and lightning are striking from the sky and fire abounds in all directions. The anti-social elements are like hooded serpents and biting the common people. At present, society is in despair as human civilisation is at its nadir point. Everything is bleak. O’ moralists of the earth unite, let’s awaken our universal human family, destroy the devilish dealings, and annihilate all the demonic forces. 

O’ human beings, God has graciously bestowed the vast sky, air, and this entire cosmological system upon us all. It is not any individual's private property; the owner is Parama Purusa. The star-studded sky, the expansive land formations of this planet, the rich, grand savanna, verily all of the natural wealth of the world is for all. Parama Purusa has created these resources for everyone’s all-round progress. O’ human beings, let us come and cooperatively share and enjoy this wonderful abundance; we are proud and respectful of all and belong to one singular universal family. 

O’ human beings, the resources Parama Purusa has provided on this planet are more than sufficient to sustain all living beings. But due to the misguided, greedy hoarding of material wealth, there has been so much bloodshed and loss of life. This destruction was going on in the past and is unfolding at present also. It is a terrible loss for us all, and has led to untold suffering. Today, in the eastern horizon, the joyous new dawn has come. With that refulgence we will satiate our heart and mind. What humans could not accomplish in the past we will achieve today, by His grace. We will form one human society, live peacefully, and realise our spiritual Goal - Parama Purusa…

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Four types: happiness & suffering

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga ideology says, “You know there are different divisions in propensities." (1)

Above, a cigar ash competition is going on. For more on this, please see note 1.                                                                                         

Humans beings have so many propensities (i.e. mental occupations)—up to 1000 vrttis. And these can be broadly divided into four categories.


Suffering in beginning and in end

#1 Kliśt́á vrtti (beginning suffering, end suffering): Those who choose to move on the path of kliśt́á vrtti engage in endeavours which are uncomfortable and painful from the very beginning up to the very end, and the end result is also bad.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “The propensities that become the cause of pain in the beginning and also in the end are called Kliśt́á. Suppose, for instance, someone is travelling without a ticket. There is a heavy rush in the train. Naturally he will have to undergo suffering and inconvenience. If the checking staff come, another misery befalls. So here the pain is in the beginning and also in the end. This action of his is Kliśt́á-vrtti.” (1)

Some squish themselves and battle the crowds to visit a holy land and then get trampled to death in a stampede. Likewise, suppose a thief was undergoing hardship walking in a hailstorm and then got arrested by the police. In both of these instances the beginning and end is bad—problematic. So these are related with kliśt́á vrtti.


Happy in beginning but suffering in end

#2 Akliśt́á Kliśt́á vrtti (beginning pleasure, end suffering): Those who choose to move on the path of akliśt́á kliśt́á vrtti, engage in actions which start out as pleasant and joyful, but yield very bad results. There are many activities and works that fall in this category.

For example, if one is eating rasagolla (sweets) in their house but then later on they suffer from constipation, gas, and bloating. That act started out as enjoyable but concluded as something painful. Also smoking and drinking etc come in this category. So these are related with akliśt́á kliśt́á vrtti.

Same is the case with those who enjoy dancing and partying all night, and then have to suffer the ill effects of fatigue and nausea the next day. So these are related with akliśt́á kliśt́á vrtti.


Suffering in beginning but happy in end

#3 Kliśt́á Akliśt́á vrtti (beginning suffering, end pleasure): Those who choose to move on the path of kliśt́á akliśt́á vrtti, engage in actions which start out as uncomfortable or painful, but yield very positive and beneficial results.

For instance, eating bitter foods like neem leaves may not be a pleasant experience but the overall effect is very good as the blood, gums, liver, and kidneys are greatly benefited. Similarly, studying hard for an examination is not easy and may likely involve discomfort and even suffering. But in the end, getting success in the exam is a very positive outcome. So these are related with kliśt́á akliśt́á vrtti.


Happy in beginning & bliss in end

#4 Akliśt́á vrtti (beginning pleasure, end pleasure): Those who choose to move on the path of akliśt́á vrtti engage in actions which are blissful right from the start, and yield blissful results. Which endeavour is like that? Sadhana or intuitional practice. Sadhana with bhakti is very soothing and filled with anandam. It starts blissfully, continues blissfully, and concludes blissfully; and the final outcome is also blissful. So these are related with akliśt́á vrtti.

Most often, human beings involve in such types of works and hobbies which fall in the first three groups. And due to this they suffer a lot of pain in their life.  But those who are fortunate utilize their human potentiality to pursue dharmic engagements that fall in this fourth category. They learn sadhana, practice it, and see everything as Brahma. By that way, they always do good things and make their lives happy through spiritual practice. If worldly works are done while ensconced in brahmacarya, then that makes even worldly works blissful. But the main thing is to keep a sadhana oriented life—that is the best utilization.


Conclusion

For Parama Purusa everything is blissful beginning to end. Humans have all four of these types of vrttis or mental occupations. But Parama Purusa only has one. For Him everything is blissful from beginning to end. If one does sadhana, that comes in the category of aklista vrtti because the beginning, middle and end—everything is blissful. By doing sadhana life becomes full of anandam.

In Him,
Dharmadeva


Note 1: About the above photo

The person in the above photo falls in the first category—kliśt́á.  That man chose to involve in a cigar smoking competition. A contestant participates in the longest ash competition during the annual cigar festival in Havana, so he is forced to inhale a lot of smoke. Due to the pressure of this competition, contestants push the limits. This man is uncomfortable smoking that cigar, but he is doing it in hopes of getting victory. The goal is to generate the longest ash in the shortest time, without letting the ash break and fall down. But the end result of such a competition is lung cancer. So that activity is problematic from beginning to end. This is the worst category. So many human engagements fall in this category, unfortunately.

Those who misuse their bodies in the actions of categories 1-3, they directly degenerate to animal life after their demise. No one should misuse their body by work which is illustrated in these first three categories.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, Salvation and Devotion

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Simple health solution

Sadguru Baba says, "To maintain the internal functions of the body without hindrance and to maintain the internal liquid balance, everyone should drink a sufficient quantity of water every day. A healthy person can consume three or four seers of water a day, a sick person four or five seers, and a person suffering from skin disease, five or six seers. These amounts of water help cure disease to a great extent." (1)

Note: One seer is very close to one liter.

Reference
1. Yogic Treatments, Appendix, A. Water Drinking

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

When science skews society

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/misuse-of-science-in-usa.html

Mindless repetition not sadhana

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/12/what-is-parrot-sadhana-3-more.html

Our special pracara approach

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/08/naked-story-vs-sadhana-5-more.html

PTSD & AM remedy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/psychic-afflictions-and-am-sadhana-3.html

Very sweet & loving PC

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/10/i-found-truth-2-more.html

Pervasive problem: superstition

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/04/superstition-in-amps-elsewhere-3-more.html

Story: fight for Ista Baba + 2 more

Baba

Story: fight for Ista Baba

 
Namaskar,

When the oppositional forces struck and first put Baba in jail, various margiis were preparing to protest that grave injustice. Naturally, the then Global Prout in-charge was also heavily involved in organising the rally. And as they were getting ready and finalising their plans for the protest, the suggestion was also given to consult with legal counsel. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Lawyer opposes the protest plan

Accordingly, the Global Prout Dada and some of the other organisers met with margii lawyer and senior family acarya, Ramtanukji. Standing on his legal background, Ramtanukji advised against the protest. He said that it would not be good as the impending case would be adversely affected, if not ruined altogether. And he cited various legal codes and arguments etc. Moreover, he gave the stern warning that invariably the police would counter with a lathi charge etc. So the attorney Ramtanukji's final recommendation was just to keep quiet and not engage in any protest. 

Of course the main Prout In-charge(s) were not at all keen to abide by such a recommendation because the whole nature of the Prout movement is to take action and protest injustice wherever and whenever it has been violated. So, ultimately, the Prout leader and margiis carried out their plans, and they protested in a very spirited manner. And, in the natural course of events, a few margiis were arrested, others were hurt and beaten, and certain types of warrants and charges were made. Of course, as soon as the protest was over, some Dadas and margiis went to Baba to pass all the news of the event.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


When not to pay heed to lawyers & doctors

And, right away, Baba expressed deep appreciation for the efforts taken by those acaryas and margii activists who participated in the protest. Baba further told that whenever preparing for any type of protest movement etc, then do not seek prior permission from any lawyer as those lawyers will invariably obstruct those plans because they are bound by all sorts of legal considerations and ramifications. 

Baba also advised that when in the planning stage of a protest do not follow any suggestions from any medical personnel like doctors etc. because those doctors will warn you that you will break your bones. Plus they will say that this is going to happen and that is going to happen-- so do not do. Finally, those doctors will suggest, “Better remain home and sit in the house; don't go out and protest, otherwise they will beat you and create trouble for you.”

From these above examples it is clear that Baba does not want us to consult with lawyers and doctors when in the planning stages of any protest.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


When to get their advice

The question then becomes that, under such conditions, when should we seek the advice of such professionals like lawyers and doctors?  And Baba's direct guideline is only after performing the protest. Then only should we go to the office of those lawyers and report to them what happened and that a case has been lodged etc.

Likewise, only after the protest should we consult any doctors and show them what fractures occurred and who got hurt etc. In that way, these professionals can best contribute-- after the fact. Otherwise their advice will not prove to be helpful for such work.


Our duty: fight against injustice

Here we have to remember that as Ananda Margiis we are dharmikas. Our central duty is to stand up tall in the face of injustice and oppose all wrongdoing, especially on the point of Ista and injustice against Guru. We are not to give way to any secondary recommendation that lawyers or doctors may give. If there is injustice or wherever there is exploitation, we have to bring forth the voice of righteousness and shine a light on that wrong. As dharmikas, that is our first and foremost consideration. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology states, “The characteristic of good people is to fight against injustice, to firmly adhere to truth and righteousness, to protect the helpless and fight against all evil persons. Those who are merely simple and are of a meek and goody-goody nature are not good people.” (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “The characteristic of good people is to fight against injustice, to firmly adhere to truth and righteousness, to protect the helpless and fight against all evil persons. Those who are merely simple and are of a meek and goody-goody nature are not good people.” (2)


Recipe for peace

Here Baba guides us how to create peace in society. 

Ananda Vanii states, “Peace is the result of fight. Peace-lovers of the universe must not keep themselves away from fight.” (3)

Ananda Vanii states, “Today all over the world, a grim fight has started between the evil forces and the benevolent forces. Only those who possess the moral courage to fight against the evil forces, can give a soothing touch to the struggle-torn earth with the balm of peace. Remember you are spiritual aspirants. Hence you alone shall have to undertake the mighty task of saving the earth.” (4)

Ananda Vanii states, “The very import of the history of human welfare is the history of struggle and strife. Even the sweet gospels of peace could not be preached in an environment of peace and composure. Devils did not allow the apostle of peace to work peacefully – that is why I say that peace is the outcome of fight.” (5)


Conclusion

When Sadguru Baba was wrongly incarcerated, it was the duty of brave and courageous Ananda Margiis to protest that injustice. Above all other circumstances, that absolutely was the time to protest, i.e. on the point of Ista. And verily that is what was done. By this way justice was served. So ours is not the path of extra caution or cowardly considerations, rather, in the moment of need, we are to boldly face those exploiters and raise the flag of dharma and justice, never allowing ourselves to be cowed or silenced. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "You should always bear in mind that you should not try to convince by argument anyone who criticises your Is'ta (Goal), Adarsha (Ideology), Supreme Command or Conduct Rules. If this occurs you should adopt a hard and uncompromising attitude." (6)

In Him, 
Manoj

~ Related information ~

More of Baba’s teaching about lawyers

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Let us start by discussing lawyers…. The popular allegation that lawyers earn their living by deceiving others and by encouraging litigation is, according to my understanding, not totally correct. But is this frequently-made allegation totally false? Although it cannot be proved conclusively, we can say that in general most lawyers would like disputes in society to continue.” (7)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Cunning lawyers, when they become directly responsible for the victimization of innocent people, definitely commit a greater crime than criminals.” (8)


More of Baba’s teaching about doctors

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Shatamárii bhavet vaedyah sahasramárii cikitsakah [“If one kills a hundred people, one may qualify as a quack, but if one kills a thousand people, one can qualify to be a doctor”]. It is both amusing and infuriating, yet it is true.” (9)

Ananda Marga philosophy says. “No matter what country you belong to, tell me honestly, how many doctors can you really trust and respect? Among the doctors you know, you may believe in one or two at the most, but those who have won your faith may or may not command your respect. In other words, the doctors whom you believe in, who can cure a patient, are not accessible because they cost too much. In such circumstances your confidence in the ability of doctors remains intact, but you cannot consider them as friends; nor do you have any real proof of their humanity, hence you cannot give them your respect either.” (10)


Who else not to consult

Likewise Baba guides us not to consult old people about what food should be taken by the collective because many senior persons have faulty and broken-down digestive systems. So their dietary needs are different, or more precisely, more limited because they can no longer digest many items which they ate in their youth. Even then, they will impose this restriction on others without considering that, “Although I have a problem, not everyone else has this problem.” Old people's digestion gets weaker and weaker, and in comparison to youths they do not have the capacity to digest certain foods. For instance, senior persons cannot digest pulses and beans etc, but for youths this food is very important otherwise their bodies will not grow sufficiently strong etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here is another letter about how an Ananda Margii fought for Ista: 

• How Ananda Margii fights for Ista

References
1. A Few Problems Solved Part 5 – Shravanii Purnima
2. A Few Problems Solved Part 5 – Shravanii Purnima
3. Ananda Vanii #18
4. Ananda Vanii #27
5. Ananda Vanii #45
6. Caryacarya - 2, Sadhana, Point #21
7. Human Society Part 1, Various Occupations, Lawyers
8. Human Society Part 1, Various Occupations, Lawyers
9. Human Society Part 1, Various Occupations, Doctors
10. Human Society Part 1, Various Occupations, Doctors

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

No one can see You

"Ácho, ashru dháráy mishe, kusume ácho hese..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1774)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, You are present in the flow of tears, and You also are smiling in the flower blossoms. You are always with me in my good and bad times - during my easy and difficult days. My most compassionate One, I pour all my love into the essence of Your divine nectar - unto You. I fully surrender to Your sweet will.

Parama Purusa, You are smiling in the flower blossoms.

Divine Entity, You are so dear to me; You are so much my own. You are always with me - caring for me. Today, I realise this eternal truth, by Your grace. Please come closer into the core of my heart so I will never forget You - not ever. You are invisible; when You move no one can see You. Since no one will know about Your arrival in my heart, what is the problem in coming to me. Then why are You not coming?

Parama Purusa, You are smiling in the flower blossoms.

Supreme Entity, Baba, I have been born again and again onto this earth - life after life, birth after birth. So many deaths have brought sweetness. Baba, revolving around You is my parikrama' - my sadhana. By Your mercy, all my longings have been fulfilled in numerous forms and flows. I see that You reside everywhere. I prostrate at Your lotus feet. By having You, my life has become successful in all the arenas.

My Parama Purusa, You are smiling in the flower blossoms...


Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #1774:

[1] So many deaths have brought sweetness: This is a natural part of the cycle of life and death - saincara and pratisaincara. When one lesser creature completes its life and dies, and is reborn as a greater being - as a more developed being with a greater mind and more devotion for the Parama Purusa -  then that is the sweetness.

[2] Parikrama': In the above song, the term parikrama is a metaphor. In the existing religious rituals, typical followers go to certain holy places and encircle that site. They physically move around it - again and again. They consider this act as their worship to the Divine Entity. That is what they call parikrama. In our Ananda Marga, the approach is completely different. The ritual of walking around the pilgrimage site is not supported by our devotional method. That is not parikrama according to Ananda Marga philosophy. In the tantric devotional cult as given by Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, parikrama means revolving around Parama Purusa in the psycho-spiritual realm. One is always ensconced in the thought of the Supreme. That is our parikrama - whereby the mind is suffused in the ideation of Parama Purusa through various practices like manan, shravan, niddhidhyasana, kiirtan, mantra japa, dhyana etc.

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Unique sadhana lesson: Guru puja

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Question: What is pratyáhára?"

"Answer: Pratyáhára is derived: prati – á – hr + ghaiṋ. The word áhára literally means “assimilating” or “taking something within”. As a yogic practice, pratyáhára means “withdrawal of the mind from external objectivity and goading the withdrawn mind toward Parama Puruśa”. (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "You must bring about a revolutionary change in the flow of your judgment and thought, and see how, after overcoming your fascination with external colour, your mind becomes tinged with His glorious colour. In Ananda Marga sadhana, the method of withdrawing the mind from degrading tendencies, and absorbing oneself in the colour of the Great, is called Pratyáhára Yoga (the yoga of withdrawal) or Varńárghyadána (the offering of colours). All people have a particular attraction for one or another object or activity and as soon as they become attracted to an object, then their minds become coloured with the colour of that object. You can withdraw your mind from the colour of that object and dye yourself in His colour by offering Him the captivating colour of the object that has attracted you: this is the real Pratyáhára Yoga. The word Pratyáhára means “to withdraw” – to withdraw the mind from its object." (2)

Note: In astaunga yoga, there are 8 limbs - one of which is pratyahara. We practice that as Guru puja, and that is part of our regular sadhana routine. Guru puja is very important. After sadhana, one should always do Guru puja, and Guru puja can also be done on its own. After all, it is a lesson. By this way, one's attachment for mundane things slowly fades away. It is a perfect science. If, after practicing Guru puja, one is unable to get rid of their worldly attachments and / or a particular mental weakness, then best is to consult an acarya. In the Acarya Diary, Baba has given a detailed science and method for practicing Guru puja. One should learn how to do this from any acarya, one on one.

Reference
1. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation, Question #10
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Human in form only

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Animals are guided by instincts. They do not know the why and the how of things. Human beings, on the other hand, are led by the mind. Animals cannot go beyond their instincts. In case of [great] intellectual clash, however, the animal mind, like the human, gets more subtle. This is generally found to occur with those animals who remain in contact with humans. But the development that is discernible in this case is not spiritual, it is simply intellectual. Dogs and monkeys who are trained, for instance, can be made a bit [more intelligent] than other ones."

"Human beings, on the other hand, have the capacity to develop even in the spiritual realm. Those who do not pay heed to this special gift are animals, nay, even worse than animals. Animals are unable to make efforts for their spiritual development, whereas humans do have this ability." (1)

Note: Here above Baba is pointing out some of the basic differences between humans and animals. Animals are dominated by instinct, whereas humans are mind dominated and have the capacity to grow spiritually. Even then, tragically, some degenerated human beings surrender this cherished human quality and foolishly submit their existence at the altar of instinct. Even though they possess a human mind they live like animals - always in the grip of their baser propensities. Verily, they are worse than animals. By Baba's causeless grace, we are fortunate to have been blessed with a human body and mind, as well as the tools of spiritual sadhana, so we can progress and become divine.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Mysticism and Spirituality

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Baba story: safe during calamities

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/baba-story-who-is-safe-during-calamities.html

When doctors are bad

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/01/good-bad-doctors.html

Operative factor when offering

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/value-of-material-offerings-to-god-2.html

Pure Book & misinformation

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2026/02/pure-book-misinformation.html