Self-test: faith in Ista + 2 more

Baba

Self-test: faith in Ista

Namaskar,

One of the central tenets of Ananda Marga ideology is embedded within point #10 of Sixteen Points:

"Observe non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista."

But how can one practically and tangibly distinguish if they are properly adhering to this tenet of Ista? That is what this topic is all about. In comparison, if you attend the local dharmacakra each week then you can definitively state that you properly follow point #16 of Sixteen Points. Likewise if you do half-bath regularly according to the prescribed system then you can confidently say that you adhere to point #5 of Sixteen Points. Certainly, many or most of the Sixteen Points are empirically verifiable. At the outset, the point of Ista may seem more difficult to verify; however, there are some key factors that clearly delineate one's standing on the point of Ista.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Strictness in Ista means faith in Parama Purusa

In sadhana, there are two essential components: the sadhaka and Parama Purusa, i.e. the One being worshiped. Parama Purusa is always singular - never two or more. And, in spiritual parlance, that Parama Purusa, or God, is known as Ista. In turn, one may call that Ista by any epithet. But that Ista is the Divine Entity. And strictness in Ista means having firm faith and belief that the Divine Entity will solve all your problems and grant you eternal shelter. To the degree one harbors doubt in the Supreme Entity is the degree to which they are weak or lacking in Ista. The degree of trust one has in the Supreme Entity is the measure of faith one has in Ista.

Just as a child thinks that its mother will certainly solve all their problems, similarly a sadhaka holds firm that Parama Purusa will surely save them in all circumstances. That is strictness in Ista. Trust in God means having firm faith in Ista. And that Ista must be singular in nature. Those worshiping multiple gods cannot be strict in Ista.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Worshiping multiple deities = deficit in Ista

There are some sadhakas who perform Ananda Marga sadhana, do Guru Puja, and sing kiirtan etc, but when a problem arises they pray to some other for help and support. For instance, some sadhakas 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, Lord Ganesh. They think that Ganesh will help solve the problem by granting them a handsome, well-educated, wealthy husband for their daughter.

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 on Ista. Because if they had full faith in Ista then they would automatically feel that Baba is already doing what is best and there is no need to seek outside help from some other imaginary figure like Ganesh or any other god or goddess.

Those who fall in this category are lacking something in their sadhana. Whether one (a) appeals to the Semitic faiths, (b) prays to nature, or (c) any other kind of ritualistic worship, if one surrenders to something other than Parama Purusa Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, then one is deficient on the point of Ista. Keeping photos of other so-called gods and goddesses on the puja table or in the house, singing Prabhat Samgiita to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna during one's own spiritual practices, or honouring other deities in any way undermines one's ability to observe non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Faith in Ista brings courage

When one is strict and has faith in Ista then they naturally have a strong sense of courage. They feel that Parama Purusa Baba is the all-powerful Supreme Entity and that there is no force stronger than He in this universe. This inner link with Him makes one courageous, brave, and ready to stand tall in all situations.

So if anyone is lacking in courage and exhibits cowardly behaviours, that is the degree to which they are not adhering to the point of Ista. As with all these matters, one's strictness and faith in Parama Purusa (Ista) exists along a continuum. It is not all or nothing. For example, if one has 90% faith in Ista they will have 90% courage; and if one has less faith in Ista - such as 30% - then they will have only 30% courage and 70% cowardliness. That is the way it manifests: It varies in degree according to the level of one's faith in Parama Purusa Baba (Ista). Moreover, without faith in Ista, one’s spiritual progress will be compromised.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

Point #10 of Sixteen Points, i.e. “non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista”, is one of the key aspects of spiritual life. Every sadhaka should be keenly aware of their own standing on this tenet. By employing the following four factors, everyone can evaluate their own commitment and standing regarding their own strictness and faith in Ista.

(a) Worshiping or relying upon multiple deities, i.e. not having singular, pointed bhakti for Parama Purusa Baba.
(b) Suffering from a lack of courage to follow dharmic principles.
(c) Taking shelter in some material, finite entity like money, not Parama Purusa.
(d) Giving credence to something functioning independently from Parama Purusa like fate (niyati) etc
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

If any sadhaka is susceptible or weak and gives value to any of the aforementioned factors, it means their strictness in Ista is not up to the proper standard. Remember, point #10 of Sixteen Points is the backbone of our sadhana.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Ananda

~ In-depth study ~

Examples why some lack courage in day to day life

(a) One sadhaka may be invited to a social party with their old friends or new associates etc. That sadhaka knows that there will be meat and alcohol etc at the party but they attend anyway because they do not have the courage to say, "Thank you, but I cannot attend." So they attend the party and compromise in all kinds of ways. In that case, we can say that sadhaka is lacking in strictness and faith in Ista. Firstly, because they do not have the requisite courage to kindly decline the invitation, and secondly because once on-site they failed to maintain a proper level of conduct.

(b) One sadhaka might return to their village and perform the dogmatic Hindu shraddha ceremony for their deceased great-grandfather just to please those local villagers. That margii does not have the strength of mind and requisite faith in Parama Purusa Baba (Ista) to stand on the Ananda Marga principles and state that, "We already performed the Ananda Marga shraddha ceremony for my respected great-grandfather." That person shudders to think how those villagers might respond. So he acquiesces to social pressure and performs their ritualistic death ceremony according to their local customs etc. Such a cowardly act is indicative of one who lacks faith in Ista.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

A related example might be the one who is called upon to attend a local shraddha ceremony (death ceremony) in his village and he is afraid to tell the organisers that he will not eat. Rather due to shyness and public pressure, that sadhaka violates Ananda Marga conduct rules and takes food at the shraddha ceremony. Such types of action reflects a lack of courage. And this stems from a lack of faith in Parama Purusa (Ista). And without strict faith in Ista, one’s spiritual progress will be hindered.

Without faith in Ista one cannot oppose wrongdoers

(c) Then there are some who see unideological activities going on in our Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha (AMPS) but they are scared to speak up and oppose those injustices for fear of losing their post and place. So instead of taking a dharmic stand and holding firm to the ideological fundamentals, those sadhakas compromise. Sadly, they accept those wrongdoings. Anyone acting in this way lacks faith and trust in Parama Purusa Baba.

(d) Then there are those margiis who disappeared during Emergency. In order to hide their identities and show they are not Ananda Margiis they began smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and eating onions and garlic. They literally ran from the battlefield when confronted by controversy and clash. And they did not return when Emergency was lifted either. By their lack of courage, anyone can understand that such persons had a low degree of faith in Parama Purusa Baba (Ista).
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(e) And verily there are so many other occasions where one might lack the courage to do the right thing, i.e. where one cannot stand up for their own principles or fight against injustice. All this speaks to a lack of strictness and faith in Parama Purusa Baba. Unfortunately, without faith in Ista, spiritual progress is not a possibility.


Strictness in Ista

Strictness in Ista, i.e. firm faith in the Divine Entity - brings tremendous strength and courage. Those lacking in this regard will not be able to uphold dharma in all circumstances.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "They will have to become dedicated to their Iśt́a; they will have to establish a relationship of exclusive devotion to Iśt́a. If there is not intense attachment to one’s Iśt́a in one’s heart, then one cannot do anything." (1)

References
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Parama Puruśa and His Creation

*        *        *

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 ==

I started calling You

"A'mi toma'y bhule kiser chale ka'l ka't'a'lum dhara'r buke..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2140)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, remaining forgetful about You, because of one excuse or another, I wasted my time on this earth and became completely captivated by one magical display: maya. And because of that, I did not hear the call of my Supreme Well-Wisher: Parama Purusa.

Baba, when those dark days descended in my life, nobody was there to give me hope; I was shelterless. It was only at that moment I started asking You to please come and protect me. In that very terrible situation, I started calling You, "Parama Purusa, please come, and rescue me! Prabhu, save me from this ghastly danger."

Earlier, when the proper opportune moment was there, I was intoxicated in the magical display of maya. In those days, I was in a deep slumber; I was not able to understand. So I did not call You until the situation became disastrous. Baba, even then, now I know in my heart that, “Parama Purusa, You belong to everyone, You belong to me." Please attract me, make me Your own, and remain with me always, in my pleasure and my pain - always.

Baba, I frivolously spent the long span of my life indulging in negative deeds, remaining oblivious of You. Keeping myself distant, I squandered my life away. But now, in the end, You have lovingly lifted me from the dust and gently placed me on Your divine lap. Baba, You are so gracious. You are love-personified…

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Our dances

Ananda Marga ideology states, "You know Lalita Ma'rmika dance used during Kiirtana is a purely spiritual dance, and Kaos'ikii is a psycho-spiritual dance - it starts on the psychic level and culminates on the spiritual level. And Ta'n'd'ava is physico-psycho-spiritual."

"In Lalita Ma'rmika, the position of the arms is above 90 degrees. This denotes that it is a Mudra' - in Sam'skrta it is called a 'Mudra'. This mudra' means, 'O Supreme Creator, Thou art mine and I am Yours. I am Thine'." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrrtam - 12, A Purely Personal Entity

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Ways to improve trade unions

Prout philosophy states, "The necessity of the trade union movement, to safeguard the interests of workers, cannot be denied. To guide this movement along the proper path, appropriate steps must be taken."

"Generally it is observed that trade union leaders do nothing to make workers conscious of their responsibilities in comparison to the extent to which they try to create in workers an awareness of their rights and demands. The best way to rectify this situation is to clearly accept the right of workers to participate in the management of industrial, trade and commercial enterprises. In this regard idealistic sermons or moral preaching will not bring positive results."

"Another great defect in the trade union movement is that its leadership does not always remain in the hands of true manual labourers or other workers. Political leaders with party interests tend to dominate trade unions. Their primary objective is to promote the selfish interests of the party, not the welfare of the workers." (1)

Reference

1. Problems of the Day, point #10

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Mighty task of saving the earth

Original 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.” (Ananda Vanii #27)

Note: Sadguru Baba has assigned a number to all His original and true Ananda Vaniis. In contrast, Fake Ananda Vaniis do not have any number. By this simple formula, one can easily recognise which is a true Ananda Vanii and which is fake. For the upcoming occasion of January 1st 2017, all Ananda Marga units should use one of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis, not a fake one. By this way, one will surely get His blessing.

Reference

1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Yajiṋa and Karmaphala

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Kiirtana: ideal tool for pracara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/09/story-kiirtan-non-sadhaka-real-unreal.html

Interwoven nature of society

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/05/terror-brutality-solution.html

Unique points on gurupujanam

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/03/if-sadhana-is-dull.html

Mango parable & meaning

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/05/story-eating-mango-3-more.html

Consoling grieving family

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/07/when-someone-dies-2.html

Diagnosing mental health

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/understanding-ghosts-1-who-should-be.html

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.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

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.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

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.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

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.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

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.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

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