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Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parenting. Show all posts

Thursday, June 11, 2026

Father’s Day? + 2 more

Baba
Father’s Day?

Note: This letter is only for those who have reverence for Sadguru Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji and try to follow His Ananda Marga ideology.

Namaskar,

Parents have a very big responsibility for their children. They have to care for the physical, mental, and spiritual development of their progeny and nourish them to grow in an all-round way - in three spheres. This is their parental duty. Devoid of this, the relation will not be treated as ideal. Especially for those parents who care only for the physical aspect, or only the physical and psychic development - and do not care about spiritual development of their progeny. Such parents cannot be looked upon as ideal guardians of their children.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Fragile, aged parents live frustrated, depressed life

Unfortunately, these days in materialistic countries some guardians and parents are not properly fulfilling their duty towards their progeny. In response, their progeny do not feel any obligation towards their parents or family. A percentage of the population falls in this category. So ultimately both progeny and parents reached a compromise. They decided that at least once in a year they will celebrate a particular day as Father's Day and a single day for Mother's Day etc. In this way their selfish interest became satisfied. Because one day is much easier than having to fulfill one’s duty on an ongoing, daily basis.

In an ideal society, it is the regular duty of the progeny to look after their parents; and, certainly, the parents are to look after their progeny. Now, however, some are obsessed with the self-centered philosophy of materialism. They have forgotten their respective roles - parents and their progeny. This is especially evident in materialistic countries. Children in their teenage years often leave the house to live elsewhere, and elderly parents are pushed away and neglected in their old age. Fragile parents are sent to retirement centers where they live a frustrated, depressed, and institutionalized existence. So on one side the children are suffering and on the other side the parents / elders are suffering.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

This self-centered philosophy or capitalistic bent of mind led to the birth of the Mother's Day / Father’s Day dogma and they feel satisfied: "Alright - one day will be Father's Day and one day will be Mother's Day. And then all my duties are over until next year."


Devious ploy of capitalists: dogma of Father's Day

Both "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day" were started by capitalists. Such capitalists want to sell their goods - for one or another reason. And they exploit the common people in a very indirect and cunning way. Businesses create the psychic hunger in the customer's mind that, "You need these products". Capitalists do this with even the most unnecessary items. In response, the innocent public feels that, "Yes it is very essential for me to have those things. I must purchase them." By this way, capitalists empty the pockets of the unassuming masses.

So the false holidays of Father's Day and Mother's Day are the capitalists' selfish inventions. The sole aim is for the common people to run out to the stores and buy more products - i.e. special commercially produced items to celebrate Mother's Day and Father's Day. Here is Baba's guideline from His Prout discourse about economy and psycho-economy:

Prout philosophy states, "Capitalists, in their singular or collective roles, exploit society through their gigantic propaganda machinery, and create unhealthy, artificial demands which not only poison the mind but encourage dangerous habits detrimental to psychic sanctity and expansion." (1)

This type of mentality is the cause of the invention of this relatively new dogma, Father's Day and Mother's Day. Because, in this way, capitalists get a huge benefit. And although it started in the western materialistic areas, now it is spreading step by step around the globe and the so-called third world countries strive to emulate so-called first-world states. So the disease of this capitalistic venture is being passed on to other places around the globe.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Ananda Marga: sacred duty towards parents

As Ananda Margiis we aim to live according to the tantric vision where motherhood and fatherhood are honoured and respected. This intimate relation is maintained every moment due to ongoing love, care, and commitment. Only those who have a lesser degree of love between parent and child can embrace the yearly Mother's Day and Father's Day programs. We are to stand true to His tantric system and fully embrace our roles as mother and father, and not get pulled into the degrading ocean of materialistic values, where Mother's Day and Father's Day reign.


Great responsibility

Keeping this ideal in the forefront of one's mind, no one will get frustrated reading this letter. The aim is not to go against anyone's sentiment, nor attack anyone emotionally. Rather, our goal as Ananda Margiis is to uphold the flag of tantra. In certain of our materialistic countries the annual "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day" celebrations are going on in regular fashion. This year, so-called Mother's Day was on Sunday, 10 May, and Father's Day will be held on Sunday, 21 June -- though this may vary from country to country.

At first glance, it may seem like "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day" are noble enterprises. But, upon further examination, we can see how they are the product of materialism / capitalism. So we should apply our vivek.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Every sadhaka has great responsibility toward their parents. According to Ananda Marga ideology, one’s duty towards their parents is quite clear. And the responsibility parents have for their children is of a similar nature. Ananda Marga has been given to build up one human society, and in that human society one healthy family is a key component. In that healthy family, all direct worldly relations should live together. That is one miniature form of society. In their happiness and sorrow, they will move collectively towards one goal - Parama Purusa. On that basis, Baba has made the aforementioned Caryacarya rule where every sadhaka has great responsibility toward their parents.


Conclusion

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Four kinds of debt are irredeemable – debt to father, debt to mother, debt to ácárya, and debt to guru (divine debt)....But however much service one renders, one will not redeem the four debts until Moks'a (salvation) is attained.” (2)

The central idea is that when something is not given importance on an everyday basis then a weekly, monthly, or yearly program is fixed. Just like everyday is not a holiday in government offices, so they take rest on Saturday and Sunday.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

But for things done on a regular or daily basis, then no special day is allotted for those engagements. Because they are performed day-in, day-out. In a similar way, those things which occur on a monthly basis are not also celebrated on a yearly basis. Rather, every month certain days are fixed. And for festivals that come once in a year then a yearly date is made. But service to mother and father is a regular daily affair.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Rainjita'
(Rachel Norwood)


~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The human body develops over the course of some months in the mother's womb. Then after birth it continues to develop up until approximately the age of thirty-nine (in tropical countries)." (3)


Special bond between mother & child

We should embrace the tantric ideal of motherhood and think of the great bond that develops between mother and child. Firstly, the mother advances through pregnancy and nurtures the baby as her own, while in the womb. During the 40-week pregnancy, a mother develops tremendous emotional attachment and love for the child. With childbirth, the mother takes on the maternal responsibility of caring for the helpless babe each and every moment. As the babe grows through childhood, the mother is there every step of the way offering love, help, support, and care.

Indeed, a mother has an inherent and innate bond with her child. She always does her best for the child's well-being. Mothers always sacrifice for their children. And the child in turn feels an unmatched closeness with its mother. That is why when a child is emotionally hurt, or confused, it is the mother he goes to for answers. The child has implicit trust and faith in its mother, and the mother has a deep emotional link for her child.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

A mother will do everything in her power to raise her child in the best possible way. No mother would ever neglect her child. Such is the bond. Even when the child has reached into young adulthood and a veritable adult, still the mother cares for and watches over her "child." Verily, there is a deeply intimate link between mother and child – and motherhood is honoured as one of the revered roles in life.

Baba did not call them mother

It is Baba's policy to never go against anyone's psychology, hence during His marriage blessings He would always speak to the newlywed couple in a particular manner. When the newly married husband and wife would come up onto the stage for His marriage blessing during DMC, then they would always offer a garland to Baba.

Baba would then give His blessing and return the garland back to the wife.

During this sweet and charming interaction, if the newlywed wife was Indian then Baba would address her as mother and say, "Take this mala mother and keep it with you...". In contrast, if the newlywed wife was not Indian then Baba would address her as “little girl” and say, "Take this mala little girl and keep it with you...".

Baba took this approach with thousands of newlyweds during hundreds of DMC's. Here the point is that Baba understood that some of the newly married wives from western countries etc, did not like to be called mother. So He called them "little girl". Actually, in materialistic places, even older women do not like to be called mother, while in those tantric cultures, even little girls are addressed as maa or mother.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Very often a doting father will take his little daughter on his lap and call her “mother”. But everyone knows that the child is his daughter, not his mother." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In the Vajraya'na Buddhist age, the idea first developed that the basic identity of a woman was neither “sister” nor “daughter” but “mother”. To support this concept, the Vajraya'na Buddhist Tantrics used to say that the person whom the newborn baby notices immediately after its birth is neither its sister, its wife nor its daughter, but its mother. So that on the wider canvas of this universe the identity of a woman, from first to last, was portrayed as a mother. She first appears as a young mother to a newborn and later when she attains maturity in life, she establishes her identity as the [grand] mother [of a large household]." (5)

Capitalists’ tool of psycho-economic exploitation

Psycho-economic exploitation is the latest form of dangerous and all-devouring capitalist exploitation. It is a special type of exploitation which first weakens and paralyses people psychologically in various ways, and then exploits them economically. Some of the methods of psycho-economic exploitation include, first, the suppression of the indigenous language and culture of local people; secondly, the extensive propagation of pseudo-culture, exemplified by pornographic literature which debases people’s mind and particularly undermines the vitality of the youth; thirdly, the imposition of numerous restrictions on women, forcing them to be economically dependent on men; fourthly, an unpsychological education system with frequent political interference by vested interests; fifthly, the negation of dharma in the name of secularism; sixthly, the balkanization of society into numerous castes and groups; seventhly, the damaging of society by the use of unnatural and harmful methods of birth control; and eighthly, placing the control of different mass media, such as newspapers, radio and television, in the hands of capitalists. Both intellectual exploitation and psycho-economic exploitation are great dangers to the human race today.” (6)

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 12, The Parts of the Economy
2. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #20
3. Shabda Cayanika - 5: Disc 30
4. Shabda Cayanika - 9, “Kaomára”
5. Shabda Cayanika - 9, “Kaomára”
6. A Few Problems Solved - 9, Capitalism in Three Spheres


*        *        *

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 ==

Your mercy
 
"Áj tomáy pelum, notun sáje mor mano májhe..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0886)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, by Your causeless grace, today I have gotten You in a new form of exquisite beauty - in a more loving way in Guru cakra. I have a more intimate relation now in dhya'na, and all the 24 hrs. It is Your krpa’. Earlier my mind was busy and involved in a variety of degenerating deeds - mostly negative actions. But now there are no such distractions. My mind is one-pointed and only ensconced in Your exquisite bhakti, by Your sweet will.

Baba, in the past I was treading upon a dirty zig-zag path, day and night, which was shrouded in pitch-black darkness, leading to hell. It was the path of indulgence and pseudo-culture. There was no hope or relief. My life was covered in the soot of charcoal, all the time. By the attraction of Your endless prema, I looked towards You. My Dearmost, my most loving One, by having a glance of You, the wheels of my chariot turned around and started heading on the path of dharma. In my dead river of bhakti, a flood has come. Now it is overflowing with a sparkling, sublime, current of fresh water of supreme love. Now my life has become refulgent. It is all due to Your mercy.

Baba, in those days before coming to the path of sadhana, all around me there was darkness and misery. There was coal-blackness, and after that there was even more murkiness. The whole atmosphere was pitch dark. And beyond that Cimmerian blackness there was extra thick soot leading to hell. This was the path of pseudo-culture and the underworld. My whole life was shrouded in depression. That very time, with great empathy, You came with Your beautiful brilliance. As far as I could see, everywhere it was full of refulgence. I feel the boundlessness of Your infinite and sweet presence. You have inundated my mind and soul with bliss. In whichever direction I look, everything is saturated with a’nandam. The atmosphere is filled with Your boundless compassion. You won over my mind and filled my life with Your eternal blessings. I feel Your special proximity in my heart. Baba, You have captivated me, stolen my mind, and filled my core with Your love - para’bhakti...


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Power of kiirtana 

Baba says, "In case of natural calamities like flood, famine, drought or epidemic, or man-made calamities, miseries and tortures - if kiirtana is chanted with maximum sincerity, it will bring direct relief in no time. " (1)

Reference
1. 16 May 1982 MGD Calcutta


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Medicine for current AMPS

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Today human beings, to whatever country they may belong, should, on the one side, propagate an anti-exploitation sentiment (exploitation does not mean exploitation in the economic sphere only, it includes all sorts of exploitation), and form strong nations in their respective countries; and, on the other side, preach the theory of one spiritual inheritance – that every living being is the child of the Supreme Entity, and that all the people of all nations belong to the same family. This will have to be explained to all, that there will be clash among different nations as long as national feelings exist. People may talk of disarmament, but military preparation will go on underground. And if people dedicate themselves to the welfare of the entire human race, their respective nations will also be benefited indirectly because their nations are not outside the universe! Along with the theory of spiritual inheritance, one Cosmic ideology will have to be propagated too, and that ideology is that one Supreme Entity – the Cosmic Entity – is the goal of all living beings. This spiritual sentiment will keep human beings united for all time to come. No other theory can save the human race.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 5, To The Patriots


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Sadvipra recipe

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "It is meaningless to impart diikśá under five years of age, since at this stage the nerve cells of a human child are undeveloped. Consequently, at age of five, there is no disposition or propensity for intricate types of spiritual practices. But, in absences of initiation of five years of age, there is apprehension of the child going astray. Verily, all the human vices are acquired during the age of five to fifteen years. The child has a great inclination to imitate. It hears abusive words and learns them. The robbers sons turn to be robbers only on account of environmental influence. For this reason, if the child be initiated on attaining five years of age, it can develop into a perfect human being – it will be a perfect man." (1)

Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Paiṋcama Parva)


== Section: Important Teaching ==

An issue for 7000 years

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The Sanskrit equivalent for marriage is viváha (vi – vah + ghaiṋ): it means, after the ceremony, the man and woman can no longer live as libertines or as irresponsible so-called family people. They have to discharge their full obligations as bharttá and kalatra, responsible husband and responsible wife.”

“Another Sanskrit equivalent for “woman” is nárii, which is feminine gender. But Shiva used the term kalatra, in the neuter; for to her husband a woman is a wife, but to her children and other members of the society, she is as dignified as her male counterpart. So by declaring a married lady to be kalatra, Shiva gave her special status, and addressed her in neuter terms.”

“The liberal meaning of the term viváha is “live one’s life in a new way with a special type of responsibility”. This is the underlying significance of the Shaeva system of marriage.”

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In His life, Shiva Himself married with this commitment. We can say without the least hesitation that Shiva was the first person in this world to marry in the proper sense of the term..” (1)

Note: That which was common 7000 years ago has now again come into vogue: That same disease has become prevalent today. A huge percentage of people around the globe are leading libertine life - especially in the materialistic areas. They produce children and neglect to take any responsibility. They do not like to be bound in conjugal relations and shoulder the responsibility of helping the child. The ones who suffer the most are the children and the mother. Often such children wind up in foster care - mentally and physically scarred. It is a serious crisis - watch out. Where capitalism is growing that disease will spread. Our duty is to propagate this teaching - if we bring even one libertine onto the path of responsibility then at least to some small degree the problem is solved. 

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 9


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Sunday, June 7, 2026

Raising children to be margiis + 4 more

Baba
Raising children to be margiis

Namaskar,

It is so important to bring our children onto the path of Ananda Marga and for them to become strong Ananda Margiis. Yet we all also know how challenging this is in this present era. This letter identifies some of those difficulties and presents nurturing ways to bring our young ones onto the spiritual path.

So the focus of this mailing is how our margii children can develop into strong, dedicated A'nanda Ma'rgiis. Whether one is an acarya or family person, an LFT or a margii parent, this is something we all certainly want to see: our margii children becoming strong sadhakas. However, in this grossly materialistic era, so many times our tender margii children drift away and get pulled into the murky waters of capitalism and materialism.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Fortify kids with deep understanding of AM way of life

While there are any number of factors that may contribute to this, perhaps first and foremost is that it is simply a numbers issue. Our margii children get lost in the vast sea of the degenerated public. Surrounded by the pull and allurement of pseudo-culture such as TIk Tok and other social media sites, Hollywood and Bollywood movies, as well as mundane newspapers and fashion magazines etc, margii children see that their parents are part of a tiny, minuscule minority, whereas the whole entire society is moving in this very enticing flow. This is the struggle they face.

Another factor that pulls children in that direction is that they often lack a philosophical base and deeper understanding of Ananda Marga practices. By the time a child becomes an adolescent, they should be fortified with proper logic and reasoning about our Ananda Marga way of life. They should be taught the how's and why's of their life practices. Whereas smaller children, i.e. those who have not yet entered puberty, should be taught through stories, fantasy, and imagination. Young children should be told great stories to indirectly teach them about dharma, and yama and niyama etc. They should not be allowed to read stories or books that depict a degrading theme. And to emphasize again, adolescents should be taught using logic and reasoning. Then they will less likely be swayed by others.

Unfortunately, oftentimes our children may not understand the deeper value of a sentient diet or the practical value of sadhana and spirituality. Without this philosophical conviction, they just think it is all dogma and they get swayed by the glitter of pseudo-philosophies. In that case, our children get confused and conclude that “it is not the society that is blind, rather it is my parents who are blind.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Special efforts to impart education to margii children

While we may not be able to change the overwhelming numbers of society immediately, we can directly affect the quality and degree of our children's internal understanding of Ananda Marga. This is a positive step we can make.

As far as possible we should give our children a margii education. This is the obvious solution, yet it stands as one that is not always available. The reasons are numerous: (a) margii schools may not be not nearby; (b) we margii parents do not have time to do this on our own; (c) as parents we generally have to work long hours; and (d) we are often struggling with more mundane parental issues. So in this present era, special efforts should be made to impart a margii education to our children.

A proper education is the pathway to bring youth into a particular way of life and social outlook. That is why the dogmatic religions put such a huge emphasis on developing their parochial schools to indoctrinate their children into their beliefs. They use schooling as a means to draw their children deeper into dogma.

In our Ananda Marga, we have a dharmic philosophy and way of life, but at present we do not have such a developed formal education system. In this intermediary period, there are some distinct steps we can take. And already around the globe there are margii parents and acaryas who are implementing excellent programs for our margii children, like the camps etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

Despite our best intentions and rigorous attempts, sometimes we find that as parents we get more concerned about the physical health and intellectual training of our children - and we forget about or overlook their spiritual growth. This can sometimes happen. But Baba does not appreciate this and in fact warns us that even animals impart that much education to their offspring. Those animals train their offspring how to survive in their animal society, but not more than that.

Similarly, we should not just ensure that our children can survive in this materialistic world. That is not enough. We should ensure that they grow spiritually as well. In this regard, we should not just resort to pressure and force children to sit in sadhana for x amount of minutes. That type of pressure and externally imposed discipline is not enough. Side by side, our children should be patiently given the logical and rational understanding and explanation about our Ananda Marga way of life. This should be done gently and in creative ways to stir their interest. Then when such an inner understanding is cultivated, they will surely move along the path of Ananda Marga.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Diipali

Why Margiis should reproduce more

Baba wants margiis to have many children, and if you do not have more than 4 - 5 children (both gender) you will not be considered for Family Ac training. Those margiis of good standard and strict in 16 Points should have many children as that way society will grow. And on the other side, thieves, swindlers, and degraded people and sick people should not have children. Those with only 1 - 2 children of the same gender will not be granted family acaryaships. In a 1990 discourse, Baba guides us that Parama Purusa is against family planning because many souls are waiting in queue for a human body so they can complete their journey and attain moksa, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~ 

Here are some of Baba's important teachings on education which we should contemplate and apply to the raising of all our children in the Marga.


Teach younger children through stories & imagination

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The child’s mind is filled with fanciful imagery, and so the sáhityikas will also have to spread their wings and soar in the sky of imagination. However, they cannot afford to indulge in intricacies and complexities during their visionary ascent. The thirst for the distant and the earnest zeal to know the unknown that abides in the child’s mind must be satisfied by drawing pictures of magical lands and relating colourful fairy tales. What is “real” or “natural” is not so important. What is more important is to carry the child’s mind along in the current of joy, and in the process to acquaint the child with the world in an easy and simple manner. The harshness of reality should not be portrayed – the child will not want to read about it or listen to it. “The prince of the mind with his wings outstretched in the azure sky, soars to the kingdom of the old witch beyond the worlds of the sun and the moon. He ties his Pegasus to the golden branches of the pearl tree and heads off in search of the sleeping princess in the silent, serene palace. He gets a tip as to where to find the magic wands of life and death, and rouses the princess from her centuries-old sleep. Then he finds out everything he can about the den where the demons sleep and sets off into the world to become a hero...” Picture after picture, colour after colour, must accompany the words; this is what the child’s mind craves.”
   “Among those who are a little older, that is, boys and girls in their early teens, farces and satires are quite successful. In these children can find ideals that are conducive to the formation of their characters. But for those who are comparatively young, simplicity will be the guiding principle in whatever is written. Overindulgence in wordplay, flowery language, figures of speech, or long, didactic preaching will turn children’s literature into trash." (1)


The special qualities needed of a teacher

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The first and most important factor is to select teachers carefully. Those who have the required academic qualifications do not have an automatic right to become teachers. Teachers must possess such qualities as strength of character, righteousness, sense of social service, unselfishness, an inspiring personality and leadership. They are the preceptors of society, and that is why it is not possible for everyone to do this job." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Another thing that flashes across my mind is the moral character and conduct of teachers. There are many teachers, who after discussing the abuses and evils of intoxicants in the class, indulge in smoking outside it immediately after the class is over. This sets a very bad example...This double faced behaviour will naturally cause indiscipline in the students' minds." (3)

So the whole point is that exemplary conduct is an integral aspect of education in Ananda Marga and teachers must be of proper character. And their conduct must also be proper; academic credentials alone is not enough. Teachers must have all sorts of superlative qualities otherwise they will be deemed unfit for the position.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Parents should be proper role-models

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The mental outlook of children has already been moulded in a particular fashion by the influence of their family environment before they start school. No matter what or how much they learn at school, it is extremely difficult for them to free themselves from the influence of their family. Drawing on what they have learned in the family, the immature minds of children begin to learn about the world and understand it, and to receive ideas and master language so that they can express those ideas. Unhesitatingly they adopt their elders’ way of looking at the world. Hence the primary responsibility for acquainting children with the world lies with their parents or guardians. Children will become assets of society in the future to the extent that their parents or guardians discharge their duties properly." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parents will have to take on most of the responsibility for the moral and spiritual education of the child. It should be the duty of society as a whole to ensure that the children of immoral and unrighteousness parents are brought up as virtuous citizens. If possible such children should be removed from the unwholesome environment of their parents." (5)

In various discourses, Baba warns parents not to perform bad deeds or unhealthy habits in front of their children. Best is for parents to rectify their behaviour in all respects. Where weakness remains such as drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes, then at least those parents should never do this in front of children. Then those kids will not be inclined to emulate that behaviour. This is a very important point in raising children.

Thus, as margiis, as mothers and fathers, as acaryas, and as sadhakas, it is our combined and collective responsibility to bring each and every child into a spiritually inspired and devotional way of living. All should come into our Ananda Marga society and become the pillars of the future humanity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The great importance of neo-humanistic primary education

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "For the purpose of training this turbulent mind, what should be done? We will have to educate the mind properly, along the lines of neohumanism. This neohumanist education will impart proper training to the mind. And at the same time there should be spiritual practice for proper psychic transformation. This is what we require most. There is no alternative." (6)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Education is a part of cultural life. Education should be free, and education must be based on universalism." (7)

Here is Baba's key guideline about the importance of early childhood education, i.e. inculcating the ideals of Ananda Marga to children at an early age.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "We must start primary schools throughout the entire world to create a spiritual urge amongst the little pupils. I am not in favour of starting colleges; I am in favour of starting primary schools. In the entire world we have got one degree college at Ananda Nagar and thousands of kindergarten schools. That is why it is desirable in the first phase to start many primary schools instead of colleges. Merely opening high schools and colleges without a proper system of education will not serve the purpose. Rather, thousands of kindergarten and primary schools must be started with this new system of education, to create a spiritual urge amongst children throughout the entire world." (8)

Children learn lying & obstinacy from their parents

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When the parents are about to go on a trip or go to a show, or when they are invited to a pleasant function or a social outing, the children may start whining or nattering to accompany them. At such times many parents tell lies without a qualm; somehow they dupe their children and leave. When the children realize what has happened, they also learn to tell lies; and to hide their intentions or their actions from their parents, they gradually start lying more and more."
   "Parents deceive their children in many ways. By calling sweet things bitter and pleasant things unpleasant, they prevent their children from enjoying them. But by disregarding parental injunctions and prying inquisitively, as is the wont of human nature, children discover the truth. Then they realize that their parents have been deceiving them. As a result they start deceiving not only their parents, but their friends and classmates as well. So it is abundantly clear that children are taught the first lessons in the arts of lying and deception by their own parents at home."
   "In a family it is natural that differences of opinion will arise among the adults; when they do, the adults should reconcile their differences considering each other's opinions. Unfortunately they often lack the requisite mental make-up to reach an amicable agreement – each tries to convince everybody else of his or her viewpoint without caring about the opinions of others. The result is an outburst of unreasonable obstinacy – the adults lose all self-control and behave in a gross and vulgar manner. The effect on the minds of the children is disastrous. Children thus learn obstinacy from their elders. If the mother or those with whom the children spend most of their time is obstinate, the neglected children will, in most cases, become noticeably obstinate, and they will have to carry this psychic ailment around with them for a long time. If, on the other hand, as is sometimes the case, the wishes and desires (if they are not unreasonable) of children are fulfilled, the children will not have the opportunity to learn obstinacy." (9)

Start ideating on Brahma at age 5

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Proper attention should be paid to the physical, psychic and spiritual development of small boys and girls. Just as they sit and study to develop their intellectual capabilities, they should also sit to do their spiritual practices with their parents. That is the way they will develop their spiritual practices. They should take diikśá [spiritual initiation] from an ácárya(á) [spiritual teacher] when they grow up. They should practice the lessons of sádhaná – japa, dhyána, ásana, práńáyáma, etc. – along with their regular academic lessons. All that is necessary for their trifarious development, and it must be perfectly balanced. One should remember that the absence of a proper balance will harm not only the individuals, but also the society as a whole." (10)

By starting early in life, we can bring all our margii children into the spiritual flow of Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "In our Ananda Marga the seed for a common ideal is sown from the very beginning of a child's life. At the age of five when children have acquired only a preliminary understanding of their surroundings, they are given the idea of Brahma or the Supreme Entity. The entire society of Ananda Marga is thus founded on a common ideal, the goal of becoming one with Brahma." (11)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
2. Human Society - 1, Education, p. 9, (‘87 Edition)
3. Human Society - 1, Education, p. 16-7, (‘87 Edition)
4. Human Society - 1, Education
5. Human Society - 1, Education
6. A Few Problems Solved Part 5, Education and Neohumanism
7. A Few Problems Solved - 7, 'Renaissance in All Strata of Life'
8. Discourses on Neohumanist Education: Prama - 4
9. Human Society - 1, Education
10. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 22, Táńd́ava and Kaośikii
11. Tattvika Praveshika, Social Psychology


*        *        *

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 ==

Everything revolves around Him

"Ánkhi mele ceye dekho, ajáná pathik eseche..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1550)

Purport:

O' human beings, behold, look, Parama Purusa the Aja'na' Pathik1, has come. With His sweet, charming smile and infinite grace, He is pouring His endless compassion and love unto all. He is showering everyone with His exquisite blessing. All are getting bathed in His prema. He is radiating tenderness and exuding His sweet smile. O' brothers and sisters, see, Baba, the Aja'na' Pathik has appeared and He is bestowing His causeless krpa upon all.

Due to His auspicious arrival and august presence, the darkness which was in the mind has vanished somewhere - to one far distant place. In the past, where there used to be blackness, one stream of effulgence has emerged and blossomed into the colour of one rose. By His brilliance, the dry mind has become buoyant and blissful. Baba, the Ajana Pathik is before us and has granted His infinite care.

Everyone is near and dear to Him. With His great mercy, everyone has a sacred place in His heart. Parama Purusa holds each and every being in His bosom. O' brothers and sisters, do not waste your time running after name and fame, money, prestige, or any other transitory allurement. Do not hasten after mundane longings. March unto the path of bliss, and fulfill your hopes and aspirations by reaching unto Him. Ajana Pathik Baba is here. Only He can quench your immense yearning with His boundless joy. O' sadhaka, your life and death - your coming and going - on this earth is dancing in His Cosmic rhythm. Everything is connected; everyone revolves around Him - nobody is alone. All are an inseparable part of Him. This is His grand liila and ultimately each person is sure to become one with Him, by His supreme countenance...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #1550

[1] Ajana Pathik: The term Aja'na' Pathik means 'The Divine Entity Parama Purusa Who moves around this entire universe, and resides everywhere and knows everything; irrespective of where one goes, He remains along with you'. That is one of His many unique attributions and that is the speciality of the name 'Ajana Pathik'. The name 'Ajana Pathik' denotes this special quality.

Literally, Aja'na' means 'unknown' and Pathik means 'traveler' or ‘tourist.’ But this is just the word by word, literal translation; and proper nouns are not meant to be translated. So we cannot call Him the ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist', or Unknown Vacationer', or 'Unknown Backpacker', or 'Unknown Visitor', or 'Unknown Globetrotter', or 'Unknown Daytripper', or 'Unknown Hitchhiker.’ The spirit and meaning is then lost.

The inner sense of the name Ajana Pathik is that Parama Purusa is always moving throughout this vast cosmos and He is constantly present with everyone, all the time. He is in the Cosmic Nucleus yet at the same time through His ota and prota yoga He is everywhere - carefully watching & lovingly guiding everyone. This unique aspect of His grand Personality is treated as Aja'na' Pathik. Because He is constantly traveling yet present everywhere. He is in the nucleus as well as throughout this entire universe.

As the Ajana Pathik, Parama Purusa Baba moves and moves and moves. In their spiritual approach, bhaktas feel that wherever they go the Aja'na' Pathik will always be there to shower His blessing. By His grace, bhaktas can always get His intimate company and companionship. With this mystical link, sadhakas understand that Parama Purusa is present everywhere, yet side by side He travels on and on throughout this entire cosmos. Thus He is Aja'na' Pathik.

Overall the name Aja'na' Pathik has one special and unique meaning that goes far beyond its literal translation. And in our hearts we A'nanda Ma'rgiis know and feel that Baba is that Aja'na' Pathik. Indeed in His discourses, in Dharma Samiiksa, and in reporting, in DMC, and in numerous ways Baba has shown this very fact that He is ever-present and always along with us. He is always moving and wherever we go then He will also be there. Parama Purusa has infinite attributions and one of them is this special quality where He always remains along with us wherever we are in this vast universe. In this way He is known as - Aja'na' Pathik. In the true sense, as the omnipresent Entity, He does not go anywhere because He is everywhere; but in a more literal manner He goes from place to place.

Those who use ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist’ in place of Aja'na' Pathik are naive and ignorant.


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Singular aim of life

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "So humans were created only to do sadhana and attain emancipation. Those who do not do sadhana for their mukti (emancipation) even though they were created for this purpose, go against the wishes of the Supreme Entity. They defeat the very purpose of the creation of human beings." (1) 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, What Is This World?


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Special recipe for longevity


Baba says, "Spiritual practice makes the mind calm and quiet, and maintains the nerves in a state of equipoise; and thus spiritual practice increases longevity. Those Vaishnavites who are vegetarians, who regularly sing spiritual songs, do meditation, perform virtuous deeds and think pure thoughts, live longer than ninety years." (1)

Note: By following the devotional cult of AM and abiding by general health rules every sadhaka is ensured a long and healthy life. That is Baba's guarantee.

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, p.113


== Section: Bangla Quote ==

আরও ৰেশী বিপদের মুখে তাকে ঠেলে দেৰ

“আর তৃতীয় জিনিসটা হচ্ছে কি ? না, সেবা | মনকে নির্মল করতে গেল, নিস্বার্থ ভাবে, সেবা করতেই হৰে | যারা মনে করেন যে---“মানুষের বিপদে, মানুষকে সেবা করৰ না | আরও ৰেশী           বিপদের মুখে তাকে ঠেলে দেৰ | বিপদের মধ্যে ঠেলে দিলে, সে মরিয়া হয়ে, আমার ঝণ্ডা হাতে নিয়ে, আমার পিছনে-পিছনে ছুটৰে |” তারা মানুষের শত্রু | কারণ ? তাদের আচরণ সেবা ধর্ম বিরোধী | মানুষকে কেন মরিয়া করে তুলৰ ? মানুষকে কেন বিপদে ফেলে তাকে মরিয়া করে তুলৰ, আমার ঝণ্ডা বহন করৰে জন্য ? কিছুতেই এটা করৰ না | তার সামান্যতম দুঃখ দেখলেও, ওটাকে সেবা করে, তার দুঃখ দূর অরে দৰ | এইটাই মানবধর্ম সম্মত জিনিস |” (1)

References
1. অপ্রকাশিত, 28-Nov-1970


== Section 4: Links ==

Labels:

Monday, May 11, 2026

Mother’s Day undermines motherhood + 3 more

Baba
Mother’s Day undermines motherhood

Note: This letter is only for those who have reverence for Sadguru Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji and try to follow His Ananda Marga ideology.

Namaskar,

Those of us born in materialistic communities should investigate this issue with an open mind. After all, we are Ananda Margiis and have no attachment to any particular local dogmatic custom. Ours is the way of tantra; and, that is our standard.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Four kinds of debt are irredeemable - debt to father, debt to mother...The only way to do service to one's mother after her death is to help every female member of the universe to progress on the path of highest development....The best service to Ma'rga Guru is to work according to His wishes. But however much service one renders, one will not redeem the four debts until Moks'a (salvation) is attained." (1)

So our social and spiritual responsibilities - i.e. the four irredeemable debts - should be satisfied and attended to on a regular, on-going basis. These debts demand our constant and regular attention. They are part and parcel of our daily life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Margiis: no annual God day

Some may think that having a yearly holiday to celebrate motherhood and fatherhood is quite respectful and proper. However, please consider the following. We Ananda Margiis do not have an annual 'God-day' celebration because for us every day is God's day. In our each and every action throughout the day, we cultivate the spiritual feeling that everything is done in the service to Gurudeva, to please Baba. This is our spiritual approach.

On the path of Ananda Marga, all the 24 hrs are involved in spiritual activities. When taking food, or sleeping, or bathing, or doing our work, everything is involved in Brahmahood. This is our regular and daily rhythm. That is why anyone involved in Ananda Marga sadhana will think it is odd to designate one day a year as God's day.

But in the various dogmatic religions like Islam, Christianity, Judaism, or Hinduism, etc, they all have different days for their worship. Sunday for Christians, Saturday for Jews, and Friday for Muslims. Likewise for Hindus (a) Tuesday is the day for Lord Hanuman (monkey god) and (b) Monday is the day for Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, the various goddesses also have different dates of celebration.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Daily duty vs annual day

The central idea is that when something is not given importance on an everyday basis then a weekly, monthly, or yearly program is fixed. Just like every day is not a holiday in government offices so they take rest on Saturday and Sunday. Or here, in our unit, a special dharmacakra with akhanda kiirtana does not happen every day, so a special gathering is planned on the 2nd Sunday of every month. That comes once in a month - not daily.

And there are some things we do on a yearly basis. For example, Ananda Purnima celebration is a birthday so it comes yearly. And similar is the case with the 1st Jan DMS; that program also comes annually. These are yearly events not meant to be practised every day.

But for things done on a regular or daily basis, then no special day is allotted for those occasions because they are performed day-in, day-out. For example, on our path of Ananda Marga, we do not have a '2nd lesson day' because everyday we practice that lesson. But we do have fasting days because we do not fast every day of the year - just certain days.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In a similar way, those things which occur on a monthly basis are also not celebrated on a yearly basis. Rather, every month a certain day is fixed. And festivals that come once in a year are given an annual date. In contrast, from the tantric purview, serving mother is a regular daily affair. In that case, what is the need to have an annual mother’s day?

View of motherhood in materialistic countries

One other contributing factor to honouring mother's day as just a single day each year is female sensuality. At present, most females are viewed as sex objects. In that case, females value their self-worth on their ability to attract and allure men. When they lose that look, they lose their self-worth. That is why some grown females prefer to be called sexy, baby, foxy, or doll, and not mother. Because all those former terms (sexy, baby, foxy, and doll) speak to one's sexual appeal whereas motherhood does not.

Tragically, for this reason, some females in the west do not like to be known as mother on a regular basis. They think that is negative - in that case, once a year is sufficient. All the other days they prefer to be judged on their sex appeal and sensual qualities.

In our materialistic societies, the tantric ideal of motherhood is not often embraced by the general populace - rather it is usually overlooked entirely. In those materialistic nations, females are victims of the capitalist mindset. They are too engrossed in their own sensuality. And, in many cases, that detracts from their ability to serve as mother. Knowingly or unknowingly, they would rather be seen as sexy or alluring. The dominant male has imposed this debased notion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For this reason, many females in the west do not breastfeed, nor do they sleep with their children, nor do they have time during the day to be with their children. Mostly those mothers drop off their children at daycare. And then in the nighttime they put their toddlers in their own separate bedroom while the mother sleeps alone with her spouse. As soon as the baby is old enough, that child is placed in its own room away from the parents.

In this busy cycle, even when they have the opportunity to keep the child close, some instead opt to put the baby in a basket, stroller, or carrier, which creates physical separation between themselves and the baby. Psychologists and medical professionals have found there to be a gap in the emotional development of those children who are deprived of the touch of their mother. If children do not have physical contact with their parents - or if that contact is minimal - then that hinders their emotional cum psychological development.

Materialism is to blame

As stated, some in our western, materialistic communities are not eager to breastfeed. Some certainly do - but in comparison to the general populace it is rare. Most prefer to bottle feed etc. And those who do choose to breastfeed then they will usually only do that if they are home, and not when they are out in public or in the store etc, but again there are always exceptions. All these are instances of females compromising their motherly status.

Here, the point rings true that only those societies and communities which do not eagerly embrace the meaning of motherhood are anxious to celebrate mother's day once a year. They can then give lip service to motherhood that day with roses and sweet words and then forget about motherhood the other 364 days. Some children and parents follow this pattern in the west because they do not have a deeply loving link with one another. This is the sad reality and trend in materialistic communities.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Please understand that neither am I blaming the mothers nor am I blaming the children. Just the simple fact stands that materialism drove them in this direction. It is not a question of east or west, but a function of materialism. That is why most or all Ananda Margiis are less affected; because we adhere to Baba's tantric code. The greater overall issue is that if anyone wishes to pass judgment or extend blame, let that blame not be extended to any mother or child per se, but on that trend of thought that coloured their mind in that way: materialism.

Why some think one day is enough

Keeping this in mind, let's apply these principles to mother's day and father's day.

In certain materialistic nations, where the relation between some mothers and their progeny can be quite dry, a few citizens readily embrace the idea of mother's day. Then the idea of having one day a year to pay special attention to one's mother is enough. After that, they are free to be indifferent about their mother or father the other 364 days. This happens in certain select cases. There are always exceptions. Whereas those who carry love for their mother in their heart daily will think it odd to designate just one day a year to honour their mother.

Or let's look at it this way. Suppose one is infatuated with a member of the opposite sex, then do you think one will like to honour and see that person just once a year. Probably not, those sensually involved couples like to be together always. And they will think it weird, heartless, or even maddening to be limited to a single day to be with their partner. Yet that is what they have done with mother's day and father's day.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here, the point is that those who appreciate doing something once a year do not have the same love and attachment as those who are regularly involved on a daily basis in that endeavour. When the relation is sour then people feel that observing it just once a year is enough, such as with those who observe mother's day or father's day.

As materialism gains momentum across India, females there too may fall prey to this negative mindset of wishing to be valued for their sensual allurement, not their motherly status.

Ideal in AM: females honoured as mother

In Ananda Marga, our view is the exact opposite. We follow the tantric system where motherhood is embraced, and females are honoured as mother and one has a debt to their mother. And that is why Ananda Margiis do not fall prey to the pseudo-culture holiday of mother's day once in a year.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya guides us, “Four kinds of debt are irredeemable – debt to father, debt to mother, debt to Aca’rya, and debt to Guru (Divine debt). (a) The only way to do service to one’s father after his death is to help every male member of the universe to progress on the path of highest development. (b) The only way to do service to one’s mother after her death is to help every female member of the universe to progress on the path of highest development. (c) The best service to the Aca’rya is to work for the comfort and benefit of one’s Aca’rya and his family. (d) The best service to Ma’rga Guru is to work according to His wishes. But however much service one renders, one will not redeem the four debts until Moks’a (Salvation) is attained.” (2)

So, in all the above cases, our social and spiritual responsibilities or debts must be satisfied and attended to on a regular, on-going basis. The point being that these four debts deserve our constant and regular attention. They are part and parcel of our daily life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

In our Ananda Marga, we do not give any credence to the pseudo-culture occasion of mother’s day as it contravenes our tantric view of motherhood and goes against our spiritual approach. 

Namaskar,
In Him,
Rainjita'
(Rachel Norwood)

Hypocrisy of Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day was created and quickly adopted by capitalists in the west to sell more goods. Mother’s Day is another way to hide the hypocrisy of so-called civilised people. Instead of truly serving their mother, they celebrate this bogus holiday. This is all done to show their greatness of how “civilised” and “refined” they are. But internally they are hollow and do not have any sympathetic feeling or service mentality in their mind. This is the era of superficiality and hypocrisy. Mother's Day is one addition to that list. This year in the US, the pseudo-culture event of mother’s day was held on Sunday, 10 May 2026. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #20
2. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #20


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Who is to blame

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Without His wish, not even a leaf of a tree, nor even a blade of grass can move." (1)

Parama Purusa oversees everything and all have their role to play - no one can do anything without His approval. He oversees everything. Then how is it that things can go awry? How can "bad" things happen?

One way to understand this is via the analogy of any government when led by an ideal president. Ultimately, the president of any country is responsible for every action of every government office spanning millions of employees. Some may then accuse and blame that ideal president for the wrong and harmful decisions taken by various employees, such as the lowest level clerk taking a bribe in the village. If one thinks more rationally, we can say that there is a system when the president oversees everyone, and he wants for all to follow the rules and regulations. But certainly it has to be recognised that every governmental employee is responsible for their own dealing. The president is not the cause or reason behind an employee’s wrongful action.

The creation is the thought projection of Parama Purusa; everything exists in His mind. Whatever He thinks, that happens. But, at the same time, He has given human beings a limited degree of freedom to choose between right and wrong, to follow dos and don'ts. If human beings go against the codes of universal rules and laws given by Parama Purusa they get punished. Whereas if they follow those codes they get rewarded. So if any human being does something wrong they will be held accountable and punished for that wrongdoing. This is the way this creation works. Prakrti manages this formula of reward and punishment as per the system given by Parama Purusa. 

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Do Virtuous Deeds Day and Night – 2


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How dhyana is unique

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, “Question: If the medicine or mother tincture required for homoeopathic medicine is prepared in a sentient environment which contains positive microvita, will the medicine prepared from that medium or mother tincture have more effect than ordinary medicine available in the market?”

“Answer: There is no doubt that the medicine prepared in a sentient environment by sentient people, from a medium or mother tincture which is also prepared in a sentient environment, will attract more positive microvita than ordinary medicines, so it will have a much greater effect in curing a patient.”

“If a person contracts a disease caused by negative microvita before initiation and does dhyána sincerely after initiation, the disease will not spread but be contained. However, for different types of diseases one has to follow different food restrictions and practice dhyána at specific times.”

“If a person contracts a disease caused by negative microvita after initiation, does dhyána perfectly and follows certain food restrictions, the disease will be completely cured. Dhyána attracts many positive microvita. Negative microvita can only be controlled by positive microvita. The positive microvita eat the negative microvita and this is the reason why the disease is cured. For example, if a person is suffering from jaundice, a disease caused by negative microvita, and if dhyána is practised perfectly, the disease will be cured very quickly. In the case of cancer, say stomach cancer, certain food restrictions will have to be strictly followed. When pain starts in the stomach one should sit for dhyána, but just prior to this one should take some juice from a sweet tasting, not a sour tasting fruit. After performing dhyána, one should take another drink which is different from the first drink. The patient should also avoid any food which causes gas in the stomach, such as pappad, cauliflower, cabbage, turnip, etc.” (1)

Reference:
1. Microvita in a Nutshell, Questions and Answers on Microvita – Excerpt C


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Main ethic of AM
 
Baba says in an older edition of Caryacarya that Ananda Marga is the path of human beings. The greatest excellence of this Marga is that, after knowing the needs of human beings and understanding their feeling, this "marg" (path) has been propounded. About this, that is the most significant thing. That's all. (1)
 
Note 1: The above is an English summary of Baba's own handwritten Bengali guideline.
 
Note 2: Baba’s above teaching is present in many old editions of the Bengali, Hindi, and English versions of Caryacarya - II.
 
Note 3: In contrast, the various religions are based on a selfish outlook whereby they infuse dogma and exploit followers and the common people.
 
Note 4: If someone is not aware of some of the rules of our Ananda Marga such as why a particular rule has been formulated then the answer is embedded in seed form in Sadguru Baba’s above guideline. For example, suppose someone does not know why we always wear our pratik on the body 24 hrs per day, or why we repeat Guru puja and samgacchadhvam 3 times and not 2 or 4, the answers of these types of questions are also hidden in the above guideline.
 
Note 5: In our Ananda Marga nothing is dogmatic, but nowadays a few people are trying hard to establish or implement various dogmas such as: (a)  PP is an angel, (b) so-called mahaprayan, (c) Fake Ananda Vaniis, (d) fake holy lands, (e) tiirthas etc, and other types of things which do not have any logic to stand upon.
 
Reference
1. English Summary of Caryacarya - 2 (Bangla), just after copyright page


== Section 3: Links ==





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