Sadhakas be wary + 4 more

Baba

Sadhakas be wary

Namaskar,

We have all come onto the tantric path of Ananda Marga - the path of pure spirituality. It is His grace.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Vaedikii diiks'a' is to request God, request the Lord, to show one the right path. And after a long time, when the Lord is satisfied, He arranges for Ta'ntrikii diiks'a'. Ananda Marga diiks'a' is Ta'ntrikii diiks'a'." (1)

So ours is the fast path where the Guru is Brahma Himself and where every sadhaka's progress is rapid. One life is all it takes to get moks'a (salvation).
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ours is rocket speed

As we are moving very quickly towards our final destination - i.e. onto Baba's divine lap in this very lifetime - we must take proper care along the way.

For instance, if one is walking slowly down the sidewalk in a quiet town on a sunny day then there is not much danger involved. Because one's speed is quite slow. But if one is aboard a rocket that is blasting off into outer space, then there is the potential for grave danger. Because one's speed is quite fast.

Likewise, those involved in material life are just revolving far around the Cosmic Hub, similar to a person slowly moseying down the street. Hence, they are not exposed to many dangers (i.e. allurements etc). Whereas as sadhakas of the tantric path of Ananda Marga we are making a straight line to the Cosmic epicenter. Our speed is super fast - like that rocket. In that case, every allurement and obstacle under the sun will come our way.


Beware: degeneration can come

Given our great speed, we must be extremely careful. We are burning all kinds of samskaras very, very rapidly. We are leaving behind the old ways of past animal lives, embracing the ideas of neo-humanism, and striving to lead life divine. Along the way, so many problems, difficulties, temptations, and obstacles confront us. Nearly each and every day brings a new hurdle.
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We may be lured by greed, tempted by sensuality, or hanker for prestige, fame, and occult powers - so many things may befall us, i.e. the sa'dripus (six enemies: physical pleasure, anger, avarice, vanity, blind attachment, envy) and the as't'apasha (eight fetters: hatred, doubt, fear, shyness, dissemblance, vanity of lineage, cultural superiority, and ego), and we also may fall prey to all kinds of negative microvita.

And indeed we see such things happening every day - it is a very real reality:

• Some stray from the path to pursue material wealth;
  
• Some get caught up in nonsense behaviour and leave;
  
• Some join a particular group due to their pride of cultural legacy or lust of power;

Others think they are so great and then leave to start something else. And still others think that their sadhana is very high and therefore they are above so-called normal people. Sadhakas with this kind of superiority complex can never enter the kingdom of Parama Purusa while living on this earth. Thus, there are a whole slew of difficulties that may befall us.

The tricks of Maha’ Ma’ya’

Why do all these difficulties arise? Because our minds are focused and moving ahead quickly so we face an endless barrage of allurements as avidya maya does not want to let us go. She (Maha Maya) likes that we should remain in her bondage. Whereas if we become liberated and attain salvation, then she must be our obedient servant. Thus, she is using all her tricks to keep us in bondage. Whereas those who are leading ordinary mundane life are already keeping themselves in bondage. Thus Maha Maya focuses more of her energy on us as we are moving quickly out of her grasp.
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So if we are not careful those things -- the gross temptations of avidya maya etc - can catch hold of us and bring about our degeneration.

Here the point is not that we should suddenly become scared and leave the path and take shelter in materialism and animal life so as to slow down our speed. That is not the point and doing like that will only invite a whole new slew of problems.

We should advance at our rapid pace but at the same time we should be acutely aware of the dangers that might drag us down. We should be aware of those temptations and know how to combat them as well. And the best way to overcome any obstacle is to surrender to Parama Purusa and desire to please only Him, and not harbor any personal desires. For this, we must ask His grace.

Negative microvita: so many problems

Failing to surrender to Parama Purusa means inviting so many problems as sadhakas. Without His shelter, there are so many types of negative microvita that can allure us.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Kinnara microvita is that category of microvita which creates a thirst for beauty – a strong desire for beautification and decoration. The word kinnara means “receptacle of beauty” or “a beautiful and graceful structure”. This category of microvita creates a tendency in the human mind to make the human body as beautiful as the many forms and figures it observes in the external world. This tendency or propensity is called “kinnari vrtti”. If the kinnaras direct the mind towards crude matter instead of leading it towards the subtler layers, they are considered to be enemy microvita or negative microvita." (2)

So we should always be aware what we desire in life. If we desire the wrong thing such as physical beauty and charm, we may become negative microvita itself. Same is the case if we chase after fame and fortune or so many other worldly things. Negative microvita will swallow us.
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Ananda Marga philosophy says, "There is yet another category of microvita whose collective name is called “videhaliina microvita”. These microvita cause the human mind to rush from one place to another, and finally lead it away from Parama Purus'a. They keep the human mind oblivious to the supreme purpose of life. Due to their inner thirst for material gain, they force the human mind to go around in circles, like bullocks trudging endlessly around an oil mill. They make the human mind restless, and by misdirecting it, throw it into utter confusion." (3)

Along with the sa'dripus and as't'apasha', we must keep all kinds of negative microvita at arms length.

Even happens to good sadhakas

Perhaps the most dangerous thing is to think that, 'I can never fall - it will never happen to me.' After all, people always thinking that this can't happen to me.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Suppose a person is practising spiritual sa'dhana' regularly, properly, and with proper inspiration and sincerity, but some other desires, some other longings, remain coverted in the person’s mind. The person is a good person, he or she is sincerely doing sa'dhana', but in his mind he thinks, "If Ba'ba' gives me ten lakhs – or five lakhs – or only two lakhs – everything will be managed properly. Oh, no! I won’t ask for these things. No, no, no, it is bad, it is bad." That desire, that longing for money, remains in him [consistently over the duration of his life], although he is a developed soul, not a bad person, not at all a bad person. So what happens? Because of his piety, after death he gives up the physical structure, the solid body, and gives up the aquatic structure, that is, apatattva, also; but the other three factors – tejas [luminous factor], marut [aerial factor], vyoma [ethereal factor] – remain with him, with his detached mind." (4)

In that case, a person becomes negative microvita instead of attaining Parama Purusa. Here is yet another example.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "“I am a good sa'dhaka, but haven’t any occult power. I can’t dance properly, I can’t sing properly, my vocal cord doesn’t function well. I require more attributions, more qualifications – and if I get more qualifications I will get a promotion in the service also. Oh, no, no, no. These are all bad things. These are all bad desires. A person should not have any desires [or crude longings their whole life].” When such a person dies, they also get that type of body, luminous, gaseous and ethereal. These three bhu'tas are there. These people are called vidya'dhara." (5)

If a sadhaka regularly and constantly desires worldly gains their whole life then in the due course that misguided aspirant becomes negative microvita instead of attaining Parama Purusa.

Occult powers

Here is yet another problem that can pull us down off the path.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "If one gains occult power, one may do so many things. In the third stage of sa'dhana', a sa'dhaka gets some occult power. And after getting the occult power, suppose that he becomes engaged with that occult power, he wants to display that occult power. What will happen? He will fall down. He will be nowhere. He will not remain a sa'dhaka. So in that stage, in the third stage, one will have to be very, very cautious. And even with those occult powers [one should say], “I want Parama Purus'a, not the occult powers.” Do you follow?" (6)

The attainment of occult powers is not some far-off fantasy. Here above Baba Himself says that occult WILL appear on the doorstep of every sadhaka. It is an inevitability, but we are to pass them by and not pay heed to such allurements. We must focus on our goal of pleasing Parama Purusa and surrendering to His sweet will.
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Unfortunately, many get lured in this crude direction of occult powers. They want to be able to do things that will catch the attention, praise, respect, and awe of others. It is common. In the material sphere, one may buy a sports car or become a half-naked super model, and in the realm of spirituality one may become a slave of occult powers. That is how they satisfy their strong urge to command the attention and respect of others. In that case, all their hard-earned spiritual attainment becomes lost as one will never ever get close to Parama Purusa.

Mind attracted to animal life

One of the main things we have to remember is that every human has emerged from animal life. That is part and parcel of the cycle of brahmacakra. So the ways of animal life are well known to us. And in general, people march towards things that they are familiar with - not toward new things. Spirituality is new to humans; we have not been there before. So it take a lot of effort to move in that direction. In contrast, the allurement toward carnal pleasures is well known to us and easily gotten. In that case, if we are not careful, at any moment one can fall in that direction: Sex, greed, crude food, excess sleep, etc, etc.

Conclusion

By Baba's grace, we have all come onto the path of life divine and are moving ahead quickly. We should be aware of the obstacles - hence the above letter - and be proactive to remain on the true path. Let us fill our lives with His teachings, song, dance, and sadhana. The more we think and involve the mind with Him, the less we are prone to fall into problem.

There is no need to be scared of negative microvita or avidya maya. Just, we should be aware and honest with ourselves about the direction in which we are moving. Then, by His grace and with His practices, we are sure to be successful in this very life and attain Him.
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Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "You will never attain Him through your erudition, intellect, valour, or vanity. You are to attain Him through constant ideation, sweet devotional sentiment, and intense spiritual longing." (7)

In Him,
Satyadeva

References
1. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 3, Sadguruḿ Taḿ Namámi
2. Microvitum in a Nutshell, Crude and Subtle Microvita
3. Microvitum in a Nutshell, Crude and Subtle Microvita
4. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 3, Ghosts and Evil Spirits
5. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 3, Ghosts and Evil Spirits
6. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 30, Occult Powers or Parama Puruśa?
7. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 7, Form and Formless

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

A part of You

Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.

"Jaŕiye áchi dekho prabhu, mahámáyár jále, tumi, e kii karile..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0855)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, I am bound by the serpentine noose of Your mahamaya. See what You have done to me. Please look at me. What type of liila are You playing? I am shackled by greed, vanity, and ego etc. Now tell me, in what way should I fight back against this cosmic maya. How will one ordinary human being encounter the tidal waves of Your avidya maya, which is insurmountable by any ordinary person. Please tell me.

Baba, I am a small particle of Yours; my existence is very little and meagre. And You are vast, infinite, and ever-new. Behind the curtain, invisible to anybody, You go on playing Your ever-unfolding liila. Now look what You have done to me: I am bound by the noose of Your mahamaya. Baba, when a wee-bit of Your grace shall shower on me, then only my ocean of bad or good samskara can be crossed. Then, my entire being will shine in Your divine refulgence with the exuberance of victory. Without Your grace, I will not be able to cross this sea of my reactive momenta. So, please shower Your causeless krpa.

Baba, my Parama Purusa, I want neither money, nor wealth, nor power and position, nor mundane pleasure, nor any worldly things from You. Those things are transitory and fleeting. Today they are, and tomorrow they will no longer remain. Only I want to see Your blissful face, with that sweet and attractive charm. Baba, after ignoring all my demerits, blunders, and mistakes, please come close to me with a sweet smile and make my life successful.

Baba, I am bound by the noose of mahamaya. Without Your mercy, I cannot be emancipated...


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0855:

[1] What is Máhámáyá: 

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Máhámáyá. The Máyá, with the help of which the Lord has expressed Himself in the form of this world, the Lord has created this world of diversities, is called Máhámáyá. Externally Máhámáyá, and internally you also can create the reflections of this external world. Externally you have seen something relishing, internally in your mind you will create it. Externally you came in contact with Rasagolla and internally you will also create the Rasagolla and where is that Rasagolla internally? Externally you have seen a Rájá, internally you yourself become a Ŕajá and enjoy that position. Internally you do like this. Certainly, so this internal reflection of the Máhámáyámic externality is done by you. Do you follow? This internal creation of yours is a reflection of the external world, as an external projection of this external physicality is done by your Máyá and that individual Máyá of yours is called Ańumáyá. So you see that Máyá in a particular phase is Viśńumáyá. In another phase Yogamáyá, in another phase Máhámáyá.” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha -18, The Stance of Salvation and How to Attain It

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Benefit of 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 ==

Animals keenly forecast natural disasters

Ananda Marga ideology says, "A crow has a natural premonitive instinct regarding storms. An owl and to some extent a dog can sense beforehand the possible occurrence of an earthquake or some other unforeseen natural calamity of great magnitude. Such power of apprehending phenomenal vibrations exists not in ten or twenty but in innumerable species of birds.  Such a power is indeed of paramount necessity in their rigorous struggle for survival.  Such a power did exist, too, to some extent, among the prehistoric people.  But today, in this age of so-called civilization, human beings, having become extremely ease-loving, have lost that power through misuse and lack of necessity; just as their tails, their ability to move their ears and their capacity to hold things with their feet have disappeared.  Now the hairiness of their bodies and the strength of their teeth and nails are also becoming extinct. The greater the pre-occupation of creatures with the struggle for existence, the necessarily greater must be their power of premonition or prescience of impending danger, or else their existence will be effaced from the surface of the earth -- this is the law of nature." (1)

Note: People often think that animals are lowly and neglected beings but that is not true. As Baba points out above, animals are far more aware about naturally occurring phenomena than human beings. On this point animals are highly instinctual and are always surveying the scene. They can forecast and predict a wide array of storms and natural calamities - and save themselves from impending disasters.

In the above quote Baba indicates how humans also used to have such abilities, but now with the onset of modernity and a comfort-oriented lifestyle, humans have lost this skill. So now people are entirely dependent upon science to forecast the weather etc. But as developed as science is, scientists (meteorologists and seismologists) are still in the dark about earthquakes. They are unable to predict when and where an earthquake might occur; whereas various animals like dogs and owls have this unique innate gift.

That's why when earthquakes occur in various regions, it is reported how street dogs and other animals were behaving abnormally beforehand. They were restless, walking around whimpering, and running out of the buildings or caves. The dogs knew about the impending disaster that was about to strike. Often zoos also report how so many of the animals cry out several minutes before the first tremors of an earthquake are felt. So they run out of the their shelters, buildings or caves.

In contrast, modern scientists generally do not have any idea that an earthquake is about to occur. But dogs know. And those people who understood why the dogs and other animals were upset were able to help themselves and others also. At the same time, those dogs living with human dogs are losing that ability.

So in future, we should rely upon animals to guide us about when and where natural disasters will strike. While dogs can often detect impending earthquakes, crows can sense cyclones. Similarly there are numerous animals that are acutely aware about impending storms and natural disasters. And by that way they are able to save themselves.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Solution to flickering mind

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

About Baba's mango grove story

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

Proper outlook: not here for long

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

Ista: eternal shelter

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/05/backbone-of-spiritual-life-4-more.html

Info for youths: their changing bodies

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-one-must-know-before-puberty-part-1.html

Baba's indirect teaching

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/reflection-on-how-why-baba-taught-in-so.html

For all sadhakas: the gunas + 4 more

Baba

For all sadhakas: the gunas

Namaskar,

When you feel inspired to do more sadhana and be more vigilant in 16 Points then in that phase you are more dominated by sattvaguńa; and, if you feel lethargic to do asanas but eventually do them in a halfway sort of manner, then you are more dominated by rajoguńa; and, if you feel a complete lack of interest in spiritual life and are instead attracted to mundane and sensual pleasures, then you are more dominated by tamoguńa. If most of the time you are dominated by sattvaguńa then you are a sattvaguńii.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

How guńas affect a person's life choices

Ananda Marga ideology says, "A sattvaguńii person always finds sattvaguńa in everything. Similarly, a rajoguńii finds rajoguńah, and a tamoguńii finds tamoguńa. On visiting Káshi a righteous person [sattvaguńii] shall associate with the sages and saints on the bank of the Ganges and will find Káshi to be the most sacred place. A tourist [rajoguńii] will go round the city and find it a city like all others, while a cheat [tamoguńii] will find this city a proper place for his operations. The same city is visualised in three different ways by three persons according to their respective temperaments." (1)

Thus, sattvaguńa will lead one along the path to the Divine; tamoguńa pushes one along the path of severe degradation; and rajoguńa is more of a neutral enterprise, neither high nor low.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "With the help of prakrti’s sattvaguńa, the aspirant can gain access into the universal, imperishable consciousness. When his mind merges in universal mind, this state is called “savikalpa samádhi”. According to natural principles, if the aspirant takes something limited and perishable as the object of his attainment and adopts it as the goal of their life, they unconsciously proceed toward tamoguńa – toward crudeness, and eventually towards animality. Tamoguńa alone is crudeness, and rajoguńa can be called dynamism, and sattvaguńa the harmonious enlightenment." (2)

So, there are three guńas, i.e. binding principles governed by prakrti; and all three guńas are present within each and every human being - and every entity of this cosmos - but to varying degrees. Accordingly, they influence the mind of each and every sadhaka in various ways. And the aforementioned teachings provide a background about the nature of the three guńas and how they affect human thought and action.
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Which guńa is dominating you?

As noted, everything in this universe is bound by all three guńas, yet one is usually more dominant than the other two. For instance, if a normal person one day wakes up with the ardent desire to learn meditation, then it can be said they are now dominated by sattvaguńa. And if after some months or years on the path, they get tempted by alcohol and plunge themselves into a drunken stupor, then it means they regressed and became dominated by tamoguńa.

Not all examples are quite so stark; this whole process exists along a continuum and you may recognise in your own life when you feel more dominated by the sentient principle (sattvaguńa), and when more dominated by the mutative principle (rajoguńa), and when more dominated by the static principle (tamoguńa).

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "All the three attributes operate together in everything, although in varying proportions. Those things where sattvaguńa predominates are called “sattvika”, those where rajoguńa dominates are called “rájasika”, and those where tamoguńa is dominant are called “támasika”." (3)

But whatever may be, ultimately these three guńas are all binding principles operated by prakrti - the cosmic operative principle. They have their own limitations. These guńas themselves cannot liberate you from bondage. They cannot grant you mukti or moksa, not even sattvaguńa. And they can't bring you to the abode of Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

To best illustrate this in a clear manner, Baba has recounted the story of the three thieves in various discourses. Here below is a summary of Baba's story.


Story of the thieves

Once a general citizen, i.e. an ordinary man, lost his way and found himself crossing a deep, dark, forested jungle. While meandering through the jungle - lost and confused, the man was accosted by three thieves - Mr. Tamoguńa, Mr. Rajoguńa, and Mr. Sattvaguńa.

The thief named Mr. Tamoguńa wanted to kill the man and steal everything he had. And verily Tamoguńa was about to murder him when the thief named Mr. Rajoguńa intervened. Mr. Rajoguńa was not in favour of killing the person; instead, Mr. Rajoguńa merely wanted to tie him up and rob him. Mr. Sattvaguńa remained quiet and watched.

Mr. Tamoguńa and Mr. Rajoguńa then harassed and tied up the traveler, and then all three thieves went hunting in the jungle. While the other two thieves were still out hunting, the thief named Mr. Sattvaguńa returned to the scene of the crime. With much remorse he looked at that helpless man and said, "Oh dear, you are in terrible trouble. I am so sorry. I wanted to help you earlier, but with those other two guys around I could not intervene. So I had to keep quiet."

Then Mr. Sattvaguńa quickly untied the man and gave him back his belongings. He then led the innocent victim through the dark jungle and stopped at the very edge. From that vantage point, Mr. Sattvaguńa showed the person the path to the city of lights - he helped him become a sadhaka. But Mr. Sattavguńa himself could not leave the darkness at the edge of the jungle, as he was, after all, a thief. So the helpless traveler was saved from the dangers of the jungle by Mr. Sattvaguńa, and was brought onto the path of sadhana, but then still had to advance further to the city of lights.
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Significance of each of the three thieves

(A) We can liken the thief named Mr. Tamoguńa to that aspect of maya that leads one to utter degeneration: drinking liquor, harming others, eating meat, torturing animals, etc. When one is dominated by tamoguńa, their degradation is sure.

Many, many non-margiis fall in this category as they are quite satisfied with mundane allurements and lesser tendencies, and altogether oblivious about spiritual life. Within this camp, there are definite degrees. Some are just animals in human form deluged in primal instincts whereas others might be demons in human form as they wish to undermine the welfare of others.

That is why Baba paints such a gruesome picture of the thief tamoguńa in his above story. Because those dominated by tamoguńa get ruined, even destroyed. They are just like the living dead, killed by tamoguńa.

(B) Mr. Rajoguńa is not quite as nasty or mean-minded as Mr. Tamoguńa, but we cannot think that Mr. Rajoguńa is very helpful either. Mr. Rajoguńa did not want to kill the traveler, rather he robbed him and left him tied up to suffer in the dark.

In the practical sphere, we can think of human beings dominated by rajoguńa as those who run after name and fame, are bound largely by their ego, and are mostly living for their own self-indulgence. They are neither service-oriented nor interested in higher ideals. Nor though are they plotting another's complete destruction. On occasion, those dominated by rajoguńa may even do decent works in life, but those works will still keep one in bondage.
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(C) Then we come to the thief Mr. Sattvaguńa. In the above story, Mr. Sattvaguńa is basically portrayed as the hero. He helps the traveler get out of the dark jungle and march towards the city. He helps people out of the shadows of avidya maya and with the help of samvit shakti brings one onto the path of self-knowledge. He turned that lost traveler into a veritable sadhaka.

However, one should not then think that sattvaguńa can then liberate any person from all bondages. It cannot. Sattvaguńa itself is a binding principle - it keeps jiivas in bondage. As the story shows though, sattvaguńa will bring human beings onto the right path. Those dominated by this binding principle will find the Guru, get initiation, have an appreciation for spiritual life, and live a sentient, God-centered existence.

Sattvaguńa can help you just little bit only

Even then a person who is 65% sentient, 20% mutative, and 15% tamasik may fall prey, on occasion, to the ways of tamoguńa. So being dominated by sattvaguna is not liberation. Still one is bound and prone to downfall.

Only if one is fully immersed in the thought of Parama Purusa - day and night, i.e. 99% sattvaguńa - are they not prone to degrading activities. Then they are still in bondage to some degree (i.e. food, death etc), but they have almost zero chance of falling into the mire of tamoguńa.

Crossing the bhavasa'gar

So the three binding principles - sattvaguńa, rajoguńa, and tamo'guńa - have their own agendas and function and keep the jiiva bound to the cycle of life and death. We must not forget that even good and noble actions are binding. Good actions reap good samskaras that then have to be exhausted.

Here Baba describes how maya can deliver one to the doorstep of the kingdom of Parama Purusa, but it cannot grant liberation. For that, one must cross one last hurdle, and to cross that bhakti is needed.
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Ananda Marga ideology guides us "Ma'ya' has three guńas – operative principles through which it works – viz., sattvaguńa (sentient principle), rajoguńa (mutative principle) and tamoguńa (static principle). They work and lie in an ascending order on the road to the Absolute. The sentient principle (sattvaguńa) has the capacity to take the sa'dhaka very near Him (Nira'ka'ra Brahma) by making the mind more and more subtle. But there still lies a gap between this point and Nira'ka'ra Brahma. This gap is known as bhava or bhavasa'gar. This gap can only be bridged with the help of devotion. Thus we see that ma'ya', channelized properly (in its sentient operating principle) can take the sa'dhaka to a point very near Ishvara, from which point the domain of devotion begins." (4)

So there is only one way to free oneself from the three thieves or three binding principles. And that is to develop a link with the Supreme Entity, for only He is beyond the binding faculties. Only by ideating on Parama Purusa can one cross the ocean - bhavasa'gar - and reach unto Him.


"One will have to depend on God"

Ananda Marga ideology says, "So one must remember that one may or may not attain salvation by dint of one’s own spiritual practices: one will have to depend on His Grace. And because He is one with each and every expressed entity through His ota and prota yoga, He is your nearest and dearest one. You may depend on Him completely, and your dependence on Him is called sharan'a'gati. This sharan'a'gati is the only reply to all spiritual questions. Thus He clearly says,

Api cet sudura'ca'ro bhajate ma'mananyabha'k
So'pi pa'pavinirmukto mucyate bhavabandhana't.
Daevii hyes'a' guńamayii mama Ma'ya' duratyaya'
Ma'meva ye prapadyante Ma'ya'meta'm' taranti te.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “This ma'ya' is a dangerous force. The dexterous hands of ma'ya' create so many problems, and these problems are dangerous: Aghat'ana ghatana pat'iiyasii ma'ya'. It is very difficult for human beings to surmount the effect of ma'ya'. But I am there. Those who have resorted to sharan'a'gati, who have taken shelter in me, will easily surmount these waves of difficulties, of worries and anxieties in life. Even sinners should depend upon me – I am here to help them.” U'ta'mrtasyesha'no: He is not only the Lord of heaven, He is the Lord of hell also. U'ta' means hell. So even a sinner of hell should not become mentally disturbed because the Lord of hell is with him. Api cet sudura'ca'ro bhajate ma'mananyabha'k. “Even if the sinner of sinners resorts to sharan'a'gati, to complete surrender, then so'pi pa'pavinirmukta – they will be freed from all kinds of sins”: mucyate bhavabandhana't. “They must attain salvation, for I am the granter of salvation.” (5)

Namaskar,
at His altar,
Tiirthapati Deva

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Prakrti Tattva and Onmkára Tattva
4. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, Máyá and Mokśa
5. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, Who Is the Liberating Entity of Human Society

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Still from monkey era

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "“Monkey”. On the slightest occasion, either due to fear or excitement, a monkey grimaces with clenched fist. So it is called kikhi. This habit of the monkey is prehistoric. Although the ancestors of human beings and monkeys are the same, they were separated at least one million years ago. So a human being also, when frightened or excited, clenches the fist and grimaces. A small child keeps its fist clenched most of the time, and the habit of grimacing also remains predominant in childhood." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When people become agitated they clench their fists and gnash their teeth. These are examples of the traditional legacy or structural legacy of human beings. They have been passed down from preceding stages of evolution. Grimacing and grinning are other examples, but these can be gradually controlled." (2)

Even today, one million years later, still humans carry those same monkey characteristics and instincts. For instance, monkeys bite and scratch when they are angry or fighting one another. That's why infants keep their fists clenched. And some humans also bite and scratch as their chief method of attack / self-defense. Hence the proverb: Fight tooth and nail. Because those days humans were using their teeth and fingernails as their primary weapons, just like monkeys do. And still today some humans resort to these monkey tactics.

References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 4, Kálii to Kikhi (Discourse 25)
2. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Psychology

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Effects of deforestation

Prout philosophy says, "Ecologists claim that some deserts are essential for keeping the global ecology in a balanced state. The high day temperatures and the cold night temperatures that occur in desert regions create a useful effect. The hot, dry desert air rises and creates a vacuum which sucks in cool air, generating a chain reaction. Moist air is sucked in from the sea and formed into clouds which then rain on the land. If deserts vanish entirely, the overall rainfall will be reduced." (1)

Note: Nowadays with the rapid increase of deforestation, there has been the rise of desertification across many land masses. This has had a horrific effect on the ecological balance and the fortune of human survival. However, one should not think that all deserts are inherently bad. Those regions that are natural deserts have a highly beneficial effect on the ecological balance. 

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 16, Integrated Farming

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Adopted communist strategy

Ananda Marga philosophy: "Question – Why is everything in the communist countries done under the dark veil of the iron curtain?"

"Answer – Because they are conscious of the inherent defects and loopholes in their system and they do not want the world to know what they are doing." (1)

Note: A similar thing is going on in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha these days. To hide their hypocrisy, group leaders adhere to this same approach.

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 18, Questions and Answers [on Society] – 4, Question #12

== Section: Important Teaching ==

8 jumps: kundalinii & kiirtana

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The kulakundalinii rises upward in eight jumps or phases, so with two syllables in a siddha mantra, the kundalinii will jump four times. But a general, or publicly-given, siddha mantra will make the kulakundalinii jump eight times or in eight phases. That is why such a siddha mantra has eight syllables. So you should understand that a proper kiirtana must have eight syllables, never seven or nine syllables." (1)

Note 1: Everyone knows there are eight syllables in our Baba Nam Kevalam mantra.

Note 2: The reason why the kundalinii jumps eight times is because it moves from the muladhara cakra all the way to sahasrara cakra - passing through one cakra after another until it reaches that final point. After it reaches the Guru cakra then one final jump is made to the sahasrara cakra. In total, 8 jumps are made - one for each syllable.
         
Reference
1. Discourses of Krsna and the Giita, Krśńa Unparalleled

== Section: Important teaching ==

Story: revolution

“O prince! Now there is no way to recede or retreat. Now we will have to fight with him face to face. Don’t worry at all. We four will create a stir among the young people 14 and they will help you in large numbers. Though the demons are powerful, they are very few in number. If human beings have a proper understanding of their rights, and unitedly stand to establish these rights, all the strength of the demons will disappear just like a piece of straw before a current!”

The four friends of the prince then set out on their respective duties. They sent the message of a famous poet of the Kingdom of Light to all the young people of that country. “Awake, brothers and sisters! Today you will have to awake and stand up against the tyranny of the demons! You will have to stand unitedly to fight against them. The hollow message of peace is meaningless today. As long as the demons are alive, the message of peace is sweet to hear, but is of no use to the society.

“The forces of destruction are spreading venom in all directions. The sweet gospels of peace have been reduced to mockery. Before I depart I send my clarion call to those who have been preparing themselves, in every home, for the battle against the demons.

“The huge wastes of the villains will never add any glorious chapter to human history.”

Young people joined the struggle in large numbers. They said, “We have promised our everything to bring an end to the reign of the demons. We have borne tyranny for a long time – but no more! Wearing ragged clothes we have supplied the commodities of enjoyment for the demons – but no more. We want to lead a life worth living. All the wealth of this universe is the common property of all living beings. We won’t tolerate deception any longer! We want food, clothes, shelter, medicine and education. We want to lead an honourable life.”

The prince said, “These are the very words I wanted to hear from you. We want the end of the Demonic Rule. But before discharging the final blow, the opponent party should be given a chance to amend itself; that’s why we want to give the Strange Demon a chance.”

Reference
1. The Golden Lotus of the Blue Sea

== Section 3: Links ==

Upcoming Festival: Shravanii Purnima - 09 Aug 2025

#3: Margiis also tantrikas

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/why-cemetery-sadhana-for-all-4-more.html

#2: Upcoming festival Shravanii Purnima

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/getting-sadguru-is-beginning-of-end-of.html

#1: Meaning behind Shravanii Purnima

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/shravanii-purnima-repentance.html

Postings to Read

Realizing your spiritual power

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/how-sincere-sadhaka-is-asset-to-society.html

Story: new bhakta hiding from Baba

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/story-shyness-due-to-low-devotion-3-more.html

Maximizing sadhana time

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/10/sadhana-sadhanaunga.html

PS & prayer

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/08/begging-in-am-3-more.html

Early days before Wts

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/07/how-baba-started-ananda-marga.html

How to overcome maya + 2 more

Baba

How to overcome maya

Namaskar,

One’s march on the path of dharma entails overcoming all obstacles. However, Baba teaches us that there are some obstacles that unit beings just cannot overcome, no matter how hard one tries. Some people may use all their intellect and others may use every bit of their might - all the force they have - yet human beings just will not attain victory - so long as we stand alone.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Such is the predicament, limitation, and the frailty of human life. What is the obstacle that will defeat us time and time again, and how are we to ultimately prevail? All this Baba has revealed in a few special discourses.


What is Daevii Maya

Daevii maya is due to saḿskára múlaka karma. This we cannot overcome alone. Call it what you will: maya, reactive momenta, fate, or samskara, but the callings of this force utterly lead to our demise. There is nothing we can do about it. 

We have a business engagement in London. We have to fly there - there is no choice. We are eager to make the deal. Our plane tragically goes down in the English Channel. We had no chance of survival. Our life ends in this way. That is daevii maya. We could not see her coming, and we had no answer for her ways.

Earthquakes, incurable illnesses, bomb blasts, accidents, social upheaval - all these things are beyond our control. We may take special care and preparedness in life, but any or all of the above - as well many other types of events - can bind us and change the course of our life at any moment. We have no chance to predict these happenings, nor avoid them. We are just their victims, as slaves to daevii maya.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Such is the gargantuan strength and challenge of daevii maya. Humans have not a chance in the world of gaining victory by themselves. We will lose—always. Indeed if you talk to any aged person, they will recount so many examples in life where despite their most intense efforts they could not prevail. Youths always think they are invincible and capable of doing anything. Yet as one lives on this earth and undergoes the toils of life, we invariably discover how overcoming daevii maya is beyond our limited means. With daevii maya, we have met our match.


The only way out

There is only one single way out. Here Baba graciously supplies us with the one and only recipe for gaining victory over daevii maya. Giita says:

Daevii hyes'a' gun'amayii mama Ma'ya' duratyaya';
Ma'meva ye prapadyante Ma'ya'meta'm' taranti te.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "This Maya of Mine is of the nature of three principles, and is almost insurmountable. Only those who take refuge in Me can overcome this Maya...Maya, the force that creates confusion and distinctions, is very powerful, it is insurmountable by jiivas [living beings]. But those who surrender unto Me transcend these forces of Mine with My help."

"If Maya is more powerful than jiivas, will the children of God remain forever slaves of this force? Is there no hope? No, such a situation is becoming neither of God nor of His children." (1)

So the only way to overcome daevii maya is to surrender. Then, by His magnificent grace, we will be cent-per-cent safe in all circumstances, as He will protect us in all ways at all times. Since He is the controller of daevii maya, then it is impossible for her to bind or ruin us - so long as we take shelter in Him.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

By Baba's grace, we will gain victory over daevii maya. In surrendering to Him, we are bound to get victory and cross the ocean of samskaras and sit upon His lap.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "So one must remember that one may or may not attain salvation by dint of one’s own spiritual practices: one will have to depend on His Grace. And because He is one with each and every expressed entity through His ota and prota yoga, He is your nearest and dearest one. You may depend on Him completely, and your dependence on Him is called sharanagati. This sharanagati is the only reply to all spiritual questions." (2)

In Him,
Trikaljayii

~ In-depth study ~

Surrender is not so easy

One might casually say, "Oh, just surrender to Parama Purusa and everything will be alright." This is a true statement, but not so easily done.

After all, this is the culminating point of yoga. By His grace, we have a tantric Guru who has given us all the tools to learn the art of surrender, as well as warned us about how the human mind forgets this spiritual art as well. The main sticking point is our ego, or I-feeling. It always wants to poke its nose and take credit for all we do.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "I did this, I did that – I built this road when I was a minister, I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works Department” – this is how people become mad for their little “I”." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "’My ego says that my mind belongs to me.’ In the practical field this is the case. ‘I come from Switzerland. I have to get a passport, I have to get a visa. I have to extend the date’ – so many thoughts. But all these thoughts are connected with the individual ego, the individual mind. And you never think that this mind also belongs to Him. You think, ‘It is my mind.’ Everybody thinks like this. This is all talk of the ego." (4)

So this I-feeling and ego are always in the way of surrender. And surrender is not something that can be done halfway. It is either all or nothing. One cannot surrender just a little bit. The unit ego and the feeling of surrender cannot coexist. It is not possible, just like it is not possible for a man to both drink and smoke at the same time. One can do one or the other, but not both simultaneously.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So the moment the unit ego gets involved, surrender becomes non-existent. In that case, we are all alone and we may fall prey to daevii maya at any moment. On our own we cannot fight this type of maya. The help, guidance, and grace of Parama Purusa is needed - yet is unavailable to us at the very time when we hold the umbrella of vanity - i.e. the arrogant feeling that, "I did it and it all happened because of me etc."


Surrendering & overcoming daevii maya

In one of His many discourses, Baba gently asks, so then what is a person to do?" All want to become dagdha biija - free of all limitations and reactive momenta. This is our destiny.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Every human being must be a dagdha biija [burnt seed], that is, one whose samskaras are totally burnt up." (5)

Yet in the process of facing all those samskaras and reactive momenta, we are bound to get swallowed up by daevii maya. Is there then no hope - are human beings really helpless? All these questions Baba poses and replies in His sacred discourses and He lovingly gives this final reply. Why not surrender today- from this very moment? Why not focus the mind and free oneself right now.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "When people get fatigued, be they jinaniis, karmiis or bhaktas, they say, “There is nothing more I can do.” In such a situation they can only take shelter in Parama Purusa. This is called sharanagati.” Here shelter means one hundred percent dependence on Parama Purusa to the exclusion of all other objects. “A” means “coming” and “gati” means “mobility”. When all mobility terminates in Parama Purusa, it is called sharanagati. When sharanagati occurs, one is said to have accomplished the final attainment. You should remember this supreme truth." (6)

By His grace, this moment comes in the life of every sadhaka and then we can truly receive His grace and blessing - and can surrender at His feet. That is enough to be victorious.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Only a wee bit of the omniscient grace, will be enough. Just a small bit of the Cosmic grace will suffice. A huge quantity is not at all required." (7)

The way to get rid of all problems and difficulties - from every trap of mahamaya - is to do sadhana and surrender unto Him.

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Surrender
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, Who Is the Liberating Entity of Human Society
3. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life in a Nutshell - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle
4. Ánanda Vacanámrtam - 3, Prańáma Mantra
5. Ánanda Vacanámrtam - 23, Dharma Samiikśa
6. Ánanda Vacanámrtam - 8, Do Virtuous Deeds Day and Night – 2
7. Ánanda Vacanámrtam - 6, The Physical, Psychic and Spiritual Strata

*        *        *

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 ==

Animals & earthquakes

Ananda Marga ideology says, "A crow has a natural premonitive instinct regarding storms. An owl and to some extent a dog can sense beforehand the possible occurrence of an earthquake or some other unforeseen natural calamity of great magnitude. Such power of apprehending phenomenal vibrations exists not in ten or twenty but in innumerable species of birds.  Such a power is indeed of paramount necessity in their rigorous struggle for survival.  Such a power did exist, too, to some extent, among the prehistoric people.  But today, in this age of so-called civilization, human beings, having become extremely ease-loving, have lost that power through misuse and lack of necessity; just as their tails, their ability to move their ears and their capacity to hold things with their feet have disappeared.  Now the hairiness of their bodies and the strength of their teeth and nails are also becoming extinct. The greater the pre-occupation of creatures with the struggle for existence, the necessarily greater must be their power of premonition or prescience of impending danger, or else their existence will be effaced from the surface of the earth -- this is the law of nature." (1)

Note: People often think that animals are lowly and neglected beings but that is not true. As Baba points out above, animals are far more aware about naturally occurring phenomena than human beings. On this point animals are highly instinctual and are always surveying the scene. They can forecast and predict a wide array of storms and natural calamities - and save themselves from impending disasters.

In the above quote Baba indicates how humans also used to have such abilities, but now with the onset of modernity and a comfort-oriented lifestyle, humans have lost this skill. So now people are entirely dependent upon science to forecast the weather etc. But as developed as science is, scientists (meteorologists and seismologists) are still in the dark about earthquakes. They are unable to predict when and where an earthquake might occur; whereas various animals like dogs and owls have this unique innate gift.

That's why when earthquakes occur in various regions, it is reported how street dogs and other animals were behaving abnormally beforehand. They were restless, walking around whimpering, and running out of the buildings or caves. The dogs knew about the impending disaster that was about to strike. Often zoos also report how so many of the animals cry out several minutes before the first tremors of an earthquake are felt. So they run out of their shelters, buildings, or caves. 

In contrast, modern scientists generally do not have any idea that an earthquake is about to occur. But dogs know. And those people who understood why the dogs and other animals were upset were able to help themselves and others also. At the same time, those dogs living with human dogs are losing that ability.

So in future, we should rely upon animals to guide us about when and where natural disasters will strike. While dogs can often detect impending earthquakes, crows can sense cyclones. Similarly there are numerous animals that are acutely aware about impending storms and natural disasters. And by that way they are able to save themselves.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Story: day after PC

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/what-to-do-after-unknowingly-committing.html

Blessings at dharma samiikśa 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/boasting-about-their-dharma-samiiksa.html

Sadhaka life vs material pursuit

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/most-important-to-do-2-more.html

Puja: closed eyes or open

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/guru-puja-eyes-open-or-closed.html

Meaning of: "work while dying"

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/commonly-misunderstood-teaching-of.html

Mentalidad despreciable de los multimillonarios

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2025/06/mentalidad-despreciable-de-los.html