Sadhaka life when very busy + 3 more

Baba

Sadhaka life when very busy

Namaskar,

Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected situations. At some point or another, everyone faces uncertain times and tough conditions that make life overwhelming. However, as Ananda Margiis, we will never be at a loss for how to proceed. Sadguru Baba has given us all the right practices and solutions, and addressed every circumstance. In one particular discourse, Baba provides us with an exact 4-step sequence for what to do when we are in an extremely difficult moment. (1) By following His below guideline, we are sure to be successful and maintain proper adjustment and equipoise, even in the most challenging and unexpected situations.
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Baba's system: how to prioritize

So many things occur that are beyond our ability to plan for and these things take us away from our daily routine. This can happen in the case of births, deaths, tragedies, or accidents etc. It could be anything where one is so busy that they are knocked out of their normal routine and do not have time for their regular sleep, eating, bathing, and sadhana routines etc.

Now in this 21st century, life is extremely busy. People are on the go all the 24hrs. So when one big, unexpected event occurs, then life becomes difficult to manage. We cannot attend to our regular duties as we are fully focused on dealing with the task at hand. It is in that very extreme circumstance that we are to strictly adhere to Baba's guideline. Then we will be in accordance with dharma and in the best position to gain success and serve others.

When common citizens are overwhelmed with life, sleep deprived, and too busy to take care of their basic duties such as eating and washing due to a dire circumstance, then when they get a spare moment the first thing they do is eat. This is the common way most people proceed. Or if they are plagued by more undesirable habits, they will have a smoke or a drink (i.e. alcohol). But this is not the proper method. Baba's guideline is something altogether different.
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In His highly unique discourse, Baba gives us the following formula for how to proceed in difficult circumstances. When overwhelmed by life’s myriad of twists and turns, and when thrown from our daily routine, Baba guides us that the first thing we should do is sadhana.


Sadhana is the #1 priority

Baba instructs us that even if we have not eaten or bathed or done any of our regular duties because of unforeseen circumstances, then as soon as we get even as little as 5 minutes free, we should do sadhana. We are spiritual beings, and by doing sadhana even for just 5 minutes our mental equipoise will be restored. Baba gives top priority to doing sadhana.

Bath is the #2 priority

If we have a little more time then we should bathe. That means if we have 10 minutes time we are to address our physical body and attend to basic human hygiene. Taking a bath, according to the Ananda Marga system will allow us to further revitalise ourselves. In that case we will do a 5 minute bath, and reserve 5 minutes for sadhana.
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Taking a nap or getting a little sleep is #3

If we have 15 minutes, Baba says we should take some time to nap. The main point is that sleep repairs the body, so taking a few minutes to nap will restore the body and settle the mind. It allows a person to come back to their normal flow - reach a state of balance. This period of napping might just be for a few minutes, but it is very important to do in comparison to eating food. So in that case, take a 5 minute bath, and then do sadhana for 5 minutes, then nap for 5 minutes.


Eating is #4

If a person has 20 minutes or more, taking food should be incorporated into the plan. Taking food is the final step of this unique sequence which Baba has given in this 1966 discourse in Chennai. By eating, Baba means taking sentient food in a calm manner, chewing thoroughly, and keeping the mind in a positive state.

So these are Baba's stepwise guidelines for how to proceed when encumbered by difficult life circumstances wherein one is thrown from their normal routine.
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Managing life in hectic & busy period

Here is a brief outline and review of how to conduct ourselves when we get a short break when in the midst of a very hectic and busy period.

(I) 5 MINUTES: Do sadhana only;

(II) 10 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), and do sadhana (5 min);

(III) 15 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), do sadhana (5 min), and take a short nap (5 min);

(IV) 20 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), do sadhana (5 min), eat food (5 min), and then take a short nap (5 min).

So sadhana is the #1 priority because only sadhana is listed in all the above scenarios.

If we have no time for anything else, then at least sadhana should be done. If more time is available then we can add the following duties in this order or prioritization: #2 bath -> #3 nap -> #4 food.
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Much of the world's population is unaware of Baba's teaching(s) so when they get embroiled in a difficult situation, they do not know how to proceed and their whole life falls into turmoil. In that case, it is not just a single event, but their entire course of life gets negatively affected. In addition to the problem at hand like an accident or family death etc, they may get sick, suffer from exhaustion, or fall prey to depression. Or not knowing what to do, they may even get in a fight, injure someone, or unnecessarily abuse a loved one. All these things may happen in that crucial period.

If we follow Baba's above mandate, however, we will always keep the mind in a proper flow, whereby everything will turn out as best as possible. The situation will not be compounded.

Why sadhana is first priority

By His system of prioritization, it is quite clear that Baba gives great importance to sadhana. As we know, in so many discourses Baba tells us that sadhana is the main thing in life.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The main purpose of human beings coming here to this earth is to do spiritual practice...Sa'dhana' is the main theme of life. Whatever you do in the world, you should do it with a view to promote your sa'dhana' and help the sa'dhana' of others. Human beings come to earth to practise sa'dhana', to move closer to Iishvara, the Supreme Goal – to come closer to Parama Purus'a [Supreme Consciousness]. Thus, the deeds of human beings will not be like the deeds of animals. Whatever human beings will do, they will do in such a manner that the progress in their sa'dhana' will go on accelerating." (2)

If a person is dealing with the passing of a family member or moving to a new region of the country or undergoing any sort of unexpected or big life change, then their routine may become disturbed. There might be a natural or man-made calamity such as a fire, flood, earthquake, accident, rescue and relief operations where one is deeply involved in serving others etc. Or one might be engaged in arranging a large-scale event or gathering like DMS etc.
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In all such instances, one may find themselves with a shortage of time. Instead of attending to their duties in a proper manner, they may just eat food when they get a moment's opportunity. For such persons who find themselves in unexpectedly busy circumstances, Baba has given the above teaching and system of prioritization.


Conclusion

As Ananda Margiis, as disciples of a Tantric Guru, our lives are most blessed. He has given us the exact procedure to deal with every event in life - even unexpected ones. By this way, we can get success in every circumstance and always abide by the tenets of dharma.

So always remember: first is sadhana; second is bath; third is relaxation; and, fourth is food. That is the hierarchy of importance. If we keep this system in mind and follow it, we will be in the best position to handle every and any situation that comes in life.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Madhukar

~ In-depth study ~

Why methodical process of spiritual sádhaná for a long period

 Ananda Marga ideology says, "In Tantra, sádhaná has been given the utmost importance. What is sádhaná? Sádhaná means practical effort. An effort to what? An endless effort to move towards Puruśottama, the Nucleus of the Cosmic Cycle." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "To attain Parama Puruśa, to become one with the Supreme Reality, He must be made the summum bonum of human life. But the attainment of the Supreme Reality is not possible overnight. For that the sádhaka [spiritual practitioner] will have to undergo the systematic and methodical process of spiritual sádhaná for a long period, till every nerve-cell, nerve-fibre, every bit of his physical existence is divinized. Sádhaná, after all, is a scientific process by which the entire psycho-physical existence is divinized." (4)


How you can know everything

   Ananda Marga ideology says, "the very purpose of our human creation is to follow the true dharma; is to maintain spiritual practices in this very life, and to become one in Him. So dharma sádhaná [means that] by following dharma we follow our sádhaná, we follow our spiritual practices. By following the spiritual practices we become one with Him. That is the final victory. That is the final goal of all human beings on this planet. Men, women, everyone, we are all marching towards that unique goal. That goal has to be realized. In order to realize the goal, you have to continue your spiritual practices. You should practise what you have been asked to. So do not forget your nature. Do not try to follow animal nature. [But at the same time] you have got to eat, you have got to sleep; that is [your] nature too. Having proper restraint over your animal nature, try to follow the true human nature..."
   "So from this day you have been given the chance. Do not waste your time anymore. Do not waste your life anymore. Take it, this opportunity, and try to know that Supreme Consciousness which is in hiding. By knowing Him you know the whole universe; you know everything. That is the final goal of all of us. So dharma has to be practised in human life. Not tomorrow – today. Whether you are a family person or [a single] person, everyone will have to perform dharma sádhaná. Dharma has to be performed; sádhaná has to be performed." (5)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 26 (Hindi), chapter 5, Discourse delivered in Chennai (25 June 1966)
2. Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Intuitional Science of Tantra
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, Bhusuku and Brahmabháva
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Dharma Sádhaná

*        *        *

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 ==

My intense desire

"Toma'ri deoya' pra'n'e, toma'ri deoya' mane..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3624)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, You are the Giver of Life. This very existence of mine has been bestowed upon me by You. This very mind of mine has been given to me by You. Now, by Your grace, my whole mind and heart, which have been given to me by You, are focused solely on Your meditation - ideating on You. O' my Lord, You are my Goal, and my sadhana revolves around You. I am thinking only about You. By Your grace, I understand that everything belongs to You. Except You, nothing exists. You are everything. 

O' unkind One, I love You so much and am crying for You. I have so much longing for You and want that You should come close to me - in my sadhana, in my dhyana. Besides You, there is no one who is mine. I do not have anyone. But You are not coming close. Why do You remain far away, O' Heartless One. Why do You remain forgetful of me? Why are You not coming near and instead going to some far distant place? O' Parama Purusa, please come close; those thoughts and feelings which I have kept in the casket of the inner core of my heart I want to whisper in Your ear. And among them, one is my intense desire to get You. I have so many intimate things to tell You. I have so many thoughts to share with You. My only request is that I should get You.

O' Parama Purusa Baba, due to my crude mind, for ages and ages I remained oblivious about You. I was not keeping You in my mind. Baba, I do not know how long it has been that I have forgotten You. During that time, I just danced in the rhythm of this mundane, crude material world. I was just infatuated, intoxicated, and engrossed with the fleeting allurements of the relative sphere. O' my Dearmost, today You made me understand that I am only Yours. By Your infinite compassion, all my thoughts, plans, programs, aspirations, sorrows, happiness, desires - everything revolves only around You. Baba, You are my Polestar; You are my everything, I surrender at Your lotus feet...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How sadhakas are like goldsmiths

    Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Take the case of the precious metal gold. Whenever you say “gold” you refer to gold in general, the gold of the universe. To be of some practical use, the gold will have to be brought within the limitation of a certain form, such as a gold necklace, a gold bangle, or gold tiara. Women may get a certain pleasure by wearing these gold ornaments, but for the goldsmith has no practical use for them as ornaments. He is only concerned about one thing – gold. Likewise, due to the influence of the static principle, an infinite number of names and forms have emerged out of Parama Puruśa, the Singular Entity. Most people enjoy using these finite names and forms, but to practical spiritual aspirants they have no special importance. Sádhakas are only interested in the original substance and not its finite forms. Thus, their only object of ideation is Parama Puruśa. They only accept Parama Puruśa, the Singular Entity, as the goal of their lives, just as the goldsmith is only interested in the gold and not its different forms.”
   “How can one shake off the influence of static inertness? How can one get freedom from the bondages of names and forms? Just as the goldsmith uses a hammer and process of melting (in fire) to extract the real gold from the various ornaments, similarly a practical spiritual aspirant will have to break the bondages of names and forms in this expressed world through the cultivation of knowledge (which is mutative), devotion (which is sentient). By virtue of the heat of the fire of sádhaná and the strength derived from sustained intuitional practice, a sádhaka can overcome the static inertness, the apparent cause behind the quinquelemental universe. Life and the world will become effulgent with the resultant unfoldment of latent consciousness.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life, part 7, Form and Formless

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Discuss this topic calmly

Generally when Ananda Marga philosophy is compared with the theology of other religions, even in a respectful manner, then some uninformed people get overwhelmed.  They forget that Baba encourages respectfully pointing out the defects of various religions. See Baba’s teaching below.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Read any so-called religious book: one will seldom find anything resembling tolerance of the religious beliefs of others...If necessary, different views can be compared and presented in philosophical books. The philosophical and psychological loopholes in an argument may be pointed out without being disrespectful.” (Human Society - 1, Moralism)

Due to their unawareness they think, “Do not point out any harmful things practiced by other religions.” They believe Baba forbids this. To remove their confusion, the above yellow highlighted quote may help.

Without bringing the logical point and respectful discussion of loopholes of various religions, it is not possible to open the eyes of the common people that what they are doing is wrong and harmful to them. That is why religious loopholes should be highlighted in a respectful manner.

Reference
1. Human Society - 1, Moralism

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How unbridled accumulation of material wealth is harmful

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In this socio-economic [PROUT] set-up people are at full liberty in the spiritual and mental spheres. This is possible because the spiritual and psychic entities for which people can aspire are themselves unlimited, and the extent of possession in this sphere does not hamper the progress of others in their quests. But the supply in the physical sphere is limited, and hence any effort for disproportionate or unrestricted acquisition of physical objects has every possibility of creating a vast majority of have-not’s, and thus hampering the spiritual, mental and physical growth of the larger majority. So, while dealing with the problem of individual liberty, it must be kept in view that individual liberty in the physical sphere must not be allowed to cross a limit whereat it is instrumental in hampering the development of the complete personality of human beings; and, at the same time, must not be so drastically curtailed that the spiritual, mental and physical growths of human beings are hampered.”

“Thus, the social philosophy of Ananda Marga advocates the development of the integrated personality of the individual, and also the establishment of world fraternity, inculcating in human psychology a Cosmic sentiment. The Marga advocates progressive utilization of mundane and supramundane factors of the Cosmos. The society needs a stir for life, vigour and progress, and for this Ananda Marga advocates the Progressive Utilization Theory (Prout), meaning thereby progressive utilization of all factors. Those who support this principle may be termed “Proutists”.” (1)

Reference
1. Idea & Ideology, The Cosmic Brotherhood

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Rampant harm: fireworks

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/baba-story-deadly-entertainment.html

Who gets bored & fatigued

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/07/way-to-get-perennial-inspiration.html

How to achieve social progress

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/06/violence-distrust-solution.html

Key tool for sadhakas

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/11/why-introspection-6-more.html

Spiritual success & gurupujanam

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/11/guru-pujanam-guru-puja-are-not-same-3.html

Mental cleanliness in digital era

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/02/force-feeding-mind-3-more.html

Bathing: dharmic system + 3 more

Baba

Bathing: dharmic system

Namaskar,

There are thousands of things to do in life. Some of them are done once in a lifetime; other things are done annually; some things are done seasonally; and, some are done occasionally, i.e. monthly, weekly, or daily etc. And then there are some absolutely vital things that are very important and highly related with the regular upkeep and maintenance of one’s existence. If those are not done, that impairs the whole human personality. Such key aspects have been given as Sixteen Points. These duties are fundamental to one’s physical, psychic, and spiritual development. Bathing is one of the Sixteen Points. That is why bathing is so important.
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Blocks waste & disease results

The human body is a machine or factory. And just as a factory emits waste, similarly the body purges itself of waste in the form of urine, stool, and perspiration. Sweat is released through the pores of the skin, but dead skin cells can clog those pores. To open and clean the pores of the skin, bathing is highly essential, otherwise the pores will remain clogged and that blocks the waste, and disease results.

In warm climates humans bathe to keep themselves cool. The problem arises in cold countries, as well as during the winter season of warm countries, when people do not want to take a bath. Because the environment is not conducive to bathing. In India, it is good that bathing is related with their religious rituals. So they are forced to bathe daily. When that type of pressure is not present, some may not bathe daily. But they are not aware that by this way they are harming themselves and inviting disease. Baba has given utmost importance to bath. It is compulsory for every Ananda Margii to bathe one or two times daily.

In point #6 of Sixteen Points Baba has given the most perfect, the most scientific, and the healthiest way to bathe. In that way He beautifully directs us that: “Bathe should be done according to the prescribed system.” (1)


System for bathing

Here following is Baba’s basic guideline for bathing:

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “First pour water on the navel. Then wet the region below the navel by splashing water from the front. Then pour water from behind. Thereafter pour water on the crown of the head in such a way that it trickles down over the backbone. Then bathe all over.” (2)

Then of course Baba has also given other supportive points such as:

(a) Use a proper cleansing agent: A natural or medicated soap without any perfume or artificial fragrance. Besides soap, chickpea flour can also be used as a cleansing agent on the body.
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Use of scrubber

(b) Use a scrubber: In various demonstrations and meetings Baba has pointed out the need to scrub the body briskly with an abrasive (mild to moderate) scrubber to remove all the dead skin cells.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Due to the accumulation of dead protoplasmic cells, a bad smell arises in the body. The reason for this is not taking a proper bath and washing away the dead cells.” (3)

So one should use a scrubber, cloth, netting etc and not just their bare hand.


Watch out: temperature of bathing water
 
(c) Use cool or cold water, not more than body temperature: This helps tremendously in making the body and mind fresh. It has an overall renewing effect by promoting circulation. Those living in cold climates can bathe using body-temperature water, if they cannot manage cold water. But under no circumstances should they use hot water. Some may prefer to use hot water but this is not supported by Ananda Marga. When it is cold, best is to use water that is just beneath the body temperature. By that way there is a distinct temperature change in the body.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Unfortunately, some in the cold season do not bathe at all. But taking a full bath every day is extremely important. Once there was a Dada posted in the Tibetan plateau of Ladakh. It is an extremely cold area. And this Dada was not bathing regularly. And when he came for reporting Baba scolded him and guided him to bathe using luke-warm water, i.e. just a degree or two below body temperature.

Some of the key benefits of bathing are the removal of dirt and grime from the body and the temperature exchanges that occur while bathing. In the following teaching, Baba is giving a special health remedy for children and senior citizens and at the same time reminding us that under no conditions should the bath water be warmer than the body temperature.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “When children are massaged with oil and then bathed in sun-warmed water it increases their vitality. Sun-warmed water is also beneficial for older people, however for older people it is not good if the temperature of the sun-warmed water is greater than the temperature of the body.” (4)


Bathing dos & don'ts

In various other places Baba also guides us that for healthy adults taking a cold bath is best.

(d) Bathing in a seated, kneeling, or squatting position: The glands and organs should be in a state of rest when bathing. So one must not stand while bathing; in a standing posture, That means not standing when bathing because when you are standing the organs are actively engaged, not resting.
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(e) Not using hot water: This makes both mind and body dull and heats up the lower cakras.

(f) Not using artificially scented soaps etc: For sadhakas such perfumes are detrimental and foul and should be avoided.

(g) Bath should be taken on a daily basis; twice daily or more in hot season:

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “Due to the secretion of smelly hormones, an unpleasant odour is emitted from the body. Everyone should take a bath at regular intervals to clean the body.” (5)

When one is perspiring due to climatic conditions or physical exertion etc, bathing multiple times a day is advisable. All those who were around those days know that Baba Himself would bathe four times a day during the hot season in Kolkata.

Bathing is highly essential for all of the aforementioned reasons. And one key point iscleaning the pores of the skin. Otherwise the pores will be clogged and that will block waste from being excreted from the body, thereby causing disease.
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Conclusion

Bathing is important for the following two reasons:

#1: Cleaning the waste from various orifices and joints.
#2: Revitalisation of the organs due to temperature exchange.

When cold water is poured over the body then that region contracts and the blood goes away from that area. Over time the body gradually warms itself again and fresh, new, oxygenated blood comes and nourishes that area.That is what happens in the process of bathing. That is why one feels very fresh after taking a full bath.
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Namaskar,
In Him,
Purnendu

References
1. Sixteen Points, Point #6
2. Caryacarya - 3, Bathing Procedure and Pitr Yajiṋa
3. Microvita in a Nutshell, Questions and Answers on Microvita – Excerpt B
4. Shabda Cayanika - 3, Kakubh to Kavaśńa (Discourse 17)
5. Microvita in a Nutshell, Questions and Answers on Microvita – Excerpt B

*        *        *

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 ==

Status of atheists vs dogmatic believers

Ananda Marga ideology states, “The word “godly” and “god-fearing” do not have the same meaning. Behind godliness is a soul-stirring sentiment – an ardent zeal to realize one’s true Self; and the reason behind the fear of God is the important attempt to escape from the consequential suffering of one’s misdeeds. Yet the latter is still superior to the atheists, because at least for fear of divine punishment they refrain from sinful acts. The greatest advantage of the theists is that they do not endure the pangs of internal clash. But no matter how brazenly sceptics indulge in tall talks or sharpen the edge of their verbal weapons to win in an argument, there is always a fight going on in their minds. Reading a few pages of a book or listening to the eloquences of a few speakers, they seek to violate their own nature. With their fragmental external knowledge they try to struggle against the indivisible Supreme Entity, and in the end, being defeated, they say, “If He does exist, then why can’t we find Him?” Yet all the while their inner selves lament within them.” (1)

Note: There are three key and important points from the above teaching.

(1) The religions preach that one must be God-fearing, otherwise God will punish and destroy you. They think that is the best possible relationship one can have with the Divine, i.e to be God-fearing. According to Ananda Marga philosophy, fear is the worst type of relation with God. If one fears Him they will not like to go close to Him. In which case, one can never become one with that Supreme Entity. So it is very obvious that by this religious formula, no one can realize God.

(2) The teachings of Ananda Marga are the topmost: Ananda Marga preaches that one should cultivate love for the Divine Entity. By that way, the bhakta wishes to go close to Him and ultimately becomes one with Him, by His grace.

(3) The status of atheists is worse than followers of the dogmatic religions. Religious adherents refrain from doing bad due to fear of the Lord. But atheists have two problems. First, they do not have any genuine, dharmic rules in their life. Secondly, such atheists perpetually suffer from existential issues. With their logic they say they do not believe in God and try to disprove His existence, yet their heart tells them otherwise. Then their logical mind retorts, “If God exists then why can I not see Him?” So they live in a perpetual dilemma—always in limbo. The all-knowing Baba knows everyone's thoughts, and He says that no one is an atheist. In sum, the condition of such atheists is pathetic as they live in perpetual crisis and misery.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Gaining victory over lust

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “If one stays away from objects of attraction, one has no chance of using them and they may thus gradually lose their attraction; while if one is near them one may be attracted towards them more.” (1)

Note: Reading negative articles, dirty books and literature, filthy magazines and watching lewd movies invites degeneration. By staying away from such degrading vices, one will step-by-step overcome that type of sensual attraction etc. And the mind will not be overwrought by those low-minded vrttis / degrading inclinations. 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?

== Section: Important Teaching ==

AMEP & Prabhat Samgiita contradiction?

“Prárthanárcaná mátraeva bhramamúlam.” (1)

Formula: Asking for something from Parama Purusa is bad. Asking for Parama Purusa is good.

If one is asking for Parama Purusa Himself then it is not prayer, and if one is asking something mundane from Him then it is prayer, which is bad and against our AM fundamentals.

When a bhakta is asking for Parama Purusa Himself, then that does not fall in the category of prayer. Then it is parabhakti. However, If a person is asking something from Parama Purusa - such as prestige, money, something mundane etc - then that is the type of prayer that is condemned in AM teachings.

Prabhat Samgiita says, “I do not have any virtue or strength from following Sixteen Points. Just I depend on Your causeless grace. Please give me bhakti; that is the only thing I want - to remain close to You.”

AMEP says, "Prayer is the act of asking for a favour with earnestness. It also means a solemn petition addressed to the Supreme Being for certain benefits. One prays to God for something which one does not possess or thinks one does not possess. One asks God for these favours with the faith that He alone can bestow everything and by His mere wish all wants can be satisfied. By prayer or by begging one wants to awaken His wish so that one may be granted the things one lacks. Does not one’s attempt to rouse the wish of God to fulfil these needs, upon careful and rational thinking, appear to be a reminder to God to give one something of which God has kept one deprived? It would otherwise not be necessary to remind Him in prayer of that thing or to try to arouse His wish to give. For instance, if one is in need of money, one would, with the faith that God alone can give, pray to Him for the favour of giving one money. Does not this request show God’s fault in keeping one in want of money, when He alone can give it? God alone is blamed for it, and by praying to Him for money one is precisely pointing out to Him His partiality in not giving one the money one needed. Therefore, prayer or asking for favours from God is only pointing out to the Sole Giver His mistakes in the distribution of His favours. It only presumes lack of impartiality in Him, and that is why He is blamed for making some very rich and others very poor. Praying to God for favours is only to bring to His notice the charge of partiality levelled against Him. When prayer leads to such a conclusion, it is only ignorance to ask for favours.” (2)

Reference
1. Ananda Sutram, 3-11
2. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, How Should Human Beings Live In This World?

=== Section  ==

जो परमपुरुष की शरण में आ गए, तो परमपुरुष उनके लिए अवश्य ही कुछ करेंगे

“तो, देखो एक मनुष्य मान लो बहुत-सा पाप किए | अब, उन पापों का अगर उनको फलभोग करना पड़े, तो एक ज़िन्दगी नहीं, वह हो सकता है बीस पचीस, पचास ज़िन्दगी लग जाएगी | तब ? उसका क्या भविष्य नहीं है ? वह केवल बार-बार दुनिया में आएगा पाप का फलभोग करने के लिए | उसका भविष्य क्या है ? भविष्य अन्धकार है ? तथाकथित-सभ्यता का जितना अधिक विकाश हो रहा है, उतना ही मनुष्य तो नीचे की ओर गिर रहा है, मन नीचे गिर रहा है | उतना ही मनुष्य पापी बन रहे हैं | तो, पापी का कोई भविष्य नहीं है ? यह क्या बात है ? कर्म का प्रतिकर्म अगर पूरा भोगना पड़े, तो मुक्ति-मोक्ष तो हर मनुष्य के लिए बहुत दूर की बात रह जाएगी | तब ? पापी का भविष्य नहीं है ? तो, हाँ भविष्य अवश्य ही है | जो परमपुरुष की शरण में आ गए, तो परमपुरुष उनके लिए अवश्य ही कुछ करेंगे | पापी के लिए भी कुछ करेंगे | क्यों ? न, उन परमपुरुष के सम्बन्ध में कहा गया "ऊतामृतत्वस्येशानो |" अर्थात्‌ वे नरक के भी ईश हैं, नरक के भी ईश्वर, और, स्वर्ग के भी ईश्वर | तो, नरक में बसनेवाले जो पापी हैं, वे भी परमात्मा के, परमपुरुष के साथ हैं | क्योंकि वे भी परमपुरुष के प्यारे हैं | और उनको प्यार देने के लिए परमपुरुष को नरक में भी रहना पड़ेगा उनके साथ |”

[यह बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया, बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्द मार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं] (1)

Reference
1. हिंदी, अप्रकाशित,Transcribed ver. GD 12 August 1978 Patna

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

This is real work

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/12/why-mocked-ridiculed-3-more.html

Why AM discards idol worship

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/04/idol-worship-is-dangerous-why.html

Benefits & need of local support

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/03/wrong-approach-feeding-from-very-very.html

Common problem & solution

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/10/reading-is-easy-practicing-is-difficult.html

True history: Gandhi & Columbus

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/10/false-history-removal-2-more.html

How to feel His grace

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/11/why-some-feel-dry-mind-3-more.html

Milita bath + 4 more

Baba

Milita bath

Namaskar,

As we know, Baba guides us that collective bath is a key element of our social functions and festivals. Here are some salient points to ensure collective bath is done properly - in accordance with Sadguru Baba's teachings.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Does not mean mixed-gender swimming pool

In Ananda Marga, collective bath does not mean that males and females bathe together. Bathing is done very discreetly and separated by gender, unlike in materialistic societies where commonly males and females reveal a maximum degree of bare skin and go swimming together, i.e. half-naked or even fully-naked.

So the body is more covered during the collective bath in our Ananda Marga system than when co-eds frolic and swim together in materialistic communities. There is a stark contrast between the two. Our manner of collective bath is gender-separated and upholds the dignity and sanctity of our spiritual values, whereas the materialistic approach to collective swimming etc is sensual and degrades the mind.

Unfortunately, materialism teaches that matter is everything so materialists do not have any higher pursuits. That is why they always try to derive pleasure from the various senses. They cannot imagine anything beyond that. And the most dominant propensity is the sex propensity. That is their goal post. Materialists desire to feed all the senses, but the ultimate goal is sexual enjoyment. They do not have anything in their misguided belief beyond sexual pleasure. That is an unfortunate state. That is why everything in materialistic countries is dominated by sex. Bathing is included in that degenerated flow. That is unfortunate. We should not follow that degrading path. Our path is from humanity to divinity, and the path of materialism is from humanity to animality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

People enter into Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha from that general, materialistic society. So they bring their outdated detrimental philosophy and way of life into Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. In areas dominated by pseudo-culture, in the name of collective bath, some so-called margiis unaware about Guru’s teachings may jump in the swimming pool with the opposite sex etc. Now let’s come to the main point of gender-separated collective bath.

Upward flow of mind

In our collective bath system, the spiritual flow is maintained as the mind may continue to rise from the muladhara cakra to the sahasrara cakra. In contrast, in materialistic swimming parties etc, the mind gets completely degraded - from the sahasrara cakra to the svadhisthana cakra - whether one wishes to admit this or not.

Step-by-step approach

In collective bath, males and females go to different sections of the building when doing collective bathing indoors. If the weather is warmer they may bathe outside by the river or lake. If done outside, males will go to one secluded part of the lake or river, and females will go to a completely different section of the river or lake that is hidden and out-of-sight. In either circumstance, in this gender-separated system, particular parts of the body will be discreetly covered. The covering will be loose enough so one may wash properly. By this way, females are neither naked nor exposed in their collective bathroom or outdoor bathing area. Nor are males naked in their collective bathroom or outdoor bathing area. Both maintain proper dignity in their gender-separated settings.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

If one is bathing alone in a private / locked bathroom, then one need not cover themselves. The covering is used for all avenues of gender-separated, collective bathing - whether indoors or outdoors. We should preserve the sanctity and keep the mind flowing from lower cakras to higher ones. That is the 1st step.
 

Conclusion: benefit

Sadguru Baba has given the system of collective bath to foster feelings of unity. People of diverse backgrounds come together for festivals and social gatherings etc, and by participating in the very sentient programs of collective bath, dharmacarka, collective meal, games and sports, and collective dances (kaoshikii and tandava et), a strong bond is formed. This brings feelings of closeness, amity, and friendship. People think about the welfare of others. Participants feel linked with one another and that helps greatly in the formation of one human society. 

Even those whose ancestors have been fighting court cases for generations will cultivate a friendship with one another by joining in collective programs. By this way so many social ills can be easily solved. In the general society most of the problems arise because people do not care about others. They do not know each other and are fearful of one another. Collective social programs, like collective bath, are the solution as that brings people together.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In various countries people organise scout camps or boot camps to gain the skills needed to work and live collectively with others. The same thing happened with a margiis who attend collective programs. And those who do not go to retreats, DMS, or DC etc, may not develop feelings of unity with others. Whereas those who go feel that inherent connection and unity that they are part of something great. That is the central idea.
 

Namaskar,
In Him,
Prapatti
(Paula Gallagher)

Here are more of Baba's guidelines about collective bathing.


~ In-depth study ~

Develops feeling of affinity

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Collective social functions. Many social problems arise due to lack of magnanimity, such as not properly understanding or respecting the views of others. This not only keeps people apart, but also makes them hostile to each other. People come together in different festivals and social functions which foster mutual bonds of unity. When they participate in such activities and remain engaged in the same type of collective action, they develop the feeling of temporary affinity. Ananda Marga encourages these types of social functions. Collective bathing and collective meditation on special occasions are as good as common social functions." (1)

A great unifying force

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Collective social functions: Many of the ills of society develop because people do not care to know other members of society. This may not only mean ignorance of the condition and difficulties of others, but also leads to intolerance and a lack of interest in the affairs of the other members of society. Common social functions bring different members of society together and are therefore a great unifying force. By performing certain functions collectively, all the members are engaged in doing the same thing for some time, and this brings about a feeling of unity and interest in others."
   "In Ananda Marga such common social functions are especially encouraged. Milita snána [collective bathing] and dharmacakra [collective meditation] provide grounds for common social functions in the physical, psychic and spiritual fields. Common participation in such functions is a very great unifying force. The participants in such functions will have no intolerance for each other, and will instead get more united. Such functions are, therefore, a great unifying force." (2)

Part of our celebrations

Ananda Marga Caryacarya guides us, "Collective bath with snána mantra, twice collective Iishvara Prańidhána and Varńárghyadána, collective noon and night meals, merry celebrations, spiritual conferences, annual meetings of workers, children’s sports, and procession with táńd́ava dance." (3)

References
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, Our Social Treatise
2. Prout in A Nutshell - 2, Social Psychology
3. Caryacarya - 1, Social Functions and Festivals

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Really a thief? 

 Ananda Marga ideology says, “We deduce conclusions just from whatever we observe in this external phenomenal world. We should try to see the subtle cause behind the crude phenomenal world, but we do not see it. For instance, a particular person stole something, and when we say, “Thief! Thief!” people will start beating him. If we try to inquire about the reasons for the theft, we may come to know that he had been hungry for the last three days. And how are we treating him? We are beating him rather than giving him food. So we should think and try to find the noumenal cause behind the phenomenal world. If he was hungry and so stole, then we are more responsible for that theft than he, because we failed to build up society, so that he had to remain hungry. So we must see, and try to find the noumenal cause behind the prima facie observable world. If we are intelligent beings, possessing intellect, we must discover the noumenal cause. It is not proper to arrive at conclusions from mere observation of outward expressions.”

   “In some places today, a person’s hand is cut off if he engages in stealing. With a little thought it can be seen that this is not at all a humanistic recourse to eliminate stealing. We must seek the noumenal cause behind all actions.”

Reference

1. Ananda Vacanamrtamt - 12, Towards the Noumenal Entity

== Section: Hindi Quote ==

मैं तुम लोगों के साथ हूँ, मैं help करूँगा” बाबा

“मैं तुम लोगों से कहूँगा, तुम लोग अवश्य साधना-मार्ग में मज़बूत रहो | जन-सेवा करो, Supreme Command के अनुसार चलो | तुम लोगों की जय होगी | परमपुरुष से मदद अवश्य मिलेगी | और जो मनुष्य अपने कर्त्तव्य के सम्बन्ध में सोचते हैं, अपने कर्त्तव्य में मज़बूत हैं, उनकी जय नहीं होगी, तो जय किसकी होगी ? और, मैं तुम लोगों के साथ हूँ, मैं help करूँगा |”

[मार्गी लोग एक स्वर से---"बाबा  बाबा बाबा !"]

तुम लोग घबड़ाओ मत, डरो मत, परमपिता की सन्तान किसी दुनियावी चीज़ से नहीं डरेंगे | तुम लोग निडर होकर आगे बढ़ते रहो | मैं तुम लोगों के साथ हूँ |”

[मार्गी लोग एक स्वर से---"बाबा  बाबा बाबा!"]

[यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई] 

Reference
1. हिंदी अप्रकाशित, घटाकाश, महाकाश, मैं Help करूँगा, Ghat'a'ka'sha, Maha'ka'sha, Main Help Karunga', NP, GD 1 January 1967

== Section: Bangla Quote==

অলসতার মধ্যে তাদের মূল্যবান মানব জীবনের অপচয়

“যখন মানবিক স্বার্থে, মানবিক কল্যাণের জন্য, এমন কিছু তৈরি করতে হয়, যা সহজে হয় না, যা ক্বচিৎ কখনও হয়, যা মানুষ জাতিকেই ঢাক্কা দেওয়ার জন্য যে অস্তিত্বের বা যে ভূতি অত্যাবশ্যক ৰলে গণ্য হয়, সেই সময়ে পরমপুরুষ কি করেন ? না, তিনি নিজের সৃষ্ট ক্ষণিকটা পাঞ্চভৌতিক উপাদান সঙ্গ্রহ করে নিয়ে একটা শরীর নিয়ে নেমে পড়েন | দিই ধাক্কা, দেৰ ধাক্কা, ধাক্কা দিয়ে এই মুমুর্ষগুলোর মধ্যে প্রাণ জাগিয়ে তুলৰ, প্রাণের চাঞ্চল্য এনে দেৰ | এ ভাবে কুড়ে নিয়ে, এই ভাবে, অলসতার মধ্যে তাদের মূল্যবান মানব জীবনের অপচয় হতে দেৰ না | তিনি যখন এই ভাবে নিজেরই মানস সৃষ্ট ক্ষণিকটা পাঞ্চভৌতিক উপাদান, ক্ষিতি, অপ্‌, তেজ, মরুৎ, ব্যোম নিয়ে, নিজেই পৃথিবীতে নেমে আসেন, মানুষ সমাজে, ভাবের জোয়ার আনৰার জন্য, সেই অবস্থাটাকে ৰলা হয় মহাসম্ভূতি |”  (1)

Reference
1. ১৫ জানুয়ারী ১৯৮০, v17-15

== Section 4: Links ==

Recent postings

• AM: important history
  

• Dada's family excursion
  

• Why not sell

• Story
  

• Unknowingly reading Fake Ananda Vaniis
  

Other topics of interest

• Ever-new style
  

• "Can I rely on you"

• Altered photo ruining dhyana
  

• Solution immigration

More important letters

• Rudrananda with his main henchmen
  

• Pranavatmakananda spread false things in book
  

• Why abortion is sinful in AM

• Sign of coward avadhuta