Mental peace & debt + 3 more

Baba

Mental peace & debt

Namaskar,

The present era of materialism preaches "instant gratification": Enjoy the world by buying superfluous things. Credit cards and loans are readily available to the common person. Indeed lending agencies and credit card companies are standing by with astronomical interest rates in order to rip off consumers. It is a deadly cycle; already so many have been victimised.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
In Ananda Marga, our view is diametrically opposite. We interact with this physical world solely to help others - not for indulgence - and aim our mind towards psychic and psycho-spiritual pursuits. We seek happiness and peace in those upper realms, not in the instant gratification of worldly pleasures; but, even then some in our Marga have gotten bound by the noose of capitalism.


One who incurs no debt is really happy

Here, everyone should understand there is no winning in capitalism. The common public just borrows and spends money on material allurements hoping to find happiness; but, ultimately, they find themselves upset, frustrated, and in debt. All the while, the impoverished masses around the globe suffer from an extreme dearth of resources, which have been gobbled up by those capitalists. So we should not fall prey to the capitalist cycle of borrowing and spending.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The person who is able to get some vegetables to eat at least once a day, who incurs no debt and who has no need to leave home to earn a living, is really happy." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "A marriage feast is completely optional and depends upon the financial capacity of the people concerned. Arranging the feast by taking a loan or incurring a debt is prohibited." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "For the celebration of this ceremony the arrangement of a social feast depends entirely on the desire and the financial position of the guardians concerned. Taking a loan or incurring a debt for this purpose is forbidden." (3)


Ananda Margii to keep strict vigilance

Ananda Marga philosophy says,  "To purchase, by incurring debt, serge where tweed will do, or gabardine where serge will do, is surely against the principle of aparigraha. Similarly, people should take food which is nutritious but not rich. They have to give up the practice of feeding others with money taken on loan. That is why social control over the individual's conduct and expenditure is indispensably necessary. Hence, all Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of Yama and Niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong. Henceforth I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margi to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama and also to accept calmly directions of other Margis in this connection." (4)


Conclusion

This era of extreme capitalism has devoured the lives of many - leaving them as desperate beggars unable to regain their footing. We must not let this happen to us or anyone. We should remain out of debt and keep our mind free. That is the only way. By following Baba's guidelines, we can maintain our psychic equilibrium. Going into debt and digging means losing one's mental peace and becoming a lifelong tool of those greedy capitalists. We should all exercise extreme caution in our financial dealings.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Divyacaksu Deva

Below please find a grand Baba story that features His detailed guidelines about borrowing and lending money. This is very practical knowledge for us all to have.


~ In-depth study ~

Please read this following Baba story and ensuing teachings about this subject of being bound by the noose of capitalism.


Baba story: never lend but donate

~ Courtesy "My Days with Baba", Ac Sarveshvarananda ~

Baba is against people borrowing or lending money. One day He said, "You must know that lending as well as borrowing is undesirable and detestable."

I had known Baba's attitude and so had always tried not to borrow money. But I still had a question, "Was it so bad to lend money to someone in distress?"

Baba answered with an illustration. "Do you know why it isn't desirable to lend out money? Suppose someone has come to you to borrow some money. Maybe his need is genuine and his appeal is justified. As you listen to his story of distress, you are likely to want to be kind to him. Even if it is beyond your own means to lend a big amount, you become so upset thinking of his dire need that you take pity on him. Your thoughts get interrupted as the gentleman says, 'You need not worry, dear brother. Please help me wriggle out of my crisis. If your generosity can take me out the present crisis, I'll repay the loan within a month. Meanwhile I'm likely to get some money soon, so you may rest assured that you'll get back your money on time.'"

Baba continued, "There may be no reason for you to disbelieve him. Suppose you are soft-hearted, so you collect the money somehow and hand it over to him. And he, too, feels glad and goes away."

"That man may not have any intention of taking you for a ride, but it may turn out that he can't get hold of the money as he thought. It is not so unusual. But you go on nursing the hope that he will repay you at the end of the month."

"A month goes by. He hesitates to see you out of his shame because he has no money to repay to you. Suppose you go to him out of need for the money. In all likelihood he will be ill at ease and may take offense at your uncalled-for-presence. He will think, 'How disgusting! He has come to me straightaway.'  Understandably, he will tell you a long excuse about why he has failed to repay you. You will give a patient hearing to him and coming back home begin to wait for the deadline as promised. There will be times when you come across him on the street. Immediately, he will think 'O, my God! Here he is again, he will certainly remind me of my debt!'"

"Of course it's only natural such thoughts come to mind, interspersed with some inaudible abusive remarks. Maybe you didn't go to him for money, but what is that to him? Your presence will be unpleasant enough."

"So whenever you meet him, he will think, 'I am lost! He has come again to pressure me for that money.' At the same time he will hurl some unsavory remarks at you, albeit silently. Contrary to what is in his mind, he will say, 'Welcome, my dear brother. I am glad to meet you. I am so grateful to you,' and so on and so forth.

"Undoubtedly the moment he sees you, he will heap uncharitable remarks on you, but when you will come within earshot, he will be all praises and parade his respect for you. It goes without saying that you will be put into a dilemma from not getting your money back even at the time of your own dire need. It may happen that your need will drive you to his house and shout from outside, 'Hello, Mr.----, are you there?'

"He will think, 'Oh! he has come again for the money. What will I say to him?'

"Thinking this, he will not only silently curse you, but also try his best to avoid an encounter with you. Instead of coming outside, he will tell his little son to tell you that his father is out. Accordingly, the boy will run to you to inform you that his father is not in.

"Looking askance at him, you will say, 'Go inside and find out for certain whether or not your father is there.'  The simple-minded child will reply, 'Why, I don't need to check because father has himself said that he is out.' In this way your relationship with that friend will sour and you don't know where it will end."

"Well, he certainly would have been offended that first day if you had not lent him money. Not only that, he would possibly have been shocked and have silently heaped some abusive remarks. Nevertheless, the unpleasant situation would not have spilt over onto the rest of your life. If you lend money, you will inevitably invite filthy remarks galore. That is why a person should think many times before lending to others."

I asked, "Sometimes a really good man may fall into trouble and sincerely need help. In that case, what is to be done?"

Baba said, "Instead of lending him money, you should help him according to your capacity. Suppose he is asking for five thousand rupees. Tell him your attitude about lending money and let him know your financial condition. Then help him with an amount that's within your means. It may not be as much as he demands, but he will get consolation that you tried to share his difficulties." (Courtesy "My Days with Baba", Ac Sarveshvarananda)

The above story is quite clear on the point of borrowing and lending. According to Baba, we should not borrow money nor should we lend it. If anyone truly needs financial help, then we should give them money according to our capacity, and not expect anything in return.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Misuse of loans: non-productive investment

 Ananda Marga philosophy says, "You might have noticed that there are many countries which suffer from financial stringency, so they take loans from other countries. These loans are then used for ventures like constructing large dams on their rivers."
  "The science of economics teaches that the rolling of money should never be blocked by any sort of non-productive investment. Sometimes people misuse loans to construct an unnecessary building or a new showroom for their business, and thus prevent the possibility of reinvesting the capital and increasing their wealth. Economics teaches that loans taken for business investment should always be utilized for productive purposes, and should never be utilized in any unproductive venture. Foreign loans, for example, should never be invested in constructing large railway stations instead of railway lines." (5)

Ananda Marga Philosophy says,"In economic exploitation, vested interests deprive people of their minimum requirements. Money lending, charging exorbitant interest rates, compelling poor farmers to sell their produce through distress sales, etc., are examples of economic exploitation. Regardless of the type of exploitation used by the exploiters, when society is moving towards revolution, the role of the exploiters is exposed. The exploiters are unable to disguise their exploitation any longer." (6)


Farmers converted into landless labourers

First Baba warns us that we should seek counsel and permission before (a) spending money on superfluous items and (b) before taking any loan.

Ananda Marga Philosophy says, "If any Margis have to spend on anything in addition to the fixed expenditure (for example, expensive clothing, ornaments, articles of furniture, marriage, building, etc.), they should, before incurring such expenditure, obtain a clear order from their ácárya, unit secretary or district secretary, or any other person of responsible rank. Similarly, permission is to be obtained before taking loan from any businessman or money-lender. Where one’s own ácárya or any person of responsible rank is not easily available, consultation or rather permission is to be obtained from any other ácárya, táttvika or any right-thinking member of the Marga. Every member should follow this instruction strictly." (7)

Secondly, Baba warns us how money lending itself is a filthy profession. We should keep such greedy persons at arms-length.


Their occupations are despicable

Ananda Marga Ideology says, "People should also not earn their livelihood by lending money and taking interest. Such persons want to lend more and more money to gain more and more interest, and they do not want the borrowers to refund the capital. The scriptures stipulate that people should not accept food from such people, because their occupations are despicable." (8)

Over the course of history - in so many lands - money lenders have exploited people and taken all they had. This has happened not only with the farmers of Bengal depicted below but in so many regions and eras, including in the present day US where countless innocent families have incurred debt and are unable to pay back the money they owe.

Prout philosophy says, "Another group of exploiters emerged who took advantage of the poverty of the farmers. These were the moneylenders, who lent money to the farmers at exorbitant rates of interest. The farmers were forced to take loans which they could never repay, so they mortgaged their lands. Eventually the moneylenders became the owners of the farmers’ lands, and the farmers were thus converted into landless labourers... money lending by private capitalists should be banned and provisions must be made to pay loans in advance to the farmers through the banks. This will eradicate the exploitation by moneylenders and political cadres." (9)

Due to their extravagance

Ananda Marga philosophy says,   "It is often noticed that individuals incur debt because of their violating the principles of Yama and Niyama, especially due to their extravagance – and as a result, they approach the society for relief. In this connection I must point out that just as the society is duty-bound to give relief to individuals by combined efforts, so also it must have control over the conduct of individuals, over their practice of the principles of Yama and Niyama, and also over their expenditure. Not to consult anybody at the time of spending money but to ask for help from all when in debt, is not a good practice. Such a mentality cannot be encouraged." (10)


Predatory lending brings ruination

~ Courtesy of Wikipedia ~

  "Predatory lending is the unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of some lenders during the loan origination process. While there are no legal definitions in the United States for predatory lending, an audit report on predatory lending from the office of inspector general of the FDIC broadly defines predatory lending as "imposing unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers." Though there are laws against many of the specific practices commonly identified as predatory, various federal agencies use the term as a catch-all term for many specific illegal activities in the loan industry. Predatory lending should not be confused with predatory mortgage servicing which is the unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of lenders and servicing agents during the loan or mortgage servicing process, post loan origination."
  "One less contentious definition of the term is "the practice of a lender deceptively convincing borrowers to agree to unfair and abusive loan terms, or systematically violating those terms in ways that make it difficult for the borrower to defend against." Other types of lending sometimes also referred to as predatory include payday loans, certain types of credit cards, mainly subprime, or other forms of (again, often subprime) consumer debt, and overdraft loans, when the interest rates are considered unreasonably high. Although predatory lenders are most likely to target the less educated, the poor, racial minorities, and the elderly, victims of predatory lending are represented across all demographics."
  "Predatory lending typically occurs on loans backed by some kind of collateral, such as a car or house, so that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can repossess or foreclose and profit by selling the repossessed or foreclosed property. Lenders may be accused of tricking a borrower into believing that an interest rate is lower than it actually is, or that the borrower's ability to pay is greater than it actually is. The lender, or others as agents of the lender, may well profit from repossession or foreclosure upon the collateral." (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 1, Discourse 1
2. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony
3. Caryacarya - 1, Infant's Játakarma: The Naming of and First Feeding of Solid Food to an Infant
4. A Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society
5. Prout in a Nutshell-12, Keep Money Rolling – Excerpt A
6. Prout in a Nutshell - 21, Nuclear Revolution
7. Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society
8. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Supreme Desideratum of the Microcosms
9. Prout in a Nutshell - 19, Economic Exploitation of Bengal
10. A Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society

*        *        *

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 ==

Divine message

"Gáner tarii bhásiye dilum surer ságare..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0753)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace, I have floated the boat of songs in the ocean of the tune. I am doing my sadhana and am ensconced in Brahmabhava. It is Your krpa. Today, I feel that no one is alien -- all are my close, everybody is mine.

Up till now, I could not get that Parama Purusa who expresses Himself always and everywhere, in various colours and forms. Today, that very Supreme Entity came close with the resonance of omnkara. He came before me and allowed me to hold Him.

The song which could not ever be practiced and could not ever be played with the strings of the viina, today that same melody told me, "I am living alone in the charming world of cosmic maya. Don't you recognise Me?”...

About Prabhat Samgiita #0753:

[1] Omnkara: In this below quote, Baba is describing how a sadhaka gets pulled headlong towards Him once they hear that divine sound, onmkara. It is all due to the grace of the Supreme.
 
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The spiritual aspirant hears the various sounds of onm'ka'ra or pran'ava At various stages, during deep sa'dhana', during sweet sa'dhana'. The sound is called muraliidhvani. The sa'dhaka becomes mad because of this sound and goes deeper and attains Ra'dha' bha'va more and more, and rushes headlong forward...At that time one does not think at all about what people will say. One knows only that 'I and my Is't'a exist'." (1)

References
1. Discourses Krsna & The Giita, 15 January 1980, Kolkata

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Breathing techniques

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The process of breathing has a great influence on the human mind and self, or soul. Suppose a person is running: his or her breathing immediately becomes heavy. In that condition he or she cannot think properly; the sensory organs such as the tongue, nose, etc., cannot function properly, and as a result one's perception is impaired. Moreover, the process of breathing, depending upon whether the breath is flowing through the right nostril or the left nostril or both nostrils, influences people in various ways..."

"When doing a heavy job while breathing normally, a person might have serious difficulties – perhaps one's limbs might be broken – but in a state of baddha kumbhaka, or púrńa kumbhaka [with the lungs full], one can easily do the same work. While doing some over-strenuous activity in a state of shúnya kumbhaka [with the lungs empty] one might even die."

"Suppose you are climbing to a high place or lifting a very heavy load. If you do not follow the system of breathing while lifting the load, your hands may become painful or your bones dislocated. If you do the same work in a state of shúnya kumbhaka, you will have great difficulty – you may even collapse. If, on the contrary, you perform any strenuous activity in púrńa kumbhaka, taking a deep breath, you can easily do it. All this comes within the scope of that svaravijiṋána. You might have read in the Rámáyańa that Hanuman, by taking a deep breath, made his body swell and lifted a whole mountain. Although it is a mythological story, it refers to the science of svaravijiṋána." (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva – the Focal Point of Everything

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Cunning & degrading ways of filmmakers

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Seduced by the bestial instincts hidden in the secret recesses of their minds, people surrender to base propensities. But improvements in education and the social environment can help to bring this beast under control and make it obey their commands. To achieve this the first thing people have to do is to wage war against their animal propensities, which is no easy task. So cunning exploiters, by encouraging animality, are able to bring people under their sway."

   "The cinema industry suffers from this malady. This industry is controlled by a handful of business persons who make films according to popular taste and demand. While ordinary people naturally run after those films which in their ideas, language or visual images cater to their base propensities, such ideas, language or images instantly distort the ideals of the idealist beyond recognition. It is quite in character for purely commercial film producers to exploit these human weaknesses to their own advantage, and this is exactly what is happening." (1)

References

1. Human Society - 1, Education

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Baba story: PS vs Rabindra Samgeeta

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/baba-story-first-cultural-program.htm

Moulding our children into margiis

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/harming-vs-helping-child.html

Today's educational standard

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/11/solution-youth-suicide.html

Sign of fake bhakta

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-recognise-true-fake-bhaktas-2.html

AM lifestyle saves money + 3 more

Baba

AM lifestyle saves money

Namaskar,

In this day and age, people waste a lot of time trying to earn more and more money - laboring anywhere from 8 - 10 hours daily, or even 18 hours in a single day. Plus most people are extremely worried about money - so they think about earning money even when they are not working. They eat, sleep, and dream about it. In this way their entire psyche and days are consumed.

The general psychology in materialism / capitalism is to earn more and spend more. That becomes their entire life - that is the unfortunate truth. The tragedy is that human life is about so much more than just collecting money. Human life is far larger than this.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

To resolve this important issue, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji has given a beautiful way of living that is very easy for everyone to do. And by following His guidelines, one is sure to save huge amounts of money. So if you are suffering from any sort of financial worry or fiscal need, then read this following letter.


Ways of save: AM way of life - 1

Here is a brief list of other ways any sadhaka of the Marga will certainly save money. Again, anyone can follow this approach and get the financial benefits.

- Fasting: By fasting 2 or 4 times monthly, we Ananda Margiis save 1 - 2 months worth of food over the course of the entire year. Plus fasting purifies the body and keeps us disease-free, and away from expensive medical visits.

- Marriage: In some traditions huge money or dowries are paid to get one's children married. We do not subscribe to such dogmas. Our social ceremonies are free.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya guides us, “A marriage feast is completely optional and depends upon the financial capacity of the people concerned. Arranging the feast by taking a loan or incurring a debt is prohibited.” (1)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya guides us, “For the celebration of this ceremony the arrangement of a social feast depends entirely on the desire and the financial position of the guardians concerned. Taking a loan or incurring a debt for this purpose is forbidden.” (2)

- Tiirtha / Pilgrimage: Traveling to so-called holy lands like Mecca, Jerusalem or Varanasi each year is an expensive proposition. In Ananda Marga, we do not have such destinations - the only tiirtha in Ananda Marga is atma-tiirtha, i.e. inside you.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Ways of save: AM way of life - 2

- Ritualistic Prayer: In the various religions, prayer can be expensive as one must spend money on those rituals and related paraphernalia to please their imposed deity. For example, to please the monkey god one must offer laddu - which is an expensive sweet. To do this everyday becomes quite costly. In stark contrast, in Ananda Marga there are no such rituals and there is also no middleman between you and Parama Purusa. There is a direct link, whereas in the religions there is always a middle man between the follower and God, going through that middle man can be quite costly. Acaryas are not a middle-man.

- Birth & Death: Here again these entail social ceremonies that do not cost any money in Ananda Marga, whereas in the dogmatic churches and temples, moderate to large sums of money need to be paid. Plus without a large payment, one will not even find a spot in the cemetery or get a good casket, whereas in Ananda Marga the body is burned at no expense to the deceased or their family.

- Hobbies: In Ananda Marga, our only hobby is social service and helping others by collecting donations, or by volunteering, whereas in the so-called first-world nations average citizens spend enormous amounts of money on hobbies and recreational activities. Thus we save a lot in this department as well.

- Yoga asanas: The daily practice of yoga asanas helps keep the glandular system balanced and the body vibrant. By this way, one can enjoy enduring health and save huge money by avoiding costly medical visits, medicines, and related expenses. It also enables one to maintain their livelihood.  

- Psychic Disease: Ananda Marga sadhana keeps the mind balanced and without sadhana people encounter so many mental problems: frustration, depression, angst, phobias etc. In that case they have to spend big money on psychiatrists and psychologists.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ways of save: AM way of life - 3

- Inferiority Complex: Anyone with an inferiority is bound to be exploited. Sadhana will free the mind from such complexes.

- Religious 10% Taxes vs Ananda Marga 2% Donation: In most of the religions, the tax for the average member is 10% or so of their annual income. In Ananda Marga we donate 2% for social service projects and the welfare of society. By this way the overall status of society improves - there is less want and hence less crime. And all along we save 8% in comparison to those paying a religious tax where the money may be spent in all kinds of materialistic ways. Another benefit of the 2% donation is that Baba says the mind will become tamasik if one keeps all their money for oneself.

And there are a multitude of other ways in which we save money. And when there is less financial liability then there is far greater scope to devote more time for sadhana.


Best way

The guidelines in this letter are for everyone. If you are already an Ananda Margii or a sympathizer of the Marga, you will readily see how much you are saving by following Ananda Marga practices. Plus you may get some new tips as well.

And if you are not yet an Ananda Margii, then by reading the below you will get a clear-cut vision of how following our Ananda Marga way of life will benefit you financially. This letter is for absolutely anyone and everyone who wishes to save money and live a financially secure life.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


No intoxicants: save money

In Ananda Marga, as we all know, or as new people will soon learn, the use of intoxicants is not allowed in Ananda Marga - none. This is the first great way of saving money by leading life as an Ananda Margii. Cigarettes, beer, wine, and hard alcohol are all getting taxed verily heavily by the city, state, provincial and federal governments. So the prices of these substances are skyrocketing.

Smoking a pack a day over the course of a year would add up to more than several thousand dollars - at a minimum. And this type of increase is happening everywhere. The same thing is going on with regards to alcohol.

In Ananda Marga, there is no scope to use cigarettes, or any of these other legal intoxicants like alcohol etc. They are now allowed. That transmits into huge savings. Just ask any ex-smoker or ex-drinker and they will most assuredly tell you about all the money they have saved by quitting their habit.


No drugs, drinking alcohol: save money

Then of course there are the illegal drugs like hashish, cocaine, heroin etc. These all cost a huge amount of money - it is big business - but for Ananda Margiis this is a non-issue entirely. So here again a lot of money is saved. Included in this topic are other health costs and legal fees. If one is using intoxicants of any kind they will certainly have to spend more money on doctors fees, health concerns, insurance premiums, hospital care and other medications etc, since those intoxicants will ruin their health.

In addition, drinking and driving can kill you and it is illegal so if one gets caught by the police they will incur exorbitant legal fees in order to clear their name and stay out of jail, if possible. Same is the case if they are caught using illegal drugs. Not only are the drugs expensive and addicting, but one will have to spend huge money on attorney fees to clear their name in a court of law.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So from multiple angles, our clean way of living that is free of any and all intoxicants saves us a lot of money. That is the first great savings for being an Ananda Margii.


Plant-based diet = money-saver

Our style of eating, i.e. our vegetarian diet, is also a big money saver. In most places, fresh fruit and vegetables are far less costly than meat - both on our wallet and our health. Our daily or weekly shopping is less expensive plus we will not face all the health issues that hinders meat-eaters. So we will not have to pay those big medical bills either.

Studies show how the foods for eating home-prepared vegetarian meals is cheaper (and healthier) than a meat-based diet. Also always look into buying foods in bulk - one can save a lot of money this way. There is much more involved in this point of food, but I think most of us are aware about them. And already there is a lot of information out there about the extreme financial and health costs of a meat-based diet.

No restaurants / dining out: One other aspect of the point of food is that as Ananda Margiis we do not dine in restaurants or hotels. Of course the reason we do not do this is because those places are not sentient: The dishes are dirty, the ingredients are unknown, and the cooks are non-sadhakas. So that is why true margiis / wts do not dine in such establishments. And eating in these restaurants is an expensive habit. By not frequenting restaurants, we save a lot of money. What average people spend on a single meal in a restaurant is enough funds for wise, vegetarian shoppers to eat for 1 or 2 weeks at home.


"Gambling house" always wins

Much of the world indulges in gambling - in some form or another - either in casinos, or on-line, or at sporting events, or in lotteries, etc. The tragedy with gambling is the the "house" always wins. People waste their time and hard-earned money and come home empty handed. Not only do they lose their money, but they lose their mental balance as well. Because as gambling is an addiction. People will even sell their most valued possessions in order to support their gambling habit. Indeed, even the great King Yudhisthira lost his entire wealth and property in a game of dice. Such are the ill effects of gaming and gambling.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "The habit of making wagers is extremely undesirable. You must avoid lotteries and gambling." (3)

When there is no gambling allowed in AM way of life then there is no question of losing money or wasting one's time. This is an absolute money-saver.

In Ananda Marga, emphasis is placed on spiritual attainment, not material gain. According to Ananda Marga ideals, devotion is most important, not matter. In that case one need not earn a lot of money to purchase a fancy vehicle in order to gain prestige and respect in society. One need not compete with their neighbor in the material sphere. Rather, one should compete in good conduct and Sixteen Points. That is the most meaningful investment one can make - i.e. towards their spiritual life. By this outlook alone, one can save tremendous amounts of money and utilise their time in dharmic pursuits.


No financial and psychic loss

In our present era, to support the aforementioned race for material wealth, loans are a big, big point. Many people around the world, especially in the materialistic western nations, make it a hobby or even career in life to spend money which they do not have. People incur debt by taking big loans to pay for things that they cannot afford: clothes, fancy meals, i-Phones, sports cars, gadgets, etc. By this way they lose money in two ways: Firstly by purchasing a costly item which they do not really need; secondly by having to pay the interest on the loan for that item. It is a double loss.

Yet all "modern economies" around the globe are based on this faulty precept. Not only do individuals and families indulge in this, but entire cities, counties, states and even whole nations embark on this defective manner of taking loans to pay for things they cannot afford. From beginning to end this is a costly and mentally taxing affair. People stay awake at night wondering and worrying about how they are going to pay back their loan. And countries even go 100% bankrupt. That is what we are witnessing today.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba's warnings on loan and debt

In Ananda Marga, Baba is entirely against the idea of taking a loan or incurring debt for superfluous items.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "To purchase, by incurring debt, serge where tweed will do, or gaberdine where serge will do, is surely against the principle of aparigraha." (4)

Indeed the entire spirit of aparigraha is to live in a simple manner, within one's means. This is only possible if one can to cultivate the requisite santosa (mental ease), such that a person will not senselessly run after material goods. As Baba points out in many discourses, the practices of aparigraha and santosa are closely linked.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Human desire knows no end. Millionaires want to become multi-millionaires, because they are not satisfied with their million. Ask the millionaires if they are happy with their money. They will say, “Where is the money? I am somehow pulling on.” This answer indicates their ignorance of aparigraha. But such feelings have another adverse effect on body and mind." (5)

External allurements

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Out of excessive fondness for physical or mental pleasures people become mad to earn money and amass wealth. As money becomes the be-all and end-all of life, the mind gets crudified. Constant hankering after money results in negligence of one’s health, and this makes the body unfit. Therefore, santos'a sa'dhana' lies in being contented with the earnings of normal labour, without any undue pressure on the body and mind. To remain contented, one has to make a special type of mental effort to keep aloof from external allurements." (6)

Hence by following yama and niyama and doing sadhana, one can easily become adept at the points of aparigraha and santosa. And this will lead to saving so much money - huge amounts. Because without aparigraha and santosa, one will become a prisoner to the consumer mentality of "buy this" & "buy that" which is so infested within capitalism.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

This topic of loans is highly linked with one’s mental state and yama and niyama. When the mind is balanced one will steer clear of all kinds of unneeded purchases as well as unnecessary loans, thereby saving tremendous amounts of money.

Conclusion: save lots of money

Baba has graciously given us the perfect system for living in this era of economic struggle and strife. By following His life principles we are bound to save large sums of money and feel relaxed about our financial picture.

So if anyone is suffering from economic turmoil, just become an Ananda Margii or redouble one's efforts in following 16 Pts. Then one will be worry-free and unencumbered by economic problems.

Let us remember that human life is short and it is meant for sadhana, not getting caught up in financial concerns.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba says, "One should not forget that human life is short. From the moment of birth one slowly and steadily advances towards death with every passing second. This short period of time from birth to death is human life. Human beings have come from the world of invisibility and at the end of this short span of time will return to the world of invisibility. Those people can be called intelligent who utilize every moment of their short life engaged in spiritual practice." (7)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Anandeshvara                                                                                                                                                            

~ In-depth study ~

Baba's special order about loans

Here furthermore is another of Baba's special guideline about taking loans.

Baba says, "I am also giving one more advice in regard to aparigraha. If any Margis have to spend on anything in addition to the fixed expenditure (for example, expensive clothing, ornaments, articles of furniture, marriage, building, etc.), they should, before incurring such expenditure, obtain a clear order from their a'ca'rya, unit secretary or district secretary, or any other person of responsible rank. Similarly, permission is to be obtained before taking loan from any businessman or money-lender." (8) 

Because if you are drowning in loans and debt, your AMPS unit margiis will advise you and help create a financial plan for you to pay it back.

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Good for one and all

In this materialistic era, the mass of people weigh most of their decisions on money. People want to know what is most economical. This plays into our favour as this entire letter aims to show the innumerable ways how living life as an Ananda Margii saves you money. So this is a good pracara strategy: Save money by becoming an Ananda Margii.

In addition, challenging or severe economic times are mounting, so as Ananda Margiis we need not worry so much since in a multitude of ways our way of life is the most economical. It is a better deal fiscally. By saving money, working less, and sincerely engaging in sadhana, one will reach up to the height of spiritual realisation as well.

By the above listing of points, it is easy to see how and why our Ananda Marga way of life is great in all realms of life, including financially.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology states, “You take much service from the world, by way of subsistence and maintenance, which you must return, or else you accrue a debt. If you are burdened with a big loan at the time of death, what will happen? You will have to be reborn in order to repay your debt with interest.” (9)


References
1. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony
2. Caryacarya - 1, Infant's Játakarma: The Naming of and First Feeding of Solid Food to an Infant
3. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #38
4. A Guide to Human Conduct
5. A Guide to Human Conduct
6. A Guide to Human Conduct
7. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, Nitya Karma and Naemittik Karma
8. A Guide to Human Conduct
9. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Self-Realization and Service to Humanity

*        *        *

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 ==

You continually save me

"Tumi pather dhu'loya nebechile, shudhu a'ma're upare tulite..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1384)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, You came down on this dusty path only for lifting me up; it is Your grace. You have done so many things for me, yet I remain oblivious about You. Even then You do not mind and You go on blessing me.

Baba, You made the path beautiful and lit the lamp to make my spiritual pathway crystal clear. On both sides of the path there was the chasm of vanity. In my blindness, I deviated and fell into that abyss. I did not use my eyes to see properly. Instead, I was covering my eyes with both of my hands and I kept moving until inevitably I lost the way and fell down into the deep, dark gorge of dogma.  

Baba, You then guided me and told, “Look towards the path and be fixed on the Goal.” And You also told me that with a pointed mind I should love that Ista, Taraka Brahma. But I did not care and instead remained oblivious and indulged in my lustful pursuits. I was completely engrossed in ephemeral pleasures in the mirage of my temporary and useless hobbies - even then You saved me. 

Baba, You descended on this dusty earth to lift me up from the dungeon and onto Your lap. You are so very gracious....

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Moral duty in suicide

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Those who commit suicide, do it when their mind is in a negative state. It is unnatural.” (1)

Note: Those in a balanced state of mind never commit suicide or opt for euthanasia (assisted suicide). The only people who commit suicide are those (a) in a poor emotional state, (b) affected by dogma, or (c) suffering from a severe mental ailment. If a person attempts or actually commits suicide it means their mind is not working properly. To prevent this social ill and personal tragedy, those with a balanced mind who are near the patient have the moral duty to intervene. They must save those mental patients who are planning or trying to commit suicide or euthanasia. 

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 6, The Three Causes of Sin

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Good Health: know these two mudras

These two mudras - uddayan mudra and utksepa mudra - are very important for all-round health as they serve as prevention and treatment for numerous diseases. In the Ananda Marga Yogic Treatments book, these two mudras are pervasively used. So all should know how to practice these mudras - i.e. when to inhale and when to exhale etc. Actually they are so basic, there is no need to ask any acarya etc. The instructions are printed in Caryacarya part 3 for all to see. Everyone has access to this knowledge. People should therefore take it upon themselves to acquire the foundational knowledge of basic Ananda Marga practices, like these two important mudras.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Ud́d́ayana mudrá: Standing, place the hands above the knees and bend forward a little. Gradually breathe out, to a state of complete exhalation. Keeping the breath out, draw the abdomen and lower abdomen inward as hard as possible, to touch the spine. Maintain this position for eight seconds. Then gradually inhale fully. Practise eight times.” (1)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Utkśepa Mudrá: This mudrá should be practised in bed immediately upon waking. While lying on the back, one should flex both the arms and legs, bringing them over the chest, and then return them immediately to the extended position. After doing this three or four times, sit up in bed and drink a glass of cold water without allowing the water to touch the teeth. After this you should expose the navel area to the air, and walk up and down in this way for some time in the open air.” (2)

References
1. Caryacarya - 3, Mudrás and Bandhas
2. Caryacarya - 3, Different Yoga Practices

== Section 3: Links ==

Prabhat Samgiita Day - 14 September

Spiritual treasure: PS

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2022/11/prema-of-bhakta.html

Intimacy of PS

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/intimacy-of-prabhat-samgiita.html

PS: how it all began

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/history-what-devotees-were-singing.html

Postings to Read

How to face controversy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/02/loose-or-strict-3-more.html

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

When money is tight - what to do + 4 more

Baba

When money is tight - what to do

Namaskar,

Finances are a key issue nowadays. Capitalist exploitation has reached such a height that they not only dictate what is sold, but also how people shop. Their concept of consumerism has reached deep into the human psyche. This entire letter contains real-life scenarios, personal experiences, and one grand Baba story for how to escape the capitalist strategy of pushing everyone into debt.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


One margii wants to take a personal loan

A while back, one sincere margii family was short of the needed amount in order to purchase a large and expensive item for the home. Unsure what to do, the margii consulted one Acarya. The margii was sincere and hoping to become a tattvika in the near future so he did not want to disobey any code or rule. Rather, he abided by Baba's guideline to seek the permission of an acarya before taking a loan or going into debt.

And when he asked, then Acaryaji directly turned down the margii's request. Acaryaji explained that it is not good to take a loan unnecessarily because this is not Baba's system nor our way in Ananda Marga way of life. In Prout, Baba gives open permission for people to go into debt only on the point of constructive industrial production. In contrast, on superficial business affairs or on personal luxury items, best is to avoid taking a loan. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In response, the margii replied with a second proposal: Ok, I will not borrow money from any bank or outside institution. Instead, I will request one of our Ananda Marga jagrtis or Ananda Marga cooperatives that have the needed capital to transfer the money to me. And, in due course, I will pay it back. But this too was denied.

In this manner, the discussion went gently back and forth. Ultimately, Acaryaji recounted his own personal experiences of watching Baba and told the ensuing Baba story about taking loans. Hearing these experiences and stories, it became clear how to solve the problem.

                                             
Personal experiences with Baba

Acaryaji began: “The following is based on Baba's teachings along with so many reporting sessions which I attended from 1975 to 1990. Taking a loan is completely prohibited; it is against the rules. Baba is very strict that if anybody is found guilty of taking a loan, then they were severely scolded.”

He continued, “I do not know of any occasion when Baba appreciated someone going into debt, or taking loan for any work: relief, or building construction or jagrti, or anything. And, if anybody took a loan then they were scared and did not reveal anything about their loan / debt because of fear of scolding by Baba.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Next, Acaryaji shared some further points.

(A) “Under no conditions is it justified to take a loan. As a case in point, here [appended below] is a story of one worker facing an extraordinary situation those days in Ananda Nagar regarding the lawsuit against the communists about those murder charges. The court case was going on and money was needed to save the situation. There was so much urgency. Even then Baba strongly objected to their taking a loan and Baba scolded Dadaji.”

(B) “Given the circumstances what can be more a dire situation for taking loan than this murder case? Yet you see how Baba disapproved. So I think that there should not be any doubt or confusion about Baba's teaching on this policy of incurring debt or taking loan etc.”

(C) “If Baba would have allowed or appreciated taking loans then it would have created the biggest problem or hazard all around. Many Wts who left would have gotten loans and taken the major portion of that money with them when they left the organisation. Then the new Dada posted to that place would have faced the serious problem of paying back the debt which was incurred by his predecessor Dada who left. So in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha,Baba did not allow any WT to take loan. This is not limited with Wts alone. This rule is for all.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Hearing all this the margii got convinced in the core of his heart that he should never unnecessarily incur any loan or debt. And he understood that to make such purchases he should either increase his income or consciously live within his present financial means. In this present era, it is highly important to follow Baba on this matter of incurring loans. Failing that one will have neither financial stability nor mental peace.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Ramakrishna

Here is a short review:

If someone is really in a terrible situation - such as their house burned down or became drastically flooded - and the government is not helping, then what is to be done? If one cannot take a loan then what is the solution. At that point, those who are friends and well-wishers of the victim can offer financial contributions - not loans, but gifts. That money is not to be paid back. The victim might be in need of and asking for thousands of dollars etc, but those offering financial support must not give beyond their means. When offering their economic gift to the victim, explain your financial situation to the victim, and he will understand and appreciate whatever amount you are able to offer.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~

Baba story about court case and taking loan - 1

Then he told this following BABA story will shed more light on this matter. And he read to us the following as recounted by one Dada.

~ Courtesy of “My Days with Baba” ~

 "I received a lesson I will never forget. We were in Ranchi in 1969. It was then our camp headquarters. I was general secretary and attending a never -ending sessions trial in Midnapur, West Bengal, on the horrific murder of five of our monks (at Anandanagar, 5 March 1967) and a huge amount of money was being drained out of our treasury to pay the ongoing legal costs. Much would depend on the verdict of the court; we were fighting the case heart and soul.  Our funds were almost exhausted, but we were only halfway through the case. I was at my wit's end when an idea occurred to me. One of the mission's departments had deposited about ten thousand rupees in the central treasury. They had planned to buy a car to use for social service. Left with no other way out, I sent a special messenger to Ranchi and fetched that money. We heaved a sigh of relief as we escaped the crisis for the time being.

 The case came to a finish at last. The court sentenced eight of the culprits to life imprisonment and others to rigorous imprisonment for different terms. There was no denying it: the verdict vindicated dharma and demoralized those who had masterminded the heart-rending massacre at Anandanagar.

 A few days later the workers from that department began to urge me to repay their money. I was on the lookout for resources, but my efforts were taking a long time. Eventually Baba heard of the entire affair.

When He came to know of it, He took exception to it. He came to the office that day and called all the central workers of the different departments. He demanded an explanation from me.

Baba story about court case and taking loan - 2

Baba asked, 'Don't you know the policy of our mission about lending and borrowing?'.

'Yes, Baba,' I said.

'If that is so', Baba continued, 'why didn't you get permission from the president (that is, Baba Himself) before siphoning the money from one department to another?'.

'We were in extreme need at the time. I felt we had no other option than taking this loan.  It was an emergency'.

'You ought to have informed the president of that emergency. Moreover, you could have taken the permission of the departmental head before spending the money.'

Baba's displeasure was extreme, and He scolded (see note on feigned anger) me severely for breaking the rules of financial propriety of the organization. My discomfiture was writ large on my face. I admitted my guilt and promised not to do it again in the future.

Decades have passed and much water has passed under the bridge since then, yet even now I can visualize the unrelenting image of that strict administrator - our loving Baba. That scolding is etched into my memory. That lesson has made me stand firmly on my feet and I have never thought again of borrowing money though the mission has scraped through countless difficulties over the years. Want of money was - and is, and always will be - there, but the virtual ban on borrowing has never stalled my work. For that matter I have never had to compromise on principles. His grace has helped me through every time." (Courtesy of “My Days with Baba”)

What to do if one is really in distress

Here is a very short addendum to this topic where one Dada posed the following query to Baba.

Acaryaji, "Sometimes a really good man may fall into trouble and sincerely need help. In that case, what is to be done?"

Baba said, "Instead of lending him money, you should help him according to your capacity. Suppose he is asking for five thousand rupees. Tell him your attitude about lending money and let him know your financial condition. Then help him with an amount that's within your means. It may not be as much as he demands, but he will get consolation that you tried to share his difficulties." (Courtesy of “My Days with Baba”)


Baba's guideline on financial loans

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Not to consult anybody at the time of spending money but to ask for help from all when in debt, is not a good practice. Such a mentality cannot be encouraged. To purchase, by incurring debt...is surely against the principle of aparigraha." (1)

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "It is often noticed that individuals incur debt because of their violating the principles of Yama and Niyama, especially due to their extravagance – and as a result, they approach the society for relief. In this connection I must point out that just as the society is duty-bound to give relief to individuals by combined efforts, so also it must have control over the conduct of individuals, over their practice of the principles of Yama and Niyama, and also over their expenditure. Not to consult anybody at the time of spending money but to ask for help from all when in debt, is not a good practice. Such a mentality cannot be encouraged.
  Ananda Marga philosophy says, "To purchase, by incurring debt, serge where tweed will do, or gaberdine where serge will do, is surely against the principle of aparigraha. Similarly, people should take food which is nutritious but not rich. They have to give up the practice of feeding others with money taken on loan. That is why social control over the individual’s conduct and expenditure is indispensably necessary. Hence, all Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of Yama and Niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong. Henceforth I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margi to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama and also to accept calmly directions of other Margis in this connection."
   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "I am also giving one more advice in regard to aparigraha. If any Margis have to spend on anything in addition to the fixed expenditure (for example, expensive clothing, ornaments, articles of furniture, marriage, building, etc.), they should, before incurring such expenditure, obtain a clear order from their ácárya, unit secretary or district secretary, or any other person of responsible rank. Similarly, permission is to be obtained before taking loan from any businessman or money-lender. Where one’s own ácárya or any person of responsible rank is not easily available, consultation or rather permission is to be obtained from any other ácárya, táttvika or any right-thinking member of the Marga. Every member should follow this instruction strictly." (2)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Arranging the feast by taking a loan or incurring a debt is prohibited." (3)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "For the celebration of this ceremony the arrangement of a social feast depends entirely on the desire and the financial position of the guardians concerned. Taking a loan or incurring a debt for this purpose is forbidden." (4)


Modus operandi of moneylenders

Here below Baba exposed the modus operandi of moneylenders. This type of scenario can happen to anyone who takes a loan - theirs will be a miserabele fate.

Prout philosophy states, "The exploitation by capitalists and landlords is accompanied by the exploitation by moneylenders. In the rural economy they lend money to the farmers and rural peasants, and are present in nearly every village and hamlet of West Bengal. Where the landlords are not physically present, their loyal agents are very active. The moneylenders have nothing to do with the land – they merely give loans to the poor farmers at high interest. Sometimes poor farmers cannot afford to procure farming implements, hence they are compelled to take loans from the moneylenders. If a moneylender gives one hundred rupees to a farmer, the farmer will have to repay two hundred rupees with interest, but the moneylender does not take back the loan in cash. Instead he realizes the amount in kind in the form of paddy, potatoes, etc., at cheap rates at the time of the harvest. The poor farmer, under the pressure of circumstances, has to accept this unwelcome system. He is a double loser – first, he has to pay more than double the amount of the original loan, and secondly, this amount is paid in kind at the rate of the harvest price of the crop, which is naturally very cheap. This whole process is conducted through agents, who also take their profit. Thus, the peasants and farmers of India are deprived of all their agricultural produce in four to five months of the year to repay the moneylenders, so for the remaining seven to eight months they have to approach the moneylenders again for fresh loans. At first they mortgage their implements, and then they are forced to part with their land. When the amount of the loans with compound interest increases to the point where the interest and the mortgage is equal to the price of their land, the moneylenders confiscate the land of the farmers. Consequently, the farmers get evicted from their land and move from village to village, living on the streets as beggars." (5)


Who can take loans

Here Baba guides us that only businesses can take loans.

Prout philosophy says, "The science of economics teaches that the rolling of money should never be blocked by any sort of non-productive investment. Sometimes people misuse loans to construct an unnecessary building or a new showroom for their business, and thus prevent the possibility of reinvesting the capital and increasing their wealth. Economics teaches that loans taken for business investment should always be utilized for productive purposes, and should never be utilized in any unproductive venture. Foreign loans, for example, should never be invested in constructing large railway stations instead of railway lines." (6)


Note: His feigned anger

Feigned Anger: The Propounder of Ananda Marga, Baba - Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji is the embodiment of dharma. One of the characteristics of a dharmika is akrodha or non-anger. Baba perfectly embodies this quality. Those close to Baba understood that He never became angry. Only He would feign anger or show as if He was angry in order to teach others the severity of a particular situation. For this reason He would express feigned anger. So never can one truly say that Baba was ever furious or mad etc. Just He would display anger externally in order to lovingly guide His bhaktas.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Guide to Human Conduct, p.29
2. Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in Society
3. Carycarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony
4. Carycarya - 1, Infant's Játakarma: The Naming of and First Feeding of Solid Food to an Infant
5. Proutist Economics, Economic Exploitation of Bengal
6. Proutist Economics, Keep Money Rolling – Excerpt A

*        *        *

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 ==

Path of brilliant illumination

"Stabdha ma'navata' ja'galo go ja'galo..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0366)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, with Your advent, the stunned and dazed humanity has awakened today. Expression has come to its previously dumb mouth. The humankind was sleeping for ages in a deep slumber, submerged in dogma and inertness. The people could not understand what is dharma and adharma, nor could they follow any dos and don'ts or protest against injustices. Now, the human race has become awakened, by Your grace. Those mute persons, who were unable to talk, have gained the courage to speak out against falsehood and injustice, by Your mercy. The call of supreme refulgence has touched every heart and cast away the cimmerian dark staticity of the new moon night. All are dancing in joy.

On this very day let us all collectively move along the path of brilliant illumination. There is no looking back. In the eastern sky, the early coloured sun awakens, and a brand new era is at our doorstep.

The streaks of light have brought the fragrant flowers into full blossom. The yearning for spirituality arouses in the human psyche, eradicating the doldrums of all lethargy, laziness, ennui, and feelings of emptiness within. Those degrading tendencies have disappeared and are nowhere to be found.

Baba, Parama Purusa, with Your advent, everything has been transformed...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Utter futility of worldly knowledge

Ananda Marga ideology says, "People wish to know everything but the human cranium is small, and the brain even smaller. So how much can one know? Also whatever one learns today one forgets tomorrow. Yes, one who was a Mahámohapádháya, a pandit, would no longer be able to remember the “sabdarupa” of “Nara” if after leaving his or her original occupation he or she became engaged in agricultural work. This is the situation that usually happens. So the main thing is “know all – know one”. What is the use of reading and forgetting so many books? If one reads more books one will forget more things and make more mistakes. So what is the use? No permanent benefit is derived from being a book-worm. I encourage the general education – laokika education – so that people can understand the shallowness of laokika knowledge.” (1)

Note 1: Laokika / worldly knowledge: Anything related with the relative world - i.e. all the facts and figures related with this ever-changing expressed universe whether they be mathematical theories, political treatises. All these things fall within the realm of Laokika / worldly knowledge.

Note 2: In His above divine teaching, Baba guides us that intellectual progress is meaningless in the absence of spirituality. Only self-realisation is the real knowledge. When one does sadhana and studies dharmic scriptures then one realises how intellectual knowledge is completely futile for attaining perfect peace and eternal happiness. Whereas by atma-jinana (self-realisation) one will automatically know the 'ins' and 'outs' of everything. That is why knowing oneself is the real knowledge. Know one, know all.

Note 3: It is not impossible to satiate the heart with worldly knowledge since the human heart can only be satiated with the divine bliss attained through sadhana. But just talking about sadhana the whole day also will not bring eternal peace and happiness; one has to do sadhana. For example memorizing all the facets about sristi cakra (cycle of creation) will not lead to true spiritual realisation. For that one must perform meditation - sadhana.

Final Note: The grand conclusion of Baba's above teaching is that the reason why intellectual knowledge is highly needed is so that one can understand its uselessness and futility.  

Reference
(1) Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Self-Realization Is the Real Knowledge

== Section: Important Teaching ==

The beginning & culmination of sadhana

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Whatever a man is to do in his spiritual life he is to do - why? Because he is in love with the Supreme Entity. Love is the first word, love is the starting point, and love is the last point." (1)

Reference

1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Starting Point and the Last Point

Note: Baba's above guideline is very beneficial for sadhana. However, these days some innocent or simple people just do meditation for "mental peace". And even worse, some Wts do sadhana for show - to pose as someone great. Such Wts hardly do sadhana when they are alone; but when they go to margiis' houses then in grand style they sit in meditation for a long time. All done in order to put themselves on display and create one display that they are highly elevated sadhakas. Certain margiis do a similar thing when they attend retreats. Only by evaluating the ongoing conduct can one understand how far they are really doing sadhana or not. It is just like if you are approaching one animal at night. At first you may think that it is a tiger or a lion, but when that animal makes its weird 'Huan, Huan' sound, then you know that it is just a jackal. Same is the case when being around those types who put on a show of sadhana. By their conduct and dealing they just expose themselves etc.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Books: Degrading nature of “bestsellers”

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "There is a flagrant dearth of developed critical literature or critical magazines in every country of the world. Books sell in the market on the strength of publicity skills, or on the strength of how they excite the lower human propensities, or in some cases by their crude ability to provide entertainment for the common masses. That is why we find that books published by the authors themselves, regardless of how good they are, do not sell well in the market. On the other hand, books which excite people’s sexuality, whatever might be their content or language, sell extremely well." (1)

Nowadays the benchmark for determining the greatness of a book is the number of copies sold. But this is the wrong measurement because in this era of materialism the masses run to buy those books that excite the lower propensities. Yet, that is not the mark of great literature. Sadly, today's so-called writers have the requisite intellect and talent to write but in order to earn money and maximize sales they inject degrading, perverted themes into their writing. Because that is what enables their books to become "best-sellers." That is the unfortunate and common trend nowadays. So one should be very careful when selecting books. Those titles which have sold the most copies do not represent literature in the proper sense of the term.

Reference

1. A Few Problems Solved - 2, The Practice of Art and Literature

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Natural call: keeping clean

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-to-avoid-incontinence-in-old-age.html

Reply to skeptics: singing His glory

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/is-parama-purusa-hungry-for-praise.html
  

Baba’s childhood pledge: obliterate casteism

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/baba-story-no-one-is-high-or-low.html

Hilarious scene at DMC

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/story-garrulous-announcer-5-more.html

Bhaktas akin to fish in water

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/phony-or-true-bhakta.html