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Showing posts with label gambling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gambling. Show all posts

Monday, September 29, 2025

Query: use lottery to fund AM projects? + 6 more

Baba


Query: use lottery to fund AM projects?

Namaskar,

In the 1960's, Baba was placing a big emphasis on social service work. There was tremendous pressure to increase the number and quality of our social service projects. But, as an organisation, we lacked the requisite money to finance all these works. The projects were many, and the number of margiis was less. Our economic means were quite limited; lack of money limited what we could do.

Around that time, the Indian government started a lottery. I thought this was a very good way for us to increase our capital. My plan to purchase lottery tickets in the name of Ananda Marga, and Baba will use His mantra. By that way we will possess the winning ticket and gain huge money. Then we will be able to perform numerous social service projects. It seemed like the perfect plan. I told everyone that this was a great opportunity and that I would raise the matter with Baba to gain His approval, i.e. grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba rejects my plea for lottery

Soon thereafter, I was in Baba's presence and He gave me an opportunity to raise my query. I said, "Baba, the government of India has started a new lottery game, so I thought we should participate and purchase tickets. With the winnings, we could then do maximum social service."

Baba replied, No, this is very bad. True margiis will never participate in any type of lottery. It is just a waste of money. There will not be any gain. The only outcome is that people's greed will increase. This is a bad idea - never think of participating in the lottery, or indulge in gambling etc.

Sadguru Baba rejected the idea of playing the lottery. I told everyone of Baba's decision. Some were disappointed, but we were all keen in following Baba's order. True margiis will not gain or win anything if they buy a lottery ticket - only loss. By playing the lottery, the mind becomes stained and degraded. And one’s penchant for greed multiplies. As we all know, greed is an aspect of avidya maya which leads to psychic degeneration.


Takeaway: helping less, hurting more


This story gives us the guideline that as Ananda Margiis we should not engage in those activities which are detrimental for one’s own self or the general society. If a party or an institution within Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha is involved in lotteries or gambling to fund social service projects, then that will be disastrous and margiis will do the same for their personal gain. Verily, this disease and social ill of gambling will multiply. The black money earned from lotteries and gambling is harmful because it encourages this vice, and that leads to more problems in the society. For this reason, according to Ananda Marga ethical guidelines, certain jobs harmful to the collective are looked upon as lowly. No right minded person should do them, let alone Ananda Margiis.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For example:
  • Earning money by selling drugs to contribute to a children’s home;
  • Earning money by running a lewd (sensual) call center to support a leprosy clinic;
  • Earning money by committing road robbery to build 15-story homeless centre;
  • Earning money by selling adulterated, medicines for flood relief;
  • Earning money by selling meat to help heart patients;
  • Earning money by opening a prostitution home to help victims of human trafficking;
  • Earning money by lending money at a high interest rate in order to run a free hospital.

This list of sinful jobs is very long. These activities and occupations are antithetical to Ananda Marga and they are self-defeating. On the one side you are harming society and earning money, and on the other side you are deceiving yourself that you are running a social service project like a children’s home or hospital. But this is just creating negative habits in society that are detrimental in all spheres of life. This is looked upon as abhorrent and sinful as well.

Unfortunately, in various corners of the globe similar types of despicable activities are going on in the name of funding social service projects by xyz organisations. It is so sad. Those running the show befool themselves that although they are earning money in a negative way it is alright because they are running a service project. May their mind open wherein they can realise their sin and stop that type of business.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A temptation such as lobha (avarice) is a principle of avidyámáyá. It can only be overcome by reducing the influence of avidyámáyá through intuitional practice (sádhaná). One will never be able to keep away from temptation without overcoming the influence of avidyámáyá. This is possible only through progress in intuitional practice." (1)

And here below Baba has clearly forbidden us to engage in any kind of gambling and lotteries.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The habit of making wagers is extremely undesirable. You must avoid lotteries and gambling.” (2)


Lottery ruins


The exploited, impoverished masses are goaded by the exploiters to purchase lottery tickets. The poor are brainwashed into thinking that by this way they will be able to overcome their poverty and become rich. And when they invariably do not win the lottery and their poverty multiplies, those impoverished people blame themselves for being unlucky. Side by side, the exploited mass believes that the rich are fortunate and that is why they have money. They do not realise that the rich have accumulated wealth by exploiting others.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The poor believe that, “Due to my misfortune and bad luck, I do not have money.” They fail to realise that their poverty is the result of systemic exploitation, low wages, and numerous other tactics implemented by the wealthy. Wherever people are dominated by the idea that the lottery is their ticket out of poverty, it is extremely difficult to raise their awareness about economic exploitation. They fail to understand that exploitation is the driving force behind their poverty because they are engrossed in the notion that they are just unlucky and if a stroke of fortune comes their way then surely they will become rich.


Lottery gives negative message & self-blame


Some lotteries are worth huge sums of money. This gives the notion that societal systems are not founded on rewarding those who work hard and gain success, i.e. meritocracy, rather it is all just due to luck. People rely on the luck of the lottery to enhance their lot in life. A distinct portion of society operates in this way. When people think that chance and good fortune - not hard work and ingenuity - are the cause of one's success or lack thereof, they have fallen into a very dangerous and harmful outlook.

As Baba has discussed in numerous discourses, when one gives way or indulges in a particular propensity, like greed etc, then that propensity increases. That is the theorem: A propensity gets stronger as it is activated. So if a person indulges in greed or anger, than that propensity or vrtti will gain a greater hold over that person. That is the way it goes.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The peculiar nature of these propensities is this: if they are given indulgence, they increase. And they easily come under control with a slight effort; only in the initial stage, one must struggle a little to control them." (3)

With regards to playing the lottery or gambling, as one thinks about winning money, then their desire increases and their greed multiplies. In turn, one will gamble more or buy more lottery tickets. One's psychic pabulum focuses more on money and in so doing the mind becomes stained - degraded. And one's penchant for greed goes on increasing. From beginning to end this is not good for sadhakas.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A person who is greedy for money becomes totally preoccupied with the thought of making money;...." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "The mind becomes so infatuated with its crude objects that ultimately it becomes converted into matter. It follows the path of negative pratisaincara." (5)

Sadguru says, "When the tendency towards acquisition in the physical world is extremely strong, people's tendency to assimilate spiritual or intellectual things is usually noticeably weaker. In that condition, their thirst for the material world becomes very intense." (6)


Lottery: the poor loses & indulge more vices

  Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The present-day materialism has brought humanity to this predicament. Its consequences are dreadful. The irrational thirst for acquisition of material things is termed “greed”; ….. the tendency to acquire the objects of material enjoyment in ever-increasing quantities."
   "So whether in the material world or in the intellectual world, the predominant tendency that makes today's people, both individually and collectively, rush headlong without control, is the instinct of greed. The propensity of greed, if not controlled by rationality, or benevolent intellect, or spiritual practices, will lead to premature death. Nothing can save human beings from this. This instinct of greed has brought the present humanity to such a state that people no longer consider anything as sinful. Rather, they consider the “sin psychology” as a mental weakness, and the worst of sins are being glorified as the height of intellect, not only indirectly, but also openly...Lobhah pápasya hetubhútah [“Greed is the root cause of all sins”]." (7)

So greed / avarice is one of the six internal enemies and part and parcel of avidya maya. The disease behind the lottery and gambling is found in the sadripus because greed for material wealth is one of the six internal enemies. So this penchant for lottery and gambling is embedded deep within the human psyche. If this tendency or enemy of greed is encouraged it will grow and grow. It can swallow one's entire existence where a person even destroys their family and commits suicide - all due to greed.

Encouraging people to participate in lotteries and gambling is extremely dangerous - it can easily ruin their entire existence. Now that we have uncovered the root cause of the problem, we should investigate the treatment as well.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Lotteries enable the powerful politicians and wealthy shareholders to further exploit the masses because instead of demanding an end to socio-economic exploitation etc, the common people just bask in the false hope of winning the lottery and joining the ultra-rich.  Instead of pushing for social change and justice, the sedated masses avoid revolutionary approaches and sit back and play the lottery. By this maneuver of creating lotteries, political leaders maintain the status quo - they are not pressured to respond to social ills.


Conclusion

So wherever lotteries are embraced by the people, Prout can never be established. In order to propagate Prout, the first step is to open the eyes of the common mass. They have to realise the presence of exploitation and give up their bad habit and false hope of lotteries, gambling, and stocks etc. Only then will they be able to understand that capitalist economic exploitation is the cause of their poverty and suffering. Their economic woes are not because of not winning the lottery but due to  extremely low wages.

The central idea is that nobody should earn money in sinful ways and justify that, “I earned the money in a dark manner, but it is ok because I am funding this or that social service project.” One should never commit this act. That is what Baba teaches us in the above story.

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Giitiishvara

The above story was recounted by a margii from Varanasi, Shrii Narendra Vikram. Hence the "I" refers to Shrii Vikram ji.

All sorts of gambling including lotteries are forbidden in Ananda Marga as it brings psychic degeneration and creates a whole host of social problems. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
2. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #38
3. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva's Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 16)
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, Cognitive Force and Psychic Practice
5. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, Cognitive Force and Psychic Practice
6. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva’s Teachings – 1 (continued) (Discourse 10)
7. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva’s Teachings – 1 (continued) (Discourse 10)

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.



*        *        *

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 ==

Where is it that You go

“Sabár mane rayecho gahane, gopane tháko, keno bolo?...” (Prabhat Samgiita #1845)

Purport: 

O’ Lord, You are in the depths of everyone's mind. But why do You remain there secretly, please tell me. In the sound of the trees, in the horripilation of love, why do You go on dancing exuberantly? 

You go on dancing from far to farther, and then You come back only to then go away again. Where is it that You go? The mirages of the desert represent Your fury. In the delight of the ocean waves, You are dancing.

O Lord, please grace me by removing this boundary line and bringing Yourself closer in front of me. In the drowsiness and laziness, with the obsession of beauty, O' Sthita Dhii, please become vibrant. 

O’ Parama Purusa, You are always with everyone. It is Your blessing…


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Culture & customs

Prout philosophy states, "Culture is a vague term. It is the collective name for different expressions of life. People eat, enjoy hospitality, laugh on some occasions and shed tears on others, and thereby express life through various actions. The collective name of all these actions is culture."

"According to PROUT all of society has the same culture. There are local variations in the mode or state of cultural expression, but the expression is universal. While everybody eats, some eat by hand, others by stick and still others by spoon. Indian dance is based on Mudrá or dance postures, and European dance is based on rhythm, but they do not represent two different cultures."

"Local variations will diminish if there is a close blending between different groups of people, because this will create common customs. In Nepal there is a blending of Hindu and Buddhist customs. In Bengal there is a blending of Aryan and Dravidian customs. These local variations are called customs. Thus local modes of expression bearing local or group specialities are customs, but the expression itself is culture. Therefore it is a mistake to readjust boundaries on the basis of language and culture. Indian culture and the culture of the world are one and the same." (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout


== Section: Important Teaching ==

The slippery slope of tolerance

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Human beings will have to practise tolerance. But this spirit of tolerance must be developed only in individual life; in collective life it must not be expressed. If a country illegally grabs even one inch of your land you must take one mile of the aggressor’s land; no spirit of tolerance in this regard is permissible. If you show your tolerance then they will take one inch today and one mile tomorrow. However, you can practise toleration as much as possible in individual life, and that will be considered a sign of greatness." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle


== Section : Important Teachings ==

Longing for power & post is deadly

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Human beings take form according to the characteristics of their object of ideation...Those who have an ambition for power, are called raks'a. Suppose a man has grown old but still has an ambition for power. He thinks he should become this, he should become that, he thinks he should attain this status or that status. After death what shall this person become? He shall become raks'a-- that is raks'as'a." (1)

Note: Unfortunately those running after post, power, prestige status etc will ultimately become lowly microvita. As sadhakas - as well-wishers of the humanity - we should guide and teach such persons not to crave after worldly status and degenerate themselves. It is our duty to help them. We should serve them and teach them to think about Parama Purusa - and not lust after  power, prestige, social status, post etc. This should be our approach. Thus when some of our Central Dadas and others are craving for post and power we should intervene and save them from their terrible fate. They should be taught the ways of neo-humanism, otherwise they will plunge themselves into a dark future and face so many negative consequences.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, The Psycho-Spiritual Evolution of Humans


== Section: Hindi Quote ==

तू वहाँ जा

 "ऊतामृतत्वस्येशानो"---”अगर परमात्मा decide करें ऐसा कि---"मैं पापियों का नहीं हूँ | पापी निकल जाए |” तो, पापी पूछेगा---"कृपया यह तो बताओ, मैं कहाँ जाऊँ ?" देखो उनके बाहर में तो कुछ नहीं है | वे बाहर जाने के लिए अगर बोलें, तो बोलेंगे कि---"मेरा जो area है, सरहद है, उसके बाहर चले जाओ |” “तो, तुम्हारे सरहद के बाहर कौन जगह है, बता दो ज़रा ? बताओ ?” वे तो नहीं बता सकेंगे | तब उनको क्या करना पड़ेगा ? अपना ही थोड़ा-सा portion को अलग करके बोलना पड़ेगा---"तू वहाँ जा |" तब थोड़ा-सा area जब बाहर उनसे चला गया, तब वे तो सर्वव्यापी नहीं रहे | उनके बाहर में वे पापी लोग चले गए |”
[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]  [1]

Reference
1. S24-06


== Section: Bangla Quote ==

কপাল সাধনা যা তোমাদের

“এই বারাণসী বা কাশী এখানে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হয়ে গেলে মনকে খুৰ দ্রুত উপরে তুলে ফেলতে হয় | এবং তন্ত্র সাধনা, কপাল সাধনা যা তোমাদের কেউ কেউ শিখেছ, এর ফলে মনে সেই দ্রুতি আসে, বেগ আসে | তখন এই যে বারাণসী তত্ত্ব এতে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হতে একটু সুবিধা হয় | তা না হ’লে, পারৰে সৰাই | কেন পারৰে না ? যে মানুষের শরীর পেয়েছে, সেই পারৰে |" (1)

Unfortunately, the below English translation from the Electronic Edition of Baba's books (2009) is not up to the mark. It does not accurately portray Guru's original teaching given in Bengali featured above.

“To establish the mind on this point of Váráńasii or káshi, one has to quickly elevate the mind. Those who have learnt the technique of Tantra sádhaná or kápálika sádhaná, know what joy can be derived from this. It helps to establish the practitioner in the cult of Váráńasii. Those who have not yet mastered it, will one day be established in the cult of Váráńasii. Why not? Those who have acquired a human structure will surely be established in Váráńasii.]” (1)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, Where Is Varanasi


== Section: Prout ==

Capitalism can be eradicated

"Considering the collective interests of all living beings, it is essential that capitalism be eradicated. But, what should be the proper method to achieve this end?"

"It cannot be denied that violence gives rise to violence. Then again, nothing can ensure that the application of force without violence, with the intention of rectification, will necessarily bring good results. So what should be done under such circumstances?"

"Nothing would be better, if it were possible, than the eradication of capitalism by friendly persuasion and humanistic appeals. In that case the peace of the greater human family would not be much disturbed. But can it be guaranteed that everyone will respond to this approach? Some people may say that a day will come when, as a result of repeatedly listening to such appeals and gradually imbibing them over a long time, as well as through proper mental and spiritual education, good sense will prevail among the exploiters. This argument is very pleasant to hear. Such attempts are not reprehensible. But is it practicable to wait indefinitely for good sense to prevail among the exploiters? By then the exploited mass will have given up the ghost!"

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, point #2


== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Solution to inertness

“We are proceeding from darkness towards effulgence, from imperfection along the golden steps to perfection. No obstacle on the way will be able to stop our advancement. Pushing aside and smashing all obstacles and impediments we will move along our destined path. Our ideological rationality is our valuable asset; the blissful glow of Macrocosmic effulgence is our goal and the inherent desire to bring well-being to all living creatures is our way.”

“Moving ahead is the very want of life. Wasting valuable time in lethargy is nothing but inertness; hence we must keep moving. The chant of our forward movement will be our vocal expression, the very pulsation of our life.” (Ananda Vanii #72)

Note: The above is one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis. These original and true Ananda Vaniis are unique, eternal guidelines that stand as complete discourses in and of themselves. They are unlike Fake Ananda Vaniis which are fabricated by most of the groups - H, B etc.


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Contrast: kiirtana & PS

Sadhana first

Story: taking one's life

Preserving spiritual vibration

Ways of dharma

What to do with corpse

Story: the birth of kiirtana



Thursday, April 18, 2024

Warning: addiction of greed + 4 more

Baba
Warning: addiction of greed

Namaskar,

Around the world, greedy people regularly resort to lotteries and gambling in hopes of generating income - and at present gambling has reached an all-time high. 

Here is an overview of the effect of gambling and lotteries on the human condition - according to the stand of Ananda Marga. We should all be aware of how gambling and lotteries affect people spiritually, emotionally, psychologically and socially.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Disease of "I want more"

The main problem with gambling and lotteries is that they increase greed: A person thinks that they can get more money - free, with little effort. This hankering creates a feeling in the mind of malcontent. Because the gambling and lottery addicts always feel, "I want more." In that case they can never have peace of mind. Gambling goes contrary to yama and niyama. It ruins any sense of santosa and goes against the code of aparigraha as well.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Tośa means the state of mental ease. Santośa, therefore, means a state of proper ease. Contentment is not at all possible if the individual is running after carnal pleasures like a beast. As a result of extroversial analysis, the objects of enjoyments go on increasing both in number and abstraction and that is why one’s mental flow never gets any rest. Under such circumstances how can one attain perfect peace of mind?” (1)

So when any vrtti (psychic tendency) is encouraged, like greed, then it multiplies and one becomes intoxicated by that vrtti and one loses their sense.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The peculiar nature of these propensities is this: if they are given indulgence, they increase." (2)

Those involved in gambling utterly destroy their mental structure and lose any semblance of mental equipoise and inner peace. This is the root problem with gambling and lotteries. From this aforementioned psychic problem, so many social ills result.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Gambling & lotteries ruin whole family


A gambling addict destroys their family because of their addiction. They will spend all the family's money and resources on their negative habit (addiction to gambling and lotteries) and overlook basic needs like food, clothing for the children etc.

When someone gambles they invariably lose all their material wealth and in turn become psychically depressed. That leads to the destruction of the family as people often use alcohol and other drugs as a "crutch" to alter their depressed mood. That invites so many marital problems like divorce and abuse. In sum, one's home-life is ruined.

Gambling addicts perpetually need more money to cover their losses and support their addiction; and, often they resort to cheating, theft, robbery and deception in order to get more money. They will even cheat and steal from their loved ones, as well as commit crimes in the general society. A gambling addiction will ruin one's own health: physically and mentally - in all kinds of ways. Because gambling and lotteries are intoxicants. Intoxicants need not always be something you ingest like wine and drugs; gambling and lotteries and other sorts of bad psychic habits also intoxicate the mind.

The array of problems associated with gambling is vast. It is not just three or four points but many. Where there is gambling a plethora of social crimes and psychic problems mushroom. Gambling and lotteries invite a dark, downward spiral. Put it this way: If the casino business were a losing proposition then would greedy moguls enter into this enterprise. The "house" or the casino never loses. In the end, the casino always wins and the common people suffer. This itself is proof that those who gamble are bound to lose.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Various forms of gambling

Sometimes people think of gambling only as going to a casino. When in fact there are numerous forms of gambling:

LOTTERY: Participation in lotteries is a form of gambling. Buying a lottery ticket is not an innocent pursuit but rather a degrading habit and Baba condemns all kinds of lotteries, whether they be conducted in an office, or by the state, or anywhere.

HORSE RACING & SPORTING EVENTS: Betting on horses and sports teams are also forms of gambling because the intent is to wager money to gain more. This is highly addictive and many have ruined their lives in this way.

BETTING ON POLITICAL ELECTIONS: In this materialistic era, now people can even bet on the outcome of political elections. Odds are given and a wager is made. This is no different from betting on sporting events etc.

STOCK MARKET: The present day stock market is also a form of gambling which is one reason why Baba has mandated that the entire share market be fundamentally changed. Those who (a)  aggressively invest in the stock market, (b) check their investments multiple times a day, and (c) are always thinking about the money they hope to make are most certainly addicted. They are like gambling and lottery addicts, even if they hold a so-called respectable place in society.


How dominance of lotteries makes Prout an impossibility

The exploited, impoverished masses are goaded by the exploiters to purchase lottery tickets. The poor are brainwashed into thinking that by this way they will be able to overcome their poverty and become rich. And when they invariably do not win the lottery and their poverty multiplies, those impoverished people blame themselves for being unlucky. Side by side, the exploited mass believes that the rich are fortunate and that is why they have money. They do not realise that the rich have gotten that way by exploiting others.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The poor believe that, “Due to my misfortune and bad luck, I do not have money.” They fail to realise that their poverty is the result of systemic exploitation, low wages, and numerous other tactics implemented by the wealthy. So wherever people are dominated by the idea that the lottery is their ticket out of poverty, it is extremely difficult to raise their awareness about economic exploitation. They fail to understand that exploitation is the driving force behind their poverty because they are engrossed in the notion that they are just unlucky and if a stroke of fortune comes their way then surely they will become rich.

Some lotteries are worth huge sums of money. This gives the notion that societal systems are not founded on rewarding those who work hard and gain success, i.e. meritocracy, rather it is all just due to luck. People rely on the luck of the lottery to enhance their lot in life. A distinct portion of society operates in this way. When people think that chance and good fortune - not hard work and ingenuity - are the cause of one's success or lack thereof, they have fallen into a very dangerous and harmful outlook.

So wherever lotteries are embraced by the people, Prout can never be established. In order to propagate Prout, the first step is to open the eyes of the common mass. They have to realise the presence of exploitation and give up their bad habit and false hope of lotteries, gambling, and stocks etc. Only then will they be able to understand that capitalist economic exploitation is the cause of their poverty and suffering. Their economic woes are not because of not winning the lottery but due to  extremely low wages. 


Conclusion


As with all addictions, Baba guides us that one must be removed from the negative environment and channelise the mind to more subtle pursuits. Gambling itself - in all its forms - is a disease and a social ill that degrades both the individual and the collective. Neither citizens nor the state should try to increase their financial status through gambling - the overall outcome will be horrific.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The central idea is that the object of ideation should be Parama Purusa, not something mundane. When it comes to lotteries and gambling, those addicts only think about money and more money. That unit mind - that microcosm - becomes wholly involved in money. And that is extremely dangerous because in that depraved state of mind at the time of death one will become negative microvita or take existence as a piece of gold etc. That is the very reason - and real danger - why Baba is so opposed to lotteries and gambling. It ruins one's spiritual growth. The theorem is: "As you think so you become." If you think about money you will become money etc. That is that very warning Baba is delivering. As a bonafide human being one should ideate on Parama Purusa and attain life divine. Otherwise - when indulged in gambling and lotteries  etc - one will fall prey to materialistic pursuits and be reborn as a stone etc.

in Him,
Ramdeva

Due to greed people try to win more money by gambling and lotteries. If such an instance has occurred in your unit, it should be dealt with readily and the person rectified of their problem.

~ In-depth study ~

How to heal those addicts


Here below is Baba's guideline for how to heal those who suffer from an addiction or bad habit like gambling.

 Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The best psychological cure for addicts is to put them in an environment where they will be unable to think of their object of addiction for any length of time. To proclaim, “Don’t do this, it’s bad,” is futile, for it is a negative approach. If you say, “Don’t drink wine”, you are still injecting the concept of wine into the alcoholic’s mind, thus making it impossible for him to forget it and kick his bad habits. You are giving alcohol negative publicity, and it again becomes his mental object. Thus whenever he gets the opportunity he will certainly drink it again. And it may be that this negative approach encourages the alcoholic to become even more addicted. It is a defective approach."
   "These days the sign “No smoking please” is placed in many public places, but it will not reduce the amount of smoking. If society wants people to stop smoking, its approach should be to divert the smoker’s mind to other objects. A chain smoker should be encouraged to get involved in various pursuits such as music, dance, songs, culture of fine arts, etc., for if the mind remains engaged in these things it will forget its object of addiction. But the person who thinks, “I’ll stop drinking wine the day after tomorrow – no, let me see, why not tomorrow” can never kick the habit, for wine remains the mental object. The mind will try to materialize whatever it thinks about in the external world – this is its nature." (3)


Why avoid all forms of gambling & lotteries


Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The habit of making wagers is extremely undesirable. You must avoid lotteries and gambling." (4)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "One may earn money by gambling but it is also not a proper occupation. One’s occupation should be pure. It must not go against the interest of the collective body." (5)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "There are many instances of affluent people also indulging in drink, drugs, gambling, licentiousness, luxurious living, gluttony, etc., in order to forget their psychic problems or to gratify their instincts. Due to their addiction, they lose their wealth and finally get into debt to finance their bad habits. Eventually, when it becomes impossible for them to pay off their debts, they get involved in a wide variety of criminal activities which have a highly deleterious effect on society. Privation is clearly the superficial cause of such crimes, but society is not responsible for this type of privation as it is entirely self-created. It is imperative to take corrective measures to reform such types of criminal. In order to be able to reform them, it is essential to cure them of their addiction." (6)


How the greed of vices brings destruction


Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The irrational thirst for acquisition of material things is termed “greed”; whereas the endeavour to assimilate things in the spiritual world is harmless and blameless. And the attempt to assimilate something in the psychic world, if it is directed towards the welfare of humanity, is also harmless. Otherwise, it pollutes the minds of people and makes them intolerant: it leads to conflicts between dogmas and theories and degrades people to the level of animality."

"Now the question is: What is the motivation behind this? It is the tendency to assimilate ideas without the spirit of welfare – and, still more than this, the tendency to acquire the objects of material enjoyment in ever-increasing quantities."

"So whether in the material world or in the intellectual world, the predominant tendency that makes today’s people, both individually and collectively, rush headlong without control, is the instinct of greed. The propensity of greed, if not controlled by rationality, or benevolent intellect, or spiritual practices, will lead to premature death. Nothing can save human beings from this. This instinct of greed has brought the present humanity to such a state that people no longer consider anything as sinful. Rather, they consider the “sin psychology” as a mental weakness, and the worst of sins are being glorified as the height of intellect, not only indirectly, but also openly."

"The omniscient Shiva observed the rampant expansion of materialism and its dangerous consequences and clearly stated, Lobhah pápasya hetubhútah [“Greed is the root cause of all sins”]." (7)

References
1. Guide To Human Conduct, Santosa
2. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, (Discourse 16)
3. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell-6, Vyatireka-1
4. Caryacarya - 2, Society, pt #38
5. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, The Path of Salvation
6. Humans Society - 1, Justice
7. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10, Shivokti - 5


*        *        *

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


*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Story of Kalachand & defects of idol worship


Prout philosophy states, “The second inviolable principle is that people should not be forcibly converted from one religion to another. People will not leave a religion if it is able to guide them properly on the path of Dharma….”

Prout philosophy states, “There is a well-known story about a Zamindar from Bengal called Kalachand Roy, later Kalapahar, who was a follower of Kálii. He worshipped a stone image of Kálii with great devotion. At that time some invaders, belonging to another religion, started a campaign to destroy all Hindu temples and deities. When Kalachand’s temple was about to be destroyed, he prayed to Kálii saying, “Mother, I do not have the power to protect you, so please protect yourself.” But how can a stone idol protect itself? In due course his temple and idol were destroyed, and Kalachand lost faith in Kálii. He was converted to the religion of the invaders, and became known as Sheik Kaluddin Khan. He launched his own campaign of terror throughout Bengal and Orissa and forcibly converted people to his new religion. He disfigured deities, destroyed temples and threatened people with physical violence to convert them. Once he travelled to Kashi and set about converting a widow who also happened to be his elder sister. She refused to succumb to his threats, and scolded him mercilessly for his bad behaviour.”

Prout philosophy states, “This made him realize the error of his ways, and he abandoned his campaign. If Hinduism had not practiced idol worship, Kalachand would not have been converted. Because of his forcible conversion, Kalachand became extremely hostile towards Hinduism and launched his own campaign of terror against it. A religion [in real sense dharma] should be so strong that no one can be converted from it.” (1)

Note: In the last paragraph the term religion was used but the real sense is dharma. Baba is talking about dharma, because as we know all the religious have defects. 

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell-16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles
== Section: Important Teaching ==

Process to become a neo-humanist


Ananda Marga ideology states, “Human beings also know that Parama Puruśa is their source of impetus, is their Father, and that they are all His children. As His children, they have a brotherly relationship with all other jiivas, or unit beings. Due to this knowledge of brotherhood, the human is superior to all other beings. Parents are greatly pleased when they find that their children have been loved and helped by someone. Similarly, Parama Puruśa will be pleased when you serve His creation – not only human beings, but also plants, animals, and the rest of creation. That is, bhúta yajiṋa, pitr yajiṋa and nr yajiṋa are to be performed. Those who have this feeling are in the real sense of the term human beings. Just having the body of a human does not make a person a real human being, a rational being. Those in whom this feeling has arisen will be called followers of Bhágavata Dharma. They are doing the sádhaná of Bhágavata Dharma.” (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “All beings are made of the same consciousness. So although we may find ourselves at different stages of psychic elevation, a Bráhmańa and a Kśatriya, an Indian and an Englishman, a sweeper and a scavenger, a Zulu and a Maori, and even a tiny ant, are all linked by the bonds of fraternity. If we remember this fact, if we work for the well-being of all, then undeveloped human beings will be able to develop their spiritual potentiality when they come in contact with us. Even cows, dogs, tigers and bears who come in close contact with us will develop psychic wealth and gradually acquire spiritual treasures.” (2)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “He is the Supreme Progenitor, and everything in this Universe is His progeny. He is the Supreme Father, and others are His children. Then, when all are the children of the Supreme Father, the relationship between man and man is that of fraternal bond. You have got a universal tie of brotherhood because everything created has got the same father. The source is the same. When the spiritual aspirant knows this fact, he cannot get any kind of inferiority complex or superiority complex in his mind. He is not inferior to anyone, as he is one with his brothers and sister.” (3)

The editors wrote: “Our first step is to realize that the true goal of humanity, the ultimate goal of evolution, is not the amassing of more and more material wealth but the expansion of consciousness. Through proper education and practical techniques of mental expansion, humanity will come to realize that the hoarding of wealth and all the ills of corruption and scarcity it creates, are nothing but the misdirected longing of the human soul for infinite happiness – a longing which cannot be satisfied by money but only by internal bliss. Thus as human attention and activity is directed more and more toward subtler pursuits such as artistic endeavour and spiritual practice, the selfishness and greed which dominate people’s minds today will be replaced by a new feeling of love and brotherhood. As we expand our minds toward the Infinite and learn to share our mundane treasures, we will realize more and more that we are all indeed one humanity, that we are all the sons and daughters of one Infinite Intelligence Who is guiding us all to perfection. Instead of being based on competition and mutual hostility, society will be operated through mutual cooperation and love.” (4)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Requirements for Sádhaná
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Sádhaná
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Seven Secrets
4. The Great Universe, Introduction


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to detect fake aspirants


True sadhakas serve others thinking it is their duty to serve one and all; and in return they do not want anything. Verily they do not have even have a remote desire for anything in return. They think those whom they are serving are Narayana God Himself. In contrast, fake sadhakas are opposite. You might have seen in various discussions and gatherings and how such persons come before all and tell, “I have done this and I have done that.” From others they mentally harbour great appreciation and respect for their so-called service. So these are fakes. To make it more clear please read Baba’s following teaching.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Bear in mind that you have a duty towards others, but that no one has any duty towards you. Everyone’s individual duty is fixed. Only one who move forward with this as his or her only thought can do proper service. Otherwise the thought may remain in the mind of the one doing service that I have done such and such work for that person, so that person ought to do such and such for me. The thought must remain in the mind of the one doing service that I have a duty towards others but no one has any duty towards me.” (1)

Note: Here sadhaka means everyone who is doing sadhana - whether they be a margii or Wt, everyone from PP Dada to a newly initiated margii.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, The Source of Internal Stamina


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Outlook of those seeking knowledge

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Undeveloped human beings consider themselves to be very intelligent and thus at every step they invite innumerable obstacles in the material world. Later on, after climbing some rungs up the ladder of evolution, they realize form the core of their hearts the hollowness of their psychic capabilities. It is the natural rule of the universe that those who possess immense knowledge are quite conscious of their intellectual limitations, whereas people with superficial knowledge think just the opposite. The genuine way of learning for seekers of knowledge is to consider always that they know nothing.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 10, The Cardinal Spirit of Action and the Supreme Stance of Devotion


== Section: Hindi Quote ==

दो approach हैं | दोनों का value है 

“collective pressure देकर नेकी का degree बढ़ा लो, तब उसको घेर लो, उसी को कहते हैं physical pressure | तुमको अपने अच्छा बनने में time लगेगा | साधना करने में, अच्छा बनने में time लगेगा | किन्तु समाज तो इसके इन्तज़ार में अधिक दिनों तक नहीं रह सकते हैं | उस समय में पापी बहुत कुछ ख़राब काम कर देगा | तो, तुम्हारा काम है क्या ? Under physical pressure, उसको अच्छा बनाकर रखो--भीतर में तो वह नहीं बना | और उसके साथ-साथ internally वह अच्छा बनने की साधना करते रहे | जब internally अच्छा बन जाएगा, तब external pressure की ज़रूरत नहीं पड़ेगी | इसलिए individual के लिए, collective को अच्छा करने के लिए, दो approach हैं | दोनों का value है | एक है, external pressure, और दूसरा है internal urge | और जहाँ external pressure, internal urge दोनों एक साथ काम कर रहा है, वहाँ longing of the great आवश्यक बन जाएगा | "त्यज दुर्जनसंसर्गं"

[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] (1)

Reference
1. हिंदी, अप्रकाशित,"त्यज दुर्जनसंसर्गं...स्मर नित्यमनित्यतां" की व्याख्या," Tyaja, NP, DMC (Date, Place unknown)


== Section: Bangla Quote ==

ধর্ম সরল পথেই চলে

“কোনও রকম বক্রতার কুটিলতার প্রশ্রয় না দিয়ে---যা চরম সত্য, তাকে স্পষ্ট ভাষায় স্বীকার করৰার মধ্যেই মানুষের মহত্তা রয়েছে | স্বীকার করাটা কি ? না, “আমি সত্পথে চলি, আমি অন্যায়কে সহ্য করি না, প্রয়োজন ৰোধায় আমি অন্যায়ের বিরুদ্ধে সংগ্রাম করি” | এইটাই সাধুতার পথ | নইলে তলে-তলে প্রস্তুতি চলাচ্ছি, আর মুখে শান্তির বাণী আউড়ে যাচ্ছি, এটাতে আর যা কিছু থাক না কেন, সাধুতা বা সরলতার লেশমাত্র নেই | এটা কপটতা |” (1)

Reference
1. Giitay Dharma Deshana-2


== Section 3: Links ==



SUBJECTS TOPICS