Warning: processed food + 4 more

Baba

Warning: processed food

Namaskar,

In this era of extreme materialism where profits are everything, each and every sphere of life is adversely affected, including our food. And one of the key strategies corporate food companies employ is getting consumers addicted to their ultra-processed food products.
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Ultra-processed foods

~ Courtesy of Nutrition Source ~

Also commonly referred to as “highly processed foods,” these are foods go beyond the incorporation of salt, sugar, and fat to include artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, thickeners, emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners that promote shelf stability, preserve and enhance texture, and increase palatability. Several processing steps using multiple ingredients are involved in an ultra-processed food. They are often mass-produced with low-cost ingredients making them cheap and highly profitable. It is speculated that these foods are designed to specifically increase cravings so that people will overeat them and purchase more. (Courtesy of Nutrition Source - live link appended below)

As sadhakas, we should be highly aware of this trick, and we should not become victims of these corporate food giants. Best is to prepare your own meals using whole foods and not really on processed packaged items. Even foods labeled as “organic” and “vegan” can be highly processed. 

And here are more points to be aware about….

Genetically modified foods: hidden

In the US, food production companies have paid huge money to lobbyists in order to affect laws and codes in their favour so they need not label food very specifically. One of their most significant victories in the USA was the vote not to have to identify GMO's (genetically modified organisms) in their products. Always those companies are spending millions and millions of dollars to affect food labeling for their own agenda.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

"You are not a goat or a camel that you will eat whatever you get"

Those sadhakas who want to properly maintain their glands and cakras, and do sadhana, should be careful not to eat any company products. Reason being: It is an unknown as to what is truly inside. And the moment a company admits to scandal and issues an apology for adding human DNA or meat to a supposed sentient food item, then it is too late for a sadhaka to "undo" what they have already ingested.

For some it may be difficult, but one must choose between a human existence goaded toward life divine and one directed toward animal existence.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “It will not do to simply eat what you get or do what you desire. When you eat you must consider if it is sentient, mutative or static. While eating you must think carefully as to what influence it will have over your body and your mind. You are not a goat or a camel that you will eat whatever you get. You have to think when you act.” (1)

Rodent poop in packaged food

Another startling discovery was that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the US) has permissible levels of rodent poop and insect heads in various company produced and packaged foods. And those things are not listed in the ingredients. That means what you would never consider putting in your own food, i.e. animal feces and insect parts, is allowed to be used, knowingly or unknowingly, by companies in pre-packaged, prepared food. Read more about this below.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

In this day and age of maximizing profits, companies cannot be entrusted to maintain ethical standards. Eating company prepared foods means ingesting all kinds of tamasik and grotesque ingredients like human DNA etc. For sadhakas, the only sensible and practical solution is to eat only those foods which you have prepared. Then you know what is in the food. And it will be better food, naturally.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Jagadiish
Jonathan Purcell

~ In-depth study ~

In a related twist, human DNA has been found in packaged hot dogs - a very popular item in the USA made from pork and intestines etc. This widespread scandal is affecting many. In particular, it has been determined by "genomic technology" that ten different hot dog retailers (and 75 different brands) had human DNA in their hotdogs. In addition, 14% of all hotdogs sampled had discrepancies between the actual and listed ingredients. So all this time, consumers have been purchasing hot dogs yet they were ingesting parts of human beings.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Sentient food -> sentient cells

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "As a result of eating sentient food and performing spiritual practices, the cells of the human body become sentient." (Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If cells are affected by food and water, and if the nature of the cells affects the nature of the human mind, obviously human beings should eat the correct diet, because food and mind are closely related to each other. Any food item, whether good or bad, must not be taken indiscriminately because it may lead to mental degeneration. Sincere spiritual aspirants must follow the dictum: Áhárashuddhao sattvashudhih [“A sentient diet produces a sentient body”]. Only food which is helpful in keeping the body and mind sentient should be eaten." (2)

Unaware eating rotten matter

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Very often people eat food without knowing its intrinsic qualities. For example, the milk of a cow which has just given birth. Or white eggplant, khesárii pulse [horse gram], red puni [Basella rubra Linn.], or mustard leaves, all of which often grew out of rotten matter." (3)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Every object of the world is dominated by one of the three principles – sentient, mutative, and static. Food is no exception, and according to its intrinsic nature, is divided into the same three categories.
(1) Sentient food: Food which produces sentient cells and is thus conducive to physical and mental well-being is sentient. Examples of sentient food are rice, wheat, barley, all kinds of pulses, fruit, milk and milk products.
(2) Mutative food: Food which is good for the body and may or may not be good for the mind, but certainly not harmful for the mind, is mutative.
(3) Static food: Food which is harmful for the mind and may or may not be good for the body is static. Onion, garlic, wine, stale and rotten food, meat of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, fish, eggs, etc., are static." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In order to have a balanced mind and to progress spiritually, human beings will have to pay attention to the qualities of the food they eat. The idea that “I will just do my sádhaná and eat any food, proper or improper” will not do." (5)

For-profit companies

A recent study revealed that 66% of the human DNA found in foods was in foods labeled as “vegetarian.” Health-conscious consumers interested in buying pre-packaged, vegetarian food were grossly misled by wrongly labeled food items. In result, those people were eating human parts. This is of course quite repulsive and a betrayal of trust to all consumers.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In that case, how can anyone trust food labels and foods prepared by companies that are profit-oriented. For money, they can do and say anything; they are utterly trustless in this regard. No one can say for sure when this problem began or how many foods are affected, nor what other ways for-profit companies might be tainting their products.

And this adversely affects everyone. Even if someone is a meat-eater and takes a tamasik diet, they have no desire to eat parts of human beings / human DNA. So that is a serious offense. And the problem is far more severe for sadhakas, who aim to strictly maintain a sattvika (sentient) diet. Labeling a food to be wholly sentient and vegetarian and putting something else inside that is non-vegetarian, like human DNA or pork fat etc, is a very big deal. Then those manufacturers are taking a sentient food item and making it tamasik.

Insect heads / rat feces in company products

~ Courtesy of LiveScience ~

“It's probably a bad idea to scroll through the Food and Drug Administration's "Defect Levels Handbook" before a meal. The document lists the allowable limits on "defects" in more than 100 foods, highlighting exactly how much rodent poop is allowed in your cocoa beans (up to 10 milligrams per pound), how many insect heads it's OK to find in the fig paste in your cookies (up to 13 in every 3.5 ounces) and how many maggots can be tunneling in your tomatoes. According to the FDA these food defects are part of the normal process of growing and processing food, and they present no health hazard as long as they remain below the "action levels" listed. [Read the full story on the FDA's food defect list] So without further ado, here's a look at some of the particularly icky things the FDA allows in your food.” (Courtesy of LiveScience)

Final Conclusion: Best is to cook your own food then grotesque gunk will not be there.

    Note: Appended below in section 3 of this email are weblinks to news articles about tainted / processed company foods.

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, The Primary Causes of Success
2. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
3. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
4. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
5. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Non-religious, spiritual fanaticism highly beneficial

Here is the English summary / translation of part of Baba’s special discourse (Hindi) of 30 December 1970 Patna: 

"One, who claims to be a pandit (scholar) in twenty shastras (scriptures) and is Mahamahopaddhyay (i.e.highest degree of scholarship like D. Lit.) can never realize Parama Purusa (God), but an illiterate man who does not know even the alphabet ka, kh, (in Hindi) or alif, be, pe, te (in Urdu) can get Him."

"So, for this, and you know, every work needs determination, not only good works but bad also. Those who are determined to do bad work become dangerous and create terror for the world. In contrast, those who are determined to do good work become treasures for the world; no one can prevent their progress. Hence, there should also be a determination to attain Parama Purusa: "I will get Him, certainly I will get Him," like this you will get success. So, one should have this type of determination, this is a type of spiritual fanaticism, not religious fanaticism. Religious fanaticism is bad as it leads to the formation of groups. Spiritual fanaticism (teaches), "I will do everything for the sake of ideology. Whether I live or die for my ideology, it is the same to me. The most precious thing for me is my ideology." So, remember, only this type of determination is necessary."

"This way is ok and that way is also ok, I can go forward or backward." Those who think, "Whether I should eat or not, I should do this work or not," are always doubtful. They cannot do great work. There should not be any doubt in life, no doubt at all in any field. If at any time, there is hesitation in the mind, keep one idea and remove the other by kicking it away."

[Margiis: "Baba...Baba...Baba..."]

"When there are two ideas in the mind, hold onto only one and be ready to die for it. Regarding the second, third, or fourth ideas, kick and remove them from the path of your life. Do you follow?"

[Margiis: "Yes."]

"Become determined and strong people like this. It is said, There is only one vow of human life, and that is to get Parama Purusa. There is no other vow. The vow is only one, the great vow - to get Parama Purusa. This is the vow of life: I do not know anything else. Therefore, for this I have expressed the need for a type of spiritual fanaticism. My aim is Paramatma, my goal is Parama Purusa - not any thing else. I will address Parama Purusa by a single word not two." 

(English summary of original आध्यात्मिक कट्टरता चाहिए adhytmik kattarta’ chahie (Hindi) in AV-24 (Pure), General Darshan, 30 December 1970 Patna)

Note: If the doctor performing your surgery is not strict in following the medical codes, conduct, and protocol then will you like to go to him for open heart surgery. Because that doctor is sloppy and not fanatical about following all the guidelines and protocols. So you will not use that doctor as you want a doctor who is fanatical in his medical work - very accurate and strict. That is the type of fanaticism needed in Ananda Marga also because the teachings and ideological guidelines of Ananda Marga are 100% rational and dharmika. When the followers of Ananda Marga are very strict in rational ideas then the society at large will be greatly benefited. 

Here is the original Hindi from the Pure Book: 

“आदर्श के लिए मैं सब कुछ करूँगा—जीना, मरना, मेरे लिए समान है |

Here is an "as is" transcript of Baba's unique discourse that we should be fanatical in adhering to the tenets of Ananda Marga ideology.

कट्टर मनुष्य बनो, पक्का मनुष्य बनो

बीस शास्त्र में पण्डित बनने से, महामहोपाध्याय बनने से परमपुरुष को कोई नहीं पाता है । अपढ़ जो क-ख, अलिफ़-बे-पे-ते, नहीं जानता है, वह परमपुरुष को पा जाता है ।

दुनिया का सम्पद कौन :- तो इसके लिए जानते हो, हर कर्म के लिए एक ज़िद की ज़रूरत होती है । अच्छे कर्म के लिए भी, ख़राब के लिए भी । ख़राब कर्म के लिए जिनके मन में ज़िद रहती है, वे दुनिया के लिए भयङ्कर मनुष्य बन जाते हैं, terror बन जाते हैं । ठीक वैसा ही अच्छे कर्म के लिए ज़िद है, तो वे दुनिया के सम्पद बन जाते हैं । उनकी तरक्की कोई रोक नहीं सकता है । तो परमपुरुष की प्राप्ति के लिए भी, इसी तरह की एक ज़िद रहनी चाहिए, “मैं अवश्य पाऊँगा, पाकर रहूँगा"—काम हो जाएगा । तो यह ज़िद, ज़िद चाहिए । तो यह एक प्रकार का spiritual fanaticism है, not religious fanaticism.

द्विविधा में क्या करें :- Religious fanaticism ख़राब है, group बनता है । Spiritual fanaticism—"आदर्श के लिए मैं सब कुछ करूँगा; जीना, मरना, मेरे लिए समान है । मेरे लिए सबसे क़ीमती चीज़ है आदर्श ।" तो यही याद रखोगे कि इस तरह की एक ज़िद की ज़रूरत है । जो ‘अ’ भी होता है, ‘ऐ’ भी होता है; आगे भी चल सकते हैं, पीछे भी चल सकते हैं; खाएँ या नहीं खाएँ; करें या नहीं करें—इस प्रकार के द्विविधा-ग्रस्त जो मनुष्य है, उनसे बड़ा काम नहीं होता है । जीवन के किसी भी क्षेत्र में द्विविधा नहीं हो, किसी भी क्षेत्र में द्विविधा नहीं हो । जहाँ द्विविधा मन में आ गई, एक को रखो, दूसरे को लात मारकर हटा दो । दो भावनाएँ जहाँ मन में हैं, एक भावना को पकड़कर रखो, उसके लिए मरो; और दूसरी भावना जो है, या तीसरी या चौथी—लात मारकर जीवन की राह से हटा दो ।

समझे तुम लोग ?

[भक्त गण—"जी बाबा !”]

इसी तरह का कट्टर मनुष्य बनो, पक्का मनुष्य बनो । कहा गया है न कि मनुष्य-जीवन में एक व्रत, वह व्रत क्या है ? परमपुरुष की प्राप्ति, कोई दूसरा व्रत नहीं है जीवन में । व्रत एक ही है और वह है महाव्रत अर्थात्‌ परमपुरुष को पाना । “यही है जीवन का व्रत, और कुछ मैं नहीं जानता हूँ ।“ तो इसके लिए वही बोले हैं कि एक रुहानी कट्टरपनी की ज़रूरत होती है । परमात्मा goal, परमपुरुष मेरा लक्ष्य है, कोई दूसरा लक्ष्य नहीं है । परमपुरुष को हम address करेंगे एक ही शब्द से, दो शब्द से नहीं । 

Reference AV-24 (Pure) chp-2. “आध्यात्मिक कट्टरता चाहिए”, 30 December 1970 Patna.

[1] भाव-विभोर भक्त गण बोल उठे—”बाबा बाबा बाबाऽ ।” —सं०

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Multitasking is an impossibility

Ananda Marga philosophy, “Whenever it thinks it has one single object. Nevertheless the speed of the mind’s action is baffling. While concentrating on a particular work we may also hear others about us [[talking]]. This is due to the fast acting power of the mind, which leads us to believe that the thought currents of the mind are unbroken. For example, while witnessing the pictures in cinema, we also enjoy the dialogue. The activities of the mind can be understood by diligently applying the mind and we see that the mind can do only one thing at a time.” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha-1, The Form of Sádhaná

== Section: Comment ==

Re: Request about Baba's image

Namaskar,

BABA had an artist depict Lord Siva...in various natural poses. We are used to seeing unique images...of The Father of Humanity.​ ​Dada Ramananda was kind enough to show me. BABA no doubt had directed the artists mind hand and heart. Those images were quite dramatic.
I invite everyone to see them housed at the museum.

In BABA,
Govinda

Here is a link to the initial letter on this topic: Request about Baba's image

== Section 3: Links ==

Related with above posting on company food products

• https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/processed-foods/
• Article about human DNA in hot dogs
• http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/10/26/report-human-dna-found-hot-dogs/74617102/
• Article about insect heads and rat poop in company products
• http://www.livescience.com/55459-fda-acceptable-food-defects.html

Postings to Read

Sadhaka life & beauty

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/01/why-that-is-beautiful-to-you.html

Proper order to learn AM teachings

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/03/wrong-way-to-educate-oneself.html

Spirit of Ista & Guru mantras

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/special-way-to-call-parama-purusa-more.html

Baba did not review pre-1990 books

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2025/08/baba-did-not-review-pre-1990-books-2.html

Never this type of food

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/what-is-donkey-food-kiirtana-sadhana-3.html

Bliss: inherent to being on the path

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-decide-if-one-is-ananda-margii.html

Never this type of food + 4 more

Baba

Never this type of food

Namaskar,

Baba's following guideline is instrumental for all sadhakas.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states:
- "Priityanna: If a person wants to feed you out of genuine intimacy, you should take that food happily, even if it is just grains and vegetables. But if someone invites you only to make a show to people, never accept his/her food.”
- “Ápadanna: When life is jeopardized because of the lack of food and water, you need not consider whether the food is prohibited on any grounds or comes from an unworthy person.”
- “Shráddhánna: Shráddhánna (food offered at a memorial service) is neither priityanna nor ápadanna, hence it is not to be taken." (1)


Suppose you are invited to a feast

Suppose you are invited to a grand feast at someone's house. To celebrate, that host has the finest chefs prepare the tastiest delicacies and dainties for everyone to eat. The host does this not because he wishes to serve the community with love and affection, but rather because he wants to put on an ornate show and bring prestige unto himself. Proof being that if you cannot attend his feast, then he is not the least bit sorry or remorseful, because he will just get another person to replace you - someone else who will pay him honour and respect.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Under such conditions, when the host is not governed by a service mentality, but rather is giving a feast with huge pomp and show to heighten his own prestige and self-satisfaction, then attending the program and eating that food is against Guru’s aforesaid guideline in Caryacarya. Because, that food is donkey's food, or gardabha'nna.

Here below is an English summary of Baba’s teaching in Bengali from Shabda Cayanika.

If food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if one's own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition then any food offered is donkey food, gardabha'nna. So one must not eat that food. (English summary of Shabda Cayanika - 20, p.163-64 [Bangla])

Under no circumstances - unless one is going to starve to death - should a sadhaka eat food that is presented as a show of one's wealth and greatness. Because that food is nothing but donkey food, or gardabha'nna. 

As we all know, in His practical life, on many occasions Baba refused food whenever wealthy people or dignitaries invited Him to dine at their house just to impress others. So we should follow Baba's example and never eat food that is not offered with genuine warmth and kindness. If ever food is given to you with some ulterior motive - such as for prestige and grandeur, not because the host has a heart-felt feeling for you - then that food is veritably donkey food.


What is donkey food

One aspect to keep in mind is that gardabha'nna varies from person to person. For instance, if that same host as described above will feel hurt and upset if you do not attend and eat his food, then for you that food is not gardabha'nna; it is not donkey food. Let's examine this further. If that host invites 500 people and he has very intimate relations with 10 of those invited guests, then for those ten people it is ok to eat the food. Because the host has a genuine and earnest desire to serve and feed those 10 people with love and affection.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Yet for those other 490 people, the host's feast is donkey food as for them the host's only desire is to put on a big show. The host does not care if those 490 people come or not. If any of them are sick or unable to attend, that host will not be disappointed or upset or wounded; he will simply replace their spot with someone else. That is how the same feast can be sentient for one person yet gardabha'nna for others. It has to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

This type of scenario applies to all kinds of social functions like marriages, house entrance ceremonies, baby-naming gatherings and other social functions. In all such circumstances, the operative factor is the host's individual feeling towards you. If with genuine heartfelt feeling he wants to serve and feed you, then it is fine to eat that food. But if he just wants to make a social display by feeding you then it is gardabha'nna.

Here is another situation related with individual life: It is also donkey food if a person has cooked food with the intention of eating it all. To eat even a small portion of that food is also gardabha'nna as the person who prepared the food has no desire to share any of it.


Gardabha kiirtan, gardabha bhajan

This type of insincere show known as donkey food is not limited to the realm of food. We have all seen various kiirtan players or bhajan singers who perform solely to display their own musical or lyrical talents. That is known as donkey kiirtan because they are singing to glorify themselves, not to serve and please Parama Purusa. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Kiirtan is all about singing to please Parama Purusa - for His glory, not one's own glory. And the essence of bhajans is to share one's inner heart feeling with the Lord, and not to procure attention for oneself. Yet at retreats or dharmacakra, sometimes it can happen that a person might lead a kiirtan or bhajan in order to win over the admiration of others. If this is done consistently, again and again, such performers run the risk of being converted into microvita at the time of death.

That said, it is not just the musicians who are prone to such downfalls. Sometimes a kiirtan or bhajan participant may dance with such extroverted tendencies or sing with such ego that it is quite evident to all around that that person is doing just in hopes of drawing attention to themselves - so that others will think they are a great bhakta.

Whenever one is driven by ego or show, that derails their ability to go close to Parama Purusa. That is why we call these misguided approaches: Gardabha kiirtan and gardabha bhajan, i.e. donkey kiirtan and donkey bhajan.


Gardabha sa'dhana'

This can occur in the stratum of sadhana as well. Before giving an example, it has to be said that the sincerity and earnestness in spiritual practice is quite high in our Ananda Marga, so this letter by no means aims to cast doubt that abc or xyz persons are doing donkey practices. Most are fine and okay - this is just a general letter for everyone's awareness and knowledge. After all, each and every person knows there own situation best.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Now let's say someone rarely does sa'dhana' in their own home etc, but then when they go to the jagrti or to a retreat, then suddenly they start sitting for long, long sadhana, as if that is their regular way each and every morning and evening. And not only that, but when they finish their sadhana they are keen to see if others are taking notice of how long they sat. And if still they do not feel that they got the attention they deserved, then during meal time they will casually say that, 'It was very good to be able to sit for 3hr sadhana today etc', and then quickly scan the eyes and faces of others to see if they were impressed or not.

From all these instances, we can easily understand that that person is doing sadhana not to please Parama Purusa - not to serve Him - but rather to bring name, fame, and prestige unto themselves. They want people to think that they are a great sadhaka. That is why their sadhana is just donkey sadhana.


Donkey practices can be very dangerous

Okay, let's say someone you know does do donkey kiirtan, or donkey bhajan, or donkey sadhana on occasion. Then they must be extremely careful, lest they harm and degrade themselves. Because what they are doing is just a superficial show. They are highlighting themselves: So they are focusing on their own unit existence, not Parama Purusa. In that case, the mind becomes smaller and more selfish. Unfortunately, by that way, they degrade themselves and place themselves onto the path of negative pratisaincara towards animal life. That is the very real concern.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For such persons, their kiirtan and sadhana is motivated by duplicity and hypocrisy. They feign bhakti and harbour the desire to glorify their own existence. Their hypocrisy is the sad sign of downfall and degradation. Such persons should take notice.

There remains a glimmer of hope, by Baba's grace. No doubt donkey kiirtan, donkey bhajan, and donkey sadhana cause false vanity etc, yet our Ananda Marga mantras are charged by Sadguru. So while repeating the mantra, even if one was initially motivated by selfish desires, one may develop sincere love for Parama Purusa. And that is the greatest achievement and blessing. But for this to occur, there must be sincerity and an earnest desire to change. 

So if they change their ways they can progress on the path, by Baba's grace. Otherwise such hypocritical displays of donkey sadhana will lead them in the wrong direction. Best is to ideate on Parama Purusa and not fall prey to such donkey kiirtan and sadhana, i.e. superficial show of kiirtana and sadhana.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Remember, everyone is entitled to sa'dhana'. For this, nothing, neither pedigree, education, knowledge nor any asset, is necessary except only two things – implicit faith and sincerity. Arouse these two things through your will-power and victory is yours, it must come." (2)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Indrajit

~ In-depth study ~

Baba warns us that one must not go into debt in order to arrange any kind of feast or feeding - not for any occasion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

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


When food becomes donkey food

Here is more about what Baba has to say about donkey food. The following is an English summary of Baba’s teaching in Bengali from Shabda Cayanika.

(a) Donkey food (Gardabha'nna) is that food purchased with ill-begotten money or sinfully earned money.

(b) If someone feeds you with deep love, respect, and affection and that feeling is conveyed through their expression, talk and conduct, and by feeding you they feel blissful ("Toma'ke kha'iae a'nandit hobe") and very content, and if you do not eat then they will feel pain, in this situation whatever food you eat in their house-- even if it is just boiled grass-- will be treated as priityanna (proper & sentient food). Any meal or food not prepared under such ideal conditions is donkey food.

(c) So if food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if one's own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition then any food offered is donkey food, Gardabha'nna. So one must not eat that food.

Note: In western society that food which is not fit for human consumption is typically labeled as 'dog food'. And a similar idea Baba has conveyed above by the term donkey food - "Gardabha'nna". (English Summary Shabda Cayanika - 20, p.163-64 [Bangla])

This type of spiritual practice does not work

Simplicity, sincerity, and honesty are some of the main pillars in the life of any sa'dhaka.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Vanii says, "The most valuable treasures on the path of human progress are honesty, simplicity and spiritedness. In no stratum of life should you allow the standard of honesty to deteriorate..." (4)

If one approaches their life duties like preparing food and doing sadhana with an earnest desire to serve Parama Purusa and His creation, then there is no question of any donkey food or donkey kiirtan. Then all one's actions will be pure and sentient. Here Baba warns about superficial displays in spiritual life.

    Jap tap vedajiṋána vidhi bhakti japadhyán ihá haite mádhurya durlabh
    Keval ye rágamárge bhaje Krśńa anuráge táhe Krśńa mádhurya sulabh.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Those who repeat their ista mantra mechanically, or undergo severe penance, or endlessly study the scriptures, or express a show of devotion, or practise meditation in a ritualistic way, can never feel the charm, the joy, of spiritual realization. That sweet discovery is only possible for those who worship [Parama Purusa] out of deep devotion to Him." (5)

References
1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #37
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 5, The Chariot and the Charioteer
3. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony
4. Ananda Vanii #54
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Devotion – the Only Path

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Liability of dry intellectuals

Namaskar

Baba makes the following points about ancient Indian philosophies.  It is an interesting and educative read for common masses to analyze what type of study is of practical value in one's spiritual life.

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The next factor is the theoretician’s psychology. When theoreticians expound a theory they do not study the world to ascertain its practical application. Blind to what is underneath their feet, and with total disregard for reality, they build castles high in the sky. After some time most of the theoreticians’ philosophies fade into obscurity.”
   “So many theories have been expounded throughout the history of India. Some of them even had some practical application and, to some extent, met with success. But you will notice that, among the five theist philosophies, the Nyáya philosophy (not the Nyáya of Kanáda but that of Gautama) soars high without having any concern for the practical plane. Therefore, no practical cult was possible on the basis of Gautamiiya Nyáya. In medieval India, many scholars of Nyáya uselessly researched year after year the question [[Pátrádhára taela kiḿvá taeládhára pátra? – “Is it oil contained in a pot, or is it a pot containing oil?”]] This has nothing to do with the real world. Some people may wonder why there was not more development in Pathan India, in spite of a high population of scholars. The reason is that Nyáya philosophy, the philosophy divorced from practicality, had too great an influence on life.”
   “There is one more defect in the theoretician’s psychology. Human life is trifarious: physical, intellectual and spiritual. However, the theoreticians remain confined to the intellectual realm, ignoring the physical and spiritual spheres. Thus they make no effort to practically materialize their theories. First, their theories are impractical; second, they make no efforts to materialize them.
   “The third factor is inefficiency in the field of application. Even if the theory is correct, it is not materialized due to inexperience or other defects.” (1)

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The second situation is where hypocrisy is not at work, but what is at work is theoretical psychology. The people [involved], while making principles, are utterly oblivious of the realities of the world. They are wanderers in a vacuum, having no touch with the hard realities of the surface of the earth. Such theories shine like lighted moths for a moment and then are lost forever.”
   “In India, for instance, such a theory is Gaotamiiya Nyáya Darshan. (This is not to be confused with the logic of Kanada.) The logic of Gaotamiiya Nyáya is purely imaginary. Such a theory cannot result in a practical cult.”
   “Great logicians were born in the world in the past. Many in India wasted [valuable time discussing] whether oil in a pot should really be called “a pot with oil as its base” or “oil with a pot as its base”.”
   “In Pathan India and the first portion of Mughal India there were big scholars versed in such logic. They were great intellectuals, but could not mould the life of the people with their theories. The intellectual life of the country [became] obsessed with these differing logics and there was no progress.”
“Pure logicians have another noticeable defect. They do not recognize that life is trifarious, that is, physical, intellectual and spiritual. They only emphasize the intellectual side and ignore the physical and spiritual aspects. As such they lack the [will] to put their theories into practice. They make no efforts in that direction.” (2)

In Him,
Prakásha

References
1. A Few Problems Solved Part 6, Theory and Practice
2. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 30, Principles and Practice of Philosophy and Cult

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Lowliest of the low

Ananda Marga scripture says, ”People often hold Parama Purusa responsible for calamities that befall them, but in fact they alone are responsible, as the suffering of fate is only reaction of their own previous actions. How can Parama Purusa be responsible? Human beings themselves are answerable for their fate as it is their actions alone which create it. They alone will have to bear the consequences of all their actions. No one else can substitute for them. Their good deeds beget good result, while bad ones beget bad results, and they will have to experience both without exception. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can change this law.” (1)

This topic is very hard for some people to understand - indeed it seems it is almost impossible for them to grasp. In their mind, they cannot think that they should not blame Parama Purusa - i.e. they cannot think that Parama Purusa does not give tests to harass His devotees.

I know one wt who lost his faith in his Guru and he was blaming that “Guru is the cause, my Guru polluted my mind.” I was shocked to hear this.

Those who know a little about Ananda Marga philosophy know that one must face the consequences of their bad deeds and these bad deeds bring about all kinds of suffering in their lives. And the cause of suffering is not other than they themselves, but due to their ignorance, they blame their friends, their neighbors, and ultimately Guru and God for their suffering. But the fact is they themselves are the culprits, as they are the one’s who are guilty of committing the sin. So this is the irony. But those who are 3rd class devotees never realise.

Some, as the wt indicated above, went to such an extent that they wrote an entire book blaming Parama Purusa for “giving tests and misdirecting my mind and in result I committed wrongs and sins.” Those who blame Parama Purusa in this way, unfortunately suffer from dry sadhana.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, p.86-87

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Two reasons for advent of Taraka Brahma

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Now why does He come in contact with the quinquelemental factors? Why does He come within the jurisdictions of the temporal-spatial-personal factors, these three fundamentally-related factors?  What's the cause? There are two reasons. One thing is, the human intellect may get satisfaction after coming in psychic contact with the Impersonal Entity, but the human heart is not satisfied with that Impersonal Entity. The human heart wants something closer, something more sentimental, something more pleasing. And that's why just to satisfy, just to give pleasure to, His progeny, He comes within the scope of these relative factors. Parama Purus'a becomes Táraka Brahma. And the second reason is that in this created world, in this universe, each and every progress is a progress through clashes and cohesion. And human beings must have sufficient intellectual stamina to move forward, fighting against all those pebbles of obstacles. When the human intellect fails to do something new in helping society to move forward, Parama Purus'a finds no alternative but to bring Himself within the scope of the temporal-spatial-personal factors just to guide the depraved and degenerate human society." (1)

Note: In the above guideline, there are two distinct points. According to Ananda Marga philosophy, firstly, Parama Purusa comes as Taraka Brahma to satisfy the longing of His bhaktas who yearn to have a personal relationship with the Supreme Entity. Secondly, Parama Purusa has come as Taraka Brahma to wipe away the existing dogmas and hurdles and give the guidelines to build up a bright, new human society.

When Parama Purusa remains as an impersonal Entity then the heart of the bhakta does not get satisfied. And when He comes in human form and teaches and guides the way to reach to Him, then He teaches sadhana also. And with that support, bhaktas reach Him.

The process of dhyana can link from form to formlessness. That is why the culmination of dhyana is the merging into formlessness - dissolving the mind.

Bhaktas always feel that Baba is residing in their heart. We see that across the history of mysticism, each and every bhakta in the world feels that the Parama Purusa is with them. Bhaktas feel that Baba is living in their heart.  

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Coming of Táraka Brahma

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Unique portrait of Rg veda

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Although the Rgveda is mainly concerned with hymns, it also contains various tales and anecdotes. While not all of these stories and tales carry equal spiritual value, they are representative of the cultural heritage of those ancient humans. They paint a portrait of the gradual advancement of human thinking and the structure of society. When considered from this point of view, the language, literature and expression of the Rgveda is of special value to the world." (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “We can roughly say that civilization first started sprouting after the prehistoric age of the human race, that is, from the days of the first composition of the Rk Veda, about  15,000 years ago. A major change took place during the days of Lord Shiva towards the end of the Rk Vedian period (which lasted 10,000 years).  (2)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika-2, Rk to Rkśa (Discourse 11)
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Sadvipra, Táraka Brahma, Sadáshiva and Shrii Krśńa

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Brahmacarya and conjugal relations

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The attraction towards earthly things born out of lust (káma) and attachment (moha) makes conjugal relations a necessity. Intuitional practice helps one to overcome this need. One becomes indifferent to it. So the question of giving it up for intuitional practice does not arise. It was said earlier that sádhaná is waging war against Prakrti and defeating Her. The force of intuitional practice is certainly greater than the strength of Prakrti, and by means of it one can attain Brahmacarya.” (1)

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

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Bliss: inherent to being on the path

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-decide-if-one-is-ananda-margii.html

Raksha Bandhan & female submission

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/amps-female-militias-condemn-raksha.html

Doing pracara with religious followers

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/hurling-stone-on-religion.html

Way to enhance sadhana

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/12/within-few-minutes-one-gains-lot.html

Marriage invite: whether to attend + 4 more

Baba

Marriage invite: whether to attend

Namaskar,

Suppose the person inviting you to a wedding via a mass mailing was a friend / acquaintance from long ago. And you have had very little contact with them over the years. And now they are holding a local non-margii dogmatic marriage reception in your city. In that case, what should one sincere margii do?
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Please pay attention to the yellow highlighted phrases from Baba’s below stated conduct rules from Caraycarya part 2 Society chapter.

Find out if innocent ceremony or not

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “You may participate in all kinds of innocent ceremonies.” (1)

Again, please pay attention to the yellow highlighted phrases. The non-margii dogmatic marriage is not an innocent ceremony. Any marriage which is done in a dogmatic manner then the bride has a lowly status. According to those rituals, the bride is treated as a slave and that is why it is not an innocent ceremony. So one should not attend. The bride and groom are not equals in a typical Indian wedding so the way of solemnising the non-margii dogmatic marriage is against the neo-humanistic principle of equal rights. So it is a dogmatic ceremony.


Marriage: when to take food & when not

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “If dowry is demanded on behalf of either the bride or the bridegroom at a wedding, you can help out manually as required, and if you feel like it, you can give a present, but you must not take food there.”  (2)

Please pay attention to the yellow highlighted phrases. The spirit of this guideline about not taking food applies to any kind of non-margii, dogmatic ceremony. That means this guideline is not limited to dowry marriages only, but any ceremony that contains elements that are against Ananda Marga ideals. Thus if there is alcohol, or non-veg food, or the meal is being served by slaves etc, then in all such cases one must not take food at that ceremony. So the above point is universal.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Remember: Dharmic scriptures should not be read literally but rather one should understand the spirit. That is the standard protocol of Ananda Marga philosophy. So in Guru's above guideline about dowry, the spirit should be applied, not the literal meaning. Here Baba has given the example of dowry, but the spirit is any type of ceremony that contravenes Ananda Marga ideals. So if in the future there is a marriage ceremony where the groom belittles the bride, then this same rule applies. Thus this rule may take expression in countless ways - dowry is one such example. With the perspective of neo-humanism, this rule should be applied with any type of conduct or ritual that contravenes Ananda Marga ideals.


Marriage: loving feast vs donkey feast

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Priityanna: If a person wants to feed you out of genuine intimacy, you should take that food happily, even if it is just grains and vegetables. But if someone invites you only to make a show to people, never accept his/her food.” (3)

To understand the above rule first one should understand these terms:

• Prittyanna = priiti (love) + anna (food): To serve food to 1 or more persons with love and affection and a neo-humanistic feeling in the heart - not for any show or ego satisfaction.

• Priiti-bhoj = priiti (love) + bhoj (feast): To serve food to approximately 8 or more with love and affection and a neo-humanistic feeling in the heart - not for any show or ego satisfaction.

But we know that those who are wealthy and egocentric and organise feasts as being “priit-bhoj” then that is often just a false show or facade. Such persons are not doing this out of love and affection. In which case that food is not to be eaten. Now let’s apply this understanding to marriage ceremonies.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In the general society for non-margii dogmatic marriage ceremonies, people invite a maximum number of persons - even those whom they are not close with. A person cannot have hundreds & thousands of friends. If your close friend is hosting the non-margii marriage ceremony then one should go and eat if it is a dharmic ceremony. But if the person hosting the non-margii dogmatic marriage reception is not your close friend, then never eat at that marriage ceremony.

If someone is claiming to offer prittyanna [priiti-bhoj] and they have invited 20,000 people then it is not prittyanna. Because not all those 20,000 persons have a special relation with the host. Remember, the word “priiti” means love and affection; so priityanna is the food that is prepared  by one with whom you have a relation of love and affection.The central idea is that for priityanna one must have a special relation with the host. Otherwise it is not prittyanna. Sometimes in the newspaper it is announced that hundreds of thousands of people are invited for priiti-bhoj, but that food is not priityanna according to Ananda Marga because all those attendees do not have a close, loving, and intimate link with the person sponsoring that feast.

Dharma is collective affair, religion is individual affair

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Dharma (spirituality) is for all walks of individual and collective life. Those who think that dharma is a personal system of worship or that dharma is completely a personal affair are wrong, and their mistake: hurts collective progress.” (4)

Some people think that Ananda Marga is a way of life that is something personal so they think, “I can be a margii and have all kinds of friends who do not like Ananda Marga, or are even anti-Ananda Marga, and they can be my good friends.” But that is not the case. See the above point from Caryacarya. In His teaching Baba guides us that dharma (Ananda Marga) is not a personal affair - it is related with the entire society. Thus, anyone who contravenes Ananda Marga ideals is harming society. It is a collective matter that affects everyone, not an individual situation that can be overlooked.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

That is why we have the system that every Ananda Margii should bring others onto the path of Ananda Marga. As long as everyone has yet to understand and accept the ideals of Ananda Marga, then one must tirelessly propagate Ananda Marga ideals.

When society is bad then all will be affected

Whatever is good for individual and collective life has been incorporated into Ananda Marga ideology. So if someone is going against any point of Ananda Marga teachings then it means they are going against the fundamentals of humanity. That is why that person’s behaviour and manner should be changed and we should work toward that. We may or may not be able to change their behaviour but we should go on trying. The main thing is that we should not accept that what they are doing is ok and it does not matter. If society is bad then every individual will be affected. That is why society should be changed. It is just like if there is a pandemic then the well-being and safety of every individual is at stake. That is why adharmic (anti-Ananda Marga) activities must not be condoned.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Do not have any dealings with a party whose policies are opposed to those of the Marga.” (5)

In His above guideline, Baba is very strict that we must not interact or mix with those who are against Ananda Marga values and teachings. We cannot maintain any link or connection with such groups. So when anyone declares - by word or by deed - that they are against Ananda Marga ideology, then we must not enjoy feasting in ceremonies with such persons, even if it is the marriage of our laokik relatives.

Some think that if you do not go and attend negative marriages then how are you going to make them into Ananda Margiis. But this is a flawed argument and approach. Communists do like this - they sit and drink liquor and smoke cigarettes and make people their cadres. But in Ananda Marga our approach is different. We do not indulge in their vices like that. Best is to bring them to our Ananda Marga functions or communicate with them in any general occasion etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

The non-margii dogmatic marriage is not an innocent ceremony. Any marriage which is done in a dogmatic manner then the bride has a lowly status. In their ritual those brides are treated as a slave and that is why it is not an innocent ceremony and one should not attend. The bride and groom are not equals in a typical Indian wedding so the way of solemnising the non-margii dogmatic marriage is against the neo-humanistic principle of equal rights. So one should not attend a dogmatic ceremony.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Prabhu Deva

~ In-depth study ~

Marriage: history repeats itself - depraved status of females

  Ananda Marga philosophy says, “As I told you a little earlier, each clan used to live on a separate hill, and the leader of that clan was respected as rśi of the clan. The affiliations of the gotra people were indicated by the name of that particular rśi. After the patriarchal system was established, the members of one gotra would forcibly kidnap women from other gotras to their own gotra, their own hill. Thus immediately after the marriage, the woman’s gotra would change, because she was then a member of a different gotra, a separate hill.”
  “All this invariably led the different clans into bloody conflicts. Those who were defeated in battle were captured as slaves and the women were taken to the harems of the victors. The victorious clan would then occupy the hill, the gotra of the vanquished clan. Thus within one gotra, there were many sub-gotras, called pravaras.”
  “The women were forcibly carried away, their hands bound in iron chains. Even to this day, women in Bengal and some other areas wear iron bangles on their wrists after marriage – the symbols of their ancient servitude. One should clearly understand this. The males who would attack the neighbouring hills would tie up the women and carry them to their own hill. Even today, during the marriage ceremony in certain parts of India, the bride’s clothes are tied to the clothes of the bridegroom. This enslavement of the defeated gotra was a great humiliation, especially for the women. Sometimes, during the battle, the men would strike the heads of the women with an axe, causing blood to flow. Up until the present, at the time of marriage, women use a vermilion cosmetic mark on their foreheads – a symbol of blood. However, Shiva, by introducing the Shaeva system of marriage, brought an end to this shameful chapter of human history.” (6)

So this is the long and tortuous history and still today in some form or another this is going on in that the females are taken from the defeated party. The bridegroom is the victor and the female is the subordinate. The symbols remain firmly in place in today’s typical Indian non-margii dogmatic marriage ceremonies. There is a clear-cut winner (bridegroom) and a vanquished party (bride). On the one side there is the vanity ridden winner (bridegroom) party and on the other side the humiliated party (bride). This is the shameful history and painful chapter of dogmatic, Indian marriages.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Follow the spirit

Here is Guru’s teaching about how one must understand the inner spirit - not the literal word meaning:

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “It is not correct to always take the philological [literal] meaning of something; its inner meaning should be accepted. For example, a certain gentleman is walking along a path. Say his name is Paiṋcánan Jhá. We call him saying: “Mr. Paiṋcanan, come over here, please.” Does Paiṋcánan here mean a man with five faces? No, of course not. Paiṋcánan is the name of that man. Here one must not take the literal meaning but rather the inner meaning.” (7)

Note: This letter was related with a very peculiar situation. When you have a non-margii friend or relative - who is against Ananda Marga, and he invites you to a marriage ceremony and feast in his house, then what should you do.

References
1. Caryacarya, part 2, Society chapter, point #35
2. Caryacarya, part 2, Society chapter, point #36
3. Caryacarya, part 2, Society chapter, point #37
4. Caryacarya, part 2, Society chapter, point #30
5. Caryacarya, part 2, Society chapter, point #26b
6. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva – Both Severe and Tender (Discourse 2)
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, Vasu and Vásudeva

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Your sweet aroma

“Tumi ese chile varśár ráte, ketaki gandhe mátáte…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0322)

Purport: 

O’ Parama Purusa, You came to me on that rainy night when the ketakii flower was spreading its captivating aroma. You graciously arrived and poured the nectar of effulgence in that ink-smeared, pitch black, new moon night. 

In that wild atmosphere of intense thunderbolts and lightning, the newly formed leaves on those small branches of the niipa flower were shivering profusely. On that stormy night, from the veńuká arbor a raucous thunderbolt sound emanated. Seeing this, the rain-filled clouds were looming around in pain, shedding tears.

The charming little girls were indoors, smiling, beautifully braiding their hair. After threading and decorating the garlands of the jasmine and malati flowers, they were learning how to dance. O’ Parama Purusa, Your aroma of pandanas still remains embedded in my heart….

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0322:

[1] Ketakii flower: The screw-pine flower or tree is part of the Pandanaceae family or genus Pandanus. This tree has dagger-like leaves and is commonly found throughout SE Asia. This flower is known for its charming fragrance. It flowers especially in the rainy season and the strong aroma permeates the air for miles around. In addition, the plant contains many thorns.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why some animals can do sadhana

Ananda Marga ideology says, "In certain animals like dogs and monkeys, the 'doer' I is a bit more expressed or developed than in other creatures. That is why in the future they may be in a position to do this spiritual practice." (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, Cult, Inference and Propensity

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Rare dreams depict a true upcoming event

Ananda Marga ideology states, “In sleep if the flatulent gas moves upwards on account of stomach trouble or if there is some nervous disturbance, the brain and the sub-conscious mind will become agitated. Our previously imagined or felt objects reappear in our subconscious mind in a disjointed form. This we call a dream. Obviously such a dream is of no consequence. Not only that, the story formed therein will not be well-knit as it consists of merely the re-appearance of the objects, stored in the different parts of the brain. There is yet another type of dream. The Atimánas kośa (supramental mind) is the store-house of all knowledge. At times a premonition of a coming be great happiness or sorrow, which only the omniscient causal frame can visualize, is created during deep slumber in the subconscious mind of an individual, who is deeply concerned with that particular happiness or sorrow. Such dreams do not take place very often. Nevertheless such a dream does carry the prognosis of a true event.” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 4

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Life and ideology 

“Life represents Ideology. Life should be sacrificed for Ideology.” (Ananda Vanii #15)

Note 1: True Ananda Vaniis have a number whereas Fake Ananda Vaniis do not - just as a fake car license plate has no number. By this way, you can easily recognise a Fake Ananda Vanii.

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

My PC with Baba: I had no shoes

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/baba-story-going-to-see-my-guru.html

Untold history of Sri Lanka

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/08/test.html

Dulce historia de rendición

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2025/02/dulce-historia-de-rendicion-ps-3811.html

Baba story: how I became sick

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/09/baba-story-promotion-assignment-sickness.html

Selecting a song: express your bhakti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/05/choosing-ps-3-more.html

Blissful days of 1970

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/08/those-early-days-4-more.html