Two options for depressed people + 3 more

Baba

Two options for depressed people

Namaskar,

The formula is well known: Humans have infinite longing, and the only way to satisfy that infinite desire is to goad the mind towards something infinite, i.e. the Supreme Entity. Humans can never be satisfied by limited material gains which are finite. 

That is why in today’s materialistic era, most people are in a terrible quandary that ultimately leads to their own misery, degradation, and demise. Humans have a developed mind, but instead of using that mind for its intended purpose, people become overwhelmed by all its trappings. Yet it need not be like that as we were born for something far greater. First we should better understand the problem at hand and then help our brothers and sisters, i.e. those of our universal family members who are in need.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Blessing and curse of developed mind

The equation is straightforward: Humans have been blessed with a developed mind, but instead of reaping the benefits of that developed mind, people drown in all its complexities. For instance, the main quality that separates humans from animals is that humans have a reflected consciousness. With that developed mind or reflected consciousness, people are meant to do sadhana, and by that way they can bask in supreme bliss and take shelter in Parama Purusa.

Unfortunately, in this materialistic era, people fail to direct their minds toward the spiritual realm and instead indulge in materialistic allurements. The chief issue is that people have a developed mind which gets misused and becomes overwrought with fear, worry, anxiety, stress, and all kinds of psychic machinations including depression. Naturally, sadhana clears the mind of all those psychic diseases and ailments. But when one leads a life devoid of sadhana, as is the case in materialism, then people turn towards various degrading tendencies and “fixes” to temporarily alleviate themselves of their psychic burdens. This leads to substance abuse, intoxication, addiction, and animalistic pursuits etc. That brings about their ruination. So that is the dilemma that is rampant throughout any materialistic society. Humans have a developed mind with infinite longing, but instead of basking in the brilliance of that mind by goading it towards the Supreme, they suffer from the psychic complexities of their developed mind. At that point, human life becomes a curse.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For instance, humans are fearful about the uncertainty of the future, or worried about mistakes they made in the past, or concerned about their own mortality. In addition, with the advancement of science, life has become so much faster and more complex whereby the mind is overrun with problems and difficulties, both real and perceived. Verily, there are countless everyday and existential issues that haunt the human mind. All of which can be resolved through spirituality, but when one is submerged in a materialistic flow of life, then that higher functioning of mind is obscured. And one is left to wallow in those lower propensities, desires, and worries.

Ignorance of animality or bliss of spirituality

In contrast, animals have no such problem. Their minds do not have infinite longing so they are quite satisfied and happy with their material surroundings. They do not yearn for anything more. And since they do not have a developed mind they cannot do sadhana. However, since their minds are undeveloped they do not suffer from all kinds of worries, anxieties, fears, and addictions that beleaguer human beings. Saved by their ignorance, animals are quite content in their animal life, while humans are besieged with troubles in their human life.

At this point, there are only two options. Those depressed humans can either take rebirth as animals and live peacefully in that ignorant state, or they can embark on the path of spirituality and develop an inner link with the Supreme Entity Parama Purusa, by His grace. Those are the only two pathways to get rid of their psychic afflictions.

There are some who are drowned in maya and are seemingly enjoying themselves, but that intoxicated state does not last long. Invariably, they will hit the wall of materialism and despair over the fact that this world is impermanent and that one day they will invariably lose everything they have. And when they reach that point, either they will be blessed to receive diiksa, spiritual initiation, or they will turn towards degrading allurements and intoxicants which will only compound their problems.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Real solution: proper education

The root cause of this entire ordeal and disaster is a blatant lack of proper education. In materialistic societies, people are taught and rewarded for collecting inanimate objects, i.e. crude, material wealth. In that case, they fail to receive the answers they need to find a lasting sense of peace and security, hence they inevitably suffer from melancholia and depression etc.

A neo-humanistic approach towards early childhood education empowers young learners with all the tools to have a successful human life, free from worry, anguish, and mental disease. From the outset, children are taught of their inherent connection to the Divine Entity. This key spiritual component provides a base of human understanding whereby they grow into aspirants and sadhakas and that changes their entire outlook. Instead of trying to satisfy themselves materially, they view this world as a changing phenomenon and divert all yearning towards the Supreme. This enables them to live peacefully in this world, free from worry and distress, forever engaged in the thought of the Great.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

Humans are born with a reflected consciousness, i.e. infinite longing, and when that developed mind is used for the spiritual practice then one will bask in His bliss, never overwrought or depressed about the worries and losses of this mundane world. Failing that, human life becomes a curse.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “One of the numerous benefits of sádhaná is that it keeps the mind free from psychic disease and encourages the natural growth of the mind.” (1)

In Him,
Dhrtiishvara

~ In-depth study ~

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “It is only the well-reflected consciousness which differentiates human beings from animals. Is it then not imperative for human beings to make use of their consciousness? If their consciousness lies dormant behind their animality, people are bound to behave like animals. They in fact become worse than animals as, even though endowed with well-reflected consciousness, they do not make use of it. Such people do not deserve the status of human beings. They are animals in human form.”
   “The nature of consciousness is to seek for the Infinite or realize the Cosmic Entity. Only those who make use of their consciousness and follow its dictates deserve to be called human beings. Therefore, every person, by making full use of his or her reflected consciousness, earns the right to be called a human being and finds his or her dharma or nature to be only the search for the Infinite or Cosmic Entity. This longing for the Infinite is the innate quality or dharma which characterizes the human status of people.” (2)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Sádhaná, therefore, is to unify the two into one – the internal “I” and the external “I”. Two-ness in one single personality is a disease. The more the gap between these two “I’s”, the more you will undergo psychic torment. You must remember that in this second half of the 20th Century people are feeling much gap in between their internal “I” and external “I”. Because of the trouble in adjusting these two “I’s” there is an increase in mental illnesses. This is the greatest disease in the 20th century.” (3)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 7, The Faculty of Knowledge – 3
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 1, The Dharma of Human Beings
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, Parama Puruśa

*        *        *

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 ==

Your unbounded kindness

“Sumadhur tumi sushobhan…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0581)

Purport: 

O’ Parama Purusa, You are very sweet, exquisitely attractive, and stunningly ravishing. You are kśamá sundar. You are ever-forgiving. Due to your forgiving nature, You are very beautiful. With Your divine touch, the world has become very charming. You have made this earth pleasant. 

Those who do not know You think that You are harsh. Those who have not realized You mistakenly think You are unkind. They see Your liila and cannot understand You. They are unable to grasp that You are love-personified and the essence of benevolence. By Your grace, I know that You are extremely charming and unparalleled. No one is above You; nor is anyone Your equal. You stand alone and control all. You are beyond all comparisons. You are paratpara - the Supreme Controller.

O’ Parama Purusa, by Your love and affection that dormant consciousness (kulakundalinii) gets aroused. That subtle spiritual energy transforms their existence. Those who love You feel Your unbounded kindness and attain the supreme rank. You are guńádhiish; You are the Lord of maya. You are the Purusottama; You are the Supreme Entity, and everything and everyone revolves are You. Baba, You are the remover of darkness in the physical, mental, and spiritual spheres, as You shower Your divine light upon one and all….

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Association with Him

Commonly people think of themselves as weak and isolated. That is because in that moment they do not have a connection with Parama Purusa in their mind. So they cannot draw divine energy from Him. The moment one starts thinking about Parama Purusa and makes a connection with Him then they become very strong. This can be felt and tested when facing tough situations or when confronting someone stronger than yourself - such as when surrounded by a bunch of thugs. Then certainly those negative, anti-social elements will be defeated, and victory will be attained. The connection is very simple - just repeat your Ista mantra and you will be linked with Parama Purusa.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "However little one's capacity might be, if one constantly remembers that Parama Purus'a is always with him, that they are in the closest contact with Parama Purus'a, they will be able to do everything. They are not as small as they think themselves to be. And as long as they remember this closest association with Him, they can do much more than ordinary human beings. When this idea becomes permanently established in their minds, they become great. This is why no one should be disappointed or depressed in any circumstances; let everyone constantly perform great deeds, remembering that the flow of their capacity is coming from Parama Purus'a, and thus they can do everything." (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 3, Genius and Technician

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Water crisis: deep well irrigation

Namaskar, 

Although some may think that impending water shortages and resultant disaster are fear mongering, but that is not the case. There is a limited supply of underground water. Around the globe, people are using underground water for drinking and irrigation by using pumps etc. Using underground water for drinking is ok, but it is extremely harmful to use underground water for irrigation purposes.

In the above photo, see the desertification that has taken place. Twenty years ago this whole area was a lush, highly vegetated region, and  now it is turning fast into a desert. By this way, the water table is rapidly diminishing and a severe water crisis is threatening the earth.

Due to a lack of proper knowledge, serious problems are cropping up around the globe. Our duty is to follow Baba’s guidelines and educate others. To overlook the problem is cataclysmic.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Deep well irrigation creates desert

Because of deep well irrigation, the water table is dropping. Plants and trees become dry and brittle. Extreme dryness invites fires. The vegetation gets destroyed. Without trees, there is no more rain. This brings drought which then leads to starvation, and ultimately death.

This is the eventual outcome wherever groundwater irrigation is in vogue.

So then what is the answer? How to irrigate? Rain water should be collected in ponds and reservoirs and used locally. That will solve the problem and offer an environmentally sound, renewable resource for our water needs, most critically, irrigation.

Ananda Marga philosophy states:

”Question – What are the drawbacks of well irrigation?”

“Answer – Well irrigation causes the level of the water table to go down until the subterranean flow of water eventually dries up. Shortages of water due to well irrigation are not easily perceptible.” (1)


And eventually becomes infertile

Ananda Marga philosophy states: “The negative effects of well irrigation include the following:”

“(1) All neighbouring shallow wells dry up creating the problem of the lack of drinking water.”

“(2) Trees, orchards and large plants don’t get sufficient water so they may wither and die. Green countryside will become a desert after 30 to 45 years of intensive well irrigation.”

“(3) In some deep tube wells elements or minerals which are harmful to the soil get mixed with the water, causing salinity, for example. As a result the land becomes unfit for cultivation and eventually becomes infertile.”

“(4) When the flow of well-water stops, irrigation tanks supplied by these wells also dry up.”

“Thus, well irrigation should be used only as a temporary measure because of the devastating effects it can have on the surrounding environment. Alternative methods of irrigation are river irrigation, irrigation from reservoirs, shift irrigation and lift irrigation.” (2)


Situation of California and other areas

When all the trees of an area are chopped down, then rain clouds stop forming in that area. With the reduction and ultimately elimination of rain, the whole area turns into a desert. That is what has happened in southern Rajasthan (India). 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Another pathway towards desertification occurs when deep well irrigation is not banned. Because these deep wells lower the level of the water table. In turn, trees suffer from a lack of water and begin to die. As the trees are wiped out, less rain clouds are drawn to the region. This vicious cycle escalates: Less rain -> deeper and deeper wells are dug -> due to lack of rain dust forms and ultimately the entire region becomes a desert. Overall deep well irrigation also causes the soil to be more saline (salty). 

Unfortunately, large land tracts in California are sliding towards this fate. The situation has become so grim, that the water table dropping fast - and wells are drying, and deeper and deeper wells are dug. A few years back a 250ft well was treated as extreme but now in order to get water the well must be 1200 feet deep. And those underground aquifers have limited water. That is why this entire cycle is a kind of death bell. 

If any green fertile region does not get any rain for several years then it will become a desert. 


Many of the locals have been forced to sell their rangelands

~ Courtesy of Live Science ~

“The wells are being blamed for lowering aquifer levels deep beneath the desert of Chihuahua, causing the more shallow wells of the Mexicanos (a term used by the Mennonites to describe local Mexican farmers and ranchers) to drop in production or completely dry up in some cases. As a result, many of the locals have been forced to sell their rangelands to Mennonites.” (southwestfarmpress)
   "People around the world are pumping so much water out of the ground, and releasing it back into the environment, that it’s causing oceans to rise, a new study reveals. The effect is bigger than you might expect. The research estimates that by 2050, seas will rise about one-third of an inch (0.8 mm) per year due to groundwater pumping, and it may rival melting glaciers as a primary cause for rising seas."
   "Groundwater pumped for irrigation, drinking water and industrial uses does not typically end up back underground. Instead, it flows into streams or rivers or evaporates into the atmosphere, eventually finding its way to the ocean."
  " Other studies have shown that many aquifers — natural underground lakes that have built up water over millions of years — are being pumped dry. The ground tends to compact when the water is extracted, and once pumped dry, often an aquifer can never store as much water as it once did — sort of like a sponge that’s lost its elasticity etc." (Courtesy of Live Science)


Conclusion

This is not well known science - deep well irrigation creates so many problems. It ruins the soil, region, and environment, and good land becomes a desert. That is why Prout policy is that well irrigation should be completely banned and rain water should be collected for agricultural purpose. 

Namaskar, 
in Him, 
Manas Ranjan

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell – 14, Questions and Answers [on Society] – 3
2. Prout in a Nutshell – 14, Questions and Answers [on Society] – 3

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Special elements of our DC chant

   Ananda Marga ideology says, “Just see the case of air, light, water, respirations and everything. The need for these things is the same for all individuals. There have been no differentiations. These differentiations that we see in society are creations of vested interests, creations of depraved persons, of degenerated, immoral people. So you should not support these actional defects of immoral persons. You should follow the divine vibrational system, that is, you must not try to find any differentiations among individuals. “Devábhágaḿ yathápúrve saḿjánáná upásate.” It is the wont of divine expressions that there be no differentiations, no class of exploiters and exploited. That is, this wont of not creating any differentiations was not only their duty, it was their upásaná, the desideratum of their existential march.”
   Ananda Marga ideology ways, “Samáni va ákuti”. When everything cometh from the same source, from the same Progenitor, and when finally everything goeth back to the same desideratum, there must be the same aspirations, the same longing, in the heart of each and every individual. But due to the depraving actions of immoral people, those exploited, those downtrodden people are forced to forget their goal. They are drifted away from the desideratum of their life. This should not be done. Everybody should get the chance to develop their natural longings for Him.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Saḿgacchadhvaḿ

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Pitfall of free will

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/11/your-desires-are-not-meaningless.html

Style of each Mahasambhuti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/pessimists-dont-like-to-understand-this.html

Yogic science of breathing

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/11/very-useful-but-rarely-practised-point.html

How to prevent a bad marriage

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/06/way-to-bring-tragedy-2-more.html

Story: how sadhana cured

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/story-sick-became-healthy-due-to.html

Experiencing His divine vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-memories-with-baba.html

Pitfall of free will + 8 more

Baba

Pitfall of free will

Namaskar,

Free will is the capacity to decide what to do and what not to do. Humans have this quality, not animals. People constantly decide what to do after weighing the pros and cons, the positives and negatives. Parama Purusa has given humans a lot of latitude and freedom, which animals do not have. 

Animals are guided purely by instinct. By seeing one particular dog then you can understand how other dogs of that breed behave. With humans, one cannot generalise in this manner. Everyone has their own unique way of making a decision, even under the same circumstances. This is due to free will. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The central idea is that God has given you the capacity to do wrong or right. And that is free will. And due to this freedom one is rewarded or punished. For example you have the capacity to beat or serve others. If you beat and abuse others you will be punished. And if you serve others you will be rewarded. The freedom to do whatever you wish is free will. Some people misuse and abuse it and some utilize it properly. For instance, after death there are many who get punished and have to return to animal life due to their bad decisions. They misused their free will. Whereas those who follow the path of righteousness become one with Parama Purusa, by His grace. This is the central idea of free will. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Human beings have a fully-reflected consciousness which makes them capable of independent action and also of distinguishing between good and bad." (1)

So this capacity of free will is that unique and unknown power. With free will, every person can gain tremendous control over their life and avert so many disasters, by His grace. In one discourse, Baba has declared that 99% of human beings misuse their free will and invite negative samskaras. But it does not have to be like that. One can avert all these problems. The proper utilization of one’s free will can also lead to the apex of spiritual attainment, by His grace. So it is a double-edged sword. Free will can lead one to the heights of bliss or the depths of hell. It all depends upon how it is used.


Humans get what they desire

In so many discourses, Baba guides us that human beings get whatever they desire.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Suppose a person is obsessed with the thought of doing this or that, to harm another person. They will receive the body of a pig or a dog. One who desires to do something good and noble will receive a good physical body accordingly." (2)

Whatever good or bad things a person desires in this life affects their next birth also. Here are more examples of this phenomenon.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Suppose someone has a desire to eat delicious food. Parama Purus'a will grant that wish, and the person may be reborn in the next life as a wolf or wild boar, to eat to his or her heart’s content. A woman who wishes to adorn herself with ornaments may be reborn as a colourfully-marked peacock. One day, however, a hunter may shoot the beautiful peacock with an arrow. As one desires, so one attains...So before wishing to attain something, one must be extra-cautious. Suppose a man wants to be a king. In the next life he may be born into the household of a poor man whose surname is “Raja” [“King”]. He wanted to be a Raja and he became one! One must be very cautious before wishing for anything." (3)

That is why this very special quality - i.e. free will - is a double-edged sword. If one desires Him, one will get Him. And if they desire something mundane, they will get that. Tragically, all too often human beings are not aware how powerful their desires are nor where those desires will lead them. In their shortsighted manner, people long for so many things - material wealth, name, fame, prestige, etc - which bind them more and more.

Negative pratisaincara only happens to humans

Animals are animals and follow their nature; they never get degraded and slowly move along the path of pratisaincara. In contrast, with free will, human beings may rocket ahead toward Him by His grace, or fall back into the depths of animal life or even be reborn as inanimate objects.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A human being in this life may well be reborn as an animal, plant or even a rock in the next life." (4)

It is due to free will that one may get caught up in negative pratisaincara. No other being falls in this way, only humans. Here below Baba graphically explains how one gets a body according to their desire.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Which animal is the greediest among the animals with which we are all very familiar? It does not like to give up greed in spite of ill treatment and humiliations. It is the cat. Yes, after moving a few steps ahead, the cat forgets that it was beaten. So that particular person is reborn as a cat after death, because that body affords an opportunity for the satiation of their greed. When the housewife looks around inattentively, the cat sneaks into the kitchen through the small opening in order to reach the milk." (5)

One may be reborn as a cat in order to fulfill their greed. All because when in human form they misused their free will and just indulged in greed. So the progress of living beings is very steady until one attains the human framework. Then, depending upon one's use of their free will and the nature of their desires, a person may degenerate (negative pratisaincara) and revert back to animal life or worse. Or one may ideate on the Supreme and attain Him.

Conclusion

Human beings have so many desires so if one is not aware about how to exercise their free will, they will suffer all the pains and agonies of degradation into a lower birth. Suppose one rushes after wealth, revenge, or greed etc, one will get a body accordingly. By Baba's grace, there is an easy answer. Those in human form have been blessed with an aspiration for the divine. With one's free will they should goad the mind in that direction and ask for parama'rtha.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parama'rtha is that factor which brings about the permanent cessation of the triple afflictions. Here permanent cessation means cessation of those afflictions which, once removed, will never return again in the future. That artha which brings permanent relief from the pangs of hunger, which is the instrument of permanent cessation, is called “parama'rtha”." (6)

By desiring salvation, even a notorious sinner like the robber Valmiki can become a great saint. So when ordinary human beings seek paramartha naturally they will be blessed and escape this cycle of birth, death, and rebirth as a lower being, which leads to so much suffering and unrest. By His grace, one will walk this earth filled with His bliss and ultimately attain salvation, moksa. That is the proper use of free will and that is the proper use of our unique and often misused power.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Brahma Prakash

~ In-depth study ~

Suppose one does not have any concept of parama'rtha. And suppose one does not know how to use their free will correctly. Even then an ordinary person can achieve the highest stance. The way is to simply surrender to the will of Parama Purusa. One should merely request, "Let Your desire be fulfilled." That is the essence of Guru's below blessing.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Created beings, will have to move according to the Cosmic will; there is no other way. Learning, intellect and personal status become meaningless [and will goad one into bondage] unless they are directed towards Parama Purus'a. After realizing the Supreme truth intelligent people start moving according to Parama Purus'a’s desire, saying, “Oh Parama Purus'a. I have nothing to ask of You. Let Thy will be fulfilled. I want nothing else.”" (7)


Our unknown power

Every human being is born with a very special, innate capacity, but most of the time that special capacity goes unnoticed and misused. However, this quality allows one tremendous control over their future. Yet, because one is not aware about their unique and unknown power and unable to use it properly, things go awry. Consider the greatness human beings could achieve, and how many pains and troubles could be averted, if one becomes aware of and properly utilizes this innate gift.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In this modern era, researchers and scientists classify humans within the animal category. But, according to Ananda Marga philosophy, there is a significant difference between humans and animals. And this letter explores that unique difference. From the purview of Ananda Marga, human beings are wholly separate from animals and what distinguishes humans from animals is: free will. Parama Purusa has given humans free will - the power to think, choose, and decide.

References
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Intuitional Practice and Its Necessity
2. Ananda Vacnamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity – the Non-Doer
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, “Ye Yathá Máḿ Prapadyante”
4. A Few Problems Solves - 8, The Origin of Existential Stamina
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity – the Non-Doer
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, Artha and Paramártha
7. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 10, Bhágavata Dharma

*        *        *

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 ==

Rowing my boat

"Ámi tomákei jáni shudhu tomákei jáni..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0907)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, only You I know, no one else. By Your grace I only depend on You. You are my shelter. Since the creation of my mind, from the very beginning I have been with You. Now I am with You, and I know I will remain with You forever. By Your krpa, I understand, believe, and realise this eternal truth in the deep core of my heart. 

Unfortunately, I started running after the degrading attractions by the pull of maya. In this mad dash for mundane pleasures, I got swept off my feet by the flooded river of tamasika attractions - going towards who knows where. In spite of that, by Your compassion, in an isolated corner of my inner self, always I am singing Your songs and chanting Your name. The subterranean flow of my mental river always cascades with the water of bhakti. It is Your causeless and infinite kindness. 

Since the early dawn, I have remained absorbed in a stream of a dream about Your kindness. But now I am rowing my boat with a firm hand on the path of dharma, by remembering Your vanii. Your ideological teachings are my fuel for moving along the path of life divine and reaching the Supreme Entity. Friends, family, money, wealth, prestige, power, and post are all ephemeral. Such things are shelterless, and depending on them is ignorance. They cannot provide me a base. 

Baba, You fulfill all my longings as well as all of my physical, psychic, and spiritual needs. Besides You there is no one whom I can rely upon. In this universe only You are mine...

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Who can lead society

   Ananda Marga teachings guide us, “When for age after age society spins in the murky eddies of evil and vice, when individual and collective knavery masquerades as intelligence, when hypocrisy, bribery and fraud are the yardsticks for measuring the ability to lead – it is then that the genuine followers of Bháratii [the goddess of learning] must struggle on in spite of constant humiliation. Only taunts and insults will be their fate. Those who are afraid of these insults are incapable of offering anything really lasting to humanity. How can people who lack moral strength, under whose feet the soil is not hard and strong, invite anyone into a cool, refreshing shelter and impart happiness to them? It may be possible to drag oneself through life by sucking the blood of others like social parasites, but this will not bring fulfilment to either sáhityikas or their readers.”
   “The artist or sáhityika who assumes the responsibility of leading humanity along the path to light from the caverns of darkness will have to heed the road signs on that path. It is not possible to guide others with mere cheap, superficial knowledge, like a half-baked pandit who reads a half-a-dozen books and then spouts a few mouthfuls of grandiloquence, and who has obtained a doctorate by plagiarizing others’ works. Rather it is necessary for the sáhityika or artist to have a keen and vigorous insight, without which all their endeavours will prove fruitless. Merely juggling words or depicting defects in society will not satisfy the hunger of the human mind – and such creations of art are indeed valueless for social progress as well. One must know the path, and one must also know how to move on it. If those who have not comprehended what the form of society will be, allow the trends of the past that have shaped the present to proceed unchecked, they can never lead society to the path of perfection. They will in fact thrust society into darkness in the name of social reform; they will encourage license in the name of freedom. Instead of modelling a woman after the ideal of a goddess, they will mould the image of the goddess after the ideal of a harlot.” (1)

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

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Real utility of knowledge

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "So why do people bother to cultivate knowledge or action? They do so to make their devotion more intense, not for any other reason. People do not eat pickles to fill the stomach, but only to whet their appetite so that they can enjoy their food more. Similarly, devotees cultivate knowledge and action not for their physical growth, but to acquire more strength to move along the path of devotion with greater acceleration." (1)

Note: Some people have gone astray from this above teaching. They acquire knowledge and do action for reasons of self-satisfaction and self-aggrandizement - so that they can brag to others. They want to misguide people, put simple folks in trouble, and create more dogmas. Yet all this inflates the ego and causes one's degeneration. It is rare that people cultivate knowledge and perform actions solely to serve humanity and increase their level of bhakti.

Reference
1. Namami Krsnasundaram, Vraja Krśńa and Dvaetaváda (Discourse 17)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Human victory

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The spirit to fight against all odds alone can solve the problems confronting human beings. March ahead and wage war against all difficulties, every impediment. Victory is sure to embrace you. Difficulties and encumbrances cannot be more powerful than your capacity to solve them. You are the children of the great Cosmic Entity. Be a sadvipra and make others sadvipras also." (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 6, The Future of Civilization

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Secret of service

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Every human being gets more or less opportunity for rendering services. If a poor man thinks that he cannot render Vaeshyocita type of service because he is devoid of money he is wrong. The charity of a few paise of the poor has the same value as a thousand rupees from a millionaire. Indeed the charity of these few paise is greater. Lord Krśńa attached greater importance to a handfuls of grains from Vidura than to the sumptuous royal dishes of Duryodhana. Even so, everyone should render service to the world in accordance with their capacity and work for the welfare of the living beings to the best of their ability. Perform viprocita type of service by projecting your convictions to others as best as you can. Let every person perform the four kinds of service as much as possible. Adhyátma yajiṋa is an internal yajiṋa and ultimately it terminates in Paramátman, the original self.”(1)

Note: The value of any service is based on how much a person sacrificed for others’ welfare - not the amount they give etc. 

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha -1, Yajiṋa and Karmaphala

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Kids & seniors bring life to a festival

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Every human being likes utsava [festival]. It is the desire of all that they will rejoice unitedly. In Europe Puritanism failed in the end, only because the Puritans failed to care for the desires of the general public. They preached their theory only to a handful of devotees of knowledge.”
   “Ananda Marga is for the general public. So, considering the necessity of the general mass, proper importance has to be given to the utsava in social life. Excitement in a utsava is the greatest in the children, in the tender aged boys, in the youths and last of all in grown ups. In the programmes of a utsava, therefore, you shall think for the children first. Their sweet stammering noises ensure the success of the utsava. But whatever arrangements you may make for the children, the youngsters, youths, or for the grown-ups, make that there is no dearth of discipline even to the minutest extent anywhere. Let there be complete harmony. ” (1)

Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Dvitiiya Parva), Point #4 - Utsava

== Section : Important Teaching ==

Lack of refined intellect people become atheists

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Self-awareness develops through clash. The awareness that develops through physical clash is termed jadábuddhi [crude physical intellect] because it is associated with jadá [matter]. The consciousness of animals and undeveloped human beings is matter-oriented. But even in developed human society, if someone is an atheist or a materialist, we can only term their intellect as jadábuddhi. Such people deny the existence of spirituality in order to hide their intellectual deficiencies. Their denial betrays their moral and intellectual bankruptcy. It does not speak of their glory, nor does it diminish the value of spirituality."

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Devotion plays a positive role in the process of clash. Had there been no factor to maintain the balance among all the objects created within the Macrocosmic Mind, the entire structure of the universe would have fallen apart. For the sake of harmony and balance within the universe, there is a mutual attraction among all the objects; each microcosm attracts the other microcosms. All finite microcosms – the innumerable manifestations of the Supreme Entity – are entitled to that universal love with which It has bound each microcosm to Itself, entitled to the wave of that universal love, in which Its divine ocean of bliss is perennially flowing. Attraction is the innate characteristic of microcosms. When this attraction is for finite objects, it is called káma [“physical longing”], and when it surges towards the Cosmic Entity, it is called prema [“divine love”]. Of course, káma is nothing but a limited form of prema. When microcosms rush towards Parama Puruśa [Supreme Consciousness] attracted by the irresistible force of divine love, it is termed “devotion”. Since clash drives the microcosms towards subtlety, it follows that clash must be the sustainer of devotion." (1)

Reference

1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Cosmic Attraction and Spiritual Cult

== FURTHER READING ==

 You must not sit idle like a frog in a well under the spell of inertia - Ananda Vanii #5

"The accumulated distortions of many lifetimes cannot be removed in the twinkling of an eye. The removal of these distortions requires prolonged cultivation of knowledge, selfless devotion and untiring action. The world expects tremendous work from you; so you must not sit idle like a frog in a well under the spell of inertia. Therefore awake, arise."

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 ==

আমাদের এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে

“উৎ + নতি = উন্নতি | উৎ মানে—উপরের দিকে | ऊपर की ओर | Upward | যেখানে উৎ, নম্‌, ক্তিন্‌ | যেখানে মানুষ নমস্কার করছে, উপরে দিকের কোনও সত্তাকে---সেইটা হল তার উৎ নতি, উন্নতি | আর যেখানে মানুষ নমস্কার করছে, শ্রদ্ধা জানাচ্ছে, “অব” মানে “নিচের দিকের, কোনও কিছুকেই, জড়কে, ভেদ-ৰুদ্ধিকে, মানুষের-মানুষের বৈসম্য তথা বৈমনস্যকে”, সখানে সে নিচের দিককে নমঃ করছে | সে নিচে নেমে যাচ্ছে |...

তো, সেই ব্যাপার, উন্নতি-টুন্নতি হয়নি, ৰাপু; মুখে যাই ৰলা হক | তা, এখন যে যুগ চলে গেছে, যে দিন অতীতের অন্ধকারে হারিয়ে গেছে, সে গেছে ভালই হয়েছে | এখন নূতন উষার দিকে তাকিয়ে, আমাদের এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে” (1)

Reference
1. অপ্রকাশিত,আনন্দ নগর ১৯৮৪

== Section ==

When to skip following dharma

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Those who protect dharma, dharma protects them. One should always protect dharma, in both big and small ways. If one thinks that they will only follow dharma in some big events, and not in small ones, then those big events may not ever come in their entire life. It may be that in their whole life, besides their birth and death, not a single big event happens. Yet at the time of birth how can one protect dharma. At that time one is just a small infant and cannot do anything. That infant is totally unaware about the events going on around them. Then how can they protect dharma. And at the time of death, a person is senseless. In that case also how can they protect dharma. For this reason, dharma should be protected always. In small and big ways-- even in jokes and humor dharma should be protected. Those who protect dharma, dharma protects them: Dharma raksati raksitah." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 32 (H), p.86-7

== Section ==

Find out how many cultures in the world?

"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 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Style of each Mahasambhuti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/pessimists-dont-like-to-understand-this.html

Yogic science of breathing

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/11/very-useful-but-rarely-practised-point.html

How to prevent a bad marriage

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/06/way-to-bring-tragedy-2-more.html

Story: how sadhana cured

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/story-sick-became-healthy-due-to.html

Experiencing His divine vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-memories-with-baba.html

Mental cleanliness in digital era + 6 more

Baba

Mental cleanliness in digital era

Note: This letter is only for those who have reverence for Sadguru Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji and try to follow His Ananda Marga ideology.

Namaskar,

Most ads pollute the mind - booming their message again and again. Those advertisements are powerful and often achieve their desired effect. The stark proof of the efficacy of ads is that big corporations spend huge money on advertising. They buy all the best strategists, artists, singers, and performers to create the most alluring ads.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Dirty advertisements excite baser propensities

This is the modus operandi in this culminating aspect of the vaeshyan era. Big companies put talented professionals on their payroll to help design and create tempting ads that appeal to one's baser propensities in order to sell their products. Baba's following teaching characterizes the overall effect of these debased advertising campaigns.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Knowledge which creates numerous obstacles and problems for the human society is not at all wisdom, but merely the expression of mean propensities of mind. When nothing great is created, then cheap sentiments emerge for low-grade art, literature, architecture, sculpture, etc.; and when the sentient principle is overpowered by the mutative principle, and the mutative principle by the static principle, the cumulative effect is complete chaos." (1)

Verily, this is what we see going on in the world of advertising. Degrading and degenerating messages are put forth to captivate an audience, to influence and favour decisions to purchase their products. The result is not good for the general society as it goads the common people toward degenerating propensities, and entices people to spend (i.e. waste) money on things they do not need.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

If those ads did not achieve their desired result - i.e. increased sales, such companies would not have big advertising budgets. But they see the results. The more they spend on effective yet degrading advertising, the greater their financial return. Perhaps nowhere do ads play as grand a role as on the internet. Ad revenues spell big dollars for companies. One search engine behemoth rakes in a whopping 60 - 70  billion dollars annually in ad revenue alone. So this is big business.

Desire begotten out of association

Now some large corporations in the west have more money than many small countries combined. Consumers become the blind servants of those companies and contribute to their large profits. This is proof they are affected by these ads. Businesses and companies want to sell something to you. Whether a consumer wants that product or not, they want them to purchase it. To achieve this, they resort to all kinds of techniques. This is a serious problem. First and foremost we should understand Guru’s teachings. Then we should develop a comprehensive understanding as to why exploitative advertisers do like this, and we should know the science behind their approach.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Abhoga Samsargat Praptiresana”. You must remember it. When near an object of enjoyment (abhoga) another object reaches, a desire is begotten to get that object. For instance a man when in town has dress, living as per the dress and living of the urban people and when in a village he has as per the villagers. This is effected because of his desire begotten out of his association with people in town and villages respectively. When some persons take tea, there you also get the desire to take the same.” (2)

Nowadays we are surrounded by ads. Yet many naive adults remain in a state of denial, thinking: "I do not get affected by ads", or "I do not let the ads sway my decisions or self-image", or "I have my own independent opinion so it does not matter whether I view those ads or not." They think, "These ads are not so harmful and I am impervious to them." Such is their naiveté.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

May remember the words and theme

Unfortunately, the reality is that those ads get set within the depths of the human psyche, become deeply embedded in one's memory, and form a lasting impression in the mind. Just ask someone to look back on their own childhood. They probably can recall countless advertisements from those days, either from the billboards in their local town or village along the roadside, magazine ads, radio advertisements, and television etc. They may remember the words and theme songs of so many commercials. That means they are still keeping that stuff in the mind.

FACT: People are bombarded all day long by corporate and company advertisements.
MYTH: Naive people think these ads are not so harmful.

The reality, however, is that the overt and subliminal message of those ads remain in the mind and alter one's thinking. As sadhakas we must gain a deeper understanding of this problem, protect ourselves, and educate and guide others. Please read the following and determine how these ads are adversely affecting people you know; plus find out the way to overcome this hurdle.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The only way to protect the mind from such advertisements is to never view them at all. Because invariably the crude message of those ads will creep into and eventually affect and dominate the psyche. Baba's undisputed teaching for all sadhakas is to keep the mind pure by exercising control over the motor and sensory organs.

Control of sensory organs

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Cakśuńá Saḿvaro Sádhu” O spiritual aspirant! O Bhikśu! O monk! O devotee! You should have proper control over your eyes; whatever will have bad effect on your mind, you must not see it. “Sádhu Sotena saḿvaro”. Whatever will have bad effect on your mind, O good man, you must not hear it. “Ghánena Saḿvaro Sádhu.” You should have control over your nose, “Sádhu Jibháya Saḿvaro.” You should have control over your taste. “Káyena Saḿvaro Sádhu.” You should have control over your body. “Sádhu Vácáya Saḿvaro.” You should have control over your language also; and “Savvatha Saḿvaro Bhikśu.” If you want emancipation, if you want liberation from worldly fetters, you must have all-round restraint." (3)

In His above teaching, Baba guides us that the only way to advance along the path of spirituality and overcome all worldly obstacles is to keep the mind free of impurities. The sadhaka achieves this in part by not exposing one's sensory organs to degrading images etc. When the mind comes in contact with those advertising messages via the sensory organs (eyes, ears etc), that message gets embedded in memory. At any moment that crude image or thought or slogan can come across one's mental plate. There is no way to stop that once that message gets sent to the mind. That means, as soon as one sees, hears, or reads an advertisement, then that message becomes part of their psyche. There is no escape.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The only solution is to cut off all interaction with these degrading advertisements. Essentially that requires cutting any connection with pseudo-culture activities and pop-art. No junk tv or movie watching; and being careful when watching and listening to a worthwhile, educational program. But the only immediate or short-term solution is to avoid them entirely.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Bhaktidha’ra’

Advertisements dramatically affect the general public with regards to their dress, self-image, and purchases etc. People feel they should look a certain way, act a certain way, and be a certain way. Such ads pollute the mind - booming their message again and again. Those ads are powerful and often achieve their desired effect.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “A person of any age between seven and seventy is invariably influenced by the company he or she keeps. In other words, where goodness is predominant, bad people will slowly but surely become good, and where the opposite is the case, good people will become bad. Even a saintly person will go astray after a few days of close association with bad people.” (4)


~ In-depth study ~

Unknowingly repeating advertisements

As sadhakas, anything and everything is possible. With proper determination we can move ahead in the right manner. Failing that, one's mental plate will become riddled by all kinds of negative advertisements and slogans. They will even pop into the mind when trying to do sadhana. That is why Baba has issued the aforementioned warning:

Baba says, "O spiritual aspirant! O Bhikśu! O monk! O devotee! You should have proper control over your eyes; whatever will have bad effect on your mind, you must not see it." (5)

The only permanent memory we should have is our mantra japa and we should eliminate all those distracting thoughts like advertisements.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The goal of one’s life should always be fixed before one’s eyes; it should never be lost sight of. When one remembers one’s goal twenty-four hours a day one develops the actual memory. In the scriptures, this sort of memory is called “dhruvásmrti”." (6)

Desire due to association

Here again is a reminder of this important teaching. “Abhoga Samsargat Praptiresana”

Ananda Marga ideology states, “You must remember it. When near an object of enjoyment (Abhoga) another object reaches, a desire is begotten to get that object. For instance a man when in town has dress, living as per the dress and living of the urban people and when in a village he has as per the villagers. This is effected because of his desire begotten out of his association with people in town and villages respectively. When some persons take tea, there you also get the desire to take the same.” (7)

Cleansing the mind

Here below Baba guides us that cleansing the mind is not an easy job; better to keep it clean in the first place by not viewing negative images on the web, than to see such images and then have to wipe them away.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba says, "Cleansing the mind is a far more laborious job than cleansing the body, clothes, house, etc. Intelligent people should not, therefore, allow their mental purity to be stained. You must always guard against the tempest of passion. You must not yield to such storms." (8)

Baba says, "It is natural for human beings to become soiled with dust in the course of their journey in the physical world. But this is not to continue forever. They should make their minds completely unblemished by offering all their mental colours to the Supreme. Forgetting the external aspect of the play of colours, they should accept the internal colour-play as the ultimate in human life – and thus establish themselves in the true Vrindavana, the Supreme Desideratum of human life." (9)

Baba says, "In no circumstances should cynicism or nihilism be encouraged; rather when the righteous and virtuous people of this world sit together and decide what should and should not be done, they will certainly find the proper path." (10)

Not waste time in harmful ads

Baba says, "You should remember that in most cases human intellect and intuition are wasted in extravaganza, in useless pursuits; they are not at all utilized for constructive or worthwhile endeavours. And human intuitional power is also wasted in trying to exhibit occult powers. Such persons never get the opportunity to move towards Parama Puruśa." (11)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Instead of wasting their time in idle gossip [and listening to advertisements], people should do kiirtana whenever they have time. Even if they have a few spare minutes, they should do kiirtana. It is foolish to waste time in useless pursuits." (12)

Psycho-economy needed

One key aspect of Prout is public education - where people learn about economic exploitation and avoid the pitfalls introduced by capitalist advertisers who want to sell things people do not need or subject the mind to degrading images. Making citizens and consumers more alert in this regard is known as psycho-economy.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prout philosophy states, "Psycho-economy...endeavours to eradicate exploitative and unjust economic practices, behaviours and structures. It will counter all economic and psycho-economic exploitation and make people aware of how capitalists, in their singular or collective roles, exploit society and create unhealthy, artificial demands which not only poison the mind but encourage dangerous habits detrimental to psychic sanctity and expansion. The first and foremost duty of psycho-economics is to wage a tireless fight against all degenerating and dehumanizing economic trends in society." (13)


Few solutions

(A) You may select “disable images” in the “view” mode of your browser and that will remove the various photos associated with ads.

(B)  Finally, for those using a Mac and the Safari web browser, there is an option for “Reader” when opening news articles. You may access it from the View menu or at the right side of the status bar. That will remove the various photos associated with ads.

(C) Eliminate all the advertisements. And for sadhakas surfing the web, we should take every advantage we can get. The benefit of this is two-fold: Firstly the mind will remain pure and untainted by negative images; secondly, one will experience enhanced concentration as the mind is not distracted by moving graphics etc.

(D) The following Apps on Google Chrome monitor and block degrading websites:

• “Block images”: An App that removes unwanted images. 
  
• “Stay Focused”: An App that monitors your web use.
  
• “Web nanny”: An App that screens for degrading language & images. 

And certainly all browsers have such types of applications. There are two main benefits: (a) The browser is faster when images are blocked, and (b) when images are blocked there is mental shaoca.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(E) The only solution is to cut off interaction with these degrading advertisements. Essentially that requires cutting any connection with pseudo-culture activities and pop-art. No junk tv or movie watching; and being careful when watching and listening to a worthwhile, educational program. When you know the advertisements are coming on then turn off the machine - do japa or kiirtan etc - and then turn it back on in 2 - 3 minutes. It is better to miss some of the program than to see even 15 seconds of an advertisement.

(F) Every web browser - whether it be Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Chrome - offers a way to increase (i.e. zoom in) the font & image size. Generally speaking, this zoom feature is listed under the "View" menu. The shortcut key is often: ctrl ++; that means press the control key and the plus [+] sign and zoom in on whatever webpage is on the screen; press ctrl +- to zoom out.

(G) For sadhakas, the beauty of this feature is that when you are surfing the web or viewing a particular site, you can zoom in such that all the ads get pushed off the screen. Because the ads generally appear along the sides, top and bottom of the page. So if the image and font size is increased (using ctrl ++) then naturally those ads will be out of view. Then to read the aspects of the page that are of value to you, simply use the corresponding scroll bars.

(H) In addition there are other techniques that one may use to rid your web browser from advertisements. You may choose “safe search” as this is an option in every web browser using internet search. There are various options in “lock” which will select to keep this option. That will remove the various photos associated with ads
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(I) Tell your technique.

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Heterogeneity in Aesthetics
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 20, Astitva and Shivatva
3. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 14, The Fundamental Principles of Life
4. Human Society, Justice
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, The Fundamental Principles of Life
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, The Ten Characteristics of a Dhármika
7. Subhasita Samgraha - 20, Astitva and Shivatva
8. Guide to Human Conduct, "Shaoca"
9. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism
10. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Heterogeneity in Aesthetics
11. Yoga Psychology, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order
12. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 22, Kiirtana – the Panacea for All Afflictions
13. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Quadri-Dimensional Economy

*        *        *

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 ==

Your eternal abode
 
"Mor, din cale já y áshá nirásháy, tomár tarei priya..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3507)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, my days and nights are passing in the hope and hopelessness of longing for You. When I see that You are not coming then my life falls in misery. But when I contemplate Your cosmic grace then with deep hope I feel that I will get You. In this way all my time passes. O' my most Supremely Benevolent Majestic One, when I think about You sometimes I weep in the agony of not getting You, and other times I smile in optimism, dreaming of Your blissful arrival.

O' Unparalleled Entity, I always keep my eyes fixed toward the blue sky of my mind - Guru cakra. There I look for You in Your eternal abode. I am calling You with tears in my eyes; please give a response to my call.

O' the Supreme Entity, the black fog permeates each and every pore of my mind. Come in a most sweet, charming, and attractive way and wipe away all the Cimmerian darkness from my mental temple. Kindly make me pure and blemishless.

Baba, my life is passing in Your exquisite attraction. Please shower Your infinite krpa on me and make me Yours...

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Crux of the issue

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Parama Puruśa is omnipotent, but...He cannot hate anybody. Whoever comes near Him becomes one with Him. So Parama Puruśa remains a singular entity. Secondly, Parama Puruśa creates everybody in His mind; He cannot hate his own mental creation.” (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “You see, everybody in this universe is within Parama Puruśa. He sees everybody within His mind, and because everybody is within His mind, He cannot hate a mental figure of His.” (2)

Note: In His above teaching, Baba guides us that Parama Purusa cannot hate anything or anyone. The reason is that this entire creation is set within His own mind. All the expressions are His. And no one can hate themselves. That is the logic and reason why Parama Purusa cannot hate anyone in spite of His omnipotence.  

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Two Hundred Mirrors
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, The Birthright of All

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Lowly aspirants defined

False aspirants think about themselves, whereas true bhaktas think about God and want to serve Him. By this approach life becomes meaningful and they reach the Goal; otherwise, they are just fake bhaktas who take birth and die again and again, suffering in this transitory world.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "True devotees can think only of Parama Puruśa – their every action is to please Parama Puruśa. For them, there is only sádhaná and selfless service to the universe – and because selfless service is to please the Lord, that also helps sádhaná. Tapah [selfless service] is part of sádhaná. True devotees are unable to think of right and wrong, but because they wish only to please Parama Puruśa, they can only do good, all their actions will be benevolent. So you are not just to worry about right and wrong, about dos and don'ts – you are to develop that true devotion for Parama Puruśa...But of course, until you develop such devotion, you must distinguish what to do from what not." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The True Devotee

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Courts back AM teachings

Namaskar, 

In our AM way of life, we do not serve or eat food at a shráddha (death) ceremony - nor at any dogmatic annual death day ceremony like mahaprayan.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Shráddhánna: Shráddhánna (food offered at a memorial service) is neither priityanna nor ápadanna, hence it is not to be taken.” (1)

See how Baba’s dharmic ideals are coming into form the general society as well. Baba has infused the vibration, and in the below article the government has made it illegal to do a mass feeding as part of a death ceremony. The punishment is 1 year in jail.  A court order has banned death day food distribution etc. 

In the above article, the government has made it illegal to do a mass feeding as part of a death ceremony. The punishment is 1 year in jail.  Verily, a court order has banned death day food distribution etc. This upholds Baba’s dharmic ideal and shows how Baba has infused the spiritual vibration to inculcate AM ideals to all corners of the earth - and beyond.

In Him,
Natavar Singh

Reference

1. Caryacarya, Part 2, Society, Point #37

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Death, birth, new body, organ donation

Ananda Marga ideology states, “मनुष्य का जब देहान्त होता है, तब होता है क्या ? मन suspended है, शरीर से विच्युत है, nerve cells काम नहीं कर रहा है | मनुष्य की मृत्यु भी कई प्रकार की हैं | एक मृत्यु है कि nerve cells काम बन्द कर दिया है, heart, lungs काम बन्द कर दिया है---तो, पूरी मृत्यु हो गई | उस दशा में क्या होगा ? उनका मन, शरीर को छोड़ देगा | संस्कार को साथ लेकर घूमता रहेगा, [नए] शरीर की खोज में |.... जहाँ nerve cell भी काम करना बन्द कर दिया, उसके बाद मन तो उसका निकल गया खोज में | हो सकता है तुरन्त नया शरीर भी मिल जाए |” (1)

Here is the English summary of the above Hindi teaching.

When a human being dies, the nerve cells can still function for a few hours, or, in some cases, even days. In that condition the body could come back to life. During some demonstrations, Baba brought people back to life. Ultimately though, when the nerve cells stop functioning entirely, the person undergoes physical death, and the mind leaves the body immediately in search of a new body. The bodyless mind, along with its samskaras, leaves the old body and starts wandering in search of a new body. According to the nature of their samskaras, they get a new body with the help of the cosmic operative principle. It may happen almost instantaneously, while for others it could take years.

Comment #1: According to this discourse, when the nerve cells die then immediately the (bodyless) mind leaves the body with its samskaras in search of a new body. So it could happen that the old body is still not decayed and it is in the tomb, and the person got new suitable body and reached in the mother’s womb immediately with the help of rajaguna of cosmic operative principle.

Comment #2: If you donated the body at the time of death and you immediately got a new body, then it could happen still your old limbs are used by someone and you are moving round as a child with a new body.

Reference
1. As-Is: AV-3, chapter 15, Superstition About Death

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Who can or cannot establish Prout

English Summary of original Bangla:

A new theory [Prout] cannot originate or be brought into practice by a mind of limited dimensions, but only from a person who looks at this universe from an evolved, enlightened mind. There is no other alternative. (1)

Faulty English version by Tiljala Publications

Here below is the printed English version by Tiljala Publications. Unfortunately, they missed the key point that Prout cannot be established by non-sadhakas.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “A new theory [Prout] cannot originate from a mind of limited dimensions, but only from a person who looks at this universe from an evolved, enlightened mind. And for this, Paramártha is a very important factor indeed.” (2)

Here below is the as-is Bangla version.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “এখনও কথা হচ্ছে, এই অর্থের ব্যাপারে তো ৰলেই দিলাম, এই জন্যে একটা নোতুন theory-র দরকার | সেটাকে কার্যরূপ দিতে হৰে | আর সেই নোতুন theory-ও ক্ষুদ্র মন নিয়ে তৈরী করা যায় না | ৰৃহৎ মন নিয়ে যে জগতের সামনে দাঁড়িয়ে আছে, কেবল সেই এই ধরণের theory দিতে পারে, বা একে কার্যরূপ দিতে পারে | অন্য কোনও উপায় নেই |” (3)

Note: Sadly, some misguided Dadas are very keen to implement Prout with socialist / communist leaders. Those Dadas fail to understand that non-sadhakas can never establish Prout. To implement Prout in the society, one must be a sadhaka with an expanded mental outlook. That is what Baba is teaching us in the above guideline. But those in Tiljala Publications could not convey this idea in the English version. The yellow highlighted section in the Bangla version was not included in TP’s English translation.

References
1. English summary of original, as-is Bangla version
2. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 4, Artha and Paramártha
3. “As-Is” Artha and Paramártha AV04-10(E)

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

मुझे हर समय, अपनी सेवा करने का अवसर दो।

प्रभात संगीत 4557 सबार सेवाय तारी करुणाय, सबकार तरे आमि एलुम..

बाबा! तुम्हारी कृपा से मेरा जीवन प्रत्येक की सेवा के लिये है, न केवल मनुष्यों के लिये बल्कि पेड़ पौधों जानवरों और प्रत्येक वनस्पति और प्राणी के लिये। मैं इस धरती पर सबके लिये, सब की आशाअों को पूरा करने के लिये आया हॅूं। परम पुरुष की कृपा से मैंने दूसरों का बोझ अपने कंधों पर ले लिया है।

क्या मनुष्य केवल लम्बी चौड़ी बातें ही करता है? नहीं, जो आदर्श मानव हैं उनके हृदय सभी के सुख और दुख अनुभूत होते हैं। सही अर्थों में जो मानव हैं वे डरपोक या स्वार्थी नहीं होते, वे तो सब के लिये होते हैं।
उन पुरुषोत्तम की कृपा से मैं नव्य मानवतावाद के गीत और कहानियाॅं सब को सुनाऊंगा। मैं सभी प्राणियों, पक्षियों पौधों, जीव-जंतुओं के दुःख सुख की बातें सभी को  सुनाऊंगा। बाबा की  कृपा से मैंने सभी सुख और सुविधाओं को छोड़कर सबकी सेवा के लिये, अपने आपको समर्पित कर दिया है।

 हे  संसार के निवासियों, मेरे बुद्धिमान भाईयो और बहिनो! मेरे मित्रो! मेरे अपनो! सब मेरी प्रतिज्ञा सुनो। मैं सब के लिए हूँ, यही मेरा व्रत है ।  ‘‘कृपा कर मुझे हर समय, हर क्षण, अपनी सेवा करने का अवसर दो। इसके उत्तर में मैं प्रेम ममता और अनुराग सहित प्रस्तुत हॅूं।”

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Game plan of vaeshyas

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/12/shortage-of-viksubdha-shudras-6-more.html

Way to increase bhakti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/11/enemy-of-sadhana.html

Era of degraded stars

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/06/example-ignorant-public-worships-their.html

Bringing new people onto the path 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/10/sadhana-queries.html

Bank account & sadhana

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/those-committed-in-sadhana-4-more.html

Religion vs dharma

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/10/ananda-marga-alone-is-dharma-how.html