How fasting works + 3 more

Baba

How fasting works

Namaskar,

I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Sadguru Baba’s darshan on a few occasions - one of which was in Patna during the year 1971. That was the unique occasion Baba clearly described why fasting is so important for our human progress and how fasting counteracts the negative effects of the celestial bodies during certain lunar days, or tithis.


Part 1: upward pull by celestial bodies

In this darshan, Baba begins by telling that due to the pull or attraction of certain celestial bodies like the moon and the sun, the liquid portion of the earth rises. Baba details how the tides of the ocean and sea levels are affected by the pull of the moon on particular lunar days: ekadashii, or the 11th lunar day, pu'rn'ima', and amavasya.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(Note: Modern day sciences of geology and physics have verified this fact. The earth's oceans and tides are primarily affected by the moon etc and can result in tidal waves and other dangerous conditions.)

Then Baba began to systematically explain how even the liquid section in our human body gets affected on these lunar days (tithis). Because the liquid portion rises up and disturbs the regular functioning of the brain and other primary organs in the upper regions of the body. One's thinking and sadhana are adversely affected on these days.

(Note: Our bodies are 60% to 65% water / fluid, so when the liquid portion of the body is disturbed, the effect is quite dramatic and can even make people act in a grossly imbalanced and even crazy manner. That is why the term lunacy (meaning crazy or psychotic) stems from the root ‘luna’ meaning moon. Due to the effect of the moon, people lose their mental balance. This is also recognised in the common society.)


Part 2: effect on the cakras

In the next sequence, Baba details the effects on the cakras. Because when the liquid portion rises up then the upper cakras are hampered. Under normal conditions, the vishuddha cakra (5th cakra), ajina cakra (6th cakra), and the sahasra'ra cakra (7th cakra) are purely for subtle and sentient pursuits. These cakras are primarily sattvika or sentient.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The manipura cakra (3rd cakra) to anaha'ta cakra (4th cakra) deal with both higher and lower works, both spiritual and physical activities. Baba has classified these as being ra'jasik, a mixture of crude and subtle. Then the two lower cakras - muladhara (1st cakra) and svadhisthana (2nd cakra) - generally deal with baser activities, as they are ta'masik in nature. But, as we all know, certain crude works need to be attended to in this life, so those lower cakras also have their purpose.

That is how Baba described it in this darshan. Now here comes the key point: On certain lunar days - tithis - like ekadashii, or the 11th lunar day, pu'rn'ima' (full moon), and amavasya (new moon), the liquid portion of the body rises up and disturbs the functioning of the upper cakras - i.e. the ra'jasik and sentient cakras. That means the manipur cakra all the way up to the sahasra'ra cakra are adversely affected.

(Note: Baba also differentiates between lunar days known as tithis and solar days known as din in Sanskrit. And it is these lunar days or tithis which create this disturbance in the body.)

On those aforementioned lunar days or tithis (ekadashii, purnima & amavasya), due to the adverse effect of the moon's pull and the ensuing rise of the liquid portion of the human body, those higher cakras cannot function normally. In turn, our entire existence is negatively affected. Our regular and higher functioning of mind becomes impaired.


Part 3: how yogis addressed this problem

The ancient yogis - being practical scientists and researchers - knew well that the upper cakras could not carry out their normal manner of functioning on those tithis, so they came up with a solution. And that solution was: fasting.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Next, Baba revealed one very interesting idea. He told us that when one fasts, a vacuum is created in the stomach - because there is neither water nor food in the belly - and that vacuum pulls the liquid back down. That brings relief to our entire system on these lunar days. In that case, when fasting during those lunar days like ekadashii, the higher organs are no longer hampered by the liquids which would normally rise up on those lunar days. Hence, the lungs, heart, thyroid, brain etc can function normally. 

That is the great benefit to the physical and mental body during fasting days. Baba also then gave proof of this theory. He told that those suffering from arthritis and gout will experience worse conditions during ekadashii and other tithis. They will not experience any remission on these days. Because the liquid portions of the body rises up and creates problems for such patients. So for all these reasons and more, fasting is a necessity for human health and vitality.


Part 4: our practice in Ananda Marga

Then in a very sweet manner Baba began to discuss the fasting system in Ananda Marga. He explained that our fasting days occur on the following tithis: eleventh moon (ekadashii), full moon (purnima), and new moon (amavasya).

And He told how He did not prescribe four fastings to family people - just two, i.e. the two fasting days of ekadashii. That will help them greatly in their physical and spiritual life. Whereas, Wts are required to do four fastings as they need to engage in more spiritual activities.

Finally, Baba added that all family people are welcome to fast 4 times each month, but for them it is not a requirement. Should any family person adopt the practice of fasting on purnima and amavasya, then they will not be questioned in any way. If they desire, they may freely do the four fastings.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 

Part 5: upa'vasa not ananshana

Baba then clarified that our fasting days are more than just days where we refrain from taking food. Not eating is known as anashana in Samskrta. But that is now our approach. We call our fasting days as upa'va'sa. Then Baba explained the meaning several times using various examples and definitions from the realm of linguistics, and we all repeated and replied.

Upa' means "near", and va'sa means "sitting". Hence upa'va'sa means to sit or reside or live near the Lord. Following is a quote from one of Baba's published discourses on upa'vas'sa.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Upa” is a Sam'skrta prefix. In Sam'skrta there are twenty recognized prefixes, and one of these prefixes is “upa”. “Upa” means “proximity”. And “Va'sa” means “to live”, “to reside”. The word “upava'sa” means then, “to live near the Lord”. “Upava'sa” – on these days of fasting, what are all spiritual aspirants to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord. On all other days they are to remain balanced between objective adjustment and subjective approach. On these days of fasting, however, on these days of upava'sa, one remains in closer proximity to the Lord than to one’s mundane duties. That is why these days are known as “upava'sa”. The word “fasting” does not represent the proper sense or proper spirit. The Sam'skrta term for going without food is “anashana” – “ana” means not, “ashana” means eating – not “upava'sa”. But these eka'dashii, amavasya and pu'rn'ima' days are days of upava'sa." (1)

The above passage was given in a discourse from 1978. It nicely complements what Baba told us that day in 1971 about upa'va'sa so I have included it here. During fasting, one may encounter difficulty in doing intense physical labour on that day. Some people may not experience any hardship, but for others doing arduous physical tasks may be beyond their reach. It varies from person to person.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In that case, on upa'vasa', one should engage in more intellectual and spiritual pursuits, and less in physical duties. One should goad the mind toward higher echelons of philosophy, ideology, and spiritual life. On these days, one should sit near Parama Purusa. Thus our fasting days are not just anashana (not eating), but upavasa as we are to pursue maximally in the spiritual realm and remain with the Lord.
 

Conclusion

Two key points from this unique darshan are:

• (1) A main function of fasting is to free the upper cakras from the negative effects of liquids rising up in the human body during certain lunar days. 
  
• (2) The operative factor is that a vacuum is created in the stomach due to a dearth of food and water and that vacuum pulls those liquids downward.

The benefits - physical, psychic, and spiritual - of fasting allow one to progress, despite the inherent difficulties of living on this earth. Baba has given a method and solution for every problem so we may reside eternally at His lotus feet.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
in Him,
Suresh

~ In-depth study ~

More benefits of fasting

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "On and around the times of new and full moon, one may observe that the gaseous and aqueous factors in the body rise up into the head and chest, creating an uncomfortable feeling. Therefore, if a person does not take food at these times, these factors will be drawn down from the higher portions of the body to the lower portions, thereby alleviating the uncomfortable feeling." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "You should not depend on food too much. This is why I have prescribed fasting on four days a month for some people and two days a month for others, and personally I have proved by fasting for five years and ... months at a stretch that if people try, they can remain without food. If one's dependence on food decreases, one will gain more freedom in a particular aspect of life." (3)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Upavása
2. Caryacarya - 3, Procedure for Fasting
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, In Kali Yuga, Strength Lies in an Organized Body

*        *        *

The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Dharmic teachings distilled

Ananda Marga ideology, “Saḿgacchadhvaḿ” “moving together” does not mean march or double march, here “moving together” means that all portions of society, all portions of the collective body, should have the spirit to move ahead. Suppose you have gathered sufficient money, and there is no dearth of food in your house, but the remaining portion of society, your neighbours, your friends, are suffering from a dearth of money, or food, or clothes. Then it means that you are not following the spirit of “saḿgacchadhvam”. “Saḿgacchadhvam” means to build a strong, well-knit society where there shall be no exploitation, no superiority complex or inferiority complex.” (1)

Note: In all realms, Baba's teachings are crystallized points of dharma - very concise. So to properly understand any guideline or teaching, it demands a little concentration or mental thought. For example a group of fools may think that by walking together to McDonald's for a hamburger they are following samgacchadvam, since they are all "moving together". But that has nothing to do with samgacchadvam.

Here the point is that a literal interpretation of Guru's teachings will never work. Rather, a greater explanation is needed to get the proper picture. That is why when Baba has given the pin-pointed sutras of Ananda Sutram, then side by side He also gives a purport so that those distilled teachings, i.e. sutras, can be understood in the proper way. This should be done with each and every aspect of Sixteen Points. Because Guru's teaching is distilled and given in seed form.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Saḿgacchadhvaḿ

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Human duty: propagate dharma

Ananda Marga ideology says, "It is the duty of every sa'dhaka to propagate dharma so that humans will not make a mistake but will follow the path of spirituality. Humans are endowed with intellect and the faculty of judgment. So if they do not act properly or fail to follow the path of spirituality, they are no better than animals."

"Even though human beings may not be very highly evolved, there is the potential in them to attain the height of evolution. Those who utilize this potential are intelligent but those who do not, and live like animals, will be born as even more inferior creatures in the next life. Animals have no intellect and therefore cannot work intellectually. Humans, however, are already endowed with intellect and the faculty of judgment. So if they do not act properly or fail to follow the path of spirituality, they are no better than animals. It is therefore the duty of every sádhaka to propagate dharma so that humans will not make this mistake but will follow the path of spirituality." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, The Three Stages of Spiritual Progress, Kolkata, 6th November, 1978

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How capitalists are anti-dharma

   Prout philosophy states, "In a joint family every member is provided with adequate food, clothing, education and medical treatment, and amenities, as per their individual needs, according to the financial capacity of the entire family. If, however, any member of the family appropriates more grains, clothes, books or medicines than he or she requires, will that person not be the cause of distress to other members of the family? In such circumstances his or her actions will be certainly against dharma – certainly antisocial."
  "Similarly, the capitalists of this modern world are anti-dharma, or antisocial, creatures. To accumulate massive wealth, they reduce others to skin and bones gnawed by hunger and force them to die of starvation; to dazzle people with the glamour of their garments, they compel others to wear rags; and to increase their own vital strength, they suck dry the vital juice of others." (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day #1

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Understanding & implementing Baba's working style

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/01/that-time-no-one-could-understand-3-more.html

How to heighten intensity in sadhana

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/to-concentrate-in-sadhana-3-more.html

AM viewpoint: reproductive issue

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/have-mercy-4-more.html

Bábá námo kevalamo--wrong--why? 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2025/10/baba-namo-kevalamo-wrong-why.html

Story: path of bliss

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/05/making-holes-in-ones-dinner-plate.html

Importance of vya'paka shaoca

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-to-save-oneself-from-contagious.html

Guilt complex: thief nabbed

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/07/thief-caught-2-more.html

Moon phases & human psyche + 3 more

Baba

Moon phases & human psyche

Namaskar,

In Ananda Marga, the practice of upavasa is done on certain designated days that are most suited for physical, psychic, and spiritual development. Baba has given all the practices of Ananda Marga for human health and well-being - and they are universally beneficial for all. One reason for this is that our Ananda Marga practices abide by the laws of nature. Everything we do is consonant with the natural world. And this applies to our upavasa system as well - it is done according to the phases of the moon. By this way we are able to maintain and enhance our vitality, and avoid disturbances to our body and mind caused by the pull of the moon.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Negative effect of 11th, new, & full moon on body

It is commonly known that the gravitational pull of the moon affects the human body. And in particular during the period of ekadashii (11th moon), as well as during the new and full moon, that adversely affects the human structure.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "On and around the times of new and full moon, one may observe that the gaseous and aqueous factors in the body rise up into the head and chest, creating an uncomfortable feeling." (1)

In essence, Baba guides us above that the moon pulls the liquid portion, or the water of the body, upwards and that creates undue pressure on the "head and chest". So just as it is scientifically proven that the tides of the ocean are dictated by the phases of the moon, similarly the liquid factor in the human body is also affected by the phases of the moon. During the period of ekadashii and new and full moons, the pull of the moon impairs the functioning of the human body by drawing the gas and liquid upwards.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


What is meant by the spring tide

To best understand this topic - for our own knowledge and so that we may better explain it to others - it will be helpful to know how and why the tides are affected by the moon during times of ekadashii, purnima, and amavasya. Then we can apply this same logic to the human structure. When the sun, moon, and earth are aligned the ocean tides become drastic. This condition is known as the “spring tides”:

~ Courtesy of Hiiway(dot)net ~

Spring Tides: When the moon is full or new, the gravitational pull of the moon and sun are combined. At these times, the high tides are very high and the low tides are very low. This is known as a spring high tide. Spring tides are especially strong tides (they do not have anything to do with the season Spring). They occur when the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon are in a line. The gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun both contribute to the tides. Spring tides occur during the full moon and the new moon.” Spring tides happen when the sun and moon are on the same side of the earth (New Moon) or when the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth (Full Moon). (Courtesy of Hiiway (dot)net)

So the spring tides occur during every ekadashii, new and full moon, regardless of the actual season (fall, winter, summer, spring, pre-winter etc) and it has a dramatic effect on the human body, especially the liquid portion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Mind - body connection

By our system of yoga, we also know that the mind and body are highly linked. Thoughts affect the health of the body, and the condition of the body affects the mind, positively or negatively. For example, suppose you are sitting outside and involved in a deep discussion. Suddenly a poisonous ant bites your leg. Even though that bite occurred on the leg - and not the head, that bit will be a distraction to the mind, and you will lose your train of thought. This is the way it works.

Generally speaking, when the physical body is affected, then the flow of mind is altered as well. So when the body is adversely affected by the new or full moon - due to uneasy pressure etc - then the mind is also affected. This is the common theorem. Because if there is a problem in the body then the mind will be drawn to that pain or that discomfort, in which case the mind will not function in its normal manner.

This we all know and we have seen often in the case of people who suffer from most any physical disease or syndrome. General citizens suffer tremendously in the psychic sphere due to physical illness. There is a very clear and direct link between the body and mind.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


How moon negatively affects psychic realm

So now we come to the point of the full moon, new moon, our upavasa, and irregular and abnormal behaviour. Because when it is sure that the moon affects the body, and the body affects the mind, then it is clear that the presence of the full and new moon changes one's mental condition, and hence behaviour. This is evident by linguistic analysis as well.

The Latin word for moon is 'luna'. And not coincidentally, that 'luna' is the root of the words 'lunacy' and 'lunatic'. It has long been observed that abnormal behaviour - or lunacy - increases at the time of the full moon. More extreme types of crimes are seen during the full and new moon; there are more visits to counselors & social workers; hospital visits are increased; and various types of unusual behaviour is more noticeable during times of the full moon. This has all been documented by various incident reports etc.

The yogic response is that since the body is negatively affected by the ekadashii,  full and new moon, the mind also gets negatively affected. That is why Baba recommends we fast during the periods of the full and new moon as that will counteract the harmful effect of the pull of the moon during periods of ekadashii, purnima, and amavasya.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "On and around the times of new and full moon, one may observe that the gaseous and aqueous factors in the body rise up into the head and chest, creating an uncomfortable feeling. Therefore, if a person does not take food at these times, these factors will be drawn down from the higher portions of the body to the lower portions, thereby alleviating the uncomfortable feeling." (2)

Conclusion

The moon adversely affects the body which then infringes upon the normal functioning of mind. Just as the effect of anesthesia on the body causes the mind to become dysfunctional. To counteract this negative effect of the moon, Baba directs us to fast during the periods of ekadashii and the new and full moon. By following Baba's directive to fast during those lunar periods, we are spared and saved from the harmful effects of the moon - both in the physical and psychic spheres.

One thing is also certain: When the physical body is adversely affected, such as during the time of ekadashii and the new and full moon, then sadhana is difficult. Because of undue pressure in the higher cakras etc. Upavasa alleviates the problem cent-per-cent. Because there is no excess water that can be pulled higher up in the body which creates an uncomfortable feeling in the chest and head. Hence, sadhana can easily be done. And upavasa also protects us from other ill effects of the moon such as indigestion, headaches, and, yes, lunacy.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Our Ananda Marga practice of upavasa during the full and new moon periods, either 2 times monthly or 4 times monthly, keeps us physically healthy, mentally balanced, and spiritually inclined. The benefits occur in all three realms.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Tapan

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "You should not depend on food too much. This is why I have prescribed fasting on four days a month for some people and two days a month for others, and personally I have proved by fasting for five years and ... months at a stretch that if people try, they can remain without food. If one's dependence on food decreases, one will gain more freedom in a particular aspect of life." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “So upavása is a necessity in the eleventh moon, púrńimá (that is, full moon), and the new moon. In Ánanda Márga, I didn’t prescribe these four days’ upavása for grhiis—that is, non-wholetimers, non-avadhútas; they are to fast only two days, two eleventh moons. And for workers, avadhútas, they are to fast how many days? Four days. Because they will have to engage themselves more in higher works, in the intellectual and spiritual [realms]. That’s why they should fast four times in a month—and others twice. But, if others so desire, they may fast four times—I won’t say anything—but it is not compulsory.” (4)


~ In-depth study ~

Great significance of upavasa

Baba has included upava'sa (fasting) as its own exclusive point in Sixteen Points.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Observe fast as prescribed." (5)

And in His supreme 'Secrets for a Long Life', Baba lists upava'sa (fasting) as its own entry.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Upava'sa (fasting) at Intervals." (6)

And in Yogic Treatment pointedly remarks how upava'sa (fasting) helps restore the body to its balanced and natural condition.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "During upava'sa (fasting) the body's organs get a good rest, and the healing process is more rapid." (7)

References
1. Caryacarya - 3, Procedure for Fasting
2. Caryacarya - 3, Procedure for Fasting
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, In Kali Yuga, Strength Lies in an Organized Body
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 48 (Pure), Why Upavása - 2
5. Sixteen Points, Point #8
6. Secrets for a Long Life, Point #5
7. Yogic Treatments, Appendix, Fasting

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

By Your mere thought

“Álor jharańá námiá eseche, tomári krpáy he dayámay…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0811)

Purport:

O' Dayámaya, by Your infinite, causeless grace the divine fountain of refulgence is showering ceaselessly upon everyone. O’ Merciful, all minds are rushing fearlessly undaunted towards that endlessly sweet luminescence. The whole cosmos has been drenched by Your love and compassion.

In the water, land, air, and across the vast blue sky, in ideation and resonance, in the aerial realm, and in fire, O’ Cinmaya in Your liilá rasa You exist in everything and everywhere. There is no place where You are not. And there is no one who resides outside of Your mind. You are within and without each and every entity, animate or inanimate. 

In the congregation of stars, in the far away nebulae, with Your divine play You have showered Your refulgence. All are touched by Your magical spell. O’ Karuńámaya, sitting alone, seeing all in Your mind, You create, maintain, destroy and withdraw all by Your mere thought. You are the supreme controller in charge of each and every iota of this vast cosmological order. With Your boundless care and limitless compassion, You watch over one and all…

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Defects of ayurveda and allopathy

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "There was a time when diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicines were not very difficult because diagnoses were based on three constituents of the body – air, bile and phlegm – with blood as a fourth constituent. But increased physical and glandular complexity has led to a corresponding increase in the number and complexity of diseases. So to what extent can this method of diagnosis be useful to a doctor? Is it not simply guesswork to prescribe medicines for a particular disease when the medicine is prescribed for the disease but the disease is diagnosed according to the bodily constituents?" (1)

Thousands of years ago when ayurveda was founded the human body was not as complex as it is today. So the system to diagnose disease was based merely on four properties: air, bile, phlegm, and blood. Now, however, due to the increasing complexity of the human body things have changed. Ayurveda is no longer as useful as it once was. So one should not depend fully on ayurveda as it cannot cure everything.

Ananda Marga advocates the practice of having all pathys under one roof because no pathy can cure everything. For example, allopathic medicines do not kill diseases, rather those medicines are taken lifelong. Whereas another pathy may offer a medicine that actually cures the disease. In that case, that other pathy should be used. Yet, allopathy may be very useful for diagnosing a patient and performing certain surgical procedures etc.


Allopathic medicines do not kill diseases

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “Disease is caused by negative microvita. When people take allopathic medicine to cure a disease, the medicine disturbs the ecological balance of the body because more negative microvita get concentrated at the point of the disease. Allopathic medicines do not kill diseases – diseases die by their own natural death. Although the medicine may check the disease, the increased concentration of negative microvita can overcome the effect of the medicine. In fact, the increased concentration of negative microvita caused by allopathic medicines creates many new types of diseases, and due to this, two or three new diseases are presently being created every decade.” (2)

Ultimately, when a patient is admitted to a hospital then teams of doctors will decide which pathy is best for treating the patient. Each pathy has its own specialty. For more about this read the subsection - “Methods of medical treatment” - in the chapter “Various Occupations”.

Reference
1. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
2. Microvita in a Nutshell, Some Guidelines for Commencing Microvita Research

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Quality of true humans

   Ananda Marga ideology says, "The third essential factor of Bhágavata Dharma is sevá. Only humans are aware of their own identity. Plants, animals and material objects are not aware. A rupee does not know that it is a rupee. A mango tree does not know that it is a mango tree. A jackal does not know that it is a jackal. But humans know that they are human."
   "Human beings also know that Parama Puruśa is their source of impetus, is their Father, and that they are all His children. As His children, they have a brotherly relationship with all other jiivas, or unit beings. Due to this knowledge of brotherhood, the human is superior to all other beings. Parents are greatly pleased when they find that their children have been loved and helped by someone. Similarly, Parama Puruśa will be pleased when you serve His creation – not only human beings, but also plants, animals, and the rest of creation. That is, bhúta yajiṋa, pitr yajiṋa and nr yajiṋa are to be performed. Those who have this feeling are in the real sense of the term human beings. Just having the body of a human does not make a person a real human being, a rational being." (1)

Note: There are many, especially in materialistic societies, who do solely for their own self-gratification and personal entertainment etc. Sometimes it may look like they are doing social service work, but it is not social service in the true sense. Because they are doing that "service" only to enhance their own prestige, garner praise, or because it gives them some sort of selfish pleasure. The proof is when the "service" work is no longer pleasurable or suiting their needs, then they stop doing it. In that case, what they are doing is not service, but a form of selfish indulgence. If in their “service” activities, a person does not have the feeling of Brahma bhava, then what they are doing is not true service, but a form of selfishness. Those who are doing true seva are real human beings and those who lack this quality are not real human beings.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Requirements for Sádhaná

== Section 3: Links ==

Recent Postings

• Tale of great bhakta

• Baba's approach

• Protecting your homeland

• Handling visits to institutions

• Baba approved this kiirtana

Other topics of interest

• Story: strength from Ista
  

• Hold onto your money
  

• Clarity of mantras