Our role as pracarakas + 4 more

Baba

Our role as pracarakas

Namaskar,

Some in our unit were involved in teaching others about Ananda Marga guidelines like yama and niyama etc. Then a Wt intervened and stated that we should not do this as we were "not qualified." So that raises the question: Should we start teaching others about Ananda Marga yama and niyama etc only when we get moksa, i.e. perfection?
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In dharmacakra, some think that after meditation then only a Wt should read and explain a few paragraphs of svadhyaya from Ananda Vacanamrtam like yama and niyama etc. Yet, it could happen that a Wt may be less familiar with a topic but will speak about it anyway, while there may be a margii present who knows far more on that subject. But the margii is overlooked because some think that only those in Wt dress should speak to others about Sadguru Baba's teachings. A few dadas feel that this is their due honour: Since they have the dress then only they can speak before others. This dogma has been brought into Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha from the various religions.

Religious dogma & AMPS

Who does not know that in the black pages of history before the invention of the printing press, the Bible was not allowed to be copied and given to anyone. The common people did not have access to it at all. Finally, when the printing press came along the pope did not permit the Bible to be printed and distributed. This went on for some time. And still today there are strict regulations about the Koran (Quran) and the superiority of Arabic whereby those who want to know about it must consult a mullah. This is the way they keep their dogma intact. Similarly, in AMPS, some think that our scriptures should only be read and explained by acaryas. This is the dogma they want to impose.

Yet, on this point, Ananda Marga ideology is extremely different from the dogmatic religions. Baba has blessed us with a revolutionary approach where all have the moral duty to teach yama and niyama, dharma etc. Unfortunately, a few Dadas feel that only they should talk about dharma, i.e. yama and niyama etc. They want everyone to listen to them. That is what their ego tells them. So they feel threatened if a margii sincerely engages in talks about Ananda Marga philosophy with others. But again, Baba's guideline is clear and pointed: Every initiated person in AMPS must teach others about our Ananda Marga way of life. Of course, it is the sole duty of tattvikas and acaryas to teach meditation. But that is not the subject here.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


No bar: all can guide

It is the duty of each and every Ananda Margii to start teaching others about Ananda Marga philosophy. Even the day a person is initiated they can start doing pracara with others. Here is the support from Baba's teachings:

(A) SIXTEEN POINTS: It is the duty of every Ananda Margii to follow 16 Points and embedded within 16 Points is service or seva. As we all know there are 4 types of seva in Ananda Marga philosophy: shudrocita seva, ksatriyocita seva, vaeshyocita seva, and viprocita seva. And Baba guides us that we, i.e. all margiis, are to perform all four types of seva, including viprocita seva, which includes guiding others about the ideals of Ananda Marga.

Duty: all must do viprocita sevá (intellectual service)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "We can give joy to Parama Puruśa by serving His creations – human beings, animals and plants – and this service will be the best application of neo-humanism. This service can be done in four ways – viprocita sevá (intellectual service), kśatriyocita sevá (service of courage), vaeshyocita sevá (economic service) and shudrocita sevá (manual service). None of these is inferior: we cannot ignore any one of them. People should render service according to their capacity. Those who like intellectual service, can do that; those who like manual service, can do so. But it will be best if all the four types are performed." (1)

In His above teaching, Baba clearly tells that everyone, new and senior margiis alike, is to engage in all kinds of seva including teaching others about Ananda Marga philosophy and lifestyle. Everyone should do this according to their capacity. That means even a newly initiated margii can and should teach the general public about kiirtan, or yama and niyama etc. To the degree one is properly aware about Baba's guidelines and tenets is the degree to which a sadhaka should teach others. Then they will be performing seva and following 16 Points. So this should be our approach.
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What Baba tells to do

(B) THE ANANDA MARGA MISSION: Self-realisation & selfless service - concerns each and every Ananda Margii.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca – “Whatever one is to do one is to do for átmamokśa – for his own liberation – and for the elevation of the entire world, elevation of the entire human society.” One is to do both these things." (2)

Here again Baba is directing each and every person in the AMPS to perform service - i.e. helping to care for and elevate all beings. Upon entering into Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, everyone must do this from day 1. Baba does not say that one should do sadhana for ten years, or after getting perfection, i.e. moksa, then one should start doing service. Rather from the very beginning every margii is to do sadhana and perform service by explaining the ideals of dharma to others. So here Baba is guiding us that every Ananda Margii must do Ananda Marga pracara and explain the tenets of Ananda Marga to others.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(C) IN ORDER TO GET MUKTI: In our Supreme Command too Baba tells each and every Ananda Margii to teach others about dharma and inspire them onto the path of spirituality.

The Supreme Command says, "...It is the bounden duty of every Ananda Margii to endeavor to bring all to the path of bliss. Verily is this a part and parcel of sadhana, to lead others along the path of righteousness." (3)

By Baba's teaching in the Supreme Command, it is clear that all margiis, young or old, male or female etc, must embark on teaching others about Ananda Marga ideals.


Conclusion

So it is important to educate oneself about Ananda Marga ideals and consult Baba's discourses by reading Ananda Marga books. And side by side one should practice and teach others.

Every Ananda Margii should be eager and ready to teach Baba's gospel to any and all who are interested. And those who are not interested, we should try and inspire them. Here the culminating idea is that all should teach. At the same time one should know their own personal limits and continue to prepare oneself and expand the boundaries of what you can teach. Baba certainly wants for everyone to teach yet it should be done thoughtfully keeping the above parameters in mind.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Dayananda Deva

~ In-depth study ~

In the dogmatic religions they mandate how lay / family people cannot teach the tenets. In Christianity only the priest can do; in Islam, only the mullah can do; and in an array of dogmatic religions only the pundits can do. They are the only ones to speak the gospel of their religion, not the common people. So Ananda Marga ideology is unique. Baba says that all can and should do. Unfortunately, a few Wts want to introduce religious dogmas into our Ananda Marga society by stating that only the priest class can guide others. They just want to "copy & paste" such dogmas into our Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha.

If you or anyone in your unit is sincerely teaching others about Ananda Marga philosophy and a Dada tells you that you are "too new", or "not senior enough", or "not smart enough" etc, then just inform that Wt that Baba's guideline is that, "As an Ananda Margii, it is my duty to perform all four sevas each and every day and that includes teaching others about Ananda Marga ideology, according to the level of my own knowledge base."

Wts / avadhutas cannot give any lame excuse and prohibit any margii, new or old, from guiding others on spiritual life and Ananda Marga ideals.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Dos & don'ts for guiding others

Now that it is clear that it is the duty of every Ananda Margii, family margiis and wholetimers, to perform service and teach others about the philosophy and ideals of Ananda Marga, there are a few easy points to keep in mind.

1) One should not teach others about the lessons of sadhana if one is not qualified. This applies both to margiis and Wts.

2) One should not teach aspects of Ananda Marga philosophy that they themselves are not adequately familiar with. If one does this then two negative results will arise. Firstly, one will spread faulty explanations and confuse others; and secondly, the person you are trying to teach will lose faith in you. This applies to all, i.e. Wts & margiis: If you are not qualified or informed on a particular topic then do not teach that subject. Rather, if you do, you will get exposed as the person you were trying to teach will tell everyone that you are bogus. To overcome this problem one must prepare oneself and in that process teach what you know, not more than that.

Remember in this day and age whatever topic you are teaching can easily be confirmed via the internet. And if they find out you were wrong on a point then your whole position is in question. For instance, one political leader running for prime minister of India spoke something that was historically wrong, so he had to apologise because everyone could easily verify this point. Earlier this was not the case, but now with technology it is so. In result, this candidate was shamed; indeed now every politician is very careful. Similarly for Ananda Margiis, first be properly versed on the topic and then teach it - not otherwise. This applies to all, i.e. Wts and margiis. If a Wt is telling something false to margiis, they will quickly be exposed. Those old days are done whereby there was no means for the people to investigate and get the facts.
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3) Naturally, each and every Ananda Margii knows something about Ananda Marga ideals. It may be even the most basic of principles or something complex; regardless, what you know you should teach those ideas to others. That is how society grows.

How this dogma started

In those days of old, what to speak of not allowing the common people to teach the philosophy, they would not even allow the common people to learn it. If general citizens came in contact with those teachings they would be tortured and shunned - i.e. scarred for life. That was the way those dogmatic religions operated - and still today that is their modus operandi.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "These [common] people were deprived of the right to study the Vedas. The Antyaja Shúdras, if they even heard the Vedic chants, or the controlling Vedic mantra aum, or the “Savitr Rk” mantra, would be committing a great sin and molten lead would be poured into their ears so that their hearing would be destroyed forever. Nor were women, however educated, allowed to hear such sacred chants." (4)

They feel that mantras or prayers can only be solemnized when they are recited by priests etc. According to bhagavad dharma, there is no 3rd person between the bhakta and God, but in such religions, the priest / mullah etc is the so-called intermediary. Here, the point is that, in the dogmatic religions, only the priest is able to pass on religious knowledge, not anyone else.

In the various religions, only select leaders are authorised to explain their religious texts etc. One must be a mullah, or priest, or reverend, or rabbi, or minister, or cleric, or pundit, or some other religious official. There is no scope for the common people to openly guide others about their holy books. One must be a recognised or ordained delegate of that religion.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Summary: call to action

Should we wait until we have been on the path 10 years before teaching Ananda Marga philosophy to others; or should we wait until we become a wholetimer before guiding others about the Ananda Vacanamrtam series of books? When can a general margii start teaching others about Ananda Marga philosophy? When should a margii begin teaching the guidelines of Ananda Marga ideology?

Through His guidelines of Sixteen Points, by His mission statement (Átmamokśárthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca), and by the Supreme Command, it is quite clear that every Ananda Margii should teach others about Ananda Marga ideals from the very beginning. To delay this is to go against Guru's teachings. No one should have any complex about this nor should this point be shrouded in confusion. All are to teach others about the principles of Ananda Marga.

Even a new margii can teach our kiirtan mantra to anyone. We can teach them to sing internally or externally.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. 17 May 1982, Calcutta
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The Four Kinds of Service
3. Supreme Command
4. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 5

*        *        *

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 ==

Always watching me

“Tumi kato liila’ jano…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0311)

Purport:

Parama Purusa Baba, You know how to play a grand variety of cosmic liilas. You play so many types of divine dramas. To spiritually intoxicate my mind, You play a gamut of supreme plays with me. Sometimes You make me cry, and other times You make me laugh. Baba, You shower Your exquisite blessing in countless ways.

My nearest Entity,  Baba, there is nothing that can remain hidden from You. You know and see everything. In each action You exist; You are always there. Without Your grace nothing can happen. You are present in every work. Whatever I do, wherever I go, You are there - watching. Nothing can be done secretly. In Your unfathomable play - liila khela - the whole universe is dancing at Your feet.

Baba, You flood the world with Your smile and laughter, as well as with torrential tears of joy. You shower rays of happiness upon all, and side by side You witness the troubles and torments people undergo. My Supreme Guide, Baba, I love You, knowingly and unknowingly. Your songs of love flow throughout this cosmos.

Parama Purusa Baba, You know how to play a variety of liilas….


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0311:

[1] Liila': In this universe there are innumerable events taking place. When we know the cause of a particular event then that is kriida. And when the cause is not known then it is liila. If the cause was initially not known, and later on becomes known, then that event becomes kriida. Thus as one's knowledge increases - and more and more events can be rationally explained - then for that person the scope of kriida is increased.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "There is a subtle difference between liilá and kriid́a. When the cause of an effect is easily discernible it is called kriid́a, but when the cause is unknown and only the effect is easily discernible it is called liilá." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, To Know Him Is to Be Free from All Fetters

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

So-called saint

   Ananda Marga Philosophy, “There is still another sentiment – human sentiment. Many persons were born in the past who shed copious tears for suffering humanity. But strangely enough, after their eloquent speeches were over, they sat down comfortably at a dinner table and treated themselves to a delicious meal of hilsa and kaimách fish – as if those fish had not suffered pain and death. This human sentiment has expressly violated the interests of non-human creatures, but its proponents have found nothing wrong with it.”
   “Once I read in a certain book that a great saint used to live only on locusts dipped in honey. That saint did not seriously consider that those little locusts also had vital life force throbbing in them.” (1)

Baba says, "साधु का पहला अर्थ :- अपने लिए अपना प्राण जितना प्यारा है, दूसरों के लिए उनके प्राण भी उतने ही प्यारे हैं—जो व्यष्टि यह बात महसूस करतेहैं, और उसी समझ के अनुसार दूसरों के प्रति दया प्रदर्शन करते हैं, उनको ‘साधु’ कहते हैं ।" (2)

Quiz: What is the name of the "great" saint who used to live only on locusts dipped in honey??

ANSWER:

St John the Baptist

Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.--Bible

Reference
1. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Disc 1
2.  Ananda Vacanamrtam 1 - 2 (Pure), chapter 19, “The Purpose Behind the Advent”

== Section: Hindi Quote ==

क्यों जी ? न, तुम तो परमपुरुष से उत्पन्न हुए हो

Ananda Marga ideology says, "जो साधक हैं, जो पक्के साधक हैं, उनके लिए जीवन में ऐसी परिस्थिति नहीं आ सकती है जिसमें उन्हें घबड़ाना पड़े | [मार्गी लोग---"बाबा, बाबा, बाबा !"] और, सिर्फ़ इतना ही नहीं, एक साधक के लिए समूचा विश्वब्रह्माण्ड में ऐसी जगह नहीं है जहाँ उन्हें डरना पड़े | क्यों जी ? न, तुम तो परमपुरुष से उत्पन्न हुए हो | परमपुरुष में स्थित हो, और आख़िर तक परमपुरुष तुम्हारी परागति हैं | परमपुरुष जब साथ हैं, तो तुम इस छोटी-सी दुनिया से डरोगे क्यों ? डरने की कोई बात नहीं है | तुम उनके प्यारे बेटे हो, तुम उनकी प्यारी बेटी हो | तुम किससे डरोगी, तुम किससे डरोगे ? डर नाम की कोई वस्तु तुम्हारे अभिधान में, तुम्हारे dictionary में नहीं रहना चाहिए |" (1) (कः पन्थाः,Kah Pantháh-2, S14-5(H),DMC 20 November 1979 Hisar)

Reference
1. कः पन्थाः,Kah Pantháh-2, S14-5(H),DMC 20 November 1979 Hisar

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

हे परमपुरुष ! तुमने सभी को ज़रूरत से ज़्यादा दिया 

प्रभात सङ्गीत 2389 विश्व के जतो छन्दायित सुषमार राशि  दियेछो...

भावार्थ

हे परमपुरुष ! तुमने इस पूरे विश्व में  सुर- ताल की सुन्दरता लबालब भर दी है। अब मैंने अपने मन में उस सुन्दरता को वीणा के सुरों के साथ मिला लिया है। तुम्हारा स्वागत करने के लिए  प्यार से मैंने मानसिक घुंघरुओं की ध्वनि और वीणा के झन्कार के साथ रत्नों से जड़ा दीपक जलाया है

हे परमपुरुष बाबा ! मुझे और कुछ नहीं चाहिए । जो कुछ तुमने मुझे दिया है उसी में सभी प्रकार के सन्तोष का अनुभव करने लगा हूँ। उतने में ही मैं अपनी सभी प्रकार की उन्नति करना चाहता हूँ। अपनी सामान्य बुद्धि की भीतरी कमजोरियों के कारण मेरे मन में अहङ्कार और भवजडता आ जाती है। हे प्रभो ! मुझे ऐसा आशीष दें कि तुम्हारे द्वारा कृपा पूर्वक जो मुझे प्रेम और भक्ति का आध्यात्मिक धन  दिया गया है उसे मैं अपनी मानसिक कमजोरियों से खो न बैठूँ ।

मनुष्यों ने परमपुरुष से बहुत पाया है, फिर भी वे उनसे इस भौतिक जगत की वस्तुओं की माँग करते थकते ही नहीं  हैं। उनकी यह भूख कभी  मिटती ही नहीं है।  परमपुरुष ने जो कुछ भी दिया है वे उन दिव्य उपहारों का सदुपयोग नहीं  करते वरन् दुरुपयोग करके उसे धूल में मिलाते जाते हैं। मनुष्य  केवल अपनी भूख मिटाने के लिए  बार बार भौतिक वस्तुओं की माॅंग करते रहते हैं। यह उनकी नादानी है।

References
1. Sadguru Baba says (in GD, Delhi, 26 Feb 1984) that when writing a Prabhat Samgiita purport then very simple words should be used so that the common mass may understand. The above Hindu purport has been written according to that guideline.

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

How to manage vrttis

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/01/how-this-disaster-happened-4-more.html

Best use of time

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-to-get-guideline-from-sadguru.html

Spirituality: essential aspect of nitya karma

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/nitya-karma-3-more.html

Golden rule: inherent flaws

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/11/self-centered-theology-vs-am.html

Link between sadhana lessons

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/why-and-what-about-sadhana.html

Story: how Baba made me victorious

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/story-how-baba-taught-me-surrender-part.html

Ananda Marga vs dogmas of epic

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2022/04/baba-yudhisthira-dogma-namaskar-in.html

Key point of pracara work + 4 more

Baba

Key point of pracara work

Namaskar,

When doing the dharma pracara of Ananda Marga, we must expect to receive criticism and abuse from non-margiis. It is going to happen. Here's the story of what happened when I forgot this sacred truth.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Backlash doing pracara

Not long back, a margii brother in my unit came over, and then we went to our program to present the views of AM. There was a lot of backlash from various attendees. People from different backgrounds vociferously opposed us. It was not what we expected. The program concluded and we were not sure what to think - did we do something wrong? We did sadhana for about 40 minutes and then referred to Baba's divine discourses in order to gain some clarity and understanding.

Then we came upon the shloka, "Nindantu...". It was then that all our frustration and confusion melted and we understood why we faced so much heated opposition.

Please take this as a reminder. All of us in AM should keep Baba's below teachings in mind. Then we will be able to move ahead without hesitation and do His work - without this understanding we are bound to get frustrated. Baba's words act as a panacea that clearly alerts to what lies ahead and keeps us inspired to move forward courageously on the path of dharma.


Baba's teaching on "Nindantu..."

Nindantu niitinpun'a'h yadi va' stuvantu....

The following are a selection of Baba's divine explanations of the above shloka.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Let those well-versed in ethics criticize me or praise me, as they so desire; let Laks'mii, the goddess of wealth, either be gracious enough (because of my activities) to reside in my house, or, if she prefers, go elsewhere; let death visit me today or decades later. It makes little difference to me. Wise people will never withdraw from the path of ideology, the path which they accept as their ideal." (1)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "The sha'stras say that a person must stick to his ideals irrespective of whether he receives praise or abuse, whether wealth comes or wealth goes, whether he lives a thousand years or suffers death the next moment. Such a person is called “dhiira”. My direction to you is to be dhiira. You must stick to your ideals in spite of everything. In this lies your spiritual growth." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "If I am too concerned with those who praise or censure me, I will not find time to do my real work. As I have come to this world only for a short period, my only concern should be to keep on doing the duty the Lord has assigned to me. And while doing this allotted duty, I should remember that I belong to Parama Purus'a. I have come form Him, and I will have to return to Him – and to do that, I must complete my allotted duty." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "What am I going to do regarding the mission of life? If logicians and philosophers condemn me, saying, “That is a very bad man,” let them say this. Or if, due to my movement towards my goal, a certain portion of society appreciates my action, let them appreciate it – it won’t affect me. I won’t be assailed by such appreciations. And if, due to my action, Laks'mii (Laks'mii is the mythological goddess of riches) comes and resides in my house, it is good. If Laks'mii says, “No, I will quit you forever, I won’t remain with you.” that is, you will have to suffer from poverty, let Laks'mii quit my house: And if, due to my course of action, du to my ideology, Pluto, that is, the god of death, comes and says, “I’ll take you,” let Pluto do it! I don’t care! Or if, due to my course of action, due to my ideology, I am forced to live here for an indefinite period, I am ready to live here. You know life becomes boring if one lives for a long period, but I am ready to undergo that boredom, that monotony, for the sake of my ideology." (4)

Thus we should all strive to inculcate His above teachings into our own lives. Then we will always hold firm to ideology and not be deterred when confronted by problems and troubles. We will have the strength and awareness to proceed on - regardless of the consequences.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba's blessing

By His grace, those adhering to the path of dharma are always victorious. And, in the end, the world realises their great contributions, regardless of how much they were vilified earlier. That is the natural law and Baba's divine proclamation. Hence, we should never be deterred or feel frustrated when facing abuse from non-margiis; just we should move ahead sticking to our ideal, knowing that victory is assured. 

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "You should build a new human society at the earliest possible moment. Regarding those who are likely to create obstacles in your path – let them do so. You should remember that those who are the actual pioneers, the real vanguard of the society, are always a microscopic minority, but it is they who are destined to be victorious. Those who once opposed, or are now opposing or will oppose in the future, will in the future admit: “Yes, we are now driving our vehicle safely and comfortably along the very path which that vanguard once opened by clearing the jungle.” This means that those who cleared the obstacles in the beginning will later be recognized as pioneers. The funny thing is this, that people do not give recognition at the time it is due. This is the natural law. And at the same time you should also remember this simple truth: that in a jungle the number of tigers and lions is always few; the jackals far outnumber them. Yet in the jungle the tigers and lions reign supreme, not the jackals. The jackals are sure to howl, that is their nature; but the tigers and lions will not be frightened." (5)

Namaskar,
Nandinii

References
1. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 2
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, What Do You Want?
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, How an Ideal Person Should Live
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Shiva's Seven Secrets
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, The Physical, Psychic and Spiritual Strata

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Misuse of pranayama

Note: These days hatha yoga / fake yoga pranayama is becoming quite popular. Yet, in this way, the common people are being harmed because the philosophy of mind is: As one thinks so they become. So if their practice of pranayama is devoid of spiritual ideation, the mind will be submerged in mundane thoughts. Verily, the mind has to think of something; it cannot remain completely idle. Also bear in mind that pranayama multiplies the effect of one’s thinking. So if one is involved in mundane or degrading thoughts during their pranayama practice, that will be very harmful. Then those lower propensities will become more dominant. And that will bring about one’s demise. Unfortunately, both Buddhist pranayama and fake yoga pranayama are mostly like that - i.e. devoid of spiritual ideation. So beware. As sadhakas of Ananda Marga, we should always keenly apply the proper ideation when doing this lesson and bring more onto the path so they can save themselves from the ill effects of bogus pranayama. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states: “Question: What is práńáyáma?”

“Answer: Práńáyáma is defined as: Tasmin sati shvása prashvásayoh gativicchedah práńáyáma. That is, “Práńáyáma is the process of breath control along with the imposition of the ideation of Supreme Consciousness.” It helps the mind in concentration and meditation.

“Question: What is the spirit of práńáyáma?”

“Answer: Pránán yamayati eśah práńáyámah. That is, the word práńáyáma literally means “controlling the práńáh [vital energy]”. The psycho-philosophy behind the practice of práńáyáma is that the spiritual aspirant tries to let the práńendriya [ten vital-energy currents] remain in a state of pause so that the paused unit mind will merge into the ocean of consciousness.”

“Question: How many types of práńáyáma are there?”

“Answer: There are two main types of práńáyáma: hat́ha yaogika práńáyáma and Yudhiśt́hira práńáyáma. When práńáyáma is done without fixing the mind on a particular point of concentration, and without imbibing Cosmic ideation, it is called hat́ha yaogika práńáyáma. But when práńáyáma is performed with the mind fixed at a particular point along with Cosmic ideation, it is called Yudhiśt́hira práńáyáma. [The eldest Pandava, Yudhisthira, was the first person to popularize práńáyáma according to this method.]” (1)

Reference
1. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation, #11-13

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Modern convenience, psychic tension

Baba says, "Human progress has been steadily increasing in speed. Progress during the last two hundred years has been very fast in comparison to that in the preceding three hundred years...People were carefree on elephants' backs, but they are sufficiently careful when they are driving a motor car or scooter. When going to the moon or Mars, people should be sufficiently cautious. The body and mind should be properly adjusted. This is called environmental adjustment. A'sana, pra'n'a'ya'ma [yogic postures and breathing], etc., help us in this adjustment." (AV-33)

Note: Nowadays in this present era, the speed of scientific advancement is increasing more and more, but the mass of people are completely lacking in internal adjustment, i.e spiritual growth. For this reason mental tension, frustration, and depression is fast on the rise. That is the disastrous result which happens when people neglect their internal adjustment in the face of speedy scientific development. For this reason, in this ultra-modern era, sadhana is needed-- it is a must. In the past, in those olden days, there were many physical problems and now those physical difficulties have been solved. On that note we can say that life has become comparatively easy. But even then mental tension and psychic stress has become rampant. So sadhana is needed to ease the situation and bring balance between one's mental sphere and external environment. Without that this problem will grow more and more. As Ananda Margii our duty is to a maximum amount of sadhana and teach sadhana to the maximum number of people. Otherwise this entire globe will be filled with psychically ill people and the situation will be totally bleak.

== Section: Topic ==

आध्यात्मिक  कथा के चोरों को चेतावनी

हमारे नेटवर्क से बाबा की कथाओं की चोरी की जा रही है| चोर चुराई गयी बाबा कथा को अपना कहकर फेसबुक, वाट्सऐप, ब्लॉग, गूगल+, टम्बलर, इत्यादि माध्यमों द्वारा प्रसारित करते है| इस घोर चोरी के कारणवश कई भक्तगण नयी कथाओं को लिखने से कतराते हैं| वे सोचते है कि चोर उनकी कथाओं को चुरा लेगा| ऐसे कुछ ही लोग है जो इस प्रकार चोरी करते हैं| अधिकतर मार्गी  ऐसा सोचेंगे भी नहीं|

निरंतर चेतावनियों के उपरांत भी ये साहित्यिक चोर अपने कृत्यों से बाज़ नहीं आते| मौका मिलने पर कथाएं चोरी कर लेते है परन्तु नयी कथाएं नहीं लिखते|
इसका दुखद परिणाम यह है कि हजारों भक्तों के पास बाबा कथाएं तो है परन्तु लेखकों का भीषण अभाव है| यदि कथाओं को समय रहते नहीं लिखा गया, तो कालांतर में ये भक्त इस संसार को छोड़ कर चले जायेंगे, और उनकी कथाएं सदा के लिये अनकही रह जाएँगी|

Baba's stories are being stolen from our network. The thieves broadcast the stolen Baba Katha as their own, through Facebook, WhatsApp, Blog, Google+, Tumblr, etc. Due to this gross theft, many devotees hesitate to write new stories. They think that the thief will steal their stories. There are few people who steal like this. Most Margie would not even think so.

Despite constant warnings, these literary thieves do not desist from their acts. When given a chance, they steal stories, but do not write new stories.
The sad result of this is that thousands of devotees have Baba stories but there is a severe lack of writers. If the stories were not written in time, then in time these devotees would leave this world and go away, and their stories would remain forever untold.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

मेरी धर्मसमीक्षा
बाबा,
नमस्कार,

हमें भी धर्मसमीक्षा के लाइन लगा दिया गया। यह बाबा के कमरे में हो रही थी। तथा वही पर एक लम्बी कतार लगी हुई थी। बाबा के कमरे में एक साथ आठ - दस आदमी बैठते थे। जब मैं अपनी बारी में बाबा भगवान के कमरे में गया तो वहाँ का दृश्य देखकर मन में कहा - “हे परमात्मा, आज मालुम पड़ता है कि हमारा भी उद्धार हो जायेगा|” देखा, बारी – बारी से बाबा भगवान एक – एक को अपने सामने करते है। उनसे प्रभुजी पूछते हैं कि उसने मार्ग का क्या कार्य किया है? वह कहाँ से आया है, क्या नाम है है? इत्यादि। फिर उसने समाज में यदि कोई अनैतिक काम किया है तो सबों के सामने कह देते है या फिर उससे पूछते है कि क्या वे (बाबा) सबके सामने उसके कुकृत्य को कह दें? फिर उसको बहुत डाँट पिलाते हैं। साधक द्वारा गलती मानने पर और फिर न करने की शपथ पर बाबा प्रभु तुरंत ही नवनीत की भाँति हो जाते है। उसे प्यार करते है, फिर उसके रोग के बारे में पूछते है। जिस रोग को साधक नहीं भी जानता है – प्रभु जी उसे भी बताते है और बताते है उसकी दवा इत्यादि। फिर, प्यार से उसे विदा देते हैं। साधक के  अवगुण बताने के बाद, बाबा देखते यदि वह साधक अच्छी साधना करता है, नैतिकवान आदमी है, तो उसे बहुत प्यार करते है और उसकी प्रशंसा करते हुए कहते हैं कि वह एक नेक इन्सान है। मैंने देखा कि सभी लोगों से बाबा लगभग इसी तरह पूछते है और डाँटते है, प्यार करते है, दवा और आसन बताते है। वहाँ उपस्थित दो - तीन अवधूत दादा जी लोग उपचार को तुरंत अंकित कर लेते हैं|

Baba Katha: My Dharma Samiiksa’

We were also put on the line for Dhrma Samiiksa’. It was happening in Baba's room. And there was a long queue on it. Eight - ten people would enter together in Baba's room. When it was my turn I went to Parama Purusa Baba’s room and seeing the scene there I said in my mind, "O’ God, today I know that I too will be saved." I saw, in turn, Baba one by one blessed. Prabhu Baba asks him what work he has done for Marg. Where does he come from, what's the name? And so on. Then if he has done any immoral work in the society, then He says in front of everyone or asks him if He (Baba) should tell his misdeed in front of everyone? Then Baba would give him a lot of scolding. Baba Prabhu immediately becomes soft and tender like butter after the sadhaka accepts the mistake and pledges not to do it again. Then Baba showers His love and compassion and asks about his illness. The disease which the sadhaka does not even know - Prabhu ji also tells him and tells his medicine etc. Then, lovingly Babs allows him to leave. After pointing out the sadhaka’s demerit, Baba would see that if that sadhaka does proper practice of sadhana and if he is a moral man. The Baba graces him very much and praises him saying that he is a noble man. I saw that Baba asks all the people in almost the same way and scolds, loves, talks about medicine and asanas. Two - three avadhutass present immediately noted down the treatment.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Special point of social equality

Prout philosophy states, “Diversity is the law of nature. So there cannot be any hard and fast rule about guaranteed minimum requirements. They will vary according to time, space and person. A few persons with extraordinary physical, metaphysical or intellectual ability may demand something more than ordinary people. Special amenities have to be provided for them. Certain items like food, housing, education, clothing and medical facilities are minimum requirements.”

“Nothing is stationary; everything is moving. So the minimum requirements and special amenities will also undergo changes with the changes in time, space and person. What should be the approach of Proutists? There should be a never-ending endeavour to minimize the gap between minimum requirements and special amenities. Minimum requirements will take the place of special amenities and extraordinary persons will get more items as special amenities.”

“The third Five Year Plan prepared by the planning commission of India presents an unwholesome picture – it presents unsystematic and unplanned government activities and the planned exploitation by vested interests. Though there has been inordinately high investment, the purchasing power of labourers has not been sufficient for them to meet the minimum requirements. Hence, while on the one hand labourers received less consumable goods due to less purchasing power, on the other hand entrepreneurs have captured excessive purchasing power and consumable goods causing excessive disparities in wealth. Economic balance has been upset. The major part of the capital investment went to the entrepreneurs and a microscopic fraction went to the labourers. There is therefore no middle class people in India of the type that existed in pre-independence days. Today well-dressed labourers have become the so-called middle class.” (1)

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

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Shraddhá & success 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2020/09/defeated-sadhakas-2-more.html

When science skews society

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/misuse-of-science-in-usa.html

Mindless repetition not sadhana

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/12/what-is-parrot-sadhana-3-more.html

Our special pracara approach

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/08/naked-story-vs-sadhana-5-more.html

PTSD & AM remedy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/10/psychic-afflictions-and-am-sadhana-3.html