Search This Blog

Showing posts with label pranayama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pranayama. Show all posts

Thursday, June 18, 2026

How pranayama helps + 7 more

Baba
How pranayama helps

Namaskar, 

It happens that some try and do sadhana but can't concentrate. This letter addresses this problem and offers a key solution.

As many Ananda Margiis know, our sadhana system is unique as it enables us to reach life divine and become one with Parama Purusa. Verily great sadhakas in Ananda Marga aspire towards this aim. The more sadhana one does, the more intimate their link with Parama Purusa becomes. Life becomes blissful.

So our Ananda Marga sadhana system is the spiritual-cum-scientific approach for becoming one with Brahma. Along the way life becomes blissful. All the lessons of sadhana are important. Each lesson serves a particular purpose and complements one’s entire journey of sadhana. That is why not a single lesson should be neglected; all should be regularly practiced. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Link between pranayama & dhyana

Of all our sadhana lessons, dhyana is the most important as it is only with dhyana that moksa is attained. Here below Baba pointedly states that without pranayama, proper dhyana is very difficult.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "There is an inseparable relationship between the va'yus of the body [ten basic energy flows] and the mind. Unsteadiness of respiration means unsteadiness of mind and vice versa. Pra'n'a'ya'ma is the scientific process to control respiration and hence the mind, as a result of which sa'dhana' is especially facilitated. The practice of dhya'na becomes a time-consuming affair if pra'n'a'ya'ma is not adequately practised." (1)

By His above guideline, it is clear that pranayama is an integral link for doing dhyana sadhana. Hence if one is not doing pranayama regularly, then for them sadhana will just remain a dream only.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Delicateness of pranayama & why some skip it


There are many dos and don'ts related with the practice of pranayama. For example, if the air in the room is not clean, or if one’s mind is imbalanced, or if one is not focused on Parama Purusa, then one is not to practice pranayama. The proper understanding of this, of course, is that one should do pranayama regularly, abiding by the aforementioned points.

Unfortunately, what happens is that some sadhakas, due to fear, may skip pranayama entirely. But this habit of unnecessarily skipping pranayama is detrimental as pranayama enhances one's concentration in dhyana whereby one can reach the Parama Purusa. Indeed, Baba guides us that without pranayama, dhyana is very difficult.

Here is a brief overview of some of Baba's teachings about the highly important practice of pranayama.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Why pranayama is not for non-bhaktas


First Baba describes how the function of pranayama is to control the ten vital airs and by this way the mind becomes concentrated.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The process by which the pra'n'as in the body are controlled is called pra'n'a'ya'ma. Pra'n'a, apa'na, sama'na, uda'na, vya'na, na'ga, ku'rma, krkara, devadatta, and dhanainjaya – the collective name of these ten vital forces is pra'n'a'h. If you wish to increase your apperceptive power you must control the pra'n'a'h. Through regular practice, the mind will become concentrated. Pra'n'a'ya'ma is meant for sa'dhakas – it is better for non-sa'dhakas not to take the risk of injuring themselves by doing pra'n'a'ya'ma." (2)

So pranayama is one of the key tools for raising our level of concentration and it is a practice aimed specifically for sadhakas. All those materialistic, fake yogiis who do pranayama without cosmic ideation are doing more harm than good. Because pranayama is essentially for those sincerely involved in spiritual pursuits - i.e. the attainment of Brahma.

The main point is that one has to do pranayama in order to control the mind. By skipping pranayama, one’s spiritual progress will be hindered. So a practitioner should do everything possible to be regular in the practice of pranayama and thereby get all the benefits. Here regular means two or four times per day.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

When sadhana is not good then life becomes boring and loses its charm. Those who have experienced good sadhana in their life always long for that. In sahaja yoga there are various lessons that help the main lessons. So all the lessons should be practiced. Pranayama is very helpful so it should be done before the last lesson. By this way gradually the mind will become calm and one will have better sadhana, by His grace. 

Namaskar,
In Him,
Vidya’bhu’s’an’a

~ In-depth study ~

A few questions & answers about pranayama

Next Baba provides us with some special questions and answers about the practice of pranayama.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Question: What is pra'n'a'ya'ma?"

"Answer: Pra'n'a'ya'ma is defined as:"

Tasmin sati shva'sa prashva'sayoh gativicchedah pra'n'a'ya'ma.

"That is, pra'n'a'ya'ma is the process of breath control along with the imposition of the ideation of Supreme Consciousness. It helps the mind in concentration and meditation." (3)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Question: What is the spirit of pra'n'a'ya'ma?"

"Answer: Pra'na'n yamayati es'ah pra'n'a'ya'ma. That is, the word pra'n'a'ya'ma literally means “controlling the pra'n'a'h [vital energy]”. The psycho-philosophy behind the practice of pra'n'a'ya'ma is that the spiritual aspirant tries to let the pra'n'endriya [ten vital-energy currents] remain in a state of pause so that the paused unit mind will merge into the ocean of consciousness." (4)

By His above questions and answers we can understand that pranayama is that special process which helps concentrate the mind and ultimately allows the sadhaka to drift in that infinite ocean of Supreme bliss. By this we can understand that we should take every possible effort to do our pranayama properly, 2 or 4 times a day.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Devoid of cosmic ideation pra'n'a'ya'ma is very harmful


Following, Baba issues one of His chief warnings about the practice of pranayama. Baba warns us what will happen if the mind is lodged in a selfish way of thinking when doing pranayama.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "There are abuses of pra'n'a'ya'ma also. If sa'dhakas during the period of pra'n'a'ya'ma-induced contraction, indulge themselves merely in the parading of their own petty vanity instead of using that force of contraction for the inculcation of brahmabha'va (cosmic ideation); that is, if they devote themselves to the expression of their own little egos, they will gradually tend towards crudeness...Pra'n'a'ya'ma is exceedingly harmful – devastatingly disastrous – for those without cosmic ideation or Brahmabha'va." (5)

So when doing pranayama one should be in a subtle state of mind - focused on the Ista. And, in general, when doing sadhana every sadhaka is involved in thinking and ideating on Brahma, in which case the practice of pranayama will be highly beneficial. So skipping pranayama will hinder one’s progress on the path of sadhana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Pranayama is a helping lesson


Here is one special point. Many of the things done in the spiritual routine are supportive aspects for doing sadhana. In particular, asanas and pranayama are helping tools for the sadhana lessons of iishvara pranidhana and dhyana, i.e. first and sixth lessons.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "A'sana and pra'n'a'ya'ma, for example, are helping items. They are not sa'dhana', they are called sa'dhana'unga." (6)

Our other lessons of meditation like tattva dharana (3rd lesson) and cakra shodhana (5th lesson) also fall in the realm of sa'dhana'unga. That is, they are helping lessons for doing the primary lessons of sadhana which are first and sixth lessons, respectively.

So pranayama is an essential element of sadhana which is not to be skipped. Here below Baba guides us about the unparalleled importance of doing sadhana.

Ananda Marga philosophy, "The main purpose of human beings coming here to this earth is to do spiritual practice. One is to render social service, one is to learn, one is to go through books, one is to help others, one is to do anything and everything just to encourage and accelerate the process of sa'dhana'. Sa'dhana' is the main theme of life. Whatever you do in the world, you should do it with a view to promote your sa'dhana' and help the sa'dhana' of others. Human beings come to earth to practise sa'dhana', to move closer to Iishvara, the Supreme Goal – to come closer to Parama Purus'a. Thus, the deeds of human beings will not be like the deeds of animals. Whatever human beings will do, they will do in such a manner that the progress in their sa'dhana' will go on accelerating." (7)

So when sadhana is the main reason for coming on this earth and when pranayama is such an integral element of enhancing and perfecting sadhana, by practicing regularly, one will experience sweet and blissful sadhana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

One will be getting this divine favour


Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "By dint of sa'dhana', one is to arouse and exalt that sleeping divinity. That svayambhu'liunga becomes one with shambhu'liunga. But for this one requires divine help. And I know one is sure to get divine help. And I know further that one is getting divine help. And I know still further that in future, for infinite time and infinite space, one will be getting this divine favour. And you are all sa'dhakas. You will certainly attain that supreme stance and enjoy that divine blessedness. You are sure to enjoy it, my sons and my daughters." (8)

Pranayama helps dhyana sadhana. Hence if one is not doing pranayama regularly, then for them blissful sadhana will just remain a dream only.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Caryacarya - 1, Sádhaná, Point #4
2. Caryacarya - 3, Práńáyáma
3. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation, Question #11
4. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation, Question #12
5. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 5
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, 'How to Concentrate'
7. Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Stages of Samádhi


*        *        *

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 ==

Not just an illusion

Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart.

PS Intro: Throughout the vast gift of Prabhat Samgiita, in most songs the bhakta and Parama Purusa are communicating with one another. In some of the songs the style of conversation is direct while others are indirect. When the style of expression is indirect, it is not that the sadhaka is having a conversation with another sadhaka. But the bhakta is communicating with Parama Purusa - using indirect language.

Here in this song, in the first stanza, Parama Purusa is addressing the bhakta; whereas in the second and third stanzas, the bhakta is addressing Parama Purusa. This following song describes the start of creation and how Parama Purusa plays His divine liila, as well as how a sadhaka can become one with Him - by His grace. 

“Arúp devatá rúper deule, kár lági tumi tithi gono...” (Prabhat Samgiita #0365) 

Purport:

Bhakta, the formless Nirguna Brahma has come in the temple of form. He has manifested Himself in the charming form of Taraka Brahma. The Entity for whom You are longing has already arrived. So now, for which Divine Entity are you counting the days? For Whose auspicious advent are you waiting in longing? O’ bhakta, why are you unnecessarily weaving your dreams about those things which are not going to remain forever. Why are you putting all your hopes in this temporary, ephemeral world? To what end are you fully engaged, day and night, in toiling in mundane activities. This world is transitory - today it is and tomorrow it is no more.

Baba, my Bandhu, by Your grace, this world of forms goes on merging into the formless Nirguna Brahma. In due course, step by step, all the entities of this creation become one with Him. He is the final Goal and supreme desideratum of all. Then for what reason or purpose are You fully engaged in Your divine liila of creating this colourful universe of forms and figures when there is no lasting benefit of doing this.

Supreme Guide Baba, I know that Your creation is not just an illusion. And by Your grace, at the same time, I also know that Your flow of imagination - i.e. this creation - is not permanent either. You have blessed me with the understanding that this world is a relative reality that is always undergoing change. In this creation of Yours, everything is a passing phenomena, a moving scene. Then why do You infuse blind attachment in the minds of living beings towards this created world? Due to this, people forget that one day they will have to leave this world, and that they have come here for spiritual practice. Everything else is for objective adjustment. The main goal is that eternal companion God. Due to moha, people lust for power, post, money, and beauty and forget the purpose of their arrival on this earth. They waste their time and die one day without moving even one step closer to Parama Purusa.

My Divine One, please shower Your karun’a’ so I can always remember this eternal truth...


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Animal killing against neo-humanism

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Senseless, sadistic killing is called pishunatá vrtti. If meat-eaters slaughter animals in the way that inflicts the least pain, that is not pishunatá; but if they kill them slowly and cruelly, first chopping off their legs, then their tails, then their heads, it is definitely pishunatá. These days in many civilized countries people are unable to give up meat-eating, but have at least devised modern methods to kill the animals less painfully. But remember, the killing of animals, no matter how it is done, is contrary to the spirit of Neohumanism."
   "Once I saw a harrowing sight in a market place: part of a live tortoise had just been chopped off and sold, but the poor creature was not completely dead and was trying to crawl away, leaving a stream of blood. Such cruel things should be abolished altogether. The cruel slaughter of that innocent tortoise is certainly a case of pishunatá."
   "To kill human beings is totally undesirable, but if people do want to eliminate their [a'tata'yii], they should do so with a minimum of torture. The kings of old used to kill criminals by impaling them on spikes; or by half-burying them in the ground, sprinkling salt over them, and letting the dogs eat them. Sometimes people were flayed alive. These actions certainly deserve universal condemnation." (1)

A'tata'yii: A person armed with weapons who comes to your home to kill you.

Note: In many parts of India, animal torture occurs in the wide open. If you walk around the main vegetable market then in one corner there are non-veg items. Live animals are tortured before your very eyes. It occurs along the roadside as well. One particular religion is most notorious in this regard. They always do this on the roadside. If customers want to purchase a live chicken then the merchant will snatch up a chicken, yank the wings off and throw it in the garbage, callously remove the feathers and snap the chicken’s neck right in front of you. And then they put it in the bag for the customer to take away. It all happens in the open. For meat-eaters this may be normal but for non meat-eaters it is repulsive how they are forced to bear witness to this. It is so disgraceful how people tolerate this in the name of religion.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell Part 8, The Acoustic Roots of the Indo-Aryan Alphabet


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Only spiritual revolutionaries can lead Prout

Prout philosophy states, “Those who have a correct philosophy and a correct spiritual sádhaná based on the principles of Yama and Niyama will be the guiding personalities in the society of tomorrow. It is the duty of conscious people to snatch away the physical power and the intellectual leadership from the hands of political hypocrites. Politicians are of no use to society because they are engaged in the business of mudslinging and nothing else. If sadvipras [spiritual revolutionaries who follow Yama and Niyama] get active mass support, revolution is bound to come. In case a government adopts the ideals of Prout, the rule of sadvipras will prevail. If the same is not adopted by the government, a physical revolution is sure to come, and ultimately power will be transferred to the sadvipras.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 5, Discourses on Prout, Point #4


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How jubilee celebration to be done

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, "There is a subterranean flow of love and devotion in people's minds for those sages and saints, as those saints rose above narrow sentiments to propagate the ideals of unity and fraternity. Their writings create a stir in people's minds. So the popularisation of these personalities is essential to inspire unity among the masses."
   "The contemporary leaders do not try to give a practical shape to any of the aforementioned human qualities. They merely deliver high-sounding lectures. Those great personalities of the past provide good opportunities for them to organize bicentennial and anniversary celebrations. They consider that by merely uttering a few well-rehearsed sentences, they are paying a wonderful tribute to those great personalities. These leaders do not realize what an important contribution the great personalities can still give to further the country's welfare. Thus the great ideals are disappearing from social life and disunity is increasing among the people."
   "To establish lasting unity in human society, besides the above two sentiments, the spiritual sentiment is indispensable. The unity that grows from the collective psychology in the social, psychic and economic spheres, is the first step towards a greater unity. This can lead to the formation of a nation or greater internal unity in a country. But once the problem out of which the sentiment grew is solved, the common link is broken. That is why for permanent unity a spiritual outlook is necessary." (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 2


== Section: Important Teaching ==
 
How rich people are real criminals…

In this below teaching Baba is pointing out how rich people indulge in anti-social activities like adulteration, drug dealing, and many other vices and illicit affairs. And they employ poor people to do the work. In result, the poor people get arrested by law enforcement personnel while rich people save themselves by paying bribes or hiring high-powered lawyers. Most of the profit goes to rich people and the poor suffer. Due to their poverty, the poor cannot escape this cycle from one generation to the next. That is why we see that in the ghettos people are perpetually incarcerated.

In this teaching Baba is referring to crude criminal acts as well as white-collar crime. In big business and on the corporate level, the schemes are much more sophisticated. Big banks cheat millions of people out of billions of dollars. Yet, those top bankers are almost never arrested or even charged. They escape because the laws are in their favour, or they hire lawyers to find loopholes in the law. And if they do get caught and are found guilty, then 99.9% of the time those high-level executives do not got to jail. Instead they pay a fine. But if a poor person steals even a single thing they will get arrested and sit in jail for robbery for twenty years.

This happens only in the vaeshyan era and we have to raise awareness to put an end to this.

Prout philosophy states, “Most of the evils that occur in society are created due to the exploitation carried out by the vaeshyas. In order to increase the size of their bank balances, the vaeshyas create an artificial scarcity of such items as food, clothing and other essential commodities, and then earn a profit by black marketeering. Those who do not have the capacity to purchase commodities at exorbitant prices steal, commit armed robberies and engage in other criminal activities in order to obtain the minimum requirements of their lives. Poor people deprived of food and clothing work as the agents of the greedy vaeshyas engaged in black marketeering and smuggling. When these poor people are caught, they are the ones who get punished, while the vaeshyas escape thanks to the power of their money. Such ill-fated poor people lose their consciences and descend deeper into sin. Society condemns these sinners, while the rich vaeshyas, the instigators of the sinners, play the role of public leaders. They wear garlands, set off verbal fireworks, and shrilly exhort the masses to make greater sacrifices.” (1)

Reference
1. Human Society - 2, The Vaeshya Age


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Not all samadhis are great

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "By the way you should know that samádhi does not only occur as a result of a certain realization; other samádhis can occur on indriyas or the five fundamental factors. When the mind is focused on a particular object and becomes intensely concentrated it is called samádhi. According to spiritual science the samádhi attained when the entire mind is pin-pointed on Parama Puruśa is called prajiṋá samádhi."
   "When a sádhaka focuses his or her mind on the solid factor (solid is one of the five fundamental factors) and thinks “I am the earth” he or she attains kśitibhaetik samádhi, losing all practical intelligence in the process. Those who constantly think about rupees or dollars attain a kind of samádhi, too, for they become completely identified with their crude object of attraction. If such people incur heavy losses due to the collapse of their business or bank, they will die an instant death, for the pillars on which their life was built crumbled beneath them. So, once they lost their wealth, they lost their lives too." (1)

Story of my own cousin


Note: Tragically, my own cousin experienced this type of negative samadhi. During the economic downturn in 2009, he became very worried about his finances. He had an inheritance of 20 million dollars, and he thought he was going to lose it all. He experienced a very strange, deep, dark depression and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

Finally, his mind just stopped - and he sat there frozen - completely fixated on the prospect of losing all his money. He sat in a comatose state completely engrossed in thoughts about losing money - everything else in his mind vanished. It was just money, money, money. He skipped his food, ignored natural call, and sat in one spot all day long for almost 1 week. He did not die, but he came very close to death. When at last he emerged from this state, he was totally unaware about what had happened. It was as if he had been in a vacuum.

Baba's warning is that mundane things like money or wealth should never be one's object of ideation. Worldly things are by definition transient. They slip away. And when that happens, people become shocked, even negative samadhi. This becomes very serious for those who were very attached with those objects. They will fall into a state of terrible misery, and perhaps even death.

Best is to goad and point the mind to Parama Purusa. Because if one is fixated on the mundane and prone to that negative type of samadhi then one may remain depressed or even resort to suicide…

In Him,
Sudhiindra

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell, Ekendriya – 7


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How Muslims converted Hindus


  Prout philosophy states, “The second inviolable principle is that people should not be forcibly converted from one religion to another. People will not leave a religion if it is able to guide them properly on the path of Dharma. However, if a religion has a narrow outlook or contains some defective teachings, such as supporting the caste system or oppressing the poor, then people will naturally become disillusioned with it. The followers of other religions will take advantage of these defects and forcibly convert them.”
   “In the past there were many instances when large numbers of Hindus were forcibly converted to another religion. Hindus were fed onions or beef without their knowledge and women were abducted, compelling them to transgress their religious beliefs. As a result, they were excommunicated by the Hindu priests. They were declared outcastes. When those who had instigated the transgressions observed this development, they escalate their campaign of forcible conversion.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell-16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Definition of true surrender

   Ananda Marga ideology  says, “When human beings feel that, ‘Parama Purusa is my everything’, then that is called as sharan (shelter). No entity can come under the sharan (shelter) of two different things. Then what is the meaning of sharanagati (surrender)? When living beings give up their ‘I-feeling’ by withdrawing the mind from any other object and feel that Parama Purusa alone is my everything.”
   “Up to the time when living beings are thinking that they are working with their own strength, then you should understand that the feeling of sharanagati has not yet come in them. And when human beings think that, ‘I am doing the work only with His strength’, it means the feeling of sharanagati has come in their mind. So when living beings start thinking that, ‘Whatever work I am doing, I am doing with His strength’, then they have the feeling of sharanagati.” (1)

1. Sometimes people get confused and think that if the house is burning then there is no need to do anything - just raise your hands to the sky. They wrongly think that is surrender.

2. Some hypocrites do not have the feeling of surrender within, but when others need their help then they tell them there is no need do anything - just surrender. By this way they shirk their responsibility of helping others. For instance if Mr. X came to Mr. Y saying that,  “My child is sick so please help me.” But Mr. Y is a hypocrite and he does not want to help Mr. X. So Y suggests to X, “Don’t do anything - just surrender to God everything will be alright.” By this way Y escapes his moral duty and keeps his prestige safe through hypocrisy.

3. Some think that whatever strength you have you should use to solve the crisis, and go on thinking. “It is His strength and that He is supplying the energy - and without His energy, I cannot do anything. If He wishes then only will I be rescued - it is fully depending on Him.” Whatever strength God has given must be utilised remembering that He is the final doer.

Of the three above examples, the third one is the best. And the other two are bogus.

References
1. General Darshan, Patna DMC, 1970


== Section ==

हे परम पुरुष! मैं तुम से दूर नहीं रह सकता।

प्रभात संगीत
3780: की दोष कोरेछी बोलो ना, केनो आमार घरे एले ना...

भावार्थ

हे परम पुरुष! तुम मेरे घर क्यों नहीं आए ? मेरी क्या गलती है? तुम तो सब कुछ जानते हो, फिर यह क्यों नहीं जान पाते कि मैं तुम्हें अपने पूरे हृदय और मन से कितना प्रेम करता हॅूं?

हे मेरे प्रभु! तुम्हारे न आने से, इस प्रभात संगीत का लय तान और स्वर व्यर्थ ही रहा, तम्हारे लिये बनाई गयी फूलों की यह माला भी किसी काम की नहीं रही। तुम्हारे न आने से अब इस माला के बनाने और इस गीत की तैयारी करने का कोई अर्थ ही नहीं रहा। हे परमपुरुष! तुम्हारे बारे में सोच सोच कर कभी तो मैं रोता हॅूं और कभी मुस्काता हॅूं, कभी मैं तुम्हारी रूपरेखा बनाता हूँ और कभी उसे पोंछ डालता हॅूं, यह सब मेरे मन में ही चलता रहता है।

हे बाबा! जब मैं अपने मन मंदिर में तुम्हारे ध्यान में बैठता हॅूं, तो तुम वहाॅं पूरे आकर्षण में बैठे मुस्कुराते रहते हो। तुमने मुझे अपने दिव्य आध्यात्मिक रंग में रंग लिया है। तुम्हारे गीत और नृत्य में मैंने अपने को डुबो लिया है। मेरा हृदय तुम से दूर रहना ही नहीं चाहता। मैं तुम्हारे निकट, बहुत ही पास में रहना चाहता हॅूं , मैं तुम से दूर नहीं रह सकता हॅूं।

बाबा! मैं तुम्हें  प्रेम करता हॅूं , कृपा कर मेरे घर में आओ, आजाओ...


Note: If you would like the audio file of the above Prabhat Samgiita kindly write us.


== Section 4: Links ==


Monday, February 10, 2025

Way to boost dhyana + 5 more

Baba
Way to boost dhyana

Namaskar,

Baba is the all-knowing Sadguru. So He understands that margiis may not be able to get proper sadhana guidelines from certain acaryas. To ensure that a margii's spiritual career does not get ruined, Baba has included dhyana guidelines and the pranayama chapter in general Ananda Marga books. By this way, any margii is able to correct the procedure of pranayama and dhyana. If anything was wrongly conveyed by an acarya when imparting or revising those lessons, the margii is empowered to fix that by reading Baba's books. This can be said only with regard to both fourth and sixth lessons.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

If an acarya told something that is not consistent with the printed teachings of fourth and sixth lessons, then one should rely upon the guidelines given in Caryacarya part 3 and Yoga Psychology. Verily, Baba has blessed us by including 4th and 6th lessons in general Ananda Marga books.


Pranayama & dhyana interlinked


Pranayama and dhyana are closely associated with one another. Dhyana is very essential for reaching the final goal of liberation. And to do proper dhyana, the 7th lesson of sahaja yoga sadhana - i.e. kumbhak pranayama - is needed. And 4th lesson pranayama also gets the mind pointed. With that pointed mind if a sadhaka practices dhyana then it will be vastly improved. Pranayama is very helpful for doing dhyana. These two lessons are closely linked.

Some WTs are very busy in social service projects and doing various types of business etc. They may not have proper time to read Baba's books or practice deep sincere dhyana for four five hours in their personal life, not even during upavasa. In that case, they may not give proper guidelines to their diksa bhai (initiates) - or any margii who is requesting sadhana guidelines.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

On the point of pranayama and dhyana each and every margi should read Baba's books. Not only these two lessons, Baba has clearly written many important guidelines about practices like asanas, 16 Points, kiirtana, tandava, kaoshiki and so many things. These guidelines are available to all. So see the way Guru executes His work.


What to bear in mind about pranayama

Included are some of Baba’s important guidelines about pranayama and dhyana, as well as related sadhana points. All lessons are helpful and should be done, but Baba has clearly stated in the Acarya Diary that pranayama and dhyana have a special link. That is why those not established in pranayama should not be taught dhyana. Without pranayama, one cannot reach the higher status in dhyana.

One important warning about pranayama is that the mind should be in a proper flow with the right ideation, otherwise pranayama will be detrimental. Doing pranayama in a debased state of mind will have a negative effect. At the same time one should not be overly worried or scared about doing pranayama either. It is a very important lesson that will boost one's sadhana. As previously noted, Baba says in Acarya Diary that these two lessons are interlinked. So pranayama should be done near the end of sadhana directly before one does their final round of dhyana. Pranayama is highly essential and it should be practiced immediately before dhyana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
in Him,
Yogasiddhi


About sadhana, pranayama, & travel


Recently someone posed a query about doing pranayama during a commercial airline flight and here is the reply:

On a typical airline flight, the air is too dirty to do pranayama. No doubt there are varying degrees of cleanliness and dirtiness, but on the whole it is not healthy or beneficial to do pranayama on a public flight.

People are eating tamasik foods, drinking wine and alcohol, and those smells and vibrations spread throughout the cabin. There is an air purification or circulation system on every plane, but many of those tamasik smells (fish, meat, alcohol etc) and air molecules will reach your seat before going through the air purification system.

Plus there is so much bacteria floating around and so many germs that it is just not a good environment for pranayama. Flights are crowded, and people are involved in tamasik foods etc and breathing, belching, and creating flatulence etc.

All in all this is not the proper place for pranayama. Other lessons can be done, but not pranayama as you do not want to invite all that tamasik air and bacteria deep inside the lungs.

If you are the only one on the plane or if it is a chartered flight only for sadhakas, then it is ok to do pranayama. Otherwise it is better to find an alternate spot to practice pranayama. For instance, many flights are short and pranayama can be done upon reaching the destination.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

If one is traveling across the planet, then there is most often a stopover for several hours. During that time, one should seek out and investigate the facilities in that airport. In many airports, there is a prayer room, meditation room, chapel, or even a yoga room. These are isolated quiet spaces where talking is not allowed, and anyone is welcome to visit and perform any spiritual practice or worship that they choose. This type of place is quite suitable for pranayama and all meditation lessons.


~ In-depth study ~

The way Guru executes His work

Unfortunately some acaryas tell margiis not to do sadhana more, otherwise you will become imbalanced and you will not be able to manage your mundane duties. But Baba never supports such a far-fetched claim. Rather Guru’s teaching is, Do maximum sadhana. So such type of misguided advice, margiis can rectify by referencing Baba's books.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "Human life is for sa'dhana'." (1)


Baba describes the practice of pranayama


Ananda Marga Caryacarya "Closing the eyes, sit in either siddhásana, padmásana or bhojanásana. Do bhútashuddhi. After doing ásana shuddhi, concentrate your mind on the point that the ácárya will fix. Then, after doing cittashuddhi, ideate on the first syllable of your Iśt́a mantra, press and close the right nostril with the thumb of the right hand, and draw in a deep breath through the left nostril. During inhalation, ideate that infinite vital energy is entering the point from the infinite Brahma who is existing all around. After taking a full breath close the left nostril with the middle, ring and little fingers, and, taking the thumb away from the right nostril, slowly let out the air (Ideate that the infinite vital energy is returning from the point to that Infinite Brahma). During exhalation ideate on the remaining syllable of your Iśt́a mantra. When the breath has been fully expelled from the right nostril, inhale as fully as possible again through the right nostril. Afterwards, closing the right nostril with the thumb and removing the fingers, exhale the air through the left nostril. This completes one round." (2)


The practice of dhya'na becomes a time-consuming affair

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "There is an inseparable relationship between the va'yus of the body [ten basic energy flows] and the mind. Unsteadiness of respiration means unsteadiness of mind and vice versa. Pra'n'a'ya'ma is the scientific process to control respiration and hence the mind, as a result of which sa'dhana' is especially facilitated. The practice of dhya'na becomes a time-consuming affair if pra'n'a'ya'ma is not adequately practised." (3)


Pra'n'a'ya'ma is meant for sa'dhakas


Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "The process by which the pra'n'as in the body are controlled is called pra'n'a'ya'ma. Pra'n'a, apa'na, sama'na, uda'na, vya'na, na'ga, ku'rma, krkara, devadatta, and dhanainjaya – the collective name of these ten vital forces is pra'n'a'h. If you wish to increase your apperceptive power you must control the pra'n'a'h. Through regular practice, the mind will become concentrated. Pra'n'a'ya'ma is meant for sa'dhakas – it is better for non-sa'dhakas not to take the risk of injuring themselves by doing pra'n'a'ya'ma." (4)


Paramártha can be achieved only by sadhana


Ananda Marga philosophy states, "One thing which helps in getting remission, or nivrtti, is called artha [that which provides temporary liberation from mundane desires]. But artha is purely physical, so it can bring only physical and temporary remission. For everlasting freedom from duhkha, Paramártha [that which provides permanent liberation] is the only remedy. Paramártha does not bring only temporary remission, but everlasting freedom from duhkha. Atyantikii nivrtti can be obtained only by Paramártha which relieves one of all duhkha: physical, mental and spiritual. This Paramártha can only be obtained by sadhana, that is, spiritual practices. For maintaining peace psychic equilibrium is necessary, and for maintaining this equilibrium freedom from all duhkha forever is necessary. Freedom from duhkha or atyantikii nivrtti can be obtained only from Paramártha, and Paramártha can be achieved only by sadhana, or spiritual practices." (5)


The fundamentals of pranayama

Here Baba provides us with some special questions and answers about the practice of pranayama.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Question: What is pra'n'a'ya'ma?"

"Answer: Pra'n'a'ya'ma is defined as:"

Tasmin sati shva'sa prashva'sayoh gativicchedah pra'n'a'ya'ma.

"That is, pra'n'a'ya'ma is the process of breath control along with the imposition of the ideation of Supreme Consciousness. It helps the mind in concentration and meditation." (6)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Question: What is the spirit of pra'n'a'ya'ma?"

"Answer: Pra'na'n yamayati es'ah pra'n'a'ya'ma. That is, the word pra'n'a'ya'ma literally means “controlling the pra'n'a'h [vital energy]”. The psycho-philosophy behind the practice of pra'n'a'ya'ma is that the spiritual aspirant tries to let the pra'n'endriya [ten vital-energy currents] remain in a state of pause so that the paused unit mind will merge into the ocean of consciousness." (7)

Throughout His teachings Baba guides us that sadhana is the backbone of Ananda Marga ideology. In innumerable places, Baba describes this very fact.

References
1. Caryacarya - 2, Chapter 1, Point #4
2. Caryacarya - III, Pranayama
3. Caryacarya - 1, Sadhana, Point #4
4. Caryacarya - 3, Práńáyáma
5. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
6. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation, Question #11
7. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation, Question #12


*        *        *

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 ==

How dharmikas are treated


Sadguru Baba says, “Great, Bha'skara'ca'rya was. People of his age didn't like it. Because you know, people who adhere to dogma, they do not like or they cannot tolerate ultra-modern ideas. They will say, "It is against the scripture; it is against the system"---they will say like this. And they won't tolerate it. It is the system of human society. And after their death, they appreciate their ideas. Galileo, Copernicus, Socrates---they were not honored during their time, in their lifetime. It is the norm.” (1)

Note: In His above teaching, Baba is guiding us how revolutionary thinkers are never appreciated or honoured in their lifetime; rather, they are mocked, tortured, and exiled. All because their ideas are far beyond the narrow outlook of the common people. However, with the review of history, those thinkers are embraced as great luminaries and the true seers who brought society forward into a brand new era. The same is the case with those dharmikas bringing forth Ananda Marga ideology. Baba’s teachings are entirely new and light years ahead of the common mass. So as Ananda Margiis we do AM pracara to please Him and let His will be fulfilled. In the due course, society will look back and realise how AM dharmikas wiped out the existing dogmas and ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity, by His grace. 

Reference
1. NP, MGD 2 September 1971 Patna


== Section: Important Teaching ==

No sadhaka should ever behave like this

   Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "There are people, however, who have opposite feelings. They burn in envy to see someone happy, and make an all out effort to put them in danger. On seeing someone in distress, they think: “Rightly served. As you sow, so you reap. Let their troubles augment.” Such human-shaped animals are prowling about in many fields of life, including the field of politics."
   "There are some people who, on seeing someone engaged in noble work, try to stop that person; for example, when someone belonging to the opposite camp is trying to help the neglected, downtrodden, people badly hit by famine or flood, they think that [through their philanthropic acts] their adversaries may become popular, and so they must be opposed. There are people who, on seeing someone engaged in harmful activity or malevolent endeavours, encourage them in crude, bestial activities so that they can directly exploit the opportunity for their own benefit." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayaniká Part 4, Disc: 27


== Section ==
 
Fake Vanii From Rudrananda (2018)

Namaskar, 

Those followers of H group must have read the fake vanii. According to Baba's teachings the fake vanii will not give the benefit of a true Ananda Vanii. On the occasion of Ananda Purnima a true Ananda Vanii must be read. 

For any reason if you are one of those who only read the fake vanii then you are on the losing side. The solution is that as soon as possible go and read at least one true Ananda Vanii to get proper virtue. If you do not have Baba's original Ananda Vanii book then that is not a problem - just click here and go and read at least one as this is the true Ananda Vanii collection. And in future everyone should be cautious and remember that fake vaniis will not do. Because fake is after all fake. 

Further down in red font & yellow highlight is the fake vanii propagated by Rudranadna and his stooges and sycophants. They are always in search of one or another point to go against Baba, so they used a fake vanii on the occasion of Ananda Purnima to fulfill their nasty desires. So watch out. Remember, “Yato dharmah tato iśt́ah, yato iśt́ah tato jayah”. “Where there is Dharma, there is Iśt́a (Baba), and where there is Iśt́a (Baba), there is victory.”

Here below is that fake vanii propagated by Rudranadna and his stooges and sycophants
For a bhakta, only ápta vákya has value. What comes from Parama Puruśa is ápta vákya. When the devotee is able to hear, feel, realize and understand the will of Parama Puruśa through having developed a relationship of love with Him, it is called ápta vákya. As devotees, you should follow only ápta vákya. You should remember that the Sixteen Points are your ápta vákya.
If the above fake vanii is the only one you read for Ananda Purnima then be sure to click here and read a true Ananda Vanii.

in Him, 
Pranav

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Can an impoverished person do vaeshyacita seva

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)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha -1, Yajiṋa and Karmaphala


== Section: News ==

On 12/31/16:
Victory: Dogmatic MPD appendix deleted from Caryacarya

Namaskar,

Unity Group (Third Front) have decided today in the meeting held in Anandanagar to print Caryacarya book without Mahaprayan Chapter.

It is a very good decision. Victory against Dogma.

At HIS Lotus Feet,
Devesh Kumar, Mumbai

- Courtesy of Ananda Marga Google Groups


== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

Make it meaningful by your sadhana


Original Ananda Vanii states: “After millions of animal lives, a created being attains the human form. That is why all the sacred books speak of the rarity of human life. The wise properly utilize all objects and this utilization alone makes the existence of the object worthy. You have achieved the human frame. You must make it meaningful by your sádhaná, service and sacrifice. Engage yourself in such useful pursuits that even your worst enemies have hardly any chance to despise you. Utilize yourself in such a manner so as to satisfy yourself mentally, that you never wasted your time uselessly on this earth.” (Ananda Vanii #33)

Note: Sadguru Baba has assigned a number to all His original and true Ananda Vaniis. In contrast, Fake Ananda Vaniis do not have any number. By this simple formula, one can easily recognise which is a true Ananda Vanii and which is fake. For this occasion of January 1st 2017, all Ananda Marga units should use one of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis, not a fake one. By this way, one will surely get His blessing.


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Prout: World constitution

Prout philosophy states, “The formation of a World Government will require a world constitution. A charter of principles or bill of rights should be included in such a constitution and encompass at least the following four areas. First, complete security should be guaranteed to all the plants and animals on the planet. Secondly, each country must guarantee purchasing power to all its citizens. Thirdly, the constitution should guarantee four fundamental rights – spiritual practice or Dharma; cultural legacy; education; and indigenous linguistic expression. Fourthly, if the practice of any of these rights conflicts with cardinal human values then that practice should be immediately curtailed. That is, cardinal human values must take precedence over all other rights. All the constitutions of the world suffer from numerous defects. The above points may be adopted by the framers of different constitutions to overcome these defects. (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 12, Requirements of an Ideal Constitution


== Section 3: Links ==

Recent Postings

    SUBJECTS TOPICS