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Showing posts with label psychic disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label psychic disease. Show all posts

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Pervasive ailment nowadays + 3 more

Baba

Pervasive ailment nowadays

Namaskar,

Prama means balance. And it is an essential component in the life of any sadhaka.


Loss of prama in today's world

Nowadays, most suffer from a lack of prama in the physical realm. In some cases they lack the basic necessities of life such as food and medical care etc. And in other instances, they suffer from a gross excess in the physical realm which causes imbalances in other spheres of life. As they blindly lust after material gain, they do not place sufficient emphasis on the psychic and spiritual realms.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Wherever materialism has taken hold, the masses take matter to be the be-all and end-all of life. Even after acquiring all sorts of material possessions they still feel: “I am hungry for more material gain.” They may even live week-to-week barely paying their basic bills, yet waste their limited financial resources on junk, pseudo-culture items. This is the iconic example of imbalance in mundane life. 

Imbalance in life is bad


Some mistakenly think that those living in materially wealthy countries are not suffering from any problems; but, that is not correct. In those lands of material wealth, psychic suffering is rampant, and their spiritual life has become a wasteland. So most everyone is suffering in one way or another. In both the cases - i.e. where there is physical want and where there is physical excess - there is a serious problem. Prama needs to be attained by supplying the physical necessities to the have-nots, and placing greater emphasis on psychic and spiritual pursuits.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “Now, what is the actual meaning of pramá? The word pramá is derived as the root má prefixed by pra and suffixed by d́a and t́á. The meaning of the root verb má is “to measure”, “to fathom”. So the etymological meaning of pramá is “balance”...pramá is indispensable in individual life.” (1)

Here the psychic realm means proper study of rational ideas. A deficiency of the prama in the psychic sphere means wholly absorbing oneself in mundane and material allurements and having no inclination towards dharmic, psycho-spiritual life. The spiritual field means cultivating a rational outlook based in bhakti and embracing Parama Purusa as the Supreme Goal of life. Lack of prama in the spiritual sphere means just involving in religious dogma.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion


Surveying the scene, Baba has given all the requisite teachings to achieve prama  - perfect peace.  Those who strictly adhere to Sixteen Points achieve prama' in life - and do not incur any such suffering. Even then, some Wts become overly involved in mundane affairs and lose prama and fail to give proper attention to dharmic practices like sadhana. So regardless of one’s dress, all should pay heed to Guru’s warnings and bring prama in life by becoming more and more sincere in Sixteen Points.

In Him,
Jyoti

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 8, Pramá – 1 / Dynamic Equilibrium and Equipoise
*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why suppression is harmful


Ananda Marga philosophy states, "There are activities that provoke, as a reaction, a filthy sensation in the body or mind of a person. This induces in them a desire to stay away from such activities, and creates in them a mentality of over-reaction against such activities. This reactionary mentality is called ghrńá or hatred. Hatred is an imposed psychic bondage. So it is a kind of pásha [eight types of external fetters]. What originates in the mind and expands to the external world is called ripu [six inherent bondages]. That which originates outside and influences the mind is called pásha, as told earlier. An intelligent person keeps his or her ripu in control and fights the páshas. The sages and ascetics do not recommend any mechanism for opposing the ripus, because if a particular ripu is repressed, it tries to find an outlet through another ripu. The same is true about the remaining of ripus (lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy). If the propensity of greed is strong in a person and they are compelled to control it under the pressure of poverty – for example, if a person who used to take bribes is compelled to refrain from taking bribes due to pressure from law enforcement authorities–their greed will find expression through anger or some other ripu; that is, they will burst into a rage." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 4, Ku to Kuiṋjara (Discourse 27)



== Section: Important Teaching ==

Tattoos & negative microvita

Namaskar,

Shabda Cayanika says, "Kinnara microvita is that category of microvita which creates a thirst for beauty – a strong desire for beautification and decoration. The word kinnara means “receptacle of beauty” or “a beautiful and graceful structure”. This category of microvita creates a tendency in the human mind to make the human body as beautiful as the many forms and figures it observes in the external world. This tendency or propensity is called “kinnarii vrtti”. If the kinnaras direct the mind towards crude matter instead of leading it towards the subtler layers, they are considered to be enemy microvita or negative microvita." (1)

Under the spell of the negative / enemy aspect of kinnara microvita, these days many are trying to glorify themselves by decorating their bodies with tattoos. The popularity of tattoos is at an all-time high in materialistic countries. This type of approach is indicative of a degraded, extroverted mind - as Baba guides us in His above teaching.

In addition, recent surveys and research has shown that there are numerous health risks associated with tattoos. And that is the central theme of the  news articles appended below.

Tattoos & complications

 ~ Courtesy of FDA gov(dot)org ~

As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn't clear is the safety of tattoo inks.

Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored ink below the skin's surface. Permanent make-up is considered a permanent tattoo that mimics the results of cosmetic products such as an eyebrow pencil, lip liner, eyeliner, or blush. While state and local authorities oversee the practice of tattooing, ink and ink colorings (pigments) used in tattoos are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives.

FDA has received reports of bad reactions to tattoo inks right after tattooing or even years later. Some people report itchy or inflamed skin around their tattoos in the summer when they've been out in the sun. Recent reports associated with permanent make-up inks have prompted FDA to study tattoo ink safety.

What are the Risks
  • Infection – Dirty needles can pass infections, like hepatitis and HIV, from one person to another.
  • Allergies – Allergies to various ink pigments in both permanent and temporary tattoos have been reported and can cause problems.
  • Scarring – Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.
  • Granulomas – These small knots or bumps may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.
  • MRI complications – People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (2)

Dermal conditions

~ Courtesy of Wikipedia ~

Keloid formation at the site of a tattoo.

The most common dermal reactions to tattoo pigments are granulomas and various lichenoid diseases. Other conditions noted have been cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, discoid lupus erythematosus, eczematous eruptions, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, and keloids. (3)

~ Courtesy of the Mayo Clinic ~
  • Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
  • Skin infections. A skin infection is possible after tattooing.
  • Other skin problems. Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink. Tattooing also can lead to keloids — raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.
  • Bloodborne diseases. If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases — including tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
  • MRI complications. Rarely, tattoos or permanent makeup might cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. In some cases, tattoo pigments can interfere with the quality of the image. (4)

In Him,
Jagadiish
(John Waters)

References
1. Microvitum in a Nutshell - 11, Crude and Subtle Microvita
2. FDA. Gov
3. Wikipedia
4. Mayo Clinic

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

मैं अब उस दिन की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हॅूं

प्रभात संगीत 3866 आज पड़े मने,गोधूलि लग्ने, तुमी एशेछिले मोर घरे...

भावार्थ

हे प्रभु! मेरे मन में आज भी उस सुनहरी मधुर शाम की स्मृति ताजा है, जब तुम मेरे घर आये थे। तुम्हारी उपस्थिति से वातावरण मधुर हो गया था, पक्षी चहचहाने लगे थे और आकाश  में सफेद बादलों के झुंड अपनी आकर्षक शोभायात्रा में आनन्द का स्वागत समारोह निर्मित कर मुस्करा रहे थे।  आकाश  में पक्षियों के झुंड तैरते हुए उड़ रहे थे।

मेरे समीप तुम्हारी उस दिव्य उपस्थिति, तथा तुम्हें पाने की मधुर स्मृति को, मैं कैसे भूल सकता हॅूं। तुम्हारे मधुर आकर्षक रूप ने, मेरे मन और हृदय को भीतर तक, इतना प्रभावित किया है कि, उसके स्मरण मात्र से मैं आज भी उस आनंद में डूब जाता हॅूं। बाबा! तुम प्यार से मेरे पास आये, और मुझे अपना बनाया... यह तुम्हारी कृपा है।

वह स्मृति मेरे मन में आज भी ताजा है। मैं अब उस दिन की प्रतीक्षा कर रहा हॅूं, जब वही घटना फिर से घटित हो। 

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings on Democracy

In the next few weeks and months, many minor and major elections will be held in numerous democratic states and nations across the globe. As Ananda Margiis, we should be cent-per-cent clear about Prout's critique of democracy so we can best educate others and raise awareness about the inherent weaknesses and deficiencies, as well as the positive points, of the various types of democracies that exist today. 

Economic democracy is the solution

A few weaknesses in democracy

Postings to Read

Today refugee, tomorrow terrorist

Language reflective of mindset

Ideal avadhuta & for all sadhakas

Growing threat: stampede



Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Diagnosing mental health

Baba
Diagnosing mental health

Namaskar,

In this present era, we are step-by-step witnessing the spread of various mental disorders etc. This outbreak is most drastic in our so-called first-world nations.

Around the globe, and especially in the materialistic communities, many medical professionals and psychologists are under the impression that all such disorders fall within the realm of brain diseases. Whether one has brain cancer or clinical depression, western medical specialists are treating all mental disorders as brain diseases, using traditional allopathic medicines.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Brain diseases & mental diseases are not the same

In Ananda Marga, however, our approach is different. Baba clearly guides us that within the realm of so-called “mental disorders” there are both (a) brain diseases and (b) psychic diseases. Yet these two problems are worlds apart. According to Baba, brain diseases and psychic diseases are not of the same nature.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Psychic disease and brain disease are not the same thing; they are quite different." (1)

So in His above teaching Baba is clearly differentiating between brain disease and psychic disease. And here below Baba explains how they are different.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Brain disease occurs due to some disorder in a part of the brain, or due to a congenital defect, or perhaps due to hereditary causes which hamper the proper formation of the brain. Mental disease is different. It arises due to a disorder in the objectivated mind." (2)

As per Baba's aforementioned teaching, brain disease means a physical disorder or biological defect in the brain such that the brain is unable to function properly. Some examples of brain disease are strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson's disease, brain cancer, metabolic brain diseases, autism, brain tumors, brain trauma etc. These all come within the scope of brain diseases.

In contrast, psychic diseases comes from a "disorder in the objectivated mind", or defective style of thinking, such as depression, mania, phobia, inferiority complex, hallucination, so called being 'possessed' by certain deities, superiority complex, fear complex, melancholia, schizophrenia, maha'many'ta' (superiority complex) melancholia etc. These are all due to a defective way of thinking.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So by these above examples it is evident that brain diseases and psychic diseases are two clearly different categories. Already it has been explained that brain diseases result from a structural defect or biological problem in the physical brain organ. Whereas mental diseases or psychic disease occur in the mind due to a defective style of thinking. So the root cause of a psychic disease is a defective way of thinking. And if this defective style of thinking persists over time, the brain chemistry is altered. In that state, that initial psychic disease has become both a brain disease and a psychic disease. This happens with long-term cases of depression, inferiority complex, and the psychic disease of hatred etc. But in all these cases, the trigger point was the mind. That is why doctors should provide both types of medicines to treat those patients: medicine for the brain and psychic medicine which is meditation.

You know the brain is a physical organ whereas the mind is not something physical. It is abstract. You can neither see it nor touch it. You can only feel it. Here below we will discuss more how psychic diseases develop.

Simple analogy: How your mind thinks & sees


In the mind, there are two chambers: The objectivated mind and the subjectivated mind. Now, suppose in real life you saw a cat walking in the grass. And then you closed your eyes and you recollected that cat. In that case, one part of the mind creates the image of the cat and another portion of the mind sees that image. So the part of the mind that took the shape of the cat is the objectivated mind, and the part of the mind that is watching that cat is the subjectivated mind.

Everyone has an objectivated mind: It is that chamber or part of the mind which contains one's object of thinking. So the first step is to look at how the objectivated mind works. If someone is thinking about the post office then the post office is in their objectivated mind. And if a frog is thinking about a mosquito then a mosquito is in its objectivated mind. So anyone's object of thinking is what comprises their objectivated mind.

This objectivated mind functions in two ways. Suppose your eyes are open and you see a cat in front of you. Then when you close your eyes and see the cat in your mind, then the picture of the cat in your mental sphere is your objectivated mind. The second way the objectivated mind works is as follows. Let's say you start imagining something that does not exist - like a ghost. That ghost has no basis in reality. In truth, it does not exist. Yet you start thinking that there is a spider monster in the room which has big fangs and twisted feet, and lives in the dark. This is completely imaginary, but when you start thinking of that spider monster then it takes shape in your objectivated mind. And your subjectivated mind is watching that fictitious image of the ghost.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Let’s take it a step further. Suppose you are awake and thinking that there is a spider monster in a dark room then in that awakened state you will rationalise with the help of your conscious mind that it is just a fleeting thought and you will not take it seriously. And you will not be terrified. But if that same thought occurs when you are “sleeping” then at that point the conscious mind is sleeping so without the help of your conscious mind you will think that it is real. You will see the fangs of the spider monster coming towards you. and you will be terrified. That is called a nightmare. The thought which was not so serious in the daytime due to the awakened stage of your conscious mind becomes deadly at night when you are dreaming, because the conscious mind is inactive or “sleeping.”

How mental 'ghost' becomes real 'ghost'


If you are thinking about a ghost in broad daylight when your conscious mind is active, then you will conclude this is just your imagination. Because your conscious mind is active, so you will not be terrified. But in that same awakened stage, if your thinking is strong due to the repeated thought, “There is a ghost, there is a ghost, there is a ghost, there is a ghost, there is a ghost, there is a ghost,” then due to fear, your conscious mind will be stunned and stop functioning. Then that mental ghost will become a real ghost for you. And you will see that with your eyes open. That ghost could order you to do something, and you might end up committing a heinous act. For example, if that ghost orders you to beat your spouse then you will do that. So those diseased people who say they have seen a fake ghost are not liars. They are telling the truth. Because of the repetition of that defective thought, their conscious mind became stunned, and they started visualizing that ghost in broad daylight. Sadly, this is a very serious psychic disease, like schizophrenia. That can also be treated by both brain medicines and sadhana. Just doing one form of treatment is not enough.


Conclusion

How to keep the mind free from psychic disease

For the situation to be remedied, allopathic medical science has to accept the existence of mind and then treat ailments related with the objectivated mind as psychic diseases - not brain diseases. Baba guides us that sadhana alone is the proper treatment for psychic diseases.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Sadguru Baba says, "Most psychic diseases, if not all, grow out of the defective control over the objectivated mind. If one is alert, any trouble can be avoided. Those who regularly practise Iishvara pran'idha'na or dhya'na (meditation) can remain free from these diseases, as their minds will remain in a balanced state. One of the numerous benefits of sa'dhana' is that it keeps the mind free from psychic disease and encourages the natural growth of the mind." (3)

Namaskar,
In His Service,
Shriideva

By ideating on Him we can overcome all defects and become pure and pristine - physically, psychically, and spiritually.

Ananda Marga ideology teaches us, "In Brahma, the Entity who liberates one from all mundane ailments and the cycle of rebirth, lies the total cessation of all afflictions, the freedom from all ailments. He is the only dependable panacea for microcosmic distortions and imperfections; there is none other than Him - Na'nyah pantha' vidyate ayana'ya." (4)


~ In-depth study ~

Cure: role of psychologists & sociologists


   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Psychologists cannot treat the mental diseases which inflict born criminals all alone; the cooperation of physicians and sociologists is essential. Psychologists will diagnose the mental disease and explain its origins, and they will also play a role in helping cure it as far as possible.”
   “Doctors will be responsible for curing the disease through medicine or surgery, insofar as it is caused by physiological abnormalities. Then sociologists will have to arrange for the social rehabilitation of the criminal after he or she has recovered. If psychologists only describe the nature of the disease, or if doctors only diagnose the physiological disorders and nothing more, it will not be possible to accomplish anything productive.” (5)

Both types needed - permanent cure


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “A disease can be mental or can be physical. Similarly, medicine may be mental or may be physical; hence it is most desirable and productive if both kinds of medicine are administered simultaneously in all diseases, whether they are physical or mental. Those who only believe in psychological treatment for mental disease know from experience that such treatment will not permanently cure the disease and the patient will soon relapse. Only where, along with psychological treatment, guidance concerning diet, bathing and behaviour is given, and to normalize the diseased glands of the body medicines prepared from the five fundamental factors are prescribed, can the disease be permanently cured.” (6)

Ego is really a mental ailment


Ananda Marga ideology states, “After having analysed the various types of ahaḿkára and their evil effects, we need to examine the ways and means of getting rid of these defects. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has offered a psychological method to save oneself from the malady of ahaḿkára. Ahaḿkára is really a mental ailment, and a person suffering from this disease requires psychological treatment.” (7)

Cure epilepsy


Ananda Marga philosophy, “Epilepsy arises when a person comes in sudden contact with something or some event completely outside the realm of his or her experience. Through proper counselling, attacks of this disease can be checked and through psychic treatment along with the use of small amounts of medicine the disease can be treated.” (8)

How exorcists expel “ghosts”


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Knowing full well that a person who is possessed by a ghost is suffering from a mental disease and a disease of the nervous system, exorcists generally beat a "possessed" person to reactivate his or her nerves, make him or her inhale the smoke of burnt chillies in order to return him or her to consciousness.” (9)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved Part 7, 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
2. A Few Problems Solved Part 7, 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
3. A Few Problems Solved Part 7, 'Faculty of Knowledge-3'
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 6, The Only Way to Salvation
5. Human Society Part 1, Justice
6. Human Society Part 1, Various Occupations
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Safeguards against the Defects of Jiṋána and Karma
8. Shabda Cayaniká Part 1, Disc: 2
9. Human Society Part 2, The Vipra Age



*        *        *

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 ==

Hide & seek

"Nabiina pra'te ei arun' a'lote..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0019)

Purport:

Baba, with the arrival of the new crimson dawn, You have illumined Yourself in the depths of my mind with the rhythm of forms. 

You know how to make us laugh and weep, and how to play hide-and-seek. You filled my life with Your radiant light. 

You know how to play the lyre, weave endless melodies, and make the world dance in Your tune and song. You know how to love the world with all its pains and pleasures. 

You are so gracious; You are the most loving One...


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Value of AMPS ancestry

Namaskar, 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “With the noise of a bustling wind, people reminisce, “Oh, my grandfather accomplished this great feat… my aunt performed that marvellous work… our surname is Roychoudhury. For we were once great landlords…” Thus people always ruminate over their past and gloat over their ancestors, because they have no glorious present at all – everything is an empty void. When a community thus loses its inner wealth, then it tenaciously clings to the skeleton of its past and says, “I was this, I was that.” But they are unable to say, “I am this, I am that.” ... One must say, “Do not bother about what your ancestors have done. Why can’t you do...”” (1)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Táttvika, ácárya, purodhá and such terms represent one’s individual ability and are not hereditary.” (2)

Note: In His above teachings, Sadguru Baba is guiding us that in our AM way of life there is no scope to stand on the coattails of one’s ancestors. Doing nothing in the present moment and gloating about past glories is not our way. Moreover, in AMPS we do not hand the post from one generation to the next on a hereditary basis. So if one’s father was a family acarya, that same title, post, glory, and respect is not automatically bestowed upon the son or daughter. In our Ananda Marga, everything is earned based on one’s conduct, not one’s birth. 

The various dogmatic religions and racist approaches pass down their titles and supremacy from one generation to the next. Verily, they use the inherently exploitative tactic of one’s birth to suppress and denigrate others. This occurs with so-called whites exploiting so-called blacks, and so-called brahmins exploiting so-called shudras. Casteism and racism are based on this horrific edict ordained by sub-humans. 

Beware of new dogma: AMPS India


Sadly, now this same disease is rearing its ugly head in our AMPS. A few are claiming that, “Since my uncle / great-grandfather / father was a family acarya, then I am of a special birth and fit to rule over AMPS.” And others say, “My family has been in AMPS for generations, and both my grandfather and my father were family acaryas etc, so on that basis I should also be granted a great seat in AMPS.” They think AMPS belongs to them due to their ancestry, and everyone else is a guest. Even though they themselves have not done anything in this life, they feel being the grandson of a family acarya is enough for all of AMPS to fall at their feet. This type of senseless, empty banter is crowding the airwaves on some forums. 

Those who are true Ananda Margiis understand well that in our AM way of life, no positions of power are granted on a hereditary basis. All are the sweet children of Parama Purusa, and one is only able to lead our AM society by their sadhana, service, sacrifice, and dharmic conduct. 

In Him, 
Harideva

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 5, On Festivals
2. Caryacarya Part 1, Táttvika, Ácárya/á, Purodhá and Their Concerned Boards


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Crystal-clear notion of mission

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Human life is a mission; life itself is a mission; one’s very existence is a mission. A’tmamoks’a'rtham’ jagaddhita’ya ca: ‘Whatever one is to do, one is to do for a’tmamoks’a– for their own liberation– and for the elevation of the entire world, elevation of the entire human society’. One is to do both of these things; that is, these two things are one’s mission.” (1)

Note: By Baba’s above teaching it is clear that the AMPS organisation is not the mission. But for certain reasons, some try to misguide or take advantage of the margiis by making them think that AMPS is the mission. But that is not correct. In His above guideline, Sadguru Baba explicitly tells us what is the mission.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 30, The Four Kinds of Service


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Key tip for pracara


Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Even in private life when a person behaves with you badly or uses harsh words, don't behave with him in the same manner. You shall explain to him his duties gently. In case, anyone has a wrong impression, you shall show him the right path without scolding (abusing) him. Make it clear to him if possible with practical demonstration how harmful may be the effect of such habits. But always keep this in mind that in such cases your behavior must be like that of a friend, and never like that of an instructor. Your only object will be to get your advice accepted by him. The idea that he is fool and you are wise is not desirable in any party." (1)

Note: In His above teaching Baba is outlining an important pracar technique. Specifically, when speaking with non-margiis, we should talk with them in a soft and gentle manner, using a friendly, supportive tone. By this way they will gradually learn Ananda Marga ideals. Baba also addressed non-margiis in this manner. And then with more established sadhakas - i.e. experience Ananda Margiis - Baba was more firm to best enhance their progress. 

References
1. Ta'ttvika Diipika': Dvitiiya Parva


== Section: Important Teaching ==


Find out what is needed to make a flower garland


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Not only the gods are fond of the fragrance of flowers; devotees also want to string garlands for their beloved Iśt́a with the fragrant flowers of the devotion of their hearts. If a flower has no fragrance, it has no value for a devotee. One should remember that the fragrance of a flower and the tender sweetness of a devotional heart together make a perfect combination. What does the perfume of the flower represent? The worldly activity which a devotee does with a heart filled with love is the perfume of the flower, and the overflowing devotion for one's Iśt́a is the tender sweetness in the devotee's heart. With these two together, the devotee makes a garland. Now, if there are fragrant flowers, but there is no sweetness in the devotee's heart, then the devotee cannot make a garland for his or her Iśt́a – then there is no question of garlanding Him at all, and though the flower basket may be full of flowers, they wither with the pain of emptiness and the agony of unfulfilled yearning. Then if the Beloved does not accept the garland, what is the use of holding the basket full of flowers." (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva in the Light of Philosophy


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Analogy of string instrument and human life


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The common people, let alone the master artists, know that sound is not emitted if the strings are loosened too much and the soft and delicate strings snap if they are tightened too much. Human life is also like this. If one practises too much austerity (in some cases, if one makes a parade of austerity), tender human sensitivities snap and break into smithereens’ the soft, delicate parts of the mind get charred and petrified. On the other hand, if life is made akin to a loose string, the nobler yearnings of life will never be fulfilled. In other words, that kind of life degenerates into the life of an animal characterized only by bathing, eating and sleeping. Hence one must never allow the string of life to be loose. But also the string of life should not be left to snap due to excessive strain. The ideal course of life is neither left-oriented nor right-oriented. This kind of life will be conspicuous by the absence of strife, mayhem or horror of the leftists and of toleration of injustices by the rightists in their loose, careless and sloppy life. It is this ideal course that will usher in a life worth yearning for a super-human existence, divinely exquisite and shining brightly on the banner of gold.” (1)

Reference:
(1) Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, Invention of Various Musical Instruments


== Section 4: Links ==



Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Two options for depressed people + 3 more

Baba

Two options for depressed people

Namaskar,

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

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


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

Unfortunately, in this materialistic era, people fail to direct their minds toward the spiritual realm and instead indulge in materialistic allurements. The chief issue is that people have a developed mind which gets misused and becomes overwrought with fear, worry, anxiety, stress, and all kinds of psychic machinations including depression. Naturally, sadhana clears the mind of all those psychic diseases and ailments. But when one leads a life devoid of sadhana, as is the case in materialism, then people turn towards various degrading tendencies and “fixes” to temporarily alleviate themselves of their psychic burdens. This leads to substance abuse, intoxication, addiction, and animalistic pursuits etc. That brings about their ruination. So that is the dilemma that is rampant throughout any materialistic society. Humans have a developed mind with infinite longing, but instead of basking in the brilliance of that mind by goading it towards the Supreme, they suffer from the psychic complexities of their developed mind. At that point, human life becomes a curse.
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For instance, humans are fearful about the uncertainty of the future, or worried about mistakes they made in the past, or concerned about their own mortality. In addition, with the advancement of science, life has become so much faster and more complex whereby the mind is overrun with problems and difficulties, both real and perceived. Verily, there are countless everyday and existential issues that haunt the human mind. All of which can be resolved through spirituality, but when one is submerged in a materialistic flow of life, then that higher functioning of mind is obscured. And one is left to wallow in those lower propensities, desires, and worries.

Ignorance of animality or bliss of spirituality


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

In Him,
Dhrtiishvara

~ In-depth study ~

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

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

References

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


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Your unbounded kindness

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

Purport: 

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

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

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


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Association with Him

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

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

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



== Section: Important Teaching ==

Water crisis: deep well irrigation

Namaskar, 

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




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

Due to a lack of proper knowledge, serious problems are cropping up around the globe. Our duty is to follow Baba’s guidelines and educate others. To overlook the problem is cataclysmic.
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Deep well irrigation creates desert

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

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

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

Ananda Marga philosophy states:

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

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


And eventually becomes infertile


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

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

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

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

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

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


Situation of California and other areas

When all the trees of an area are chopped down, then rain clouds stop forming in that area. With the reduction and ultimately elimination of rain, the whole area turns into a desert. That is what has happened in southern Rajasthan (India). 
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Another pathway towards desertification occurs when deep well irrigation is not banned. Because these deep wells lower the level of the water table. In turn, trees suffer from a lack of water and begin to die. As the trees are wiped out, less rain clouds are drawn to the region. This vicious cycle escalates: Less rain -> deeper and deeper wells are dug -> due to lack of rain dust forms and ultimately the entire region becomes a desert. Overall deep well irrigation also causes the soil to be more saline (salty). 

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

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


Many of the locals have been forced to sell their rangelands

~ Courtesy of Live Science ~

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


Conclusion


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

Namaskar, 
in Him, 
Manas Ranjan

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


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Special elements of our DC chant

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

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Saḿgacchadhvaḿ


== Section 4: Links ==

SUBJECTS TOPICS