Irrational norm in society + 5 more

Baba

Irrational norm in society

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If someone moves along the path of sentiment instead of the path of rationality, there is a hundred percent probability of great danger. Those who move along the path of sentiment do not discriminate between the proper and the improper, but merely silently accept all superstitions surrounding the goal towards which they have been running. Even the least question regarding propriety or impropriety does not arise in their minds, because they are moving along the path of sentiment." (1)

Double-standard in attire

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "We may call those human acts and behaviour civilized that give evidence of this discriminative judgement, in a great measure." (2)

These days if one gender enters an official public building like a government office, then they are allowed to wear clothing that puts them in compromised positions, both on the upper and middle portions of their body. It may be that when they wear a sleeveless dress or a skirt, whereby their underwear and / or undergarment is showing when they sit or stand in a particular way. Or, when they have a lower-than-usual neckline, then aspects of their xxxxx are visible when they lean this way or that. It has become common for their arms, and even armpit, to be completely bare for show. With this gender, it is fully accepted, and even encouraged and applauded to wear such attire.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In stark contrast, if the other gender enters those same offices with a sleeveless shirt, their armpits exposed, or part of their underwear showing, then they will be ostracized, and may even be arrested and put in jail for indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. Such is the stark double-standard that exists across gender with regards to dress. That is not rational. The rational approach is that one's dress in public spaces and official places should reflect a sense of decency and dignity—irrespective of one's gender.

Again, let me emphasize that here we are not talking about how one dresses while walking casually down the street, or in their own backyard, or in the swimming pool; but, rather, this is about how one presents oneself in important meetings, formal and official settings, in big political meetings, high status offices, and even on serious news broadcasts via TV and internet. In these venues, there is a wide gap of acceptable dress between genders.

Unfortunately, the general populace is not rational and that is why such dichotomies are going on. If they had been rational the situation would have been different.

One should follow the path of rationality, not sentiment

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In the case of developed animals, sentiment exceeds inborn instinct. And more-developed beings, such as human beings, possess sentiment and rationality and the faculty of discrimination as well." (3)

Overall message

In day to day life, many incidents happen and numerous decisions are made based on sentiment / emotional manner. That approach is not at all laudable. Rather, it is an open invitation for inequality and dogma. In contrast, if we apply our sense of rationality then we can make heaven come on this earth.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
Surrender to Baba,
Liila
 
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "To counteract the malevolent effect of dogma-centred philosophies, the two most important factors are the development of rationality and the spread of education. Merely attending school and university classes will not necessarily have the desired effect. Stress should be placed on education which produces a high degree of rationality in the human mind, and this type of education should be spread amongst the people." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "What is required now is the elevation of human existence, the elevation of human mind and human spirit. We require no dogma – we require more reasoning, more rationality – rationality moving unto the terminus of Parama Puruśa; the Supreme Desideratum is that Universal Nave." (5)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "As a human being, what should one do? One should follow the path of rationality. Rationality is a treasure of humanity which no animal possesses. And those who possess the inner asset of devotion within their hearts and follow the path of rationality in dealing with the external world, must be victorious. They alone can accomplish worthy deeds in this world." (6)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The speciality of human beings is rationality." (7)

Emotion is blind force & dangerous

Here Baba says that sentiment is not good.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "When it [the mind] does not follow a particular method, when it moves haphazardly, swept away by whim, it is called “emotion”." (8) 

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Sentimentality based on rationality is the strongest force in the universe. And sentimentality without rationality takes the form of, or rather the distortion of, dogma." (9)

Ananda Marga philosophy states about supporting communal ideas: "Those who are motivated by sentiment may earn temporary applause, but ultimately people realize, “No, they committed a mistake, they did not follow the path of rationality. They themselves were caught in the current of sentiment, and they drifted the society also in that current. As a result society has been destroyed." (10)

Here below Baba is teaching that rationality is needed—not sentiment.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Dogma is fast being replaced by rationality and reason. Human beings with their developed brains, developed nerve systems and developed nerve-cells started thinking that we are not to do something for a particular tribe or a particular clan or a particular nationality; we are to do whatever we are to do, whatever we must do, for the entire humanity of the Cosmos." (11)

References
1. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Geo-Sentiment
2. A Few Problems Solved - 6, Civilization, Science and Spiritual Progress
3. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Geo-Sentiment
4. Prout in a Nutshell Part 18, The Excellence of God-Centred Philosophy
5. A Few Problems Solved Part 5, Humanity Is at the Threshold of a New Era
6. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Geo-Sentiment
7. A Few Problems Solved Part 4, Plants, Animals and Human Beings
8. Yoga Psychology, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order
9. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 12, The Noumenal Cause and the Personal God
10. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Geo-Sentiment
11. A Few Problems Solved Part 5, Humanity Is at the Threshold of a New Era

*        *        *

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 ==

About sleep: key points

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Those who do a lot of mental labour combined with a little physical labour, also fall asleep immediately upon going to bed, due to the tiredness of their nerve cells. But those who perform some mental labour, but proportionately less labour of the nerve fibres [that is, physical labour], suffer from insomnia. They use various types of drugs and injections to induce sleep by forcing the nerve cells and nerve fibres to stop functioning. So it can be imagined how dangerous and harmful is the effect of those drugs and injections.”

“Getting the amount of sleep necessary to maintain physical and mental health should not be criticized. But as with any of the four vrttis, if sleep is encouraged, people can spend twenty-three out of the twenty-four hours of their day in sleep. This kind of sleep is as bad as death. Human beings have come onto this earth to do some work. Now if they spend most of their time in sleep, when will they work? If a major portion of life is spent only in sleep, is that not another name for death?”

“Human beings want to emerge from the dark chasms of sleep and death into the world of light – golden flashes of light piercing the heart of darkness. That golden light is a dynamic and spirited life, which people can enjoy only in the waking state.” (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 16

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Brain drain solution

Prout philosophy guides us, "If the common people and the meritorious people are treated as the same, the capable people will not be encouraged to develop their higher potentiality. This is the reason why the brain drain is happening in India. When talented people leave India, they leave it for good. Providing special amenities for those with special capabilities will stop the brain drain."

"PROUT's approach is to guarantee the minimum requirements for all, guarantee maximum amenities for all and guarantee special amenities for people with special capabilities. This approach will ensure ever increasing acceleration in the socio-economic sphere. The question of retardation does not arise; even the question of maintaining speed does not arise. There must be acceleration."

"Acceleration is the spirit of life, the spirit of existence, the spirit of the existential faculty. One may not be a genius, one may simply be a member of the ordinary public, and not properly accepted or respected by all, but even then one will get the minimum requirements and maximum amenities in an ever increasing manner according to the environmental conditions concerned, according to the demands of the day."

"So what is the significance of this new approach?"
"1) Minimum requirements are to be guaranteed to all."
"2) Special amenities are to be guaranteed to capable people. Special amenities are for people of special calibre as per the environmental condition of the particular age." (1)

Reference
1. Prout Nutshell - 17, Minimum Requirements and Maximum Amenities

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Exploiters always purchase messengers

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Powerful people have exploited sáhityikas [writers/ speakers/ artists] in various ways, taking advantage of their indigence. This has been going on since ancient times. In those days even kings and emperors encouraged court poets, giving them gifts of tax-free properties, and in that way bought their head and their hands. Talented sáhityikas or artists frequently had to do uncongenial jobs under circumstantial pressure for the amusement of their patrons. To satisfy the whims of their licentious patrons, they had to compose obscene poems and sculpt obscene statues and images. To make their patrons’ enemies look contemptible, they had to besmirch their names with scandals and calumnies. To extol the dress, colour, family, caste, class and ancestry of their patrons, they had to resort to lies and fraud and cite the revelations of the gods as substantiation. The same condition has continued even today. With very few exceptions, most sáhityikas belong to the lower stratum of society. In spite of their desire to work independently, most of them have pawned themselves, from the grey matter of their brains to the very tips of their fingers, to particular people and organizations. Even those who appear from their writings to be bold and spirited, have, under circumstantial pressure, become the playthings of political parties.” (1)

Note: In His above teaching, Baba is pointing out how throughout history those in powerful positions have exploited and purchased writers, intellectuals, and artisans etc. Due to the pressure of circumstance, those writers and artists had to use their talents to promote the agenda and glories of those in power. Sadly, nowadays, we see a similar trend in our AMPS. Those at the top force the hand of good Wts whereby those good Wts are coerced to publicly praise certain top Wts who are steeped in sin. By this way, those good Wts became agents to cover up the nefarious dealing of their bosses / in-charges etc. 

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

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to fix faults of our purodhas 

Here is an English summary of Baba’s original Hindi teaching: 

Suppose, in the past, your forefathers made some mistakes. Should we then think, "Our ancestors did this, so how can we not do this as well?" This type of mentality is dogmatic. Now, "Since our forefathers have made these errors, so we will also do those same wrongs," what type of argument is this? If our forefathers have done wrong then we should also commit those same mistakes?

If you have real 'shraddha' (reverence) for your forefathers then the errors done by them must be corrected immediately. When people realize any error, should it not be corrected? So, as soon as the wrongs done by the forefathers are rectified, the more shraddha is bestowed upon them. The only way to pay shraddha (homage) to one’s forefathers is to rectify their errors. In so doing, we pay their debt; we pay the "pitra rin". Is this not real shraddha?

Therefore the mentality,  "As these acts have been done by my forefathers or the people of past, so we will also do these things",  is termed as dogma.

Dogma: "पूर्वज जो किए थे हम भी करते रहेंगे”

Ananda Marga ideology states, "भावजड़ता | …...बङ्गला में कहेंगे भावजड़ता |" (1)

Note: Our ancestors who invented and inculcated the mahaprayan program did wrong. Those ancestors committed sin by inserting the dogmatic mahaprayan divas appendix into Caryacarya part 1. Per Sadguru's above teaching, it is our duty to correct the wrongs committed by purodha board members from that era. They made a horrific blunder and the only way to pay respect to such avadhutas is to rectify their wrongdoing by eradicating the mahaprayan divas program and removing it from Caryacarya - 1. That will be true service to those dogmatic purodha ancestors.

Discard harmful traditions 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Pseudo-spirituality cannot help us in our free thinking either, for our thinking is badly affected by dogma. When a human being sits alone and thinks, if the person thinks for the collective interest, then such thoughts are proper; but usually people do not think in this way. Usually they lament over the worn-out skeletons of the past. “This was done by, this was imposed by, our forefathers – when our forefathers have said this, why should I break with the old traditions? It was written in this way in the scriptures; and moreover if I follow these old conventions and traditions, what is the harm?” These types of dogmatic and dogma-ic thoughts will naturally stifle the free flow of human thought. And that is why whenever there is dogma, human thinking cannot be free; and for want of, for paucity of, free thinking, there cannot be any proper psycho-spiritual progress either. So here what we want is perfect spirituality and not pseudo-spirituality. Pseudo-spirituality cannot promote the cause of human welfare; the seed of welfare does not lie there. The seed of welfare cannot exist where the seed of dogma exists.” (2)

References
1. NP, MGD 1 Jan 1984 Ananda Nagar
2. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Pseudo-Spirituality and Neohumanism

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Práńáyáma: fake vs dharmic

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

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

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

“Question: What is the spirit of práńáyáma?”

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

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

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

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

== Section 3: Links ==

Upcoming pseudo-culture event: 01 April 

Degrading tradition: April Fools’ Day 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/03/why-pranks-should-always-be-condemned-3.html

Postings to Read

Prout on education & crime

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/04/widespread-violence-remedy.html

Prout's strategy to avert ecological catastrophes

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/06/how-to-stop-man-made-disasters-2-more.html

Science of essential AM practice

• https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/12/asana-longevity-all-around-health.html

Prakrti’s control + 5 more

Baba

Prakrti’s control

Namaskar,

All the animals are bound. They are pre-programmed by prakrti (cosmic operative principle). An animal does not think or decide anything on their own. They are dominated by various propensities and instincts, and accordingly they do certain actions. They eat, sleep, run from enemies, procreate, and hibernate etc. Whatever they do, the totality of their actions is governed by the laws of prakrti. Verily, they are slaves of prakrti.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

How living beings are bound: slaves & robots of prakrti

Think of it this way. An animal is just like a robot with a different software - and accordingly they act. What is quite shocking to consider, however, is that humans are in a very similar situation as those animals. People are tightly bound by prakrti and act according to their various vrttis. People mistakenly think that they like this or that - or are free to act etc - but actually their so-called liking is just the activation of their vrttis - nothing more. Seeing the scene of how people are utterly bound without realising it, it can all seem quite bleak.

Humans are blessed by Parama Purusa with the faculty of vivek. And by using this faculty of rationality, one can become divine, by His grace. Unfortunately, the mass of people completely overlook their sense of vivek, and instead run from one desire to the next. Their life becomes just a web of engagements determined by their various vrttis. Essentially theirs is little different from animal life. Verily, they are also slaves of prakrti.

Watch out guided by prakrti or viveka

So see the drama how prakrti - the cosmic operative principle - has everything under her control. Nobody is doing anything that she has not programmed them to do. It is therefore very important to be 100% alert. One should consider whether they are doing as per their vrttis or per their vivek. A sadhaka should be keen to ensure they are living the life of a human and progressing towards divinity, and not just reverting back towards animality - i.e. compulsively acting on their vrttis.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When people are dominated by a particular vrtti - like running after the opposite sex, greed, vanity etc - then that person has completely forgotten who they really are. Running after that vrtti is not the expression of their true self. They think it is, but it is not. That is just the result of being controlled by the cosmic operative principle. By surveying the scene, it all seems quite hopeless as prakrti has such a tight grip upon all.

What is the way out

However, as noted above, there is that ray of hope - i.e. that sense of vivek that is instilled within every person. As one recognises and acts according to their rational faculty they slowly free themselves from prakrti - although no human can free themselves completely and gain liberation by their own efforts. So the secret is to always remember that when you use your vivek and take a tiny step forward on the path of spirituality, then Parama Purusa graciously takes very large steps towards you - or rather He lovingly pulls and draws you towards Him. That is the speciality of His liila.

It is no different from how parents watch and help their infant reach them when that baby is taking its first steps. Always the parents help. And same is the case with Parama Purusa. Those who utilise their vivek and aim to move towards Him will receive His immense grace. And actually Parama Purusa wants people to try. So one should sit in sadhana and put forth effort and engage in all kinds of dharmic life practices as per Sixteen Points. Seeing your sincere effort, He will draw you near. That is the special way for gaining His grace and attaining Him.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Even if it seems like nothing is happening in sadhana, it is important to sit and repeat your Ista mantra. That is all one can do. And the rest is up to Him. And by seeing Your efforts He will certainly be gracious. One should never lose hope or revert to habits of old. Always one should make constant efforts to advance. Then success is sure - by His fathomless grace.

Leave for other allurements

Sadly, we see this even with some who become Wts in Ananda Marga. Due to their good samskara, vivek, and Guru’s grace they come onto the path, and then in some cases they leave for other allurements, completely driven by various propensities. And not just Wts, this can happen to any aspirant. So vigilance is needed. As sadhakas it is extremely important to consider how we conduct ourselves in this world and understand how this creation is operating.


Conclusion

So beware - by not putting forth any effort then He cannot help you. There are millions of jiivas who are not making any efforts towards their emancipation. And if Parama Purusa helps some but not others that would be partiality. But He is never partial. Always He is just and fair to all. That means He only helps those who move towards Him, and all the rest who are doing nothing remain completely bound and programmed by prakrti.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So one should use their vivek and ensure they are moving forward on the dharmic path - then one is sure to escape the clutches and programming of prakrti, and attain Him, by His grace.

at His feet,
Candrashekar

~ In-depth study ~

When a child falls into the gutter

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Indeed, the relationship between Parama Puruśa and other jiivas is that of a father and his children. When a child falls into the gutter people may laugh, poke fun, or even humiliate him or her. The child’s father, however, will not behave in such a way. He will rush over, lift the child out of the gutter and give it a good wash. This is his duty as a father.” (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “And what is the nature of sin? Suppose again that a child is walking on the road. Suddenly it falls into the gutter. Naturally its arms and legs will be covered with mud. Will the father despise his child in this condition? Other people on the road may be repelled. But what will the father do? He will immediately pull his child out of the drain, wash its arms, legs, and body, take it on his lap, and try to console it: “What makes you cry, my child! Everything is okay now. You are all clean now. I’ll dry you off with a towel.” The position of those branded by society as sinners is like this.” (2)

Gives with right hand & takes away with left
 
Ananda Marga ideology states, “A mother tries to coax and cajole her crying son, and offers him some toys to divert his attention, so that she can work in the kitchen. The child stops crying and forgets his mother for the time being. But if he is a bit naughty, he will again resume his effort to reach the breast of his mother. He will throw away the toys and cry for Mother only. And the mother ultimately has to come and take the child on her lap. A devoted sádhaka is like this child. He or she will say, “O Father, this world that I see all around is a plethora of toys. This world took its birth at a certain time, so it will also come to an end at some time or other. This world has not been given permanently to anybody.” If God is asked whether He has given this world-toy to anybody forever, He will not be able to answer, for He does not give things forever. He gives with the right hand and takes away with the left.” (3)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Taking Refuge Is the Final Word
2. Discourses On Krsna & the Giita, “Mucyate Bhavabandhanát”
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Niiti & Dharma

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Fix your NSS book

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “There must also be a fourth factor, darshana pravaktá, that is, a propounder who will train the people in philosophy, for the philosophical treatises may be wrongly interpreted. For instance, it was written, Vidhavá agre gamiśyati [“A widow should go (die) before (her husband)”]. But later, due to a defective interpretation, this was misread as Vidhavá agne gamiśyati [“A widow should go into the fire”].” (1)

Note: While reading yellow highlighted words above, a question arises: The editors have added their own translation of a Sam'skrta sentence Baba gave. 

The editors' translation is: “[A widow should go (die) before (her husband].” 

Now, when we call anyone a widow, it means that her husband is already dead. And when her husband is already dead, how can that widow possibly die before her husband? She cannot; it is impossible. 

Now fix your edition of the Namah Shivaya Shantaya book by deleting this line which is in the square brackets ⇒ [“A widow should go (die) before (her husband)”]

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva's Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 14)

== Section 3: Prabhat Samgiita ==

You wiped out my crudity

"Áshár áloke ele bháśár atiita tumi,ámár duhkha klesh bhúláite..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1754)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, You are the embodiment and illumination of hope, inspiration, and bliss and have come to remove all my afflictions. Language is wholly incapable of expressing Your greatness. In this poignant hour, You have come to relieve me of all my agonies and sufferings in a flash, and wipe away my tears. In the blink of an eye, You eradicated countless sinful and crude thoughts that had accumulated in my mind since ages. It is Your krpa’. 

Baba, nobody except You is mine - to whom else can I share my pain of my core. You are the only Entity in this universe who is my own, with whom I can open my heart and show everything. Besides You there is no one else in this entire cosmos - within these three worlds, tribhuvan, with whom I can tell my inner feelings. You are my nearest.

Parama Purusa, You are the nucleus of all refulgence. Please grace me and sing the song of divinity in my ears. Kindly come to me. I have prepared one freshly blossomed flower garland for You which is full of fragrance. And I am waiting for that auspicious moment when You will come. Then in a lonely place I will offer that mala to You. Baba, You are my all. With Your gracious arrival, all my sufferings have disappeared because I have gotten You. This is exclusively Your mercy…

== Section: Important Teaching ==

When democracy becomes a mockery

   Prout philosophy states, “The fact that voters without political consciousness weaken the governmental machinery cannot be denied. In the interests of the general public, it is desirable that uneducated and less-educated people do not have the right to vote.”
   “Democracy is a mockery in a country of uneducated people. In such a country cunning, fraudulent persons very easily secure or purchase the votes of illiterate people. Moreover, the general public in such a country is easily misled by the propagation of casteism or communalism.”
   Prout philosophy states, “The success of democracy depends upon educated, sensible voters. Hence, in a democratic country, the spread of education is of the highest priority. For the convenience of the general public, the educational system must be free of cost. No overbearing government pressure should be exerted on the educational system, otherwise the party in power will continue to propagate its ideas through the medium of education.” (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #33

== Section: Hindi Quote ==

उस इच्छा की कभी 

"साधना करना हर इनसान के लिए फ़र्ज़ है । यह परमपुरुष की इच्छा है । और मनुष्य का काम क्या है ? परमपुरुष की इच्छा के अनुसार काम करना । मनुष्य अगर अपनी इच्छा के अनुसार कोई काम करें और उस इच्छा में परमपुरुष का समर्थन न हो, तो उस इच्छा की कभी पूर्ति नहीं होती है ।" (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam (Pure), Part 39, chapter 2, ब्रह्मचक्र और कृपा वर्षा

== Section: Prout ==

Only recipe for unity: adoption of Cosmic ideology

Prout philosophy states, "Unity and benevolent intellect lead human beings towards supreme fulfilment. Reading voluminous treatises on philosophy will be of no use in awakening this benevolent intellect. For this, one will have to sincerely follow Yama and Niyama in individual life. To establish unity, the society will have to select an ideology which remains unassailed by any spatial, temporal or personal differences. That is why only Cosmic ideology will have to be adopted as the polestar of life." (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #37

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

How to make great Prout family

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/is-samaj-kind-of-groupism-3-more.html

Rampant ills of selfishness

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/05/selfishness-kills-oneself.html

AM lifestyle saves money

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/10/how-to-save-money-3-more.html

How to face controversy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/02/loose-or-strict-3-more.html

Defect of sentiment: practical display + 4 more

Baba

Defect of sentiment: practical display

Namaskar,

Humans are basically dominated by emotion and they do imbalanced things - without using their capacity of logic and reasoning. Yet this tendency toward sentimentality does not bring greatness. There are distinct defects in the path of sentiment. According to Ananda Marga philosophy, humans should be rational; the intellect should be guided by rationality. Please read the following life examples bearing in mind the stark difference between sentiment and rationality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Protecting unborns in womb, but ignoring them after birth

(A) In the US, "right-to-life" activists are against abortion - they do not want the living baby killed in the womb. That is to be appreciated. Yet those same activists do not want to care for the baby once it is born. If that child is born into a financially poor or needy family, those activists overlook the welfare of the baby. They 100% oppose programs which aim to care for and develop the child. They show no concern if the child receives the minimum requirements of life: Food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education. Rather they blame that innocent babe for being born unto a financially poor family; they are willing to let that child suffer. Such is their emotional slant on the issue. Caring for the baby while in the womb is admirable, but it is irrational to wholly disregard the needs of that child once it is born. The rational approach is to care for the babe from the time of conception up through its formative years.

Unfortunately, the general populace is prone to the path of sentiment, not rationality; that is why this type of dichotomy is going on. That is why they do imbalanced and mindless things. If they had been rational the situation would have been different.
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Harming unborns in womb, but not young babes

(B) Then there is another contingency that is "pro-choice" (USA) that favours abortions; they feel it is ok to destroy that living baby while it is in the womb. Yet once that baby is born, those same activists are keenly aware to watch for the welfare and well-being of that child by passing legislation to make schools better and help needy families etc. They aim to ensure that every child has the basic necessities and minimum requirements of life: Food, clothing, shelter, medical care and education. Plus, if the child is abused by its parents, steps will be taken to put the parents in jail etc. Yet if that same child is still in the womb, they fully support a person's choice to destroy that innocent babe. Such is their emotional manner and sentimentality. The rational approach is to properly care for and respect the life of all living babies, whether they be in the womb or delivered.

Unfortunately, the general populace is not rational and that is why so many dichotomies manifest in society. That is why they do imbalanced and mindless things. If they had been rational the situation would have been different.
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Sacrificing animals to “please” mother goddess

(C) In India, worshipers of various deviis (deities) sacrifice goats and other animals in order to please their divine mother goddess - jagatjananii (mother of the world). Due to their emotional manner, such worshipers fail to realise that their chosen deity is also the divine mother of those sacrificed animals. Which mother will be happy seeing her sons and daughters slaughtered and killed in this way? Answer: No mother. No mother will take delight in watching her progeny be destroyed. But those devii worshipers think they are pleasing their mother goddess by such animal sacrifices. Because of their emotional approach, these worshipers cannot put these two points together. Due to their sentimentality, they cannot understand that the divine mother will not be pleased by sacrificial offerings. The rational approach then is not to indulge in animal sacrifice.

Unfortunately, the general populace is not rational and that is why this dichotomy is occurring. That is why they do imbalanced and mindless things. If they had been rational the situation would have been different.
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Putting pets to “sleep”, but not grandfather

(D) In many so-called advanced countries around the world euthanasia is illegal. If an elderly person is suffering from a lot of pain or if someone is diagnosed from a terminal illness and they want to die, it is against the law to put that person to death by injection or other means. That is rational. However, when that same family's cat or dog is old and sick, then they will put that pet "to sleep." They will intentionally end the life of that pet. That is treated as humane, but if they would do the same thing with their grandfather, then it would be thought of as ghastly or criminal and they would go to jail. All beings should be given the honour and right to live the natural course of their life. That is rational.

Unfortunately, the general populace is not rational and that is why all these dichotomies are going on. That is why they do imbalanced and mindless things. If they had been rational the situation would have been different.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Neutering is barbarous

(E) Some give the reasoning that due to population control they are neutering dogs and cats but for same population control they don't neuter their own family members. Neutering destroys the personality so that should not be done. Rather they can use meds or other means of birth control.  By neutering they are fully destroying the reproductive glands, and the animal can never fully bloom nor realise its true potential or dharma. It is not a real dog or cat, just a eunuch. The personality is not developed. Neutering also leads to various health hazards such as bone cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, hypothyroidism, urinary tract infections, and premature death etc. Such persons do not think to neuter themselves or their loved ones, only their pets. So it is not rational to hinder and jeopardise the health of their pets in this way. But with their own emotional manner, they neuter their pets.

Unfortunately, the general populace is not rational and that is why this dichotomy is occurring. That is why they do imbalanced and mindless things. If they had been rational the situation would have been different.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, "In the past many slaves were converted into eunuchs – known as khojas in Persian. If the ovaries of a female or the testes of a male are dissociated from the body, the person will become a eunuch. In a male, if the testes are separated from the body, there will be physical and psychological changes. The man will not die but he will lose the sense of dutifulness and responsibility. All the qualities associated with the testes, such as the sense of dutifulness and responsibility, will be wanting. A eunuch will not be able to grow any pubic hair or the pubic hairs will be few. Should the testes be cut off and a man made into a eunuch? Can it be considered civilized? In some countries men were changed into eunuchs, and as they did not have any sex feeling, they were posted as security guards in the harems of the rulers. This is a barbarous system and goes against fundamental human rights. It is extremely bad." (1)


Conclusion

In day to day life, people engage in countless life choices based on sentiment and emotion alone, not rationality. This is not beneficial, rather harmful. It breeds double-standards, inequalities, and dogmas. It is only through the path of rationality that we can establish neo-humanistic values in our universal human society.
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Ananda Marga philosophy says, "If someone moves along the path of sentiment instead of the path of rationality, there is a hundred percent probability of great danger. Those who move along the path of sentiment do not discriminate between the proper and the improper, but merely silently accept all superstitions surrounding the goal towards which they have been running. Even the least question regarding propriety or impropriety does not arise in their minds, because they are moving along the path of sentiment." (2)

Namaskar,
at His lotus feet,
Satyaki

~ In-depth study ~

Sentimentality without rationality is dogma

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When it [the mind] does not follow a particular method, when it moves haphazardly, swept away by whim, it is called “emotion”." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Sentimentality based on rationality is the strongest force in the universe. And sentimentality without rationality takes the form of, or rather the distortion of, dogma." (4)

About supporting communal ideas: "Those who are motivated by sentiment may earn temporary applause, but ultimately people realize, “No, they committed a mistake, they did not follow the path of rationality. They themselves were caught in the current of sentiment, and they drifted the society also in that current. As a result society has been destroyed." (5)

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us,  "Dogma is fast being replaced by rationality and reason. Human beings with their developed brains, developed nerve systems and developed nerve-cells started thinking that we are not to do something for a particular tribe or a particular clan or a particular nationality; we are to do whatever we are to do, whatever we must do, for the entire humanity of the Cosmos." (6)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "As a human being, what should one do? One should follow the path of rationality. Rationality is a treasure of humanity that no animal possesses. And those who possess the inner asset of devotion within their hearts and follow the path of rationality in dealing with the external world, must be victorious. They alone can accomplish worthy deeds in this world." (7)


AM teachings on sentiment & rationality

Ananda Marga philosophy states,  "In the case of developed animals, sentiment exceeds inborn instinct. And more-developed beings, such as human beings, possess sentiment and rationality and the faculty of discrimination as well." (8)

Before the division of India: "The policy was divide and rule. One party said “Jai Hind” and another party said “Takasime Hind.” One party said “Victory to India;” another party said “Divide India.” These were the slogans of the time. It was not a healthy atmosphere. This sentiment was not even geo-sentiment. It was based on emotion and mean selfishness." (9)

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "To counteract the malevolent effect of dogma-centred philosophies, the two most important factors are the development of rationality and the spread of education. Merely attending school and university classes will not necessarily have the desired effect. Stress should be placed on education which produces a high degree of rationality in the human mind, and this type of education should be spread amongst the people." (10)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "What is required now is the elevation of human existence, the elevation of human mind and human spirit. We require no dogma – we require more reasoning, more rationality – rationality moving unto the terminus of Parama Puruśa; the Supreme Desideratum is that Universal Nave." (11)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "As a human being, what should one do? One should follow the path of rationality. Rationality is a treasure of humanity which no animal possesses. And those who possess the inner asset of devotion within their hearts and follow the path of rationality in dealing with the external world, must be victorious. They alone can accomplish worthy deeds in this world." (12)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The speciality of human beings is rationality." (13)

References
1. Yoga Psychology, Bio-Psychology
2. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Geo-Sentiment (Discourse 3)
3. Yoga Psychology, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order
4. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 12, The Noumenal Cause and the Personal God
5. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Geo-Sentiment (Discourse 3)
6. A Few Problems Solved Part 5, Humanity Is at the Threshold of a New Era
7. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism,  Geo-Sentiment (Discourse 3)
8. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism Geo-Sentiment (Discourse 3)
9. Prout in a Nutshell Part 18, The Dangers of Communalism
10. Prout in a Nutshell Part 18, The Excellence of God-Centred Philosophy
11. A Few Problems Solved Part 5, Humanity Is at the Threshold of a New Era
12. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Geo-Sentiment (Discourse 3)
13. A Few Problems Solved - 4, Few Plants, Animals and Human Beings

*        *        *

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 ==

Kindly take Your seat

"Tumi bha'lo ba'so yadi, eso..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0792)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You say that You love me, but if You do love me then please come to me. Bestow me with Your darshan. Do not keep me away. If You judge me by my virtue and vice, my merit or demerit, then You will discover the sad truth that I only possess negative traits. It is painful to admit that I do not have even a few good qualities, nor any virtues in my life. Without considering my good or bad actions, shower me with Your causeless grace, Most Merciful One.

O’ Parama Purusa, the garden of my life is filled with thorns. There is not a single flower; but, there are innumerable buds. With Your arrival, they will surely bloom. Kindly take Your seat on those blossoms and beautify those newly blossomed lotus flowers by using them if You wish.

O’ Parama Purusa, I do not have a sonorous voice nor do I have bhakti in my core. Due to the lack of a melodious call, I cannot sing in such a spiritually loving way and float the pollen of my heart on the crest of the gentle breeze. When I get Your spiritual touch, my whole existence will be vibrated with bhakti. Come to me with the fragrant, sweet melody, and bless me with Your exquisite smile. Baba, without evaluating my virtue and vice, shower Your krpa on me…

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Key distinction: fake vs real bhakta

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

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

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The True Devotee

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Key distinction: fake vs real bhakta

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

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

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The True Devotee

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to benefit from enemy

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "It is said that there is a particular species of the cuckoo bird that is incapable of nesting and raising its own offspring. So to protect and save her babies, the mother cuckoo gently places her own eggs in the crow's nest, even though the crow is her dreaded enemy. But since the eggs of both the birds looks the same, the crow carefully cares for those cuckoo eggs which were placed in her nest-- thinking them to be her own. At the time of birth, the newborn birds of both species are black; so seeing the baby cuckoos, the mother crow does not initially realise that the baby cuckoos are not her own offspring. It is only when the baby birds become a little bigger and start to call out and cry, that the crow realises those are not her babies. Then and there the mother crow becomes very angry, suddenly understanding that it has gotten duped. But because of having given long-term care and developed sincere love for the baby cuckoo, the mother crow gives up the idea of attacking and killing the cuckoo. And instead the mother crow raises the baby cuckoo as one of her own." (1)

1. Just like the cuckoo utilises even its worst enemy, then we too should use our enemies in an intelligent way. Baba utilised communist enemies to propagate Ananda Marga ideals. If such communists had not created such a negative agenda and if such communists had not spread so much bad news about Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, then the general populace would not have become so attracted to read about AMPS. People are not enticed by good news, but certainly they want to know about the dark aspects and controversial topics. By this way AMPS grew a lot. If the communists had not created so much opposition, Ananda Marga ideals would not have spread widely in such a short period.

2. The crow adopted the cuckoo as its own because it had spent so much time nurturing that baby cuckoo. Here the point is that through interaction all kinds of beings can become close to one another. Baba has given collective social functions for this very purpose. By spending time with one another, people of diverse backgrounds forget their differences and embrace each other as their own.

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 10

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

हे परमपुरुष बाबा! तुम आनन्द नगर, तिलजला,और जमालपुर में भी कहीं नहीं दिखे

प्रभात सङ्गीत 2242 रूपे आमार मनेर अणु.अणुते

भावार्थ

हे परम पुरुष ! कृपा कर मेरे मन की गहराई में आओ। तुम अपने विशेष रूप और रङ्ग के साथ  मेरे हृदय में आओ। कृपा कर मेरे मन के प्रत्येक बिन्दु  में आओ। हे सबसे उत्तम सत्ता ! कृपा कर मेरे पास ही आ जाओ। तुम्हें ढूंढने के लिए मैं एक देश से दूसरे देश में भटकता रहा। सभी पवित्र कहे जाने वाले स्थानों पर खोजते हुए मेरा पूरा जीवन निकल गया है। तुम्हें खोजते हुए मैंने सारा संसार छान डाला है।

हे प्रभु ! जब मैं तुम्हें बहुत दूर के स्थानों पर खोज रहा था तो  मैंने तुम्हें वहाँ कहीं भी नहीं पाया। जब मैंने अपने आसपास के स्थानीय मन्दिरों, मस्जिदों, गिरिजाघरों ,जागृतियों और धर्मसभाओं में ढूंढा तो भी तुम्हें नहीं पाया। तुम किसी “तीर्थ” जैसे, वाराणसी, पुरी , मक्का, रोम , में भी नहीं मिले। तुम  आनन्द नगर, तिलजला,और जमालपुर में भी कहीं नहीं दिखे । मैं हिमालय की चोटियों पर  और पर्वतों  की गुफाओं में  भी खोजता फिरा।  तुम्हें बिलकुल एकान्त स्थानों पर भी ढूंढता रहा परन्तु  जब तुम फिर भी नहीं मिले तो अकेलेपन से घबराकर मैं रो पड़ा।

हे परमपुरुष बाबा ! तुम्हारी कृपा से जब मैं अपने मन की गहरी परतों में देखता हूँ तो वहाँ तुम दिखाई देते हो। मेरे मन के गुरुचक्र में तुमने एक हजार पुङ्खुड़ियों वाला कमल खिला दिया है। वहाँ मैंने पाया कि तुम तो उस सफ़ेद कमल के फूल  पर बैठे मुस्करा रहे हो।  यह  इन सामान्य आँखों से दिखाई नहीं देता। तुम तो प्रेम के स्वरूप तारक  ब्रह्म हो।

बाबा ! मैंने तुम्हें बाहर कहीं भी नहीं पाया। अब ,जबकि तुम्हारी कृपा से मैं अपने मन के भीतर देख पाता हॅूं तो अनुभव करता हॅू कि तुम तो मेरे साथ ही हो। बाबा ! कृपा कर मुझे अपनी शरण में हमेशा लिए  रहें।

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

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How avidya maya affects us

Ananda Marga ideology states, "The avidyá force declares war on those whose desire or inclination is towards vidyá; this gives rise to a hostile tendency in the recesses of their minds, against which they have to struggle. At home the husband, wife or the other members of the family become dissatisfied with them, and create various obstacles. In the field of their activities the opportunities arise for depravity, meanness, bribes etc., and they have to maintain their self-control. The locusts of desires come swarming in to destroy the very bud of their sádhaná. So they must carefully avoid such temptations for their own safety. But those whose movement is truly towards vidyá, who are determined to follow the path of vidyá by sacrificing their all, will eventually become immune to all obstacles. No amount of scornful taunts or diatribes will be able to check their lightning speed. They will emerge victorious, weathering and defying all storms, and eventually stand firm and erect like the Himalayas; and the storms and squalls will rebound back in disappointment."

"When the Sádhaka or the spiritual aspirant will stand untrammelled and resolute, with the courage of his conviction, and self-confidence, all snags and dangers will gradually wither away – will timidly disappear from his path...Obstacles are the concomitants of sádhaná, struggling is a good sign. By these obstacles sádhakas can understand that their spiritual practice is on the right track. Spiritual philosophy comes into being only when sádhakas struggling with avidyá’s hindrances, vindicates their move towards Brahma after defeating the base propensities of avidyá by their own intellect and judgment." (1)

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Sadhakas hidden

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/08/baba-this-email-contain-four-sections-1.html

Mystique of Tiger's Grave + Trap of self-praise & appreciation

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/margii-style-of-thinking.html
  

Beneficial asana for sadhana 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/should-do-for-good-sadhana.html
  

Spiritual potential vs powers

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-sadhakas-utilise-their-spiritual.html