Story: path of bliss + 3 more

Baba

Story: path of bliss

Namaskar,

Story of visiting Ananda Marga ashram

“One evening I* also went to that house in the Rly Colony which had been converted into an Ashram. Deep Narayanji was also with me. As Baba was to come, we waited for Him. Baba came in the evening and everyone present did Sastaunga Pranam to Him. That day Baba talked of philosophy and said that this school of philosophy will be called, 'Ananda Marga'. This philosophy and the object of sadhana was Absolute bliss. Therefore this has been named as Ananda Marga. Then Baba said about sahaj Yoga, "Saha Jayate Iti Saha'j", i.e. which has been born with one's birth - that means that which is natural is Sahaj Yoga. To get bliss is the natural aim of everyone that is why it is called Ananda Marga. Baba stopped after saying this. I happened to utter at this stage, "Baba, though it is called 'Sahaja Yoga' i.e. simple practice, but in effect Ananda Marga is a very difficult path." (1)

Poor comment

In this above paragraph, Acarya Nagina ji is writing his own account and referring to the grand occasion when Baba first gave the name “Ananda Marga”. Baba was explaining about the beauty of Ananda Marga philosophy, sahaj yoga, and sadhana.

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But because of Ac Nagina ji's recent demotion from his post in the Indian government, his mind was low and he was feeling very frustrated. In addition, so many classes and duties were going on. Under such circumstances, Ac Nagina ji blurted out a negative comment about Sadguru Baba's conclusive idea.

Baba was telling that this path of Ananda Marga is blissful. But because of Ac Nagina ji's own simplicity, that time, in front of Baba, Nagina ji essentially uttered that Ananda Marga is a very tough path; it is not blissful.

In haste, Nagina came to the conclusion that it is not good. Yet AM sadhana is the panacea for all his problems. 

Reflection

When Ac Nagina ji gave this negative comment about Ananda Marga, then Baba became very uncomfortable and serious. Baba disliked that comment. Further, please read this following paragraph where Nagina ji is expressing his regret and mistake about what he had done.

"I felt sad that I had interrupted Baba when He explained the philosophy of Ananda Marga by saying that it was not so easy a path as its name and philosophy indicated." (2)

Because Acarya Nagina ji has bhakti for Baba, that is why he understood Baba's feeling. And Nagina ji realised that Baba did not like to listen to any negative comments about His theory, teachings, or practices. Baba's spiritual teachings are "Apta Vakya": Perfect and Divine. To realise this one has to do deep sadhana and tapah. Thinking this, Ac Nagina ji felt repentant for his behaviour.

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Only ideal sadhakas get success

When joining onto the path of Ananda Marga, one should have trust on the path. First make inquiries and be secure - all doubt should be gone - one should feel in their heart that this is the best path. If one starts the journey with this mindset, success is sure. If when joining the path one's mind is full of skepticism and doubt, then they will not gain anything.

Conclusion

When traveling on the path of Ananda Marga, one must feel certain that this is indeed the perfect path. 

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Phaliśyatiiti vishvásah siddherprathama lakśańam – “I must be successful in my mission.” This firm determination is the first secret of success, that is, the aspirant must develop firm determination. “I must be successful.” (3)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Asiim

Repentance

Nagina writes:

"I felt sad that I had interrupted Baba when He explained the philosophy of Ananda Marga by saying that it was not so easy a path as its name and philosophy indicated." (4)

Because Acarya Nagina ji has bhakti for Baba, that is why he understood Baba's feeling. And Nagina ji realised that Baba did not want to hear any negative comments about His theory, teachings, or practices.

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~

Path of optimism & victory

Here is Baba's own writing about pessimistic people.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "There are some people who are pessimistic. They say that the society around us is very bleak, that it has no expression of vitality and that is seems that everyone is in deep slumber. Pessimists say this because they have never made any detailed study of human history, nor do they care to." (5)

Here Baba is showing the path of optimism and victory. It also proves that Baba never appreciates negative talk about our ideology.

Ananda Vanii guides us, "...Be ready for the grand ovation to that new crimson dawn in every house...Be ready to respond to the supra cosmic trumpet." (6)

Ananda Vanii states, "...Go ahead with courage. The humanity has been awaiting you. Establish it in the excellence and grandeur of glory." (7)

Ananda Vanii guides us, "...That is why I say the future of the human race is not dark, rather it is strikingly resplendent..." (8)

Whole existence full of bliss

It is well known that (a) those who do not do proper sadhana, and (b) those who do not have deeper understanding of Baba's teachings, think Ananda Marga is the path of pain and difficulty - not the path of bliss.

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The moment any person starts doing sadhana, they understand that their life has been transformed. They feel they are receiving Baba's grace. They quickly grasp that there is no comparison between non-margii society and the margii way of life. Those doing dharma sadhana realise the meaning of Ananda Marga: That Ananda Marga really is the 'Path of Bliss'. By practicing the Ananda Marga sadhana, following 16 Points, and leading a spiritual life, one's whole existence is full of bliss. And that is the Ananda Marga path of bliss.

Important points

1. Those who suffer from a defeatist complex are unable to embark on a new way of life.

2. Nowadays in Ananda Marga, some have become hopeless when they witness wrongdoings going on - and in certain instances they may even blame Ananda Marga philosophy. Not all fall in this category but a few. Many more want to correct those ills and establish a dharmic stance.

3. If one has any doubt about the path then they should first get their queries and confusions answered in a satisfactory manner. Then, only then, one should proceed ahead on the path without any doubt or hesitation. One should not move ahead on the wrong path.

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4. The various religions are outdated and dogmatic from the start - their foundations are themselves defective and narrow-minded. So their leaders feel the need to compromise with current social norms. Otherwise they feel they will be rejected. So people say why shouldn't Ananda Marga also conform and bend to current societal trends etc. The reason why this is not done is that Ananda Marga has been built upon the strong foundation of dharma. And dharma is eternal and always prevails. Hence, there is no need to change or compromise, rather that would be harmful. The religions are forced to bend to popular values because their religious doctrine is illogical and cannot stand up to rational inquiry. Thus their only option is to change. So they adopt pseudo-culture values.


* Here "I" means Ac. Nagina ji. And this story has been taken from the English Edition of Prajina Bharatii Magazine issues May & June of 1982. And in that article Ac. Nagina ji is writing his own story which is the incident of 5 January 1955 in Jamalpur Ashram. And Ac. Nagina ji is talking about his Jamalpur visit and Baba's liila. And in this story Nagina talked with Baba in a pessimistic way which Baba disliked.

References
1. Prajina Bharati, May 82, p.33
2. Prajina Bharati, June 82, p.10
3. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 30,Hara’s Seven Secrets
4. Prajina Bharati, June 82, p.10
5. Prout in a Nutshell - 7, Dynamicity and Staticity
6. Ananda Vanii #69
7. Ananda Vanii #53
8. Ananda Vanii #49

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Longing for Your closeness

"Path páne ceye basiá áchi, eso priya mor gharete..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3182)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, I am waiting for You - looking toward the path of Your auspicious arrival. O' my dearest One, please come to my home. Without Your divine presence, my life is meaningless. Baba, after throwing off all my drowsiness, in this beautiful moonlight,  I am waiting in longing for You.

O’ Parama Purusa, in this entire world You are the Essence of nectar. O' my Innermost, of all the things which I call my own, You are my most Dear. Please remove all my impurities and come to me like the shade of a tree in the burning desert, very cool, refreshing, and soothing. 

O’ Parama Purusa, You are the nucleus of this entire universe and the Soul of souls. You are the nectar in the flower; Baba, You are the full moon of winter's blue sky. You are the best and sweetest part of everything.

Baba, the madhup (honey bee) of my mind only longs for Your closeness, Your proximity...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #3182:

[1] Madhup (Black bee): The Bengali term 'madhup' refers to the 'Black Bee' in English. And as depicted in the above Prabhat Samgiita, this madhup, or black bee, has a very special and intimate relation with the flower. It spends countless hours in and around those flower petals, touching its pollen and examining the various parts of the flower. And sometimes the madhup even gets enveloped within the flower itself when those petals close. But never does the madhup try to escape by puncturing or making a hole in that flower. Just it remains inside once the petals close. And like that its existence passes day after day hovering around the flower for hours and hours. That's why the relation between the madhup and the flower is symbolically used to represent the special closeness that exists between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. The inner meaning is the same: That Parama Purusa and the bhakta have a very close and intimate relationship.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Special medicines for common ailments

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Aloe juice is a medicine. Dried aloe sap is called musabbar in Arabic. A type of rasa'injana also used to be prepared out of aloe sap, or musabbar, which was used as medicine -- it was used to treat blood pressure and insanity due to gallbladder disorder." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The retention-of-urine ailment that results when the movement of the urine is obstructed is also called kabandha. The water from soaked fenugreek, fresh date juice, palm juice, and sha'nkha'lu [a conch-shaped esculent] are medicines for this disease." (2)   

References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 3, Kakubh to Kavaśńa (Discourse 17)
2. Shabda Cayanika - 3, Kakubh to Kavaśńa (Disc

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Humans but animal mind

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Human beings are animate beings, they are not animals. What is the difference between the two? Animals remain obsessed with the gratification of their crude propensities; they only try to satisfy their cruder kośas. That is why in the minds of animals, what to speak of the supreme question, even questions related to the mundane world do not arise. Human beings, however, are (and herein lies the main difference between them and animals) mind preponderant beings. They possess the capacity of subtle thought which helps them find answers to increasingly complex questions, answers which have helped them to increase their dominance over nature. The same subtle thinking power has helped humans to attain Brahma, the Source of all psychic thought, and the final answer to all queries. It is the characteristic of all animate beings to seek joy and composure. For animals, that means the fulfilment of the crude propensities, but humans, by virtue of their developed thinking power, seek the deeper joys of life through the constant perfection of the subtle branches of relative knowledge. In the process of self-abnegation they take their psychic thinking back to its Supreme Source and get established in eternal bliss. Those for whom the pursuit of the crude pleasures of life is the be-all and end-all of existence should never be categorized as human beings." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life - 8, The Supreme Question – 1

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Importance of vya'paka shaoca

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

Guilt complex: thief nabbed

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

Bhakta's choice: stay with Him or...

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/baba-story-from-my-diary-so-much-love.html

What brave margiis do

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/01/passive-onlooker-3-more.html

When a sadhaka becomes iishvara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-human-becomes-iishvara-2-more.html

Importance of vya'paka shaoca + 6 more

Baba

Importance of vya'paka shaoca

Namaskar,

The body is essentially a sealed unit that has distinct orifices (mouth, nose, eyes etc) that come in contact with the atmosphere. When a sick person comes in your close proximity, then you may come in contact with their germs etc. Many diseases and illnesses are transmitted this way. For instance, if a physically ill person coughs, or sneezes, drools, or even breathes, then those germs and bacteria can enter into your system.

Doing half-bath regularly during the day—or even immediately after coming in contact with a sick person—cleanses all those orifices. The mouth, nose, and eyes are rinsed and cleaned. That strengthens the body’s defense mechanisms and helps fend off viruses and diseases. Hygiene is the first step in disease prevention.
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That is why nowadays doctors and healthcare professionals do not recommend shaking hands with others; and, they recommend regularly washing the hands. Rinsing the eyes, mouth, and face are also helpful in disease prevention, but this is not publicly encouraged on a mass scale because some females wear makeup. So this is looked upon as inconvenient for the general society. But those healthcare professionals know that rinsing the eyes, mouth, and nose and splashing water on the face is very good for health and hygiene.

Baba’s teachings of vyápaka shaoca are ideal for disease prevention and several steps ahead of the general hygienic recommendations given to the public.


Increases concentration, alertness

While all are aware about the step by step process for doing half bath, the exact system is detailed under the next subheading. Here first are some of the established and proven benefits of vyapak shaoca.

1. Half-bath increases concentration, alertness, and overall freshness.

2. The human body generates heat and when it becomes overheated then various anatomical and biological systems cannot function properly. For instance, when the head is heated one feels tired and groggy. Applying cold water during half-bath stimulates circulation and aids in the overall functioning of the body.

3. Half-bath greatly enhances the exchange of blood. The cold water of half-bath causes contractions of the blood vessels thereby accelerating circulation and sending the blood faster back to the core vital organs (heart & lungs etc) for oxygenation. By this more rapid cycle, the body is effectively nourished with fresh blood.
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4. Half-bath increases circulation by cooling the body in applied areas.

5. By doing half-bath, fresh blood supply goes to the core region from where the major organs are nourished; moreover, that fresh blood helps facilitate the digestive process etc.

6. Half-bath helps prevent negative dreams. By doing half-bath before sleep that also aids in digestion as the body rests and proper digestion helps prevent negative dreams as it does not allow the lower cakras to get overheated.

7. Half-bath helps in multiple types of bodily disorders and diseases like indigestion / dyspepsia, skin diseases, hemorrhoids, hernia, asthma, females disease, tuberculosis etc as outlined in Yaogika Cikitsá (Yogic Treatments).

8. Half-bath extends one's longevity as it is an aspect of the 'Secrets for a Long Life.'


How to do this properly

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Method of doing Vya’paka Shaoca: At first wash your genital organs; then hands up to elbows and legs up to knees; then, taking a mouthful of water, splash water on the eyes and face at least twelve times. Finally wash the ears and the neck." (1)

According to Ananda Marga teachings, vya’paka shaoca is a comprehensive process:
(a) Wash the pubic region—and the best way to do this is not to have any covering there.
(b) Then the limbs are washed from elbow to hand and knee to foot.
(c) Best is washing the entire area from the pubic region to the toes is highly beneficial. That means the entire leg is doused in water. This is easy to do in a house or jagrti, though may not always be possible when traveling.
(d) Wash the nasal ducts, having water go in one nostril and out the other. A neti pot can be helpful.
(e) Fill the mouth with water and then with the eyes open, splash water on the eyes and face at least 12 times. Better is to do 14 or 15 times just in case you lose count.
(f) Apply water to the ears, neck and crown cakra (top of the head).
(g) Dry oneself with a clean towel.
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Generous amount of water

In the summertime or hot season it is best to do vyápaka shaoca with cold water, and in the winter or cold season the water should be to some degree cold or for elderly people if they wish then they may use lukewarm water.

Special attention is to be given to apply a generous amount of water. That does not mean that water should be wasted, but at the same time rubbing just a few drops of water on the limbs etc will never suffice. Rather, to properly do vyapak shaoca, one may need several liters of water. More can be said about this, but at the very least we should all understand that without proper amounts of water the necessary cooling process can never occur. So half-bath is not just about superficially rinsing the skin but cooling also.
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Helps in longevity

Here below are two of Baba’s beautiful teachings about vyápaka shaoca and Sixteen Points.

Baba says, "If you follow Sixteen Points, your longevity will be greater." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "...The complete seeds of welfare in all the spheres—physical, mental, moral, social and spiritual—are embedded in the Sixteen Points. Hence be firm on the Sixteen Points." (3)

As sadhakas of Ananda Marga, we have Baba’s special blessing as He has imparted to us all the great secrets for living a dharmic life: full of peace, joy, and supreme ideation.

The seed component of Baba’s grand formula for ideal human existence is Sixteen Points. True Ananda Margiis benefit from following these exclusive and sacred guidelines. On no other path of life can such gems and jewels be found. These are unique to Ananda Marga. All the while it is our ongoing endeavour to develop greater and greater precision and naturalness in following these Sixteen Points.
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Conclusion

Baba’s teachings of vyápaka shaoca are ideal for disease prevention, increased concentration, alertness, overall freshness, and confer so many other health benefits.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Shivam Sundaram

~ In-depth study ~

When & why to perform

Vyápaka shaoca is to be done at a minimum before and after food, before meditation, before asanas, and before and after sleep.

All these below guidelines come from Caryacarya part II and part III.

• "Before morning and evening sadhana, either do vyápaka shaoca or take full bath."

• "Before and after meals, and before sleep, do vyápaka shaoca with cold water. If it is very cold, use lukewarm water."

• "Before practising asanas, do vyápaka shaoca or take a full bath. Vyápaka  shaoca must also be done before daily meditation; if asanas are done with daily meditation then it is not necessary to do vyápaka shaoca separately."

• "Before taking food and before going to sleep, do vya’paka shaoca with cold water, or in cold weather, with lukewarm water."

All these above guidelines come from Caryacarya part II and part III.


Vyápaka shaoca helps in rejuvenation

By the above description it is quite clear that Baba’s special process of vyápaka  shaoca has a regenerative effect on the body. For this reason Baba has given the special name: ‘Vyapak Shaoca’.

The first term ‘vyápaka’ means thorough, detailed, complete, enhanced etc. And the 2nd term shaoca is commonly defined as cleanliness—when in fact it is much more than that. Because in His famous discourses on yama and niyama, Baba uses 5 pages to describe the overall process of shaoca.
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By all this, it is clear that vyapak shaoca is a special restorative and purifying process for the entire body. Yet for lack of proper translation, the oversimplified English phrase ‘half-bath’ has been given as the translation of vyápaka shaoca. But clearly the half-bath phrase fails to capture the real spirit or essence of vyápaka shaoca. That is why many sadhakas feel that a new and better English name should be given—thereby correcting the translated term that was haphazardly applied by various in-charges etc.

Till then, simply using the Sanskrit phrase vyápaka shaoca is more apt. Just as the Sanskrit terms sadhana, mantra, upavasa etc far exceed their English counterparts: meditation, incantation, and fasting.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "There is no proper English word for the Sanskrit word ‘mantra’. We use the word ‘incantation’ for mantra, but it is not a proper word for the Sanskrit term." (4)

And regarding the word upavasa Baba again points out the deficit of the corresponding word in English.

Baba says, "‘Upavasa’—on these days of fasting, what are all spiritual aspirants to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord...these days are known as ‘upava’sa’. The word ‘fasting’ does not represent the proper sense or proper spirit." (5)

Likewise the overly-simplified, insufficient sounding term ‘half bath’ is unable to carry the spirit of vyápaka shaoca.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Caryacarya - 2, chapter 2, Point #4
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Devotion and the Realm of Intellectuality
3. Ananda Vanii #45
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Oṋḿkára and Iśt́a Mantra
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Upavása

*        *        *

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 ==

Wandering here & there
 
“Tomáre besechi bhálo, bhálobáso ki jáni ná…” (Prabhat Samgiita #4617)

Purport: 

My Parama Purusa, I love You, but I do not know whether or not You love me. That is my confusion. By its smile, the full moon light tells me that You cannot be held by dry intellectual knowledge. Those following the path of jinana marga cannot get You. You can only be held by those immersed in bhakti. 

Parama Purusa, the scriptures are filled with lofty tales about Your greatness - the eternal Bandhu who is ever the Saviour. And Your glories are sung in various so-called holy places, such as in temples, mosques, synagogues, churches, and jagrtis, as well as in artificial holy lands like Tiljala, Jamalpur, Puri, Varanasi, Rome, or Jerusalem. Even then, my mind is not satisfied. Dharmic philosophies also recount Your grandeur. In so many ways, Your magnificence is honoured. Even then, my mind is not satiated by this type of intellectual extravaganza and external show. My longing for You is not quenched wandering here and there in search of You in the external world. Parama Purusa, please bless me. 

My Supreme Entity, Baba, I go on wandering endlessly in the cycle of action-reaction, birth and death. I have wasted too much time counting the stars of the new moon night in utter hopelessness. I have meandered on the paths of knowledge and action, yet I am not getting You. That’s why I think that You do not love me or care about me.

Baba, please bless me with parabhakti….

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Guru puja: spiritual practice

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Question: What is pratyáhára?"

"Answer: Pratyáhára is derived: prati – á – hr + ghaiṋ. The word áhára literally means “assimilating” or “taking something within”. As a yogic practice, pratyáhára means “withdrawal of the mind from external objectivity and goading the withdrawn mind toward Parama Puruśa”. (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "You must bring about a revolutionary change in the flow of your judgment and thought, and see how, after overcoming your fascination with external colour, your mind becomes tinged with the His glorious colour. In Ananda Marga Sadhana, the method of withdrawing the mind from degrading tendencies, and absorbing oneself in the colour of the Great, is called Pratyáhára Yoga (the yoga of withdrawal) or Varńárghyadána (the offering of colours). All people have a particular attraction for one or another object or activity and as soon as they become attracted to an object, then their minds become coloured with the colour of that object. You can withdraw your mind from the colour of that object and dye yourself in His colour by offering Him the captivating colour of the object that has attracted you: this is the real Pratyáhára Yoga. The word Pratyáhára means “to withdraw” – to withdraw the mind from its object." (2)

Note: In astaunga yoga, there are 8 limbs - one of which is pratyahara. We practice that as Guru puja, and that is part of our regular sadhana routine. Guru puja is very important. After sadhana, one should always do Guru puja, and Guru puja can also be done on its own. After all, it is a lesson. By this way, one's attachment for mundane things slowly fades away. It is a perfect science. If, after practicing Guru puja, one is unable to get rid of their worldly attachments and / or a particular mental weakness, then best is to consult an acarya. In the Acarya Diary, Baba has given a detailed science and method for practicing Guru puja. One should learn how to do this from any acarya, one on one.

Reference
1. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Meditation, Question #10
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Marriages based on lust are doomed

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Now when a man gets the chance to enjoy the physico-psychic pleasures, he doesn’t find any interest in physical pleasure, because physical pleasure is not only crude in quality, but also of very temporary nature. It lasts for a short span. On the psychic level, man is the dominating living being. He does something new, he wants to do something new, to get more psychic pleasures, and he invents so many things and engages himself in psychic pursuits. These things cannot be done by animals or even by other developed creatures, and here lies the speciality of human beings.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Beyond Temporary Experience

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Defining characteristic of society

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "What is society, what makes it up? What is Samaj?" 'Samanam ejati iti samajah...'Here 'moving together' does not mean march or double march, here 'moving together' means that all portions of society, all portions of the collective body, should have the spirit to move ahead." (1)

Note: In His above teaching Baba guides us that the term society has a specific meaning. Society is not simply a collection of people like a crowd - each with their own individual aims and motives. Nor is society, any group of people moving swiftly in a particular direction. Rather, society is formed when the entire collective moves according to an ideological vision, where none lag behind and all are encouraged to progress.

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell-3, Saḿgacchadhvaḿ

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How absolute knowledge dwarfs worldly knowledge

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Common people usually live their lives according to absolute knowledge and become noble and great. That is why we see people like Kabir and Ramakrishna, who even without formal schooling, were highly regarded by tens of thousands of people. In fact, it is doubtful whether learned scholars could bring about even a small fraction of the spiritual progress these great people brought to society…”
   “Social progress is achieved to some extent through relative knowledge, but here also there is a great possibility of conflict between relative knowledge and absolute knowledge. Relative knowledge often encourages divisive ideas and the propagation of narrow sentiments such as casteism, nationalism, communalism, provincialism, etc., by extolling the greatness of caste, community, creed, colour, etc. It often tends to suppress other castes, communities, creeds, etc., or wants to annihilate them completely. On the other hand, absolute knowledge teaches human beings that the Dharma of all humans is one and the same. The Supreme Entity is the Universal Father. All the human beings of the world are brothers and sisters. All are equal – no one is low, no one is high. (1)

Reference
1. Tattva Kaomudii - 2, Prápta Vákya and Ápta Vákya

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Quality of people 3500 years ago

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Lord Krsna came about 3500 years ago, when the war of the Mahabharata took place. People's individual qualities then had not taken a collective shape. People did not know the art of living collectively...they fought among themselves because they had no collective sense. Lord Krsna thought that if He combined all there would be collective spirit in the true sense of the term. Then alone all human faculties would get expanded. He tried to make people understand, but they did not understand, because there was no collective spirit in them...to synthesize them all Lord Krsna was born. Lord Krsna wanted to bring about a social synthesis, the seed of which was sown by Lord Shiva." (1)

Note: There are many things in the world which cannot be solved individually. It needs collective support. In any society where there is collective spirit then they can do a great job. That is the central idea of the above teaching.

Reference
1. Discourses on the Mahabharat, The Meaning of the Name

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Guilt complex: thief nabbed

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

Bhakta's choice: stay with Him or...

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/baba-story-from-my-diary-so-much-love.html

What brave margiis do

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/01/passive-onlooker-3-more.html

When a sadhaka becomes iishvara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-human-becomes-iishvara-2-more.html

Key point about "see the bright side"

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/where-to-use-see-bright-side-where-not.html

Workings of this cosmos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/difficult-question-easy-answer.html

Diipavali: meaning & celebration + 3 more

Baba

Diipavali: meaning & celebration

Note: The great festival of Diipavali will soon be upon us, Monday, 20 Oct 2025.

Namaskar,

In the coming weeks and days as we prepare for the wonderful occasion of Diivali or Diipávalii, may we all rejoice and celebrate both the social and spiritual aspects of this highly significant and grand occasion. This is one of our recognised Ananda Marga festivals which is designed to bring a renewal and rejuvenation throughout one's entire existence.
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Baba's special description of Diipávalii

In Caryacarya part 1, Baba neatly outlines all our Ananda Marga festivals. Plus, in various other discourses Baba also talks extensively about certain festivals like Shravanii Purnima etc. And that is the case with Diipa'vali also.

In His June 1990 DMC discourse, 'The Cult of Spirituality-- The Cult of Pinnacled Order', Baba makes special mention of this event. In this discourse Baba explains how this festival known as Diipa'vali is linked with the enlightenment of the soul. That is the great significance of this day.

• The darkness of the mind should be removed. 'In each and every house there is a festival of light, yet my home is dark', one should not say like this. Instead, there should be diivali (festival of light) in the home, and it is the diivali of the atma' (festival of soul) .

And if you wish to see Baba present that idea in the original Hindi, here is the link to the video

• https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15HGfwR4Ay/

Hence Diipávalii is related with spiritual refulgence, sentient thought, and all psycho-spiritual ideas that are linked with light: Igniting the lamp of love for Parama Purusa.
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Our A'nanda Ma'rga Baba places great emphasis on the celebration of our various festivals. They are a time of rejoicing in all the spheres of life.

According to Baba's above DMC discourse, Diipa'vali is the idea of cultivating an inner spiritual yearning for Parama Purusa, thereby illuminating one's entire existence with the sweet flow of spirituality. That is, infusing one's soul with the great love of Parama Purusa.

How we should celebrate

Per abiding by The Supreme Command, each and every Ananda Margii does sadhana twice a day, at minimum. So it is our regular habit and practice to illumine our minds and hearts with that deeply spiritual flow. This is Baba's grace and His great gift to all Ananda Margiis.

So when the day of Diipávalii arrives then what are we to do? We are to dedicate even more time to our spiritual  practices of sadhana and kiirtan - enabling our existence to better reflect and capture the infinite love of Parama Purusa. By Baba's divine grace, may we all pass this occasion in this splendid and deeply meaningful way. And, of course, we may join any festival programs organised in our local units, as outlined in Caryacarya.
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Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Diipávalii: Once collective Iishvara Pran'idha'na and Varn'a'rghyada'na, illumination, collective merry celebrations, entertaining visitors at one's residence, and procession with ta'n'd'ava dance." (1)

Firecrackers are dangerous

Here is a story from the 1960's as recounted by a senior margii. That is why this story is told in the first-person using "I". Here begins the story....


My visit with Baba during Diipávalii

During the 1960's I was a student and I would go and visit Baba often; He was always very gracious and would give guidelines and speak on various topics. As Guru, it was His grace that He allowed me to sit close to His feet and have His proximity.

On this particular occasion, in late October, during the time of Diipavali / Deepawali, all kinds of festivities were going on, including fireworks / firecrackers. In celebration of this festival, many in our local neighborhood were also shooting off firecrackers.

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Money spent on firecrackers should be used to serve suffering humanity

At the time, I was sitting with Baba, attending to Him, in His quarters. Baba was speaking on various subjects, but He was interrupted again and again by the loud and disturbing noise of those firecrackers. Finally, He stopped talking entirely.

After a few moments, I said: Baba, people spend crores of rupees on firecrackers."

 Baba replied: Yes. People misuse crores of rupees (tens of millions) on fireworks and erecting huge, multi-story paper temples on the road for this festival, and these temples only last 3 - 5 days. All the while, the common masses and poor people are suffering; they do not have proper food, shelter, clothing, medical care, nor education. They lack the basic requirements. It would be far better if the funds spent on fireworks were used to serve those impoverished people with that money - instead of wasting it on firecrackers and other dogma. That would be great social service.

Baba continued: Not only are these firecrackers a drastic misuse and abuse of funds; they also create lots of noise and air pollution.

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Reflection: why no fireworks

This above story gives a very good and meaningful guideline to us all. Unfortunately, nowadays in our AMPS there is also a competition of shooting off fireworks. Tragically, that negative trend has been adopted by some during Diipávalii / deepawali, as well as Ananda Purnima, and on select other festival days.

There are a variety of reasons why we do not support the lighting of fireworks during our Ananda Marga festivals or anytime:

1. Fireworks / Firecrackers are dangerous and can bring bodily harm such as moderate to severe burns, loss of limbs, loss of life, hundreds of deaths;

2. Fireworks / Firecrackers are costly and a waste of money;

3. Fireworks / Firecrackers create a huge amount of pollution

As Ananda Margiis, we should all be more conscious about this. We should not fall into trends of the general society. Those who purchase fireworks for these types of festivals should refrain from using them and safely recycle / dispose of them. That is the best thing to do; that will be in keeping with Baba's stated guideline.
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It is just like if someone purchased a lethal dose of poison for their own personal consumption and later realised that life itself is very important, then they will not ingest it. Rather they will throw it away. Similarly, those who made the mistake of purchasing fireworks should not use those firecrackers, but rather safely dispose of them.

Conclusion

I also used to shoot off fireworks but after hearing this story I stopped immediately. This is a very practical and meaningful guideline. After all, money should not be used and abused but rather spent in a proper way, i.e. for the service of those in need.

The brief summary of the above story is: Baba points out how fireworks are a waste of money - better those funds should be used for the well-being of the people. Baba also guides us that fireworks create noise and air pollution.

On this wonderful festival of Diipa'vali, let us once again recall Baba's great boon upon all Ananda Margiis and illumine the light within.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "You should remember why You have been born. Following the path of devotion, you will have to ultimately reach Parama Purusa." (2)

Namaskar,
In Him,
Pratibha’

~ In-depth study ~

Many Diipavali celebrations around the world

Diipa'vali is not just a day celebrated in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. Throughout the gamut of communities based on tantric traditions, Diipa'vali is recognised as a highly meaningful occasion. Estimates are that upwards of 900 million to 1.4 billion people celebrate Diivali. Whether one is a vidya tantric or an avidya tantric, whether one is an idol worshiper or one engages in prayer, whatever type of sadhana one does, Diipa'vali is the day when all are involved.
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At the same time, many materialistic and dogmatic people display fireworks in the external arena; that is also one aspect of this event. In Ananda Marga, as noted above we do not support the use of fireworks. Instead we might use safe, eco-friendly, electric lamps - if one has the desire to celebrate in this manner. After all, the term 'diip' means 'light' or 'lamp' and Diipa'vali is that occasion which is a festival of lights. And many come forward in various ways to celebrate this widely recognised occasion. In our Ananda Marga we have our own special, dharmic understanding of this great festival, as outlined above.

Social functions & festivals: "a great unifying force"

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "You should make arrangements for different types of festivity on the occasions of the ceremonial functions of the Marga. Ensure that those who enjoy the celebrations also get thereby healthy opportunities for their physical growth, mental development and spiritual progress." (3)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Many of the ills of society develop because people do not care to know other members of society. This ignorance of the condition and difficulties of others leads to intolerance and a lack of interest in the affairs of the other members of society. Common social functions bring different members of society together and are, therefore, a great unifying force. By performing certain functions collectively all the participants are engaged for some time in doing the same thing and brings about a feeling of unity and interest in others. In A'nanda Ma'rga such common social functions are specially encouraged. Milita Sna'na or collective bathing and dharmacakra or collective meditation are the basis for common social functions in the physical, psychic and spiritual fields. Common participation in such functions is a very unifying force and the participants of such functions will have no intolerance for each other; instead they will become more united. Such functions are therefore a great unifying force." (4)

Our Ananda Marga festivals bring charm in the life

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "When people become tired and uninspired, when they can no longer look towards the future with hope, when their colourful dreams are shattered, at that time the sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigour in life. Thus in individual and collective life, the importance of festivals is tremendous. One should always remember that festivals should be such that all can take part in them without any ostentatious display of wealth, and with an upsurge of their life force. And these festivals should be conducted in such a way that people take part in them from a spontaneous inner urge. I hope that you will make such arrangements so that all are attracted towards your festivals which will be more and more charming-- and this will bring about your collective welfare." (5)

Various spellings of this festival day

Here it is also important to note that there are various different spellings of this occasion, depending on the language and area: 'Diipavali', 'Diivali', 'Diipa'vali', 'Diwali', and 'Deewali' etc; all refer to the same wonderful festival.
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According to the sadhaka, Baba added: The money misused on dogma should be used for social service. Those who love humanity will not misuse their hard earned wealth in this way. (Story recounted by Dr. Singh, a margii from Ranchi)

References
1. Caryacarya - 1, Social Functions and Festivals
2. Yoga Psychology, '91 Edn, p.140, The Cult of Spirituality – the Cult of Pinnacled Order
3. Caryacarya - 1, Social Functions and Festivals
4. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
5. A Few Problems Solved - 5, On Festivals

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

My very close

Intro: In this song, Sadguru loves and punishes also to exhaust the bhakta’s samskaras and make them better. 

“Tumi ámár kata ápana, bhuleo kabhu bhávini…” (Prabhat Samgiita #4528)

Purport: 

Baba, even by mistake I never ever thought before that You are so close, You are mine.  I did not know that like my shadow You were always remaining attached with me. Wherever I go, You remain with me. In the past, I did not realise this eternal truth. 

My Supreme Entity, You discipline those who You feel are very close to You for their welfare. In my day to day life and in my happiness and sorrow, You are always with me as my very close and most intimate one. In the pitch dark night, You are the jewel that provides the pathway and effulgence that makes my path and destination clear. But even then I do not look towards You. Your degree of discipline does not exceed the quantum of love. You love so much and discipline just a little. Parama Purusa, You are very kind and merciful...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Who stained the rivers with blood

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Religion and intolerance have created enormous harm in the world, have caused torrents of blood to stain the rivers red. In the present twentieth century, religions have assumed the form of “isms”. The people of medieval times fought among the clans and communities, and the people of today are fighting over their “isms”...To emancipate the masses from the unhealthy influence of “isms” there is no other way than universalism. Only universalism is free from the defects of any narrow isms because every thing of this entire universe comes within its vast periphery.” (1)

Reference

1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - part 7, The Five Kinds of Conscience (Viveka)

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Guilt complex: thief nabbed

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

Bhakta's choice: stay with Him or...

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/baba-story-from-my-diary-so-much-love.html

What brave margiis do

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/01/passive-onlooker-3-more.html

When a sadhaka becomes iishvara

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/how-human-becomes-iishvara-2-more.html

Key point about "see the bright side"

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/03/where-to-use-see-bright-side-where-not.html

Workings of this cosmos

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/09/difficult-question-easy-answer.html