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Saturday, July 4, 2026

Sadhaka life when very busy + 3 more

Baba
Sadhaka life when very busy

Namaskar,

Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected situations. At some point or another, everyone faces uncertain times and tough conditions that make life overwhelming. However, as Ananda Margiis, we will never be at a loss for how to proceed. Sadguru Baba has given us all the right practices and solutions, and addressed every circumstance. In one particular discourse, Baba provides us with an exact 4-step sequence for what to do when we are in an extremely difficult moment. (1) By following His below guideline, we are sure to be successful and maintain proper adjustment and equipoise, even in the most challenging and unexpected situations.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba's system: how to prioritize

So many things occur that are beyond our ability to plan for and these things take us away from our daily routine. This can happen in the case of births, deaths, tragedies, or accidents etc. It could be anything where one is so busy that they are knocked out of their normal routine and do not have time for their regular sleep, eating, bathing, and sadhana routines etc.

Now in this 21st century, life is extremely busy. People are on the go all the 24hrs. So when one big, unexpected event occurs, then life becomes difficult to manage. We cannot attend to our regular duties as we are fully focused on dealing with the task at hand. It is in that very extreme circumstance that we are to strictly adhere to Baba's guideline. Then we will be in accordance with dharma and in the best position to gain success and serve others.

When common citizens are overwhelmed with life, sleep deprived, and too busy to take care of their basic duties such as eating and washing due to a dire circumstance, then when they get a spare moment the first thing they do is eat. This is the common way most people proceed. Or if they are plagued by more undesirable habits, they will have a smoke or a drink (i.e. alcohol). But this is not the proper method. Baba's guideline is something altogether different.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In His highly unique discourse, Baba gives us the following formula for how to proceed in difficult circumstances. When overwhelmed by life’s myriad of twists and turns, and when thrown from our daily routine, Baba guides us that the first thing we should do is sadhana.


Sadhana is the #1 priority

Baba instructs us that even if we have not eaten or bathed or done any of our regular duties because of unforeseen circumstances, then as soon as we get even as little as 5 minutes free, we should do sadhana. We are spiritual beings, and by doing sadhana even for just 5 minutes our mental equipoise will be restored. Baba gives top priority to doing sadhana.

Bath is the #2 priority

If we have a little more time then we should bathe. That means if we have 10 minutes time we are to address our physical body and attend to basic human hygiene. Taking a bath, according to the Ananda Marga system will allow us to further revitalise ourselves. In that case we will do a 5 minute bath, and reserve 5 minutes for sadhana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Taking a nap or getting a little sleep is #3

If we have 15 minutes, Baba says we should take some time to nap. The main point is that sleep repairs the body, so taking a few minutes to nap will restore the body and settle the mind. It allows a person to come back to their normal flow - reach a state of balance. This period of napping might just be for a few minutes, but it is very important to do in comparison to eating food. So in that case, take a 5 minute bath, and then do sadhana for 5 minutes, then nap for 5 minutes.


Eating is #4

If a person has 20 minutes or more, taking food should be incorporated into the plan. Taking food is the final step of this unique sequence which Baba has given in this 1966 discourse in Chennai. By eating, Baba means taking sentient food in a calm manner, chewing thoroughly, and keeping the mind in a positive state.

So these are Baba's stepwise guidelines for how to proceed when encumbered by difficult life circumstances wherein one is thrown from their normal routine.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Managing life in hectic & busy period

Here is a brief outline and review of how to conduct ourselves when we get a short break when in the midst of a very hectic and busy period.

(I) 5 MINUTES: Do sadhana only;

(II) 10 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), and do sadhana (5 min);

(III) 15 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), do sadhana (5 min), and take a short nap (5 min);

(IV) 20 MINUTES: Take a bath (5 min), do sadhana (5 min), eat food (5 min), and then take a short nap (5 min).

So sadhana is the #1 priority because only sadhana is listed in all the above scenarios.

If we have no time for anything else, then at least sadhana should be done. If more time is available then we can add the following duties in this order or prioritization: #2 bath -> #3 nap -> #4 food.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Much of the world's population is unaware of Baba's teaching(s) so when they get embroiled in a difficult situation, they do not know how to proceed and their whole life falls into turmoil. In that case, it is not just a single event, but their entire course of life gets negatively affected. In addition to the problem at hand like an accident or family death etc, they may get sick, suffer from exhaustion, or fall prey to depression. Or not knowing what to do, they may even get in a fight, injure someone, or unnecessarily abuse a loved one. All these things may happen in that crucial period.

If we follow Baba's above mandate, however, we will always keep the mind in a proper flow, whereby everything will turn out as best as possible. The situation will not be compounded.

Why sadhana is first priority

By His system of prioritization, it is quite clear that Baba gives great importance to sadhana. As we know, in so many discourses Baba tells us that sadhana is the main thing in life.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The main purpose of human beings coming here to this earth is to do spiritual practice...Sa'dhana' is the main theme of life. Whatever you do in the world, you should do it with a view to promote your sa'dhana' and help the sa'dhana' of others. Human beings come to earth to practise sa'dhana', to move closer to Iishvara, the Supreme Goal – to come closer to Parama Purus'a [Supreme Consciousness]. Thus, the deeds of human beings will not be like the deeds of animals. Whatever human beings will do, they will do in such a manner that the progress in their sa'dhana' will go on accelerating." (2)

If a person is dealing with the passing of a family member or moving to a new region of the country or undergoing any sort of unexpected or big life change, then their routine may become disturbed. There might be a natural or man-made calamity such as a fire, flood, earthquake, accident, rescue and relief operations where one is deeply involved in serving others etc. Or one might be engaged in arranging a large-scale event or gathering like DMS etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In all such instances, one may find themselves with a shortage of time. Instead of attending to their duties in a proper manner, they may just eat food when they get a moment's opportunity. For such persons who find themselves in unexpectedly busy circumstances, Baba has given the above teaching and system of prioritization.


Conclusion

As Ananda Margiis, as disciples of a Tantric Guru, our lives are most blessed. He has given us the exact procedure to deal with every event in life - even unexpected ones. By this way, we can get success in every circumstance and always abide by the tenets of dharma.

So always remember: first is sadhana; second is bath; third is relaxation; and, fourth is food. That is the hierarchy of importance. If we keep this system in mind and follow it, we will be in the best position to handle every and any situation that comes in life.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Madhukar

~ In-depth study ~

Why methodical process of spiritual sádhaná for a long period

 Ananda Marga ideology says, "In Tantra, sádhaná has been given the utmost importance. What is sádhaná? Sádhaná means practical effort. An effort to what? An endless effort to move towards Puruśottama, the Nucleus of the Cosmic Cycle." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "To attain Parama Puruśa, to become one with the Supreme Reality, He must be made the summum bonum of human life. But the attainment of the Supreme Reality is not possible overnight. For that the sádhaka [spiritual practitioner] will have to undergo the systematic and methodical process of spiritual sádhaná for a long period, till every nerve-cell, nerve-fibre, every bit of his physical existence is divinized. Sádhaná, after all, is a scientific process by which the entire psycho-physical existence is divinized." (4)


How you can know everything

   Ananda Marga ideology says, "the very purpose of our human creation is to follow the true dharma; is to maintain spiritual practices in this very life, and to become one in Him. So dharma sádhaná [means that] by following dharma we follow our sádhaná, we follow our spiritual practices. By following the spiritual practices we become one with Him. That is the final victory. That is the final goal of all human beings on this planet. Men, women, everyone, we are all marching towards that unique goal. That goal has to be realized. In order to realize the goal, you have to continue your spiritual practices. You should practise what you have been asked to. So do not forget your nature. Do not try to follow animal nature. [But at the same time] you have got to eat, you have got to sleep; that is [your] nature too. Having proper restraint over your animal nature, try to follow the true human nature..."
   "So from this day you have been given the chance. Do not waste your time anymore. Do not waste your life anymore. Take it, this opportunity, and try to know that Supreme Consciousness which is in hiding. By knowing Him you know the whole universe; you know everything. That is the final goal of all of us. So dharma has to be practised in human life. Not tomorrow – today. Whether you are a family person or [a single] person, everyone will have to perform dharma sádhaná. Dharma has to be performed; sádhaná has to be performed." (5)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 26 (Hindi), chapter 5, Discourse delivered in Chennai (25 June 1966)
2. Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Intuitional Science of Tantra
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, Bhusuku and Brahmabháva
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Dharma Sádhaná


*        *        *

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 ==

My intense desire

"Toma'ri deoya' pra'n'e, toma'ri deoya' mane..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3624)

Purport:

O' Parama Purusa, You are the Giver of Life. This very existence of mine has been bestowed upon me by You. This very mind of mine has been given to me by You. Now, by Your grace, my whole mind and heart, which have been given to me by You, are focused solely on Your meditation - ideating on You. O' my Lord, You are my Goal, and my sadhana revolves around You. I am thinking only about You. By Your grace, I understand that everything belongs to You. Except You, nothing exists. You are everything. 

O' unkind One, I love You so much and am crying for You. I have so much longing for You and want that You should come close to me - in my sadhana, in my dhyana. Besides You, there is no one who is mine. I do not have anyone. But You are not coming close. Why do You remain far away, O' Heartless One. Why do You remain forgetful of me? Why are You not coming near and instead going to some far distant place? O' Parama Purusa, please come close; those thoughts and feelings which I have kept in the casket of the inner core of my heart I want to whisper in Your ear. And among them, one is my intense desire to get You. I have so many intimate things to tell You. I have so many thoughts to share with You. My only request is that I should get You.

O' Parama Purusa Baba, due to my crude mind, for ages and ages I remained oblivious about You. I was not keeping You in my mind. Baba, I do not know how long it has been that I have forgotten You. During that time, I just danced in the rhythm of this mundane, crude material world. I was just infatuated, intoxicated, and engrossed with the fleeting allurements of the relative sphere. O' my Dearmost, today You made me understand that I am only Yours. By Your infinite compassion, all my thoughts, plans, programs, aspirations, sorrows, happiness, desires - everything revolves only around You. Baba, You are my Polestar; You are my everything, I surrender at Your lotus feet...


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How sadhakas are like goldsmiths

    Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Take the case of the precious metal gold. Whenever you say “gold” you refer to gold in general, the gold of the universe. To be of some practical use, the gold will have to be brought within the limitation of a certain form, such as a gold necklace, a gold bangle, or gold tiara. Women may get a certain pleasure by wearing these gold ornaments, but for the goldsmith has no practical use for them as ornaments. He is only concerned about one thing – gold. Likewise, due to the influence of the static principle, an infinite number of names and forms have emerged out of Parama Puruśa, the Singular Entity. Most people enjoy using these finite names and forms, but to practical spiritual aspirants they have no special importance. Sádhakas are only interested in the original substance and not its finite forms. Thus, their only object of ideation is Parama Puruśa. They only accept Parama Puruśa, the Singular Entity, as the goal of their lives, just as the goldsmith is only interested in the gold and not its different forms.”
   “How can one shake off the influence of static inertness? How can one get freedom from the bondages of names and forms? Just as the goldsmith uses a hammer and process of melting (in fire) to extract the real gold from the various ornaments, similarly a practical spiritual aspirant will have to break the bondages of names and forms in this expressed world through the cultivation of knowledge (which is mutative), devotion (which is sentient). By virtue of the heat of the fire of sádhaná and the strength derived from sustained intuitional practice, a sádhaka can overcome the static inertness, the apparent cause behind the quinquelemental universe. Life and the world will become effulgent with the resultant unfoldment of latent consciousness.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life, part 7, Form and Formless


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Discuss this topic calmly

Generally when Ananda Marga philosophy is compared with the theology of other religions, even in a respectful manner, then some uninformed people get overwhelmed.  They forget that Baba encourages respectfully pointing out the defects of various religions. See Baba’s teaching below.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Read any so-called religious book: one will seldom find anything resembling tolerance of the religious beliefs of others...If necessary, different views can be compared and presented in philosophical books. The philosophical and psychological loopholes in an argument may be pointed out without being disrespectful.” (Human Society - 1, Moralism)

Due to their unawareness they think, “Do not point out any harmful things practiced by other religions.” They believe Baba forbids this. To remove their confusion, the above yellow highlighted quote may help.

Without bringing the logical point and respectful discussion of loopholes of various religions, it is not possible to open the eyes of the common people that what they are doing is wrong and harmful to them. That is why religious loopholes should be highlighted in a respectful manner.

Reference
1. Human Society - 1, Moralism


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How unbridled accumulation of material wealth is harmful

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In this socio-economic [PROUT] set-up people are at full liberty in the spiritual and mental spheres. This is possible because the spiritual and psychic entities for which people can aspire are themselves unlimited, and the extent of possession in this sphere does not hamper the progress of others in their quests. But the supply in the physical sphere is limited, and hence any effort for disproportionate or unrestricted acquisition of physical objects has every possibility of creating a vast majority of have-not’s, and thus hampering the spiritual, mental and physical growth of the larger majority. So, while dealing with the problem of individual liberty, it must be kept in view that individual liberty in the physical sphere must not be allowed to cross a limit whereat it is instrumental in hampering the development of the complete personality of human beings; and, at the same time, must not be so drastically curtailed that the spiritual, mental and physical growths of human beings are hampered.”

“Thus, the social philosophy of Ananda Marga advocates the development of the integrated personality of the individual, and also the establishment of world fraternity, inculcating in human psychology a Cosmic sentiment. The Marga advocates progressive utilization of mundane and supramundane factors of the Cosmos. The society needs a stir for life, vigour and progress, and for this Ananda Marga advocates the Progressive Utilization Theory (Prout), meaning thereby progressive utilization of all factors. Those who support this principle may be termed “Proutists”.” (1)

Reference
1. Idea & Ideology, The Cosmic Brotherhood


== Section 3: Links ==




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Friday, July 3, 2026

Story: bhakti not money is criteria + 3 more

Baba

Story: bhakti not money is criteria

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “To attain salvation is the birth right of all individual beings. Paramátmá makes no difference between educated and uneducated, rich and poor, young and old – no such external difference has any meaning to Him. He is the all-knowing entity. He judges everything by studying the inner sentiments of individuals. Even the most sinful and most virtuous people are equally entitled to salvation in the eyes of Paramátmá.” (1)

Paramátmá only considers the inner thoughts and devotional sentiments of people. The intense desire to know Him, the deep urge to attain Him, the intense longing for Him – these are the qualities which Parama Puruśa values.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

We are aware that in our Ananda Marga straight and clean conduct - not social status - has far more value and importance than any other quality. A classic proof of this is that during different DMCs, Sadguru Baba graciously treated everyone equally, whether rich or poor. In the DMC pandal, all margiis, irrespective of their nationality or economic status, were sitting on the ground / dusty carpet inside the pandal. It is not that there was a special air-conditioned lounge arranged for wealthy people. Never was it like that. Rather all sat on equal seats before Beloved Baba.


Baba story: dealing with one politician

When one very important political leader, Guljarilal Nanda', came to see Baba, he desperately wanted to have personal contact. However, Baba did not allow him. That time that political leader was holding a very important ministerial post in the Central Gov't of India. In an attempt to get PC, this politician followed Baba from Delhi to the Bombay airport, but Baba refused to give him the time of day-- means he did not get the chance to talk to Baba even. Because Baba maintains only the strictest standards on dharma based on proper conduct.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba story: dealing with one capitalist

One time, in the 1960's when Ananda Marga was in need of money for schools, jagrtis and service projects, one wealthy capitalist named Hanuman Prasad Poddar who owned the famous Giita Press in Gorakhpur came to see Baba.

At the time Baba was in Bettiah and Hanuman Prasad arrived there and insisted that he should be initiated by Baba, not by any Wt or family acarya. The margiis and Wts were reluctant but ultimately agreed since they felt they would need to get money from this wealthy man to support our schools etc.

So they brought Hanuman Prasad to Baba's door and he was allowed to enter. Hanuman Prasad approached Baba with a large bag of money in his hand which he promptly offered to Baba. Baba immediately called His PA and ordered PA Dada to take the bag of money over to the window, and drop the entire bag of money outside.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Seeing this Hanuman Prasad ran out of the room to go get the money. Immediately, Baba ordered PA Dada to go over to the door and lock it. And Hanuman Prasad was never allowed inside again. Baba then scolded all the margiis and warned them to never compromise and be purchased by any wrongdoer ever again.


Some review

So this is the way the all-loving Sadguru Baba deals with people-- according to their mental feeling. In other organizations, money often plays a significant role. But His relation with each and every margii is solely based on bhakti, and bhakti alone. And when one has bhakti that is invariably reflected by their conduct. Without proper conduct, bhakti is not possible.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Bhaktiyogii

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 4, Bhakti and Krpá

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.



*        *        *

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 ==

I called You

“Ámár sakal duhkher májhe, ele tumi duhkha harań…” (Prabhat Samgiita #1421)

Purport:

My Supreme Entity, You are Duhkhaharan'. You came when I was feeling depressed, surrounded by sorrows and suffering; my life was unbearable. You came with eyes gazing, silent footsteps, a loving smile, and a charming face. You have blessed me, rescued me from the depths of the deep gorge, and wiped away my tears.

Parama Purusa, in distress I called You and looked towards You. Raising both my hands in full surrender, I cried out and pleaded, "My Lord, please save me; You are my only shelter. I take refuge in You. If You will not save me who will. I am completely depending upon You with full surrender." Then and there, You rescued me. 

Baba, the Supreme One, upon opening my eyes I see Your refulgence has filled the sky. With Your august presence, the whole universe has become enveloped in Your shining brilliance, and my mind and heart are now drenched in Your love. My Parama Purusa, remembering Your glory, singing Your songs with all my heart, and holding Your lotus feet, I surrender unto You…

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #1421:

[1] Dukhaharan': Parama Purusa is the remover of sorrows and suffering. That is why, among His infinite epithets and qualities, one of His names is Dukhaharan' (Dukha= pain or suffering; haran'= to take away). In the Mahabharat era when Queen Draopadi faced humiliation at the hands of her captors, she surrendered fully and was saved. The point is that being the Dukhaharan', Parama Purusa removes a sadhaka's afflictions. Afflictions are of three types: physical, psychic, and spiritual. So when any bhakta is suffering from any trouble or torment in any realm of life then Parama Purusa Baba showers His grace and relieves them of their pain and suffering.

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Atheism: not a glorified stance

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Self-awareness develops through clash. The awareness that develops through physical clash is termed jadábuddhi [crude physical intellect] because it is associated with jadá [matter]. The consciousness of animals and undeveloped human beings is matter-oriented. But even in developed human society, if someone is an atheist or a materialist, we can only term their intellect as jadábuddhi. Such people deny the existence of spirituality in order to hide their intellectual deficiencies. Their denial betrays their moral and intellectual bankruptcy. It does not speak of their glory, nor does it diminish the value of spirituality." (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Devotion plays a positive role in the process of clash. Had there been no factor to maintain the balance among all the objects created within the Macrocosmic Mind, the entire structure of the universe would have fallen apart. For the sake of harmony and balance within the universe, there is a mutual attraction among all the objects; each microcosm attracts the other microcosms. All finite microcosms – the innumerable manifestations of the Supreme Entity – are entitled to that universal love with which It has bound each microcosm to Itself, entitled to the wave of that universal love, in which Its divine ocean of bliss is perennially flowing. Attraction is the innate characteristic of microcosms. When this attraction is for finite objects, it is called káma [“physical longing”], and when it surges towards the Cosmic Entity, it is called prema [“divine love”]. Of course, káma is nothing but a limited form of prema. When microcosms rush towards Parama Puruśa [Supreme Consciousness] attracted by the irresistible force of divine love, it is termed “devotion”. Since clash drives the microcosms towards subtlety, it follows that clash must be the sustainer of devotion." (2)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Cosmic Attraction and Spiritual Cult
2. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Cosmic Attraction and Spiritual Cult


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Which languages are good

Prout philosophy guides us, “In the past undeveloped persons used to express their thoughts through gestures and postures. A time will come when there will be no language. With the advancement of science human beings may again adopt new types of postures and gestures, and they may think of using the energy saved by minimizing the use of spoken language for higher pursuits.”

“Intelligent people will evolve a common world language and will not be guided by false, narrow sentiments. Like all other mundane property, languages are the common property of the Cosmic Father. We should love all these languages, hate none, and adopt one of these languages as the world language. As all languages are our common property, we should not oppose the existence of other languages. We should not brand any language as foreign or national.”

Prout philosophy says, “In the present system the English language deserves to be the world language because it is scientific and widely spoken. It would be a great folly for any government to deny this fact. With the change of time future generations may select any other language as the world language. Thus we should adopt a common lingua franca for the mutual exchange of ideas. For this purpose English may be accepted as the world lingua franca for some time more. We should however feel that all the languages of the world are our own languages. No language should be treated as indigenous, foreign or national, and nobody should treat the world language as a foreign language and discourage its propagation.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, What is the best language according to Prout


== Section 4: Links ==

Labels: , ,

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Who gets bored & fatigued + 3 more

Baba
Who gets bored & fatigued

Namaskar,

The basic formula is that if you love someone then you do not feel frustrated, bothered, or tired when serving them. It is just like how a mother has endless patience and energy to care for her own child. But that same mother may feel exasperated, depressed, and depleted if she has to take care of others’ children whom she does not have love and affection for. The key point is that when there is love you naturally want to help and please that person. That is the basic function and characteristic of worldly life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Spiritual inspiration

Similar is the case in the spiritual realm with bhaktas and Parama Purusa. They think that everything is the creation of Parama Purusa, and Parama Purusa wants His creation to be served. So when bhaktas engage in service they think they are pleasing Parama Purusa. The reason is they feel they are fulfilling His desire that His creation should be served. In this equation, the bhakta’s mind is keenly linked with Parama Purusa so that bhakta derives perennial energy and does not get tired.

In the case of worldly life, a person gets some energy, but eventually that individual invariably gets tired and fatigued as well. Even new mothers become fatigued and exhausted. The same is at stake with married couples. If they really care about each other, one will be able to serve their spouse to some degree, but at some point they will grow weary.

Here is the overall formula:
(a) If there is a lack of love then when trying to help that person one will get tired immediately.
(b) In worldly attraction if someone wants to please their loved one then they will have some energy to expend before getting tired.
(c) In spiritual life if a bhakta wishes to serve the Supreme Entity then that sadhaka never gets tired, rather they will derive perennial energy from the Eternal Source, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion: Why non-bhaktas get frustrated & tired

Non-bhaktas lust after sensual pleasures and ephemeral desires. Their minds are not ensconced in any type of spiritual flow or ideological engagement. Rather, they do each and every activity for their ego satisfaction (i.e. name, fame, fleeting glory, prestige etc) and the satiation of their vrttis (lust, greed, indulgence). Those external activities are draining for them. They are not self-sustaining endeavours. Only a bhakta's life is propelled forward by the essence of their own activities.

The proof being that in difficult conditions those non-bhaktas get tired and fatigued etc. Those worldly pursuits become unbearable and overwhelming for them. They suffer in all kinds of ways: psychic tension, obesity, disease, worries, depression, fear, divorce, etc. They cannot maintain their flow; their approach is not self-propelling. They become fatigued because whatever they do is done to satisfy their own petty ego. That is why they get tired. They do not have any greater ideal. So they are not getting perennial inspiration from the Supreme Entity. Their pursuits are extraneous and become exhausting and deflating. Those engagements give them terrible tension in life. So if anyone is frustrated in this way we should conclude that he is not a bhakta.

Bhaktas think that everything is the creation of Parama Purusa, and Parama Purusa wants His creation to be served. So when bhaktas engage in service they think they are pleasing Parama Purusa. Reason being they feel they are fulfilling His desire that His creation should be served. In this equation, the bhakta’s mind is keenly linked with Parama Purusa so the bhakta derives perennial energy and does not get tired.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In Him,
Trikal Darshii

~ In-depth study ~

Bhakti propels one closer to the Goal

On the path of bhakti, that bhakti becomes the life of the bhakta. Sadguru Baba guides us that one gets their vital energy from that bhakti - by serving the society, by singing kiirtan, and by doing dhyana. For bhaktas, these pursuits are energizing; it brings bliss; and it is their natural way of living.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "You know, jina'na is a practice. Karma is also a practice. But bhakti is not a practice, it is a principle. It is something quite natural, and naturally associated with your life. So, when one becomes a [bhakta], one becomes natural in one's mode of life." (1)

Jinanis and karmiis involve in intellectual pursuits and mundane works for their own ego satisfaction. That is how they boost themselves up. But invariably, their inflated ego bursts and they come crashing down. Bhakti works in an entirely different sphere. It is not something external. A bhakta's spiritual practices propel them closer to the Cosmic Entity, by His grace. That inner flow is the essence of who they are. Such persons are true bhaktas.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Progression onto the path of bhakti

For those general people who have not yet tasted the sweetness of bhakti, step-by-step we should bring them onto the path first by helping them to do jinana yoga and karma yoga. And by doing a little jinana yoga and karma yoga, then they will begin to internally feel the force of bhakti as they incorporate different spiritual practices - like sadhana and kiirtan into their life.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "And what about karma yoga and jina'na yoga? They are the necessary preparatory phases for bhakti. You have to practise karma yoga and jina'na yoga. Through that practice you will ultimately be established in bhakti." (2)

It is not that sometimes bhaktas do jinana and karma. This is never the case. Because the work jinanis and karmiis do is for their own unit prestige and ego etc. That is why they suffer from vanity, and that is why mostly their lives are filled with frustration. Because they are principally involved in their own little ego. Whereas bhaktas are never on the path of jinana or karma. When they engage in action then that is also part of their inner spiritual flow because what they are doing is done in service to Parama Purusa - to please Him. This special state of top bhakti is known as parabhakti.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Why the general society cannot understand

Baba's many discourses and beautiful explanations demonstrate how bhakti is such a unique force - an unparalleled force. It is the highest quality in life. In materialistic society, bhakti is neither recognised nor valued. People do not place emphasis on bhakti. Instead, it is viewed as a liability - as something that will hinder one's ability to do work in this world.

So, on the one side, Baba says bhakti is everything, and on the other side regular citizens think that bhakti is meaningless, and has no practical value. In order to understand the greatness of bhakti one has to first colour their mind in that flow of bhakti. Without that, one cannot grasp its beauty and inherent nature. From the outside one cannot know.

Just as a thirsty person cannot grasp the importance of water until they drink some; similarly dry, materialistic-minded people cannot ascertain the essential nature of bhakti until they taste that. That is why they remain blind to the fact that real bhakti is the greatest force in this universe and that with bhakti one gets everything.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "As soon as you are established in bhakti, everything will be yours; you will have nothing more to attain." (3)

Seed vessel of this topic

Here, in seed form, Baba explains the entire shloka that is the focal point of this topic.

Bhaktir Bhagavato seva', bhaktih prema svaru'pin'ii;
Bhaktira'nanda ru'pa' ca, bhakti bhaktasya jiivanam.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Bhakti means rendering service unto Parama Purus'a. It is of the nature of love and a'nandam, or bliss. It is verily the life-force of the bhakta." (4)

If one is always using their time for sadhana, kiirtan, and pracara etc, then we know that person is a veritable bhakta. Because a bhakta's mind is always inclined towards Parama Purusa - always trying to please Him and basking in His bliss.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Bhakti, Mukti and Parama Puruśa
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 20, “Prańipátena Pariprashnena Sevayá” – 2
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 20, “Prańipátena Pariprashnena Sevayá” – 2
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, 'Bhaktitattva'


*        *        *

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 ==

Fighting strategy & compassion

The following is a revolutionary tale from Baba’s story book: 

“O prince ! Now there is no way to recede or retreat. Now we will have to fight with him face to face. Don’t worry at all. We four will create a stir among the young people and they will help you in large numbers. Though the demons are powerful, they are very few in number. If human beings have a proper understanding of their rights, and unitedly stand to establish these rights, all the strength of the demons will disappear just like a piece of straw before a current!”

The four friends of the prince then set out on their respective duties. They sent the message of a famous poet of the Kingdom of Light to all the young people of that country. “Awake, brothers and sisters! Today you will have to awake and stand up against the tyranny of the demons! You will have to stand unitedly to fight against them. The hollow message of peace is meaningless today. As long as the demons are alive, the message of peace is sweet to hear, but is of no use to the society.

“The forces of destruction are spreading venom in all directions. The sweet gospels of peace have been reduced to mockery. Before I depart I send my clarion call to those who have been preparing themselves, in every home, for the battle against the demons.

“The huge wastes of the villains will never add any glorious chapter to human history.”

Young people joined the struggle in large numbers. They said, “We have promised our everything to bring an end to the reign of the demons. We have borne tyranny for a long time – but no more! Wearing ragged clothes we have supplied the commodities of enjoyment for the demons – but no more. We want to lead a life worth living. All the wealth of this universe is the common property of all living beings. We won’t tolerate deception any longer! We want food, clothes, shelter, medicine and education. We want to lead an honourable life.”

The prince said, “These are the very words I wanted to hear from you. We want the end of the demonic rule. But before discharging the final blow, the opponent party should be given a chance to amend itself; that’s why we want to give the strange demon a chance.” (1)

Reference
1. The Golden Lotus of the Blue Sea


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Festivals: key for any society

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Every human being likes utsava [festival]. It is the desire of all that they will rejoice unitedly. In Europe Puritanism failed in the end, only because the Puritans failed to care for the desires of the general public. They preached their theory only to a handful of devotees of knowledge.”
   “Ananda Marga is for the general public. So, considering the necessity of the general mass, proper importance has to be given to the utsava in social life. Excitement in a utsava is the greatest in the children, in the tender aged boys, in the youths and last of all in grown ups. In the programmes of a utsava, therefore, you shall think for the children first. Their sweet stammering noises ensure the success of the utsava. But whatever arrangements you may make for the children, the youngsters, youths, or for the grown-ups, make that there is no dearth of discipline even to the minutest extent anywhere. Let there be complete harmony. ” (1)

Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Dvitiiya Parva), Point #4 - Utsava


== Section: Important Teaching ==

TP distortion: anything but Hindi

The Tiljala in-charges have employed Bangalisation in a variety of ways. The following discourse, "Treading the Broad Path of Spirituality", stands as yet another example.

Below is an excerpt from the Electronic Edition publication of this discourse. Baba is telling a story about the King Akbar and his minister, Birbal. Tiljala Publications (TP) indicates that Birbal replied in Persian. But actually, Baba guides us that Birbal replied in Hindi. And although Tiljala publications printed Birbal’s reply in Hindi, those same publishers credited it as being Persian. This clearly depicts Tiljala publication's aversion towards mentioning of the term - Hindi. See here below that passage from the Electronic Edition:
 
Ananda Marga ideology states, "There is a fine story to illustrate this point. Once King Akbar said, “Birbal, can you please tell me something which will make a happy man unhappy and an unhappy man happy?” Birbal replied in Persian, “Aesá din nehi rahega” (Such days will not remain forever). This can be said regarding everything of the world." (1)

It is sad Tiljala Publications has printed Birbal's above reply in Hindi yet stated it was in Persian. Those who know Hindi will immediately recognise what Tiljala Publications has done. They printed the Hindi sentence - which Baba actually spoke in Hindi - yet labeled it as Persian. 

When something is clearly written in Hindi, it is deceptive and shameful to intentionally label it as Persian, in order to push down Hindi.

Note: Baba actually has given this discourse in Bengali, in Kolkata. And this one statement of Birbal, Baba spoke in Hindi. Baba never said Birbal gave the reply in Persian; Baba simply spoke Birbal’s reply in Hindi. But Tiljala Publications could not accept or acknowledge the fact Baba spoke Birbal's reply in Hindi. So Tiljala Publications wrote that Baba replied in Persian. But that is wrong. 

In Him,
Nandita’ Chakraborty

References
1. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 4, Treading the Broad Path of Spirituality (10 November 1978 morning, Kalikata.)


== Section: Topic ==
 
Baba's pictures should NOT be shared

Namaskar, All

I have written on this time and time again. And I feel it is time once again to say something. Baba's pictures should NOT be shared on social media. They should not be the banner of any group. They should not be on anyone's Facebook page, etc. None of that! Stop!

We must put a stop to this practice. We must be EXTREMELY discriminating about where and when we disseminate Baba's picture. Baba has made this clear in His ideology. But let us also look at it this way:

Baba's photographs are integral to our spiritual practices. He is guiding us, and He has given Himself to us. His pictures are precious, to be cherished and guarded. Baba Nam Kevalam. The Lord is mine and mine alone! So why should I share Him? I should not share Him. I should be a first class devotee and not share Baba's pictures, ever. His image belongs to me and me alone.

If you want to become an acarya and sell, or better yet, give His picture to a devotee, with proper instructions on how to handle, that is one thing. Otherwise, keep Baba's picture to yourself. Of course this includes video. This is not for mass consumption. Baba belongs to His devotees, which happen to be margiis. If you are a devotee of Baba, most likely you will be a margii. Doesn't that make sense? Follow 16 points and don't share Baba's pictures.

Just by cleaning up this mess, that is, stopping the misuse of Baba's photo, we will undoubtedly make Ananda Marga much stronger. Can you not see that? Just as Baba belongs to the devotee, so, Baba also belongs to Ananda Marga! We must not share Him indiscriminately. All margiis must condemn this practice of sharing Baba's pictures. The future of Ananda Marga depends on it.

A friend of mine has complacently said that the genie has been let out of the bottle. There is no putting him back. I don't agree with that attitude, and I much doubt that Baba would, either. We must demand complete change in attitude about this matter. If you want to gaze at Baba's picture, become a margii. That is how it should be. Do you not think Baba would agree with this?

His image should not be on the cover of books. His video should not be on social media. Etc. Please observe and respect the Divinity of our Lord's image. His pictures are among the most precious and cherished gifts. His image is sacred. It is blasphemous and plain stupid to scatter His pictures indiscriminately everywhere. Ananda Marga suffers.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "You shall protect, in all respects and at all costs...the sanctity of...pratikrti [photo] of Márga Guru." (1)

in Him,
Bhaskar

Reference
1. Caryacarya - 1, Treasures of Ananda Marga


== Section 3: Links ==



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