Foods Harmful to Pets & Animals

(Courtesy of Vetstreet.com)

• Some human foods can cause serious illness (and even death) in dogs and cats.
• Pets should not be given human food unless recommended by your veterinarian.
• If you suspect your pet may have eaten a dangerous food, contact your veterinarian immediately.

What Do I Need to Know About Foods that Are Dangerous for My Pet?

A number of human foods are dangerous to pets. Many of these foods may seem tasty to our pets but can prove deadly if eaten. It can be very tempting to offer pets food from the table, but pets should not be given human food unless recommended by your veterinarian.
If you suspect your pet may have eaten a dangerous food, contact your veterinarian immediately. In many cases, early recognition and treatment are critical.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in products such as gum, candy, mints, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Xylitol is harmful to dogs because it causes a sudden release of insulin in the body that leads to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Xylitol can also cause liver damage in dogs. Within 30 minutes after eating, the dog may vomit, be lethargic (tired), and/or be uncoordinated.  However, some signs of toxicity can also be delayed for hours or even for a few days. Xylitol toxicity in dogs can be fatal if untreated. It is unknown whether xylitol is toxic to cats.

Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine

Chocolate contains theobromine, a chemical that is toxic to dogs in large enough quantities. Chocolate also contains caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, and certain soft drinks. Different types of chocolate contain different amounts of theobromine and caffeine. For example, dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain more of these compounds than milk chocolate does, so a dog would need to eat more milk chocolate in order to become ill. However, even a few ounces of chocolate can be enough to cause illness in a small dog, so no amount or type of chocolate should be considered “safe” for a dog to eat. Chocolate toxicity can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid or irregular heart rate, restlessness, muscle tremors, and seizures. Death can occur within 24 hours of ingestion.

Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins can cause acute (sudden) kidney failure in cats and dogs. It is unknown what the toxic agent is in these fruits. However, clinical signs can occur within 24 hours of eating and include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy (tiredness). Other signs of illness relate to the eventual shutdown of kidney functioning.

Avocados

The avocado tree leaves, pits, fruit, and plant bark are likely all toxic. Clinical signs in dogs and cats include vomiting and diarrhea.

Garlic and Onions

Garlic and onions contain chemicals that damage red blood cells in cats and dogs. Affected red blood cells can rupture or lose their ability to carry oxygen effectively. Cooking these foods does not reduce their potential toxicity. Fresh, cooked, and/or powdered garlic and/or onions are commonly found in baby food, which is sometimes given to animals when they are sick, so be sure to read food labels carefully.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are common in candies and chocolates. The mechanism of macadamia nut toxicity is not well understood, but clinical signs in dogs include depression, weakness, vomiting, tremors, joint pain, and pale gums. Clinical signs can occur within 12 hours after eating. In some cases, signs can resolve without treatment in 24 to 48 hours, but patient monitoring is strongly recommended.

Prevention

Many cases of human food toxicity in pets are accidental. A pet may find and chew on a package of gum or candy, or steal food from a countertop or table. The best way to prevent this is to keep all food items in closed cabinets or in areas that are inaccessible to pets. This may be particularly difficult during the holiday season, when more candy, chocolate, fruit baskets, and other food items are around. During these times, increased vigilance can help prevent pets from finding and eating dangerous foods.

Unfortunately, some cases of food toxicity in pets occur when pets are given a human food that contains a dangerous component. In general, human food items should not be given to pets unless recommended by your veterinarian. Children should also be taught to never give candy, gum, or other human food items to pets. For more information on human foods that are dangerous for pets, visit the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Animal Poison Control Center. If you suspect that your pet has eaten a potentially hazardous item, contact your veterinarian immediately.

This article has been reviewed by a Veterinarian.

(Courtesy of Vetstreet.com)

Talk on Samaj in March 1979

Baba

Subject: Talk on Samaj in March 1979

Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2014 13:43:44 +0800 (SGT)
From: narayan panda <tatnam....co.in>
To: Ananda Marga Universal

Talk on Samaj in March 1979

Namaskar.
I attended the Medinipur DMC on 25 March 1979. I was initiated on 30th Sep'78, had PC with Baba in Siliguri DMC in Feb-March 1979. In Medinipur DMC, Ac. Sarvatmananda dada who was the then in-charge of Samaja explained about the new concept of Samaja propounded by Baba to the margiis of Utkal & Kosal Samajas.

I very much remember how Sarvatmananda dadaji was trying his level best to elaborate about the features of samaja. When he told "as per Baba's definition - mother tongue is the best medium of expression", I liked it very much. But we felt that Sarvatmananda dadaji himself was not having a clear concept.

I was thinking Baba should take class regarding Samaj directly for us so that we can clear our doubts. In this meeting Prof. Aditya Mohanty, Prof. Lokanath Pradhan & other senior margiis of Odisha like Er.  Hrudananda Choudhury, Adovcate PN Bhuyan, Jadumani Nayak, SB Pandey, Shankarlal, Jagannath Lenka were present. In July / Aug, Ac Sarvatmananda dada came to Sambalpur to take report of Kevalam movement of Koshal Samaja. At that time I was studying in Eng. College, Burla in Sambalpur.

In Siliguri DMC on the previous day of Baba's arrival there was a big rally of Amra Bangali & moved around the town. On arrival of Baba in the ground outside DMC pandal, He was welcomed by Amra Bangali Vahini.

He asked in Bengali: "Amra ekta susthamanav samaj gathan karte parbo?" (Can we establish one healthy human society?).

All of us replied- "Yes Baba."

Baba was very much pleased. This was my first instance I could see Him for the first time in my life.

Therefore I can say Baba has started delivering discourses about Samaja concept before June '79.

Na'ra'yan'a
Visakhapatnam, AP

He doesn't Want Any Offering, Other Than Mind

28 March 2014

This email contains three distinct sections:


(1) Prabhat Samgiita #1156

(2) Joke by Baba: Which Came First

(3) Link To Letters on Sensitive Material - News Bulletin



~ Baba ~

HE DOESN'T WANT ANY OFFERING, OTHER THAN MIND

~ PS #1156 ~

Namaskar,
The following review of Prabhat Samgiita #1156 is comprised of three distinct sections:

(A) Transliteration

(B) Introduction

(C) Line Meaning

(D) End Notes

(E) Special Note on Spelling & Pronunciation

Please be sure to read each section carefully as they build upon each other. Kindly send your suggestions, comments and thoughts.

(A) TRANSLITERATION OF PS#1156

Ke go tumi ele maneri ma'jhe
A'ka'sh va'ta's toma'ri ra'ge
Spandit hoye meteche na'ce

Kichu ca'o na'ko, kichu bolo na'ko
Kichu dite gele nite ca'o na'ko
Tabu a'chi ja'gi kichu deva'r la'gi, karun'a'ghan a'nkhi bhuleo na' ja'ce

Kichu ca'o na'ko a'ma'r ka'ch theke
Bujhi va' ca'o tumi a'ma'r "a'mi"-ke
Bha'losba'siya'chi manete metechi saba dite man taeriia'che

(B) INTRODUCTION FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #1156

This song expresses the mentality of a sadhaka when Parama Purusa comes in a new and more loving manner. When devotees do dhyana and Parama Purusa appears in the mind, sometimes bhaktas experience Him in a new and different way - in a closer more intimate relation. This song reflects the devotional feeling of a sadhaka when their relation with Parama Purusa becomes more intimate. For instance, suppose a sadhaka was in sakhya bhava, or friend relation. And then one day, in their dhyana they experienced the coming of Parama Purusa in a new way; their proximity with Him increased and their relation changed from sakhya bhava to dasya bhava (Master-servant relation) or madhura bhava (lover). That new and heightened devotional feeling is what is being expressed in this song.

(C) LINE MEANING OF PS #1156

O' Divine Entity, who are You [1] who has appeared in my mind? In Your tune, the sky and air are dancing in divine ecstasy. [2]

O' my Lord, You do not want anything, nor do You say anything. When I offer You something, You do not want to accept it. In spite of that, I remain awake, ever-ready to give You something. But, even by mistake, Your compassionate eyes never ask for anything.

Baba, You ask nothing of me. By Your grace, I understand that You are not satisfied with small things. You want my "I-feeling", my mind - everything. Baba, I have loved You. By Your grace, my mind is spiritually vibrated; it is now ready to surrender everything unto Your lotus feet.

O' Divine Entity, please accept my sastaunga pranam and unconditional surrender...

(D) END NOTES FOR PS #1156

[1] Who are You (ke go tumi): A person asks "Who are you?" when they are not fully aware about someone. So they ask, "Who are you?", in order to get more information about that person. But this question can also be raised if you know the person but are not completely familiar with the way they are behaving or relating with you. That is the case in the above Prabhat Samgiita. The sadhaka knows that it is the Divine Entity Baba, but asks "Who are You", because Baba is presenting Himself in a new and more intimate way.


[2] Last Word of the First Stanza: In the 1998 edition of the Bangla Prabhat Samgiita book, the final word of the last stanza is na'ce, meaning "dances". That seems to be the correct word. In past editions of the Bangla book, the last word of the first stanza was  ta'ha'te and in the recorded version of this song, the word ta'ha'te is sung. Because most of those audio recordings were made prior to 1998; hence they sang the song according to the lyrics printed in the older books. Ultimately, I cannot definitively say that na'ce is absolutely, positively the correct term. This could be a typo in the 1998 edition of the Bangla book. But most probably, the 1998 book is the proper version. At the very beginning of the book, the publishers noted that many updates were made in this edition to correct past mistakes. That most likely explains why the word na'ce is used in this text.

(E) SPECIAL NOTE ON SPELLING & PRONUNCIATION

Here the song has been written using the phonetic spelling. We think that will be the most conducive way for the most readers to get the proper pronunciation.

For instance, take the English words "know" or "knowledge". Without having first memorized the pronunciation, people will pronounce those words as "Ka-now" or "Kay-Now" and "Kay-Now-La-Di-Ge",respectively. Simply sounding out the letters will not produce the desired result. Because in the English language, spelling and pronunciation must be memorized. Otherwise it is not possible to pronounce words properly.

Same is the case with Bengali.

For example, in the first line of the above song #1156, the actual spelling of the word bolo (2nd stanza, 1st line, 5th word) is bala. But unless one knows Bangla, they will mispronounce it. Hence we have given the phonetic spelling, bolo. By this way even new readers will be able to pronounce the words correctly when listening to and singing the song.

With this phonetic spelling, readers will get the right pronunciation. Another example is the last word of the second stanza: ja'ce. The actual spelling is ya'ce, but many will mispronounce it if it is spelled in that manner - hence the spelling ja'ce. Indeed there are many such examples.

Only native Bengali speakers - or those extremely fluent in Bangla - will pronounce all the words correctly. Yet everyone wishes to listen to and sing Prabhat Samgiita and enjoy the song. If the lyrics are written in a technical manner then people will not be able to pronounce all the words properly. Hence it is written phonetically.

With regards to the repetition of certain lines when the song is sung, while listening to the song you will just have to be alert and adjust accordingly as all the original lines are present.
Namaskar,
Varabhaya Deva

== Next Section ==

BABA

Re: WHICH CAME FIRST

Namaskar.

Good article. (see link below)

Is there a translation of the Hindi discourse you cited from1968 wherein Baba explained how the first human being was born? (Eds: Yes, and that will be posted in the near future.)

On a more lighter note, perhaps you heard or read one of Baba's jokes about which came first, the chicken or the egg? If I may paraphrase, Baba asked if we believed in God above? Those present said yes, Baba. Then He said that God created the chicken first so it could fly down to the earth and lay the egg. He continued saying that if God above created the egg first it would have fallen to the earth and become broken!

Baba is very funny, don't you think?

Brotherly.
Vyasa

Note: Link To Initial Letter on This Topic

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/03/which-came-first.html


== Next Section ==


LINKS TO LETTERS ON SENSITIVE MATERIAL

If you would like to read letters on sensitive material from the New Bulletin Blog
then kindly click on the below link(s)...

Here are two recent posts:
(a) Pseudo-Didis & (b) Sinking Purodha

Women and Exploitation

25 March 2014

This letter contains 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Women and Exploitation
(2) Posting: Samaj, PSS, PBI

(3) Prabhat Samgiita #4857

~ Baba

Women & Exploitation

Exploitation of Women in Advertising

Advertising is everywhere: the average American consumer sees over 3,000 commercials messages each day. In many of these messages women are depicted as sexual objects.

Here is what an expert says:

Carol Moog Ph.D., a practicing psychologist and consultant to multiple advertisers wrote a book called “Are They Selling Her Lips” in 1990. Her book takes a focused look at the psychological effects of ads, what they say, what they actually mean, and how consumers react to them. She describes an ad for Chanel lipstick that is very disturbing. “Some of the most pervasive, persuasive, sexual imagery in advertising is more symbolic than blatant, although the connotations are far from subtle. The ad for Chanel lipstick by Doyle Dane Bern Bach (Milan) shows a women with her upturned , open mouth grasping a tube of the product between her teeth. The red lipstick is fully extended, her eyes are closed, and her face shows pleasure. The image is visually arresting, clearly evocative of fellatio, and symbolically links the cosmetic with the promise of sexual allure”.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or so the saying goes, but who feeds the beholder’s view of desirability? I believe the language of advertising over the past few decades has reinforced the notion that the ideal female is white, thin, sexily clad, and above all, submissive. Everybody struggles to develop a sense of security, a sense of personal identity. But most of us end up constantly glancing around to see if we measure up to those around us – and that includes supercharged media models. We hate ourselves for it, especially if we can see exactly what buttons the advertisers are pushing, but many of us buy into the images just enough to wish we could do it all … could be that thin or that rich, or that happy or that confident. And then telling ourselves that we‘re not affected by advertising, we find ourselves shelling out for the product.

Do you let advertisements affect your sense of self-worth? (Courtesy of CSUN Edu)

The Internet

When we talk about the exploitation of women and the use of the Internet we are not merely speaking of Internet porn. The exploitation of women via the Internet holds a host of threats to women and children. The following definition of sexual exploitation is offered by Donna Hughes, a well-known researcher in the area of Women’s Studies and woman’s advocate from the University of Rhode Island, she claims:

“A practice by which a person achieves sexual gratification, financial gain or advancement through the abuse or exploitation of a person’s sexuality by abrogating that person’s human right to dignity, equality, autonomy, and physical and mental well-being; i.e. trafficking, prostitution, prostitution tourism, mail-order-bride trade, pornography, stripping, battering, incest, rape and sexual harassment. Sexual exploitation preys on women and children made vulnerable by poverty and economic development policies and practices; refugee and displaced persons; and on women in the migrating process. Sexual exploitation eroticizes women’s inequality and is a vehicle for racism and “first world” domination, disproportionately victimizing minority and “third world” women. Sexual exploitation violates the human rights of anyone subjected to it, whether female or male, adult or child, Northern or Southern.”

As you can see many forms of exploitation can be manifested via the Internet; i.e. trafficking, prostitution, prostitution tourism, mail-order-bride trade, pornography, and stripping. A recently new phenomenon, Cyberstalking, is becoming more frequent and is another way that the Internet allows for the exploitation of women. In a national survey of college women during the 1996-97 academic years, 13% were stalked and 25% of those incidences reportedly involved cyberstalking. (Courtesy of CSUN Edu)

Television and Sexual Exploitation

Website making plastic surgery fun!

The sexual exploitation of women happens everywhere in our society. It has especially taken a turn for the worst with regard to TV programs. There is a new trend in TV shows, plastic surgery. Some of the shows include The Swan, Extreme Makeover and I Want a Famous Face. Each of these shows are a little different but have the same premise; plastic surgery will fix your problems in your life and make you happy. This premise is completely wrong and it is wrong to portray that your physical image is what makes you happy.

The swan is a show based on turning “ugly ducklings” into swans to win a beauty pageant. Wow, where do you start? Just calling these women “ugly ducklings” (this is the terminology the TV show used) is oppressing. Not only are they giving them plastic surgery to feel better about themselves but then they make them compete against each other. These women do not only go through plastic surgery, they have cosmetic dentistry, a professional stylist, makeup artist and trainer.

The show starts with 16 women and each week they pit two women against each other to see which one looks the best after their makeover and that woman gets to continue onto the pageant. Then the 8 women who make it to the pageant compete in events such as swimsuit, revealing photo shoot and of course lingerie. But to make the competition even worse the women’s kids are sitting in the audience watching their moms being sexually exploited. I really wonder how the judges can determine a woman’s inner beauty and intelligence by having them wear lingerie.

Teen girls are the ones who are watching these shows and this is the age where they are building their self-esteem and finding out who they really are. Seeing this sexual exploitation of women on TV and having the message that you have to be perfect physically has a very negative impact on how these girls see themselves and feel about themselves. This trend towards plastic surgery shows on TV is horrendous and affects not only teenage girls but all women.

Here is an astonishing statistic: According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 11,326 18 year old women underwent breast augmentation surgery last year, up from 3,872 in 2002. (Courtesy of CSUN Edu)

==  Next Letter ==

Subject: How PROUTists should fight general elections in India
Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2014 18:37:21 +0530
From: Devesh Kumar <deveshkumar.....l.com>
To: AM Universal

SAMAJ, PROUTIST SARVA SAMAJ SAMITI,

& PROUTIST BLOCK OF INDIA

Namaskar,

Before Baba elevated Proutist Sarva Samaj (PSS), margi brothesr had earlier fought elections on the banner of Proutist Block of India (PBI). After PSS came in to existence, PBI was confined / limited to those areas where language was no sentiment like Mumbai, Delhi, etc cities. Hence margi brothers started fighting elections in the name of their local Samaj like Amara Bengali, Chhatisgarhi samaj, Sahayadri samaj, Utkal samaj, Bhojpuri samaj, etc.

All 44 Samaj comes under PSS in India. Margi brothers can fight MP and MLA elections in the name of any 44 Samaj in order to have local sentiments. We margis should ensure that there should not be direct election fight between PBI and PSS.

Say, if someone wins election from any of 44 samaj, they will be counted under “PSS” alliance in Parliament. Like Congress party has UPA alliance and BJP party has NDA alliance. Similarly all 44 Samaj candidates will come under “PSS” alliance. Margis should fight general elections in the banner of their local Samaj like Amara Bengali, Chhatisgarhi samaj, Sahayadri samaj, Utkal samaj, Bhojpuri samaj, etc.

Before writing email, we discussed this matter with those margis who had received instructions directly from our beloved BABA.

At HIS Lotus Feet,
Devesh Kumar
Mumbai



REFERENCES
1. A Few Problems Solved – 9, Capitalism in Three Spheres
2. A Few Problems Solved – 9, Capitalism in Three Spheres
3. Human Society – 1, Social Justice

LINKS:

Here is a link to a related letter on this topic

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/03/example-of-imposed-inferiority-complex.html

People Eating Wood + 2 More

Baba

This emails contains three distinct sections:

1)  Bath Mantra & Cataracts

2) Is Parama Purusa Hungry For Praise

3) People Eating Wood

To: AnandaMargaUniversal1

From: dharm059@lencers

Date: 21:09:34 mar 15 2014

Subject: Bath Mantra & Cataracts

Baba

Bath Mantra & Cataracts

Namaskar,

In Caryacarya part III, Baba instructs us to do the bath mantra in the presence of an illumined object or light source, i.e. the sun.

So Baba wants that we should do bath mantra facing an illumined object, such as the sun, while there are still water droplets on the body because this has a very beneficial effect. The UV rays on the wet skin nourish the body. That is why it is so important and advantageous to do bath mantra while the body is still wet and not yet covered by clothing etc.

When taking bath in the river or seaside area, one should face the sun but not focus on or look directly towards it during bath mantra (or anytime) because that has a harmful effect on the eyes. It can lead to a condition called cataracts. One must ensure that the sun's rays are not directly on the eyes.

About this there should not be any doubt.

In particular, those living in hot and sunny areas should always refrain from looking directly at the sun, and, in addition, one should wear protective eyewear while outdoors. That will save you from suffering from cataracts, which is a degenerative condition for the eyes.

At His feet,

Dharmaduta

next letter...

To: AnandaMargaUniversal

Subject: Is Parama Purusa Hungry For Praise

From: Raghuviira

Date: 20:34:45 15 Mar 2014

Baba

Is Parama Purusa Hungry For Praise

Namaskar,

As sadhakas, we should be very clear about this distinction:

(a) Baba says that one should not be hungry to receive praise from others. One should not long for praise, name, or fame etc.

(b) Side by side, Ananda Marga teachings state that Parama Purusa should always be praised.

Some naive sadhakas or new people may take this in the wrong way - i.e. that Parama Purusa is hungry for praise. But there should not be an iota of confusion.

Firstly, Baba guides us not to seek praise, name, or fame because that will constrict the mind and make one more selfish and dull. Baba is warning us about this pitfall for human well-being.

Secondly, Ananda Marga philosophy guides us to sing the glories and praises of Parama Purusa. This guideline is also for the welfare of sadhakas. Parama Purusa Himself does not long for any type of praise etc, nor is He benefited by praise. In contrast, when sadhakas sing His kiirtan then their minds become expanded and exalted. The tenet is, 'As you think, so you become.' By singing the glories of Parama Purusa, a sadhaka's mind expands tremendously, by His grace. So Parama Purusa should always be praised.

Thus in both of the above scenarios, the directives of Ananda Marga philosophy help sadhakas progress along the path. This matter should be crystal-clear in everyone's mind.

Let us know your thoughts and reflections.

In Him,

Raghuviira

next letter...

From: prema

To: AnandaMargaUniversal

Subject: Humans Eating Wood 

Date: 15 Mar 2014

Baba

People Eating Wood

Namaskar, 

These days so-called fancy people depending on company products are eating wood in their food. Because companies add wood in the form of cellulose in their food. 

This following article addresses this issue. One should be careful - always be sure to read the food label before purchasing or ingesting any product. Otherwise, look what can happen. People are in the dark about how they are eating wood in their food.

There's Wood in My Food? 

Wood-derived Ingredients Common in Processed Foods

By P.F. Louis

(NaturalNews) Lately there have been rumors about sawdust used as fiber filling in processed foods. Well, not quite sawdust. The cellulose used in many foods is processed powder or pulp from virgin wood. It's becoming more common. Though not toxic, what good is it?

Wood cellulose explained

Since the virgin wood pulps and powders are not toxic, the FDA says it's okay to use in food. The food industry and FDA classify wood cellulose as fiber. The only limit on wood cellulose fillers is 3.5% in meat. All other foods have no limits for adding wood cellulose.

Obviously, profit is the food industry's main focus. Up to 30% savings are realized by using cellulose over other ingredients. After all, food ingredients are rising in cost. And usually cellulose adds to the shelf life.

The products using cellulose range from junk food outlets, to supermarket shelf foods, and even one known organic food item. The food industry and cellulose manufacturers publicize the health virtues of cellulose fiber. They promote "lower fat" and "high fiber" with their cellulose added foods.

The irony is that in some cases this rings true. Using cellulose to replace some bleached white flour and trans-fatty processed oils could actually be of some health benefit to the SAD (Standard American Diet) consumer.

But the premise of low or no fat dairy products made creamier with cellulose is based on health disinformation to begin with. We need good fats, and the processed food industry is responsible for eliminating good fats (too expensive) and substituting cheap toxic fats.

Wood cellulose is not toxic. But it's not food either. Our enzymes cannot digest cellulose. Yes, we all need to take in fiber. Dry legumes, whole grains, and most fresh plant foods contain fiber. Freshly baked whole grain breads from a trusted bakery contain natural fibers too. These are fibers that are part of actual whole foods.

Relying on packaged foods may lead to your getting more nutrition from licking the wrapping then eating the food. So stick to fresh produce, bulk items for beans and grains, and a reliable bakery.

Cellulose labels

Virgin wood pulp is cooked and chemically processed into a powder to separate the cellulose from the pulp. Minimal processing allows the powder to be classified as organic and can be used in USDA organic packaged foods or labeled with "containing organic ingredients." More chemically modified cellulose is used in junk or SAD foods.

Cellulose in the ingredients list is a giveaway. Another term used for wood cellulose is microcrystalline cellulose(MCC). Cellulose gel and cellulose gum are other descriptions of wood cellulose. A more technical term of carboxymethyl cellulose could appear on an ingredient list as well.

Some products using wood cellulose

Organic Valley uses minimally modified cellulose powder in their shredded cheeses. Kraft uses cellulose in their shredded cheese also. This keeps the shreds of cheese from lumping together.

General Mills (GM) is a devoted woody. They use wood cellulose in Log Cabin syrup, Ice Cream Shake Mix, Smoothie Base (Mango, Strawberry, and Strawberry Banana) Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, and Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.

GM also uses cellulose in Fiber One Ready-to-Eat Muffins and their tortilla flour. Those items are used with Meaty Breakfast Burrito, Hearty Breakfast Bowl, and their fajita chicken and chicken salad products.

Kellogg's is another good woody. MorningStar chicken nuggets, patties, and veggie wings have their share of cellulose. So does Kellogg's family of Eggo waffles and Cinnabon pancakes and snack bars.

This was just a sampling. Read those labels. You may not be getting poisoned, but you're eating empty calories, albeit less. (Courtesy of Natural News)

In Him, 

Prema

Ananda Marga Has Move Forward A Lot

Baba

ANANDA MARGA HAS MOVED FORWARD A LOT

Namaskar,
This following posting provides us a window into the past: How margiis were communicating on the email networks more than a decade ago.

When you read it you will find that this issue deals with one margii's lack of strictness in Ista. The margii wrote in a special way which we do not see nowadays.

So this letter is very interesting and shows how our Ananda Marga society has moved ahead, through a lot of ups and downs. The standard is far, far improved now.

After reading you will taste the special colour how people were writing those days, i.e. ten years ago. This below posting stands as on record as a historical document for how the people moved ahead through clash and cohesion.

HOW HISTORY WAS WRONGLY WRITTEN

Before reading the below letter, we should examine and embrace the spirit of Baba's guideline about how history should be written.

Baba says, "Let us see how people write history or get it written. In most cases history is written in the interest of a particular vested interest. History books are selected in order to establish the glory of a particular era. For example, the heroic tales of the chivalry of the Kśatriyas era, their war-strategies, etc., form the main basis for the writing of the history of the Kśatriya era. History books are filled with eulogies of the bravery and chivalry of the Kśatriyan rulers. Similarly, the history of the Vipra era is full of praises for the glorious deeds of the Vipra leaders, and the history of the Vaeshya era contains an abundance of stories about the glories of the Vaeshyas. While studying such biased history, the readers lose both interest and patience. Besides that, the study of this sort of so-called history injects some kind of dogma in the readers mind, and consequently chokes the development of a spontaneous human intellect." (1)

HISTORY SHOULD DEPICT LIVES OF THE COMMON PEOPLE

   Baba says, "I suggest that in the writing of history there should be a radical change. The history written so far is a history of kings and monarchs. It should be thoroughly overhauled and completely rewritten – rewritten in the interest of humanity and the universal well-being of the human race. If the chronicles of history merely describe who succeeded to the throne and when, who plundered the neighbouring countries or kingdom, and who became a minister, they will be of no importance whatsoever, nor, indeed, of any interest to the common masses. If human beings are to profit from the study of the annals of history, they must reflect the weal and the woe, the hopes and aspirations of the masses."
   "The annals of human history should show which communities brought about which amount of progress and prosperity in which area of social life and in which part of the world – only such significant events are worthy of being recorded. History should also maintain special records of the trials and tribula tions which confronted human beings, how those trials and tribulations were overcome, how human beings tackled the numerous obstacles to effect greater social development, and so on. Only such history would I call the complete history or complete cultural history of the human race." (2)

Keeping the above teachings on history in mind, here following is that letter of 10+ years ago:

From: martin_gillian
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: Mon, 31 Mar 2003 00:42:16 +0800
Subject: One Pointedness on Ista

"ALLAH CERTAINLY WORKS IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS"

Namaskar,
One dharmic point clicked in my mind. In addition to this list I am a regular reader of other mailing lists also. And just a few days back on 23 March [2003] I received one letter titled "Who's responsible?" from one of those lists [margii-mail]. And when I read this following sentence which I am quoting here below then what seemed like an endless array of questions came in my mind.

Here is the line which I am referring to from that letter:

"Allah certainly works in mysterious ways."

After reading this word "Allah", which is usually used by Islamic or Muslim people, then I was thinking why this term "Allah" has been used on Margii-Mail. And why it has been written that "Allah works in mysterious ways". Why they did not use the term 'Parama Purusa', or 'God'. Why did they use the term Allah?

According to my understanding, as a principle the aforesaid list is dedicated for the propagation of Marga ideology. Then why the phrase "Allah certainly works in mysterious ways" has been posted to this list. What can be the reason?

All these questions and counter-questions sprouted in my mind.

I SPEAK WITH RECTOR DADA ABOUT THIS

Then the evening before yesterday my rector Dada arrived at my house according to his pre-planned schedule.

And paying my namaskar and asking about his whereabouts and welfare, then when he was in a relaxed mood I placed my query.

I asked, 'In margii-mail, are all the writers Margiis, or are some believers of Islam?'

Dadaji told, 'As I am aware all members of margii-mail are margiis. Because you have to get permission / recommendation from your SOS in order to join. But tell me why you are raising such question as this'.

I replied, 'Excuse me, Dadaji. One margii wrote a letter and expressed his faith in Allah. First I thought that he may be an Islamic believer, then I thought that how it can be?'

I continued, 'After thinking more I thought this letter is in the English language-- it is not in  Arabic or Urdu. Because if the whole letter is written in Urdu or Arabic or Persian then when writing about God, then naturally the name "Allah" would have come. But when entire letter is in English and God is referred to as Allah then this gives completely different feeling'.

'It gives the feeling that in some corner of this margii's mind, surely some faith towards Allah is there. Most probably. Otherwise he would not have used this term.'

Dadaji replied, 'Your point is valid. It is just if anybody says by the grace of goddess mother Chath or Chandi, then one can reach to conclusion that he is a believer of mother goddess Chat or Chandi'.

MUST NOT EVEN JOKE IN THIS WAY

I asked, 'Dada do you think he was making joke on this point of Allah?'

Then Dada replied, 'No according to Ananda Sutram Baba's teaching dharma should always be practiced. "Always" means even jokes and humour and all expressions in 24hrs. So such type of loose terms should not be used. It would have been better if he would not have made such expression which is ideologically incorrect, or against the flow of Ananda Margiis.'

STRICTNESS IN ISTA A MUST

Dada continued: 'Baba has given us 16 Pts, strictness in Ista and Adarsha, non-compromising love for Baba, so in our casual speaking also we should not make jokes which go against these vital points of our conduct rules'.

Then Dadaji told that in Subhasita Samgraha BABA tells an important story about maintaining one pointedness on Ista.

Baba says, "In this regard, the story of Hanuma'na is very instructive. Someone asked him, 'Hanuma'nji, you are always repeating 'Ra'm, Ra'm' and never uttering the name of 'Na'ra'yan'a.' What is the matter?' Hanuma'n said that although he knew that Ra'ma and Na'rayana are one and the same, even then he accepted Ra'ma as his only Lord. "Srinatha Janakinathe ca'bhede parama'tmani."

Baba further explains in the same discourse,

"Remember that for you there is only one name of the Supreme Entity and not many...Hence, it is clear that for the sake of psycho-spiritual progress one-mindedness is very necessary. Para' needs only one idea and no confusion. There should be one aim, one way and one name to guide a person on the way. None of these should be two in number." (3)

Dada explained, 'From this story it is clear that Baba's instruction to us Ananda Margiis is that we follow strict vigilance with regard to the singularity of Ista."

IMPORTANT TO SHARE WITH ALL

After talking with my rector Dada my mind was clear and I thought that this is one good point to be raised for our common margii family. So it is with that feeling in my mind I am passing this whole tale to you with the desire to have some feedback.

Here also I would like to share that as Ananda Margiis, Baba has given us great responsibility which we have to discharge accordingly. In order to move ahead, obeying His guideline is highly essential for all around development.

Namaskar to one and all,
Mahesh
[Old letter of 2003 ends here.]

REFLECTION ON ABOVE LETTER

Nowadays, our various Ananda Marga email forums are more focused and pointed on Baba's divine guidelines and we do not see such types of letters anymore where one is raising the name of Allah in this peculiar manner. Now, the various forums review and discuss organisational, ideological, and devotional topics. So the standard has improved a lot.

In Him,
Sulocan


REFERENCES
1. AFPS-4, What Should History Be Like?
2. AFPS-4, Let History Be Rewritten
3. SS part 19

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Pra'n'e ceyechi toma're, tumi ki deve na' dhara'..." (P.S. 4694)

Purport:

O my Lord, I long for You in my heart - please come in my heart. Won't You please grace me and allow Yourself to be held; will You not allow me to hold You. The same flow which I feel my heart is also resonating through the delicate strings of my viina.

O' Parama Purusa, so many days and nights, so many prahar [1], and so many dates have gone in waste. Baba, so many months, spans of time, years, and ages have passed. Even after learning so many rules and regulations, and so many do's and don'ts from the scriptures - in spite of that I lost the path. 

O ' Dearmost, today, by Your grace I understand this eternal truth: That You can only be bound by love and devotion. All the fixed rules and established systems of the tunes and melodies will go in vain. By that way I will not get You. I can only get You by yearning and longing. Only with devotion can I get You.

O' Parmama Pursua Baba, I long for You in my heart. In my each and every action I want You to be present. I want to feel You all the time. Baba, please grace me so that You are always along with me. Baba, please be gracious...


END NOTES FOR PRABHATA SAMGIITA #4694:

[1] Prahar: Each day is broken up into eight segments or eight periods. And these periods are known as 'prahar'. In that way, each prahar is three hours length in duration. Here Baba explains more about prahar and various other segments of time.

Baba says, "The verbal root 'mas' means 'to measure'. By adding 'ghain' to 'mas' we get ma'sa whose etymological meaning is 'a measurement of time' or 'a period of time'. Thus ma'sa in this sense means 'era', 'lunar year', 'lunar month', 'lunar day', 'solar year', 'solar month', 'fortnight', 'week', 'solar day' or ahora'tra (from sunrise to sunrise), prahara (three hours), hour, minute, second, fraction-of-second and so forth -- all of these." (Shabda Cayanika-2, Disc: 13)

Carrying Weapon

Baba

CARRYING WEAPON

Namaskar,
Most everyone has heard that Didis are required by Baba to carry a trishul (trident). It is part of their uniform.

Everyone also knows that Baba’s each and every order bears great significance. To what degree all our Didis are following this code – only they can truly say. I do know that my Didi does indeed carry hers. She and I have discussed why and then I did more research by talking to others and here is a summary for your review.

I would appreciate if others – especially more Didis – would share their comments on this subject.

EQUAL IN ALL RESPECTS, BUT...

As we know, women have been enjoying greater social equality around the globe, but still there remains lots of work to be done in this arena. Regarding, in-born or innate qualities and potential, women and men are equal in the more subtle spheres. We know that males and females can equally progress on the spiritual path. A person’s progress is more a function of an individual’s commitment to sadhana than any biological difference. So in the more subtle spheres, there is no real gender
difference. And that is Baba’s teaching.

Baba says, "According to Ananda Marga, women have equal rights in each and every sphere, so why shouldn’t they also have the right to attain salvation?..So on behalf of the philosophy of Ananda Marga, and also on behalf of the cult of Tantra, I hereby announce that males and females, who are the boys and girls of Parama Purus’a, the sons and daughters of Parama Purus’a, have an equal birthright to attain salvation." (1)

However, we also know that Baba does indeed point out differences between men and women. In some respects men are more developed and in other regards women are more developed. And along the way, there are always exceptions to the rule or general trend.

Baba says, "The number of cells in a female body is a little smaller than the number in a male body. Again, from the viewpoint of sentimentality, the number of nerve cells in a woman’s body is a little greater than that in a man’s. That is why in areas needing intelligence, knowledge and rationality men progress rapidly, and in areas where success depends on sentimentality, women progress very swiftly. Through the dispensation of God, men’s deficiency is balanced by women’s sentimentality, and women’s deficiency is balanced by men’s resoluteness and subtle propensive propulsion. And this is why in the sphere of education, both men and women must be afforded equal opportunities. Otherwise society will become crippled, and its all-round well-being cannot be achieved." (2)

So clearly according to Baba there is a some difference between men and women in the psychic sphere. Certainly there is always the possibility for exceptions. But in general, each gender has their own strengths and taken together, society is balanced.

Perhaps the most notable difference though comes in the more crude sphere – on the physical plane – as the glandular system of men and women are quite different. In particular Baba points out how the physical might of men is more. That is the general rule though always there are a few exceptions.

Baba says, "As the physical strength of women is less than that of men, the latter should always endeavour to save the prestige of women." (3)

Baba says, "Generally, males have got much more stamina, courage...than females. Females have less courage, stamina." (4)

So while in the most subtle sphere men and women enjoy an equal birthright, in the more crude spheres there are stark differences between men and women - taking into account the possiblity for exceptions. And one certain difference is that men are physically stronger.

SITUATION OF WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD

 

Domestic violence continues to be a huge issue around the globe. So many women become victims both in and out of their own homes – in the west and in the east. Although women enjoy more social freedom in the west, still abuse against women runs rampant.
Mostly because we are physically weaken than men. Much of this is also due to women being projected as objects of sexual gratification in this male-dominate world. The movies, the media, the advertising all point in this direction. Women are grossly objectified.

And in this era of extreme materialism, so many attacks occur against women – both inside and outside their home.
Tragically, women are not entirely safe within the walls of AMPS. While most in AM are very good, but a few fake margiis have been known to create problems. More can be told about this by others. Or write me for details about this.

POINT OF TRIDENT

My main point is this use of trident. Baba’s directive that Didis carry a trident bears great significance in today’s world and is probably related with the fact that Didis are supposed to travel in pairs - for reasons of safety - at least most of the time.

Women are susceptible in this world – due to our limited physical strength. If all the men and women were enlightened, the world would be much safer for us. But that is not the case. ==some== men are still dominated by animal propensities and that leads to so much abuse against women.==and vice-versa

Point being, our esteemed Didis must not fall prey to this and become victims. Baba’s clear-cut message is that Didis should be prepared and one such step of preparation is carrying a trident, not using provocative dress etc. When using provocative dress then anti-social elements feel that you are inviting them. Indeed, dress has a big effect. If the police come without their official dress then people will not take them seriously. Similarly, provocative dress gives one signal etc, that is why one's dress should always be sentient.

OTHER STEPS DIDIS CAN TAKE

If we use our rational minds, we can think of other steps that Didis and margii women can take. When sexual crimes and domestic violence are occurring at such high levels, then every female must always be alert and take precautions. We always have to think if we are in a safe position or not. This precautionary measure will help prevent so many cases of abuse.

Even then our Didis are always traveling and they may get caught in a bad situation, or at the very least one that is unenviable. So they should be ready and prepared.

Beyond carrying a trishul, it is not a bad idea for our Didis and margii sisters and all women to learn basic elements of self-defense. Martial arts like judo and karate will help reduce the susceptibility of women.

We will no longer feel like victims.

As a mother I have enrolled my 10 and 12 year old daughters in Tae Kwon Do classes. Such classes not only improve their agility but help them develop self-confidence and courage.

Basically, I wish them to feel prepared without scaring them into thinking they live in a violent world. So we emphasize the positive side.

Of course martial arts are not a replacement for sadhana. Our aim is not to become a black belt. We are sadhakas. But given today’s topsy-turvy world, we have to be prepared.

And I feel that preparation extends to our Didis as well. And that is what I have been told about why Baba has included the trident as a mandatory aspect of a Didi’s uniform. It is a tool for safeguarding our lady acaryas. Then it is their own prerogative if they wish to learn some type of systematic method of self-defense as well. I would highly recommend it.

In this present era, self-defense has become a need for all women. And Baba Himself recognises this by requiring Didis to carry a trishal.

DIDIS REQUIRED TO CARRY A TRISHUL

By Baba’s grace I feel in my heart that He deeply cares for all His children. He is watching and guiding us. His every teaching is important and bears significance, including that of Didis being required to carry a trishul. I hope this matter is not being neglected. Rather we should use it as rallying point to prepare our margii sisters (including Didis) for how to live in this world. No one should be susceptible or victimised.

Namaskar,
in the service of Divine Father,
Tara


REFERENCES
1. An Equal Birthright
2. Yoga Psychology
3. Caryacarya-1, ‘The Social Relationship Between Men and Women’
4. Yoga Psychology

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tiirthe tiirthe ghuriya' kla'nt hoye esechi dva're..."   (Prabhata Samgiita 4112)

Purport:

O' Divine Entity, after wandering around the globe in various holy lands in search of You, I am completely tired. In this exhausted state I have reached Your alter. Baba, be gracious, please do not turn Your face away; please do not become unhappy, angry, or furious with me. Please open the door and allow me to come inside.

O my Lord, look towards me; my whole body is completely tired and exhausted. My feet are full of dust. Wandering around in the sun, my whole body has become completely hot and sweaty. I am totally tired and exhausted.

O' Parama Purusa, now I feel in my heart and repent how my whole life has been wasted. I was tied up in the noose of dogma. Just I was performing various rituals, wandering in holy lands, moving from one tiirtha to another tiirtha, from one Baba's Quarter to another Baba's Quarter, in search of You. By Your grace, now I understand that You are residing in my heart - smiling.

O' Parama Purusa Baba, I am surrendering to You. Please accept me as Yours. Do not leave me to wander from one dogmatic pilgrimage to another - involved in various rituals. The path which I was traveling was dark & full of hopelessness. I wasted a lot of money, time, and energy; nothing was gained. Now I am too tired. I want Your divine direction.

In spite of moving on the negative path, by Your grace in the garden of my mind some flowers have bloomed for You. I want to offer those flowers at Your lotus feet. The creepers of hope are swinging and the feeling is coming that You will allow me.

Baba, O' my Lord, You have graciously given me the longing for You in my heart. Now please grace me by allowing me to come close to You and touch Your feet. Baba, I am Yours and You are mine. I am surrendering everything unto You. Please accept me...

More About Dada M Story

Baba

MORE ABOUT DADA M STORY

Namaskar,
Many are aware that Dada M recently met with the President of Ireland. And while Dadaji certainly did have a seating with a head of state, we should put this in perspective.

PRE-1971 DAYS IN INDIA:

AVADHUTAS REGULARLY RECEIVED BY HIGH OFFICIALS

Let us not forget that early on Dada Ramanandji flew with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her entourage on her official plane (reference “Ashutosh Baba” book). This was not an isolated case - rather a common phenomenon. High ranking leaders and officials felt honoured to receive avadhutas. Not only that, so many Dadas were regularly mixing and communicating with high government officers. Plus those very political leaders were present at the 1971 Ranchi Ananda Purnima DMC - more than 20 IPS (Indian Police Service) and IAS (Indian Administrative Service) attended that DMC. And thousands of very high ranking officers were initiated and became Ananda Margiis. Our Dadas were regularly associating with and being received by high officials to do pracara work, receive checks for relief efforts, accept award certificates etc. That was the way things were moving in the pre-1971 era.

WHEN PROUT BEGAN CONTESTING ELECTIONS

THEY TREATED US AS SWORN ENEMIES

Those days Mrs. Gandhi and so many high-ranking Indian officials and leaders were seeking supporters. Their strategy was that Ramananda and all of Ananda Marga should vote for Mrs. Gandhi and become her cadre. So they thought the growth of Ananda Marga would go in their favour. When Prout started contesting elections, i.e. once those leaders realised that Prout would have its own competing political platform then the relationship was quickly severed. They become terrified. From that moment forward, Mrs. Gandhi and those high-ranking officials treated all Proutists as sworn enemies and did all kinds of harassment against us to destroy the entire Prout movement and Ananda Marga. In due course they put everyone in jail including Baba, where they poisoned Him. We all know this dark history.

COMMUNISTS & RSS ALSO TURNED ON US

The Indian communists were also supporting Prout and verily so many communist cadres joined AM - including Vijayanandji and so many other avadhutas. But when those same communist leaders understood our stand then fight broke out. And the rest is history. And similar was the case with RSS (a Hindu fundamentalist group) in India.

BE READY FOR SAME TO HAPPEN OVERSEAS - IN DUE COURSE

A corresponding course of events will happen overseas where Prout is still in its infancy. At present, these overseas political leaders still think that Proutists are their cadres, but the moment overseas Proutists start contesting for political seats then the scene will change. When those leaders realise what Prout is, then all will be in jail. After being jailed if Proutists stand tall, then Prout will remain.

WHEN PROUT IS POWERFUL OPPOSITION IS A MUST

The President of Ireland is communist-minded and he too is actively seeking supporters and sympathizers. The moment he realises that Prout will offer an independent political alternative and become his rival party, then we should all watch and see how he behaves. Will he still invite and host Proutists - like Dadaji - for small group sessions? History tells us otherwise.

NOW OVERSEAS LIKE PRE-1971 DAYS IN INDIA

At present, the relationship between Maheshvarananda and the President of Ireland is akin to those pre-1971 days in India when Ramananda and many Dadas were having initial contact with Mrs. Indira Gandhi and countless high-ranking political leaders. But we all know how that scene drastically and dramatically changed. One should not forget this old and known history. We should be ready to face that phase. To bring Prout to the people, the path will not be a bed of roses. Ultimately, we will be victorious.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Yogeshvara

***************************************
Like New Born Baby and Mother

Baba says, "It is a law of nature that nature provides a mother with sufficient breast milk to feed her newly-born baby. In the same way, nature provides sufficient resources like food and other essential requirements for all human beings. Human beings need only utilize these resources in a proper way. Shortages of food and space cannot be blamed on nature. These
problems have been artificially created by the folly of human beings." (PNS-13, p.45)

***************************************

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Bhul kare du're thekechi tumi bhul bheunge dio..." (Prabhata Samgiita #1827)

Purport:

O' Divine One, due to my own defects I am not able to get close to You. Because of not following Your dharmic guidelines, my progress is hindered and I am just keeping myself away from You. Please grace me and remove all my shortcomings and weaknesses, and bring me in Your closest proximity. Please be gracious and take me in Your lap. O' Lord, in my life I have received an abundant amount of love from You; You have graced me so much. Now I am offering my love to You - please grace me by accepting it.

O' Parama Purusa, in the sky there is a deep blueness and my tender heart is full of love for You. I do not want my love to remain hidden & secluded in my little heart. Please allow the reddish glow of my heart - i.e. my love - to merge in the vastness of the distant blue sky. Please let my love reach up to the highest realm - reach up to You.

O' Supreme Entity Baba, when I sing the song and ideate on You there is a deep feeling of longing in my heart. You have graciously given the tune and in that way I sing for You. Baba, may my heart's inner longing be goaded & pointed exclusively toward You. Baba, O' Parama Purusa, by Your grace, I should always contemplate and think of You; my life should revolve and dance around You. My life should be successful, please grace me...

V. is Fish-Eating Monk

  Quiz: Fish-Eating So-Called Great Monk

Intro: Kindly read the below quote from Baba's teachings. At the end of the quote a question has been posed. If your answer to the question is correct then it means you read Baba's books carefully; and, if your answer is wrong or you do not know the answer, then it signifies that you need to pay more attention when reading Guru's teachings. After all, if sadhakas are not diligent in studying Baba's books then who is going to read them - non-margiis?


"Many persons were born in the past who shed copious tears for suffering humanity. But strangely enough, after their eloquent speeches were over, they sat down comfortably at a dinner table and treated themselves to a delicious meal of hilsa and kaimách fish – as if those fish had not suffered pain and death. This human sentiment has expressly violated the interests of non-human creatures, but its proponents have found nothing wrong with it."

"Once I read in a certain book that a "great" saint used to live only on locusts dipped in honey. That saint did not seriously consider that those little locusts also had vital life force throbbing in them."

"Obviously human beings will have to behave rationally; they must maintain their existence while adjusting with the external environment. It is true that living creatures are the food for other living beings (jiivah jiivasya bhojanam); and indeed, the vegetables that we eat every day also have living cells in them. But regarding food, I have expressed my opinion in some of my books." (Liberation of Intellect - Neo-Humanism, Disc: 1)

Quiz: What is the name of the "great" monk who used to sit down to eat fish - utterly oblivious and / or callous to the pain and harm experienced by the fish?

Answer: Swami Vivekananda is the monk that Baba is talking about in the above paragraph. He is the one who was eating fish.

(Proof of the above answer in the articles below.)

---

"Who can understand a spiritual Master’s ways? With the ordinary human mind, we can never, never know the Master’s ways. They are inscrutable.

Sri Ramakrishna would tell one person, “Go and eat meat. Nothing will happen.” To another person, he would say, “All restlessness will enter into you if you eat meat. You must never eat meat!” If the first person ate meat, his consciousness would not be disturbed in the slightest. If the second person ate meat, the restlessness of the animals would enter into him instantly and take him into the abysmal abyss of his consciousness.

After he realised God, Swami Vivekananda used to eat meat and fish. His fellow brother-disciples and other critics used to say, “O my God, he is eating meat! He has definitely fallen.”

Swami Vivekananda would answer, “When I was poverty-stricken, you did not give me even one rupee. Such kind-hearted people you were! Now I am in a position to eat meat and you are criticising me mercilessly. Is eating meat taking away my spirituality? Am I descending? You are such well-wishers! Where was your sympathy when I was without money for weeks on end?”

Sri Aurobindo used to eat chicken quite regularly for a year, even when he was in his high, higher, highest consciousness. Nothing affected him. And while he was writing his magnum opus, The Life Divine, his servant used to come to him with a very large Burmese cigar. Sri Aurobindo would smoke to get inspiration. This is all written in official books on Sri Aurobindo’s life.

Another great Master of the highest heights, Sri Ramakrishna, used to smoke a hookah frequently before he entered into his highest meditation. In most cases, if people smoke, they cannot raise their consciousness even an iota. Even if someone is smoking next to another person who does not smoke, it is all finished for the non-smoker! That person will not be able to go higher at all.

In Lord Buddha’s case, a man gave him poisoned meat and then the Buddha died. As he was dying, when someone asked him about the man who had poisoned him, Lord Buddha said, “Forgive him! Forgive him! He has not done this intentionally.” (Courtesy of Sri Chinmoy Reflections)

---

"There is one story about Swami Vivekananda, he says, travelling down the Padma river in 1899. A fisherman offered him 16 hilsas – presumably the large ones – for Rs 1, adding four more free. Vivekananda then stepped ashore to look for pui saag, a type of green, together with which he would cook the ilish dish. A villager had pui at home, but wanted to be accepted as Vivekananda’s disciple in return for parting with it. Swamiji agreed. All for the hilsa." (Courtesy of Business Today)

---

“Vivekananda once told his disciple Sarat Chandra that ‘one who cannot cook cannot be a great monk’. His disciple, native of East Bengal, had once cooked Vivekananda a ‘Bangal’ platter of ‘rice, munger dal (lentils), koi macher jhol (koi fish curry), maccher tak (tangy fish) and maccher shuktuni (bitter fish with vegetables)’. Vivekananda, after eating, said he had never tasted anything like it before.

The act and joy of eating stayed with the spiritual master till his last moments on Earth.

Mukherjee in his book “The Monk as Man: The Unknown Life of Swami Vivekananda”, reveals how a few days before his premature death at the age of 39 from ill health, Vivekananda was found ‘gleefully eating chanachur (a hot and spicy mix of chickpeas and nuts) from a saal leaf at Ahiritola in northKolkata on the bank of Ganges’.

Vivekananda, on July 4, 1902, had a lunch of ‘hilsa’ fish curry, rice, fried vegetables and a tangy dip (ambol). At 9.30 p.m., after a day of prayer, banter and meditation, he died of a heart attack, says the book. (Courtesy of Merinews)

---

The Monk As Man:
The Unknown Life of Swami Vivekananda

By Samkara

" For Swami Vivekananda, hilsa was as necessary to Indian spinach as a lock to a key..."

http://books.google.com/books?id=TfP5kBxkZaAC&pg=PA138&lpg=PA138&dq=vivekananda+machh&source=bl&ots=uy73GC1yZr&sig=ee74F3Os3CUZ2jzQPq0tMKXjJOE&hl=en&sa=X&ei=0xb-UpHGG_Ll0AHHxIDYAQ&ved=0CCcQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=vivekananda%20koi%20hilsa&f=false

 Note: If you have any problem with this let us know. 

Inundated this universe with flood of Divine effulgence

Baba

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: In this song, Parama Purusa Himself is directly talking with the  devotee, however He has appeared in the form of one 'parii'-- (angel).

"Rauniin parii elo jiivane, bha'loba'sa' d'hele dilo bhuvane..." (P.S. 2757)

Purport:

  The Angel with panoramic colours has graciously taken advent in life: It has saturated and inundated this whole universe with love. Now nobody is alien; nobody is distant; everyone is close-- my own kith and kin.

  The new dawn has come. Now the vast and meagre are sitting together on one seat. There is no difference between high and low. The divine Angel has captivated everyone's heart. It has coloured everyone with its own divine colour. The Angel is showering its smile with boundless affection upon one and all and narrating the tale of divinity.

   The Angel has inundated this entire universe with the flooding of divine effulgence - wiping away all cimmerian darkness. And it proclaims that, 'I am watching over one and all with love and care. I am eternally along with each and every one through my ota and prota yoga. I will always remain with you.' It also says, 'Bear in mind that humanity will be victorious and the staticity will be destroyed'.

  The divine Angel furthermore proclaims, 'O human beings, keep your mind free from all complexes. Do not consider who is "high" or who is "low". Do not think that any unit entity is lowly. Always remember that the collection of all the units is the Cosmic. No one is outside; everyone is part of the singular divine Entity. O human beings, throw away your heavy load of samskaras, wipe away the stain of the past, and surrender your heart to the Divine Entity-- Parama Purusa. Victory is yours'...


Note: In the above Prabhat Samgiita, this parii - this divine angel - is  none other than Parama Purusa Baba Himself.

Paralyzed during Eating Competition + More

Baba

This email contains two sections:
1. Posting: Paralyzed After Choking During An Eating Competition
2. Posting: It is Sinful to Blame Baba - 3


Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 11:21:33
To: ananda-marga-universal-forum-1@yogasamsthanam.net
From: sanjay45@xfini....
Subject: Paralyzed After Choking During A Competition

PARALYZED AFTER CHOKING

DURING A EATING COMPETITION

Namaskar,
Following is an example of a man who destroyed his body and ended up in coma after gorging in an eating contest.

This way of living is a misuse and abuse of one's human potentiality. One has been blessed to receive a human body and it should be used for following bhagavad dharma.

Nowadays in this dark era of extreme materialism, many use their human body as tool of indulgence. This is the sad reality. And when that indulgence is directed towards food, they will literally eat themselves to death and destruction. In that case food becomes a mechanism for ruining their own life. It is quite shocking.

IT AFFECTS THEIR NEXT LIFE ALSO

The story does not end there. According to their inherent desire they will again take birth. But it will not be as a human being, but as a pig, bear, bull or some other degraded being, or worse than that. Tragically, that is how one will have to face the consequences.

Read below the tragic example as well as Baba's divine teachings that dictate that those who misuse their human body will take birth in a lesser form in their next life. They will have to suffer the reactions of their misguided desires and lowly thoughts.

When you desire something animalistic then you will get the body of that animal or bug etc. One will be reborn as an animal because the human body is unfit to satiate their chosen desire. For instance, in this example below, a married man and father ruined his existence after eating and ultimately choking on large quantities of sweets that he had stuffed into his mouth. In his next life he may be reborn as a pig or hippopotamus since a human body was incapable or satisfying his desire in that way.

This is an the extreme example - no doubt. But in day to day life, most members of the general society do not use their human body in the right manner for  the right cause. Mostly they desire something mundane. That is why, when the moment arises most will not get a human body - let alone moksa.

REAL LIFE EXAMPLE:

EATING CONTESTANT CHOKES & LANDS IN COMA

A Canadian father ended up becoming paralyzed after choking during a competitive eating contest to celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali.

Samaljit (Sunny) Aulakh has been laid up in a hospital bed unable to speak or walk since November. He can barely move his head.

The 36-year-old father of one fell to the floor after he choked on an Indian sweet.

He got up on stage to participate in an eating contest involving gulab jamuns, soft doughy Indian sweets.

‘They called him the winner, and once he stood up, I guess he was choking on the food, which caused him to pass out and have a stroke, and from the stroke he now has brain damage,’ niece Inderjeet Daleh told CBC News.

His 10 year old son, Pawan, watched as the first ambulance arrived.

‘After my dad ate, he stood up and I think he felt dizzy and he fell down...I felt very scared and I started to cry,’ Pawan said.

‘I see him, he’s all bluish and he can’t breathe properly,’ added wife Kamal Aulakh.

Aulakh’s family said a second ambulance with equipment to clear his trachea had to be called for help.

He eventually ended up in a coma for ten days.

(Courtesy of manipalworldnews.com)

NOW APPLY BABA'S BELOW TEACHINGS TO THE ABOVE EXAMPLE

The above example does not exist in isolation. One's thoughts and actions affect not just the present but their future as well. Here following are Baba's teachings that clearly apply to all those who indulge in eating contests - as well as those plunged in other poor habits and lowly thinking.

YOU GET A BODY ACCORDING TO YOUR DESIRE

Yádrshii bhávaná yasya siddhirbhavati tádrshii.

"According to one's desires one gets the fruits thereof. If somebody is a voracious eater and always hankers after food then it is quite likely that after the death of his physical body he may get the body of a pig in the next life. Suppose somebody wants to be a runner like a deer then it is not impossible that he will eventually get the body of a deer after the death of this present human structure." (1)

"One acquires a physical body according to the nature of one's sam'skáras. A human being who behaves like a goat or a dog may be born as a goat or a dog in the next life, because such an animal body is the proper base for the congenial expression of the latent saḿskáras. Hence it is not at all impossible for a human being to be reborn as a hog, a worm, a tree, or even a piece of stone. One's destiny will be decided according to the nature of one's karma – this is an infallible law. In this regard, neither Paramátma nor Prakrti can do anything to help. But Parama Brahma out of His Infinite grace, will reconvert these “Ahalyás” (those converted into stone as a result of crude actions) into glorious human beings in the process of pratisaincara [the introversive movement of the Cosmos], and provide opportunities for their movement towards the most exulted life." (2)

"According to human longings and desires or according to human propensive pursuit, their minds take form i.e., they will gradually acquire the like Saḿskáras or reactive momenta. They first see within themselves what they aspire for and then let their minds flow towards it. Thereafter the external organs i.e., hands and feet, etc., set about achieving it. And so it is generally seen that the desires that they had been giving indulgence to throughout their lives, come hurtling over to them in a condensed form at the last hour, i.e., their mind-stuff takes the like mental form for the last time in order to shape itself into a fitting medium of the like Saḿskáras. Even during the life-time as well it is seen that the mind-stuff of a drunkard, which imbibes within it an indomitable desire or Saḿskára for wine, turns into a vantage ground for undergoing the next Saḿskáras or momenta of pleasure and pain. That is to say, such a person gets scent of the wine shop by the sheer propulsion of his acquired mental propensity, if he happens to go to a new and unfamiliar place. A man who has cultivated dog-like or swine-like desires all his life, dies with the same dog-like or swine-like frame of mind. Thereafter with the help of Prakrti’s Mutative force he acquires the form of a dog or swine in order to undergo the dog-like or swine-like Saḿskáras. The great ascetic, King Bharata, died thinking of a fawn, and that was why it is written in the Puráńas (Indian mythologies) that he had to take the body of a deer at his next birth." (3)

INDULGING IN MEANING THOUGHTS

IS CAUSE OF BEING REBORN AS LOWER SPECIES

"Indulging in mean thoughts only engenders crude vibrations in the Citta, as the result of which you will have to take rebirth in lower species in order to suffer the lowly Saḿskáras created by those crude vibrations. Thus you must arouse higher vibrations in your Citta. Even a man of King Bharata’s calibre had to take rebirth as a deer because at the time of his death he was deeply anxious about a fawn. Thus regardless of what you are at present or what you may possibly become in the future, do not digress from the ideal of the Great in any circumstances: do not stray even a step away from the path of realization of Absolute Bliss. Ananda Marga or the path to eternal bliss is the only path for you." (4)

According to Baba's above directive, those from the eating contests in the case studies will be reborn into that thing which they were thinking about. If at the time of death they were thinking about a bug, insect, or Indian sweet, then after their death they will take that shape and form in their next life. That is the simple formula.

DEGRADATION IS IMPOSSIBLE

IF PARAMA PURUSA IS THE GOAL

"No matter what circumstances you are in, never lose sight of the Infinite One. Degradation is impossible for those who have accepted the Supreme Being as the Ideal of their lives." (5)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Sanjay

Note 1: INFINITE LONGING, LIMITED BODY

The question arises, "Why do human beings do like this?" The response is that they are trying to satisfy their infinite desire with material indulgence. Their desire is to take an infinite amount of food, but alas the body is limited, so they die. Infinite desire can only be satiated by the realisation of Parama Purusa. So long as we are not teaching dharma sadhana to all, this problem will continue.


REFERENCES
1. AV-2, The Difference between Macrocosm and Microcosm
2. AMIWL-7, Form and Formless
3. SS-2, Intuitional Science of the Vedas - 3
4. SS-3, Vibration, Form, & Color
5. SS-3, Vibration, Form and Colour

== Next Letter ==

Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 07:25:52
To: ananda-marga-universal-forum-1@yogasamsthanam.net
From: Hari Sharan
Subject: It is Sinful to Blame Baba - 3

RE: IT IS SINFUL TO BLAME BABA BY STATING HE GIVES TESTS,

HARASSES, & CREATES PROBLEMS & PUTS THORNS ON THE PATH - #3

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga Scripture says, “Karttrtva karma karmaphala ["Doership, action, result of the action"]. Human beings do the actions, and the results come according to the law of nature — the Lord has nothing to do with it. So when people are in trouble, they say: “Oh God, what have You done to me? What put this into Your mind?” But the fact is that Na’ra’yan’a, God, has done nothing, and had nothing in His mind. You have done something and are suffering the consequences. You are in trouble and you are crying out. Many people are like this. But Na’ra’yan’a has done nothing. As you have sown, so you now reap. This is the plain truth.” (Discourses on Krsna & the Giita, “You Have the Right to Action Only”)

Some people unfortunately do not like to admit their own sins and faults. And in due course when they face the samskara (consequence or reaction), they blame God, i.e. Parama Purusa Baba, for their wrongdoing – thereby committing sin. That is the central idea of the above teaching.

In 1970, Dadaji lost faith in Baba because of his own bad samskaras of the past. That time he was very frustrated and he started blaming Baba & accusing Him: “He (Baba) confused my mind and that is why I lost faith in Him.” But, falsely accusing and blaming Guru in this way is sinful. Yet, that is what Dada Tapershvaranandji did in his book. True bhaktas do not blame God for the suffering which they faced for their own sins. That is the essence of the above cited Ananda Marga scripture.

Please write your thoughts.

Namaskar,
In Him,
H. Sharan

Quiz: Monk Eats Locusts?

Baba

Quiz: Locust Dipped in Honey

Ananda Marga philosophy states, 

"Many persons were born in the past who shed copious tears for suffering humanity. But strangely enough, after their eloquent speeches were over, they sat down comfortably at a dinner table and treated themselves to a delicious meal of hilsa and kaimách fish – as if those fish had not suffered pain and death. This human sentiment has expressly violated the interests of non-human creatures, but its proponents have found nothing wrong with it."

"Once I read in a certain book that a "great" saint used to live only on locusts dipped in honey. That saint did not seriously consider that those little locusts also had vital life force throbbing in them."

"Obviously human beings will have to behave rationally; they must maintain their existence while adjusting with the external environment. It is true that living creatures are the food for other living beings (jiivah jiivasya bhojanam); and indeed, the vegetables that we eat every day also have living cells in them. But regarding food, I have expressed my opinion in some of my books." (Liberation of Intellect - Neo-Humanism, Disc: 1)

Quiz: What is the name of the "great" saint who used to live only on locusts dipped in honey??

ANSWER:

St. John the Baptist

John the Baptist is described as wearing clothes of camel's hair, living on locusts and wild honey.(Courtesy of Wikipedia)