Baba
Namaskar,
Some people think that their mental tendencies or likings are not related with any philosophy. They think they like something simply because they were born with that inherent tendency; and, they conclude that that preference or inclination is permanent. For this reason they do not try to change their liking. What they fail to realise is that the mind is dynamic: It can go up or down depending on the nature of one's physical and mental engagement.
But non-sadhakas think that whatever they like is fixed and permanent, such as their attachment to meat-eating, pop music, relations etc. They think that these are part of their permanent way of living and that they will like these things forever and ever. But with just a little reflection anyone can see how their liking changes according to the status of mind. Which is why no grown adult likes to pass their days playing with dolls or stuffed animals, even though when they were 2 or 3 years of age that was their favourite thing to do.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Mind flows in either direction - up or down
Indeed, one's liking is so flexible and so changeable: One can even learn to appreciate something that they do not initially like. For instance, one may get transfer orders to a new location and they may not even want to go to that new place. Yet after moving and being there for some time they may come to cherish that new place. And when their job or posting is again transferred, they may be angry and upset that they have to leave that spot.
That is the way the mind works. As sadhakas we understand this and should use it to our advantage. Side by side, we should teach this idea to non-margiis so they can also progress.
Parama Purusa Baba has blessed us with a human mind that has a very special quality. And it is this very quality that allows each and everyone of us to achieve success in sadhana. And that quality is that the mind will gradually adjust with and develop an affinity for anything in which it is involved. That means that even if sadhana is difficult - even if sadhana seems impossible - if one tries and perseveres just a little bit, then gradually the mind will become quite adept at doing sadhana. In fact, with just a little effort, the mind will become so immersed in sadhana that it will not wish to do anything else.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
The whole process can work in the opposite direction as well if one is constantly submerged in mundane affairs. So everyone must be careful and pay heed to their mental occupation and daily activities. Unfortunately, materialists cannot comprehend this philosophy of mind, but in Ananda Marga, our entire approach and philosophy revolves around this practical science.
Door of liberation will immediately open
By His grace, as margiis we have the theoretical understanding as well as the practices to get success and reach the goal, whereas materialistic-minded people will sadly become one with matter. We should proceed along the path and inspire others as well.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Human beings should not be anxious under any circumstances, Parama Purus'a is always with everyone. If one has love for Parama Purus'a, the door of liberation or salvation will immediately open." (1)
By this entire theory and topic, we should understand that the human mind has a unique and special quality: The mind will gradually adjust with and develop an affinity for anything in which it is involved. And we should apply this in our practical lives. As sadhakas we generally want to do sadhana and reach the Goal. Unfortunately, sometimes the mind does not like to cooperate. In that case, one must try and bring the mind in a more spiritual flow by doing svadhyaya, japa, kiirtan, and dhyana etc. Whether the mind likes all this or not, gradually the mind will adjust and learn to like it - thereby accelerating one's movement on the path.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
With just a little reflection anyone can see how their liking changes according to their engagement of mind. Which is why no grown adult likes to pass their days playing with toys even though when they were 6 of 7 years of age playing with toys was the greatest thing. Indeed, one's liking is so flexible and so changeable that with ongoing, regular engagement: One can even learn to appreciate something that they do not initially like.
Suppose a person is not inclined towards Ananda Marga practices. They do not like sitting for long sadhana, singing Prabhat Samgiita, doing asanas, or engaging in any type of tantric practices. Even then they should try. On the first day, they may not like it. On the second day, they may have a more neutral reaction to it. And by the third days or so, they may start liking and enjoying that practice. That is the chief characteristic of the human mind. If person begins engaging in refined practices, then they will develop an affinity for that good practice. And they will yearn to engage in that practice and surround themselves in good company etc. The central idea is that sadhakas should utilise this mental faculty in their favour. Slowly, practice all Ananda Marga teachings and gradually the mind will be adjusted with those dharmic practices, and one will enjoy and yearn to do them.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Such is the way the mind works. As sadhakas we understand this and should use it to our advantage. And, side by side, we should teach this idea to non-margiis so they can also progress. The overall tenet is: Everyone’s liking changes with steady, consistent engagement with a particular endeavour.
Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Dharmaraj
After reading this letter if you still think that liking does not change, then test it. Look back 5 or 10 years and check out what you were doing and who your friends were. Most probably you will see quite a bit of change. All should utlise this for developing more positive likings.
~ In-depth study ~
"As you think, so you become"
Ya'drshii bha'vana' yasya siddhirbhavati ta'drshii
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "As you think, so you become." (2)
Baba has given this seemingly simple guideline in a number of discourses. Some new people may have heard or read this and think they understand. Other new people may not have yet come across it. We should ensure that every new sadhaka understands the full import of this teaching because this is one of the very revolutionary aspects of Ananda Marga philosophy.
These days, with the great popularity of yoga, most yoga groups solely focus on the physical, or they may include their own interpretation of pranayama as well. Only Ananda Marga sadhana offers the full system for transforming one's person into godhood. And the above guideline, "as you think so you become", is instrumental to our approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga ideology says, “This human mind is a peculiar entity. It is the cause of all our sorrows and predicaments, and it is the cause of our supreme bliss. It is the cause of bondage, and it is the cause of liberation.” Now this mind, working within human framework, requires some pabulum for its maintenance. In the human mind there are fifty such pabula. And these are the human propensities, vrttis." (3)
Mind becomes like its ideation
Ananda Marga ideology says, "Mind alone is the cause of the bondage and liberation of human beings. Why is it the cause of bondage and liberation? It is because all the beings below human beings are bereft of an independent mind. Their minds are guided by their natural instincts. But human beings have an independent mind. They can act according to their will. They can take the track either of bondage or of liberation. This is the fundamental difference between human beings and animals."
"The mind must always have an object (viśaya). In scriptures, viśaya is known as “ábhoga.” “Ábhoga” means that object which feeds the mind – that is, mental pabulum. If this pabulum is limited, the mind also becomes limited. If the pabulum is infinite, by making an effort to obtain it, the mind becomes infinite. It depends entirely on the will of human beings which pabulum, limited or unlimited, is made their object. Whether a person becomes great or small completely depends on the person's wish."
Bandhastu viśayásaungii mukto nirvisáyaḿstathá.
"“When the object of human beings is small and they remain fixed to it, they are in bondage. When the object of the mind is infinite, and we get merged into it, as it is not possible to hold it, we call it liberation.”"
Páshabaddho bhavejjiivo páshamukto bhavet Shivah.
"“The person whose object of mind is limited, is in bondage. When the object of mind is unlimited, it (the mind) cannot be kept within limitations. Then there is no bondage, but liberation.”" (4)
Parama Purusa Baba has graciously blessed us with the practical method of how to ideate on Him. We should share this technique with one and all. It is everyone's birthright to get Him - by their thoughts alone, one can attain His eternal shelter, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Those who are genuine seekers of Brahma will never agree to worship any finite idea. Those who want the Supreme Entity will have to ideate on Parama Purus'a alone." (5)
References
1. 16 May 1980, Varanasi
2. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Párthasárathi Krśńa and Bhaktitattva (Discourse 23)
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The Subtlest Propensity
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, Leaving Bondage
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 11, The Psychology behind the Origin of Tantric Gods and Goddesses
The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.
* * *
Types of suffering & solution
According to Baba, human beings generally suffer from the three types of afflictions: (1) a'dhibhaotika, (2) a'dhidaevika, and (3) a'dhya'tmika.
If a person is undergoing hardship in the mundane sphere and not getting their minimum requirements met, that is a'dhibhaotika suffering. If one is suffering from mental tension and psychic stress, that is a'dhidaevika suffering. And, if one is in despair, feeling separate or distant from Parama Purusa, that is a'dhya'tmika suffering. These are the total afflictions of all humans.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The jiiva experiences three types of suffering-- a'dhibhaotika, a'dhidaevika, and a'dhya'tmika. A'dhibhaotika suffering is mundane, that is, it derives from shortages of food, clothing, medicine, education, shelter, etc. If we change the structure of society this misery will be ended. So we must do this, we should do this. Regarding a'dhidaevika suffering -- if we prepare our minds through sa'dhana', all the mental cares and worries that result from a defective mental structure will come to an end. The feeling of separation [from Parama Purusa] is a'dhya'tmika suffering. This can be eliminated by spiritual sa'dhana', that is, by dhya'na, dha'ran'a', pra'n'a'ya'ma, pratya'ha'ra, etc." (1)
Reference
1. Discourses on Krsna & the Giita, Krśńa Unparalleled
My likings
Namaskar,
Some people think that their mental tendencies or likings are not related with any philosophy. They think they like something simply because they were born with that inherent tendency; and, they conclude that that preference or inclination is permanent. For this reason they do not try to change their liking. What they fail to realise is that the mind is dynamic: It can go up or down depending on the nature of one's physical and mental engagement.
But non-sadhakas think that whatever they like is fixed and permanent, such as their attachment to meat-eating, pop music, relations etc. They think that these are part of their permanent way of living and that they will like these things forever and ever. But with just a little reflection anyone can see how their liking changes according to the status of mind. Which is why no grown adult likes to pass their days playing with dolls or stuffed animals, even though when they were 2 or 3 years of age that was their favourite thing to do.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Mind flows in either direction - up or down
Indeed, one's liking is so flexible and so changeable: One can even learn to appreciate something that they do not initially like. For instance, one may get transfer orders to a new location and they may not even want to go to that new place. Yet after moving and being there for some time they may come to cherish that new place. And when their job or posting is again transferred, they may be angry and upset that they have to leave that spot.
That is the way the mind works. As sadhakas we understand this and should use it to our advantage. Side by side, we should teach this idea to non-margiis so they can also progress.
Parama Purusa Baba has blessed us with a human mind that has a very special quality. And it is this very quality that allows each and everyone of us to achieve success in sadhana. And that quality is that the mind will gradually adjust with and develop an affinity for anything in which it is involved. That means that even if sadhana is difficult - even if sadhana seems impossible - if one tries and perseveres just a little bit, then gradually the mind will become quite adept at doing sadhana. In fact, with just a little effort, the mind will become so immersed in sadhana that it will not wish to do anything else.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
The whole process can work in the opposite direction as well if one is constantly submerged in mundane affairs. So everyone must be careful and pay heed to their mental occupation and daily activities. Unfortunately, materialists cannot comprehend this philosophy of mind, but in Ananda Marga, our entire approach and philosophy revolves around this practical science.
Door of liberation will immediately open
By His grace, as margiis we have the theoretical understanding as well as the practices to get success and reach the goal, whereas materialistic-minded people will sadly become one with matter. We should proceed along the path and inspire others as well.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Human beings should not be anxious under any circumstances, Parama Purus'a is always with everyone. If one has love for Parama Purus'a, the door of liberation or salvation will immediately open." (1)
By this entire theory and topic, we should understand that the human mind has a unique and special quality: The mind will gradually adjust with and develop an affinity for anything in which it is involved. And we should apply this in our practical lives. As sadhakas we generally want to do sadhana and reach the Goal. Unfortunately, sometimes the mind does not like to cooperate. In that case, one must try and bring the mind in a more spiritual flow by doing svadhyaya, japa, kiirtan, and dhyana etc. Whether the mind likes all this or not, gradually the mind will adjust and learn to like it - thereby accelerating one's movement on the path.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
With just a little reflection anyone can see how their liking changes according to their engagement of mind. Which is why no grown adult likes to pass their days playing with toys even though when they were 6 of 7 years of age playing with toys was the greatest thing. Indeed, one's liking is so flexible and so changeable that with ongoing, regular engagement: One can even learn to appreciate something that they do not initially like.
Suppose a person is not inclined towards Ananda Marga practices. They do not like sitting for long sadhana, singing Prabhat Samgiita, doing asanas, or engaging in any type of tantric practices. Even then they should try. On the first day, they may not like it. On the second day, they may have a more neutral reaction to it. And by the third days or so, they may start liking and enjoying that practice. That is the chief characteristic of the human mind. If person begins engaging in refined practices, then they will develop an affinity for that good practice. And they will yearn to engage in that practice and surround themselves in good company etc. The central idea is that sadhakas should utilise this mental faculty in their favour. Slowly, practice all Ananda Marga teachings and gradually the mind will be adjusted with those dharmic practices, and one will enjoy and yearn to do them.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Such is the way the mind works. As sadhakas we understand this and should use it to our advantage. And, side by side, we should teach this idea to non-margiis so they can also progress. The overall tenet is: Everyone’s liking changes with steady, consistent engagement with a particular endeavour.
Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Dharmaraj
After reading this letter if you still think that liking does not change, then test it. Look back 5 or 10 years and check out what you were doing and who your friends were. Most probably you will see quite a bit of change. All should utlise this for developing more positive likings.
~ In-depth study ~
Ya'drshii bha'vana' yasya siddhirbhavati ta'drshii
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "As you think, so you become." (2)
Baba has given this seemingly simple guideline in a number of discourses. Some new people may have heard or read this and think they understand. Other new people may not have yet come across it. We should ensure that every new sadhaka understands the full import of this teaching because this is one of the very revolutionary aspects of Ananda Marga philosophy.
These days, with the great popularity of yoga, most yoga groups solely focus on the physical, or they may include their own interpretation of pranayama as well. Only Ananda Marga sadhana offers the full system for transforming one's person into godhood. And the above guideline, "as you think so you become", is instrumental to our approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga ideology says, “This human mind is a peculiar entity. It is the cause of all our sorrows and predicaments, and it is the cause of our supreme bliss. It is the cause of bondage, and it is the cause of liberation.” Now this mind, working within human framework, requires some pabulum for its maintenance. In the human mind there are fifty such pabula. And these are the human propensities, vrttis." (3)
Mind becomes like its ideation
Ananda Marga ideology says, "Mind alone is the cause of the bondage and liberation of human beings. Why is it the cause of bondage and liberation? It is because all the beings below human beings are bereft of an independent mind. Their minds are guided by their natural instincts. But human beings have an independent mind. They can act according to their will. They can take the track either of bondage or of liberation. This is the fundamental difference between human beings and animals."
"The mind must always have an object (viśaya). In scriptures, viśaya is known as “ábhoga.” “Ábhoga” means that object which feeds the mind – that is, mental pabulum. If this pabulum is limited, the mind also becomes limited. If the pabulum is infinite, by making an effort to obtain it, the mind becomes infinite. It depends entirely on the will of human beings which pabulum, limited or unlimited, is made their object. Whether a person becomes great or small completely depends on the person's wish."
Bandhastu viśayásaungii mukto nirvisáyaḿstathá.
"“When the object of human beings is small and they remain fixed to it, they are in bondage. When the object of the mind is infinite, and we get merged into it, as it is not possible to hold it, we call it liberation.”"
Páshabaddho bhavejjiivo páshamukto bhavet Shivah.
"“The person whose object of mind is limited, is in bondage. When the object of mind is unlimited, it (the mind) cannot be kept within limitations. Then there is no bondage, but liberation.”" (4)
Parama Purusa Baba has graciously blessed us with the practical method of how to ideate on Him. We should share this technique with one and all. It is everyone's birthright to get Him - by their thoughts alone, one can attain His eternal shelter, by His grace.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Those who are genuine seekers of Brahma will never agree to worship any finite idea. Those who want the Supreme Entity will have to ideate on Parama Purus'a alone." (5)
References
1. 16 May 1980, Varanasi
2. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Párthasárathi Krśńa and Bhaktitattva (Discourse 23)
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The Subtlest Propensity
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, Leaving Bondage
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 11, The Psychology behind the Origin of Tantric Gods and Goddesses
* * *
The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.
* * *
== Section 3: Important Teaching ==
Types of suffering & solution
According to Baba, human beings generally suffer from the three types of afflictions: (1) a'dhibhaotika, (2) a'dhidaevika, and (3) a'dhya'tmika.
If a person is undergoing hardship in the mundane sphere and not getting their minimum requirements met, that is a'dhibhaotika suffering. If one is suffering from mental tension and psychic stress, that is a'dhidaevika suffering. And, if one is in despair, feeling separate or distant from Parama Purusa, that is a'dhya'tmika suffering. These are the total afflictions of all humans.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The jiiva experiences three types of suffering-- a'dhibhaotika, a'dhidaevika, and a'dhya'tmika. A'dhibhaotika suffering is mundane, that is, it derives from shortages of food, clothing, medicine, education, shelter, etc. If we change the structure of society this misery will be ended. So we must do this, we should do this. Regarding a'dhidaevika suffering -- if we prepare our minds through sa'dhana', all the mental cares and worries that result from a defective mental structure will come to an end. The feeling of separation [from Parama Purusa] is a'dhya'tmika suffering. This can be eliminated by spiritual sa'dhana', that is, by dhya'na, dha'ran'a', pra'n'a'ya'ma, pratya'ha'ra, etc." (1)
Reference
1. Discourses on Krsna & the Giita, Krśńa Unparalleled
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Chief criteria of sadhaka
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Parama Puruśa looks deep into the inner thoughts and feelings of human beings. He is omniscient, forever watching throughout the creation those who are meditating upon Him with undivided attention, and those who have been patiently waiting with an unwavering mind to realize Him. These are expressions of those with an integral outlook. Only such people, irrespective of caste, colour, creed, community, national or geographical barrier, etc. can look upon each and every human being as their own kith and kin. They are free of all discrimination. They even treat the animals and plants as being intimately related to themselves.” (1)
Parama Puruśa looks deep into the inner thoughts and feelings of human beings. He is omniscient, forever watching throughout the creation those who are meditating upon Him with undivided attention, and those who have been patiently waiting with an unwavering mind to realize Him. These are expressions of those with an integral outlook. Only such people, irrespective of caste, colour, creed, community, national or geographical barrier, etc. can look upon each and every human being as their own kith and kin. They are free of all discrimination. They even treat the animals and plants as being intimately related to themselves.
Note: In His original Hindi discourse of this above teaching, it is explained how Parama Purusa only evaluates a person based on their degree of bhakti. That is the chief criteria for judging a sadhaka.
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 5, Integral and Non-Integral Outlook
== Section: Important Teaching ==
How parents pass on their stubbornness to their children
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "In a family it is natural that differences of opinion will arise among the adults; when they do, the adults should reconcile their differences considering each other’s opinions. Unfortunately they often lack the requisite mental make-up to reach an amicable agreement – each tries to convince everybody else of his or her viewpoint without caring about the opinions of others. The result is an outburst of unreasonable obstinacy – the adults lose all self-control and behave in a gross and vulgar manner. The effect on the minds of the children is disastrous. Children thus learn obstinacy from their elders. If the mother or those with whom the children spend most of their time is obstinate, the neglected children will, in most cases, become noticeably obstinate, and they will have to carry this psychic ailment around with them for a long time. If, on the other hand, as is sometimes the case, the wishes and desires (if they are not unreasonable) of children are fulfilled, the children will not have the opportunity to learn obstinacy." (1)
Note: In this guideline Baba is teaching two things. Firstly, if parents have to quarrel then they should not do so in front of children. Rather, if there is no other way and they must quarrel, then they should do so when the children are in school or away from the house. If parents argue amongst themselves that is one thing. Whereas arguing in front of the children and harming their growth is another. The children will emulate such behaviours and start quarreling in school with their classmates. In result, they will be punished by the teacher. Yet all along the problem was created by the parents. The best parents do not quarrel. Next are those parents who fight, but not in front of the kids. And the absolute worsts are those who fight in front of the children. They are a burden to society. Instead of becoming productive member of the society, their child will undergo much heartache and hardship - and even get arrested - due to their quarreling nature.
Secondly, in many countries there is an age restriction on harmful vices like smoking and drinking etc. If parents drink and the children are aware about it those kids will develop the desire to also drink. At the first opportunity they get - in high school etc - they go and drink. When the parents themselves do not drink then the kids are less inclined. So best then is not to drink at all. But if one must drink then at least it should not be done in front of the kids. The absolute worst are those parents who drink in front of their children.
Reference
1. Human Society - 1, Education
== Section 4: Links ==
Other topics of interest
