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Monday, February 26, 2024

Humourous Baba story + 4 more

Baba
Humourous Baba story

Namaskar,

Here is the scene: It was General Darshana, Delhi, 26 February 1984, and has been printed in Ananda Vacanamrtam part 49 (Pure), chapter 7. The Prabhat Samgiita was sung. It was song #0058, Dujane jakhan miliche takhan, which is a song about marriage. As per the custom, selected Dadas read their PS purports in Baba’s presence.

Here is the overall idea of the song:

O' human beings, when two people are being united in marriage, then you all shower them with your good wishes. Amidst their burning sorrows, amidst their garlands of joy, in their pains and pleasures, be with them always.

Our human society is indivisible, neglecting not a single family. Let us all sing and dance together. Accept everyone as your own.

With the sweet music of the earth, give this newly married couple your affectionate words and wishes. Give them sweet messages of love. Fill their lives with colour and shower them with your well wishing… (1)

Then in His special manner, Baba made everyone laugh at this Delhi DMC (Dharma Maha Cakra) with His humorous comment.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Here comes Baba's humorous comment (printed in AV-49 (Pure) ch-7)

As everyone may recall, it was quite normal for Baba to add and correct the purports read by various Dadas. This day was no different. When the Dada finished reading the Hindi purport, Baba started reciting this Sanskrit shloka about marriage.

Kanya' varayate ru'pam, ma'ta' vittam, pita' shruti,
Ba'ndhavaha hitam icchanti, mis't'a'nnam itare jana'h

While smiling, Baba then gave the following explanation:

At the time of marriage, the bride longs for a handsome groom; the mother hopes that the bride and groom become wealthy; the father hopes the groom is a talented and smart husband for his daughter; the friends desire that in spite of all of life's difficulties the newlyweds should be happy; and others in attendance hope that whatever may be, there should be the distribution of sweets.

With His wide smile, and looking across the pandal from left to right, He said: "We belong to the last group!" (2)

Hearing this, everyone started laughing.


Reflection on above story (printed in AV-49 (Pure) ch-7)

By His example, Baba is demonstrating that there should be a very sweet and cordial relation when teaching others. As the ideal Guru, and Supreme teacher, Baba always maintained a familial and loving relationship with His disciples, where there was always a perfect symmetry between discipline and humour.

As Ananda Margiis, when guiding others it is our duty to create this same balance. When we teach others we should emulate Baba's approach. We should not be too strict where there is no time for laughter. That will not achieve the desired result. Through the use of humour, talented teachers hold the interest of their students. Laughter helps bring the wandering mind back onto the topic with greater focus.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Those who fail to use any humour in their teaching style are poor teachers. Indeed, we have all seen how some professors remain aloof when they are teaching; that makes for a very poor relationship with students. In contrast, some teachers are too casual and relaxed in their teaching style. That also is not good because when the time comes to impose discipline, they cannot do it. Between the teacher and student, there should be a proper balance between discipline and humour.

The above story is not an uncommon occasion. In every discourse and darshan, this is part and parcel of His beautiful and effective teaching style. By this way, all bhaktas kept focused on the topic and enjoyed Baba's darshan. Baba would lovingly create the situation where everyone would laugh and feel joyous.


Conclusion

As the Parama Purusa, Taraka Brahma, and Sadguru, Baba is very humorous and loving. Irrespective of anyone's economic or social standing, all margiis feel close to Him. By this way they come close in a personal, spiritual way as well. Between God and His bhaktas there should not be any distance or complex. Every margii feels Baba to be their own, by His grace. During His each and every discourse, Baba would create certain situations wherein everyone would laugh.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Laughter gives happiness." (3)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Shubhankar Deva

Note: The story presented in the above posting is from Ananda Vacanamrtam part 49 (Pure), chapter 7.

References
1. Courtesy of Prabhat Samgiita Volume 1
2. English Summary, Ananda Vacanamrtam (Pure) - 49, Conversations between Bhakta and Parama Purusa – 7, Original Hindi-English discourse, General Darshana, Delhi, 26 February 1984
3. Yoga Psychology, Questions and Answers on Psychology


Plagiary?

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

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

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

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

This will be treated as the standard protocol.



*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Problem of absentmindedness

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Nidrá means sleep. No one should be a slave to this habit. Tandrá means you are hearing but your mind is somewhere else.” (1)

In His above teaching, Baba contrasts and warns us about the first two of the six internal enemies: nidrá and tandrá.  

Nidrá: One should have control over their sleep (nidrá). As is the case with all vrttis, the more one sleeps, the more one will desire to sleep. So while a modest amount of sleep is essential for restoration and cellular regeneration, one should not indulge excessively in sleep. In various discourses, Baba warns us that those who indulge in sleep can never do anything great in their life. For a sadhaka, six or even four hours of sleep is sufficient, or even less. The more strict one is in Sixteen Points the less sleep they will need. 

Tandrá: This is psychic lethargy or mental drowsiness, also known as absentmindedness and / or dullness. In His above teaching, Baba points out how those who suffer from this condition can physically hear, i.e. the sound is received by the ears, but because the mind is engaged elsewhere, that person is unable to comprehend and process that sound. And in other discourses, Baba refers to tandrá as inertness. Here again, when one succumbs to this condition, they are shackled and unable to engage in any great work. The prevention and remedy of tandrá is strict adherence to Sixteen Points. By half-bath and sadhana, and other practices, one can keep the mind alert and pointed. 

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, The Social Order and Superiority and Inferiority Complexes


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Central defect of karmiis

Ananda Marga ideology says, “People of action are also not free from vanity: “I did this, I did that – I built this road when I was a minister I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works Department” – this is how people become mad for their little “I”. Thus we see that although action is free from lethargy, it is not altogether free from vanity.”

“Pure devotion, parábhakti, is free from both [lethargy & vanity]...Those who ask for parábhakti or shuddhá bhakti will certainly acquire the things they need also. Thus due to their devotion, the devotees are always intelligent. You should be an intelligent devotee like this.” (1) 

Note: Bhaktas know that Parama Purusa is the real Doer and they will engage in all kinds of actions knowing that it is He who has blessed them with the capacity to serve. In contrast, karmiis suffer from vanity and are quick and eager to boast about the works they did. 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle


== Section: Important Teaching ==

What every sadhaka should know

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Every object of the world is dominated by one of the three principles – sentient, mutative, and static. Food is no exception, and according to its intrinsic nature, is divided into the same three categories."

"Sentient food: Food which produces sentient cells and is thus conducive to physical and mental well-being is sentient. Examples of sentient food are rice, wheat, barley, all kinds of pulses, fruit, milk and milk products."

"Mutative food: Food which is good for the body and may or may not be good for the mind, but certainly not harmful for the mind, is mutative."

"Static food: Food which is harmful for the mind and may or may not be good for the body is static. Onion, garlic, wine, stale and rotten food, meat of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, fish, eggs, etc., are static." (1)

Reference
1. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development


== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

बाबा! तुम, कृपा की टोकरी भर कर मेरे घर आए

प्रभात संगीत 3233 एसेछो आमार घरे, कृपारो पसरा हाते कोरे...

भावार्थ

हेे परम पुरुष बाबा! तुम अपनी करुणा के साथ मेरे घर, कृपा की टोकरी भर लाये। तुम्हारा आगमन मेरे घर पर मेरी पुकार से नहीं हुआ, वह तो तुम्हारेे अनन्त प्रेम के कारण ही संभव हुआ है। हे  मेरे प्रभु ! तुमने मेरे घर आने का अपार कष्ट किया है। तुम बहुत दयालु हो। मेरी अपनी कोई योग्यता नहीं है, न ही मैं अच्छे कार्य करता हॅूं और न ही साधना ही ठीक ढंग से करता हॅूं। फिर भी गहरी चाह लिये मैं अपने हृदय से तुमको याद करता रहता हूूं, आज तुम मेरे घर आ ही गये ।

 विस्तारित आकाश  और तारे तुम्हारे दिव्य नाम का गायन कर रहे हैं, और कह रहे हैं कि तुम ही दिव्य स्वामी, दिव्य रक्षक हो, और तुम सबको मदद करते हो। बाबा! तुम हर जगह, हर समय सब पर अहैतुकी कृपा करते हो। ए परम सत्ता! तुम ही सम्पूर्ण विश्व  पर नियंत्रण करते हो। नीले आकाश  में धूमकेतु और नीहारिकाएं तुम्हारे लिये ही अपनी चमक विखेरते हैं---तुम्हारी सेवा करने के लिये, तुमको प्रसन्न करने के लिये। बाबा! आज तुम मेरे घर आये।

बाबा! मैंने जो भी जीवन में पाया हैे वह तुम्हारी ही कृपा है। मेरे पास मेरी कोई योग्यता ही नहीं है , तुमने ही कृपा कर अपनी अपार करुणा से मेरा पूरा अस्तित्व ही अपने अमाप्य प्रेम से भर दिया है। दुर्भाग्य से मैं तुम्हे  कुछ नहीं दे पाया। हे बाबा! आज मैंने तुम्हारे चरण कमलों में, अपने पूरे अस्तित्व के साथ, ताजे फूलों का गुच्छा अर्पित किया है। बाबा! आज तुम मेरे घर आये! मैं अपने आप को तुम्हारे प्रति समर्पित करता हॅूं। 


== Section 3: Links ==

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Story: how service saved + 3 more

Baba
Story: how service saved

Namaskar,

It was the early 1970’s in Coimbatore when one Dada was waiting for a bus by a flower market. From around the corner, a street gang - i.e. vandals - approached Dadaji and began to mock and taunt him. Slowly and methodically, they surrounded him and encroached closer towards him. They had sticks and rocks, and they viewed Dada as a prime target for their hatred and abuse.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Just as they were about to pounce on Dadaji and attack him, the owner of the flower shop came running out from his store and grabbed one of the vandals and beat him smartly. The vandals were stunned and stood there as the flower shop owner unleashed his fury.

Then the flower shop owner addressed them all in a strong and menacing voice. He said, “You all better not lay even one finger on this Swami ji. You better not harm him. You do not know how saintly these Ananda Margiis are - so do not even think of harming him. Go run from here - now! Otherwise I will give you all a thorough beating.”

Unnerved and shaken, those vandals scattered about in all directions and Dadaji was saved. Thereafter, the flower shop owner looked at Dadaji and gave the following account.


Disabled child rescued


One of the sons of my sister was born with a mental disorder. The boy’s brain never developed in the proper manner. Even at the age of 5 or 6 he would wet his pants and pass stool in his clothing etc. And he always walked around drooling, so saliva was always dripping on his chin and shirt. It was a very difficult situation. The doctor advised placing the child in a school so he might learn by seeing the other children etc. My sister took this to heart and tried hard to have her boy placed in various schools. But one after another, each of the schools refused to accept the boy in their classroom. The situation was bleak and we were all feeling quite disheartened.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Finally, they went out and tried one more school - it was an Ananda Marga school. And those sannyasis readily accepted the boy with open arms, and with lots of love and affection. And they looked after him in a most wonderful way. My sister used to drop off her son in the morning and give 2 or 3 changes of clothes to the staff at the school. And throughout the day, those sannyasis, teachers, and assistants would wash and tidy up that boy. As many times as he made himself dirty, they would clean him up and dress him in fresh clothes. My sister’s son attended that school for years - and he grew and developed a lot. Those were very happy years for him.

Our entire family feels greatly indebted to Ananda Marga for the wonderful care and love your sannyasis showered on our boy. We have maximum regard and respect for you, and wish to support you in your good works and social service.


Sympathizer's support

Then the flower shop owner looked at Dadaji and said, “If ever any of those vandals give you any trouble or bother you in any way, then just tell me and I will see to it that they get a good lesson that they will not forget for the rest of their life.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
in Him,
Raj Gopalji


Conclusion


Those in society will embrace our Ananda Marga because of our selfless service work. Where we run our schools people will become sympathizers to our cause, i.e. dharmic endeavours. So starting primary schools and doing social service work is our foundation for building bridges with the greater society. People will see our engagement and wholeheartedly give their support. They will view us in a positive light, and those with money will donate handsomely to our projects.

So when we are involved in social service and helping the needy, those sympathizers will support us in all kinds of ways - and save us in tough situations, as demonstrated in the above story. Because, by our social service works, we will win over their heart. Of course, our impetus for doing various types of social service work is to please Sadguru Baba - not for name, fame, or to garner support. Just it is done to please Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Yet, people are moved seeing others serving society. That creates a deep impression. And naturally those local people will rally around and defend us in all kinds of negative situations. Because they witnessed first-hand the efficacy of our AMPS service projects that were run by Dadas / Didis. Unfortunately, these days such wts are extremely rare.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Satyendra Deva

Note: The name of the Wt in the above story is Dada Tadbhavananda.

Plagiary?

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

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

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

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

This will be treated as the standard protocol.


*        *        *

The below 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 2: Important Teaching ==

Family acarya donations

Namaskar, 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The best service to the ácárya is to work for the comfort and benefit of one’s ácárya and his/her family.” (1)


Right application of this teaching 

Here is the meaning of the above guideline from Caryacarya: 

(a) The point about “service to one’s acarya” is only applicable if the family acarya is still on duty. 

(b) If a family acarya is doing extensive pracara work whereby his laokik family is lacking funds for their basic needs, then it is the duty of those initiated by that family acarya to come forward and help. 

(c) For example, if a family acarya was earning RS5000 per month to support his family, but then becomes so involved in his dharmic work that his monthly income is reduced to RS1000 per month, then the diiksa bhai of that family acarya should come to the aid of that family acarya’s family. 

(d) Not all margiis of the globe are to donate to the family of that family acarya - only those sadhakas who were initiated by that family acarya. 


How some are misusing this teaching

Unfortunately, some opportunists are trying to misguide others about this teaching in the following ways:

(a) Some are giving the false justification that, “As I am the grandson of a family acarya, who died 20 or 40 years ago, everyone should help me financially.”

(b) If the family acarya died long back, and today his 50-year-old grandson is proclaiming that everyone should give him money because his grandfather was a family acarya, then that has no value. Rather, this is a deceptive and devious manipulation of the guideline from Caryacarya. 

(c) If the acarya is no longer active or died long back, then one should not continue to financially support that family acarya’s family for generations. Rather, those family members need to make their own way in this world, and not become a liability or leech on the rest of the society. 

(d) If a family acarya becomes defunct or died long back, it does not mean that all the relations and ensuing generations of that family acarya should be given a lifetime living stipend. Rather they should learn to stand up on their own two feet and become contributing, responsible members of society. 

(e) Remember, not all margiis of the globe are to donate to the family of that family acarya - only those sadhakas who were initiated by that family acarya. For someone today to stand on the podium and appeal for all Ananda Margiis of the sector to give him money because his grandfather was a family acarya, then that is a deceptive and devious manipulation of the guideline from Caryacarya.

(f) The idea that one is privileged because their father or grandfather was a family acarya smacks of the supremacy of the caste system where people think they are better or more entitled due to their birth or family lineage etc. Countless brahmins suffer from this sort of defective outlook, i.e. psychic disease. In our Ananda Marga, we are to eradicate that type of caste dogma that one’s birth (family lineage) is the measure of one’s worth or privilege. 


Conclusion


For all these above reasons, no one should be moved or stirred by the proclamations of a few selfish people who feel they are deserving of big money donations because their father or grandfather was a family acarya long, long ago. Giving money to such persons means contravening Baba’s teaching of Caryacarya. 

In Him, 
Virat’a

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #20c


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Difference between real human beings and not


Ananda Marga ideology says, "Those who have established themselves in their spiritual being through the practice of spiritual cult are the real human beings. Others, who do not move on the subtler and sublime path of spirituality, and behave like animals, are humans only in name. Human beings alone have the privilege to do sa'dhana'. Animals, because of their intellectual deficiencies, are unable to adhere to the spiritual cult...Human beings, on the other hand, have the capacity to develop even in the spiritual realm. Those who do not pay heed to this special gift are animals, nay, even worse than animals. Animals are unable to make efforts for their spiritual development, whereas humans do have this ability." (1)

Note: Generally people think everyone with a human body as being human, but according to Baba's above teaching all are not human. In the above guideline Baba differentiates how and why.

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Mysticism and Spirituality


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to bring capitalism to its knees

Prout philosophy states, “Considering the collective interests of all living beings, it is essential that capitalism be eradicated. But, what should be the proper method to achieve this end?"

"It cannot be denied that violence gives rise to violence. Then again, nothing can ensure that the application of force without violence, with the intention of rectification, will necessarily bring good results. So what should be done under such circumstances?"

Prout philosophy states, "Nothing would be better, if it were possible, than the eradication of capitalism by friendly persuasion and humanistic appeals. In that case the peace of the greater human family would not be much disturbed. But can it be guaranteed that everyone will respond to this approach? Some people may say that a day will come when, as a result of repeatedly listening to such appeals and gradually imbibing them over a long time, as well as through proper mental and spiritual education, good sense will prevail among the exploiters. This argument is very pleasant to hear. Such attempts are not reprehensible. But is it practicable to wait indefinitely for good sense to prevail among the exploiters? By then the exploited mass will have given up the ghost!"

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, point #2


== Section ==

সৰাই সুখি হও

সৰাই সুখি হও,
সৰাই রোগ মুক্ত হও,
সৰাই সৰ জিনিসের ভাল দিকটা দেখুক
অবস্থার চাপে পড়ে কাউকে যেন ক্লেশ ভোগ করতে না হয় | (1)

Reference
1. 
অপ্রকাশিত, 1 January 1986 কোলকাতা


== Section 4: Links ==

SUBJECTS TOPICS