Chanakya’s advice relevant today + 5 more

Baba

Chanakya’s advice relevant today

Namaskar,

2300 years ago, the economic minister of the Maurya dynasty (India), Chanakya advised that if top capitalists remain unchecked they will take over the political arena in order to exploit the masses and hoard more wealth. And that is exactly what we see happening today, most notably in nations like the USA etc. Savvy capitalist agents have lobbied for and put into legislation all they need in order to accumulate huge piles of money, thereby strangling the remaining masses of society.

The common people cannot get health care; wages are stagnant; poverty is rampant; housing costs are skyrocketing; university education is unaffordable etc. Verily every fundamental aspect of daily living is beyond the means of ordinary citizens. The people can no longer survive, yet still the capitalists are strategizing how to increase their profits. The proof is the upper .1% of the population controls more wealth than the remaining 99.9%. Such is the state of affairs in nations like the US; and, that is what Chanakya warned about long ago. That is the main cause of suffering humanity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 

How capitalists exploit & profit from natural calamities

Prout philosophy states, “The help that vaeshyan [wealthy leeches] extend to poor people in difficult times, during floods and famines, they afterwards recover with interest. They are benefited in various ways. First, their businesses continue to run and they make good money. Secondly, people who are disgruntled with the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches’] exploitation are to some extent pacified and their wounded minds are temporarily soothed. Of course these comments do not apply to those vaeshyan [wealthy leeches] who do social service out of humanitarian or spiritual inspiration. No doubt there are some honest vaeshyan [wealthy leeches] who are worthy of veneration by everyone.” (1)

Prout philosophy states, “Whatever dignity a person possesses as a human being in either the Kśatriya Age or the Vipra Age is dealt its heaviest blow in the Vaeshya Age. In the Vaeshya Age a person's dignity is measured in terms of money. The repercussions of this defective evaluation of human beings are not confined only to the realm of dignity; they have far-reaching effects in all spheres of society.” (2)


Rich people are worshiped in capitalism

Prout philosophy states, “No matter how many other qualities they may possess, vipras and kśatriyas who think independently, possess a sense of dignity or are self-reliant, cannot establish themselves unless they learn to flatter the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches] in a psychological way. Even the unworthy son or relative of a wealthy person has the opportunity to sit at the head of society, and through the power of money an unattractive daughter is properly married to a good bridegroom. A good marriage cannot be arranged even for the sons of the poor, intelligent and educated though they may be, let alone the daughters of the poor. In fact in the Vaeshya Age people cannot hope to be respected unless they are rich. Those who hope for respect or have gained it, depend or have depended on the mercy of the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches].” (3)

    Yasyásti vittaḿ sah narah kuliinah;
    Sa pańd́itah sah shrutavána guńajiṋah.
    Sa eva vaktá sa ca darshaniiyah;
    Sarve guńáh káiṋcańamáshrayanti.

[Those who have wealth are high-caste, are well-educated, possess many abilities, are good orators and are good-looking. They have all these qualities because they have money.]

“The methods of social exploitation used in the Vipra and Vaeshya Ages are somewhat similar. Certain aspects of society in the Vipra Age therefore remain unchanged in the Vaeshya Age, such as the social system, the law, the status of men and women and the right of inheritance.” (4)


Opposing super rich is very difficult

In the capitalist era, opposing the super rich is very difficult because the purchased vipras and ksattriyas will attack you by the order of the wealthy.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 

Prout philosophy states, “The difficulties faced by those who have tried and are trying to break apart the structure of the Vaeshya Age in order to rebuild society on a humanistic foundation, are not less, but are in fact a little more, than the indescribable social tortures that great people suffered in the past when they tried to reform the social structure of the Vipra Age. This is because those who wanted to break apart the vipras' structure had to fight the vipras and also the kśatriyas and shúdras under their protection, but those who want to strike at the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches’] structure have to fight against all the vipras, kśatriyas and shúdras who are obedient to the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches].” (5)

Prout philosophy guides us, “But there are similarities between the two. The common people misunderstand great people who act on their behalf and for their welfare, or even if they understand them, they do not give them their support. Their nerves, courage and labour are bought with the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches’] money.” (6)

Until people give-up religious dogma they will not be able to free themselves from the grip of capitalism.
 
Prout philosophy states, “The vipras exploit the masses in the Vipra Age under the pretence of religion, which cannot be challenged. The same thing occurs in the Vaeshya Age, but vaeshya exploitation is more dangerous. In the Vipra Age the vipras exploit others through religion in order to promote their personal interests, but in the Vaeshya Age the vipras exploit others through religion in order to promote both their own and the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches’] interests.” (7)

Prout philosophy states, “Those who try to break the structure of the Vaeshya Age and show the downtrodden the path of liberation, will have to advise the people to free themselves from the intoxicating effect of the opium of religion; otherwise how will they be able to serve the downtrodden people?” (8)


False propaganda by purchases intellectuals

Purchased intellectuals propagate capitalists are fortunate and the poor are lazy and the cause of their suffering.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 

Prout philosophy states, “In the Vaeshya Age this religious exploitation is more psychic than physical, because the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches] use the vipras to try to spread intellectual propaganda among the masses to prevent them from finding any philosophical justification for their suppressed grievances against the vaeshya structure. This intellectual propaganda aims to convince people that they are the victims of circumstance. It argues, “Everything is destiny. Everything is preordained.” Such doctrines help the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches] to perpetuate their structure. They destroy the personal force of people and make them the playthings of fate. People accept the idea that everything is preordained, and support the status quo.” (9)


Conclusion

Seeing the present conditions and studying the above Prout teachings, it becomes clear how insidious the vaeshyan [wealthy leech] exploitation really is. Those scheming capitalists choke humanity at every turn. Chanakya's warning of long ago applies readily to the inequalities and exploitation of today's world.
 
In Him,
Vaebhav

~ In-depth study ~

Chanakya niti & the present situation

The famed pundit Chanakya put forth his views on political ethics and economy in his nitishastra. He warned how the greed of capitalism will strangle society and bring any kingdom to its knees.

Prout philosophy states, "Chanakya said that a business person who becomes extremely rich is harmful to the state. If a king finds that somebody has become extremely wealthy, he should reduce the person’s wealth and property by imposing direct and indirect taxes on them. If he does not do this, the vaeshyan [wealthy leeches] may destroy the structure of the government unless they can make it the tool of their exploitation." (10)

Capitalism destroys the human personality

Affected by capitalism, people will cheat even their neighbors, nay their own family members.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 

Here are further thoughts on how capitalism destroys the human personality. People become worse than animals - sadly. Even animals care for one another in their herd, flock, or group. They all move together. They have their inherent feeling for one another. Whereas in extreme capitalism this is not the case. Due to extreme greed, people will cheat even their neighbors, nay their family members.

One clear-cut and graphic example is this. Animal mothers will always keep their babies in sight - sleeping together - breastfeeding - and being around them all the time. In contrast, in the top capitalist nations, a basic trend is that some females are more concerned about their own physical appeal than their child's welfare, hence they do not breast feed their children and they do not keep their children nearby when sleeping. Rather those females fashion themselves as tools of allurement for males, and the baby comes as an afterthought. This does not apply to absolutely everyone, but it certainly is a pervasive trend in capitalist countries. Some females have even drowned their own babies if they felt their male lover would be happier if she did not have babies.

Really the situation of people in the capitalist era is worse than that of animals in many respects.

Thus in so many ways, the integrity of society gets completely washed away by the excessive desires, ills, and distorted values of capitalism / materialism.

References
 1 -> 10: Human Society - 2, The Vaeshya Age

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

His infinite care

"Ánkhi mele ceye dekho, ajáná pathik eseche..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1550)

Purport:

O' human beings, behold, look, Parama Purusa the Aja'na' Pathik1, has come. With His sweet, charming smile and infinite grace, He is pouring His endless compassion and love unto all. He is showering everyone with His exquisite blessing. All are getting bathed in His prema. He is radiating tenderness and exuding His sweet smile. O' brothers and sisters, see, Baba, the Aja'na' Pathik has appeared and He is bestowing His causeless krpa upon all.

Due to His auspicious arrival and august presence, the darkness which was in the mind has vanished somewhere - to one far distant place. In the past, where there used to be blackness, one stream of effulgence has emerged and blossomed into the colour of one rose. By His brilliance, the dry mind has become buoyant and blissful. Baba, the Ajana Pathik is before us and has granted His infinite care.

Everyone is near and dear to Him. With His great mercy, everyone has a sacred place in His heart. Parama Purusa holds each and every being in His bosom. O' brothers and sisters, do not waste your time running after name and fame, money, prestige, or any other transitory allurement. Do not hasten after mundane longings. March unto the path of bliss, and fulfill your hopes and aspirations by reaching unto Him. Ajana Pathik Baba is here. Only He can quench your immense yearning with His boundless joy. O' sadhaka, your life and death - your coming and going - on this earth is dancing in His Cosmic rhythm. Everything is connected; everyone revolves around Him - nobody is alone. All are an inseparable part of Him. This is His grand liila and ultimately each person is sure to become one with Him, by His supreme countenance...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #1550

[1] Ajana Pathik: The term Aja'na' Pathik means 'The Divine Entity Parama Purusa Who moves around this entire universe, and resides everywhere and knows everything; irrespective of where one goes, He remains along with you'. That is one of His many unique attributions and that is the speciality of the name 'Ajana Pathik'. The name 'Ajana Pathik' denotes this special quality.

Literally, Aja'na' means 'unknown' and Pathik means 'traveler' or ‘tourist.’ But this is just the word by word, literal translation; and proper nouns are not meant to be translated. So we cannot call Him the ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist', or Unknown Vacationer', or 'Unknown Backpacker', or 'Unknown Visitor', or 'Unknown Globetrotter', or 'Unknown Daytripper', or 'Unknown Hitchhiker.’ The spirit and meaning is then lost.

The inner sense of the name Ajana Pathik is that Parama Purusa is always moving throughout this vast cosmos and He is constantly present with everyone, all the time. He is in the Cosmic Nucleus yet at the same time through His ota and prota yoga He is everywhere - carefully watching & lovingly guiding everyone. This unique aspect of His grand Personality is treated as Aja'na' Pathik. Because He is constantly traveling yet present everywhere. He is in the nucleus as well as throughout this entire universe.

As the Ajana Pathik, Parama Purusa Baba moves and moves and moves. In their spiritual approach, bhaktas feel that wherever they go the Aja'na' Pathik will always be there to shower His blessing. By His grace, bhaktas can always get His intimate company and companionship. With this mystical link, sadhakas understand that Parama Purusa is present everywhere, yet side by side He travels on and on throughout this entire cosmos. Thus He is Aja'na' Pathik.

Overall the name Aja'na' Pathik has one special and unique meaning that goes far beyond its literal translation. And in our hearts we A'nanda Ma'rgiis know and feel that Baba is that Aja'na' Pathik. Indeed in His discourses, in Dharma Samiiksa, and in reporting, in DMC, and in numerous ways Baba has shown this very fact that He is ever-present and always along with us. He is always moving and wherever we go then He will also be there. Parama Purusa has infinite attributions and one of them is this special quality where He always remains along with us wherever we are in this vast universe. In this way He is known as - Aja'na' Pathik. In true sense, as the omnipresent Entity, He does not go anywhere because He is everywhere; but in a more literal manner He goes from place to place.

Those who use ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist’ in place of Aja'na' Pathik are naive and ignorant.

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Clear purpose of human life

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "So humans were created only to do sadhana and attain emancipation. Those who do not do sadhana for their mukti (emancipation)
even though they were created for this purpose, go against the wishes of the Supreme Entity. They defeat the very purpose of the creation of human beings." (1) 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, What Is This World?

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Non-sadhakas cannot propagate Prout

English summary of original Bangla

A new theory [Prout] cannot originate or be brought into practice by a mind of limited dimensions, but only from a person who looks at this universe from an evolved, enlightened mind. There is no other alternative. (English Summary)

Faulty English version by Tiljala Publications

Here below is the printed English version by Tiljala Publications. Unfortunately, they missed the key point that Prout cannot be established by non-sadhakas.

“A new theory [Prout] cannot originate from a mind of limited dimensions, but only from a person who looks at this universe from an evolved, enlightened mind. And for this, Paramártha is a very important factor indeed.” (1)

Original as-is Bangla version

Ananda Marga ideology states, “এখনও কথা হচ্ছে, এই অর্থের ব্যাপারে তো ৰলেই দিলাম, এই জন্যে একটা নোতুন theory-র দরকার | সেটাকে কার্যরূপ দিতে হৰে | আর সেই নোতুন theory-ও ক্ষুদ্র মন নিয়ে তৈরী করা যায় না | ৰৃহৎ মন নিয়ে যে জগতের সামনে দাঁড়িয়ে আছে, কেবল সেই এই ধরণের theory দিতে পারে, বা একে কার্যরূপ দিতে পারে | অন্য কোনও উপায় নেই |” (2)

Note: To implement Prout in the society, one must be a sadhaka with an expanded mental outlook. That is what Baba is teaching us in the above guideline. But those in Tiljala Publications could not convey this idea in the English version. The yellow highlighted section in the Bangla version was not included in TP’s English translation.

Other points

Sadly, some misguided Dadas are very keen to implement Prout with socialist / communist leaders. Those Dadas fail to understand that non-sadhakas can never establish Prout.

References
1. Tiljala Publications: Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 4, Artha and Paramártha
2. “As-Is” Artha and Paramártha AV-04-10(B)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to solve any problem


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “A correct spiritual ideology is the only solution to the problems confronting the world. From this perspective we can call Ananda Marga ideology the philosophers' stone. Just as the philosophers' stone is meant to transform everything into gold, Ananda Marga ideology can, most definitely, find a just and rational solution whenever it is applied to any problem.” (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #36

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to identify and deal with hypocrites

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states:

"(5) Hypocrites are:"

    "(a) Those who give indulgence to falsehood;"

    "(b) Those who are ungrateful to their benefactors;"

    "(c) Those who do not keep their word;"

    "(d) Those who betray;"

    "(e) Those who slander behind one's back."

"(6) You may come to a temporary truce with a hypocrite, but do not forgive till his/her nature is reformed. Immediate forgiveness is a special weakness of mind. It results in worse harm to society. Those who cherish class distinctions, communalism, provincialism and casteism while indulging in propaganda about universalism are also hypocrites." (1)

Reference
1. Caryacarya, part 2, Society, points #5 - 6

== Section: Important Teaching ==

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

How religion is deadly

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Through nityánitya viveka, human beings become aware of the fleeting nature of transient objects. They observe that with change in time, place and person, corresponding changes occur in social, political, economic, and all other spheres of life take to which they have to adapt themselves. Those who are reluctant to adapt themselves to the changed circumstances are doomed to destruction. A religion or an “ism” is created in a certain age which itself is a product of the three factors of time, place and person. However, the religion does not recognize the necessity of adjustment with the change in social life. It refuses to realize that the old rules and regulations of the previous age are now only mere historical records, having lost their relevance in the present dynamic society."

"To stifle the progress of humanity, the followers of these religions play on human sentiments and other weaknesses. They want to perpetuate the hold of the vested interests by infusing an inferiority complex into the human mind. While preaching their religious ideas, some claim that the social, economic and political systems were direct creations of God and hence destined to be observed in all ages and all times with equal veneration. They pronounce that those who refuse to follow this divine decree will be doomed to burn in the scorching heat of God’s wrath, or dammed to suffer eternal hell-fire. To deny people the scope of verifying the rationality of different scriptures they declare that such-and-such scriptures are infallible and so nobody has the right to question their veracity. If the philosophical texts contradict the scriptures, then their propounders will be declared as atheists."

"So it is seen that in the absence of nityánitya viveka the propounders of religion want to thwart the intellectual progress of human society at large. They knowingly refuse to understand that any observation regarding the spatial, temporal and personal factors, from whatever person it might come, is bound to lose its relevance in a transformed situation.."

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life, Part 7, p.553

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

== Section 3: Links ==

Recent Postings

• Photo dogma & degeneration

• No fire in mouth

• Maximizing your spiritual potential
  

• Intimacy of sadhana

• 6th lesson mantra

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana

Photo dogma & degeneration + 3 more

Baba

Photo dogma & degeneration

Namaskar,

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Prakrtiliina - those who worship idols, ascribing Brahma-hood to that idol, “thinking that the very idol is God, the very image is God”; worshipping stone, worshipping wood, worshipping metals.” (1)

Those who think that the photo of Baba is actually Baba act in the following manner:

(a) They will only do sastaunga pranam in front of the photo thinking that the photo itself is Baba. If there is no photo they will not do sastaunga pranam.

(b) If they want to request Baba to grace them then they must go and sit in front of the photo thinking that the photo itself is Baba. If there is no photo then they will not request His grace because they do not think that Baba is present.
https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/

More about those who think Baba is the photo

(c) If they want to offer food to Baba they will bring that food in front of the photo - thinking that the photo itself is Baba - and then stick food on the photo where Baba's mouth is in the photo. Or they will place a plate of food in front of the photo and request Baba to eat. Whereas if the photo is not there they will not offer any food to Baba. Because if the photo is not there then according to their perspective Baba is not there - i.e. not present.

(d) If they wish to touch Baba's feet they will walk to the Baba photo in the puja room - thinking that the photo itself is Baba - and place their hands on that part of the photo that shows Baba's feet. And if there is no photo then they will not try and touch His feet as that can only be done with a photo. Because without the photo Baba cannot be present.

(e) If they want to pay homage to Baba in any way then they must walk over to where the photo is - thinking that the photo itself is Baba. And if there is no photo they think that Baba is not there so they will not pay homage to Him.

(f) And there are many more things they will do going close to that photo thinking that the photo itself is Baba.

(g) Finally, if one margii is going to Ananda Nagar, Tiljala, or Jamalpur, they will request that margii to convey their pranam to Baba at the tomb, Baba Quarters, or Tiger’s grace etc. Because they think that Baba is there, i.e. not with them.

But this approach is dangerous. To understand why this is dangerous, please continue reading.
https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/


They become one with prakrti - wood, metal, stone

Be sure to pay attention to the highlighted yellow section from Baba’s teaching as that is central to understanding the point at hand.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Prakrtiliina - those who worship idols, ascribing Brahma-hood to that idol, “thinking that the very idol is God, the very image is God”; worshipping stone, worshipping wood, worshipping metals. Tantra says,"

Mrcchiládhátu dárvádi murtáviishvarabaddhaya.

Mrt means “earthen image”; shilá means “made of stone”; dhátu “made of metal”; dáru “made of wood”. And they ascribe Godhood to that wood or to that metal or to that stone. Then what does happen? He is ideating on that stone, or wood, or metal. Then what does happen?

Yádrshii bhávaná yasya siddhir bhavati tádrshii

A man adopts the body according to his object of ideation.” His own self is transformed into that entity, the entity which was his object of meditation. Now these men worshipping different forms of Prakrti finally take the form of those entities - become stone, become wood, become metal. They are called prakrtiliina. They become one with Prakrti and remain there for an indefinite period. What a durdaeva, I will say! What a painful state of existence! (1)

In His above teaching Baba is sounding the warning that those “thinking that the very idol is God, the very image is God” will be converted into prakrtiliina - and suffer the horrifying effects of being converted into matter.
https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/

If you think the photo is actually Baba...

Those who think that the photo of Baba is actually Baba should understand that this approach is dangerous. Essentially, such persons think that the photo or holy tomb is actually Baba and that the physical photo / tomb is the way to communicate with Him. Such sadhakas are like idol worshipers who think "that the very idol is God, the very image is God." Sadly, they will suffer and become prakrtiliina.

Because they are ideating on the physical materials (paper, glass, wood, plastic etc) that comprise the photo. They think the photo is Baba just like those prakrtiliina who think "that the very idol is God, the very image is God." So their mind will be converted into those limited physical objects. They are not ideating on that all-pervading Divine Entity Parama Purusa Baba. So for them the future is bleak. That is the unfortunate story.

And here are more details about how they behave: 

- If they want to pay homage to Baba in any way then they must walk over to where the photo is - thinking that the photo itself is Baba. And if there is no photo they think that Baba is not there so they will not pay homage to Him.

- And there are many more things they will do going close to that photo thinking that the photo itself is Baba.

- Finally, if one margii is going to Ananda Nagar, Tiljala, or Jamalpur, they will request that margii to convey their pranam to Baba at the tomb, Baba Quarters, or Tiger’s grace etc. Because they think that Baba is there, i.e. not with them.
https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/


Conclusion:
Baba’s photo is just photo of Baba, not Baba Himself

Rational Ananda Margiis understand well that the photo is just a photo of Baba, not Baba Himself. Just as you know that a photo of yourself is not actually you - rather it is a photo. They know that the gateway of communicating with Baba is through the mind, by His grace. That means they communicate with Baba mentally - sharing their feelings and asking His blessing in dhyana, sadhana, etc. And throughout the day - wherever they are - they feel Baba is there along with them. When far from their puja room they do not think that they are separated from Baba. They internally feel His presence, regardless of their physical location and where the photo is. For them, their entire mode of linking with and seeing Baba is internal. At the same time they pay due reverence to the photo. Yet they know that the photo is just a photo of Baba and not Baba Himself. Just as you know that a photo of yourself is not actually you - rather it is a photo.
https://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/

The highlighted yellow section of Baba’s teaching makes it clear that those who think "that the very idol is God, the very image is God” or that the photo is actually Baba Himself are in grave danger.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Sukhadeva

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Ghosts and Evil Spirits
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Ghosts and Evil Spirits

*        *        *

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: Important Teaching ==

Guru’s krpa explained

Ananda Marga ideology states, "What is Krpá? In Saḿskrta, the root verb is “kr”. “Kr” means to help one in one’s progress even when one does not deserve it. So if one deserves it, that is, if one has the qualification to get oneself fully developed and fully exalted, then in that case there is no necessity of krpá, there is no necessity of help from Táraka Brahma. But when one does not deserve it, when one has not got the qualification for development, and still one is helped, that sort of help is called “krpa”." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A spiritual aspirant should not do spiritual practices to become omniscient. Rather, a spiritual aspirant is to perform spiritual practices to satisfy Parama Puruśa in the form of Parama Guru. That is why it has been rightly said: Guru krpá hi kevalam [“The grace of the Guru is everything”]." (2)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 2, Guru Krpáhi Kevalam
2. Yoga Psychology, Bio-Psychology

== Section ==

দুধ খাও, ওই জুজু আছে

“ছোট ছেলে দুধ খাচ্ছে না, ৰাড়ির লোকেরা, “দুধ খাও, ওই জুজু আছে, তাল গাছে জুজু আছে, ধরে নেৰে” | তুমি জুজুর ভয়ে খেয়ে নিলে দুধ | তারপরে এই তুমি যখন দু ৰছরের নয়, তুমি হয়ে গেলে ৰাইশ ৰছরে, তখনও সেই মনের জুজুটা রয়ে গেল | কখনও-কখনও স্বপ্নে সেই জুজুকে দেখৰে একলা যেতে গিয়ে জুজুর ভয়ে ৰুক কেঁপে উঠৰে | এরা হ’ল কি ? চাপিয়ে দেওয়া ৰন্ধন |” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha, part 17, chapter 12

== Section 3: Links ==

Recent Postings

• Intimacy of sadhana

• 6th lesson mantra

• Female issue

• Really Golden Rule?

• Is Milarepa story applicable?

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana

No fire in mouth + 3 more

Baba

No fire in mouth

Note: This letter is related with every Ananda Margii, irrespective of where they live because in this day and age dogmas rapidly spread from one continent to the next.

Namaskar,

When someone dies then according to Baba's guidelines in Caryacarya the cremation is performed. (1) That is our system in Ananda Marga.

Side by side however, in India there is a long-standing custom of putting fire into the corpse's mouth to start the cremation. As Ananda Margiis, when cremating the deceased, we might depend upon a hired crew. In which case, that crew would most likely begin the cremation by putting fire in the mouth of the deceased, as that is the tradition. But we should not follow this method.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

As Ananda Margiis, we must be alert; Baba warns not to start the cremation by putting fire in the mouth of the deceased.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "As the practice of putting fire into the mouth of the dead body is repulsive, it should not be encouraged." (2)

We should adhere to Baba's tenet and never allow our Ananda Marga cremations to begin in this offensive manner. All this begs the question: Why was this system of putting fire in the mouth started? Baba did not explain the history of this custom in Caryacarya. But in the following teaching from His related discourses, Sadguru Baba reveals the backdrop behind this dogma of putting fire in the mouth of the deceased to start the cremation.


History of how this Hindu dogma started

Here Baba explains how this dogma began.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "In ancient times there was the custom of interring a person after death or floating the body on water. After the discovery and invention of fire people considered it proper to burn the dead body. Thus in the pre-Vedic and at the beginning of the Vedic era the prevalent custom was to bury the body. In later times, much later times, the system of cremation came into vogue. When the system of cremation became common people used to think: This rśi who tended, preserved and meticulously served the fire throughout his life with the help of orally-pronounced mantras will no longer preserve the fire with the help of those mantras. Thus, at the time of offering his dead body to the fire, the ekarśi fire should first touch his mouth one last time; then let the burning grass or hay consume the rest of him. This custom of touching the mouth with the ekarśi fire gradually became transformed into a social tradition. Those who did not maintain the ekarśi fire also had fire put into their mouths. The rule was even introduced for those who had nothing to do with the fire at all. What was tradition became a compulsory social observation." (3)

At the beginning, the ekarśi fire was only put to the mouth of the deceased rśi as a sign of respect for it was he who chanted the mantras and maintained the fire during his lifetime. So this dogma of putting fire into the mouth of the deceased was initially limited to the rsi who maintained the ekarsi fire. From there this Hindu dogmatic custom spread throughout society and became the norm.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


The dogma grows

Next, Baba tells more details how this Hindu dogma evolved and took a new turn.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When superstition entangles a person it likes to tie him up thoroughly, step by step. This fire-in-the-mouth ritual became one such type of thing. The priestly tradition also devised a new mantra to accompany this putting of fire in the mouth; this mantra has no relationship with the ekarśi fire of ancient times. I do not even like to think about the abominable way we put fire in the mouth of our recently departed loved ones at the time of performing their funeral rites. The mantra [used by Hindu priests] is also unusual. The common people either do not understand the mantra or recite it out of fear; it bears no relationship whatsoever to the original ekarśi fire." (4)

So the dogma started with the application of the ekarśi fire to the priest or rśi, then it was commonly done to all, and then its meaning became twisted and related with heaven and hell. That is what Baba is describing below.


The next stage: dogmatic mantra

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The mantra goes like this:"

Krtvá tu duśkrtam' karma jánatá vápyajánatá;
Mrtyukálavasham' prápya naraḿ paincatvamágatam.
Dharmádharmasamáyuktam' lobhamohasamávrtam;
Daheyam' sarvagátráńi divyán lokán sah gacchatu.

"That is: “This deceased being may have committed bad actions, knowingly or unknowingly. Today he has been swallowed by death; today he has reached the state of dissolution into the five elements. In him was righteousness and unrighteousness. He was enveloped by greed and attachment. Now let his entire body be consumed by the fire. May he go to heaven.” Anyhow, whoever likes it, let them recite it, but superstition-free human beings act with due reflection and thought." (5)

In the above section Baba reveals how the dogma grew and how the related shloka did not at all reflect the original meaning of the ekarśi fire. Then Baba reveals more and concludes His teaching about the ekarśi fire.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "At one time people supported the inhumanness and cruelty or irrationality behind the practice of sati* by using the scriptures as a pretext. Later it was seen that that scriptural support was not authentic. Wise and learned men should think carefully just how far this practice of putting fire in the mouth is desirable. This practice may not be as terrible as sati, but that it is an abominable practice there is little room for doubt. The ekarśi fire that was put into the mouth of the munis was the fire that they themselves preserved. Today the fire that is put in the mouth is the fire that is produced from a match (deshlái). Is this not a mockery of history?" (6)

[* Sati: There was the dogmatic tradition in India where the wife would thrown herself on her husband's funeral pyre.]

In His above teaching, Baba has described how those followers of this Hindu ritual do not know what they are doing nor why they do it.


Conclusion

We Ananda Margiis should not fall into this same dogmatic custom of putting fire into the mouth of the deceased. It is disrespectful, uncivilised, and unsightly; and, it is a dogma with no rational foundation. So we should not fall prey to this awful approach of putting fire in the mouth.

Those who have attended cremations in India may have noticed how the body is often burned in this dogmatic way of putting fire in the mouth. Funeral workers (dom) do like this. Everyone in the Marga should be aware about this dogma, otherwise in this day and age when people are traveling all around and moving from one continent to the next, this dogma can spread.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Finally, because Baba has mentioned cremation in Caryacarya, as part of our do's and don'ts of life, we should educate ourselves and others, and not fall prone to this dogma of putting fire in the mouth of the deceased. Our duty is to put an end to it.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Krpashankar


~ In-depth study ~

A few examples of gross death ceremony dogmas

Around the globe, there are various respectful rituals performed for the deceased - as well as some very disrespectful customs. This letter addresses a few of those offensive rituals that have been going on for ages. For instance:

(a) Some communities cut the dead body into pieces and grind it in the machine and scatter the remains in the field.
(b) Other communities in India put the whole dead body in the field or top of the hill to be eaten by animals or birds etc.
(c) Some cremate the body but open the mouth of the deceased and insert a burning flame inside the mouth.

These are examples of disrespectful, ugly, gross practices that no margii should do. This is completely against the norms and sanctity of our AM society. Generally, such problems only arise when margiis are raised in those dogmatic communities and drag these outdated rituals into our Marga. So watch out.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


How the fire dogma started

Nowadays, making a fire is very easy. One can light a match stick, flip a switch, or ignite a burner to start a fire. Whereas even a few hundred years ago it was very difficult to start a fire. And fire was highly needed for one's basic sustenance.

For this reason, long ago in the vedic age, fire was treated as something very holy and important; and those who preserved the fire were regarded as holy people. They were very keen to keep it lit by frequently adding wood etc. By this way they kept the fire alive. In turn, he would give fire to those who needed fire in the community. Those rishis protecting the holy fire were ekarsi rishi. They were treated as most respectful and holy.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "What I have said about the preservation of the sacred fire was the norm but there were some few exceptions. There were even some rśis who did the various works for preserving the fire by themselves such as the fire rituals, feeding it with wood and so on. They did not even take the help of their sons and wives. A fire that was preserved and tended by one such rśi was known as ekarśi. An ekarśi fire was considered extremely holy." (7)

Nobody else had the right to touch that fire nor could anyone else tend to its maintenance. Only the ekarsi could do. Others were entrusted with this as the slightest bit of negligence would ruin the fire. And if the fire went out it was a serious problem.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When the ekarsi died then out of respect the fire was put in his mouth to pay homage to him as he was the one who would repeat the mantra and keep the fire alive. It was a very holy tradition and this system of putting fire in the mouth was gradually copied by the entire population. Thereafter, whoever died was given respect by putting fire into their mouth at the time of their cremation.

However, Baba guides us that this custom of putting fire in the mouth of the deceased is indecent, outdated, and against the ethics of Ananda Marga.


Fire was very important those days

In those early days, fire was extremely important; it completely changed society. Fire made life bearable and was related with the survival of each and every person, yet it was very difficult to start. So everyone had great respect for the keeper of the fire.

For instance, during the hot and dry season a fire might erupt in the forest and then they would take a piece of that fire and keep it under watch. Those who maintained that fire were revered.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

But putting fire in the mouth of the corpse at the time of death is dogmatic and akin to putting penicillin in the mouth of the one who discovered penicillin, and thereafter putting penicillin in the mouth of anyone who died. Such is the dogma of putting fire in the mouth of the deceased.

References
1. Ref: "Disposal of Dead Body" chapter in Caryacarya Part 1.
2. Caryacarya - 1, Disposal of the Dead Body
3. Shabda Cayanika-2, Eka to Ekáuṋga, Discourse 12
4. Shabda Cayanika-2, Eka to Ekáuṋga, Discourse 12
5. Shabda Cayanika-2, Eka to Ekáunga, Discourse 12
6. Shabda Cayanika-2, Eka to Ekáuṋga, Discourse 12
7. Shabda Cayanika-2, Eka to Ekáuṋga, Discourse 12

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Ingredients for a long life

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Spiritual practice makes the mind calm and quiet, and maintains the nerves in a state of equipoise; and thus spiritual practice increases longevity. Those Vaishnavites who are vegetarians, who regularly sing spiritual songs, do meditation, perform virtuous deeds and think pure thoughts, live longer than ninety years." (1)

Note: By following the spiritual cult of Ananda Marga and abiding by general health rules every sadhaka is ensured a long and healthy life. That is Baba's teaching.

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, You Must Live Glorious Lives

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Past & present: libertine life ruins society

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Just as the living world is divided into two categories – those who live in groups and those who live alone – similarly regarding family life, all creatures are divided into two broad classes: creatures with family ties (for example, elephants, lions and pigeons) and those without any family ties (for instance, tigers, dogs, cats, goats, etc.).”
   “At the beginning of evolution, humans used to lead libertine lives without any consideration for family obligations, but they gradually developed a family instinct. However, that family instinct was no different from that of the elephants, lions, pigeons, etc. Due to this inborn instinct, males and females arrived at a loose but workable compromise regarding family life. But in that there was no sense of responsibility born out of a developed conscience; rather, due to their loose relationships with each other, one person used to desert another and go anywhere he or she liked. The number of such libertines was very high, and they used to disturb the peace and harmony of the so-called family members and become the cause of many serious quarrels.” (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc 9: Shivokti - 3

== Section 2: Links ==

Recent Postings

• Intimacy of sadhana

• 6th lesson mantra

• Female issue

• Really Golden Rule?

• Is Milarepa story applicable?

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana