Story of sacrifice: early days in AM + 4 more

Baba

Story of sacrifice: early days in AM

Namaskar, 

It is a well known fact that tremendous work went into building up our Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. Baba was giving so many guidelines and programs and countless Ananda Margiis responded to His call and worked night and day to implement those plans. By such tireless efforts something great was able to be done.

Ananda Vanii states, "Fight for your Ideology. Be one with your Ideology. Live for your Ideology. Die for your Ideology." (Ananda Vanii #14) 

Verily, there are so many cases where margiis and Wts overcame obstacles and challenges in order to spread the name and teachings of Ananda Marga. There is a long list of courageous efforts and inspiring tales and in that way Baba’s mission spread. Ideology is the binding force and as long as Ananda Margiis were strict and dedicated, then to that degree our mission got established.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here following is one example among many where a margii rallied against so many trials and tribulations for the sake of ideology. 


Horrors of the caste system 

Baba has recounted how India is the worst place around the globe for so-called caste discrimination. Nowhere else does this problem exist to such an extent. Various types of discrimination are present in other countries based on race, colour, gender etc. And in India, casteism is very heinous and strong. Here are more details about the matter so you may understand how horrifying it is. 

In the dogmatic Hindu society, there are four basic categories of caste: a) brahmin / vipra, b) vaeshya, c) ksattriya, d) shudra. But this is not according to the Prout social cycle. This caste system takes the terms in a completely negative manner. These differences are based on birth - not on one’s quality. Quality has no value in this Hindu dogma. 

For example, if anybody is born in the shudra community of the Hindu religion, they will be treated as an untouchable. Even today, upper caste people will scoff at marrying families of the shudra community. Even the food cooked by one so-called shudra is inedible. It is immaterial how much cleanliness has been maintained. That has nothing to do with why it is inedible. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In the society, so-called shudras are treated worse than animals. For instance, you can touch animals, but you cannot touch those persons of the shudra caste. Very conservative, dogmatic Hindu families consider their house impure if a so-called shudra is even outside the premises, what to say about inside of the house. Then the whole house will be treated as impure and must be washed by the Ganges water to purify everything.

The caste system has nothing to do with quality or merit. Suppose a person is born in the so-called shudra caste then he will be treated as an untouchable. Yet that person might have so many dharmic qualities, i.e he is sentient, doing sadhana, and following yama and niyama etc. But in the villages nobody will go to his house and sit and take food along with him. Whereas if a person is born in a brahmin family and doing all sorts of degrading activities such as eating meat and drinking alcohol, even then he is well respected. It is the duty of so-called castes like ksattriyas / vipras / vaeshyas, to touch the feet of that brahmin, morning and evening, and get his blessing.


Ananda Marga declares all humans are one

In the face of this casteism, Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha was born in 1955. Baba gave the slogan "Ma'nav Ma'nav Ek Hai", i.e. "Human Human, All Are One". The sense is that in our Ananda Marga way of life there is no scope for injustice and division. Seeing this, the dogmatic people became furious. And they held all the top posts in the  government, financial sector, and education. Everything was in the hands of these dogmatic persons. They started hating and attacking Ananda Marga Pracarka Samgha on all the fronts. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In the society, there was also untouchability and separation on the basis of food. So Baba gave the system, "Ek Chulha' Ek Chaoka' Ek Hai Ma'nav Samaj". The sense is "One Kitchen, One Stove, One Human Society". This was another point that made dogmatic persons more furious. And then dharmic fights ensued to wipe out division and injustice. So many physical clashes happened. I don't think nowadays Ananda Margiis are facing such types of physical attacks and humiliation, which in the beginning they suffered.

Excuse me, those thinking that the Jamalpur days were just peaceful days are in dreamland or naive. Innumerable incidents happened whereby Baba had to leave the pandal, and DMC could not be held because of people throwing stones, committing arson, or making bloody attacks etc. Ananda Margiis faced various types of outlandish tortures. So it is wrong to think that those days Baba was in Vraja Krsna and there was no struggle going on. All along from 1955 to '90, Baba always waged a ceaseless battle against injustice and heinous dogmas. 


The story of DN: caste differences & revolutionary marriage

Let me come to my original subject. Because of these serious so-called caste differences, the dogmatic Hindu society was balkanized. And the majority of so-called low caste people, became completely fed up with the dogma. Many of them joined other religions like Christianity and Islam, etc. Otherwise, hundreds of years ago, in India the population was nearly 100% Hindu. And Baba wanted to make one human society so destroying the caste system was highly essential. But dogmatic Hindu people were fighting against AMPS, tooth and nail. When Baba gave the revolutionary marriage system, that was more fuel to the fire.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Acarya DN jii was one of the victims of dogmatic Hindus on the point of revolutionary marriage. There is a long history and here is a glimpse of what happened. 

Ac. DN jii's daughter had a revolutionary marriage with someone from a  so-called lower caste. In response, the whole village attacked Ac. DN jii's house. And he had to leave his village home for several months and could not return. He was kicked out from his own house. In that village, there was a mud hut jagriti where Baba had planted one mango tree several years back. The villagers were so furious that they cut down that tree and wanted to destroy each and every sign of Ananda Marga from the village. They stoned the tile house, and so many hellish things happened. See how much torture DN ji faced in order follow Baba's system and guidelines. 


Our respects to those following ideology 

So those countless margiis / Wts were ready to endure huge suffering and undergo tremendous sacrifice to uphold ideology. Due to their noble efforts Ananda Marga got built up and established. Those who dedicated themselves to ideology have built up and established Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha by their service and sacrifice. 

Baba gives the following blessings, which have inspired and will inspire sadhakas eternally, to move along the path of dedication to Ananda Marga ideology. 

Ananda Vanii states, "Life represents Ideology. Life should be sacrificed for Ideology." (1) 

Ananda Vanii states, "It is action that makes a person great. Be great by your sa'dhana', by your service, by your sacrifice." (2)


Conclusion

This entire letter has discussed how those trying to do great works while moving on the path of dharma always face all kinds of problems. In India, the caste dogma was extremely strong. But in AMPS it was destroyed by various practical approaches like revolutionary marriages, not documenting caste, not giving post or privilege based on caste, creed, colour etc, and not creating family acaryas or Wts not on the basis of caste or class etc. In our office, there is no trace of one’s caste in our documentation or records. That is why even margiis do not ask each other about their caste because we do not recognise it or give it any importance. Whereas amongst non-margiis, this is all quite common.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The central idea is that to break the dogma of caste and untouchability, those early Ananda Margiis had to sacrifice a lot. They were mocked, harassed, beaten, and punished in various ways. In India, being an Ananda Margii was a very difficult job, especially in the villages. Other villagers shunned and even stoned them. Verily, they faced so much backlash and torture. This is the short yet stark history. To do great things, one has to struggle and overcome negative things. Dharma always gets victory; that is why we see that across the entire world that the dogmas of casteism and racism dogma are slowly collapsing. Now it is coming towards its final doom. Soon the slogan that ‘all human beings are one’ will be established before our very eyes. 

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Human society is continually striving to arrive at a synthesis through analysis, some sort of unity through diversity. The natural obstructions of small clans, narrow communal interests, geographical distances and intractable customs and usages – none of these obstacles could hinder the steady and silent movement towards a supreme goal. That is why the policy of apartheid, the vanity of racial superiority, national chauvinism or regionalism – these relative doctrines or social philosophies – could not thwart the progress of human society. The outdated ideals of nationalism are crumbling to pieces today.” 
   “The newly awakened humanity of today is anxious to herald the advent of one universal society under the vast blue sky. The noble and righteous persons of all countries, bound by fraternal ties, are eager to assert in one voice, with one mind, and in the same tune that human society is one and indivisible. In this voice of total unity and magnanimity lies the value and message of eternal humanism.” (3)

In Him, 
Padma’


Horrible humiliation: keep spit pot on head

Those who are not familiar with the Hindu dogmatic system  may not like to believe all these things. But what I am telling is the hard reality and fact of present village life of India. Here I am not writing anything which is age-old historical events. All these things are still going on especially in the villages, and to some degree in the towns and cities also. In short we can say that it is still existing everywhere. Although a lot of change happened in the last fifty years. And so-called shudras have gotten more recognition. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Let me say something more about the period 50-100 years back, which is the historical background to what was the situation of so-called lower caste people in India. In those days, so-called shudras had not been given the right to walk on the road. So they had to follow a certain discipline to make others aware that those so-called low shudras are walking and non-shudras should be alert so they should not go close and become impure. Even the shadow of shudras was treated as sin. That means if anybody touched the shadow of a shudra, then they had to take a bath in the Ganges to purify themselves. 

Next I am writing what so-called shudras strictly had to follow in a slightly earlier period. While they were walking on the road going to see their friends, they had to keep one earthen pot on their head. Because, they were not allowed to spit anywhere. And cleanliness was not the reason because other so-called castes were allowed to spit anywhere. Even you will find that inside high, respected government official buildings like Patna high court, where in the corner of the court building spitting is quite common. You will see the mark of betel nuts. So those low-caste shudras had to keep an earthen pot to spit. When they wanted to spit they had to bring down the pot in their hand and spit into the pot, and then bring the pot back up, keeping the spit on top of their head. And when they reached their home, then only could they clean the pot, not anywhere else.


Why broom tied to backside of shudras

Also in that earlier period, while walking, shudras have to carry one long broom which is hanging from their back side like a monkey's tail, touching and sweeping the ground. When the person is walking, then the ground is being swept so that the mark of his foot on the soil should be erased. Because if any brahmin or other caste people touch that footprint, they will be made impure. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The torture on shudras was not limited to just this point. While they were walking on the road, they couldn't use their shoes either. And they had to put one bell which was ringing constantly, on their neck, just like many may keep on their pets. So it will constantly ring while walking, so everybody should be alerted that some low-caste person is coming. Otherwise if any other caste person is touching the shadow, they will be made impure. 

The humiliation did not stop there. The so-called upper class people hated shudras. If by mistake shudras asked for something from the higher caste, they will be beaten up. There was no end to the torture in those days. How much humiliation, how much injustice happens to one human being. The situation was so painful and unjust. It is hard to believe that just 50 - 100 years ago all these things were going on in India.

Baba has given clear-cut proof that those very negative things were going on in the Hindu dogmatic religion in the past. Please read the Ananda Marga Revolution chapter on the point of caste differentiation. Baba has told how if one harijan / shudra commits an illicit relation he will be hanged and killed. While if a brahmin commits the same crime he will only have to shave his head and be paraded through town on a donkey. 

This is the story of family Acarya Diip Narayan jii, who is from Saharsa in Northeast Bihar. He is a committed senior family acarya from the Jamalpur days. One horrific incident happened years ago when he organised his daughter's marriage according to the Ananda Marg revolutionary system.


References
1. Ananda Vanii #15
2. Ananda Vanii #20
3. A Few Problems Solved - 2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 1

*        *        *

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 ==

For mental balance

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Actually the owner of everything is Parama Puruśa, and the Supreme Doer of each and every action is that Parama Puruśa. He is the Supreme Fountain of all energies.” (1)

One should do the work all the while remember that it is not yours. It is His work; the results are for Him to manifest when He wishes. With a light mind go on doing your daily duties. One should feel this work is not theirs, nor are the results in their hand. This is the work of Parama Purusa, and so they should do it sincerely, yet without any worry or anxiety. The responsibility for the results lies with Him alone. This ideation will remove all mental tension.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, The Supreme Truth

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Just a female from Vrindaban?

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Parama Puruśa is the only real entity, the only absolute entity. The further the jiivas move towards Parama Puruśa, the more elevated their minds become. When they reach a very subtle stage of elevation, their concentrated mind-stuff speeds towards Him with the one-pointedness of an arrow. Such a mentality is called Rádhá....What is Rádhá bháva? When devotees feel in their heart of hearts that their existence is meaningless without attaining Lord, that they cannot survive a single moment without feeling His blissful presence, they have attained the stage called Rádhá. Such devotees know nothing other than árádhaná [total mental absorption” (1)

Note: Some ignorant people think that Radha is a female of Vrindaban. But that is not true. 'A-grade' bhaktas are Radha, whether they are male or female or anyone.

Reference
1. Namami Krsnasundaram, Vraja Krśńa and Sáḿkhya Philosophy (Discourse 7)

== Section: Comment ==

Re: Only story is not enough

Namaskar

So true so true . Well said .

That is why we were chosen by Him. We understood what BABA wanted. 

Sadhana Service Sacrifice.

Not a magic show. So let's get to work.

In BABA

govinda

Here is a link to the initial letter on this topic: Only story is not enough

== Section 3: Links ==

Prabhat Samgiita Day - 14 Sep

• PS: personal link with Him

• History of Prabhat Samgiita Day

• Proximity through PS

• PS beyond comparison

Recent Postings

• Path of sadhana

• How to exploit: impose inferiority complex

• Taking dharmic stand

• Identifying racists

• Baba's message about avadhutas

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana

How to exploit: impose inferiority complex + 2 more

Baba

How to exploit: impose inferiority complex

Namaskar,

If people are asked to share their sorrows and feelings in their mother tongue, they can express themselves very well.


Neglect of local language

Unfortunately, in India and many other places around the world, the common local language is not spoken in offices, police stations, courts, and other governmental places. How will the deprived person be able to share his sorrow and feelings? This is how exploiters take advantage of people whose mother tongue is suppressed. Indeed, often large regions are poverty stricken because of exploitation in the name of inferiority complex generated from a language barrier. This inferiority complex gets passed down from generation to generation within the family as the grandfather spoke the same language as the father, then son, grandson etc. Within the same family the inferiority complex remains as the family over generations spoke the same local language which is different from languages used in the office.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Inferiority complex: Due to foreign language, food, dress, etc.
A similar inferiority complex manifests in terms of style of dress in India and other countries where women try to copy and follow western pseudo-culture. This was not the case 100 years ago, but this has come into play from watching movies and other styles of western countries. This is because of a lack of self-confidence in one's own sattvika dress combined with the perceived notion that others are better. The example given here is of clothing, but there is a similar inferiority complex in sattvika food as well. So much fast food, and so many foods of other demi-cultures are replacing their own local sattvika foods and replacing it with tamasika food. The misconstrued feeling is that other demi-cultures' tamasika food is better than your own local sattvika food. By adopting the tamasika food and lifestyle of other demi-cultures, those tamasika diseases are brought to one's local, sattvika area -- all because of adopting another country’s junk food.


Lack of respect for own demi-culture

The common problem of all the above is the lack of respect for one's own demi-culture, and the feeling that whatever is there locally is outdated. The local education should be made in the respective native language and the administration also should use the same native language. In that way, children will also learn the same language both at home and in school. Certainly there will be opportunities to learn other languages as well, but locally the native language should be used. If the native language is not used, then children will feel whatever they speak at home is an inferior language because in schools and government offices another language is used. While, in every society there is so much history, so many individuals have done great work in the past, which demonstrates and proves the uniqueness of that local demi-culture. That is why Baba suggested to create “sama’j”, or “societies” so that the uniqueness and glory of each society can be preserved and by that way an inferiority complex will be eradicated. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Role of margiis in forming society

Ananda Margiis when they meet a person having an inferiority complex should make great effort to encourage the person. For example, if a person feels inferior because of their skin tone, then the Margii should make every effort to convince the person that this has no significance in the overall growth of a person, rather everyone has the capability to do wonders. Everyone is a child of Parama Purusa.

On the other hand, one should not develop any type of superiority complex thinking, “I am better than others”. One will only degenerate. The appropriate thinking is that all are children of Parama Purusa, and everyone is equal and has the same existential value. There is no inferiority and superiority complex in this way of thinking.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Nirakara

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Human culture is, therefore, one and indivisible. The use of expressions such as Hindu culture, Muslim culture, Indian culture or European culture is absurd. Those who hold these partisan ideas are not well-wishers of humanity." (1)


Related point: How to nurture a child

For example, suppose someone says to a young child that the child cannot do anything in their life and he does not have the capability to make progress in life. If such negative things are said to the child again and again, then the child will think about such negative things, and will not be able to make any progress. That is why it is the responsibility of the parents  to encourage the child, so that their self confidence will grow.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Similarly, it is the responsibility of primary school teachers to encourage the progress of children even if they try just a little. For example, say a child is being given the task of writing a letter as a part of their homework, and the child wrote the letter yet not in a straight line but in an irregular way. The role of a teacher in that instance is to encourage the child that the child has made progress, even though the child has not done a perfect job. Essentially, the child needs to be encouraged for the job done, and also to provide the scope for further improvement. On the other hand, if the child is discouraged then the child will lose moral strength and may lose self-confidence. So encouragement is essential to develop self-confidence for the effort one has already made. This is an example of a child, but such encouragement is necessary for all to make progress in the society.


~ In-depth study ~

Economic exploitation due to suppression of mother tongue

Prout says, “Suppose a certain Hindi [or English, German, French, Mandarin-speaking]  chauvinist has come to see you. When you speak to him, you will certainly speak in Hindi [or English, German, French, Mandarin-speaking] , and so will he. But he is speaking his mother tongue, whereas you are not. Perhaps ungrammatical Hindi  [or English, German, French, Mandarin-speaking] words will come out of your mouth. But it is obvious that in your expression there may be some fundamental errors, and the use of words will not be precise and to-the-point. This will create a diffidence in your mind, a kind of inferiority complex, whereas the Hindi  [or English, German, French, Mandarin-speaking] -knowing people may suffer from superiority complex. They may think of you, “What a fool he is! He cannot speak with grammatical precision!” But instead if you speak in your own mother tongue [e.g. Spanish, Oriya, Tibetan, Bhojpuri, Angika], your expression will be grammatically correct. So when you speak Hindi [or English, German, French, Mandarin] you become somewhat inferior to those Hindi-speaking [or English, German, French, Mandarin-speaking] persons and, taking advantage of our inferior position, they may exploit you economically. They should not be given this opportunity of psycho-economic exploitation. If this sort of psycho-economic exploitation is tolerated, if they are given the opportunity to exploit for long, they will become rulers and you will become their subjects. This is how psycho-economic exploitation is perpetrated; in the first stage the exploiters impose inferiority complex in your mind by creating psychic pressure. When your language is suppressed, you will feel mentally inferior and develop some psychic weakness. Taking advantage of this psychic weakness, the exploiters will continue their psycho-economic exploitation. So those who advocate the cause of Hindi [or English, German, French, or Mandarin] thus pave the way for psycho-economic exploitation. Actually they are not your friends.” (2)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 6, The Interplay of Culture and Civilization
2. Prout in a Nutshell Volume 3 Part 13, The Fundamentals of Language

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Deep, spiritual longing

Note: Only those who sincerely practice the higher lessons of sahaja yoga meditation can understand this song in the depths of their heart. 

"Phulero málát'i tomári la'giyá gánthá..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0332)

Purport: 

O’ Parama Purusa! With love and bhakti, this flower garland was threaded only for You. But You did not come or wear it. Why do You give me so much pain by refusing to keep the ma’la’ which I made solely for You. Look, this beautiful mala was threaded only for You. But You refused to come so I could not offer it to You.

O’ Parama Purusa! That time when I was awaiting Your arrival, the eastern horizon was brilliant with the crimson rays, and the breeze was infused with both the spirit of colour and love. My deep, spiritual longing was woven into a garland in my heart. I was anxiously watching for You with a strong yearning on that fateful morning. But also You were nowhere to be found. 

O’ Parama Purusa! My Dearmost, look how that garland is thoroughly drenched in my tears. The petals of the flowers have slowly and listlessly drooped over. Parama Purusa, I am very sad: You didn't come in my abode, nor talk with me, nor try to understand the deepest desires of my heart....

== Section 3: Links ==

Prabhat Samgiita Day - 14 Sep

• History of Prabhat Samgiita Day

• Proximity through PS

Recent Postings

• Taking dharmic stand

• Identifying racists

• Baba's message about avadhutas

• Sadhakas & spiritual energy

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana

Importance of kevalam + 4 more

Baba

Importance of kevalam

Namaskar,

Our kiirtan mantra is highly unique: Each word has its own particular and pointed meaning. Even then, some may wonder about the greater significance of the term “kevalam”. Sadguru Baba has selected only three words to comprise our entire kiirtan mantra.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Only one - no second entity

The eternal truth is that the Supreme Entity is One. Only one Supreme Entity: Parama Purusa. To emphasize this crucial point the term, 'kevalam', meaning ‘only,’ has been used in our Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan. In Ananda Marga, we are blessed with a unique approach that is singular and pointed. In our kiirtan, the term 'kevalam' has been given. Because the Supreme Entity Parama Purusa can’t be two. Only He is our Goal. The term 'kevalam' in our kiirtan emphasizes the idea again and again that ours is a singular approach. We only sing His name and no other. Only, Only, Only that is the essence of kevalam, only the name of Baba.

In our kiirtan we are to take the name of only One Divine Entity, Baba. And that is emphasized by the unique use of the term kevalam, meaning only.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Within the scope of infinite space, and without the scope of infinite space, He is the Singular entity. So nobody is outside Him. So He is the only goal. He is only Desideratum, and for Him you say, “Ba'ba' Na'ma Kevalam”. That is, “I am taking the name of that Singular Entity.” (1)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "“Kevalam”; only the name of that Noumenal Entity because he is the only Noumenal entity and there is no second Entity. So there is no alternative but to move and dance and sing around Him." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "The question arises – is the Supreme Entity, the Supreme Faculty, a singular one or a plural one? The question of plurality in the controlling faculty is a knotty one. The rs'i says the important law, the Supreme Controlling Faculty, is a singular one – a singular one. There cannot be any plurality in it. That is, it is singular and shall remain singular forever." (3)


No one should do puja in this defective manner

Baba wholly rejects this notion that one should worship multiple gods or multiple personalities. In Ananda Vacanamrtam, Baba recounts a humorous story of when He was watching one of His uncles perform puja. His uncle recited a shloka that contained the names of so many gods and goddesses The names were seemingly endless and Baba's uncle faithfully recited them all. And then at the end of his puja, the uncle said, "If there is any deity whom I have failed to mention, please do not be angry, please accept my humble salutation..." 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here Baba is showing us that no one should do puja in this defective manner. Our approach should be singular in nature, not two, or three, or ten, or twenty. That is why in so many discourses Baba has told the story of the great fictitious devotee Hanuman who would only repeat Ram's name. Others would question Hanuman and ask him why he is not repeating any other name. Then Hanuman replied, "I know Rama and no one else. All other names are meaningless to me."

Baba uses this story to show us that this is the proper approach. An aspirant should have a pointed, singular approach on the path of spirituality. The goal should be singular in nature, otherwise a sadhaka cannot get success.


Conclusion

So the use of the term “kevalam” in our kiirtan mantra is most meaningful. It is this term which helps ensure our spiritual approach remains pointed on the singular Entity and steers clear of the dogma of multi-deity worship, which is so prevalent in the dogmatic religions. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Vidya’

At an Indian tourist site, one local business person was trying to sell rasogolla to the tourists and telling that this is an Indian egg. That seller did not like to tell the fact because he was unsure what those tourists would think. He thought those tourists would like an egg because that is what they had in their home countries. But those tourists were not actually interested in eating eggs since they get that in their homeland and instead wanted to eat some Indian sweets. So the seller failed. In the same way people do not want to follow the old, dogmatic traditions; they want something new, revolutionary and unique, i.e. the dharmic approach of Ananda Marga kiirtana and meditation. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


~ In-depth study ~

Here below is the full quote of about Baba’s relative who was worshipping many, many deities

Ananda Marga ideology says, "A person whom I was very close to, a relative of mine, used to recite the following after taking bath: “Victory to mother Káli, victory, victory to Káli, victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá, victory to mother Káli of Dakśińeshvar, victory to Bábá Táraknáth, victory to Bábá Vaidyanath of Deoghar. O, Fathers! None of you should think that I am leaving out someone's name.” After this he would say, “O, gods and goddesses, please forgive me if I have omitted any name inadvertently. Please assume that I have mentioned your name also. Does this yield anything at all? One says “victory to mother Káli of Kálighát” and in the same breath one says “victory to mother Káli of T́han T́haniá.” It signifies that the mind is moving both towards Kálighát and T́han T́haniá. Can the mind become concentrated in this way? Certainly not." (4)

Why little difference between finite & infinite

Ananda Marga ideology states, “If we say, “God is one,” “Parama Puruśa is one,” that “one” denotes a particular pointedness. If we say “two”, although “two” denotes two points, still the psychology is the same. If we say “He is finite,” it is a particular psychic projection, and if we say “He is infinite,” it is also a psychic projection. For a philosophic ideology there is little difference between finite and infinite, because both are different projections of the same mind. Still we say that Parama Puruśa is one, and we also say that He is infinite. We say He is one because we can come in His contact, we can ensconce ourselves in Him, only when our mind becomes one. That is why we say, just to satisfy our sentiment, that He is one, He is a Singular Entity. We say He is infinite, because His wonts are fathomless, we cannot count them. There are so many qualifications and attributions in Him that we fail to count. That is why we say He is infinite.” (5)


Bring the mind to pinpoint

Why is Parama Purusa one? Some people say that Parama Purusa is infinite, and some say He is one. What is the answer. The response is that Parama Purusa is infinite but to realise Him one must concentrate and bring the mind to one pinpoint. All the desires must be harnessed and channelised unto Him. The mind must become pinnacled and concentrated to one point. If the mind is thinking about so many things it will get nothing. That is why we say He is one.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, One Should Know Everything
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12,  One Should Know Everything
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, The Singular Entity
4. 11 April 1979, Kolkata
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Dogma - No More

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

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== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Want to become sadvipra - 2

Ananda Marga ideology states, "The struggle in collective life, with the sadvipras in the position of leadership, will continue endlessly. Sadvipra after sadvipra will come: the torch carried by one will be handed over to the next. But the sádhaná of individual life is not endless – it culminates in the attainment of Brahma. Those who believe that they must first attain success in individual life before participating in the collective struggle will not succeed. They will never bring expansion in their individual lives if they ignore collective welfare. To be worthy of being sadvipras, individuals will have to concentrate on both intellectual and social development. Otherwise, no matter how lofty the word dharma might sound in theory, it will remain as a big hoax in the practical field. All spiritual aspirants must strive to become sadvipras, and that, too, from this very moment.” (1)

Note: In His above teaching Sadguru Baba is giving us several gems:
(a) In the social sphere, there is an ongoing, endless battle to create a just and moral society, and sadvipras will always be at the forefront of that endeavour. 
(b) In individual life, the movement on the path has a distinct end and culmination. It does not go on forever; rather sincere sadhakas reach unto Him and attain mukti / moksa, by His grace. 
(c) It is dogmatic to think that one must first attain Him before engaging in social service. Such persons will not get success in spiritual life. 
(d) True and successful sadhakas will progress in individual life while they selflessly serve society. 
(e) Thus, everyone should aim to become a sadvipra through sadhana and service, and fight against the immoral forces. 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, The Macrocosmic Stance and Human Life

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How sleep eases psychic pain

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Although bodily pleasures are perceived by the mind in the wakeful state, the objects of such pleasures always come from without, with the result that the privations of the external world will always stand in the way of real happiness, as the external world cannot always supply objects in accordance with the desires and wishes of the mind. Due to this the mind has to run up and down in search of them. It becomes very agitated in the process and peace becomes and impossibility. The influence of the external world is absent during the dreamful state, accordingly the amount of pleasure is due to want of efferent desires in the mind or increased organs (for that matter here the desire is not afferent either). In the state of sleep, as the internal activities of the mind are substantially less, the amount of happiness (Static happiness) is proportionately increased.” (1)

Note: In life sometimes tragedy comes. This happens to everyone. And you might have experienced what Baba explains in the above teaching. If you lost your wallet and after that you feel asleep then at least during that time of sleep you got some relief. For this reason, those who life is inundated with problems want to sedate themselves by sleeping a lot.

Reference
1. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 4

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Only way to achieve unity

Prout philosophy states, "Unity and benevolent intellect lead human beings towards supreme fulfilment. Reading voluminous treatises on philosophy will be of no use in awakening this benevolent intellect. For this, one will have to sincerely follow Yama and Niyama in individual life. To establish unity, the society will have to select an ideology which remains unassailed by any spatial, temporal or personal differences. That is why only Cosmic ideology will have to be adopted as the polestar of life." (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #37

== Section: Comment ==

Re: “Moment of silence” dogma

Namaskar,

1a. Ananda Marga ideology states,  "So what can we do? We can say “O Parama Puruśa, while that man was with us we tried our best to do whatever we could do. But now they are beyond our scope, they are beyond our jurisdiction, so please do take care of them.” This much of a request can be made by us, and nothing more than that." (1)

1b. The above quote is very useful for the occasion of the shraddha ceremony. And that idea is already contained within the shloka for the shraddha ceremony.

2. Regarding Prabhat Samgiita #60, “Tomár jinis tomáke diyechi…”, that can be used on the day of shraddha, not other days. That is exclusively a shraddha song.

3. In Ananda Marga the commemoration for the deceased must be done within 12 days.

4. In the various religions it varies. The Hindu religion allows one year, and in Christianity it is 40 days, and then annually. And in some tribal communities it is the whole life such as in Mexico where certain communities dig up the graves and collect the bones etc.

5. We should not introduce such things into our Ananda Marga.

6. After anybody's death there is cremation and shraddha, and that is all.

7. When people come into Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha (AMPS), they bring dogma from their old religion.

8. Usually in the society, people want to wallow in the past. But Ananda Marga is different. Baba says do not waste the time in singing the glory of the past or worrying about the misery of the past.

9. In Ananda Marga, death is not treated as something terrible; death is something normal like changing one’s clothes.


Conclusion

10. The main problem is that people came from other religions carrying their old dogma. But if they understand the issue they will not do all those things.
​
11. In conclusion when anybody dies do this:
(a) Cremation
(b) Shraddha
(c) On Shraddha day those who could not reach can offer their condolences using the above Prabhat Samgiita and Baba quote. Or if they prefer, they may convey their condolences by phone / email etc.

12. Then this dogma of a “moment of silence” will fade away.

In Him,
Jitendra

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Shráddha

- Here is a link to the initial letter on this topic: "Moment of silence" dogma

== Section ==

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Tomb worship is dreadful 

"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 metal. Tantra says, Mrcchiládhátudárvádimúrttáviishvaro buddhayo… [“Those who think that Parama Puruśa is confined within idols made of clay, stone, metal or wood…”] Mrt means “earthen image”; shilá means “made of stone”; dhátu means “made of metal”; and dáru means “made of wood”. And they ascribe Godhood to that wood or to that metal or to that stone. Then what happens? The person is ideating on that stone, or wood, or metal, and what happens? Yadrshii bhávaná yasya siddhir bhavati tádrshii – “A person adopts a body according to their object of ideation.” Their own self is transformed into that entity, the entity which was their object of meditation. Now such people worshipping different forms of Prakrti finally take the form of those entities, and 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!" (AV-3, Ghosts and Evil Spirits)

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== Section 3: Links ==

Prabhat Samgiita Day - 14 Sep

• History of Prabhat Samgiita Day

• Proximity through PS

Recent Postings

• Baba's message about avadhutas

• Sadhakas & spiritual energy

• AM's stand: No protest fasts
  

• LFT life: no marriage
  

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana