Search This Blog

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Sadhana demonstration: the nadiis + 2 more

Baba
Sadhana demonstration: the nadiis

Namaskar,

Here is a story about one general darshan with our dearmost Sadguru Baba in Jamalpur. Some sadhakas may recall that in those days of 1965 Revered Baba was very particular in guiding us in spiritual life. He was quite strict with all sadhakas about following a proper sadhana routine and doing all the lessons etc.

Of course, in various ways and forms, this was true all the way up to 1990. But, at that time in 1965, it seemed that Baba was being especially gracious and personally giving so many special techniques and beautiful explanations for improving everyone's meditation.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

That special General Darshan

Looking back, we can only say that this was His causeless grace. On this particular occasion that I am about to recount, Baba was in a most gracious and charming mood when He came for General Darshan. Upon entering, He was smiling so sweetly, and we all felt a special vibration in the air.

Baba was moving very slowly and delicately. And, when He gently sat down on His cot, then He began, little by little, emphasizing the deep importance and great significance of sadhana. This was the norm those days. And in His own beautiful cadence and rhythm, He began addressing many complementary points
for meditation such as proper food, right atmosphere, good company (satsaunga), physical exercise (asanas) etc-- all of which aid one in the practice of sadhana.

Included in this discussion also was Baba's special teaching about breathing and the correct use and utility of the nostrils. And He descriptively told us how long, long ago the great yogii Sadashiva was the first to give this special science of breath control known as svarshastra.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba tells inner secrets about nadiis

Then Baba began to unveil some of the inner secrets regarding the three na'diis-- the ida', piungala', and the susumna. Baba was specifically guiding us that:

(1) When the piungala' na'dii is expanded then the right nostril is dominant. Baba told us that this state is conducive for doing physical activities such as running, jumping, eating etc.

(2) When the ida' na'dii is expanded then the left nostril is more active. Baba explained that this is more conducive for engaging in psychic work, intellectual studies, and psycho-spiritual pursuits. Then Baba went on to describe that one na'dii may be more or less dominant to varying degrees. For example, sometimes the ida' na'dii might be 70% dominant and the piungala' na'dii is doing 30% of the breathing. Or the ratio could be 90%-10%, or 60%-40%, or any combination thereof. And sometimes one na'dii may be controlling 100% of the breathing.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(3) Then Baba paused, and He told that there is a somewhat rare situation when both the na'diis-- both the nostrils-- are working equally: 50-50. This occurs when the susumna channel or centre pipe is expanded fully and it is applying equal pressure on the other two na'diis.

Baba then told us that in that unique situation, when the susumna na'dii or the susumna channel is nicely expanded such that both the nostrils are working equally, then that is an ideal time to do sadhana. He told us that in this circumstance the mind easily gets concentrated. Thereafer, Baba lovingly directed us that we should always be ready to utilise that time for sadhana. Next, in that very room, one very special event came to pass, which I will never forget.

Baba’s demonstration that day

On that divine occasion, there were eleven of us sitting at His lotus feet immersed in His darshan. With His infinite compassion, Baba sweetly guided us all to check our nostrils and see which na'dii was dominating. Everyone present acknowledged that both their nostrils were equally open-- thus signifying that the susumna na'dii was expanded fully.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Everyone present understood that this was nothing but Baba's divine grace and then, upon His grand direction, we all started doing sadhana. And, almost instantaneously, we could feel a very strong vibration as the kulakundalini began to rise up through the various cakras until finally, by His magnificent grace, we all become ensconced in His divine flow and heard that omnkara dhvani– the sound of realization. We were all completely swept up in the vast ocean of His cosmic bliss and tears of joy were streaming down from everyone's eyes. 

After some time, Baba brought our minds back to the here and now, and our awareness returned to being in that small room with Baba before us. In that moment, we could all sense how the sweet smell of the lotus flower was permeating all around and a blissful vibration was dancing through each and every cell of our existence. It was truly a memorable experience.

Of all the different occasions that I was blessed to have Baba's direct darshan, I shall always hold and cherish the above experience as being quite dear. I will always feel that, on that particular occasion, Baba truly showered His causeless grace on us and allowed us to experience that real internal communion with Him.

Conclusion

Perhaps now more than ever, this opportunity is open to us all as sadhana is the means for communicating with Him and realising our true nature. So, in this short human life of ours, we should be most careful to utilise the best moments-- the most opportune moments-- for doing His sadhana.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here is Baba's blessing upon all sadhakas:

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "One who has followed the straight path of the sus'umna' canal upwards does not return. He becomes one with Parama Purus'a, losing his separate existence." (1)

Thus, when the susumna canal is active, i.e. when both nostrils are open, then we should all be vigilant to use that time for sadhana, by His grace.

Namaskar,
Ram Sahay

More facts about na'diis
      
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Among the three principal nad'iis [psychic-energy channels], the sus'umna' is straight while the two on either side of it, the id'a' and the piungala', curve right and left." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "In the yogic treatises the left na'd'ii is called id'a', the right na'd'ii is called piungala', and the one between them is called sus'umna'. The id'a' is also called candra na'd'ii [moon channnel], the piungala' su'rya na'd'ii [sun channel] and the sus'umna' a'ka'sha ma'rga [sky channel]." (3)

The science of svarshastra

Ananda Marga philosophy explains, "The process of breathing, depending upon whether the breath is flowing through the right nostril or the left nostril or both nostrils, influences people in various ways. It was Shiva who determined what kind of activity should be performed, depending on which nostril the breath was flowing through, and depending on whether the id'a' or piungala' or sus'umna' channel was active. He set down specific rules and regulations as to when one should undertake physical, psychic or spiritual activities. He further instructed when and in what circumstances one should do a'sanas, pra'n'a'ya'ma, dha'ran'a', dhya'na, etc. This science, which Shiva invented and developed, was known as svara sha'stra or svarodaya [science of breath control]." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The process of breathing has a great influence on the human mind and self, or soul." (5)

References
1. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Párthasárathi Krśńa and Vishiśt́ádvaetaváda (Discourse 16)
2. Shabda Cayaniká Part 2, Discourse 11
3. Shabda Cayaniká Part 2, Discourse 7
4. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Shiva – the Focal Point of Everything (Discourse 3)
5. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Shiva – the Focal Point of Everything (Discourse 3)

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 2: Important Teaching ==

For better health

~ From Caryacarya - 3, General Health Rules ~ 

(1) Body and clothing must be kept neat and clean.
(2) After urinating use water or cleanse yourself by some other means.
(3) Pay attention to the regular clearing of the bowels.
(4) Do not sleep on a soft bed.
(5) When taking a bath, all parts of the body, in particular the armpits and groin, should be cleaned properly. Soap, oil, and comb should be used every day. The body hair should never be cut, especially in the armpit and pubic region.
(6) Before morning and evening sádhaná, either do vyápaka shaoca or take full bath.
(7) Before and after meals, and before sleep, do vyápaka shaoca with cold water. If it is very cold, use lukewarm water.
(8) Drink a sufficient quantity of water every day, but do not drink too much at any one time.
(9) Sleeping during the day and staying awake at night are to be avoided.
(10) All intoxicants are támasika and are to be discarded like poison.

~ From Caryacarya - 3, General Health Rules ~


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read
Warning processed food
Sadhaka life & beauty
Proper order to learn AM teachings
Spirit of Ista & Guru mantras
Baba did not review pre-1990 books


Labels: , , ,

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Warning: processed food + 4 more

Baba
Warning: processed food

Namaskar,

In this era of extreme materialism where profits are everything, each and every sphere of life is adversely affected, including our food. And one of the key strategies corporate food companies employ is getting consumers addicted to their ultra-processed food products.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Ultra-processed foods

~ Courtesy of Nutrition Source ~

Also commonly referred to as “highly processed foods,” these are foods go beyond the incorporation of salt, sugar, and fat to include artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, thickeners, emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners that promote shelf stability, preserve and enhance texture, and increase palatability. Several processing steps using multiple ingredients are involved in an ultra-processed food. They are often mass-produced with low-cost ingredients making them cheap and highly profitable. It is speculated that these foods are designed to specifically increase cravings so that people will overeat them and purchase more. (Courtesy of Nutrition Source - live link appended below)

As sadhakas, we should be highly aware of this trick, and we should not become victims of these corporate food giants. Best is to prepare your own meals using whole foods and not really on processed packaged items. Even foods labeled as “organic” and “vegan” can be highly processed. 

And here are more points to be aware about….

Genetically modified foods: hidden

In the US, food production companies have paid huge money to lobbyists in order to affect laws and codes in their favour so they need not label food very specifically. One of their most significant victories in the USA was the vote not to have to identify GMO's (genetically modified organisms) in their products. Always those companies are spending millions and millions of dollars to affect food labeling for their own agenda.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

"You are not a goat or a camel that you will eat whatever you get"

Those sadhakas who want to properly maintain their glands and cakras, and do sadhana, should be careful not to eat any company products. Reason being: It is an unknown as to what is truly inside. And the moment a company admits to scandal and issues an apology for adding human DNA or meat to a supposed sentient food item, then it is too late for a sadhaka to "undo" what they have already ingested.

For some it may be difficult, but one must choose between a human existence goaded toward life divine and one directed toward animal existence.

Ananda Marga ideology states, “It will not do to simply eat what you get or do what you desire. When you eat you must consider if it is sentient, mutative or static. While eating you must think carefully as to what influence it will have over your body and your mind. You are not a goat or a camel that you will eat whatever you get. You have to think when you act.” (1)

Rodent poop in packaged food

Another startling discovery was that the FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the US) has permissible levels of rodent poop and insect heads in various company produced and packaged foods. And those things are not listed in the ingredients. That means what you would never consider putting in your own food, i.e. animal feces and insect parts, is allowed to be used, knowingly or unknowingly, by companies in pre-packaged, prepared food. Read more about this below.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Conclusion

In this day and age of maximizing profits, companies cannot be entrusted to maintain ethical standards. Eating company prepared foods means ingesting all kinds of tamasik and grotesque ingredients like human DNA etc. For sadhakas, the only sensible and practical solution is to eat only those foods which you have prepared. Then you know what is in the food. And it will be better food, naturally.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Jagadiish
Jonathan Purcell

~ In-depth study ~

In a related twist, human DNA has been found in packaged hot dogs - a very popular item in the USA made from pork and intestines etc. This widespread scandal is affecting many. In particular, it has been determined by "genomic technology" that ten different hot dog retailers (and 75 different brands) had human DNA in their hotdogs. In addition, 14% of all hotdogs sampled had discrepancies between the actual and listed ingredients. So all this time, consumers have been purchasing hot dogs yet they were ingesting parts of human beings.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Sentient food -> sentient cells

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "As a result of eating sentient food and performing spiritual practices, the cells of the human body become sentient." (Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If cells are affected by food and water, and if the nature of the cells affects the nature of the human mind, obviously human beings should eat the correct diet, because food and mind are closely related to each other. Any food item, whether good or bad, must not be taken indiscriminately because it may lead to mental degeneration. Sincere spiritual aspirants must follow the dictum: Áhárashuddhao sattvashudhih [“A sentient diet produces a sentient body”]. Only food which is helpful in keeping the body and mind sentient should be eaten." (2)

Unaware eating rotten matter

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Very often people eat food without knowing its intrinsic qualities. For example, the milk of a cow which has just given birth. Or white eggplant, khesárii pulse [horse gram], red puni [Basella rubra Linn.], or mustard leaves, all of which often grew out of rotten matter." (3)

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.
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) 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." (4)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In order to have a balanced mind and to progress spiritually, human beings will have to pay attention to the qualities of the food they eat. The idea that “I will just do my sádhaná and eat any food, proper or improper” will not do." (5)

For-profit companies

A recent study revealed that 66% of the human DNA found in foods was in foods labeled as “vegetarian.” Health-conscious consumers interested in buying pre-packaged, vegetarian food were grossly misled by wrongly labeled food items. In result, those people were eating human parts. This is of course quite repulsive and a betrayal of trust to all consumers.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In that case, how can anyone trust food labels and foods prepared by companies that are profit-oriented. For money, they can do and say anything; they are utterly trustless in this regard. No one can say for sure when this problem began or how many foods are affected, nor what other ways for-profit companies might be tainting their products.

And this adversely affects everyone. Even if someone is a meat-eater and takes a tamasik diet, they have no desire to eat parts of human beings / human DNA. So that is a serious offense. And the problem is far more severe for sadhakas, who aim to strictly maintain a sattvika (sentient) diet. Labeling a food to be wholly sentient and vegetarian and putting something else inside that is non-vegetarian, like human DNA or pork fat etc, is a very big deal. Then those manufacturers are taking a sentient food item and making it tamasik.

Insect heads / rat feces in company products

~ Courtesy of LiveScience ~

“It's probably a bad idea to scroll through the Food and Drug Administration's "Defect Levels Handbook" before a meal. The document lists the allowable limits on "defects" in more than 100 foods, highlighting exactly how much rodent poop is allowed in your cocoa beans (up to 10 milligrams per pound), how many insect heads it's OK to find in the fig paste in your cookies (up to 13 in every 3.5 ounces) and how many maggots can be tunneling in your tomatoes. According to the FDA these food defects are part of the normal process of growing and processing food, and they present no health hazard as long as they remain below the "action levels" listed. [Read the full story on the FDA's food defect list] So without further ado, here's a look at some of the particularly icky things the FDA allows in your food.” (Courtesy of LiveScience)


Final Conclusion: Best is to cook your own food then grotesque gunk will not be there.

    Note: Appended below in section 3 of this email are weblinks to news articles about tainted / processed company foods.

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, The Primary Causes of Success
2. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
3. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
4. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development
5. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Non-religious, spiritual fanaticism highly beneficial

Here is the English summary / translation of part of Baba’s special discourse (Hindi) of 30 December 1970 Patna: 

"One, who claims to be a pandit (scholar) in twenty shastras (scriptures) and is Mahamahopaddhyay (i.e.highest degree of scholarship like D. Lit.) can never realize Parama Purusa (God), but an illiterate man who does not know even the alphabet ka, kh, (in Hindi) or alif, be, pe, te (in Urdu) can get Him."

"So, for this, and you know, every work needs determination, not only good works but bad also. Those who are determined to do bad work become dangerous and create terror for the world. In contrast, those who are determined to do good work become treasures for the world; no one can prevent their progress. Hence, there should also be a determination to attain Parama Purusa: "I will get Him, certainly I will get Him," like this you will get success. So, one should have this type of determination, this is a type of spiritual fanaticism, not religious fanaticism. Religious fanaticism is bad as it leads to the formation of groups. Spiritual fanaticism (teaches), "I will do everything for the sake of ideology. Whether I live or die for my ideology, it is the same to me. The most precious thing for me is my ideology." So, remember, only this type of determination is necessary."

"This way is ok and that way is also ok, I can go forward or backward." Those who think, "Whether I should eat or not, I should do this work or not," are always doubtful. They cannot do great work. There should not be any doubt in life, no doubt at all in any field. If at any time, there is hesitation in the mind, keep one idea and remove the other by kicking it away."

[Margiis: "Baba...Baba...Baba..."]

"When there are two ideas in the mind, hold onto only one and be ready to die for it. Regarding the second, third, or fourth ideas, kick and remove them from the path of your life. Do you follow?"

[Margiis: "Yes."]

"Become determined and strong people like this. It is said, There is only one vow of human life, and that is to get Parama Purusa. There is no other vow. The vow is only one, the great vow - to get Parama Purusa. This is the vow of life: I do not know anything else. Therefore, for this I have expressed the need for a type of spiritual fanaticism. My aim is Paramatma, my goal is Parama Purusa - not any thing else. I will address Parama Purusa by a single word not two." 

(English summary of original आध्यात्मिक कट्टरता चाहिए adhytmik kattarta’ chahie (Hindi) in AV-24 (Pure), General Darshan, 30 December 1970 Patna)

Note: If the doctor performing your surgery is not strict in following the medical codes, conduct, and protocol then will you like to go to him for open heart surgery. Because that doctor is sloppy and not fanatical about following all the guidelines and protocols. So you will not use that doctor as you want a doctor who is fanatical in his medical work - very accurate and strict. That is the type of fanaticism needed in Ananda Marga also because the teachings and ideological guidelines of Ananda Marga are 100% rational and dharmika. When the followers of Ananda Marga are very strict in rational ideas then the society at large will be greatly benefited. 


Here is the original Hindi from the Pure Book: 

“आदर्श के लिए मैं सब कुछ करूँगा—जीना, मरना, मेरे लिए समान है |

Here is an "as is" transcript of Baba's unique discourse that we should be fanatical in adhering to the tenets of Ananda Marga ideology.

कट्टर मनुष्य बनो, पक्का मनुष्य बनो
बीस शास्त्र में पण्डित बनने से, महामहोपाध्याय बनने से परमपुरुष को कोई नहीं पाता है । अपढ़ जो क-ख, अलिफ़-बे-पे-ते, नहीं जानता है, वह परमपुरुष को पा जाता है ।

दुनिया का सम्पद कौन :- तो इसके लिए जानते हो, हर कर्म के लिए एक ज़िद की ज़रूरत होती है । अच्छे कर्म के लिए भी, ख़राब के लिए भी । ख़राब कर्म के लिए जिनके मन में ज़िद रहती है, वे दुनिया के लिए भयङ्कर मनुष्य बन जाते हैं, terror बन जाते हैं । ठीक वैसा ही अच्छे कर्म के लिए ज़िद है, तो वे दुनिया के सम्पद बन जाते हैं । उनकी तरक्की कोई रोक नहीं सकता है । तो परमपुरुष की प्राप्ति के लिए भी, इसी तरह की एक ज़िद रहनी चाहिए, “मैं अवश्य पाऊँगा, पाकर रहूँगा"—काम हो जाएगा । तो यह ज़िद, ज़िद चाहिए । तो यह एक प्रकार का spiritual fanaticism है, not religious fanaticism.

द्विविधा में क्या करें :- Religious fanaticism ख़राब है, group बनता है । Spiritual fanaticism—"आदर्श के लिए मैं सब कुछ करूँगा; जीना, मरना, मेरे लिए समान है । मेरे लिए सबसे क़ीमती चीज़ है आदर्श ।" तो यही याद रखोगे कि इस तरह की एक ज़िद की ज़रूरत है । जो ‘अ’ भी होता है, ‘ऐ’ भी होता है; आगे भी चल सकते हैं, पीछे भी चल सकते हैं; खाएँ या नहीं खाएँ; करें या नहीं करें—इस प्रकार के द्विविधा-ग्रस्त जो मनुष्य है, उनसे बड़ा काम नहीं होता है । जीवन के किसी भी क्षेत्र में द्विविधा नहीं हो, किसी भी क्षेत्र में द्विविधा नहीं हो । जहाँ द्विविधा मन में आ गई, एक को रखो, दूसरे को लात मारकर हटा दो । दो भावनाएँ जहाँ मन में हैं, एक भावना को पकड़कर रखो, उसके लिए मरो; और दूसरी भावना जो है, या तीसरी या चौथी—लात मारकर जीवन की राह से हटा दो ।
समझे तुम लोग ?

[भक्त गण—"जी बाबा !”]

इसी तरह का कट्टर मनुष्य बनो, पक्का मनुष्य बनो । कहा गया है न कि मनुष्य-जीवन में एक व्रत, वह व्रत क्या है ? परमपुरुष की प्राप्ति, कोई दूसरा व्रत नहीं है जीवन में । व्रत एक ही है और वह है महाव्रत अर्थात्‌ परमपुरुष को पाना । “यही है जीवन का व्रत, और कुछ मैं नहीं जानता हूँ ।“ तो इसके लिए वही बोले हैं कि एक रुहानी कट्टरपनी की ज़रूरत होती है । परमात्मा goal, परमपुरुष मेरा लक्ष्य है, कोई दूसरा लक्ष्य नहीं है । परमपुरुष को हम address करेंगे एक ही शब्द से, दो शब्द से नहीं । 

Reference AV-24 (Pure) chp-2. “आध्यात्मिक कट्टरता चाहिए”, 30 December 1970 Patna.


[1] भाव-विभोर भक्त गण बोल उठे—”बाबा बाबा बाबाऽ ।” —सं०


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Multitasking is an impossibility

Ananda Marga philosophy, “Whenever it thinks it has one single object. Nevertheless the speed of the mind’s action is baffling. While concentrating on a particular work we may also hear others about us [[talking]]. This is due to the fast acting power of the mind, which leads us to believe that the thought currents of the mind are unbroken. For example, while witnessing the pictures in cinema, we also enjoy the dialogue. The activities of the mind can be understood by diligently applying the mind and we see that the mind can do only one thing at a time.” (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha-1, The Form of Sádhaná


== Section: Comment ==

Re: Request about Baba's image

Namaskar,

BABA had an artist depict Lord Siva...in various natural poses. We are used to seeing unique images...of The Father of Humanity.​ ​Dada Ramananda was kind enough to show me. BABA no doubt had directed the artists mind hand and heart. Those images were quite dramatic.
I invite everyone to see them housed at the museum.

In BABA,
Govinda

Here is a link to the initial letter on this topic: Request about Baba's image



Postings to Read
Sadhaka life & beauty
Proper order to learn AM teachings
Spirit of Ista & Guru mantras
Baba did not review pre-1990 books
Never this type of food
Bliss: inherent to being on the path

Labels: ,

Friday, August 22, 2025

Spirit of Ista & Guru mantras + 3 more

Baba
Spirit of Ista & Guru mantras

Namaskar,

Baba has wonderfully explained the essential quality and inner spirit of both the Ista mantra and Guru mantra.


Intimacy of Ista mantra

In His description of the Ista mantra, Baba began by telling that in our family life there are various ways people communicate with one another. Take the case of the personal relation between a mother and her son. If the son's given name is Ram Kumar then naturally the mother does not always like to address her son by his formal or legal name of Ram Kumar. Rather, in the closeness of their day to day living, the mother affectionately calls him 'Ramu'. So the nickname 'Ramu' is one loving way for the mother to address her son.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Similar is the case in the relation between the bhakta and Parama Purusa. Parama Purusa has countless official names or formal titles, one for each of His infinite attributions: Ajana Pathik, Mahasambhuti, Taraka Brahma, Sadguru, Liilamaya, etc. But all along there is one very special and meaningful way for the bhakta to call Parama Purusa: one's Ista mantra. This is the very personal and intimate way for the bhakta to call Parama Purusa.

As we all know, the very word "Ista" means 'most loving', 'most dear', 'most intimate' etc. So the Ista mantra is one very special manner for the bhakta to address Parama Purusa. When a sadhaka repeats or chants their Ista mantra they are calling Parama Purusa. That is the specialty of the Ista mantra in Ananda Marga meditation.

His infinite compassion

When any sadhaka is sincerely calling Parama Purusa through the repetition of their Ista mantra then if the sadhaka's mind is wandering here and there, even then Parama Purusa feels great compassion in His heart for that bhakta and He lovingly responds. It is just like if one baby tries to speak to its mother but cannot due to its insufficient strength, naturally the mother understands the baby's desire, and she responds with all her motherly love. Similarly, Parama Purusa cannot sit idle or remain aloof whenever any sadhaka calls Him. Rather, then and there, the bhakta’s call resonates in His heart and He responds.


Guru mantra: “He is watching me”

And with respect to Guru mantra, Baba has also given a unique description. Baba guides us that when we do any action in this world then we have to remember that Guru is along with us, witnessing everything. When we think that Parama Purusa is indeed watching our each and every move, then that is the inner spirit of Guru mantra: “Parama Purusa is watching me. Wherever I am - I am never alone - constantly He is watching me.” This is the feeling behind Guru mantra, or second lesson, also known as madhuvidya.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Parama Purusa is the Dearest One. And one does not call their most dear by their formal name, rather they use a special way to call them. For instance, one does not call their grandfather as “Mr Johnson”, rather they say, “Grandpa.” And the special way of calling Parama Purusa is the Ista mantra. 

“Parama Purusa is watching me” and the way to remember that “He is watching me” is the recitation of the Guru mantra. And the general idea of Guru mantra is that everything is Brahma. 

Namaskar,
In Him,
Sumitra’

During the second week of January 1979, I attended one of Baba's general darshans. And on that occasion He beautifully explained the essential quality and inner spirit of both the Ista mantra and Guru mantra.


Calling & remembering Him

So by our Ista mantra we are lovingly calling Parama Purusa and in the Guru mantra we remember that 'He is watching me.' These are the beautiful ways Baba described these two mantras in His special darshan that day. The way in which you call Him defines the relationship as either close or far. The more intimate the name one uses to refer to Parama Purusa, the closer the relationship. Likewise, the more frequently one takes Guru mantra, the one more will think that, “Parama Purusa is watching me.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So in spiritual life, one is to practice these two mantras accordingly. In the repetition of our Ista mantra the sadhaka is calling Parama Purusa in a deeply loving and personal way - requesting His close proximity. And by Guru mantra, the bhakta is recalling His ever-present gaze, remembering that, “'He witnesses my each and every action.”

With the proper use of these two mantras, the sadhaka spiritualizes each and every aspect of their life and makes great strides in attaining the Supreme stance - by His grace.


~ In-depth study ~

AM vs dogmatic religions

In the dogmatic religions, there are all kinds of restrictions of when one or may not do their worship / puja. Women, on certain days of the month, are not allowed to enter the temple and cannot do their japa etc. And verily, in one way or another, all the dogmatic religions put restrictions on their rituals, forbidding certain participants etc in order to exploit them. But because Ananda Marga is only dharma - and not a religion - each and every single aspirant is encouraged and taught to follow dharma always and recite their mantra all the 24 hours. 


Ananda Marga mantra system is personalized

Sadguru Baba has graciously given a special system wherein each sadhaka in Ananda Marga receives their own personal Ista mantra and Guru mantra. The mantras are uniquely suited to each practitioner based on their inherent samskaras. The acarya assigns the mantra according to Guru's prescribed system. So one should use the mantra assigned by the acarya. Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji has infused that mantra with Guru shakti. By this way, when repeated sincerely, that mantra leads to liberation, by His grace. So one should never use, borrow, or experiment with anyone else's mantra. It will not be suited to you and may even bring out harm in some way.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Baba's teachings on Ista mantra 

Directly below is a series of quotes on the importance and use of one's personal Ista mantra. 


Ista mantra: way to call the Lord

Ananda Marga ideology states, "The most proper name for Parama Puruśa, the most suitable name, the most activating name that a person can use, is that person's own Iśt́a mantra. For that person, other names of Parama Puruśa are no name at all. This is the correct attitude. As you have heard before, once Hanuman was asked, “You are well-versed and you know one thousand and one names for Parama Puruśa, yet you keep repeating ‘Rama, Rama’. Why?” To this Hanuman replied – and his reply was full of teaching”

Shriináthe Jánakiináthe cábheda Paramátmani;
Tathápi mama sarvasvah Rámah kamalalocanah.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “I know that Shriinátha and Jánakiinátha are one from the spiritual point of view. From the spiritual point of view Shriinátha and Jánakiinátha are one and inseparable.” Tathápi mama sarvasvah – “Nevertheless, Rama is everything for me, and I do not recognize Náráyańa or anybody else. For me the word ‘Náráyańa’ has no value. So you must remember, the Iśt́a mantra of a person is everything for that person; other mantras are no mantra for that person." (1)


Ista mantra leads to enlightenment

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Regarding one's Iśt́a mantra – first, what's the meaning of iśt́a? Iśt́a means “loving”, “favourite”, “dear”, “attractive”, “goal”, “terminus”, “desideratum”. There are so many imports of that single term iśt́a. And mantra? There is no proper English word for the Sanskrit word mantra. We use the word “incantation” for mantra, but it is not a proper word for the Sanskrit term. In Sanskrit, the spirit of the term mantra is Mananát tárayet yastu sa mantrah parikiirtitah [“A mantra is that collection of sounds which, when meditated upon, leads to liberation”]." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "For a sa'dhaka, the most valuable thing is his Is't'a Mantra. With the help of the Is't'a Mantra or his personal incantation, a sa'dhaka will attain enlightenment." (3)


If mind not concentrated in sadhana do kiirtan

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Suppose someone is sitting in a particular place, reciting his or her Iśt́a mantra silently. If the mind is engaged elsewhere, then the repetition of the Iśt́a mantra is nothing but a wastage of time. So no one should do such a type of japa or repetition; we do not recognize it as japa at all. In order to do japa, sufficient mental strength and mental equilibrium or equipoise is required. In the midst of wordily squabbles and intrigues, the repetition of one's Iśt́a mantra is not all possible. This is why I advise people to do kiirtana loudly some time before meditation; because after kiirtana the mind is elevated to a great extent, and in that elevated state of mind, one can easily concentrate in meditation." (4)


Personal Ista mantra leads one to the Supreme

Ananda Marga ideology states, "For a spiritual aspirant, for a sádhaka, his or her Iśt́a mantra is prańava, because it goads the person towards the Supreme Entity; it guides the person towards the Supreme Entity; it helps the person in coming in contact with, or rather becoming one with, or ensconcing oneself in, that Entity. So for a sádhaka, oṋḿkára is not prańava; his or her Iśt́a mantra is prańava. And that's why so much importance is attached to one's own Iśt́a mantra. And one must also remember that for each and every sádhaka the most important of all words is his or her Iśt́a mantra. For a particular sádhaka, the only meaningful word, and the most precious word, is that person's own personal Iśt́a mantra. For the sádhaka, the Iśt́a mantras of others have no value. For you the most meaningful, most valuable, mantra is your personal Iśt́a mantra; and others' personal Iśt́a mantras have no value for you. They are meaningless words. Do you follow?" (5)


You must never forget your Ista mantra

Ananda Marga ideology teaches us, "You boys and girls, you know that one should go on repeating one's Iśt́a Mantra. Always you are doing your work, but you are not repeating your Iśt́a Mantra in your mind. Why? Because you have forgotten the fact that you should repeat it in your mind. Your memory is not strong. That's why you have forgotten it. Here Lord Buddha said, Samyak Smrti, that is, you must not forget, you must never forget that it is your foremost duty to take the name of the Lord, to repeat your Iśt́a Mantra. It is Samyak Smrti, proper memory." (6)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "You sádhakas, you boys, you girls, should remember that the most valuable, the most important, word in this universe for you is your personal Iśt́a mantra; and for you, all other words bear no significance, no meaning, no importance." (7)


Protect secrecy of your Ista mantra

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Your Iśt́a mantra is your most cherished object. This is why its secrecy should be maintained. Something which is very, very dear to one's heart should be preserved very carefully. Hence it is said that one's Iśt́a mantra should not be repeated aloud, it should be repeated mentally. And the mind will move towards the Átmá [Soul] while repeating it. In a person's life it will continue to [resonate] internally, not externally. Finally, with the help of mantra, one will attain mantra caetanya. And when one attains mantra caetanya, one finds a beacon to guide one onward towards his or her goal." (8)


Repeat your mantra even while sleeping

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If the symphony of meditation or japa persists for some time, and if in the natural course of events the jiiva does not forsake the meditation or japa, then loss of memory does not occur. This state is called dhruvásmrti, or “infallible, eternal memory”. A sádhaka with this capacity continues his or her dhyána and japa even in sleep. This kind of japa is called ajapá japa – which is to say, without one actually performing japa, japa is going on." (9)


Mantra japa all the 24hrs

   Ananda Marga ideology states, "Kuru puńyam ahorátram. You should be engaged in puńya work ahorátram. Ahorátram means “all the twenty-four hours”...Now, one may ask, “In the daytime you may do puńya work, but while sleeping how can you do puńya work?” The reply is that for doing puńya work, you require psycho-spiritual strength. For doing something bad you do not require any moral courage, or any spiritual strength. But for doing good work you must have moral and spiritual strength. That strength you acquire through dhyána and japa – that is, meditation and repeating the incantation within your mind."
   "Now this japa is adjusted to your breathing, inhalation and exhalation. So if you practise it properly what will happen? Even while sleeping, automatically this japa kriyá will go on in accordance with your respiration – in accordance with your inhalation and exhalation. So while asleep you can do this thing. This is called ajapájapa. That is, there is no special endeavour from your side – the japa goes on automatically. Thus during the night you can also do puńya. Kuru puńyam ahorátram – “For all the twenty-four hours you can do puńya.”" (10)


Spirit of Guru mantra - madhuvidya

Here is a series of quotes about the significance and meaning of Guru mantra.


He is always with you - watching you - helping you

Ananda Marga ideology states, "He is the witness of all the worlds, all the deeds done in this universe. Nothing is secret for Him. You cannot do anything nor think anything without being witnessed by Him. If anyone says, 'I am not being witnessed by anybody,' He will be witnessing this utterance. So as the witnessing Entity He is always with you. This is the greatest assurance, because when you know that He is with you, your mental strength will increase a thousand-fold, because He is always with you to help you...you are never alone, you are never weak, you are never helpless. So the duty of a perfect human being, the duty of a spiritual aspirant is always to remember this supreme truth - that one is never alone, one is always with Supreme Father. He will always help you." (11)


Do not consult the stars - take Guru mantra

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "You shall not take into account the dates and stars while setting out on a journey. You may, as necessary, set out for your destination after ascribing Brahma-hood to your journey through guru mantra. If you are to consult the dates and stars at every step, you are to carry an almanac with you all the time – something which is truly contrary to nature." (12)


Repetition of Guru mantra reminds one of the Goal

Ananda Marga ideology states, "One should move ahead in one’s mission after determining one’s goal. Once the goal is fixed there remains almost no possibility, of error; hence you should always remember your goal. But once you fall into the trap of error it leads to danger. This is the reason why I advise people to remember their guru mantra, to always remain aware of the goal. The souls of those people who practice sa'dhana' in this way enter the abode of Brahma." (13)


Repeat Guru mantra before all mundane works

Ananda Marga ideology says, "When you conduct your worldly activities, beginning with buying supplies from the ration shop, buying tickets for a sporting event or buying a railway ticket, everything is fraught with anxieties. Whatever you do, repeat your Guru mantra in your mind. In other words, while doing your work take the name of Parama Puruśa so that your action will be sanctified. If you find that you are not in a position to do anything else, then sing kiirtana loudly. In this way you will always remain close to Lord." (14)


Do not get caught up in upadharmas

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "All dharmas have upadharmas [secondary characteristics]. Human life is no exception. For example, to provide for your family you require some sort of employment – be it agriculture, trading or business – you have to keep the house clean, feed everyone, and so on. These are the secondary characteristics included within the fundamental human dharma. What normally happens in human life? People get caught up in the secondary characteristics. For instance, when eating delicious food people often say “How good it tastes! But if it only had a bit more spice in it, then it would taste even better.” Being engrossed in the secondary dharma, people all too easily deviate from their main dharma. In ancient India, the usual custom was to offer a part of one’s meal to God before eating it. The spirit was, “May I remember You with every bit of food.” In Ananda Marga there is a system of applying guru mantra before commencing any action. The psycho-philosophy behind guru mantra is to transform the secondary dharma into the primary dharma at the psychic level. If this were not done then one’s secondary dharma would predominate. Much precious time is wasted by those who follow their secondary dharmas." (15)


Guru mantra: always move in Brahma

Ananda Marga ideology says, "“Brahmacaryam” – that is “moving in Brahma while eating”. What sort of eating? The person is getting all sorts of physical, psychic and supra-psychic pabula from the Cosmic Body of Brahma. Thus he who is moving in Brahma with the help of his second lesson, guru mantra, is brahmacárii. He always remembers the fact that all his movements are within the Cosmic Body of Brahma." (16)


Way to feel your link with Him

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Suppose, there is a drop of water in an ocean. When the drop feels its unity with the ocean, the drop no longer remains as a drop, it becomes the ocean. But when it feels its separation from the ocean, it is nothing but a drop of water. So, when a human being feels his/her unity with the Supreme Lord and feels that he/she is not an ordinary person, but the blessed child of the Supreme Father and when becomes one with him, then he/she is no longer an ordinary person. He/she acquires immense power, immense vitality, infinite vitality and this is your Yoga in the physical sphere. You should always remember that a man or a woman is an ordinary person when separated from the Supreme Father, but he/she becomes Supreme when one with the Supreme. This we do with the help of our Guru Mantra. This is Yoga in the physical sphere." (17)


Conquers all fear

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In the case of a psychic disease or when one gets afraid while coming in contact with those luminous bodies or recreated minds, those preśitamánasas, what is the medicine? The medicine is, do kiirtana or devotional chanting. Do kiirtana for one minute or repeat your guru mantra, and that “ghost” will instantly vanish into thin air. So under no circumstances should you be afraid." (18)


Guru mantra is right memory

Ananda Marga ideology teaches us, "Now I think there are so many graduates amongst you, and doctors – if you are asked to appear for the examination, the medical final, will you be able to pass just now? No. You have forgotten everything. Your smrti, that is, your memory, will not help you. The smrti has become – what? Very dilute, very faint, due to constant waning. What should be the best smrti? I think your ácáryas told you that you should repeat and recite your Iśt́a mantra whenever possible; I think this was the instruction of your ácáryas, was it not? Internally, Iśt́a mantra and guru mantra. But you forget it. Because your smrti is very dilute. So the best object of smrti is Parama Puruśa. Never forget Him. Always take His name, as per the advice of your ácárya. This is samyak smrti, that is, proper memory. The person who is established, the spiritual aspirant who is established, in samyak smrti, that is, who never forgets the Lord, is called – that particular state of mind is called dharmamegha samádhi, that is, the person is established in proper smrti. That bliss enjoyed by the spiritual aspirant is called dharmamegha samádhi." (19)


See all as expression of the One

Ananda Marga ideology states, "If people become more and more regular in the application of their guru mantra, then on one hand they will be able to perform more and more physical activities, and at the same time they will be able to avoid creating new saḿskáras (reactive momenta). Regarding vipáka it can also be said that human beings must treat all the objects of this universe in the proper perspective as the various expressions of Parama Puruśa, and learn how to apply madhuvidyá even while discharging their mundane duties." (20)


Parama Purusa is mine

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "[Some] think, 'I have nothing of my own. Everything is gone. I am undone.' Such a negative outlook can only be cured with the constant auto-suggestion, 'Parama Purus'a is mine,' which in the language of Tantra is called guru mantra." (21)


Cultivate the habit to always repeat Guru mantra

Ananda Marga ideology says, "You should remember to use guru mantra regularly before every action. One attains success in the field of action by the right application of guru mantra. Some of you, I do not say all, often forget to use guru mantra before starting an activity. If you do forget, repeat it after completing the action. When one no longer makes such a mistake, that is, when one always remembers to use guru mantra...one experiences an unbroken flow of bliss in one’s mind." (22)


Note: It is important to understand that every practitioner must use their own mantra as it has been assigned to them. Guru has created the system where every sadhaka is given a mantra based on their own, unique samskaras. According to that system, the acarya selects the mantra. Thus one must never use the mantra of any other sadhaka. What to speak of not having the desired effect, doing so may be harmful.


References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Nama and Namii
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, 'Omnkara and Ista Mantra'
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, 'The Lord and His Name'
4. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, How An Ideal Person Should Live
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, 'Omnkara and Ista Mantra'
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam- 14, The Fundamental Principles of Life
7. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, 'Omnkara and Ista Mantra'
8. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Incantation & Human Progress
9. Yoga Psychology, Under the Shelter of the Guru
10. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Puńya All Twenty-Four Hour
11. Istanbul, Turkey, 1979
12. Caryacarya, part 1, Commencing a Journey
13. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 10
14. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity – the Non-Doer
15. Namami Krsnasundaram, Párthasárathi Krśńa and Dvaetaváda (Discourse 18)
16. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, The Glory of Pranava
17. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, What is Yoga
18. Yoga Psychology, Are Ghosts Hallucinations
19. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Ideological Flow and the Eight-fold Path
20. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11
21. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 8
22. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, 'An Exemplary Life'


*        *        *

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

*        *        *


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

You have no shore

Note: When Parama Purusa is sitting next to the bhakta there is no use to use O’ when addressing Him. 

"Túmi esecho mádhuri jhariyecho, nandan loker ánanda enecho..." (Prabhat Samgiita #3388)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, You have come, showered supreme sweetness, inundated all with bhakti, and brought endless bliss from Your divine realm. You have filled the mind, which was previously engulfed in cimmerian darkness and dogma, with the breeze of spiritual bliss and bhakti and all things that are benevolent and good.

Parama Purusa Baba, who can sing about Your infinite qualities and grandeur - no one can. With Your form and affection, everyone gets satiated. Your loving blessing removes all suffering. You have satisfied their mental longing with the most charming music and melodies.

Baba, the Great Ocean of bliss, You are vast, infinite, and not contained by any boundaries. You have no shore. In Your endless imagination, we are just bubbles. You make everyone dance with rhythm and song carrying the vibration of nectar.

Baba, You have come and inundated this earth with bhakti...


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Humans: dominion status

In our Ananda Marga books there are so many errors and flaws made by Tiljala Publication. Here is one example: Read the below and pay particular attention to the words in red. This is how they printed it in the actual book.

"Let me try to explain the nature of the mutual relationship between the microcosm and universal rhythms with a simple analogy. Suppose a young boy is flying a kite high in the sky. It seems the kite has an apparent link with someone on earth, but that is not the fact. The kite has a link with the spindle in the hands of the boy through a thin thread. The kite flies at a certain altitude according to the sweet will of the boy. The microcosm and universal rhythm also are linked by an invisible spiritual bond in exactly the same way. That’s why it is said that microcosms are only granted "dominion status"; whereas a complete independence is vested with the universal rhythm." (1)

Corrected version: Fix your copy

The publishers should have printed the paragraph like this (see below) - please pay particular attention to the words in blue:

"Let me try to explain the nature of the mutual relationship between the microcosm and universal rhythms with a simple analogy. Suppose a young boy is flying a kite high in the sky. It seems the kite has no apparent link with someone on earth, but that is not the fact. The kite has a link with the spindle in the hands of the boy through a thin thread. The kite flies at a certain altitude according to the sweet will of the boy. The microcosm and universal rhythm also are linked by an invisible spiritual bond in exactly the same way. That’s why it is said that microcosms are only granted "dominion status"; whereas a complete independence is vested with the universal rhythm."

This dominion state means that humans are not fully free but somewhat free. And that is what Baba is explaining by the above kite example. In other discourses, Baba has given the analogy of a cow or goat tied on a 100’ rope. That cow or goat has freedom to go wherever it wishes within that dominion of 100'. The cow does not have the ability to go beyond the length of that rope. So it has freedom up to a certain point - not beyond. That is what is meant by dominion state.

The mistake made is quite clear. The publishers wrote, "It seems like the kite has an apparent link with someone on earth." This is completely wrong. It should be, "It seems like the kite has no an apparent link with someone on earth." Sadly these types of publication errors are rampant.

If still this is not clear then write us. Those who apply themselves will easily understand.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 4, Individual Rhythm and Universal Rhythm


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why elaboration is needed

Ananda Marga ideology, “Saḿgacchadhvaḿ” “moving together” does not mean march or double march, here “moving together” means that all portions of society, all portions of the collective body, should have the spirit to move ahead. Suppose you have gathered sufficient money, and there is no dearth of food in your house, but the remaining portion of society, your neighbours, your friends, are suffering from a dearth of money, or food, or clothes. Then it means that you are not following the spirit of “saḿgacchadhvam”. “Saḿgacchadhvam” means to build a strong, well-knit society where there shall be no exploitation, no superiority complex or inferiority complex.” (1)

In all realms, Baba' teachings are crystallized points of dharma - very concise. So to properly understand any guideline or teaching, it demands a little concentration or mental thought. For example a group of fools may think that by walking together to McDonald's for a hamburger they are following samgacchadvam, since they are all "moving together". But that has nothing to do with samgacchadvam.

Here the point is that a literal interpretation of Guru's teachings will never work. Rather greater explanation is needed to get the proper picture. That is why when Baba has given the pin-pointed sutras of Ananda Sutram, then side by side He also gives a purport so that those distilled teachings, i.e. sutras, can be understood in the proper way. This should be done with each and every aspect of Sixteen Points. Because Guru's teaching is distilled and given in seed form.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, Saḿgacchadhvaḿ


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read
Baba did not review pre-1990 books
Never this type of food
Bliss: inherent to being on the path
Raksha Bandhan & female submission
Doing pracara with religious followers
Way to enhance sadhana


Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

SUBJECTS TOPICS