Search This Blog

Monday, October 27, 2025

How fasting works + 3 more

Baba
How fasting works
Namaskar,

I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Sadguru Baba’s darshan on a few occasions - one of which was in Patna during the year 1971. That was the unique occasion Baba clearly described why fasting is so important for our human progress and how fasting counteracts the negative effects of the celestial bodies during certain lunar days, or tithis.


Part 1: upward pull by celestial bodies

In this darshan, Baba begins by telling that due to the pull or attraction of certain celestial bodies like the moon and the sun, the liquid portion of the earth rises. Baba details how the tides of the ocean and sea levels are affected by the pull of the moon on particular lunar days: ekadashii, or the 11th lunar day, pu'rn'ima', and amavasya.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(Note: Modern day sciences of geology and physics have verified this fact. The earth's oceans and tides are primarily affected by the moon etc and can result in tidal waves and other dangerous conditions.)

Then Baba began to systematically explain how even the liquid section in our human body gets affected on these lunar days (tithis). Because the liquid portion rises up and disturbs the regular functioning of the brain and other primary organs in the upper regions of the body. One's thinking and sadhana are adversely affected on these days.

(Note: Our bodies are 60% to 65% water / fluid, so when the liquid portion of the body is disturbed, the effect is quite dramatic and can even make people act in a grossly imbalanced and even crazy manner. That is why the term lunacy (meaning crazy or psychotic) stems from the root ‘luna’ meaning moon. Due to the effect of the moon, people lose their mental balance. This is also recognised in the common society.)


Part 2: effect on the cakras

In the next sequence, Baba details the effects on the cakras. Because when the liquid portion rises up then the upper cakras are hampered. Under normal conditions, the vishuddha cakra (5th cakra), ajina cakra (6th cakra), and the sahasra'ra cakra (7th cakra) are purely for subtle and sentient pursuits. These cakras are primarily sattvika or sentient.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The manipura cakra (3rd cakra) to anaha'ta cakra (4th cakra) deal with both higher and lower works, both spiritual and physical activities. Baba has classified these as being ra'jasik, a mixture of crude and subtle. Then the two lower cakras - muladhara (1st cakra) and svadhisthana (2nd cakra) - generally deal with baser activities, as they are ta'masik in nature. But, as we all know, certain crude works need to be attended to in this life, so those lower cakras also have their purpose.

That is how Baba described it in this darshan. Now here comes the key point: On certain lunar days - tithis - like ekadashii, or the 11th lunar day, pu'rn'ima' (full moon), and amavasya (new moon), the liquid portion of the body rises up and disturbs the functioning of the upper cakras - i.e. the ra'jasik and sentient cakras. That means the manipur cakra all the way up to the sahasra'ra cakra are adversely affected.

(Note: Baba also differentiates between lunar days known as tithis and solar days known as din in Sanskrit. And it is these lunar days or tithis which create this disturbance in the body.)

On those aforementioned lunar days or tithis (ekadashii, purnima & amavasya), due to the adverse effect of the moon's pull and the ensuing rise of the liquid portion of the human body, those higher cakras cannot function normally. In turn, our entire existence is negatively affected. Our regular and higher functioning of mind becomes impaired.


Part 3: how yogis addressed this problem

The ancient yogis - being practical scientists and researchers - knew well that the upper cakras could not carry out their normal manner of functioning on those tithis, so they came up with a solution. And that solution was: fasting.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Next, Baba revealed one very interesting idea. He told us that when one fasts, a vacuum is created in the stomach - because there is neither water nor food in the belly - and that vacuum pulls the liquid back down. That brings relief to our entire system on these lunar days. In that case, when fasting during those lunar days like ekadashii, the higher organs are no longer hampered by the liquids which would normally rise up on those lunar days. Hence, the lungs, heart, thyroid, brain etc can function normally. 

That is the great benefit to the physical and mental body during fasting days. Baba also then gave proof of this theory. He told that those suffering from arthritis and gout will experience worse conditions during ekadashii and other tithis. They will not experience any remission on these days. Because the liquid portions of the body rises up and creates problems for such patients. So for all these reasons and more, fasting is a necessity for human health and vitality.


Part 4: our practice in Ananda Marga

Then in a very sweet manner Baba began to discuss the fasting system in Ananda Marga. He explained that our fasting days occur on the following tithis: eleventh moon (ekadashii), full moon (purnima), and new moon (amavasya).

And He told how He did not prescribe four fastings to family people - just two, i.e. the two fasting days of ekadashii. That will help them greatly in their physical and spiritual life. Whereas, Wts are required to do four fastings as they need to engage in more spiritual activities.

Finally, Baba added that all family people are welcome to fast 4 times each month, but for them it is not a requirement. Should any family person adopt the practice of fasting on purnima and amavasya, then they will not be questioned in any way. If they desire, they may freely do the four fastings.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 

Part 5: upa'vasa not ananshana

Baba then clarified that our fasting days are more than just days where we refrain from taking food. Not eating is known as anashana in Samskrta. But that is now our approach. We call our fasting days as upa'va'sa. Then Baba explained the meaning several times using various examples and definitions from the realm of linguistics, and we all repeated and replied.

Upa' means "near", and va'sa means "sitting". Hence upa'va'sa means to sit or reside or live near the Lord. Following is a quote from one of Baba's published discourses on upa'vas'sa.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Upa” is a Sam'skrta prefix. In Sam'skrta there are twenty recognized prefixes, and one of these prefixes is “upa”. “Upa” means “proximity”. And “Va'sa” means “to live”, “to reside”. The word “upava'sa” means then, “to live near the Lord”. “Upava'sa” – on these days of fasting, what are all spiritual aspirants to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord. On all other days they are to remain balanced between objective adjustment and subjective approach. On these days of fasting, however, on these days of upava'sa, one remains in closer proximity to the Lord than to one’s mundane duties. That is why these days are known as “upava'sa”. The word “fasting” does not represent the proper sense or proper spirit. The Sam'skrta term for going without food is “anashana” – “ana” means not, “ashana” means eating – not “upava'sa”. But these eka'dashii, amavasya and pu'rn'ima' days are days of upava'sa." (1)

The above passage was given in a discourse from 1978. It nicely complements what Baba told us that day in 1971 about upa'va'sa so I have included it here. During fasting, one may encounter difficulty in doing intense physical labour on that day. Some people may not experience any hardship, but for others doing arduous physical tasks may be beyond their reach. It varies from person to person.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In that case, on upa'vasa', one should engage in more intellectual and spiritual pursuits, and less in physical duties. One should goad the mind toward higher echelons of philosophy, ideology, and spiritual life. On these days, one should sit near Parama Purusa. Thus our fasting days are not just anashana (not eating), but upavasa as we are to pursue maximally in the spiritual realm and remain with the Lord.
 

Conclusion

Two key points from this unique darshan are:
  • (1) A main function of fasting is to free the upper cakras from the negative effects of liquids rising up in the human body during certain lunar days. 
  • (2) The operative factor is that a vacuum is created in the stomach due to a dearth of food and water and that vacuum pulls those liquids downward.
The benefits - physical, psychic, and spiritual - of fasting allow one to progress, despite the inherent difficulties of living on this earth. Baba has given a method and solution for every problem so we may reside eternally at His lotus feet.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
in Him,
Suresh

~ In-depth study ~

More benefits of fasting

Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "On and around the times of new and full moon, one may observe that the gaseous and aqueous factors in the body rise up into the head and chest, creating an uncomfortable feeling. Therefore, if a person does not take food at these times, these factors will be drawn down from the higher portions of the body to the lower portions, thereby alleviating the uncomfortable feeling." (2)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "You should not depend on food too much. This is why I have prescribed fasting on four days a month for some people and two days a month for others, and personally I have proved by fasting for five years and ... months at a stretch that if people try, they can remain without food. If one's dependence on food decreases, one will gain more freedom in a particular aspect of life." (3)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Upavása
2. Caryacarya - 3, Procedure for Fasting
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, In Kali Yuga, Strength Lies in an Organized Body


*        *        *

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 ==

Dharmic teachings distilled

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)

Note: In all realms, Baba's 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, a 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: Important Teaching ==

Human duty: propagate dharma

Ananda Marga ideology says, "It is the duty of every sa'dhaka to propagate dharma so that humans will not make a mistake but will follow the path of spirituality. Humans are endowed with intellect and the faculty of judgment. So if they do not act properly or fail to follow the path of spirituality, they are no better than animals."

"Even though human beings may not be very highly evolved, there is the potential in them to attain the height of evolution. Those who utilize this potential are intelligent but those who do not, and live like animals, will be born as even more inferior creatures in the next life. Animals have no intellect and therefore cannot work intellectually. Humans, however, are already endowed with intellect and the faculty of judgment. So if they do not act properly or fail to follow the path of spirituality, they are no better than animals. It is therefore the duty of every sádhaka to propagate dharma so that humans will not make this mistake but will follow the path of spirituality." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, The Three Stages of Spiritual Progress, Kolkata, 6th November, 1978


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How capitalists are anti-dharma

   Prout philosophy states, "In a joint family every member is provided with adequate food, clothing, education and medical treatment, and amenities, as per their individual needs, according to the financial capacity of the entire family. If, however, any member of the family appropriates more grains, clothes, books or medicines than he or she requires, will that person not be the cause of distress to other members of the family? In such circumstances his or her actions will be certainly against dharma – certainly antisocial."
  "Similarly, the capitalists of this modern world are anti-dharma, or antisocial, creatures. To accumulate massive wealth, they reduce others to skin and bones gnawed by hunger and force them to die of starvation; to dazzle people with the glamour of their garments, they compel others to wear rags; and to increase their own vital strength, they suck dry the vital juice of others." (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day #1


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Understanding & implementing Baba's working style

How to heighten intensity in sadhana

AM viewpoint: reproductive issue

Bábá námo kevalamo--wrong--why? 

Story: path of bliss

Importance of vya'paka shaoca

Guilt complex: thief nabbed


Labels: , , ,

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Understanding & implementing Baba’s working style + 4 more

Baba

Understanding & implementing Baba’s working style

Namaskar,

Here we examine how and why Baba has introduced so many plans and programmes. Those days many margiis and Wts could not understand why Baba was doing this. Here we take a deeper look into why Baba has given so many plans and programs.

Throughout the jail period and during other times, there was so much opposition towards Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. Yet without that opposition, our organisation would not have grown so quickly. By this way, the cadres got trained in how to deal with the exploiters and manage when times were tough. So it was the need of the day to struggle with the unjust Indian government.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Side by side, Baba had to purge the organisation of unwanted persons. Many worthless people came in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha for their own self-interest and ulterior motives. They were not up to the mark of following 16 Points and becoming sadvipras. So when the clash started these lower grade people left. Such clash was needed to purge AMPS and make it strong. By this way, those who remained become more dharmic.

Baba has given the practical precedent to fight when in a difficult situation and not surrender to the exploiters. Of great importance, He has (a) given a blueprint of all the plans and programs, (b) created cadres, and (c) nurtured a closeness with His disciples. It was a busy time, and, ultimately, Baba completed all that He sought to accomplish.

Baba’s aim: create a blueprint & make cadres

Now it is our duty to implement His vast array of plans and programs – one by one. For instance, Baba’s guideline is not to create big colleges and universities everywhere. Establishing any project like a college and university demands huge time, resources (money and people), and ongoing involvement etc. Those days Sadguru Baba was very pressed for time and the resources of the Marga were quite limited. He gave the philosophy and trained His disciples on all levels. In that pre-1990 era, the aim was never to establish those projects on a grand level. Rather, the aim was to create a blueprint for what should be done and make maximum cadres. Then, in due course, every plan and program would become established and ultimately flourish.

With His cosmic mind, this is the way He developed Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha from 1955 – 1990. In that short, 35-year period He practically demonstrated all the projects (in seed form, i.e. gave a blueprint) that were needed for humanity for the next thousand(s) of years and into eternity. Only Parama Purusa could direct such a pointed method.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba was creating projects in order to show us His grand plan for humanity. Had this not occurred, no one would really have understood what Baba wanted for the all round progress of humanity. Simply taking written notes in a meeting would not have gotten the job done. People would have misunderstood, forgotten, and / or lost their notes. By Baba’s practical method, all the projects got injected into everyone’s bloodstream through practical experience. Whether the project came to fruition or not, all understood that, “Yes, this is what must be done.” That was Baba’s special approach. Without that it would have been impossible to put forth His grand plan.

Contrast: pre-1990 & today

Baba was working at lightning speed in order to present all the needed plans and programs that would guide and serve the humanity for thousands of years. Schools gave our Wts the opportunity to develop a small financial base. But even then a healthy school in Ananda Marga was 50 children, whereas Christian schools had 500 or 1000 children or more. One reason for such low enrollment was that reporting was every month and the Wt school principal would spend half the month traveling to and from Kolkata because of the need for Wts to come and have Guru’s darshan. Baba wanted His disciples to come in His close proximity to get practical training and His blessing. In those monthly reporting sessions, Baba took the time to bless and shower His grace.

The post-1990 years are completely different. Immediately after ’90, those in charge began posting and reposting workers in a haphazard manner in a failed attempt to emulate Baba’s seemingly whirlwind style. But remember Baba did all that to create a blueprint and already we have a blueprint for all the needed projects. Today there is a real need to bring those blueprint designs into concrete form in a meaningful manner in this world. That means those wts who are qualified and interested in education should be posted to a school and make that school top-notch so the whole town and city can see how great our Ananda Marga system of education system really is. Those are the types of high-quality institutions we have to create.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Similarly, those Wts keen to do emergency relief work in earthquake regions or other disaster areas should be posted in that department to execute the task. Likewise is the case with GP and VSS etc, everyone should be posted according to their interests and strengths. Sadguru Baba verily did this approach when creating Gurukul. Because in 1990 when the blueprint was created in full, He put interested and qualified people in charge of Gurukul to show us that this is how all the projects should advance. And it became our job to emulate this approach in all our social service projects.

Let people work in their field of specialisation

For instance, if the education workers are transferred, then they should be transferred from one school to another, not to an unrelated field. Then only one can achieve real success in the societal sphere. In result, the public will appreciate our work and greater service could then be done. It is just like if you recruit cowards in the military then you can imagine what would happen. Or if you put business-minded people in schools when they have no interest in teaching. Instead they should be assigned to the commerce department.

Human beings have a limited capacity; one cannot become perfect in all subjects. Workers should have a basic idea of all the projects but may only possess a special quality in one type of work or endeavor. That is the point we should take seriously nowadays. The era is different. Baba has laid down all the plans and programs and we are to match up the right person with the right project. All should be engaged in a project that meshes with their own personal strengths and interests.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So if any worker is interested in education then they should fully commit themselves to a school. And if another wt is interested in pracara then they should wholly engage in dharma pracara. To do anything concrete and meaningful in this world demands full dedication. We should emulate Baba’s way of posting workers in various departments of Gurukul. Now is the time to begin the establishment of said projects by committing oneself fully in a specific field of interest.

All the animals or fish might escape

At a university, a student does not study all the subjects offered by the school, but rather selects one as their area of specialization. Likewise, if one has deep interest in teaching in a college then do not force them to do agricultural and animal husbandry work or manage fisheries etc. In that situation you cannot hope that they will do excellent work, rather they may be remiss in their duties and all the animals or fish might escape from those projects.

So it is the duty of in-charges to see the psychology of the worker and put appropriate Wts in the right post. By this way, all of the projects in Baba’s blueprint will be established in due course. Everyone is aware that if you are running 500 schools and none of them are of a sufficient standard – i.e. below the standard of non-margii schools – then it means you are lagging behind. But if you have one A-grade institution then the wind will be in your favour and you can create many new schools. So many people will join in and support that school.

Our working style should represent a great commitment to a particular aspect of Ananda Marga life. And we should pay proper mind to all of 16 Points and organisational rules. With this type of commitment the world will begin to take notice. They will no longer think that our projects are second rate etc; they will see our commitment. And because Baba’s teachings are unsurpassed, naturally our projects will be the best ones on the planet.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Supervisory workers are to ensure that all Wts are deeply committed to a particular project and they are to enforce this idea on a regular basis. Each Wt should fully concentrate on one work. By this way that project will get established. One should not change the nature of their work or projects.

At the same time, Baba’s rule is that no worker should stay in one place for more than three years. After that time period, if they have been working in a school they should get transferred to another school. That is the way. If Wts are kept in the same place then they will become attached and degenerate. It is inevitable.

Taken altogether, if we understand Baba’s manner and working style, as well as our allotted duties, then by His grace we can make our AMPS into a veritable dharmic force on this earth and bring peace and well-being to all. Now is the time to make real, concrete progress. I am very hopeful that people will understand Baba’s working style and follow accordingly.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Respectfully,
in Him,
Nava’run

When to impart AM teachings

The best time of imparting Ananda Marga philosophy is when a child is in primary school, or even earlier. That time their mind is ever-ready to accept whatever is taught. And what the child learns at that age they retain for their whole life. It becomes their ingrained habit. This very unique quality is exploited by many devious religions in their own favour. They indoctrinate children into their harmful, outdated, and dogmatic beliefs at a very young age. By this process, the organised religions like Christianity, Judaism, and especially Islam create their terrorists, past and present. As Ananda Margiis, we should utilise the potentiality of children for the right cause of neo-humanism and teach them the Ananda Marga universal philosophy starting in their infancy. By this way we can serve the society and bring harmony to the entire world. That is why Baba wants that every village should have an Ananda Marga primary school. Until this is fulfilled we should not start any high schools or colleges. Because most of our Ananda Marga lifestyle and education can be taught during the ages of zero to the onset of puberty. Beyond that children do not learn; rather they follow the prevailing social trends. Imparting Ananda Marga teachings during their infancy is the only way.

Primary schools everywhere

Here is Baba's key guideline about the importance of early childhood education, i.e. inculcating the ideals of Ananda Marga to children at an early age. In particular, the aim is to arouse the spiritual urge. If this is not done early on, the opportunity is lost as it is almost impossible to awaken that urge in the teenage years.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Sadguru Baba says, “We must start primary schools throughout the entire world to create a spiritual urge amongst the little pupils. I am not in favour of starting colleges; I am in favour of starting primary schools. In the entire world we have got one degree college at Ananda Nagar and thousands of kindergarten schools. That is why it is desirable in the first phase to start many primary schools instead of colleges. Merely opening high schools and colleges without a proper system of education will not serve the purpose. Rather, thousands of kindergarten and primary schools must be started with this new system of education, to create a spiritual urge amongst children throughout the entire world.” (1)


~ In-depth study ~

Sadguru Baba says, “I am always an optimist. And I want all my sons and daughters to be optimists. And I want them to struggle against this death signal of humanity, and come out successful. And I am sure that you boys and you girls must be optimists; and it is your duty to save humanity. And I hope you will be able to save humanity, because, just like me, you are also optimistic. You should know that great, or good, people are few in number, they are not many. They do not come within the scope of millions or billions. They are always few in number. And these few, they are the torchbearers of human society, they are the pioneers, they are the vanguards of human society. So it is your duty to save humanity. And those who are unable to shoulder their own bags and baggages – their responsibilities are to be shouldered by you. You should remember that the life of a spiritual aspirant is a mission. One’s entire life is a mission, one’s entire existence is a mission. And your mission is – what? To save humanity from this crisis. I hope you will be successful. And I not only hope, I am sure that you will be successful.” (2)

Important notes

1) Baba suggested that Didis should take over all the nursery schools (i.e. pre-kindergarten) as females are better at teaching kids than males.

2a) Through our schools and relief projects, our Ananda Marga ideology will become established. The common public becomes sentimentally linked with those who do social service projects. This is the way to win over their heart – by doing true social service, either of a temporary or more permanent manner. Those who come in contact with our high-quality projects will develop trust and confidence in us and they will emulate our way of life. They will come close. So doing social service projects is a great way to bring people onto the path of Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

2b) Usually people do not like to change their way of life after they reach the age of 16, 18, 20 and above etc. At that point, it is very difficult to adopt new life practices. And since our Ananda Marga is a disciplined way of life, older persons have a hard time adapting. It is not like a political organisation which is based on membership. Those kids who study in Ananda Marga schools and follow Ananda Marga curriculum will gradually become Ananda Margiis or at least sympathizers. By this way the number of margiis will increase rapidly.

By following this methodology the religious missionaries propagated their disease all around the world.

2c) Children will always adapt to what you teach. They will accept and follow everything without argument or questioning. By running Ananda Marga schools we will be able to impart our AM way of life to living, breathing human beings. What we must avoid is opening a school that does not adhere to our AM way of life. That would be counterproductive and harmful. Students may read and study general subjects, but certain AM related practices that are provided by AMBE (Ananda Marga Board of Education) or Gurukul must be included in the curriculum.

3) Plus when people see our social service projects then they will donate money in order to sustain those projects.

4) The key point in all of this is that those in AMPS rendering social service must keep strict conduct. If the public sees any hypocrisy then that will undermine everything. So long as our projects are maintained and our conduct is proper, things will progress quickly and our Marga will grow.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 9, Pramá – 4
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 34, To Save Humanity


*        *        *

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: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Searching everywhere

“Gáne gáne ámi, khunjechi tomáre…” (Prabhat Samgiita #2853)

Purport: 

O’ Parama Purusa Baba, I have been searching for You in the religious songs, in the holy places, in the depths of the oceans, and in deep, dark forests - everywhere. I have also been looking for You by the river banks, along the mountain ranges, and in the vibration of lightning and meteorites. I have been seeking You in all places imaginable. There is nowhere that I did not look. 

Baba, I search for You within all that I see and hear. I look for You in everything that I perceive around me, wherever I go. The only places that I do not search for You are in those places that I cannot conceive of and those places that I cannot find. Beyond that, I have been searching everywhere for You. 

Baba, in the past I did not know that You were so close, sitting secretly within the recesses of the mind. Otherwise, I would not have wasted my time looking for You externally in all those near, distant, and far away places. I would have just sought and embraced You in my meditation. 

Baba, by Your unfathomable grace, today I understand that You are seated eternally in the depths of my heart. Baba, You are so gracious…..


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Your time on this earth

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Smara nitya anityatám. You should remember always that you have come here for a short span. You won't remain in this world for a long period. You may remain here, say, for ninety or a hundred years, or say for 150 years. Some saints like Traelauṋga Svámii lived here for 350 years. He lived in Varanasi in India and died in this twentieth century. But you are to live under certain limitations – limitations of time, space and person."

"So you should always remember that you have come here for a very short span. It is just like a waiting room of a railway station. You remain there for a short period and when the train comes, you leave the waiting room. This world is just like that waiting room. You are to remain here for a very short span."
"You should always remember this fact – “I have come here for a short span and I won't remain here for a very long period. My home is elsewhere. I am just like a tourist.” You should always remember this fact. And as a universal tourist, you, while leaving for your permanent home, will not require a passport." (1)

Reference
1. 25 May 1979 evening, Rotterdam


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to conduct táńd́ava competition

Sadguru Baba says, “Competition in táńd́ava and kaośikii is very good and encouraging. I strongly support it. There should be competitions wherever there are Ananda Margis. There should be competitions even where there are no Ananda Margis. There is no harm in it; rather it is beneficial in all respects.” (1)

(A) Suppose there was a margii who was very skilled at dancing tandava and won the competition two times in a row.

(B) Then, to counteract this, suppose one senior margii in-charge of overseeing the competition forbid that margii from participating anymore in order to give others a chance to win. Then, in that case, we have to consider whether such a course of action is proper or not. 

(C) According to the purview of AM teachings, if that happened then the senior margii did injustice with that tandava dancer by forbidding him from entering the tandava contest. Verily, It would have been wrong to forbid that tandava dancer. And here below is the reason why. 

(D) In our Ananda Marga, we adhere to the code of friendly competition; that helps increase the standard of society. It should have been that others practiced their tandava more and more in hopes of gaining the opportunity to rise to your level etc. That would have been best for all involved. 

(E) When that in-charge removed the skilled tandava dancer from the competition in order to give someone else the chance to win, then he lowered the standard of the competition and that goes against our AM values; it is against Baba's system. 

(F) Here the point is that everyone should be aware that all are allowed to participate in competitions regardless of how many times they won in the past. And at present and going forward we should adhere to this policy. That is our AM system. 

Reference
1. 5 March 1984, Jammu


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to bring revolution

Prout philosophy states, “A leader of the Maethilii community in Bihar wanted to start a movement against the exploitation of the Maethilii language, so he organized a massive rally and started to lecture the people about the suppression of Maethilii. Initially, everyone listened to him attentively and supported his ideas. At the end of his address he told the masses: “We will live for Maethilii, we will die for Maethilii.” But one person amongst the crowd shouted out: “Yes, we will live for Maethilii, but why should we die for Maethilii? Rather, I choose to die in Kashi.” According to mythology, if one dies in Kashi one goes to heaven. Immediately all the people started supporting this view, and as a result the meeting was disturbed. This happened because the people were not conscious of the suppression of their mother tongue, and they followed the path of religious dogma instead. So, you should ensure that these three cardinal socio-political principles are not violated. By doing this you will safeguard the welfare of society.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell-16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Wrong way of forgiveness saps one of courage

Prout philosophy states, “"Mahaviira's philosophy of nirgrantha vada never gained mass support. Secondly, he placed too much emphasis on forgiveness and mercy. He taught people to forgive their worst enemies, even if they were as deadly as scorpions and snakes. As a result of this teaching, people lost the will to fight against the enemies of society. So, although the teachings of Buddha and Mahaviira Jain were not based on dogma and did not deliberately mislead people, they failed in the course of time because they were not sufficiently comprehensive and well-balanced." (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell, Part 16, Religious Dogma – Excerpt B



Labels:

Saturday, October 25, 2025

How to heighten intensity in sadhana + 3 more

Baba

How to heighten intensity in sadhana

Namaskar,

Once one king asked a great yogi sage, “How can I gain success on the path of divinity?”

In reply, the saint told the king to do sadhana.

The king said, “Yes, I of course do sadhana, but invariably I fall asleep while meditating. So then what should I do?”
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


How the sage responded to the king

The sage answered, “In your kingdom you have a prison, and inside that prison there are so many inmates, and some of them are going to be hanged for their crimes. On the night before they are to be executed, do you think that they are going to sleep that night?”

“Of course not, they will not sleep at all - not even one wink,” said the king.

The saint responded, “Exactly. They think their time on this earth is short and soon they will die - therefore they cannot rest. Likewise, to succeed on the spiritual path, you should adopt this very same notion. Remember that life is short and you are not going to remain on this earth permanently. Anytime you might die, even very soon - today or tomorrow. If you think in this way and remember this, you will certainly do what is most important right away, and focus fully on God. Then you will be extremely alert and sincere in sadhana and it is sure that you will proceed along the path of divinity and get success.”

That was the very fruitful answer which the saint told to that king.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Death can knock on your door anytime

The above account is one famous story that is wholly consistent with Baba's teaching: One should think that any time the mythological god of death can knock on your door and snatch away your life. That is the mindset you have to adopt when readying yourself for sadhana.

Grhiitvaeva kesheśu mrtyurńá Dharmácaret

Ananda Marga ideology states, "That is, during dharma'caran, i.e. dharmic pursuits [following yama and niyama, service, svadhyaya etc] one should think that the god of death has already started pulling one’s hair – that one’s death is imminent. And accordingly one should work sincerely and vigorously; one will have to do a great many noble deeds within a short period." (1)

Only when one realises the extreme temporal nature of this world, can they truly progress on the path of sadhana.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


People think they will live forever

The reason why it is so important to develop this strict mindset in one’s spiritual life is because this world is full of allurements and attractions. And so long as one is enamoured with these allurements - like post, power, prestige, material wealth, name and fame, etc - then it is not possible to march quickly on the path of spirituality. Because one's mind will be full of those worldly temptations.

Every human being has come from animal life and those baser propensities are still active. So people are easily attracted to the mundane & sensual desires of this quinquelemental world. That is 'Part A'. And the 'Part B' is that people think that they have come to live in this world forever. Even when faced with death, they think that death will never befall them.

Along these lines, in Ananda Vacanamrtam - 29 Hindi edition, Baba recounts the following: 

One time a devayoni yaksa asked Yudhisthira, “What is the most surprising thing about human beings?”

And the wise Yudhisthira correctly replied, “People think that they have come to live in this world forever. Even when carrying the corpse of their dead friend to the cremation ground, they cannot believe that death will one day come to them as well.” (English Summary)

So people get attracted to the glitz and glamour of this world, and side by side think they are going to live on this earth for ages and ages and ages. No one can believe that one day they too will perish. So they pass their days in pursuit of worldly temptations like social stature, fancy garments, and material gains. They think they will enjoy those things up to eternity. And on this presumption they live their life.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

And this is how the noose of maya keeps people stuck in the endless cycle of birth and death. According to Baba, it is only possible to extricate oneself from this never-ending affair, by taking a strong resolve. If one thinks that, “Death can come anytime to my door and I must reach God before this happens”, then and only then will one not be swayed by the short-lived attractions of this world. Rather, one will be vigilant in sadhana and get success.


A seed without water will not sprout

Just as a seed without water will not sprout, similarly a sadhaka who thinks that this world is their permanent abode cannot progress on the path of spirituality. One should think that this life is fleeting and that at any moment one can die. One should adopt the basic feeling that, “I have a short time to reach my Goal.” This is the food or fuel that will enable one to gain success.

Without that, one will drift from one worldly desire to another. That is the common problem that binds most every human being on this earth. They may or may not have some theoretical understanding that one day they are going to die, but, practically speaking, they live their life on this earth as if they are going to remain here forever. All their plans and programs are geared along this idea. They think, “I will buy shiny things; I will get lots of money; everyone will honour me; my name will be known throughout the land etc.” People's plans are like that. In this way maya binds them and they cannot get success on the path of spirituality.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "O Parama Purus'a, grant me devotion – that devotion which will enable me to love you every moment in newer and still newer ways. For you are endless and your expressions are also endless. If I learn how to love You, I will be able to love You in endless ways. My life will become effervescent with the sweet rhythms of the infinite. My life will attain its highest fulfilment." (2)

One must think that anytime the god of death can knock on your door and snatch away your life. That is the mindset to adopt when readying yourself for sadhana.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Priyanath

~ In-depth study ~

#1: In the Senior Acarya Diary chapter on Iishvara pranidhana, section - “shuddhis”, Baba is describing that when sitting in meditation (padmasana, siddhasana, viirasana) one must keep the back straight so that the kundalini can the passage to rise upward from muladhara to sahasrara.
#2: Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "They should be taught to sit in padmásana [lotus posture], but instead of interlocking the fingers, they may rest one palm upon the other; and keep the spine erect.." (Caryacarya-1, The Process of Initiation)
#3: Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Tailless apes can be taught sádhaná after some effort. The tailed bipeds will not be able to do sádhaná like the tailless bipeds because the backbone of the tailed bipeds, containing the controlling points of the five fundamental factors, does not come in one line. The controlling points fall on a curved line, hence they cannot perform sádhaná properly.” (Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine)
#4: Ananda Marga philosophy states,” Mono-sided, straight or erect beings can perform sádhaná very well because all the five controlling points of the fundamental factors fall on a straight line….You see how fortunate you are to have a human biological structure. You have got a human frame. Humans should be obliged to Supreme Consciousness for this favour.” (Yoga Psychology, The Human Body Is a Biological Machine)
#5: Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The one who has followed the straight path of the sus'umna' canal upwards becomes one with Parama Purus'a." (Namami Krsnasundaram, Párthasárathi Krśńa and Vishiśt́ádvaetaváda (Discourse 16))
#6: Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Ujure uju cháŕi ná leo re báḿka. The word “uju” in Saḿskrta is derived from the Saḿskrta word “rju”. “Rju” means straight. The meaning of this line is “don’t accept the crooked path rejecting the straight one”. That is, just proceed along the path of “suśumná” not along the path of “id́á” and “piuṋgalá”.” (Ananda Marga Karma Yoga in a Nutshell, “Kurvanneveha Karmmáńi”)


Sadhana means practice, not samadhi

Some do sadhana and just wonder why they are not feeling bliss or why they are not getting samadhi. However, this is not the right way to think about their meditation. Sadhana itself is the act of taking the proper effort and engaging in the practice of meditating. The aspirant is trying to ensconce the mind in a certain ideal. The mind may or may not cooperate, but one should go on trying. And with that sincere effort, by His grace, one day one is sure to get success. So no one should give up or be frustrated that they are not getting samadhi. Sadhana is the practice and that is what we are to do twice daily, at minimum.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Bemoan the futility of your life

Ananda Marga ideology says, “The worship of Brahma should be done scrupulously, or else you will later regret and bemoan the futility of your life with the last drop of your tears at your last hour. You should make your life worthwhile through your Sádhaná. How much can your worldly friends and relations do for you? After your death your relatives may perhaps ask, “How much money has he left behind?” Your friends may go to the crematorium and indulge in flattering reminiscences about you. Your husband or wife may cry for you for about ten or twelve days and then regain their normal composure. Your lot will be only a profound sigh – a record of the futility and frustration of your life. So do not waste your time lest you later have to repent.” (3)

So one should remember the ephemeral nature of life on this earth and always remember God. And then one more thing is needed to succeed in order to escape the noose of maya. One should ask Sadguru Baba in dhyana-- to please grace them in sadhana. One should think, “O Parama Purusa, You are my only respite from this mundane world, only You can pull me from the grip of Maha Maya. So please shower me in Your infinite compassion so I can feel You in my sadhana, please allow me to tread the path of spirituality and reach unto You.”

Most everyone wants to know the secret for gaining success on the spiritual path: How to escape the serpentine noose of maya and reach to that Supreme Desideratum. There are so many allurements and obstacles in this world. How can one free oneself from these attractions and hurdles, and reach unto Parama Purusa. Sadguru Baba has given the answer. The above letter leads in that direction.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha, part 1, A Devotee's Object of Ideation
2. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 26
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour


*        *        *

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: Fake Quote ==

Cunning thief created fake qt in the name of Baba

Someone created the below fake quote highlighted in yellow and circulated it on social media. Not only did this person(s) make the quote but made a fake reference as well, cunningly attributing it to Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10. Manufacturing such fake quotes threatens the very fabric of our AM society. 

FAKE QUOTE: “Do not create any occasion based on My birth or death. Celebrate the ideology, not the physical form.”
— Ananda Vacanamrtam, Part 10 

All sadhakas should be fully aware that the above quote is fictitious.


== Section: Important Teaching ==

No collective moksa

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “To continue the flow of His divine play, it is not desirable that all entities of the vast universe should attain the Supreme stance at one time; neither is it the natural process. Thus human beings must strive to attain individual salvation. If Parama Puruśa is pleased, they will surely succeed in their efforts.” (1)

Note: Many things can be done collectively like bhajans, sadhana, meal, bath, and kiirtan etc. These can all be collective endeavours. But not everything in this universe can be done collectively. For instance, collective salvation is not possible. Because then creation will cease to exist and Parama Purusa does not want creation to end. Those who are fortunate will use their free will to do sadhana. Unit beings will get salvation on an individual, case by case basis, not collectively.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 5, Equalization of Saḿskáras


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Difference between the wise & fools

   Ananda Marga ideology states, "All people should have proper knowledge and understanding of what is shreya and what is preya, what is vidyá and what is avidyá, for lack of this knowledge causes their downfall, and with its help, they progress onwards through proper sádhaná. Behind human desires the sweetly benevolent inspiration that the soul imparts, leads human beings to consciousness, not crudeness. That is why the wise try to develop their wisdom and intelligence more and more. No one wants to remain a fool: not even a simpleton wants to be called an idiot. To acquire true wisdom, judgement is necessary and judgment involves discrimination. The proper applications of this discriminating judgement is wisdom. This is why the discriminating people take Brahma, the ultimate stage of their consciousness, as their objective."
   "But the ignorant or foolish ones who do not utilize their discriminating judgement but are tempted on to the path of materialistic sádhaná for their temporary enjoyment, eventually become crude themselves. The Yama said, “Allured by the paraphernalia of enjoyment these fools do not understand nor do they want to understand, the Supreme Entity. They cannot even imagine a subtler world beyond this material quinquelemental world and so they totally deny it. Those who take the crude as their objective, have to come again and again into this material world in crude forms to enjoy and endure the crude. Trudging along a dark path they are gradually transformed into matter. Thus, they come under my sway again and again, for it is impossible for them to redeem themselves from the cycle of birth and death." (1)

Note: In the present world, countless innocent people in the so-called advanced societies - and wherever materialism reigns - suffer terribly from this above described ailment. It is our duty to save them from their complete destruction and demise.

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Remedy for food poisoning


The following is an English summary of Baba’s Bangla discourse from Shabda Cayanika:
Antidotes of poison - green turmeric, spinach leaves, basil...mainly black basil and secondly white basil or any kinds of basil.

If some negative effect is going on due to food poisoning or because of eating poisonous fish, then without any delay a sufficient quantity of spinach leaves should be eaten and by that way the poison will be antidoted. (1)
Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 20 Bangla, disc 156







Labels: , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

SUBJECTS TOPICS