How sugar harms us + 3 more

Baba

How sugar harms us

Namaskar,

As sadhakas we need to be especially careful of our dietary intake. We all know that foods affect both body and mind. Sugar is one such food. It can have a terribly deleterious effect on both body and mind. Baba has issued the following warning.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba says, "One must reduce the use of raw and refined sugar." (Yogic Treatments: Obesity)

In numerous chapters of His book, Yogic Treatments, Baba points out health concerns and diseases related with sugar, including His chapter on diabetes, among others.

Sugar hastens aging

In various reporting sessions Baba also said that sugar intake after the age of 25 or so hastens aging and causes other health issues. So, here again, Baba's guideline is to reduce or eliminate sugar to live a long, healthy life.

One of the healthy habits Baba does advocate is starting one's main meal with bitter foods like gourd. That activates the liver and leads to the secretion of bile. Hence, Baba encourages eating bitter foods; and, at the same time, He severely warns us of eating sugary and sweet foods.

Unfortunately, so many of our respected Dadas suffer from diseases directly associated with eating too much sugar. Plus sugar itself exacerbates any existing health problem. To best help our revered Wts - or any such person suffering from poor health and high sugar intake - we should try and guide one and all in a most compassionate and clear manner. If we ourselves are familiar with the facts, then we can best help others.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Sugar ruins mental concentration

As mentioned above, the ill-effects of sugar are not limited to the physical body. Sugar also impedes one's concentration as it makes the mind tired, sleepy and lazy. For sadhakas, sugar directly impedes one's spiritual-cum-devotional life. As far as possible, we should all reduce our sugar intake - but the best option is to eliminate it entirely.

Below is a near exhaustive list - compiled by one research team - of the harmful effects of sugar. We should all take note and make conscious steps toward reducing our sugar intake.

Please know that this list is not some fairy tale. The below list is based on medical research and scientific evidence. After the list of points is an annotation of references. Each point is based on the corresponding reference number. Please read the following and educate others.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Respectfully,
Vishvarupa

~ 141 Reasons Sugar Ruins Your Health ~

(Just Kidding, it’s 143)

By Nancy Appleton PhD & G.N. Jacobs
Excerpted from Suicide by Sugar
Used with permission

1. Sugar can suppress your immune system.
2. Sugar upsets the mineral relationships in the body.
3. Sugar can cause juvenile delinquency in children.
4. Sugar eaten during pregnancy and lactation can influence muscle force production in offspring, which can affect an individual’s ability to exercise.
5. Sugar in soda, when consumed by children, results in the children drinking less milk.
6. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses and return them to fasting levels slower in oral contraceptive users.
7. Sugar can increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage cells and tissues.
8. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, inability to concentrate and crankiness in children.
9. Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
10.  Sugar reduces the body’s ability to defend against bacterial infection.
11.  Sugar causes a decline in tissue elasticity and function – the more sugar you eat, the more elasticity and function you lose.
12.  Sugar reduces high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
13.  Sugar can lead to chromium deficiency.
14.  Sugar can lead to ovarian cancer.
15.  Sugar can increase fasting levels of glucose.
16.  Sugar causes copper deficiency.
17.  Sugar interferes with the body’s absorption of calcium and magnesium.
18.  Sugar may make eyes more vulnerable to age-related macular degeneration.
19.  Sugar raises the level of neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
20.  Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
21.  Sugar can lead to an acidic digestive tract.
22.  Sugar can cause a rapid rise of adrenaline levels in children.
23.  Sugar is frequently malabsorbed in patients with functional bowel disease.
24.  Sugar can cause premature aging.
25.  Sugar can lead to alcoholism.
26.  Sugar can cause tooth decay.
27.  Sugar can lead to obesity.
28.  Sugar increases the risk of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
29.  Sugar can cause gastric or duodenal ulcers.
30.  Sugar can cause arthritis.
31.  Sugar can cause learning disorders in school children.
32.  Sugar assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections).
33.  Sugar can cause gallstones.
34.  Sugar can cause heart disease.
35.  Sugar can cause appendicitis.
36.  Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.
37.  Sugar can cause varicose veins.
38.  Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
39.  Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
40.  Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.
41.  Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
42.  Sugar can lower the amount of Vitamin E in the blood.
43.  Sugar can decrease the amount of growth hormones in the body.
44.  Sugar can increase cholesterol.
45.  Sugar increases advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which form when sugar binds non-enzymatically to protein.
46.  Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein.
47.  Sugar causes food allergies.
48.  Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
49.  Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
50.  Sugar can lead to eczema in children.
51.  Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
52.  Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.
53.  Sugar can change the structure of protein.
54.  Sugar can make the skin wrinkle by changing the structure of collagen.
55.  Sugar can cause cataracts.
56.  Sugar can cause emphysema.
57.  Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
58.  Sugar can promote an elevation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL).
59.  Sugar can impair the physiological homeostasis of many systems in the body.
60.  Sugar lowers enzymes' ability to function.
61.  Sugar intake is associated with the development of Parkinson’s disease.
62.  Sugar can increase the size of the liver by making the liver cells divide.
63.  Sugar can increase the amount of liver fat.
64.  Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
65.  Sugar can damage the pancreas.
66.  Sugar can increase the body’s fluid retention.
67.  Sugar is the number one enemy of the bowel movement.
68.  Sugar can cause myopia (nearsightedness).
69.  Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
70.  Sugar can make tendons more brittle.
71.  Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
72.  Sugar plays a role in pancreatic cancer in women.
73.  Sugar can adversely affect children’s grades in school.
74.  Sugar can cause depression.
75.  Sugar increases the risk of gastric cancer.
76.  Sugar can cause dyspepsia (indigestion).
77.  Sugar can increase the risk of developing gout.
78.  Sugar can increase the levels of glucose in the blood much higher than complex carbohydrates in a glucose tolerance test can.
79.  Sugar reduces learning capacity.
80.  Sugar can cause two blood proteins – albumin and lipoproteins – to function less effectively, which may reduce the body’s ability to handle fat and cholesterol.
81.  Sugar can contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
82.  Sugar can cause platelet adhesiveness, which causes blood clots.
83.  Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance – some hormones become underactive and others become overactive.
84.  Sugar can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
85.  Sugar can cause free radicals and oxidative stress.
86.  Sugar can lead to biliary tract cancer.
87.  Sugar increases the risk of pregnant adolescents delivering a small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infant.
88.  Sugar can lead to a substantial decrease in the length of pregnancy among adolescents.
89.  Sugar slows food’s travel time through the gastrointestinal tract.
90.  Sugar increases the concentration of bile acids in stool and bacterial enzymes in the colon, which can modify bile to produce cancer-causing compounds and colon cancer.
91.  Sugar increases estradiol (the most potent form of naturally occurring estrogen) in men.
92.  Sugar combines with and destroys phosphatase, a digestive enzyme, which makes digestion more difficult.
93.  Sugar can be a risk factor for gallbladder cancer.
94.  Sugar is an addictive substance.
95.  Sugar can be intoxicating, similar to alcohol.
96.  Sugar can aggravate premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
97.  Sugar can decrease emotional stability.
98.  Sugar promotes excessive food intake in obese people.
99.  Sugar can worsen the symptoms of children with attention deficit disorder (ADD).


Now here are 44 more reasons...

1. Sugar can slow the ability of the adrenal glands to function.
2. Sugar can cut off oxygen to the brain when given to people intravenously.
3. Sugar is a risk factor for lung cancer.
4. Sugar increases the risk of polio.
5. Sugar can cause epileptic seizures.
6. Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure (pressure when the heart is contracting).
7. Sugar can induce cell death.
8. Sugar can increase the amount of food that you eat.
9. Sugar can cause antisocial behavior in juvenile delinquents.
10. Sugar can lead to prostate cancer.
11. Sugar dehydrates newborns.
12. Sugar can cause women to give birth to babies with low birth weight.
13. Sugar is associated with a worse outcome of schizophrenia.
14. Sugar can raise homocysteine levels in the bloodstream.
15. Sugar increases the risk of breast cancer.
16. Sugar is a risk factor in small intestine cancer.
17. Sugar can cause laryngeal cancer.
18. Sugar induces salt and water retention.
19. Sugar can contribute to mild memory loss.
20. Sugar water, when given to children shortly after birth, results in those children preferring sugar water to regular water throughout childhood.
21. Sugar causes constipation.
22. Sugar can cause brain decay in pre-diabetic and diabetic women.
23. Sugar can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
24. Sugar can cause metabolic syndrome.
25. Sugar increases neural tube defects in embryos when it is consumed by pregnant women.
26. Sugar can cause asthma.
27. Sugar increases the chances of getting irritable bowel syndrome.
28. Sugar can affect central reward systems.
29. Sugar can cause cancer of the rectum.
30. Sugar can cause endometrial cancer.
31. Sugar can cause renal (kidney) cell cancer.
32. Sugar can cause liver tumors.
33. Sugar can increase inflammatory markers in the bloodstreams of overweight people.
34. Sugar plays a role in the cause and the continuation of acne.
35. Sugar can ruin the sex life of both men and women by turning off the gene that controls the sex hormones.
36. Sugar can cause fatigue, moodiness, nervousness, and depression.
37. Sugar can make many essential nutrients less available to cells.
38. Sugar can increase uric acid in blood.
39. Sugar can lead to higher C-peptide concentrations.
40. Sugar causes inflammation.
41. Sugar can cause diverticulitis, a small bulging sac pushing outward from the colon wall that is inflamed.
42. Sugar can decrease testosterone production.
43. Sugar impairs spatial memory.
44. Sugar can cause cataracts.


Here are the references...

Citations:
1. Sanchez, A, et al. “Role of Sugars in Human Neutrophilic Phagocytosis.” Am J Clin Nutr. Nov 1973; 261: 1180-1184.
2. Bernstein, L et al. “Depression of Lymphocyte Transformation Following Oral Glucose Ingestion.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1997; 30: 613.
3. Schauss, A. Diet, Crime and Delinquency. (Berkley, CA: Parker House, 1981).
4. Bayol, S.A “Evidence that a Maternal ‘Junk Food’ Diet during Pregnancy and Lactation Can Reduce Muscle Force in Offspring.” Eur J Nutr. Dec 19, 2008.
5. Rajeshwari, R, et al. “Secular Trends in Children’s Sweetened-beverage Consumption (1973 to 1994): The Bogalusa Heart Study.” J Am Diet Assoc. Feb 2005; 105(2): 208-214.
6. Behall, K. “Influence of Estrogen Content of Oral Contraceptives and Consumption of Sucrose on Blood Parameters.” Disease Abstracts International.1982; 431-437. POPLINE Document Number: 013114.
7. Mohanty, P., et al. “Glucose Challenge Stimulates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation by Leucocytes.” J Clin Endocrin Metab. Aug 2000; 85(8): 2970-2973.
Couzy, F., et al. “Nutritional Implications of the Interaction Minerals.”Progressive Food & Nutrition Science. 1933; 17: 65-87.
8. Goldman, L et al. “Behavioral Effects of Sucrose on Preschool Children.” J Abnorm Child Psy. 1986; 14(4): 565-577.
9. Scanto, S. and Yudkin, J. “The Effect of Dietary Sucrose on Blood Lipids, Serum Insulin, Platelet Adhesiveness and Body Weight in Human Volunteers.” Postgrad Med J. 1969; 45: 602-607.
10. Ringsdorf, w., Cheraskin, E., and Ramsay. R “Sucrose, Neutrophilic Phagocytosis and Resistance to Disease.” Dental Survey. 1976; 52(12): 46-48.
11. Cerami, A, et al. “Glucose and Aging.” Scientific American. May 1987: 90.
Lee, A T. and Cerami, A “The Role of Glycation in Aging.” Annals N Y Acad Sci. 663: 63-67.
12. Albrink, M. and Ullrich, LH. “Interaction of Dietary Sucrose and Fiber on Serum Lipids in Healthy Young Men Fed High Carbohydrate Diets.” Clin Nutr.1986;43: 419-428.
Pamplona, R, et al. “Mechanisms of Glycation in Atherogenesis.” Medical Hypotheses. Mar 1993; 40(3): 174-81.
13. Kozlovsky, A, et al. “Effects of Diets High in Simple Sugars on Urinary Chromium Losses.” Metabolism. Jun 1986; 35: 515-518.
14. Takahashi, E. Tohoku, University School of Medicine. Wholistic Health Digest. Oct 1982: 41.
15. Kelsay, L et al. “Diets High in Glucose or Sucrose and Young Women.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1974; 27: 926-936.
Thomas, B. L et al. “Relation of Habitual Diet to Fasting Plasma Insulin Concentration and the Insulin Response to Oral Glucose.” Hum Nutr Clin Nutr. 1983; 36C(1): 49-51.
16. Fields, M., et al. “Effect of Copper Deficiency on Metabolism and Mortality in Rats Fed Sucrose or Starch Diets.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1983; 113: 1335-1345.
17. Lemann, J. “Evidence that Glucose Ingestion Inhibits Net Renal Tubular Reabsorption of Calcium and Magnesium.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1976; 70: 236-245.
18. Chiu, C. “Association between Dietary Glycemic Index and Age-related Macular Degeneration in Nondiabetic Participants in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study.” Am J Clin Nutr. Jul 2007; 86: 180-188.
19. “Sugar, White Flour Withdrawal Produces Chemical Response.” The Addiction Letter. Jul1992: 4.
20. Dufty, William. Sugar Blues. (New York: Warner Books, 1975).
21. Ibid.
22. Jones, T.W., et al. “Enhanced Adrenomedullary Response and Increased Susceptibility to Neuroglygopenia: Mechanisms Underlying the Adverse Effect of Sugar Ingestion in Children.” J Ped. Feb 1995; 126: 171-177.
23. Ibid.
24. Lee, A. T. and Cerami, A. “The Role of Glycation in Aging.” Annals NY Acad Sci. 1992; 663: 63-70.
25. Abrahamson, E. and Peget, A. Body, Mind and Sugar. (New York: Avon, 1977).
26. Glinsmann, w., et al. “Evaluation of Health Aspects of Sugar Contained in Carbohydrate Sweeteners.” FDA Report of Sugars Task Force. 1986: 39.
Makinen, K.K., et al. “A Descriptive Report of the Effects of a 16-month Xylitol Chewing-Gum Programme Subsequent to a 40-Month Sucrose Gum Programme.”Caries Res. 1998; 32(2): 107-12.
Riva Touger-Decker and Cor van Loveren, “Sugars and Dental Caries.” Am J Clin Nutr. Oct 2003; 78: 881-892.
27. Keen, H., et al. “Nutrient Intake, Adiposity and Diabetes.” Brit Med J. 1989; 1: 655-658.
28. Tragnone, A, et al. “Dietary Habits as Risk Factors for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. Jan 1995; 7(1): 47-51.
29. Yudkin, J. Sweet and Dangerous. (New York: Bantam Books: 1974) 129.
30. Darlington, L., and Ramsey. et al. “Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study of Dietary Manipulation Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis,” Lancet. Feb 1986; 8475(1): 236-238.
31. Schauss, A. Diet, Crime and Delinquency. (Berkley, CA: Parker House, 1981).
32. Crook, W. J. The Yeast Connection. (TN: Professional Books, 1984).
33. Heaton, K. “The Sweet Road to Gallstones.” Brit Med J. Apr 14, 1984; 288: 1103-1104.
Misciagna, G., et al. “Insulin and Gallstones.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 69: 120-126.
34. Yudkin, J. “Sugar Consumption and Myocardial Infarction.” Lancet. Feb 6, 1971; 1(7693): 296-297.
Chess, D.J., et al. “Deleterious Effects of Sugar and Protective Effects of Starch on Cardiac Remodeling, Contractile Dysfunction, and Mortality in Response to Pressure Overload.” Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. Sep 2007; 293(3): H1853-H1860.
35. Cleave, T. The Saccharine Disease. (New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1974).
36. Ibid.
37. Cleave, T. and Campbell, G. Diabetes, Coronary Thrombosis and the Saccharine Disease. (Bristol, England: John Wright and Sons, 1960).
38. Glinsmann, W., et al. “Evaluation of Health Aspects of Sugar Contained in Carbohydrate Sweeteners.” F.D.A. Report of Sugars Task Force. 1986; 39: 36-38.
39. Tjiiderhane, L. and Larmas, M. “A High Sucrose Diet Decreases the Mechanical Strength of Bones in Growing Rats.” J Nutr. 1998; 128: 1807-1810.
40. Wilson, RE and Ashley, EP. “The Effects of Experimental Variations in Dietary Sugar Intake and Oral Hygiene on the Biochemical Composition and pH of Free Smooth-surface and Approximal Plaque.” J Dent Res. Jun 1988; 67(6): 949-953.
41. Beck-Nielsen, H., et al. “Effects of Diet on the Cellular Insulin Binding and the Insulin Sensitivity in Young Healthy Subjects.” Diabetes. 1978; 15: 289-296.
42. Mohanty, P., et al. “Glucose Challenge Stimulates Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Generation by Leucocytes.” J Clin Endocrin Metab. Aug 2000; 85(8): 2970-2973.
43. Gardner, L. and Reiser, S. “Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate on Fasting Levels of Human Growth Hormone and Cortisol.” Proc Soc Exp Bioi Med. 1982; 169: 36-40.
44. Ma, Y, et al. “Association Between Carbohydrate Intake and Serum Lipids.” J Am Coli Nutr. Apr 2006; 25(2): 155-163.
45. Furth, A and Harding, J. “Why Sugar Is Bad For You.” New Scientist. Sep 23, 1989; 44.
46. Lee, AT. and Cerami, A “Role of Glycation in Aging.” Annals N Y Acad Sci. Nov 21,1992; 663: 63-70.
47. Appleton, N. Lick the Sugar Habit. (New York: Avery Penguin Putnam, 1988).
48. Henriksen, H. B. and Kolset, S.O. Tidsslcr Nor Laegeforen. Sep 6, 2007; 127(17): 2259-62.
49. Cleave, T. The Saccharine Disease. (New Canaan, CT: Keats Publishing, 1974).
50. Ibid., at 132.
51. Vaccaro, 0., et al. “Relationship of Postload Plasma Glucose to Mortality with 19 Year Follow-up.” Diabetes Care. Oct 15,1992; 10: 328-334.
Tominaga, M., et al, “Impaired Glucose Tolerance Is a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease, but Not Fasting Glucose.” Diabetes Care. 1999; 2(6): 920-924.
52. Lee, A T. and Cerami, A “Modifications of Proteins and Nucleic Acids by Reducing Sugars: Possible Role in Aging.” Handbook of the Biology of Aging. (New York: Academic Press, 1990).
53. Monnier, V. M. “Nonenzymatic Glycosylation, the Maillard Reaction and the Aging Process.” J Ger. 1990; 45(4): 105-110.
54. Dyer, D. G., et al. “Accumulation of Maillard Reaction Products in Skin Collagen in Diabetes and Aging.” J Clin Invest. 1993; 93(6): 421-422.
55. Veromann, S., et al. “Dietary Sugar and Salt Represent Real Risk Factors for Cataract Development.” Ophthalmologica. Jul-Aug 2003; 217(4): 302-307.
56. Monnier, V. M. “Nonenzymatic Glycosylation, the Maillard Reaction and the Aging Process.” J Ger. 1990; 45(4): 105-110.
57. Schmidt, AM., et al. “Activation of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products: a Mechanism for Chronic Vascular Dysfunction in Diabetic Vasculopathy and Atherosclerosis.” Circ Res. Mar 1999; 1984(5): 489-97.
58. Lewis, G. F. and Steiner, G. “Acute Effects of Insulin in the Control of VLDL Production in Humans. Implications for The Insulin-resistant State.” Diabetes Care. Apr 1996; 19(4): 390-393.
R. Pamplona, M.J., et al. “Mechanisms of Glycation in Atherogenesis.” Medical Hypotheses. 1990; 40: 174-181.
59. Ceriello, A “Oxidative Stress and Glycemic Regulation.” Metabolism. Feb 2000; 49(2 Suppl1): 27-29.
60. Appleton, Nancy. Lick the Sugar Habit. (New York: Avery Penguin Putnam, 1988).
61. Hellenbrand, W., et al. “Diet and Parkinson’s Disease. A Possible Role for the Past Intake of Specific Nutrients. Results from a Self-administered Food-frequency Questionnaire in a Case-control Study.” Neurology. Sep 1996; 47: 644-650.
Cerami, A, et al. “Glucose and Aging.” Sci Am. May 1987: 90.
62. Goulart, F. S. “Are You Sugar Smart?” American Fitness. Mar-Apr 1991: 34-38.
63. Scribner, K.B., et al. “Hepatic Steatosis and Increased Adiposity in Mice Consuming Rapidly vs. Slowly Absorbed Carbohydrate.” Obesity. 2007; 15: 2190-2199.
64. Yudkin, L Kang, S., and Bruckdorfer, K. “Effects of High Dietary Sugar.” Brit Med J. Nov 22, 1980; 1396.
65. Goulart, F. S. “Are You Sugar Smart?” American Fitness. Mar-Apr 1991: 34-38
66. Ibid.
67. Ibid.
68. Ibid.
69. Ibid.
70. Nash, J. “Health Contenders.” Essence. Jan 1992; 23: 79-81.
71. Grand, E. “Food Allergies and Migraine.” Lancet. 1979; 1: 955-959.
72. Michaud, D. “Dietary Sugar, Glycemic Load, and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in a Prospective Study.” J Natl Cancer Inst. Sep 4, 2002; 94(17): 1293-300.
73. Schauss, A. Diet, Crime and Delinquency. (Berkley, CA: Parker House, 1981).
74. Peet, M. “International Variations in the Outcome of Schizophrenia and the Prevalence of Depression in Relation to National Dietary Practices: An Ecological Analysis.” Brit J Psy. 2004; 184: 404-408.
75. Cornee, L et al. “A Case-control Study of Gastric Cancer and Nutritional Factors in Marseille, France.” Eur J Epid. 1995; 11: 55-65.
76. Yudkin, J. Sweet and Dangerous. (New York: Bantam Books, 1974).
77. Ibid., at 44.
78. Reiser, S., et al. “Effects of Sugars on Indices on Glucose Tolerance in Humans.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1986: 43; 151-159.
79. Ibid.
Molteni, R, et al. “A High-fat, Refined Sugar Diet Reduces Hippocampal Brainderived Neurotrophic Factor, Neuronal Plasticity, and Learning.”NeuroScience. 2002; 112(4): 803-814.
80. Monnier, v., “Nonenzymatic Glycosylation, the Maillard Reaction and the Aging Process.” J Ger. 1990; 45: 105-111.
81. Frey, J. “Is There Sugar in the Alzheimer’s Disease?” Annales De Biologie Clinique. 2001; 59(3): 253-257.
82. Yudkin, J. “Metabolic Changes Induced by Sugar in Relation to Coronary Heart Disease and Diabetes.” Nutr Health. 1987; 5(1-2): 5-8.
83. Ibid.
84. Blacklock, N.J., “Sucrose and Idiopathic Renal Stone.” Nutr Health. 1987; 5(1-2):9-12.
Curhan, G., et al. “Beverage Use and Risk for Kidney Stones in Women.” Ann Inter Med. 1998; 28: 534-340.
85. Ceriello, A “Oxidative Stress and Glycemic Regulation.” Metabolism. Feb 2000; 49(2 Suppl1): 27-29.
86. Moerman, C. L et al. “Dietary Sugar Intake in the Etiology of Biliary Tract Cancer.” Inter J Epid. Apr 1993; 2(2): 207-214.
87. Lenders, C. M. “Gestational Age and Infant Size at Birth Are Associated with Dietary Intake among Pregnant Adolescents.” J Nutr. Jun 1997; 1113-1117.
88. Ibid.
89.Yudkin, J. and Eisa, O. “Dietary Sucrose and Oestradiol Concentration in Young Men.” Ann Nutr Metab. 1988; 32(2): 53-55.
90. Bostick, RM., et al. “Sugar, Meat, and Fat Intake and Non-dietary Risk Factors for Colon Cancer Incidence in Iowa Women.” Cancer Causes & Control. 1994; 5: 38-53.
Kruis, w., et al. “Effects of Diets Low and High in Refined Sugars on Gut Transit, Bile Acid Metabolism and Bacterial Fermentation.” Gut. 1991; 32: 367-370.
Ludwig, D. S., et al. “High Glycemic Index Foods, Overeating, And Obesity.”Pediatrics. Mar 1999; 103(3): 26-32.
91. Yudkin, J. and Eisa, O. “Dietary Sucrose and Oestradiol Concentration in Young Men.” Ann Nutr Metab. 1988; 32(2): 53-55.
92. Lee, AT. and Cerami, A “The Role of Glycation in Aging.” Annals N Y Acad Sci. 1992; 663: 63-70.
93. Moerman, c., et al.”Dietary Sugar Intake in the Etiology of Gallbladder Tract Cancer.” Inter J Epid. Apr 1993; 22(2): 207-214.
94. Avena, N.M. “Evidence for Sugar Addiction: Behavioral and Nuerochemical Effects of Intermittent, Excessive Sugar Intake.” Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2008; 32(1): 20-39.
Colantuoni, c., et al. “Evidence That Intermittent, Excessive Sugar Intake Cause Endogenous Opioid Dependence.” Obesity. Jun 2002; 10(6): 478-488.
95. Ibid.
96. The Edell Health Letter. Sep 1991; 7: 1.
97. Christensen, L., et al. “Impact of A Dietary Change on Emotional Distress.” J Abnorm Psy. 1985; 94(4): 565-79.
98. Ludwig, D.S., et al. “High Glycemic Index Foods, Overeating and Obesity.”Pediatrics. Mar 1999; 103(3): 26-32.
99. Girardi, N.L.” Blunted Catecholamine Responses after Glucose Ingestion in Children with Attention Deficit Disorder.” Pediatr Res. 1995; 38: 539-542.
Berdonces, J.L. “Attention Deficit and Infantile Hyperactivity.” Rev Enferm. Jan 2001; 4(1): 11-4.
100. Lechin, E, et al. “Effects of an Oral Glucose Load on Plasma Neurotransmitters in Humans.” Neuropsychobiology. 1992; 26(1-2): 4-11.
101. Arieff, AI. “IVs of Sugar Water Can Cut Off Oxygen to the Brain.” Veterans Administration Medical Center in San Francisco. San Jose Mercury. Jun 12/86.
102. De Stefani, E. “Dietary Sugar and Lung Cancer: a Case Control Study in Uruguay.” Nutr Cancer. 1998; 31(2): 132-7.
103. Sandler, B.P. Diet Prevents Polio. (Milwakuee, WI: The Lee Foundation for Nutr Research,1951).
104. Murphy, P. “The Role of Sugar in Epileptic Seizures.” Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients. May 2001.
105. Stern, N. and Tuck, M. “Pathogenesis of Hypertension in Diabetes Mellitus.”Diabetes Mellitus, a Fundamental and Clinical Test. 2nd Edition. (Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000) 943-957.
Citation Preuss, H.G., et al. “Sugar-Induced Blood Pressure Elevations Over the Lifespan of Three Substrains of Wistar Rats.” J Am Coli Nutr. 1998; 17(1): 36-37.
106. Christansen, D. “Critical Care: Sugar Limit Saves Lives.” Science News. Jun 30, 2001; 159: 404.
Donnini, D., et al. “Glucose May Induce Cell Death through a Free Radicalmediated Mechanism.” Biochem Biophys Res Commun. Feb 15, 1996; 219(2): 412-417.
107. Levine, AS., et al. “Sugars and Fats: The Neurobiology of Preference” J Nutr. 2003; 133: 831S-834S.
108. Schoenthaler, S. “The Los Angeles Probation Department Diet-Behavior Program: Am Empirical Analysis of Six Institutional Settings.” Int J Biosocial Res. 5(2): 88-89.
109. Deneo-Pellegrini H., et al. “Foods, Nutrients and Prostate Cancer: a Casecontrol Study in Uruguay.” Br J Cancer. May 1999; 80(3-4): 591-7.
110. “Gluconeogenesis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition.” Diabetes. Apr 1999; 48(4): 791-800.
111. Lenders, C. M. “Gestational Age and Infant Size at Birth Are Associated with Dietary Intake Among Pregnant Adolescents.” J Nutr. 1998; 128: 807-1810.
112. Peet, M. “International Variations in the Outcome of Schizophrenia and the Prevalence of Depression in Relation to National Dietary Practices: An Ecological Analysis.” Brit J Psy. 2004; 184: 404-408.
113. Fonseca, v., et al. “Effects of a High-fat-sucrose Diet on Enzymes in Homosysteine Metabolism in the Rat.” Metabolism. 2000; 49: 736-41.
114. Potischman, N., et al. “Increased Risk of Early-stage Breast Cancer Related to Consumption of Sweet Foods Among Women Less than Age 45 in the United States.” Cancer Causes & Control. Dec 2002; 13(10): 937-46.
115. Negri, E., et al. “Risk Factors for Adenocarcinoma of the Small Intestine.” Int J Cancer. Jul1999; 2(2): 171-4.
116. Bosetti, c., et al. “Food Groups and Laryngeal Cancer Risk: A Case-control Study from Italy and Switzerland.” Int J Cancer. 2002; 100(3): 355-358.
117. Shannon, M. “An Empathetic Look at Overweight.” CCL Family Found. NovDec 1993; 20(3): 3-5. POPLINE Document Number: 091975.
118. Harry, G. and Preuss, MD, Georgetown University Medical School. http://www.usa.weekend.com/food/carper_archive/961201carper_eatsmart.html.
119. Beauchamp, G.K., and Moran, M. “Acceptance of Sweet and Salty Tastes in 2-year-old Children.” Appetite. Dec 1984; 5(4): 291-305.
120. Cleve, T.L. On the Causation of Varicose Veins. (Bristol, England: John Wright, 1960).
121. Ket, Yaffe, et al. “Diabetes, Impaired Fasting Glucose and Development of Cognitive Impairment in Older Women.” Neurology. 2004; 63: 658-663.
122. Chatenoud, Liliane, et al. “Refined-cereal Intake and Risk of Selected Cancers in Italy.” Am J Clin Nutr. Dec 1999; 70: 1107-1110.
123. Yoo, Sunmi, et al. “Comparison of Dietary Intakes Associated with Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in Young Adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study.” Am J Clin Nutr. Oct 2004; 80(4): 841-848.
124. Shaw, Gary M., et al. “Neural Tube Defects Associated with Maternal Periconceptional Dietary Intake of Simple Sugars and Glycemic Index.” Am J Clin Nutr. Nov 2003; 78: 972-978.
125. Powers, L. “Sensitivity: You React to What You Eat.” Los Angeles Times. Feb 12, 1985.
Cheng, L et al. “Preliminary Clinical Study on the Correlation Between Allergic Rhinitis and Food Factors.” Lin Chuang Er Bi Yan Hou Ke Za Zhi. Aug 2002; 16(8): 393-396.
126. Jarnerot, G. “Consumption of Refined Sugar by Patients with Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative colitis, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Scand J Gastroenterol. Nov 1983; 18(8): 999-1002.
127. Allen, S. “Sugars and Fats: The Neurobiology of Preference.” J Nutr. 2003; 133: 831S-834S.
128. De Stefani, E., et al. “Sucrose as a Risk Factor for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum: a Case-control Study in Uruguay.” Int J Cancer. Jan 5, 1998; 75(1): 40-4.
129. Levi, E, et al. “Dietary Factors and the Risk of Endometrial Cancer.” Cancer. Jun 1, 1993; 71(11): 3575-3581.
130. Mellemgaard, A, et al. “Dietary Risk Factors for Renal Cell Carcinoma in Denmark.” Eur J Cancer. Apr 1996; 32A(4): 673-82.
131. Rogers, AE., et al. “Nutritional and Dietary Influences on Liver Tumorigenesis in Mice and Rats.” Arch Toxicol Suppl. 1987; 10: 231-43. Review.
132. Sorensen, L.B., et al. “Effect of Sucrose on Inflammatory Markers in Overweight Humans” Am J Clin Nutr. Aug 2005; 82(2).
133. Smith, R.N., et al. “The Effect of a High-protein, Low Glycemic-load Diet Versus a Conventional, High Glycemic-load Diet on Biochemical Parameters Associated with Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized, Investigator-masked, Controlled TriaL” JAm Acad Dermatol. 2007; 57: 247-256.
134. Selva, D.M., et al. “Monosaccharide-induced Lipogenesis Regulates the Human Hepatic Sex Hormone-binding Globulin Gene.” J Clin Invest. 2007. doi:10.1172/JCI32249.
135. Krietsch, K., et al. “Prevalence, Presenting Symptoms, and Psychological Characteristics of Individuals Experiencing a Diet-related Mood-disturbance.”Behavior Therapy. 1988; 19(4): 593-604.
136. Berglund, M., et al. “Comparison of Monounsaturated Fat with Carbohydrates as a Replacement for Saturated Fat in Subjects with a High Metabolic Risk Profile: Studies in the Fasting and Postprandial States.” Am J Clin Nutr. Dec 1, 2007; 86(6): 1611-1620.
137. Gao, X., et al. “Intake of Added Sugar and Sugar-Sweetened Drink and Serum Uric Acid Concentration in US Men and Women.” Hypertension. Aug 1, 2007; 50(2): 306-312.
138. Wu, T., et al. Fructose, Glycemic Load, and Quantity and Quality of Carbohydrate in Relation to Plasma C-peptide Concentrations in US Women.” Am J Clin Nutr. Oct 2004; (4):1043-1049.
139. Matthias, B. and Schulze, M.B. “Dietary Pattern, Inflammation, and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Women.” Am J Clin Nutr. Sep 2005; 82: 675-684.
140. Yudkin, J. Sweet and Dangerous. (New York: Bantam Books: 1974) 169.
141. http://www.endo-society.org/media/press/upload/CARONIA_FINAL.pdfdated June 13, 2009
142. Ross, AP, et. al. “A High Fructose Diet Impairs Spatial Memory in Male Rats” Neurobiol Learn Mem. 2009 Jun 12. [Epub ahead of print]
143. Gul, A. et al. “Role of fructose concentration on cataractogenesis in senile diabetic and non-diabetic patients.” Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2009 Jun;247(6):809-14. Epub 2009 Feb 6.

http://nancyappleton.com/141-reasons-sugar-ruins-your-health/

*        *        *

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 ==

Breeze of that supreme love 

"Práńa tumi d́hele diyechile, ei dharańiir końe końe..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2344)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, You poured love and affection in each and every nook and corner of this earth and showered Your grace everywhere. Each particle of this universe has received Your mercy. Not a single spot has remained untouched. You have spread Your krpa in all directions. With the breeze of that supreme love and affection and infinite compassion, the resonance of spiritual songs, music, tunes, tempo, and melody came drifting. You cared for all.

Baba, with the sway of Your unearthly, loving, warmth and kindness, this entire universe has become intoxicated with the spiritual nectar of bhakti. That swing filled all hearts with Brahma bhava. In the flow of Your prema, the world became lost in bliss. You filled and inundated everyone's being with endless joy. The feeling of bhakti inspired the language to express its eternal love. Due to the rhythm of Your exquisite refulgence, all hopelessness disappeared, and everyone danced in that divine bliss.  

My Supreme Entity, this entire creation is Your thought projection. All are in Your mind. No one is unfortunate, lowly, or meagre. Every person, all of creation, is afloat in Your psychic arena. Baba, due to Your exquisite blessing, everyone exists. You shower Your causeless karuna’ on all…

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Prout & intuitional knowledge

   Prout philosophy states, “The approach of PROUT is subjective approach through objective adjustment. This presupposes a connecting link between intuition and intellect. This connecting link or touching point is called “Bodhi Jiṋána”. With the help of Bodhi Jiṋána, intuitional knowledge can be utilized for solving mundane problems. Thus PROUT is a Bodhi Jiṋána.”
   “Logic is a psychic survey. Such a survey may or may not be correct, therefore it is futile to follow logic blindly. The result of your psychic survey is called your rationality. This psychic survey, embedded in relativity, may or may not be correct. Intuitional vision is the best logic. Intuitional vision should be your guiding ideology. For example, it is an axiomatic truth that everything has come from the Cosmic Father and everything will merge in Him, but this truth is beyond the scope of intellectual logic.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

AM & subjective approach

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/11/most-useful-but-misunderstood.html

How bhakti is permanent

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/bhakti-stays-even-after-death.html

Spiritual way to start the day

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/09/dogma-in-guru-sakash-how-to-pay-homage.html

Suffering & samskara theory

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-about-fate-4-more.html

Sadhana process & mantra

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/08/parrot-meditation-3-more.html

How occult powers ruin sadhaka life + 2 more

Baba

How occult powers ruin sadhaka life

Namaskar,

In this world of ours, some people believe that occult powers have great value, but this is not the case in Ananda Marga. Why is this so?

Material desires in sadhana

One of the main yogic tenets is: As one thinks so one becomes. And this applies to both spiritual life and mundane existence. For example, if one is doing sadhana and has a desire for money, then they  will get money. Before practising sadhana, one did not have money; one just  had the desire to have more money. Then, after practising sadhana for some time, the sadhaka acquires a lot of money.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In our lives, we might have seen many such sadhakas. Money is just one example, but it can be any other materialistic pursuit such as prestige, power, recognition, etc. When one does sadhana, one will get whatever one thinks. In dharma sadhana, the sadhaka concentrates on Parama’tma’ and wants to please Parama’tma’. If the sadhaka concentrates on Parama’tma’, but at the same time is thinking about how to get more money, then one will get money because Parama’tma’ will provide what the sadhaka wants. If the want is materialistic, then the sadhaka will get that, but not realize Parama’tma’ because the want was for something materialistic and not Parama’tma’.

Example of baby & mother

Let us consider another example. If a baby is crying and the mother gives it a toy, then the baby stops crying. So the mother does not need to do anything else to fulfill the wants of the baby. The mother will give the baby a toy and keep doing her work. But if the baby continues to cry even after receiving the toy then the mother does not have any other option but to take the baby on her lap. The same is the case in spiritual sadhana. If the sadhaka wants only Him, then surely Parama Purusa will be gracious and bring that sadhaka on His lap.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

His liila is colourful

Parama’tma’s creation is full of maya. If no one is trapped in maya and everyone strongly desires to realize Parama’tma, then all will be liberated. That is why in this creation there is vidya maya and avidya maya, phases of lightness and dark, wisdom and ignorance. Parama’tma likes to do His liila. With His liila, this creation is colourful, just like in a play where there is a hero, a villain, and a comedian, etc. Similarly, in this creation there are those who are  wise, dumb, wealthy, poor, duplicitous,, and spiritual, etc. Everyone has different wants: They debate points, have friendships, undergo struggles, and that is how this creation is colourful. This play of His creation is called His liila.


Obstructions in sadhana

On the path of sadhana, maya is an obstruction. When one does sadhana, then various types of obstructions arise. When one first starts sadhana, then there will be obstructions from the outside such as from family members, neighbors, friends, etc. Slowly those external obstructions will no longer be problematic for the aspirant, and instead internal obstructions will mount. And if a sadhaka persists with sadhana, then slowly the mind will  become calm and not be bothered by either internal or external obstructions. The mind will become focused and the sadhaka will be inspired to do more sadhana.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The next obstruction will be  in the form of occult powers, i.e. the temptation to attain and use them. If a sadhaka aspires for occult power, then s/he will get it, but this will result in the downfall of the sadhaka. How? With occult powers one starts to put more emphasis on one’s own self. For example, what one says, that will happen because of the power of sadhana. The person with occult power may get offended or their self-esteem may be hurt if someone else says something that is not pleasing to them. In return, the person with occult powers may curse that other person and think about how to take revenge on that individual . With such types of actions, the sadhaka  with occult powers becomes degenerated, as  they will have to undergo the reactions of such actions later. Moreover, their sadhana was also adversely affected because they  wanted occult powers and not Parama Purusa .


How people use occult power

In ancient times, when no weapons were available for punishment, people used to bite others or beat them by hand. Slowly, people used stones, sticks, etc., and now people use guns and other weapons. If one does not use physical objects to hurt others, but uses psychic powers, then that also results in harming others as well, bringing about the downfall of oneself. If one commits any bad action, then one has to suffer the consequences.

On the path of sadhana, avidya maya poses a number of obstructions such that the sadhaka struggles to advance further. Occult power is also a type of obstruction. With occult power one feels that whatever one says will happen. So, in front of other people, one will try to show their occult power with various demonstrations in order to get recognition from others and for prestige. The use of occult power brings about one’s downfall as the goal is to praise oneself and / or enhance their prestige. So sadhakas should not pay any attention to occult powers.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Result in occult power

On the path of bhakti, Parama’tma’ is above everything. Because of Parama’tma’, this creation exists, and we exist. With occult power, the sadhaka gets disillusioned and puts too much emphasis on the self and forgets Parama’tma’. This results in one’s own downfall. When the sadhaka thinks Parama’tma’ is above everything then that results in the spiritual growth of a sadhaka, but when one thinks s/he is above everything then one becomes degenerated.

With occult power, the sadhaka is not a beginner. So when the downfall occurs it hampers the sadhaka in a significant way, as if s/he has fallen from 100 ft off the ground. Typically, when one falls from ground level then the bodily damages are minor, and  when one falls from 10 feet above the ground the damages are a little more, but when one falls from above 100 ft then the damages are significant. So if a sadhaka who has advanced to higher levels degenerates, then the damages are significant, and may result in their complete destruction and annihilation..

In Him,
Nirakara

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “While practising spiritual cult, it should be remembered that spiritual aspirants must not practise in order to acquire these occult powers. The goal of spiritual practice is to realize the Supreme Entity. To search for any other thing is wrong. Occult powers are just like the dust on the roadside. The attraction for Parama Puruśa is the most valuable object – all else is only the dust of the earth.” (1)


~ In-depth study ~

Why you got this body
 
Baba has warned us not to pay attention to occult powers. The goal of life is to realize Parama’tma’ and not the achievement of material pleasures such as money, prestige, power etc. A sadhaka in advanced stages should never develop this feeling that s/he is more knowledgeable than others, or has more power than others. This type of thinking is dangerous because it is a temporary state only — someone possesses money, power etc. today but may not have that tomorrow.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


World is transitory

For example, one who is a great scholar today may not know a simple thing tomorrow if s/he develops Alzheimer’s disease. With such a disease, yesterday’s scholar may not even remember his own name. This body will not remain on this earth forever —  even those born today will  only remain  for about 100 years.  But new human beings will take birth to replace the ones who have left. It is like a play or drama performed on a stage. In that  performance there is a stage and many performers. Brother R  came on the stage, sang a song, and left; another one came, narrated a story, and left; another one danced and left.  Just as in the afore-described play, we are players on this world stage. Players come and go, and their nature is transitory. However, the lamp on the stage witnesses everything that happens in the play. Parama’tma’ is the Witnessing Entity who observes everything that happens in this creation. The play in the creation is never-ending.

We have a duty to perform in this creation.  As human beings we have the potential to channel all our energy towards Parama’tma’. If there are obstructions, selfish desires on the way, then they have to be removed. There has to be one and only one desire, and that is to realize Parama’tma’; to move  towards Parama’tma’, and merge in Parama’tma’. There should not be any secondary desire. If there are secondary desires, then the secondary desires will be fulfilled, and the main desire (i.e. to merge in Parama’tma’) will be forgotten. There are many sadhakas who are responsible for their own downfall because of secondary desires. Secondary desires are like toys that the mother gives to the child so it won’t cry. Occult powers are like a toy. Parama’tma’ can give those toys to sadhakas if they want, but if the sadhaka wants the toy then they will be diverted from the path and will never be able to reach Parama’tma’.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

How sadhakas fall

But a true sadhaka wants only Parama’tma’. Such a sadhaka’s life is filled with bliss. Many get human birth, but they live the life of animals before their death. There are many people who not only live like animals but do so much harm to others that they do not deserve another human birth. Whatever samskaras they had before getting birth, they accumulate even more samskaras in this life, and hence will not even be reborn as humans in their next life. The majority of people fall into this category— those who do not deserve human birth. There is a small percentage of people who are humans in this birth, and they are reborn as humans because they did not perform so many good actions or so many bad actions in this life. But if the ones who are doing sadhana have secondary desires then they accumulate negative samskaras. If they have desires to accumulate money, then in their next birth they may be reborn into a wealthy family which will diminish their chances to do sadhana in their next life; thus, they become degenerated. There are sadhakas who do sadhana for some time, but they also have secondary desires.  Those secondary desires will be satisfied, but they may do harm to others. Hence, they degrade themselves to a position which is lower than they were prior to doing sadhana.

So a sadhaka needs knowledge of what one should do and what not to do. Occult powers should never be desired and the thought of them should not even be entertained. It is a trap in the play of this creation. It is foolish to be attached to things such as money, power or prestige or taking pleasure in self praise, because everything belongs to Parama’tma’ and the goal of life should be based on Parama’tma’ and not on the self.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, Cult, Inference and Propensity

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Sadhaka’s deep desire

“Tumi yadi jagat joŕá, ámi kii jagat cháŕá...” (Prabhat Samgiita #0830)

Purport:

O’ my Parama Purusa Baba, if You are associated with the world through Your ota and prota yoga and care for each and every entity in this entire universe, then am I outside the scope of the universe? Why are You not concerned about me? You have left me by the wayside, completely neglected. If You are the reliever of all sorrow and the remover of everyone’s suffering, then why don't You relieve me of my terrible torment? I am still wallowing in misery. Please be gracious. Being the Supreme Entity, if You are related with the entire universe then am I outside it? I am also part of this world; please look towards me.

O’ Purna Brahma, I do not want happiness, but rather peace. I do not want boons or siddhis from You, just a wee-bit of Your divine grace. Lord, a small shelter above me - a tiny roof over my head - is all that is needed. I do not desire a garland of pearls or anything fancy or luxurious - nor any material gain. But I do want freedom and no longer wish to be imprisoned by dogma or stifled any longer, where my intellect is barred. I want to bask in the vast, unbounded, open-air of neo-humanism. Baba, being the Supreme Entity, if You are related with the entire universe then am I outside it? Certainly, I am also part of this world. Please look towards me.

O’ Parama Purusa, You are great, and I am meagre. You are the vast Cosmic Entity, the Supreme Consciousness, and I am a small, unit being. You are like the sun, and I am like a snowflake. By Your touch, my body melts into water. When my unit mind comes in contact with Cosmic Consciousness, it merges into that and loses its existence. Baba, being the Supreme Entity, if You are related with the entire universe then am I outside it? I am also part of this world; please look towards me.

O’ Prabhu, I want to be immersed in the spiritual colour of bhakti. Kindly be gracious...

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

AM & subjective approach

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/11/most-useful-but-misunderstood.html

How bhakti is permanent

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2023/05/bhakti-stays-even-after-death.html

Spiritual way to start the day

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/09/dogma-in-guru-sakash-how-to-pay-homage.html

Suffering & samskara theory

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-about-fate-4-more.html

Sadhana process & mantra

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/08/parrot-meditation-3-more.html

AM & subjective approach + 3 more

Baba

AM & subjective approach

Namaskar,

One of Baba’s teachings is subjective approach and objective adjustment. 

(a) Some Ma’rgis say that, “After dharmacakra one should finish asanas and remaining lessons before taking food.” 
(b) Whereas other Ma’rgis say that, “No, that is not the right approach, rather one should have subjective approach and objective adjustment, that means when such a situation arises, then one should leave asanas and remaining lessons, and take food with others.” 

Question: Which of the above two approaches is proper? Which one should be followed? To come to the right answer, we have to investigate the true meaning of subjective approach and objective adjustment.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

What is subjective approach & objective adjustment

In Ananda Marga there is a principle, “Subjective approach through objective adjustment”. There is a word “through” in between “subjective approach” and “objective adjustment”. The meaning of subject is Parama’tma’; He is the Supreme Subject. If one reads any Ananda Marga discourse, either directly or indirectly, it is stated that the goal of life is Parama’tma’; everything else is temporary. For instance, one’s existence as well as every object we see has a beginning and an end. So one’s approach should be the subject, Parama’tma’. This world has been created through the process of saincara, and we are in the phase of pratisaincara, so that we can merge in Parama’tma’. One should never forget the Goal of life, Parama’tma’. He is the polestar. This approach should be kept in mind, always. If one forgets it, there is no purpose in life. So the approach should be subjective.

Shankaracarya’s dogmatic approach is subjective but has no objective adjustment. Everything is subjective, and there is nothing such as objective adjustment: eko Brahma dvitiya na’sti (Brahma alone exists and nothing else). But Ananda Marga philosophy differs and denies this. The approach should be subjective, but to do this one has to live in this world and perform various tasks such as taking food, bathing, wearing clothes, working, doing activities, etc. By living in the world and engaging in society, the approach should be subjective. One does not need to leave this world. There are a lot of people who leave their worldly duties to go to the jungle to advance their subjective approach, but Baba says one has to be in the world, not leave it; rather, being in this world one has to adjust so that the approach is subjective. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For example, one has to take advantage of being in this world, so that one’s body is ready to do sadhana. One should lead life in such a way that one’s mind is always directed towards Parama’tma’. Whatever one does such as speaking, eating, sacrificing, singing, obeying yama, niyama, and with everything else one does, one has to think how to adjust in this world such that one can advance toward one’s Goal. The Goal is fixed, and we have to reach the goal by being in this world, we have to utilize the facilities and adjust with our surroundings in the world to direct ourselves to reach that Goal.

How objective adjustment is misutilized

The meaning of adjustment is not that if many colleagues at the workplace smoke, then I will also smoke because I will be with them. When one is in such a situation then one has to understand that smoking has such effects that will decelerate and even destroy the movement towards Parama’tma’. One’s health will not be proper and death will come prematurely; so this so-called adjustment of smoking cannot be called adjustment in the true sense as it does not align with the Goal. Rather adjustment will be such that by being in the world, in the family, society, community, we can move ahead towards our Goal.

A number of rules come under adjustment: following Caryacarya, yama (satya, ahimsa, brahmacarya, asteya, aparigraha), niyama (shoca, santosa, tapah, svadhyaya, iishwara pranidhana) means adjustment. If someone is not adjusting, it means one is not following the rules of Caryacarya, yama, and niyama.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Be engaged in world & keep mind on Supreme Entity

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “You are all human beings. You are all dignified human beings. Forget all fissiparous tendencies that sometimes function within [the] human mind. Remember, you are the loving children of the Parama Puruśa, and your goal is the Parama Puruśa. Your goal is the Supreme Entity. Yours is a subjective approach through objective adjustment. Your movement is towards the Supreme Entity. But while moving towards the Supreme Entity, you are to do all your worldly duties in social, economic and all other spheres. That is, your hands should be engaged in worldly duties, and your mind moving towards the Supreme Entity. (1)

Conclusion

There are a number of people (including wts) who follow this theorem in a flip-flop manner: “objective approach with subjective adjustment”. For example, name, fame, prestige, higher post etc are their goals in life. When we interact with people, by their conduct we can see what their approach is. When the approach is objective, then the goal is worldly. So we should always be keen to follow Baba’s teaching of subjective approach and objective adjustment. That means one needs to engage all 24 hours in such a way that the movement is towards Parama’tma’. Objective adjustment is that which helps in subjective approach. That is the guideline Baba has given. Doing it in a reverse manner will lead to one’s downfall.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The approach should always be subjective --- towards God, and by adjusting with the objects in the world in such a way that one moves towards Him in a better way.

In Him, 
Niarakar

Never only objective adjustment

Ananda Marga ideology states, "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 upavasa, one remains in closer proximity to the Lord than to one's mundane duties." (2) 

In Baba’s above teaching, He is giving us two basic pathways. First, He is guiding us that in our daily life there should be a proper balance between our worldly duties and spiritual life, i.e. subjective approach through objective adjustment. And second, on the days of upavasa, Baba’s directive is that one should primarily focus on sadhana, i.e. subjective approach. There is no third approach. That means there are no days where we exclusively focus on worldly dealings, i.e. objective approach. So Baba’s above teaching wholly refutes the notion that one should “adjust” with the mundane world by compromising on one’s spiritual values. There is no scope to ever give up the subjective approach - i.e. God-centered outlook. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. A Few Problems Solved Part 4, Subjective Approach through Objective Adjustment
2. Ananda Vacanamrtm - 6, Upavása

*        *        *

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 ==

Offering everything unto You

"Prabha't-ra'ge sina'n kari, ele tumi anupam..." (Prabhat Samgiita #4276)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, Baba, the Incomparable Entity, after bathing in the dawn’s refulgence, You have come on this auspicious occasion. You are unparalleled; You have blessed me. Now You are next to me, close to me. Please remain in front of me so I can do sastaunga pranam to You again, and again, and again. Whatever is mine I want to offer at Your lotus feet.
 
Baba, with Your blissful arrival everyone is dancing in ecstasy. The animals, birds, shrubs, and plants are all overflowing with joy. The bushes and creepers of the garden are blooming. The peacock and the cuckoos are melodiously singing. With the soft breeze and blue sky, the horizon is charming. All are feeling Your close proximity.

Parama Purusa, Baba, in my world, the bird with dark green plumage and a red bill is sitting on a branch of the bright, red palash tree looking towards whom? Behold, in my garden, the shimul [silk cotton tree] and pa’rul are smiling. You come to me. Baba, You are grace-personified. Please bless me with kevala' bhakti...

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Not here for long

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Human beings come onto this earth for a very short period, and within this short period they are required to complete everything. So there is a great deal of work to be done, but the time is very short. Thus intelligent people make the best use of every moment of their time - wasting one's time is the height of foolishness. Why? Because no human being will remain on this earth for long, and the very goal of human life is to attain Parama Purusa, the Supreme Stance. Human beings, while moving forward towards that Goal which is fixed before their minds, will have to perform many worldly duties. That is why it is said, 'Keep one hand on the feet of Parama Purus'a, and with the other hand do your mundane duties'." (1) 

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 4, Let Chattisgarh Have a Brilliant Future

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Very important WT rule

WT conduct rule states: "We are all the children of the same Father, we are all the members of the same family. By fighting against all kinds of evil forces, we will establish the glory of our Father and the glory of our family." (1)

Note: A few bad Wts are going astray from this fundamental rule by spreading the poison of groupism and creating division throughout our AMPS and the greater society - all of which is against the ethic of neo-humanism. This is all happening due to greed, lust of power, desire for prestige etc. Unfortunately, such persons are still walking around in WT garb and continuing to harm His mission. Such is the effect of their divisive ways. They have destroyed the sanctity and unity of the family. Now is the time for ideologically-minded margiis and Wts to rally and rectify such workers, thereby building a monolithic AMPS.

Note 2: Those who are sincere margiis adhere to this above cited rule since the spirit of this conduct rule is common to one and all.

Reference
1. Point #13 of '14 Points', WT Conduct Rules

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Spiritual way to start the day

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/09/dogma-in-guru-sakash-how-to-pay-homage.html

Suffering & samskara theory

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/01/what-about-fate-4-more.html

Sadhana process & mantra

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/08/parrot-meditation-3-more.html

Story: divine attraction & VSS

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/07/baba-story-vss-related.html

Why sadhaka must have Samskrta name

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2026/01/why-sadhaka-must-have-samskrta-name-2.html