Search This Blog

Thursday, February 22, 2024

On aging + 3 more

Baba
On aging

Namaskar,

Traditionally in the west and wherever materialism reigns, old-age is looked upon as something bad; whereas, in the various eastern traditions, old-age is seen as something venerable. Often we see this as a stark dichotomy; even then, the distinction is not so clear-cut.
  
For instance, in the western nations, in many fields, the experience that comes with being a senior person is highly valued. In various arenas, age and the accompanying life experience are embraced as great qualities and characteristics. In those arenas, the wisdom, experience, decision-making, and contemplative abilities of seasoned veterans and aged professionals are respected.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
  
For the most part, it is primarily the pseudo-culture film and beauty industries that place such a tremendous emphasis on skin, youthfulness, and superficial beauty. In those enterprises, experience and mental capabilities are not valued. So this is the dichotomy that exists in many places: some arenas of life value old-age and others not.
  
In Ananda Marga way of life, those who have lived into their senior years and old-age have much to offer to society. Their values, manner of thinking, and life experiences bring forth a wealth of knowledge and insight. That is why Baba has directed that the senior persons should oversee collective functions and play a leading role in various aspects of our social life.


Besieged by allurement of superficial beauty

One of the key reasons for addressing this topic—i.e. value of old age—is because so many are living the lie of materialism. In materialism, superficial beauty is everything. With this message being sounded throughout the commercial avenues, the common people have succumbed to this outlook.

Knowingly or unknowingly, common citizens want to look young and verily older adults are trying to compete with teenagers in this regard. This has led young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults to get cosmetic / plastic surgery. They change their shape and form, and use so many cosmetic products to shine their face, paint their nails, and pretty themselves. They are sunk in the notion that their superficial beauty defines who they are.

In that way, they overlook their inherent psychic strengths and life experiences and waste their money and time in cosmetic beauty. Alas, they become depressed realising they will never be 18 again. This is the sad state of affairs wherever materialism has come into play.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Old age: see world as temporary
  
As one ages, they realise that this life is transient and that a person will not live forever. They see their friends pass, money come and go, and so many changes. By this way, their feeling that this world is impermanent multiplies as they age. Naturally, that brings forth a more spiritual vision because the only option left is to seek out that which is permanent.
  
In their youth, most could not conceive of the idea that they will one day die; they did not consider their own mortality. Rather as youths, one took great risks and did daredevil things, thinking that they are indestructible, etc.
  
But as one ages the psychology changes and people are forced to think about the ephemeral nature of this created world. Everything is temporary. One is forced to more deeply consider what is beyond their own unit existence. So that is another benefit of aging.
  
And this sort of psycho-spiritual approach is heightened when one is suffering from a grave disease. Then, they are faced with the prospect of their own death in a more direct manner. This leads them to consider and / or strengthen their connection with the divine world.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

A distinct quality that arises within aged people is a more spiritual outlook. That does not mean that all older people are more spiritual than younger ones. Rather, within the context of one's own life, their spiritual outlook often heightens with age.
  

The value of experience
  
Here we can say that one of the main benefits of having lived on this earth for a longer period is experience. Experience is that great teacher. People learn from their own life interactions, as well as from the stories and tales of those around them. This builds a mature and valuable outlook.
  
Although in old age the body may have started its path of moderate degeneration or worse, one's brain and thinking capacity, in many cases, can remain extremely sharp and pointed far into the later years. So in those arenas where success depends more upon the psychic realm, then aged persons are better equipped for the job.
  
That is why in many fields people are taking on huge responsibilities in their later years—and they are respected and honoured for their work and contributions.

Nobody looks forward to growing old, and often people think that aging just means futility. But in Ananda Marga—and in various communities where one's mental prowess is respected—one's advanced age brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. By this way, they are in proper position to guide others as well as adopt a holistic spiritual outlook.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
  

Victims of the shallow thinking of materialism


We can say that experience is one key characteristic that accompanies aging. Such experience is invaluable. Those who are born will one day die; yet in that process of aging, people gain many positive attributions and useful qualities.
  
Typically speaking, people are very scared of growing old. But one need not be scared or worried. Old age is not just wrought with diminishing abilities and deteriorating faculties etc. Rather, as one gradually ages, they continue to grow and develop—their outlook becomes more mature based on their accumulated life experiences.
  
So those who think that people become decrepit and useless in old age are naive; such persons are victims of the shallow thinking of materialism.

       
Importance of elderly in Ananda Marga
  
In our Ananda Marga, great importance and tremendous respect is given to senior persons based on their life experiences and long-term endeavour. Here are a few of the many ways in which this occurs:
  
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In absence of the ácárya the ceremonies can be conducted by the senior man present. The presence of the ácárya is desirable since he enjoys considerable esteem. Ácárya is also more conversant. He combines esteem with efficiency." (1)
 
In Ananda Marga, those who have lived into their senior years and old-age have much to offer to society. Their values, manner of thinking, and life experiences bring forth a wealth of knowledge and insight. That is why Baba has directed that the senior persons should oversee collective functions and play a leading role in various aspects of our social life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Brahmananda

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Plant the tree while mentally reciting guru mantra. Then while pouring some water on the tree, everyone will recite the following with the ácárya/á or a senior person leading." (2)
  
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "All the social festivities are parts of Brahma sádhaná. It is meaningless to wait in expectation of the ácárya. For this reason alone, it has been laid down that an elderly man can conduct the function in absence of the ácárya. The potentialities of vested interest persist if things are reserved in the hands of a particular group." (3)
  
Here following are further important teachings from Sadguru Baba.


Let people live for a hundred years or more
  
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Many people are under the wrong impression that perhaps the people in ancient times lived long lives. In my opinion this idea is not very correct. Had it been so, then why is it maintained in the shloka, “you should aspire to live a hundred years”. It is not true that many people lived a hundred years. Then only the lifespan of a hundred years was considered to be something covetable. In fact the people would not lived very long years. Life in those days was full of struggles. A gorilla in a wild environment lives about 22 years. If it is brought to a zoo and provided with good food and if it is kept free from any worries and anxieties then the gorilla may live about 28-29 years. Life in a zoo is comparatively safe – free from worries of wild life. Life in ancient days was not in the least carefree. It was full of struggles and dangers. There were struggles amongst human beings, between human beings and animals, and between animals. So human life was rather short-lived. Now the average longevity of human being is on the increase. People of those days would bless the juniors – “Shata sharadaḿ jiiva” – Live a hundred autumns. That shows that the lifespan of a hundred years was not usually the longevity of an average person. “Shata sharadaḿ jiiva,” “Shatáyurbhava” [“Live a hundred years”]."
  
"Let people live for a hundred years or more and engage themselves in noble deeds."
  
Nányathe tehasti na karma lipyate nare.
  
"If a person wishes to live a hundred years for the promotion of human welfare his life will really be a meaningful existence. Such a person will never fall into the bondages of reaction, because all of his actions are intended for public welfare."
  
"Thus if people continue to perform deeds for public welfare then they will be able to avert the bondages of action. They will not be required to be reborn in a world to reap the consequences of their actions. Good deeds produce good reactions and bad deeds produce bad reactions. To reap the good reaction and bad reaction they will not be required to come to this world, if they perform deeds with the sole intention of public welfare and not any other intention. Then they can avoid being trapped into bondages of actions. Then the welfare of others brought about by his deeds will be considered a reward for his deeds. This is the life of a real person – a righteous person. This is the reason for which human beings have come to this world." (4)
  

Story: "only cobblers in your assembly"    
must see deeper value not just superficial image


Here is the legend:  

Looking to Ashtavakra's deformed body, the guards of King Janaka were amused.    Ashtavakra retorted, “Do not judge a person by his appearance and age, judge him by what he knows. Inform your king that there is a person ready to challenge the great minister Bandhi.”    The king came and was surprised to see a small deformed boy. He asked a few questions and was greatly impressed by his knowledge. King Janak soon arranged for the debate with Bandhi.    The Pundits and philosophers, all burst into laughter on seeing the queer form of “Ashtavakra”.    The boy (Ashtavakra) too reciprocated with a burst of laughter but in a loud way. Everybody got enraged.    King Janaka asked the boy “Why you are laughing young man?.    To this “Ashta vakra” said, “Oh King! I thought you called Vidwans and Pundits to assemble here but I find only “cobblers” in your assembly. "    They roared, “How dare you call us ‘cobblers”.    Then the boy Ashtavakra calmly replied, “You all laughed at the twisted form of my body which is akin to leather. Only those who work with leather is conversant and they evaluate leather. Hence, there is nothing wrong in my calling you all as ‘cobblers”.    Janaka saw reason in the argument of the boy. Everybody who assembled there hung their head in shame.    Hence we should never criticise any based on their outer form.    To everyone’s surprise Ashtavakara defeated Bandhi in no time and secured his father and others.    This is the message as i already showed in my answer: ””Do not judge a person by his appearance and age, judge him by what he knows””  

Courtesy of http ://in.answers.yahoodotcom/question/index?d= 20120524205446AATo24s


Like a waiting room of a railway station

Ananda Marga philosophy states, 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." (5)


As long as I exist I will live a glorious life
  
Sadguru Baba guides us, There is a common notion that people in ancient times lived longer than the people of today; but this is incorrect. Rather due to scientific progress and advances in medical science, as well as spiritual progress in Tantra Yoga, modern humans are living longer lives than the ancients. People in the olden days hardly lived longer than forty-five years; but today people live much longer. To live a life of one hundred years was a rare accomplishment in those days. And thus the sage said, “Human beings may pray to God for a long life of one hundred years – in order to perform noble deeds” (otherwise why should they drag on their existences unnecessarily?). In the present-day world, there are a few people who have passed the age of one hundred, but not very many..."
  
"But although the human beings of today may live even longer than that, mere survival is not enough; what is important is to live a dignified life. The excellence of human life lies in action; it is through action that human beings survive. They should aspire to live long while performing noble deeds; it is futile to live just like an earthworm. Indeed, each and every human being should vow, “I do not know how long I will survive; but as long as I exist I will live a glorious life, not an ignominious existence like that of an earthworm.”"
  
"Human beings have to earn their livelihood and perform their assigned duties. The degree of physical labour they have to perform depends on the economic condition of their land. The citizens of those countries which are socio-economically developed have to perform less physical labour; instead their intellectual labour has increased. This is the natural law. The human beings who lived one hundred years ago used to perform much more manual labour than do those of today. Those who washed clothes used to stand in knee-deep water. This type of life for years on end markedly reduced their longevity, and thus washermen and women did not live longer than forty to forty-five years; their excessive physical labour would shatter their health. Due to their lack of knowledge of hygiene and absence of spiritual practice, their life-spans were shortened."
  
"Spiritual practice makes the mind calm and quiet, and maintains the nerves in a state of equipoise; and thus spiritual practice increases longevity. Those Vaishnavites who are vegetarians, who regularly sing spiritual songs, do meditation, perform virtuous deeds and think pure thoughts, live longer than ninety years."
  
"Now, one may say that some people like Vivekananda did not live long; but the cause of their early death was excessive labour. Extreme physical labour definitely reduces one's longevity. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu lived [less than fifty] years; he could perhaps have lived longer, but due to excessive labour, he could not survive. He undertook long tours throughout India on foot. Shankaracharya did not live long, either, because he also toured India on foot; he walked from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas. This extreme physical labour told upon his health; otherwise he could perhaps have lived longer."
  
"I want you all to live long – but you must live glorious lives, not like those of earthworms. Your lives should be bustling with activity."
  
Ananda Marga ideology says, "Human beings always yearn for the destruction of the evil forces, for the removal of darkness and the flooding of effulgent light. Let your dynamic forward movement make your lives ever joyful – see that you never lag behind, or slump down dejected. No human being wants this. Rather let your slogan always be, Caraeveti, caraeveti [“Move on, move on”]. Let the chant of your forward movement be ever on your lips." (6)
  
  
Work even while dying
  
  Ananda Marga ideology states, "Why do you want to live for a hundred years? To do more and more work. You want to live long because you hope to do more and more work in this life – being goaded by this desire, you wish to live a long life. So in the psychic sphere one must always remember that one has a mission in life, and just to materialize that life, for proper practication of that mission, one is to remain in this world; otherwise one must not remain here, one should retire from life as early as possible."
  "Once I said, “It is good to die working, but still better to work even while dying.” So one should always bear in mind, “I am alive in this world for the fulfilment of my mission. This is the reason I am eating, dressing, sleeping. Apart from this, I have no worth.” And if one ever lives a life without a mission, then in that case, no endeavour in the psychic sphere will bring success. If you do not want to work, if you do not want to serve the world, you will become a burd
en on the world. It would be better to leave the world than to live as a burden on it. Human life should be enriched with intense activity...."
  "Why do you undertake a mission? Átmamokśarthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca [“For Self-realization and for the welfare of the universe”]. You certainly undertake it in order to promote the welfare of the world. Along with this you have to take up another mission, and that is to bring about your own spiritual salvation. If one does not try for one's own salvation, if one does not do spiritual practice, one can never serve society. It will be totally impossible. When you take a vow to work for your mission, just remembering that vow will not make it possible for you to win salvation, though through that vow you can serve the world." (7)
  
  
Only here for a very short span
  
Ananda Marga ideology guides us , "Human life, you know, is a measured one. Human beings come here for a very short span. If during this short span one tries to go through all the scriptures it will take more than one thousand years? And one is only here for approximately one hundred years. So, going along the path of jinána is a mere waste of existence. And karma is infinite and the human structure is a finite one, with limited stamina and limited capacity. So the path of bhakti is not only harmless, but the wisest one and is the approach of the most blessed people. So my advice to you all is to move along the path of bhakti. It is the best route." (8)
  
  
Death is imminent—work sincerely & vigorously
  
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." (9)
 

Some Wts are involved in dyeing their hair
  
Shockingly, this same debased outlook has spilled over into our Ananda Marga as some of our very own wholetimer Dadas and Didis have made the mad dash towards cosmetic charm. Instead of honing their practice and engagement in Sixteen Points, some of our Wts are involved in dyeing their hair, colouring themselves, and participating in all kinds of beauty parlor treatments.

Baba clearly guides us to shape the mind in a spiritual manner, yet certain wholetimers are plunged in materialistic beauty pursuits. These workers are supposed to be the guiding light of humanity—yet see how they have become trolls of materialism. This gives a sense of the outrageous allurement of materialism and superficial beauty—even our monks and nuns have gotten affected. For more about this WT beauty competition, read the letter (link) appended directly below.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
We should not underestimate the force of materialism that it even had the power to swallow many of our Wts. In that case, how will general members of society withstand the onslaught of materialism.
  
That is why it is our duty to rise above keeping the mind fixed on Him and be an example to others—otherwise how will they ever be able to escape the rough seas of materialism.

References
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Paiṋcama Parva)
2. Caryacarya - 1, Tree-Planting Ceremony
3. Táttvika Diipiká (Paiṋcama Parva)
4. Ananda Marga Karma Yoga, “Kurvanneveha Karmmáńi”
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Puńya All Twenty-Four Hours
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, You Must Live Glorious Lives
7. Subhasita Samgraha - 24 Incantation and Human Progress
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Bhakti Is the Best
9. Subhasita Samgraha, part 11, A Devotee's Object of Ideation


*        *        *


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 ==

I could not hold back my tears

“Se din sandhyáy smita vasudháy, tumi ese chile mor ghare…” (Prabhat Samgiita #3382)

Purport: 

Baba, that evening You came into my home. My mind was ensconced in the rhythm of dhyana. You blessed me and decorated the spiritual collyrium in my eyes so I could see You everywhere. It is Your grace.

My Parama Purusa, in blessing mudra, You placed Your hand on my head and told me so many personal and intimate things in a very kind and loving manner. You made me realise that You care so much for me. Having You as my own, all my agonies disappeared in a flash. You removed my miseries and told me, “Don't ever be afraid in life, even if you are caught in storms and typhoons, I am with you. You are surrounded and protected by Me always. I think more about your welfare than you think about yourself.” Hearing these affectionate words from Your mouth, I could not hold back my tears. You are my everything.

Baba, You told me, “On the journey of enlightenment, rises and falls come and go. Do not any pay attention to them. Let them do their duty; they are worth nothing. Just remember one thing: Keep focused on the Goal and move forward with undaunting determination. The victory of humanity is a must and you will get success. My blessing is with You…”

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

ज्योति-पुरुष ! तुम कौन हो

"ándhárer yavaniká t́hele, álokamaya tumi ke go ele..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1164)

प्रभात संगीत:

नोट :- कोई जो दूर है तो उसका ध्यान आकर्षित करने के लिए  ‘हे’ बोलकर उसे पुकारते हैं, जैसे “हे, रामू”। लेकिन अगर कोई मेरे सामने है और मेरी तरफ़ देख रहा है उसे  ‘हे’ बोलकर सम्बोधित नहीं किया जाता है। परमात्मा सदा साथ हैं और हमको लगातार देख रहे हैं इसलिए उनसे बात करते समय “हे, परमात्मा! हे, बाबा,” बोलकर भक्त कभी सम्बोधित नहीं करता।

 ज्योति-पुरुष ! तुम कौन  हो जो घने अन्धकार का पर्दा  फाड़कर, प्रकाश के लोक से मेरे सामने प्रकट हुए हो। तुम्हारे रास्ते में अनेक बड़ी बाधाएं आईं, उसकी तुमने कोई परवाह नहीं की, उन बाधाओं को तुमने राह के रोड़ो के सामान लात मारकर हटा दिया। और यहां तक मेरे पास आगए. हे दिव्य पुरुष  तुम कौन  हो ?  ज्योति-पुरुष ! तुम कौन  हो?

तुम्हारे हर कदम पर दानवों ने बाधाएं सृष्ट की, उन सब बाधाओं को क्षण में पलक झपकते ही तुमने उन्हें हवा के झोंक में उड़ा दिया, नष्ट कर दिया।
आज़ाद चिड़िया के समान, तुम पंख फैलाकर उड़ कर आ गए, इस धरती पर।  ज्योति-पुरुष ! तुम कौन  हो? 

तुम्हारे रास्ते पर जो कोई चलते हैं वे किसी से भयभीत नहीं होते हैं, अध्यात्म के रास्ते पर ढोंग, छल-कपट, ठगी और पापाचार नहीं हैं।  आध्यात्मिक ज्योति देखकर काली छाया भाग जाएगी। पापियों का बोलबाला ख़त्म हो जयगा।

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Our revolutionary song

               - FEE FY FO FUM -

         Morality is the demand of the day
         'Prout' the cry of the suffering humanity.
         Wise you be, may not or may,
         If sincere, success a certainty.

            Fee Fy Fo Fum.
         Expel the demons from physical stratum.
            Fee Fy Fo Fum.
         Expel the exploiters from economic stratum.
            Fee Fy Fo Fum
         Expel the brutes from psychic stratum.
            Fee Fy Fo Fum

         Expel the parasites from spiritual stratum.
         Human body is to serve one and all,
         Human mind to attend Cosmic Call,
         Human spirit at the altar Supreme,
         Surrender and be Supreme.

Note: Baba has given this Prout song after coming out from the jail. Those days, in each and every program, all the Wts and margiis were singing this revolutionary song. Now is the time to bring it back. We should put forth this call to the people - all our brothers and sisters of this universe.


== Section: Comment ==

Re: Why not to use Baba’s photo

১৯৯০-র পর ৰাৰার ৰড় ৰড় প্রতিকৃতি : dogma

ধর্মচক্রে ও ধর্মমহাসম্মেলনে ৰাৰার প্রতিকৃতি ব্যবহারের কথা চর্যাচর্যে নেই | শুধু প্রতীক রাখাই যথেষ্ট | ধর্মচক্রে বা ধর্মমহাসম্মেলনে প্রতিকৃতি রাখা সাধারণ মানুষের কাছে ভাবজড়তার সমান | এর জন্যই নতুন মানুষ আর আনন্দমার্গে আসেন না | ফলে আনন্দমার্গ মার্গীদের আত্মীয়-স্বজনদের মধ্যে সীমাৰদ্ধ হয়ে গেছে | যারা ভক্ত, তারা ৰাৰার ছবি রাখতে পারেন | ১৯৯০-র পর ৰাৰার ৰড় ৰড় প্রতিকৃতি ব্যবহারের চল শুরু হয়েছে | ৰাৰা কিন্তু তার আদর্শের কথাই প্রচার করতে ৰলেছেন | কারণ আদর্শ ছাড়া উন্নত সমাজ প্রতিষ্ঠা সম্ভব নয় | অতীতে কয়েক জন মানুষ আদর্শ সমাজ গড়ার কথা ৰলতে গিয়ে নিজেদের কথাই ৰেশি জাহির করে ব্যর্থ হয়েছেন | মানুষ আদর্শ-সমাজ গড়ার চেয়ে তাদেরকেই মহাত্মা ৰলে পূজো করতে শুরু করেছেন | কিন্তু আদর্শ ছাড়া তো আদর্শ সমাজ কখনও গড়ে উঠতে পারে না |

নমস্কার,
বিবেকানন্দ

Here is a link to the original post:


== Section 3: Links ==


Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Strictness in Ista defined + 3 more

Baba
Strictness in Ista defined

Namaskar,

(a) Suppose one is flying on a brand new personal jet and the engine fails then money will not help them, only Parama Purusa can save them.
(b) Suppose someone is in the market shopping and a person starts shooting people randomly in that market, then money will not help them, only Parama Purusa can save them.
(c) Suppose a meteor falls from the sky and is going to crush a city or town, then money will not help those inhabitants, only Parama Purusa can save them.
(d) Suppose John is traveling on the highway and a drunk-driver entered the highway going the wrong direction and there is going to be a high-speed, head-on collision, then money will not help John, only Parama Purusa can save him.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Here the chief point is that strictness in Ista means depending solely on Parama Purusa. And verily He is the only Saviour in this cosmos. For mundane needs, money has a role, but in the grand schema money is not enough. The karuna of Parama Purusa is needed. Only He can save and protect you in all circumstances.

So taking shelter in mundane things like money or prestige is useless. Because neither money nor prestige can save you in your hour of need - or anytime. So one should not rely on those mundane things. Only Parama Purusa can rescue and save you in that most important time. So best is to take shelter in Him always. That is the mark of a true sadhaka, and only their life will be successful.

It is Parama Purusa - not mundane things like money - that saves human beings in all kinds of circumstances. For mundane needs, money has a role, but, in the grand schema, money is not enough. The grace of Parama Purusa is needed. Only He can save and protect you in all circumstances.


Dogma of sheltering in power or post


Some people are intoxicated with their stature in society. They think, "I am a movie star", "I am president of the bank", "I am a sports hero", "I am a doctor", "I am a political leader" etc, and using this measuring rod they calculate that they are impregnable. If the police attempt to give them a citation for any type of wrongdoing, they think they will get out of it because of their power and post. And if any other kind of trouble comes, then again they feel their name and fame will save them. Many such persons think in this manner and foolishly take shelter in their social status.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Then there are others who take shelter in their mundane relations like their mother, brother, or friend. They think that no matter what happens in life, their close people will save them in times of sickness, despair, poverty, or in any challenging situation. They think that people will always rescue them.

Then there are others who take shelter in all kinds of mundane objects. Essentially, to whatever degree that tendency is prevalent and active in the mind is the degree to which that person is shelterless. Verily, there are so many examples of how some take shelter in something other than Parama Purusa. This shows a distinct lack of faith and trust in Ista. They think, “Who will take care of me – I must have something to fall back on.” And, in that manner, they overlook Parama Purusa, and instead rely on something worldly. But that transitory object will never save them.

We see this even with a few Ananda Margiis – and certainly with common citizens. In materialistic countries, most follow this pattern of living. Yet, as mentioned, it affects some margiis and workers also. They make all kinds of plans and programs to save them from the ravages of time, but those worldly dreams and gains cannot provide safety nor shelter in all situations.

Alas, only Parama Purusa can save you and stand as your eternal shelter. That should be the plan, surrendering unto Him. The more faith one has in Ista, the more they think that Parama Purusa is there and He will watch over to make sure everything is well. That is the mark of a top-grade sadhaka. Side by side, those sadhakas attend to their worldly duties and responsibilities with equanimity and restraint, ever-thinking that Parama Purusa Baba is the ultimate doer and the supreme shelter.

So whenever anyone takes shelter or seeks safety in any finite property, that is the degree to which they falter on the point of Ista. And the more one surrenders to that Parama Purusa, the more they are successful in adhering to the point of Ista.


Danger of sheltering in dogma

Here below Ananda Marga philosophy clearly mandates that fate is not what human beings should shelter in - rather one must live under the shelter of Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Niyati or fate also cannot be the Supreme Reflecting One (carama pratisaḿvedii). I would like to add further that those who are fatalists are also misguided. It is wrong to leave everything to fate without taking any initiative at the time of grave danger. Once a person has created his or her fate through his or her own actions, it is certainly not proper to completely surrender to that self-created fate." (1)

One must never think that fate, crystals, astrology, palmistry or any other such expression takes precedence over the Divine Entity. Rather, Parama Purusa is the Controller of all.

And this following teaching about microvita leads in the same direction. Parama Purusa lords over microvita so it is therefore wrong to think that microvita is some independent force outside the realm of Parama Purusa's control. It is a defective notion to think that, “microvita will will save me.”


Strictness in Ista = degree of faith in Divine Entity


In sadhana, there are two essential components: The sadhaka and Parama Purusa, i.e. the One being worshiped. Parama Purusa is always singular - never two or more. And, in spiritual parlance, that Parama Purusa or God is known as Ista. In turn, one may call that Ista by any chosen epithet. But that Ista is the Divine Entity.

And strictness in Ista means having firm faith and belief that the Divine Entity will solve all your problems and grant you eternal shelter. To the degree one harbors doubt in the Supreme Entity is the degree to which they are weak or lacking in Ista. The degree of trust one has in the Divine Entity is the measure of faith one has in Ista.

Just as a child thinks that its mother will certainly solve all their problems, similarly a sadhaka holds firm that Parama Purusa will surely save them in all circumstances. That is strictness in Ista. Trust in God means having firm faith in Ista. And that Ista must be singular in nature - not many.


Conclusion


Point #10 of Sixteen Points - non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista - is one of the key aspects of spiritual life. Every sadhaka should be keenly aware of their own standing on this tenet. With the following four factors, everyone can evaluate their own strictness and faith in Ista.

(a) Worshiping or relying upon multiple deities as per prevailing religious dogma goes directly against the point of Ista. No sadhaka should do like this. Rather every aspirant should pointedly surrender to that singular Divine Entity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(b) Those who are not strict in Ista suffer from cowardliness. They are unable to stand up strong in the face of dogma and injustice. Rather, they shirk their responsibility and enable the exploiters to continue in their unholy ways. Whereas, those strict in Ista are the embodiment of courage and tenacity, ever-ready to bravely uphold the flag of dharma in all circumstances.

(c) Those who rely on and take shelter in material, transient things like money, post, or power are severely lacking on the point of Ista. They have completely forgotten the goal of life and are moving in the wrong direction. Only those who take shelter exclusively in that infinite Parama Purusa can advance on the path, by His grace.

(d) Those who give credence to the false notion that something can function independently from Parama Purusa are not strict in Ista. Rather, they rely more on palmistry, microvita, crystals, charms, or something else besides Parama Purusa. Only those sadhakas are blessed and pointed in Ista if they think that Parama Purusa is Supreme and the all-powerful Entity, controlling each and every aspect of life.

Strictness in Ista is vital. One should surrender unto Him, and not get caught in some other direction. By being sincere and honest in this regard, a sadhaka will surely reach their cherished Goal.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Mainjusa’

~ In-depth study ~

One of the central tenets of Ananda Marga ideology is embedded within point #10 of Sixteen Points.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Observe non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista."

But how can one clearly know if they are properly adhering to this tenet of Ista? In contrast, if you attend the local dharmacakra each week then you can definitively state that you properly follow point #16 of Sixteen Points. Likewise if you do half-bath regularly according to the prescribed system then you can confidently say that you adhere to point #5 of Sixteen Points. Certainly, many or most of the Sixteen Points are empirically verifiable. So how do we measure or evaluate one's strictness in Ista. 

In this letter we identify key factors that clearly delineate one's standing on the point of Ista, as well as how people take shelter in mundane things - like power, post, family members, fate, etc. They think those worldly elements will save them in their hour of need - but that is wrong.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Point of Ista of 16 Points is the backbone of sadhana

If a person seeks shelter in money or thinks that their accumulated mundane wealth will save them in their hour of need or in late age etc, then we can readily conclude that such a sadhaka is weak on the point of Ista. They do not have firm faith that Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji is the Supreme Controller of this entire cosmos, and that He will take care of them.


Nothing can function independently of Parama Purusa

Some believe that there are certain things in this universe that function outside the boundaries of Parama Purusa’s kingdom, i.e. which He does not control. Some think that there are entities that work wholly independently of Parama Purusa. To the degree one thinks in this way is the degree to which they are deficient on the point of Ista.

Here are a few examples.

Certain dogmatic-minded people, and even some so-called sadhakas, think that palmistry is a special force that is separate from the rest of this universe. They think that palmistry will be able to give them all the correct answers when they need help in life. They become completely and fully dependent on palmistry. Those who fall prey to this mentality have less faith in Ista and more faith in palmistry. Here again, the degree to which they really feel that palmistry is powerful is the degree to which they suffer from a lack of strictness in Ista.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Another case is that of microvita. Some so-called sadhakas think that microvita acts independently of Parama Purusa. Along this approach, they aim to get more and more positive microvita as if that is the way to overcome difficulties and survive hardships. They fail to realise that everything follows the command of Parama Purusa and functions by His grace - even microvita. The fact is that there is no other independent energy source that can save you from trouble - not microvita or anything else. Microvita can never get the upper hand on Parama Purusa. Yet some feel that microvita is a guiding and determining factor in this universe. This also reflects a lack of faith in Ista.

And there are more examples such as those who put faith in certain stones or crystals etc. Whenever anyone feels that something is functioning outside the purview of the Supreme Entity, then that person is exhibiting a blatant lack of faith in Ista.


Other ways people fall

If in times of trouble any sadhaka relies on dogma like religious deities etc, then such a person cannot be thought of as being strict in Ista. Then they do not have strong faith in the Divine Entity Sadguru Baba. And if a person lacks the requisite courage - i.e. inner psychic force to stand up to injustices and wave the dharmic flag of Ananda Marga ideology - then that sadhaka also is deficient on the point of Ista. They do not have keen strictness in Parama Purusa Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Every devotee possesses enough courage. Those who pursue the path of bhakti automatically acquire such courage – they are not timid...Devotees are capable of doing anything and everything." (2)

References
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, The Omni-Reflective Cognitive Consciousness
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, The True Nature of Bhakti


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Confines of patriotism

Prout philosophy states, “It has become fashionable today to cry out for nationalism. In fact, nationalism is also a psychic ailment. The supreme broadness lies with the Supreme Self. The broadness of an individual depends on his or her angle of vision – as the angle of vision becomes smaller and smaller, he or she gets more and more mean-minded. Those who think that casteism is worse than nationalism are incorrect. The total population of Brahmins in India is approximately 20 million people and the Malayan population is near 4.5 million. The angle of vision of a Brahmin is bigger than a Malayan nationalist. Persia has a population of 15 million people and Australia has a total population of 7.5 million. The continentalism of Australia is worse than the nationalism of Persia. An Indian nationalist is more mean-minded than a Chinese nationalist. Thus it is universalism and universalism alone that deserves support. In fact universalism is no ism, for it is all-pervading and does not favour any group or party interest. The mental projection of a universalist does not know any narrowness. Universalism is the only panacea for all mundane and supramundane ailments. Therefore, a Proutist is necessarily a universalist.” (1)

Note: Everyone knows that nationalism and patriotism are the same thing. 

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


== Section: Important Teaching ==

What make people embrace mud as gold

   Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Under the influence of avidyá, people become so infatuated that they forget the difference between pure and impure; and so greedy that they eat rotten meat, choose to forget that alcohol is bad for health, and even try to prove the unholy as being holy by force of logic. Some people claim that eating meat and drinking alcohol are a part of dharma sádhaná; and some state they eat meat to maintain their health and strength."
   "Lost in blind pursuit for finite objects, people fail to realize that the pleasure they derive will actually bring more sorrow in the future. An alcoholic does not understand that heavy drinking severely damages the liver: an opium addict does not understand that the temporary pleasure derived from the drug gradually benumbs the nervous system. This mistaking pain to be pleasure is caused by the influence of avidyá. Those who succumb to this influence can be likened to a dog chewing on a dry bone in a burial ground. The dog thinks that the blood oozing out of its jaws comes from the dry bones and greedily bites even harder, further damaging its jaws. The poor animal wrongly thinks sorrow is happiness." (1)

Note: You might have come across how even some proper humans get degenerated and indulge in all kinds of vices. The root cause is their free will and avidya maya. The way avidya maya binds humans it does not do to animals. Humans have freedom / free will and they are therefore more prone to be bound by avidya maya. So avidya maya allures them and pushes them into the deep, dark chasm. And they degenerate. That is the sorry state of affairs. That is why sometimes you see that even those who were once great monks end up leading a degenerated life. If the noose of avidya maya is very strong then they do not realise their downfall either. They cannot understand that they are so degenerated, just like most of our purodha ji maharajas.

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

== Section ==

Must initiate the child to make great

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "It is meaningless to impart diikśá under five years of age, since at this stage the nerve cells of a human child are undeveloped. Consequently, at age of five, there is no disposition or propensity for intricate types of spiritual practices. But, in absences of initiation of five years of age, there is apprehension of the child going astray. Verily, all the human vices are acquired during the age of five to fifteen years. The child has a great inclination to imitate. It hears abusive words and learns them. The robbers sons turn to be robbers only on account of environmental influence. For this reason, if the child be initiated on attaining five years of age, it can develop into a perfect human being – it will be a perfect man." (1)

Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Paiṋcama Parva)


== Section 3: Links ==






SUBJECTS TOPICS