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Sunday, May 19, 2024

Question about giveaway + 3 more

Baba
Question about giveaway 

Namaskar,

People often say “I gave away my old clothes to the salvation army”. What is the difference between giving away and doing Náráyańa sevá. Or what is the difference between, “I bought some extra food and gave it to the beggar” versus doing Náráyańa sevá.  

What is Náráyańa sevá


When one does anything there is a driving mental thought. How one speaks is a reflection of how one thinks. For example, one whose thoughts are impure often uses slang words while speaking. Gradually, with such impure thinking, and speaking, such type of behavior becomes a habit. But people whose thoughts are pure, speak nobly - always. By looking at how one speaks, we can see how they think and what they do.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Giving away vs doing Náráyańa sevá

Before Ananda Marga there was no term: “Náráyańa sevá”. Náráyańa sevá means to feed people who are hungry, or serve in other ways to fulfill their needs, for example, by donating clothes, medicines etc. The terms Náráyańa and sevá were there before but in Ananda Marga the term Náráyańa sevá was created and applied thereafter. Why was such a term created? Because of our thought process and unique Ananda Marga philosophy, everyone is viewed as Náráyańa. Everyone in this creation is a Náráyańa. No one is rich or poor. One is not giving and the other person is not taking. Everything is Parama Puruśa’s (Náráyańa’s) liilá. Náráyańa came to us in the form of a beggar and in the form of a bhatka we are serving Náráyańa. Baba gave this philosophy a name as Náráyańa sevá with this spirit in mind that we serve everybody in the world as we are serving Náráyańa. 

God has come in the form of this beggar


A true Ananda Margi who is doing Náráyańa sevá is not thinking that s/he is feeding a beggar. But rather thinks that Náráyańa, Paramátmá, who is the creator of this world, has come in the form of this beggar. Náráyańa has given me the human form, and has given me food, and also he has come in the form of a beggar. This is the liilá of his creation. A true Ananda Margi receives pleasure by serving Náráyańa, by understanding his liilá.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

But one who does not understand this philosophy, uses the term “giveaway”. The feeling of the term “away” is that of someone who is not nearer and dearer. So the term “giveaway” generates the feeling that someone who is not mine is being given something which is surplus. The feeling of mineness is not there when one uses the term “giveaway”. One who uses this term feels mineness with only himself/herself and thinks everyone else is different, far, and distant from me. When giving something to the beggar, the person feels that the beggar does not belong to my home and family, but rather is a far and distant person and hence uses the term “give away” while offering anything. This is the difference between the two philosophies. In Ananda Marga philosophy, one feels love for everyone else in the world, while, in material world, a person feels in love with oneself, and others are only distant.

“Give away” is a term used in defective philosophy


In western language, the term “giveaway” is used. In India people say donate to the beggar. Both terms are not appropriate. We saw in the above paragraph using the term ‘away’ is not good. Also using the term beggar is not good, because no one is rich or poor. “Náráyańa has only come in the form of a beggar” is the true feeling while serving. One can understand what was the thought process behind using the term “giveaway”, and also in Ananda Marga what is the thought process using the term “Náráyańa sevá”. One can also see how general public uses these terms in daily life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So to “give away” is a term used in defective philosophy because it is used in a sense that something which is surplus which needs to be given to someone who does not belong to me. But the Ananda Marga outlook is that everyone is the manifestation of Paramátmá, and the service done to others is “Náráyańa sevá”, and all are also Náráyańa.


Conclusion

When needy persons are served with the ideation of Náráyańa, then the mind becomes bigger and bigger and it helps in sadhana. But in giving away there is no Cosmic ideation. And the feeling of closeness is also missing. And in most of the cases, either the donor feels pity on the receiver, or they think that when in the future I may be in trouble then this fellow is going to help me. Many people give things away or help others in order to recover in some or the other way in the future when they are in trouble. This mode of thinking degenerates the mind and binds the donor in negative samskaras. Because of all these reasons, Ananda Margiis never practice “giving away” but instead always do Náráyańa sevá, and in return they don’t want anything.

In Him
Nira’ka’r

*        *        *

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 ==

Prepared the garland for You

Prabhat Samgiita Intro: This song reflects A-grade bhakti. The sadhaka was intensely involved in meditation and Parama Purusa was present in a close and intimate manner. But then Parama Purusa left the bhakta’s mental plate. In that desperate and painful condition, with deep melancholic longing, the sadhaka is yearning for Parama Purusa to come in an intimate way. Parama Purusa is not gone, only the sadhaka is not getting Him in that deeply intimate and personal way in which he desires to hold Him. From the depths of the bhakta’s heart, this song has emerged. Unfortunately, those who do not have A-grade bhakti for Parama Purusa may not understand this.

“Ámi tomár lágiá jágiá rahechi, satata tomár patha ceye…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0255)

Note: Only those bhaktas who feel a spiritual vibration in their heart can understand this song in the depths of their core.

Purport:

O’ my Parama Purusa, I am remaining awake for You. I am always looking toward Your path, waiting with full anticipation for Your blissful arrival.  By Your grace my mind is in a spiritual flow and I long for You alone. I have prepared the garland for You and arranged everything with the expectation that You will be coming. So please my Dearest, arrive secretly in my mind and become mine alone.

O’ Supreme Friend, why have You tied and bound me with the rope of Your love and affection. Why have You immersed me in my tears of longing for You. My Nearest One, why have You done this? Now I can never forget You. Your image floats across my mental plate always.

Baba, whatever I think, You are always there in the background of my reflection. What a tragedy I have been trapped in? Because of all this, now come secretly and stealthily into my mind, and become my own forever…

== Section 3: Topic ==

Why we need Mahasambhuti 

Every thought process in Ananda Marga is revolutionary. Philosophies which did not exist before and thought processes which were not used before are changing the minds of people. In the transitional period, when society is being degraded and people are suffering, Ta’raka Brahma comes in the form of Mahasambhuti - taking human form.

Paramátmá is omnipotent. He has two forms: Nirguna Brahma and Ta’raka Brahma. Nirguna Brahma is not directly involved with this creation. He helps when one needs help indirectly. Sometimes this indirect help is not sufficient. In that case, Ta’raka Brahma gets involved directly and helps with the personal happiness, sorrow, and what happens in this creation. Ta’raka Brahma is there with everyone, even if not present in the form of Mahasambhuti. There are not 1000 Ta’raka Brahmas but only one, and He is there with every being. He comes to the creation in the form of Mahasambhuti when the society is degraded.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Misuse of free will


Why is society degraded? Because humans are given free will. Free will works in two ways. Some utilize it in a positive way, and some utilize it in a negative way. In addition, humans also have negative propensities, and different levels of capability. Some, who were more capable, started to degrade society day by day, bringing retardation. A time comes when the society reaches a cliff, and a time when the society could not move forward without the help of Ta’raka Brahma being present in physical form as Mahasambhuti. Mahasambhuti comes to bring the society back on track by providing dos, don'ts, and providing various philosophies. The philosophies act like mental food for people who are wise and they came to know what should be done and what should not be done. Slowly wise people involved in pracar, and philosophies were spread around the world. In about every 3,500 years there appears to be a glitch, and the need for Mahasambhuti. Then again the society comes back to track. This is the liilá of Parama Purusha.

Mahasambhuti comes


Similarly Mahasambhuti came to this earth and founded Ananda Marga, provided philosophy, and people got motivated to spread the philosophy. People who are capable of understanding the philosophy and spreading it were born. Otherwise the philosophy would not have moved forward. In 1956 Baba provided Ananda Marga philosophy. Simultaneously, many human beings were born such that they could understand the philosophy, and spread it. In the future, slowly the philosophy will be more rigorously followed, and society will move forward. That is why there is a need for Mahasambhuti to come and move the society forward.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In Him,
Nira’ka’r

== Section 4: Links ==

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Life rules: samskara theory + 4 more

Baba
Life rules: samskara theory

Namaskar,

So many things happen in life - good times and bad ones, smart choices and foolish ones. Not most, but some of these events are related with our samskaras, i.e. yoga's theory of cause and effect, also known as action / reaction, or samskara theory. This letter investigates some of the basic aspects of samskara theory.


Only human beings can create new samskaras


While most have studied the facts about samskaras, let's take a moment to review some fundamental rules. Only human beings can create new samskaras. Because only humans have free will; animals do not. For example, someone might decide to harm or kill others, while another may choose to help a person in distress. Each human being has the freedom to make conscious decisions and take action. By exercising their free will and making life choices, people create new samskaras, or unexpressed reactions.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

More precisely, a person creates new samskaras based on how much pain or happiness their actions bring unto others. For instance, if you feed a beggar and bring 50 points of happiness in the mind of that beggar, then you will incur a good samskara of 50 points, plus interest accrued over time. That is the quantum of pleasure you will experience in the mind due to your past action of feeding the beggar. In contrast, if you take a stick and intentionally hit someone and give that person 70 points of pain and suffering in the mind, then you will incur a bad samskara of 70 points plus interest. That is the quantum of pain you will experience in the mind due to your past action of hitting that person with a stick.

By their free will and ensuing actions people create new samskaras. And then at a conducive moment they undergo the reaction. As explained in the above examples, a person must experience that degree of pain or happiness in the mind that they caused in others, plus interest. This happens because humans have free will to act and either help or hurt others.

Animals do not have free will & never create samskaras


In contrast, animals cannot create any (new) samskaras because they do not have free will. Everything they do is according to instinct, which is controlled by the Cosmic Mind. If a monkey bites you, then that monkey will not incur any samskara. Because that monkey was doing according to its innate instinct. There was no conscious decision by the monkey to bite or harm you. To use the analogy of a computer, those animals act according to the way they are pre-programmed to behave, just as a computer performs according to the way it was programmed. Ultimately, since animals do not have free will, they never create or incur any samskaras.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

A despotic ruler who inflicts untold suffering and terrible pain upon others will most assuredly incur very negative samskaras and be reborn as a lower being or even as a piece of iron. The exact depth of their plunge depends upon the nature of their sins and how much pain they inflicted upon others etc.


Part-life

We should always remember that ours is a part-life. We have been coming and going from one life to the next since long. We may be a small child, an adult, or elderly, we are carrying around a big bundle of samskaras from past lives. And that can take shape in so many ways and explain why even a very good person may undergo a terrible problem in life.

For example, suppose a person is leading a very pious and saintly life; they never harm or hurt anyone. Yet they are facing one difficulty after another and experiencing so much mental anguish. In that case, we can surmise that this saintly person is undergoing the reactions from their past actions in a prior life. In a prior life, that person may have caused suffering to others and harmed them, and then carried those bad samskaras into this life. So even though this time around they are leading a saintly existence, this is just a part life. The suffering they are undergoing today may be the result of a very bad samskara from 2, or even 5 or 10 lives ago. So humans have the freedom to act and this is a part-life, linked with a whole chain of past lives and hence old samskaras.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion


In one's first human life they create new samskaras and reap the reactions in that very life itself - but still many unrequited samskaras remain which they shall reap in the future. In a short time one can create enough samskaras to last for thousands of years. There is no set time frame for when a samskara will take expression, nor is there an easy escape from those unexpressed reactions; they have to take form. In addition, those samskaras are far more than one can ever undergo in this life; and, in this life also they will create even more new samskaras. So it is a very dramatic situation whereby people incur huge numbers of samskaras.

The cycle is unending: birth to death and then rebirth. So one is not free. When a person is blessed to enter the path of sadhana, in the fire of sadhana every day one burns their samskaras. By doing sadhana and with His divine grace, one achieves liberation.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Amritadhara’

Within the animal category, there are two central groups:
(1) Those animals who were in human form but reverted back to animal life to undergo suffering from their past misdeeds.
(2) Those animals moving forward through the process of praisaincara and in order to progress that animal has to undergo clash and cohesion to reach the next higher state of mind. That is how srsti works. Those animals have to face hardship and struggle in the wilds in order to progress to the next higher life.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
From the time one first emerges from the Supreme Hub in the form of fire or water, or wood etc up until one's highest expression of animal life, one will not have any samskaras because they do not have free will. It is only during one's first human life that new samskaras get created based on what one does - i.e. how one exercises their free will.

~ In-depth study ~

The child is suffering - no fault of its own?

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "It is quite often observed that a child suffers from some disease without any apparent fault on her part. The disease is attributed to her being affected by the germs of that disease, and thus the germs appear to be the cause. In fact, the saḿskáras of that child give rise to the saḿvedana or psychic action which then activates the germs of that particular disease in the body. The múla kárańa or root cause for the suffering of the child is saḿskáras, due to which saḿvedana arises and ultimately brings about the disease. It is therefore wrong to think that the child is suffering without any reason and for no fault of its own." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "So just as nimiita and upádána kárańa appears to be the main cause, the immediate reaction of an action appears to be the result while it is only a physical reaction, and the actual result or phala will be experienced later on. Karma and karmaphala travel in a wave and at one stage one becomes the kárańa for the other. This wave is unending, until karma ceases absolutely, karma and karmaphala are the kárańa or causes for each other, which travel in a never ending waves, until the karma and along with it, the formation of saḿskáras finally ceases." (2)


Consequences of his previous action of theft


Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Suppose one has a desire to go to Calcutta and then actually goes there. This is an original action because to go or not to go to Calcutta depends entirely on one’s will. But an action which one is obliged to perform mechanically under pressure of circumstances is called saḿskáraḿulaka karma (reaction to the original action). In these actions it is the indirect will and not the direct will which functions. The original deed which was performed by the direct will is later expressed as a reaction by the indirect will. Your indirect will forces you to become a tool to restore the equilibrium in the universe which was lost due to your original action." (3)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "In sámskáraḿulaka karma individuals have no free will, but are slaves to the dictates of the indirect will. Suppose a person commits a theft by his free will. As long as the reaction of the original action of theft is unexpressed, his indirect will remains in seed form as reactive momenta. But the moment the indirect will finds a congenial environment it expresses itself, resulting in the thief either being arrested by the police, or having to undergo some punishment or humiliation. This is how the thief reaps the consequences of his previous action of theft." (4)


If they were wicked


Ananda Marga ideology teaches us, "Good reactions to good actions are experienced in a similar way. One will have to reap the consequences of one’s past actions until one’s saḿskáras are exhausted. If one’s previous deeds were virtuous, life will be blessed, but if they were wicked, one will be branded as a sinner. Only when all good and bad reactions have been expressed do the bondages of vice and virtue snap open." (5)


Suppose one harms someone


Ananda Marga ideology states, "All actions, whether introversial or extroversial, crude or subtle certainly lie latent in individuals in seed form as potential reactions. One day, with the help of the indirect will, they will be expressed in the external world. Suppose one harms someone. The reaction of one’s action will lie in potential form until the proper time and place arrives for its expression." (6)

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Even if one does not harm anyone physically, but simply thinks of harming someone, saḿskáras will still be created. Whatever feelings one may have for a person, good or bad, will certainly cause a reaction. That reaction will remain in potential form in the subtle mental sphere until the opportune time arrives for its expression. This is why wise people look upon this universe with an attitude of equanimity and pray for the welfare of all. Sarvesám mauṋgalam káunkśe. People who fail to do this will have to suffer endlessly for their mean-mindedness." (7)


Why sadhakas suffer


Ananda Marga ideology states, "We often notice that after initiation a sincere sádhaka suddenly experiences tremendous pain or pleasure. The initial stage of a spiritual aspirant’s life is quite troublesome. Those who suddenly feel tremendous happiness become so absorbed in this blissful state that they completely forget their ideology, and those who suffer immense torture sometimes leave the path of sádhaká due to their inability to face such difficulties. A true sadhaka must remain unaffected by both pain and pleasure. It should be understood that only through pain and pleasure can one’s sámskáras be destroyed and a new karmáshaya dominated by Consciousness be created." (8)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "In this stage, when the karmáshaya is filled with Consciousness, the possibility of a spiritual aspirant’s rebirth is destroyed for good. Burnt seeds never sprout. However, even though it is burnt, the seed still exists." (9)

References
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt A
2. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt A
3. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Science of Action
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Science of Action
5. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Science of Action
6. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Science of Action
7. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Science of Action
8. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Science of Action
9. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 9, The Science of Action


*        *        *

The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Alleviating impotency

These days around the globe in so-called advanced countries impotency is on the rise, especially in “modern”, materialistic countries. One outcome of this is that adoption agencies earn a lot of money by bringing children from very poor areas like Africa, parts of Asia, and placing them in Euro-American countries for thousands of dollars. One of the underlying reasons behind this is that sexual impotence and infertility are on the rise. Here Baba gives the causes as well as the solutions to these health conditions.

Ananda Marga Yogic Treatments says, "If excessive waste of semen occurs due to the bad habit of masturbation during adolescence or youth, or due to lack of restraint in married life, the seminal fluid becomes thin and the symptoms of seminal weakness appear. This is also a kind of sexual debility, and it is called seminal infertility."

"A serious lack of sexual restraint will make the nerves of the pelvis and genitals weak or damaged...This is called genital impotency."

"As I have already said, impotency and infertility, in most cases if not all, are diseases of over-indulgence; so one should keep control over their thoughts and actions. The male should stay away from feminine company as long as the disease is not fully cured." (1)

Note 1: Those who suffer from this should take it very, very seriously. And others must understand so that they can help educate and serve the suffering masses. Looking around there are so many people who do not know these beautiful rules of Baba and they invite danger.

Note 2: Because of this the population is decreasing amongst certain communities.

Reference
1. Yogic Treatments and Natural Remedies, Impotency and Infertility


== Section: Important Teaching ==

When life becomes meaningful

Namaskar, 

Those of a materialistic mindset think that power, post, money, and worldly relations are the base of life. They think, “I live and die for this - i.e. power, post, & money etc. For this, I have come on this earth to live happily and enjoy.” In this way, due to avidya maya they pass their whole life in drowsiness. They cannot comprehend this basic fact that what they are depending upon is not permanent. Those things cannot last forever.
 
In this universe, everything is moving and the speed of movement also varies. So when two people are moving in with a similar speed then they are called a family. But no two persons can maintain a similar speed for long. Either one moves away, dies, divorces, or their liking or disliking changes. What they formerly cherished has now become useless in their eyes. 

That is why nothing in this created world can be the base of life. None of those things can provide permanent happiness. Animals cannot comprehend this simple truth - but humans can understand it. Those who fail to comprehend it are worse than animals. Only that Eternal Entity Parama Purusa alone is the base of life. He was with you, He is with you, and He will always be with you up to eternity. So when you have one Entity who always remains with You then why not cultivate a close and intimate relation with that Supreme Entity. That will signify the start of gaining real meaning and fulfillment of life.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "That which is finite cannot be the base of your life, because it will be used up and will leave your mind unsheltered. Thrusting you in the abyss of darkness, it will pursue its course on the unending path. Therefore, no one except Brahma, the beginningless, endless and infinite can be the object of your mind and the base of your life.” (1)

In Him,
Dhrti

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, The Base of Life


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Unemployment causes crime

According to Prout philosophy, "For the all-round welfare of human beings, society needs to follow some fundamental socio-political principles. Without the firm foundation of such principles, disunity, injustice and exploitation will flourish."

"First people should not be retrenched from their livelihood unless alternative employment has been arranged for them."

Prout philosophy states, "Let us discuss what happens when people lose their livelihood. Take the example of rickshaw pullers in India. The work of rickshaw pullers is exhausting and poorly paid, but if it is declared illegal, many rickshaw pullers will become unemployed and their lives will become more miserable. Those who cannot find alternative employment will either die of starvation or become criminals in an effort to survive. In either case, society will be adversely affected. So, before this occupation is prohibited, rickshaw pullers should be provided with suitable alternative employment." (1)

Note: In failing to follow this important point, nowadays some countries are facing a whirlpool of criminal activity. One example is the situation in Iraq and the formation of ISIS / ISIL. When Saddam Hussein was in power and ruling over Iraq then he employed a huge army. When the US deposed of Saddam Hussein and dismantled the entire army, they imposed the order that those soldiers must not be given any work. Without a guaranteed job, those soldiers formed themselves into the terrorist, fighting brigade known as ISIS / ISIL that is currently wreaking havoc throughout the region. ISIS / ISIL is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths of innocent people and wanton destruction throughout the land. And the root cause is that Hussein's fighting forces lost their jobs without any guarantee of other employment.

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


== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

रात समाप्त हो गई है, नव्यमानवतावाद का युग आ गया है।

प्रभात संगीत 4614: निशार अवसान हालो, पूर्वाकाशे.....

भावार्थ

अब, पूर्वी क्षितिज में गुलावी रंग स्पष्ट दिखाई दे रहा है। रात अपने काले अंधकार के साथ जा चुकी है। अब उगता सूर्य पुकार कर कह रहा है कि अपने अपने घरों के दरवाजे खिड़कियों को खोलो। खोलो ,खोलो,खोलो अपने हृदय के द्वार खोलो और जाति, ग्रुपों व दलों में पृथक पृथक रहने की भावजड़ता को भगाओ । सचमुच रात खत्म हो गयी है भावजड़ता और संकीर्णता के बंधन मन से दूर चले गये हैं।

 भूतकाल में अंधकार से ढके होने के कारण जो कुछ अज्ञात था,  वह अब प्रकाश  की उपस्थिति के कारण समझ में आने लगा है। सभी लोग हमारे परिवार के भाग हैं। दूर स्थानों के पक्षी अपने पंख फैलाये पास आ रहे हैं। इस अरुणोदय के कारण अब मैं देखता हूॅूं कि सभी परस्पर भाई बहिन हैं कोई भी बाहरी नहीं है जबकि पहले मैं इन्हें दूरस्थ अन्य जाति व दलों, ग्रुपों का मानता था। पर अब यह स्पष्ट हो गया है कि वे सब मेरे हैं। मन के जड़ात्मक भाव दूर हो गये हैं। अब कोई भेदभाव नहीं है, कोई अंधेरा नहीं है, कोई बंधन नहीं है नया ज़माना आ चुका है।

अब किसी के घर में स्वच्छ वायु के प्रवेश  को कोई नहीं रोक सकता। क्षुद्र भाव समाप्त हो गये है। इसके पूर्व में लोग अपनी बुद्धि का उपयोग दूसरों के शोषण में किया करते थे, पर अब सभी का मन बहुत बड़ा हो गया है। सभी अपने मन को परम पुरुष की ओर चलाने लगे हैं।

दूरस्थ व्यक्ति अब मेरे अपनों की तरह निकट आने लगे हैं। गुलावी प्रातःकाल से अंधेरा दूर हो गया है और सभी अपने घरों के द्वार अपने हृदय के कपाट खोल रहे हैं,ं अब नया युग आ गया है अब कोई भावजड़ता, कोई बंधन और कोई अंधेरा नहीं है। अब मनुष्य के हृदय में दिव्य प्रेम का संतृप्तिकरण हो गया है। सभी एक दूसरे से निकट संबंधियों की भाॅंति मिल रहे हैं। घना अंधेरा हट गया है, बाबा! तुम्हारी कृपा से नव्यमानवतावाद का युग आज आ गया है। 


== Section 3: Links ==

SUBJECTS TOPICS