Baba
Namaskar
Our Ananda Marga scripture should be read in a proper perspective. Each discourse must be read as part of a greater whole, and not in isolation or in a vacuum. Only then can one derive the proper meaning of that topic / discourse. So if anyone is referencing the section on food in Caryacarya, then it is also important to be aware about Guru’s teachings from other related texts etc. Because Caryacarya is a very terse publication and not everything can be explained, listed, and written in just a few lines / pages.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Make an informed decision
When researching and talking about food and the Ananda Marga dietary recommendations, then any sincere seeker must also study the ahimsa chapter of A Guide to Human Conduct, as well as select discourses from the books, “Neo-Humanism” and “Yoga Psychology.” Those related discourses provide both breadth and depth to the guidelines enlisted in Caryacarya. Only then will one have a more complete and substantial understanding of the topic - i.e. food and dietary guidelines of Ananda Marga. And with that base of knowledge, one can make an informed decision.
Food: in principles of neo-humanism
The system of classifying food is quite important in our Ananda Marga system. Caryacarya essentially enlists which foods are sentient, mutative, and static. And those three categories depict the intrinsic effect any food item will have on the human body and mind. And that is the first tier for evaluating what should and should not be eaten.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Then there are other factors to consider when deciding what to eat. It is important to consult the teachings of neo-humanism and yama and niyama. That means we only eat those foods that (a) have a positive effect on body and mind according to Caryacarya, and (b) are in concert with the philosophical and ethical principles of neo-humanism and yama and niyama.
End up eating the wrong thing
For example, dairy products are sentient. But if the cow is mistreated and / or injected with all kinds of steroids and antibiotics then it will not meet our standard. In a similar manner, rice and wheat are considered to be sentient but if they are grown with harsh chemicals or if one is grossly overeating, then those items are no longer sentient.
Then there are varying rules for hot and cold countries. Some foods are sentient in cold countries yet mutative in hot countries. Side by side, just because something is a plant does not mean that it is proper food for humans. Some plants are tamasik due to their inherent nature and intrinsic quality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ours is a multi-tiered system for determining what foods can or should be eaten. Those who are too literal or are looking for leeway are pashu type of margiis and they will end up compromising in some way. Whereas those who are devas will always carefully consider all the factors before ingesting any food.
Not work of a human being
Here is an English summary from Baba’s June 1990, Hind DMC:
We should bear in mind that everything in this universe is comprised of three inherent qualities - only the percentage varies. Those foods dominated by the sentient factor are considered sentient. At the same time there are numerous factors (overeating, stale or rotten food, added chemicals etc) that can affect / alter the situation etc. And if one is not aware or strict about all such conditions, they may end up eating the wrong thing.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
It is important to consult the teachings of neo-humanism and yama and niyama. That means we only eat those foods that (a) have a positive effect on body and mind according to Caryacarya, and (b) are in concert with the philosophical and ethical principles of neo-humanism and yama and niyama.
in Him,
Gopeshvara
Follow dharma not doctors
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Suppose a physician says, “As a human, you require animal protein for your health;” but suppose dharma says, “No, a human should not take carnal food;” then in that case you will have to follow dharma and not the physician, because the order of dharma is above all other orders. Dharma is the highest Lord, the highest authority." (1)
~ In-depth study ~
Which saint lived by eating bugs & honey
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Once I read in a certain book that a great saint used to live only on locusts dipped in honey. That saint did not seriously consider that those little locusts also had vital life force throbbing in them.” (2)
St John the Baptist - John the Baptist - is described as wearing clothes of camel's hair, living on locusts and wild honey. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Eating bugs is not allowed in Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Cruel heart of the human mother does not melt
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The mother who feels so much love and affection for her child that she sacrifices everything in life for its comfort and welfare, mercilessly slices young kai fish [walking fish] into pieces without the slightest emotional feeling. The young kai fish cry out in the agony of death, but the cruel heart of the human mother does not melt.”
“There is still another sentiment – human sentiment. Many persons were born in the past who shed copious tears for suffering humanity. But strangely enough, after their eloquent speeches were over, they sat down comfortably at a dinner table and treated themselves to a delicious meal of hilsa and kaimách fish – as if those fish had not suffered pain and death. This human sentiment has expressly violated the interests of non-human creatures, but its proponents have found nothing wrong with it.”
“Obviously human beings will have to behave rationally; they must maintain their existence while adjusting with the external environment. It is true that living creatures are the food for other living beings (jiivah jiivasya bhojanam); and indeed, the vegetables that we eat every day also have living cells in them. But regarding food, I have expressed my opinion in some of my books.”
“This concern for the vital rhythm throbbing in other human creatures has driven people to the fold of humanism, has made them humanists. Now, if the same human sentiment is extended to include all creatures of this universe, then and only then can human existence be said to have attained its final consummation. And in the process of expanding one's inner love to other creatures, there should be another sentiment behind this human sentiment, which will vibrate human sentiment in all directions, which will touch the innermost recesses of the hearts of all creatures, and lead one and all to the final stage of supreme blessedness.” (3)
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
2. Liberation of Intellect - Neo-Humanism, Devotional Sentiment and Neohumanism
3. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Disc 1
Eating: principled approach
Namaskar
Our Ananda Marga scripture should be read in a proper perspective. Each discourse must be read as part of a greater whole, and not in isolation or in a vacuum. Only then can one derive the proper meaning of that topic / discourse. So if anyone is referencing the section on food in Caryacarya, then it is also important to be aware about Guru’s teachings from other related texts etc. Because Caryacarya is a very terse publication and not everything can be explained, listed, and written in just a few lines / pages.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Make an informed decision
When researching and talking about food and the Ananda Marga dietary recommendations, then any sincere seeker must also study the ahimsa chapter of A Guide to Human Conduct, as well as select discourses from the books, “Neo-Humanism” and “Yoga Psychology.” Those related discourses provide both breadth and depth to the guidelines enlisted in Caryacarya. Only then will one have a more complete and substantial understanding of the topic - i.e. food and dietary guidelines of Ananda Marga. And with that base of knowledge, one can make an informed decision.
Food: in principles of neo-humanism
The system of classifying food is quite important in our Ananda Marga system. Caryacarya essentially enlists which foods are sentient, mutative, and static. And those three categories depict the intrinsic effect any food item will have on the human body and mind. And that is the first tier for evaluating what should and should not be eaten.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Then there are other factors to consider when deciding what to eat. It is important to consult the teachings of neo-humanism and yama and niyama. That means we only eat those foods that (a) have a positive effect on body and mind according to Caryacarya, and (b) are in concert with the philosophical and ethical principles of neo-humanism and yama and niyama.
End up eating the wrong thing
For example, dairy products are sentient. But if the cow is mistreated and / or injected with all kinds of steroids and antibiotics then it will not meet our standard. In a similar manner, rice and wheat are considered to be sentient but if they are grown with harsh chemicals or if one is grossly overeating, then those items are no longer sentient.
Then there are varying rules for hot and cold countries. Some foods are sentient in cold countries yet mutative in hot countries. Side by side, just because something is a plant does not mean that it is proper food for humans. Some plants are tamasik due to their inherent nature and intrinsic quality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ours is a multi-tiered system for determining what foods can or should be eaten. Those who are too literal or are looking for leeway are pashu type of margiis and they will end up compromising in some way. Whereas those who are devas will always carefully consider all the factors before ingesting any food.
Not work of a human being
Here is an English summary from Baba’s June 1990, Hind DMC:
We will eat whatever we get, not like that! Eat whatever has a good effect on your body, mind and soul. We will eat whatever we get, that is not the work of a human being. This is not even the work of an animal. Even animals have the idea of food. (English summary)
We should bear in mind that everything in this universe is comprised of three inherent qualities - only the percentage varies. Those foods dominated by the sentient factor are considered sentient. At the same time there are numerous factors (overeating, stale or rotten food, added chemicals etc) that can affect / alter the situation etc. And if one is not aware or strict about all such conditions, they may end up eating the wrong thing.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
It is important to consult the teachings of neo-humanism and yama and niyama. That means we only eat those foods that (a) have a positive effect on body and mind according to Caryacarya, and (b) are in concert with the philosophical and ethical principles of neo-humanism and yama and niyama.
in Him,
Gopeshvara
Follow dharma not doctors
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Suppose a physician says, “As a human, you require animal protein for your health;” but suppose dharma says, “No, a human should not take carnal food;” then in that case you will have to follow dharma and not the physician, because the order of dharma is above all other orders. Dharma is the highest Lord, the highest authority." (1)
~ In-depth study ~
Which saint lived by eating bugs & honey
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Once I read in a certain book that a great saint used to live only on locusts dipped in honey. That saint did not seriously consider that those little locusts also had vital life force throbbing in them.” (2)
St John the Baptist - John the Baptist - is described as wearing clothes of camel's hair, living on locusts and wild honey. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
Eating bugs is not allowed in Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Cruel heart of the human mother does not melt
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The mother who feels so much love and affection for her child that she sacrifices everything in life for its comfort and welfare, mercilessly slices young kai fish [walking fish] into pieces without the slightest emotional feeling. The young kai fish cry out in the agony of death, but the cruel heart of the human mother does not melt.”
“There is still another sentiment – human sentiment. Many persons were born in the past who shed copious tears for suffering humanity. But strangely enough, after their eloquent speeches were over, they sat down comfortably at a dinner table and treated themselves to a delicious meal of hilsa and kaimách fish – as if those fish had not suffered pain and death. This human sentiment has expressly violated the interests of non-human creatures, but its proponents have found nothing wrong with it.”
“Obviously human beings will have to behave rationally; they must maintain their existence while adjusting with the external environment. It is true that living creatures are the food for other living beings (jiivah jiivasya bhojanam); and indeed, the vegetables that we eat every day also have living cells in them. But regarding food, I have expressed my opinion in some of my books.”
“This concern for the vital rhythm throbbing in other human creatures has driven people to the fold of humanism, has made them humanists. Now, if the same human sentiment is extended to include all creatures of this universe, then and only then can human existence be said to have attained its final consummation. And in the process of expanding one's inner love to other creatures, there should be another sentiment behind this human sentiment, which will vibrate human sentiment in all directions, which will touch the innermost recesses of the hearts of all creatures, and lead one and all to the final stage of supreme blessedness.” (3)
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
2. Liberation of Intellect - Neo-Humanism, Devotional Sentiment and Neohumanism
3. The Liberation of Intellect: Neohumanism, Disc 1
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stands on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Silently, tip-toeing
“Saorabha ene man upavane, jhainkrita hiyá tantriite, tumi ásiá chile samgiite…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0618)
Purport:
O’ Parama Purusa, You came into my mental garden with Your exquisite flower fragrance. You also came with Your divine music and resonated the chords of my heart.
O’ Lord, for ages and ages, the feelings of my heart were lying repressed and suppressed beneath heaps of pain, agony, and sorrow. You miraculously cleared up all those hurtful piles and awakened a new, sentient feeling in my mind, by arriving silently, tip-toeing, and playing Your enchanting melodies and glorious tunes.
Baba, the nectar of love was covered deep inside the speechless bud of my mind. You removed that cover, opened it, and softly came to me in a most sweet, intimate, and loving way. It is Your causeless grace…
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Know these three cardinal principles
Prout philosophy states, “For the all-round welfare and development 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. To avoid this and to safeguard the interests of all people, the leaders of society must ensure that cardinal socio-political principles are strictly followed. Otherwise, individual and collective progress can never be achieved.”
“There are three cardinal socio-political principles which should never be violated. First, people should not be retrenched from their occupations unless alternative employment has been arranged for them. Secondly, people should not be forcibly converted from one religion to another. Thirdly, no mother tongue should be suppressed. Occupation, spiritual practice and mother tongue are very important to human beings. If the sentiments associated with them are hurt, human beings will be deeply affected. So, you should never violate these cardinal socio-political principles.” (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell-16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "There are some diseases – and their number is not negligible – which are carried by the inference of smell. Most of the skin diseases and boils which have a bad smell are carried by the smell inference. The disease of the laryngitis (in which the voice becomes hoarse and ulcers in the throat emit a foul smell) is invariably carried by the inference of smell. Those who sing for long periods of time or deliver lengthy speeches are likely to be attacked by laryngitis which is carried by negative microvita. This disease can be avoided or cured if sarvauṋgásana (shoulder stand) and matsyamudrá (fish pose) are practised regularly in ascending and descending order, then cloves and betel leaves are boiled together and the warm water is drunk through the nose, and the portion of the tongue near the uvula is then cleaned with the middle finger of the hand while the water is still in the throat. Finally, the water should be ejected from the mouth."
"Negative microvita also attack the human mind through the smell inference. If a person sits in a wine bar or pub and the smell of different alcoholic beverages enters one's nose, the smell will influence one's mind. One may also order a drink from the bar!" (1)
Reference
1. Microvita in a Nutshell - Disembodied Souls and Microvita – Excerpt A
== Section: Hindi Quote ==
वे ही आनन्द की ओर
“कुरु पुण्यम् अहोरात्रं स्मरनित्यम् अनित्यताम् | और नित्यं -- नित्यं माने “सर्वदा” | “अनित्यताम्”—यह दुनिया अनित्य है, यह relative है, यह पूर्ण सत्य नहीं है | “ब्रह्म सत्यं जगतम् अपि सापेक्षिकम् |” यह जगत् मिथ्या नहीं है, मगर चरम सत्य भी नहीं है, यह आपेक्षिक सत्य है | यह relative truth है | इसको अस्वीकार करना भी बुद्धूपनी है और चरम-सत्य मानना भी बुद्धूपनी है | यह चलमान सत्य है | Moving reality, passing show, changing panorama |
तो हमेशा याद रखोगे कि तुम जिस जगत् में हो, यह चलमान है | आज है, कल नहीं रहेगा | तो यह बात मनुष्य जब याद रखते हैं, तो, वे ही आनन्द की ओर चलते हैं | आनन्द में पहुँच जाते हैं | परमा सम्प्राप्ति होती है | किसी भी मनुष्य के लिए घबड़ाने की कोई बात नहीं है | जो चल रहे हैं, वे goal तक पहुँच जाएँगे |
कल्याणमस्तु”
[यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई]Reference
1. [Kuru Pun'yam Ahoratram,NP,GD,Ranchi,11/1/67,,GD Ranchi]
== Section: Bangla quote ==
কোনও সঙ্গত কারণ নেই
“সৰাই এক থেকে এসেছ | সৰাই এক আলোকোজ্জ্বল সৌরকরোজ্জ্বল ভবিষ্যতের দিকে এগিয়ে চলেছ এক সঙ্গে | কোনও অবস্থাতেই হতাস হওয়ার কারণ নেই | নিজেকে একাকী ভাবৰার কোনও সঙ্গত কারণ নেই | তাই, ৰুদ্ধিমান মানুষ কি করৰে ? What an intelligent man is to do? What a devotee should do? He should look upon the entire living world, entire human world as one and inseparable, indivisible entity. We were one, we are one, we will be one.
[মার্গীরা—"ৰাৰা, ৰাৰা, ৰাৰা !" |]
”আজ সৰাইকে সঙ্গে নিয়ে এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে, মানব জীবনের সার্বভৌমিক চরিতার্থতার দিকে |” (1)
Reference
1. অপ্রকাশিত, unpublished,18 may 1981, Calcutta
== Section: Important teaching ==
About futility of Gandhism
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Those who don’t accept this spiritual ideology will have to be kept under some social or external pressure to check the greed of usurping others’ property. Proper education will also have to be imparted. However, it should be borne in mind that merely exerting circumstantial pressure is not enough. This pressure tactic will no longer be necessary once the ideology is accepted. Those who believe in spiritual ideals, but don’t believe in the policy of exerting external pressure, in other words, the application of physical force, will find it utterly impossible to achieve their goals. In this world there are many people who pay deaf ear to pious appeals. On such people social or other types of pressure will have to be imposed. No problem will ever be solved if one waits indefinitely for their consciousness to be awakened. Like materialism, spirituality based on non-violence will be of no benefit to humanity. The words of non-violence may sound noble, and quite appealing but, on the solid ground of reality, have no value whatsoever.” (1)
Reference
1. Tattva Kaomudii - 1, Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy, #45
== Section 4: Links ==
Postings to Read
