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Monday, July 20, 2026

Very sweet & loving PC + 3 more

Baba
Very sweet & loving PC

Namaskar,

“Help propagate the Ananda Marga philosophy, and serve humanity unselfishly.”
 
These were the words of the Master. Yes, this, in effect, is the penance He gave me.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Getting a glimpse of Baba at airport
 
On June 12, 1968, when we, the members of the Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha in the Philippines, celebrated His birthday. We were apprised of the supposed mysteries surrounding His birth. It was also during that day when I learned that there was an invitation made for Him to visit the Philippines.
 
9 o’clock p.m. of June 20, 1968, found me at the Manila International Airport as one of the curious welcomers of the Master. Shortly thereafter, at about 10:30 p.m., the much-awaited Qantas Airways plane bearing the Master and His party arrived. As it screeched to a stop amid the deafening noise of its engine, I ran and edged my way towards the farther end of the airport’s open-air terrace to have a glimpse of the Master.
 
What does He look like? What sort of a person is He? These were the questions that nagged my mind. After a few minutes I saw, from my vantage position, two men-one was tall, thin, and wearing a beard attired in a tangerine-colored robe, the other, --short, a little stocky with no beard, attired in a white robe. That must be Him, I said to myself, the shorter one.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Receiving Baba that evening
 
Together with two companions, I proceeded to the house of Bro. Cunanan where we helped arrange a candlelight reception line to welcome the Master. After about an hour’s suspenseful waiting, He and His party arrived. I had then a closer look at Him. He has no beard after all. On the contrary, His face is smooth as silk. He greeted almost all of us there with the sweetest smile I’ve even seen with his hands clasped together before His breast.
 
He did not deliver any lecture during that night. We were told that He would make His appearance the next day.
 
The Master delivered philosophical lectures twice daily during His stay in the Philippines. One thing though I noticed in the Master, aside from His thought-provoking philosophies, is His voice. It is very soft, so much so that sometimes, I cannot immediately grasp what He was trying to say.
 
On Sunday of June 23rd when the Master was delivering His discourse at the Masonic Temple to His disciples, I heard something unusual happened. Reports had it that the Master’s image did not appear in the film. I don’t know why.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
Then on the night of June 24, during our meeting at Bro. Cunanan’s residence, I heard narrations of an unusual experience that three of our co –aspirants had during their personal contact with the Master.

Memorizing Supreme Command
 
June 25—The Master was scheduled to fly to Baguio City, together with some aspirants. It was already 6 o’clock in the morning of that day when I decided to go to Baguio.

I reached Baguio at around 3 o’clock in the afternoon of the same day. After checking in at a cheap hotel and taking a belated lunch, I proceeded to the Pines Hotel where the Master was supposed to be. At the lobby of the hotel, I saw an acarya together with some of my co-aspirants. I asked acarya jii if I could also have personal contact with the Master. He answered in the affirmative. He then requested me to memorize the “Supreme Command”.
 
At last the much-awaited hour came. Five of us were on the list. I thought I noticed that one is a Hindu who happened to be a merchant from Baguio City, while two are Chinese. We were all waiting at the corridor of the hotel adjacent to Master’s room.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


My PC with Baba
 
Then my turn came. As I entered the Master’s room, I saw Him reclining on His bed. He then beckoned me to come closer to Him. After asking for my name, He asked me to cite the sins I had committed. I was reluctant at first to tell Him. In the first place, I did not expect Him to do that. Secondly, I am not used to making confessions. As far as I can remember, I only made four confessions before Catholic priest in my entire life. I do not believe much in confessions, to be frank.
 
However, when the Master asked me to do so, I suddenly felt as if there was a strong force for me to comply with His wish. The unusual thing about it is that He seemed to know the details. When He asked me to cite another, I was at a loss what to tell Him, not because I was unwilling to tell Him, but because I somehow had forgotten about it. When I could not recall the same, it was Master who told me. And He was correct.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
After receiving some admonitions from Him, He motioned me to come closer to Him again. “You are my son; I am your Father.” As I complied with his request, He embraced me tightly and kissed me like a true Father. In reciprocity, I also hugged and kissed Him. Never in my life have I experienced such a feeling of bliss as during those moments.
 
“You are alright now My son,” He said.

Conclusion
 
As I left His room, I could not stifle my tears. They were not tears of regret, though. They were tears of joy because at long last, I found the truth.
 
In Him
C. San Gabriel

Ananda Marga ideology states, ““If even sinners ideate on me, accept me as their only object of ideation,” sayeth the Lord, “they will be freed from all worldly fetters, all worldly bondages.” Sinners must attain salvation, must be freed from all sins, all bondages of sin, by the Supreme Father. So for the virtuous and also for sinners, the Supreme Father is the only shelter. The Supreme Father is the only object of ideation. What are sinners to do? They are to forget their past, and they are to move ahead on the path of spirituality to attain that supreme stance. To come in direct contact with the Supreme Father, you are to serve the universe as the ideal daughters and sons of the Supreme Father. You needn’t be anxious. You must not have any worries and anxieties about your personal problems. Your problems are to be solved by the Supreme Father. You serve the children of the Supreme Father as the ideal daughters and ideal sons of that Father.” (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Now even if a man is that type of sinner whom other sinners may take as a bad man, of whom even sinners may say that he is a bad man – for such a sinner, the worst type of sinner, the future is not dark. The future in his case also is very bright, if he takes shelter in the divine lap of the Supreme Father. “I am on the lap of my Father, I cannot be a sinner.” Suppose you are walking along the path and your dress, your clothes, become muddy due to dust or clay. Then should you think that you will remain nasty or dirty forever? If you appear before your Father with dirty clothes, what will your Father do? He will clean your clothes and take you on his lap: “O my son, your clothes have become muddy, but you are my son. Come here, come here, sit on My lap. I am your Father, you are My son, you must not suffer from any sinner’s psychology.” Do you follow? So even if, in the past, you were sinners, forget it. Remember that from this very moment, you are the neat and clean son, you are the neat and clean child, of the Supreme Father. So there must not be any psychology of sinning complex. For a spiritual aspirant, there must not be any complex. Be free from all complexes, and move along the path of righteousness with a balanced mind, with mental equilibrium and mental equipoise. A bright future awaits you.” (2)

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, The God of Human Beings
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 34, Be Free from All Complexes

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.



== Section 2: Important Teaching ==


Margiis should do intellectual service

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Then, jagaddhitáya ca. A person is doing everything for his or her own spiritual elevation, own liberation, for complete emancipation. That he or she is doing for his or her liberation is well and good, but is he or she not a selfish person? Whatever one is doing, one is doing for one’s own liberation – but one is not doing anything for others. You say – is it not a fact? The person is selfish. So while one is doing something for one’s own liberation, one is to serve others also. And how is one to serve others? The best service is viprocita sevá [intellectual service].” (1)

Note: Every Ananda Margii, whether they be a WT, a family person, or an unmarried margii, has to perform service for the welfare of others. While all of the various types of service are needed and valued, in His above teaching, Baba guides us that viprocita sevá is the best service. Here the point is that viprocita sevá means teaching and preaching Ananda Marga ideology, and that has a lasting effect on the one being served. They are gaining a whole new outlook and understanding. For instance, if you feed an impoverished person a meal when they are hungry then that is very good, but then again that person will need to eat in another 6 or 8 hours. So that service is important, but short-lived. In contrast, if you teach a person about eating a sentient diet, or how to dance and ideate in kiirtana, or yogic breathing techniques, then that dharmic information will have a lasting effect on that person. That is why viprcita seva is the best.

So, in the appropriate circumstances, every Ananda Margii has the right, and indeed the bounden duty, to perform viprocita sevá, i.e. propagating the ideals of Ananda Marga. On this matter, everyone should be crystal clear and proceed ahead without any hesitation. So if family margiis are inspired to (a) host classes, (b) organize various types of scenarios to guide others on the individual or collective level, or (c) teach and preach AM philosophy then that is very good; it is dharmic and should be encouraged. General margiis need not wait for a Wt to come on the scene in order to preach AM ideals. Rather, they should take Baba’s name and guide others about AM teachings and AM philosophy. Every Ananda Margii should know that they should seize every opportunity to teach others about our Ananda Marga principles and way of life. In this regard, there should not be any apprehension or doubt. 

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The Four Kinds of Service


== Section: Important Teaching ==

What divided AMPS

Prout philosophy guides us, “Human unity is purely an ideological unity, which means unity in the psychic sphere. Where there is psychic unity, physical unity will also occur. In the realm of unity, unity is always psychic – ideological unity means unity in the subtlest level of the mind. However, psychic or ideological unity may be affected if we encourage the exploitation of one group by another. So to avoid this there should not be any scope for exploitation in society. And to ensure this we have to start a new order to safeguard the interests of the exploited masses. So for a proper social synthesis what we require is a common philosophy of life; that is, ideological unity. But to check exploitation in the physical sphere requires something more than this, and this something more comprises a common constitutional system, a common penal code, and the availability of the minimum essentialities of life.” (1)

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


== Section 3: Links ==


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Sunday, July 19, 2026

PTSD & AM remedy + 4 more

Baba
PTSD & AM remedy

Namaskar,

Tragically, this globe is now full of grave injustices where people are terribly wronged and suffer a lot. The term "post-traumatic stress disorder" (PTSD) has become a common phenomenon, especially in the west. Yet, unfortunately, in the east this problem is also starting to take root.

Basically, when people are overwhelmed by a traumatic or terrifying experience of the past such as (a) the death of their child, (b) marital abuse, (c) tragedies of war, (d) sexual abuse, or (e) being held hostage etc - then their mind shuts down and they are often buried in a state of psychic upheaval, revisiting those awful scenes again and again. They undergo a terrible mental crisis and extended suffering. In result, they fail to return to a normal frame of mind and are unable to function properly in life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Post-traumatic stress disorder

Such victims have often been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) - a terrible, psychic malady. Many techniques have been tried to cure such patients through counseling, rehab, work-programs, drugs, support groups, relaxation, hypnosis, and even various types of meditation. But often those patients continue to suffer from their mental despair and PTSD for the remainder of their life. They are never the same again.

Psychiatric and health-care professionals do not have a proper approach or cure.

Ananda Marga has the remedy

When traditional western approaches (counseling, drugs, therapy, hypnosis, etc) and when other meditative practices cannot cure those patients, then something else must be tried. The world is looking hard for a remedy for PTSD, as this mental ailment is rampant and becoming more prevalent as the pressures and tragedies of the day mount. As Ananda Margiis we know that Sadguru Baba has given the real remedy. And that remedy is Ananda Marga sadhana and devotional cult. Only Ananda Marga sadhana can remedy the situation and bring the patient back into a proper frame of mind.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


How only AM sadhana can help

The question then is how Ananda Marga sadhana is the remedy and not any other type of meditation. The answer is that only Ananda Marga sadhana is based on incantative power, pulsative force, and ideative method. For more about this read Baba's spiritual discourses like 'Mantra Caetanya', 'Tantra and Sadhana' etc. Plus only Ananda Marga sadhana is fueled by the grace of Parama Purusa and utilizes siddha mantras. Even our Baba Nam Kevalam mantra is enough to cure patients of PTSD.

In Ananda Marga sadhana, the mind is vibrated by a mantra and goaded toward Brahma. Then the mind can no longer hold onto old, hurtful thoughts. The mind is forced to shift away from those tragic days of torture as the mind becomes ensconced in a peaceful, blissful vibration.

Indeed, there is a vast philosophical and rational base behind the scientific system of our Ananda Marga sadhana. When the mind is engaged in this approach, then all kinds of psychic ailments can be cured, including PTSD. By Baba’s grace, soon the world will discover this.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Help create conducive environment

To cure PTSD patients, the main thing is that those victims of torture and pain must be placed in a proper environment to properly practice Ananda Marga tantra sadhana. Sadhana camps, sadhana shivir, akhanda kiirtan, spiritual retreats are the perfect atmosphere to ensconce the mind in psycho-spiritual practices. Those with PTSD should be encouraged to attend these functions. Then, with guidance and practice, they can really be cured of their psychic maladies. Then they will not look back at those past events of pain, but their mind will surge ahead in a positive flow that will bring psychic equilibrium, stability, and the ability to greet life in a new way.

Our Ananda Marga sadhana has that requisite force. And it is our duty to create the right environment for those in need. By our sadhana camps and spiritual retreats, many PTSD patients can and will be cured.

In jail: wts & margiis basked in spiritual flow

Here we are not presenting this without any practical evidence. Who can forget those days when Ananda Nagar was under siege in 1967. Step by step our Ananda Marga was under attack from communists. So many nefarious things happened and countless Ananda Margiis were jailed and tortured. But those jails turned into spiritual havens for our brothers and sisters of the Marga and so many Wts were created. It was really a phenomenon.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

This was most evident during the Emergency period. Those days, many groups, religions, and radicals were thrown in jail by Indira Gandhi's dictatorial regime. And those detainees often fell into woe and suffering. But not Ananda Margiis. Rather in jail, those workers and margiis created a whirlwind of spiritual flow. Huge dharmacakras and akhanda kiirtanas were held. Margiis on the outside were coming to attend. And there was a surge of psycho-spiritual force.

Indeed, it was the talk of the town - people were wondering why Ananda Margiis were not discouraged, depressed, or sunken into woe. The answer of course is Ananda Marga sadhana and intuitional practices. That is why Ananda Margiis could rise above the torture of life in jail, whereas other detainees were depressed and falling prey to psychic maladies like PTSD etc.


Ananda Marga sadhana is the remedy for today

Today there are so many psychic ailments, diseases, syndromes, and afflictions that are causing people to lose their mental balance. Thus far, western medical professionals and eastern meditative approaches cannot relieve patients of their mental suffering.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

And western drugs and therapy sessions are not the right way. Drugs bring so many problems and side-effects, while therapy attendees end up talking about their problems, again soaking the mind in those painful memories. That is why to this day, Vietnam war veterans and similar types of victims continue to suffer from mental imbalances, depression, fateful memories etc. They may try eastern techniques or western approaches, but a cure is not found.

The world however has not stopped looking for solutions and very soon they will come to realize that our Ananda Marga sadhana is the remedy. Then so many people can be benefited, including those suffering from PTSD.

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "A correct spiritual ideology is the only solution to the problems confronting the world. From this perspective we can call Ananda Marga ideology the philosophers’ stone. Just as the philosophers’ stone is meant to transform everything into gold, Ananda Marga ideology can, most definitely, find a just and rational solution whenever it is applied to any problem." (1)

Namaskar,
In Him
Dayasagar

This is yet another striking example of how our Ananda Marga sadhana - and not any other sadhana or therapy - really is the panacea for today's modern world.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Problems of the Day, Point #36


*        *        *

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 ==

Infinite streams of bliss

“Báre báre jiiver tare, áso tumi e dharáte, devádideva sambhútite…” (Prabhat Samgiita #3899)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, You come here for living beings again and again. You are devádideva and take advent on this earth in the form of Mahasambhuti, age after age. Time after time, You come for the all-round welfare of humanity. The Controller of sriśt́i (creation), sthiti (preservation), and pralaya (withdrawal) - i.e. You oversee the birth, death, and the maintenance / conservation of this entire cosmos. You are love-personified and spread infinite streams of bliss and compassion.

Baba, no one knows where You reside nor why You never take any rest. You go on playing Your liila continually all the 24 hours - consistently. There are so many things that I do not know about You. You are ever-present and do not come and go. Parama Purusa, in this elaborate divine drama of Yours, You make everyone dance according to Your sweet will. 

Baba, Táraka Brahma, my Dearest One, You are the most adorable Entity, the Goal of everyone’s meditation, and You have all virtues and noblest attributions. With Your ota and prota yoga, You are always with all. Kindly provide me shelter at Your feet...

Note for Prabhat Samgiita #3899

What is ota-prota yoga - 1

[1] Ota-Prota Yoga: By way of analogy we can best understand this term. Suppose a mother has five children. When she loves any one of them individually then that is akin to her ota yoga relation with that particular child. She has this type of ota yoga relation with each and every one of her children on a personal, individual level. In contrast, when that same mother loves and cares for her five children all together as a whole, collective family then that is akin to prota yoga.

Similarly, Parama Purusa has an individual loving relation with every entity on a personal, individual level. Whatever that unit being thinks and says then Parama Purusa lovingly listens and cares for that entity. So that is the very personal relation of ota yoga. And when He thinks about the entire creation and the welfare of all at the same time, then that connection is prota yoga.

In their own personal life, everyone should appreciate Parama Purusa’s relation as ota yoga - i.e. a very intimate, personal link; whereas, lower grade life forms relate more to Parama Purusa via His approach of prota yoga.

In Subhasita Samgraha part 17 (Gwalior DMC in 1984), Baba has given the meaning of ota yoga and prota yoga in English. Ota yoga is "individual tactuality" between Parama Purusa and the unit entity; and, prota yoga is "collective tactuality" between Parama Purusa and all the entities, simultaneously.

The above definition describes the intimate relation between Parama Purusa and His jiivas through His ota & prota yoga. This same term has been explained in a slightly different manner in the following discourse.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "What is ota-yoga? He as the Cosmic Father has a direct relationship with each and every entity of this world...All are His affectionate children. This is His ota-yoga. Each and every entity, animate or inanimate, has a direct link with Him. Just as ota yoga means the Cosmic Father's relationship with each entity individually, prota yoga means His relationship with all collectively." (1)

And here is more about ota-prota yoga:

What is ota-prota yoga - 2

Otahprotah yogábhyáḿ saḿyuktah Puruśottamah.

[Puruśottama is linked to each entity individually and to all entities collectively.]

Ananda Sutram Purport: Puruśottama, the Nucleus of the universe, is the witness of and is directly concerned with every unit entity. This association of His is called ota yoga [the yoga of individual association]. Evidently Puruśottama is the collective entity of the universe as well as witness of the collective mind. This association of His with the collectivity is called prota yoga [the yoga of pervasive association]. In other words, it may be said that the one who is associated with His objects through both ota and prota yogas at the same time is Puruśottama. (2)

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Suppose there is a virtuous discussion going on somewhere. If you invite two hundred people to this discussion, you will find that only sixty invitees have turned up, at the most. Out of these participants about ten or twelve people at most listen with patience and bhakti to the talks; and out of these listeners, only some properly understand the subject discussed. Then again, out of this small group that has understood, only a very few may retain in their minds what they have understood. Lastly, only one or two persons of this last group may practice in their daily lives what they have learnt and understood. This is only due to the clash between vidyá and avidyá in the mind, and in this clash the triumph of avidyá or the extroversive force means running from the introversive bent of vidyá. It is because of the saḿskaras of animality that the introversive momentum is rare in the average human mind. The sensuous desires of avidyá continue to infiltrate into every thought process. Such a situation continues for a long time in a sádhaka’s life.” (3)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, The Cosmic Father Has a Special Responsibility
2. Ananda Sutram, Sutra 2-10
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

How to handle selfish persons

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “I have already said that the task of intellect is to properly utilize all the properties of the universe, of the expressed world. But there are some selfish people in the world who are not in favour of the maximum utilization of mundane wealth, because they fear the control of the developed intellect over the material forces; and selfish people do not like that. They do not want anyone except themselves or a handful of their own group to attain any progress. Rather they would be happy to see that the individual and collective progress of others gets jeopardized.” (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Self-seeking people do not want the collective intellect of the human race to be utilized for the welfare of the entire human race; rather they, in the name of humanity, want to perpetuate divisive tendencies in society, because if they succeed in creating a rift in human society, that will pave the way for their personal benefit or self-aggrandizement. Thus they concoct various so-called scriptures and formulate all kinds of logic. They maintain to humanity that the different races in this world are not equal. Thus instead of considering the interests of the entire human society, they give preference to the interests of a particular community. This loud-mouthed propaganda in favour of a particular community, this parading of irrational logic, this sort of fallacious argument, all combine to stifle the spontaneous growth of human intellect. This sort of mentality is called dogma." (2)

Key quality of a righteous person

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “A person who wants to promote others’ welfare, a person who wants to serve the entire humanity, must keep away from dogma. In addition to that, he or she will have to staunchly resist dogma. It is not enough to keep away from something which is considered a veritable sin, it is not enough to lodge only verbal protest against sin – one will have to fight against it. This is the greatest criterion of a truly righteous person." (3)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 4, The Liberation of Intellect
2. A Few Problems Solved - 4, The Liberation of Intellect
3. A Few Problems Solved - 4, The Liberation of Intellect


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Test your knowledge of AM philosophy

Instructions: Kindly read the below quote from Baba's teachings. At the end of the quote a question has been posed. If your answer to the question is correct then it means you read Baba's books carefully; and, if your answer is wrong or you do not know the answer, then it signifies that you need to pay more attention when reading Guru's teachings. After all, if sadhakas are not diligent in studying Baba's books then who is going to read them - non-margiis?

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Cunning vipras [religious priests], whom I call intellectual satans, tried to turn the minds of the people from practical reality towards an imaginary void by preaching contrived philosophies. The essence of their voluminous treatises and verbose annotations to lengthy aphorisms was: the world is an illusion; therefore renounce the world and do not be attracted to its illusions. Become desireless, detached and self-abnegating by offering all your wealth at the feet of the vipras [religious priests]. Of course such philosophies did not preach that the world was also illusory for the vipras [religious priests] who received the offerings – clearly because it was through such ploys that they were able to achieve their objectives.” (1)


Question: Who is Baba referring to in the above quote?

Most probably, as an Ananda Margii, you know what the answer is. But if not, or if you want confirmation, read on below for the answer for the answer


Answer: In His above teaching, Baba is talking about the dogmatic, exploitative priests from the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Those Buddhist priests (a) preach the doctrine of nihilism and (b) misguide people to empty the mind and meditate on nothingness. In a similar vein, Hindu priests imposed their faulty view that this entire world is an illusion, mayavada. Thus people were indoctrinated into the idea that they should not protest against exploitation, but rather focus only on the afterlife etc.

References
1. Human Society - 2, The Vipra Age


== Section 4: Links ==

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Saturday, July 18, 2026

Pervasive problem: superstition + 3 more

Baba

Pervasive problem: superstition

Namaskar,

The entire world, more or less, is affected by superstition; it is everywhere, in various shapes and forms. In some places certain events are deemed as auspicious, and in other places that same occurrence is inauspicious. In the past, superstition retarded the progress of society. Now, around the globe, educated people are giving up their superstitions.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba has given Ananda Marga philosophy based on logic and reasoning. By that way, the general society should be educated so that they can understand the “hows” and “whys” behind every happening. Then slowly, all these superstitions will die.

Ananda Marga philosophy discards all sorts of superstitions, but, unfortunately, in AMPS, a few superstitions have taken root. Here is a partial list.

Examples of superstitions in AMPS

Here are some of the reigning superstitions in our AMPS nowadays:
(a) If you are born in a particular caste then you will be in central office.
(b) If your mother tongue is of a particular language then only can you govern a unified AMPS.
(c) If you are born in a particular country then you can get a top or key post like SS or central.
(d) If you are born as a certain gender then you have to be subservient to the other gender.

Ananda Marga philosophy does not support the above or any superstitions. But the organisation AMPS, which is made to propagate Ananda Marga philosophy, is slowly drowning in superstition. We have to be alert. Now please see what Baba says about superstition.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Superstition feeds itself

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Fighting against superstition: The svabháva [natural tendency] of mind is to become like its object. Superstition of any kind – social, psychic or spiritual – influences the mind to such an extent that the mind, due to its worries, leads a person into trouble. The mental equilibrium of one believing in superstition is disturbed, and the result is that one not only loses peace, but one is also led to do some action which is detrimental to oneself. This only further strengthens belief in superstition. Any ordinary incident is magnified and attributed to some durlakśańa, or bad omen, by the believers of superstition." (1)

Superstition: nothing becomes something

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "It is only because of the mind’s nature to become like its object that people see ghosts, which are purely the mental creation of those who believe in this superstition. If only these persons had the courage and mental strength to catch the ghost, they would very soon realize that their mistake was believing nothing to be something." (2)

Superstition unsettles the mind

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Superstitions have not left any field uncontaminated. In the social sphere there is no dearth of superstitions. Witchcraft, discrimination against widows, etc., are curses in society only due to such superstitions. In the psychic sphere there are deep-rooted superstitions such as the belief in ghosts (bhút), etc. Not only this, but superstitions related to shráddha [funeral ceremonies], etc., have also bound down even the progeny of a person. In the spiritual field, also, ignorant people have been forced to do many things only because of the deep-rooted superstition of heaven and hell. All these only disturb psychic equilibrium and bring about discord and worry in society. For the preservation of peace, the fight against superstition is of prime importance." (3)

Conclusion
  
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In Ananda Marga none of these superstitions have been given any place. In the social field witchcraft has been discredited as only a psychic creation of some kusaḿskárii [evil] person. Widows have been given the same status as unmarried women, there being no restrictions on their dress, behaviour, living, etc. Exercising any influence on widows [to compel them] to adopt a particular pattern of life based on the social superstition of disallowing their presence in social functions, is strictly prohibited." (4)

Now as disciples of Baba it is our duty to open the eyes of superstitious people with the magic stick of Ananda Marga spiritual ideology and make everyone realise that superstition is baseless and bogus.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
in Him,
Hemant Pal

Next please read the below colourful article that describes how superstition is all-pervading in the general Indian society. Rich or poor, highly educated or illiterate, most of the population is drowned in superstition up to their neck.


Indian scientists drowned in superstition

    by Michael Patrao

    ~ Courtesy of The Media Project ~

In India, religion and the accompanying ceremonies and rituals are all encompassing and pervade every sphere of life - be it business, politics, launch of a film or even the launch of a satellite.

It may be a coincidence, but the launch of India’s first Mars orbiter Mission, named Mangalyaan (after Mars) fell on a Mangalvaar or Tuesday (November 5), the day of Mars, known as Mangala in Indian astronomy.

A day earlier, on November 4, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K Radhakrishnan offered pujas (worship) at Tirupati Venkateshwara temple, the popular South Indian temple, about 100 kms from the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

He was just carrying on a tradition followed by his predecessor G Madhavan Nair, who visited the temple just before every satellite launch.  Rocket science and religion go hand-in-hand among many Indian scientists.

Religion also plays a big role in trade, business and the stock market. On November 3, the “muhurat” trading session will be conducted for 75 minutes on leading bourses National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, to pay obeisance to Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. It also marks the New Year for traders as per the Hindu calendar.

It is believed that “Muhurat’ is an auspicious time where the planets align themselves in such a way that the task you perform during this time duration, becomes fruitful and without the influences of evil forces. So trading in the stock market during the Diwali day, the festival of light, one of the biggest festivals of India, is held at a specific muhurat time (auspicious moment).

It is a tradition to trade during the Muhurat. Trading on this day, which is also the day when the Hindu financial year begins, is considered to bring blessings for the year ahead. The stock market trade at Bombay Stock exchange, Asia’s first stock exchange, is dominated by the Gujarati community. Stock brokers' offices wear an ethnic look with traditional folk decorations. The time for Muhurat trading changes every year. The auspicious time is decided in accordance with Hindu astronomy.

Trading done on this day is only symbolic and is more for traditional and religious reasons. Brokers and investors make token investments and usually hold the stock for a year or so. 

In Indian films, including films in all the languages of India, the muhurat shot is the first shot (take) of a film marking the commencement of the film. It is preceded by a pooja (worship).

Politicians too begin their election campaign by first visiting the prominent place of worship in their constituency, despite the criminal and corruption charges against many of them. Sometimes they visit more than one place of worship of different religions.

Even marriages are sanctified by the priest at an auspicious time. It is believed that a favorable time assures prosperity in your marriage and love, and so you become and remain happy in your marital life. The auspicious time is mentioned in the wedding invitation, so that the invitees arrive in time to bless the couple.

There is also an auspicious time for most activities and events, such as embarking on a major journey, taking a new job and house warming, which are accompanied by ceremonies and rituals. Some calendars and diaries carry the details of auspicious timings for every day of the year.

The neighboring country of Nepal, comprised largely of Hindus, shares many similar customs, rituals and ceremonies with India.   Ganesh, the elephant-faced god of good luck and prosperity is the object of the most prayers in India and Nepal. (Courtesy of The Media Project (dot) org)

themediaproject(dot)org/article/religion-and-rocket-science-india?page=full

Superstition in sports in the US

~ Courtesy of Wikipedia ~ 

Here are some superstitions in US sports:
(a) The coach of a basketball team demands that his players eat the same meal of steak and salmon before every game.
(b) Some coaches wear the same sweater every game without washing it during a winning streak.
(c) Some players demand that their sandwich be cut the exact same way diagonally during their pre-game meal.
(d) Some players will not shave so long as the team wins.

From Wikipedia: "People are more likely to attribute an event to a superstitious cause if it is negative than positive. This is called negative agency bias. Boston Red Sox fans, for instance, attributed the failure of their team to win the world series for 86 years to the curse of the bambino [Babe Ruth], a curse placed on the team for trading Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees so that the team owner could fund a Broadway musical." (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

In US 50% of population is superstitious

~ Courtesy of Yahoo ~

If you knock on wood when you say something presumptuous or freak out when you see a broken mirror, you’re not alone — Americans are still very superstitious. Here’s why. (Image: Nadeen Nakib for Yahoo Health/iStock)

They may seem old-fashioned, but superstitions are still alive and well, according to a new survey. Crowdsourcing website Ranker.com polled 18,000 people on the superstitions they believe in and found that, as a whole, people are still very superstitious.

Here are the top 10 most widely believed superstitions, per the survey:
1. Knocking on wood
2. Wishing on a star
3. Breaking a mirror
4. Four-leaf clover
5. Bad news comes in threes
6. Don’t open an umbrella inside
7. Lucky penny
8. Beginner’s luck
9. Saying “bless you” when someone sneezes
10. Wishing on a wishbone

The top superstitions also varied by age and gender: Women ranked tossing salt over your left shoulder after you spill it as one of their top superstitions, while men and millennials said wishing on a star was theirs. People from Generation X and baby boomers said the lucky penny (getting good luck after you find a heads-up penny) was their No.1 superstitious belief.

Psychologist Stuart Vyse, PhD, author of Believing in Magic: The Psychology of Superstition, tells Yahoo Health that superstitions are more common than we think. “Some polls have found that over 50 percent of Americans consider themselves at least a little superstitious,” he says.

Many people believe in superstitions because life is uncertain. “When we really want something to happen yet we can’t make it happen for certain, we grasp for things that seem unlikely,” Vyse says. “Superstitions offer a feeling of control where control isn’t possible.” (Courtesy of Yahoo)
yahoo(dot)com/beauty/whats-behind-these-common-superstitions-174203195(dot)html

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
2. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
3. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
4. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Look towards me

Prabhat Samgiita Intro: This following Prabhat Samgiita is the expression of a great bhakta. What he feels when in a very exalted state of mind.

“Eso go eso go mor manete, sab klesh násh kare álo jharáte…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0312)

Purport:

O’ My Parama Purusa, please come, come into my mind and shower me in Your exquisite love, after eliminating all my suffering. When You appear in my Guru cakra then the darkness, stains, and accumulated samskaras of many lives will be wiped away. There will not by any tribulations; the three afflictions - physical, psychic, and spiritual - will be eradicated. By Your grace, my mind will go into the depths of meditation and ultimately reach the realm of supreme refulgence - satya loka.

O’ Parama Purusa, the world is inundated by the sound of Your nu’pur. By Your call every cell of my blood becomes spiritually vibrated and intoxicated. Baba, please be gracious and remain in my dhyana - seated on the thousand-petaled lotus.

O’ Parama Purusa, Baba, seeing Your smile, all sing together in joy. Your charming visage makes my mental peacock dance in hundreds of ways. Parama Purusa, look, please look towards me - into my mind and heart, with Your gracious gaze...


Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #0312:

What are the three afflictions 

[1] Three afflictions: Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, “Bondages are of three types: ádhibhaotika [physical], ádhidaevika [psychic], and ádhyátmika [spiritual]. All kinds of worldly bondages – physical, economic, political, social, literary, and sociological – and also those relating to agriculture, industry, trade and commerce – all these are physical bondages. That is to say, the bondages concerning the quinquelemental world are all physical bondages in the pervasive sense. Psychic distortions, mental clashes, doubts and confusions, superiority and inferiority complexes, etc., are all psychic bondages; and the bondages of reaction of one’s actions, which are generally termed prárabdha [unrequited reactions] are also included in the category of psychic bondages. All bondages concerned with unit consciousness and Supreme Consciousness, and the deeper feelings of inner anguish due to the non-attainment of the highest spiritual stance, are categorized as spiritual bondages. Physical bondages are further divided into three main types – bhávagata bandhan [bondages of dogma], kálagata bandhan [bondages of time], and ádháragata bandhan [spatial bondages].” (1)


What is Bhávagata bandhan affliction

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Bhávagata bandhan afflicts human beings the most. If an idea is imposed on human beings as a dogma, crushing the victim under its heavy weight, people realize that a tormenting bondage has been imposed on them. They well understand that the dogma has immobilized them, caused retardation instead of progress, and brought them to a virtual standstill. They realize that what they considered to be dharma was actually nothing but a colourful procession of various superstitions, and lest they raise their heads against those superstitions and smash that house of cards built on quicksand, certain ideas are constantly whispered into their ears: “You shouldn’t do this, you shouldn’t do that – it will bring about your ruin. If you do that, you will be doomed to hell, or if you do this, your tongue will fall off.” People realize that their voices against dogma have thus been silenced by injecting fear complexes into their minds, and that they have been reduced to useless lumps of cow-dung. Nevertheless, since they lack proper initiative and drive, they willingly surrender themselves to fate, and accept their helpless shedding of tears as their appointed lot in life.” (2)

What is kálagata bandhan affliction

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “With changes in the time factor, the temporal bondages also change their condition in different circumstances; and with the changes in the spatial factors, the spatial bondages change their condition also. When people’s feelings are deeply wounded, they decide to leave the state, the country, or the society, just to remove these bondages, and when there is no other way out, they decide to leave the world by committing suicide.”

“By adopting a sublime ideology in personal life, one can overcome all psychic afflictions. One should give up all those factors which are the causes of mental affliction in collective life, and at the same time, promote universal ideas.”

“And spiritual bondage means, “Though Parama Puruśa is my own property, exclusively my own, why am I not able to merge my life in the Cosmic life, to touch the core of my heart to the core of His heart, to blend my own sweetness in the universal sweetness?” This mental agony due to the non-realization of Parama Puruśa is spiritual bondage.” (3)

What is sound of nupur

[2] Nu'pur: His divine ankle bell represents the expression of that eternal sound: Omnkara. So the ankle bell is one of the sounds of divine realisation i.e. omnkara. Altogether, this omnkara sound has six stages. These sounds or stages cannot be created or replicated by the human voice or any musical instrument like some ignorant people do. Nor is this audible to the external ear. This sound is not something physical and cannot be recorded with some device. Nor is it the medical condition of tinnitus. It is something completely internal from the spiritual plane. The proof is that if you cover or block your ears, the volume will increase. Only if a sadhaka is sincere in sadhana then naturally in their meditation they will hear these blissful sounds.

Here is a further description about this.

Ananda Marga ideology says, “You know, ghuṋghur – you use it during the táńd́ava dance. In Sanskrit it is called nupur.) Next you will hear the sound of flutes – as if somebody is playing a flute. Then the sound of the ocean, you know? A particular sound is created by the sea. And then, in the fifth phase, taḿ, taḿ, just like bells, the sound of bells. And finally, the sound is just like ooṋṋṋ – the oṋḿkára in pure form. And after that there remains no sound, because after that there ends the realm, the scope, of Saguńa. After that there is the scope of Nirguńa. In the realm of Nirguńa there cannot be any sound, because there cannot be any expression. Not even divine expression, not even supra-psychic expression." (4)


Relationship between sadhana & nupur

Remember, sadhana is not done to hear these sounds. If any sadhaka practices sincerely then naturally such sounds become audible. But the sadhaka should not pay attention to that sound otherwise it will disappear. Because when the mind is concentrated on the mantra then the sound comes. And when the mind is diverted away from its focused concentration on the mantra - and instead tries to just listen to that sound - then the sound will disappear. Overall this sound, nupura dhvani, is very blissful and in a few months of regular practice in a lonely place, any sincere sadhaka can hear it.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

What is call of Parama Purusa & when one hears it

[3] Call of Parama Purusa: At some point in their life, every sadhaka has experienced the call of the Divine. They primarily hear it during a significant life transition. Actually, Parama Purusa calls everyone - some recognise His call and some do not. Before hearing His call, a person’s life was moving in one mundane direction - name, fame, and fleeting desires etc. When a person hears His call they are aroused and think they should do something meaningful in this life. At that point, they start searching for some path so they may learn sadhana and lead a sentient life. At the age of 5 the call for spiritual life starts. Those with a good samskara hear that call at that time and start doing spiritual practice. Otherwise one may hear that call later on - in their teens or in adulthood. In that case they join the path later on. Some do not hear this call their entire life, nonetheless He is sounding His call. Parama Purusa calls everyone - always - but many do not hear.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology states, “O human beings! You are fortunate. The clarion call of the Universal has reached you. That very call is vibrating in every cell of your body. Will you now lie inert in the corner of your house? Will you now waste your time clutching ancient skeletons to your breast and moaning over them? The Supreme Being is calling you in the roar of the ocean, in the thunder of the clouds, in the speed of the lightning, in the meteor’s flaming fires. Nothing will come of remaining idle. Get up and awaken the clouded chivalry of your dormant youth. The path may not be strewn with flowers – an inferiority complex may seek to hold back your every advancing footstep, but even then you have to proceed onward, tearing the shroud of darkness. You will soon rend the thick darkness of despair on the way to the attainment of the Supreme State, and advance onwards in the swift-moving chariot, radiant with the sun’s brilliance.” (5)

Significance of look of Parama Purusa in meditation

[4] Parama Purusa’s gaze upon a sadhaka holds great significance in spiritual life. In meditation, if one feels or sees that Parama Purusa is looking at them, that is a very blessed stage of sadhana. If sadhana is not good, then that feeling or experience does not arise. Ultimately, His gaze means His grace. So if in meditation one does not feel that Parama Purusa is looking at them, then one must request Him to fix His eyes on them. In meditation, if one feels that He is looking upon them, then that creates a huge upsurge of spiritual vibration and bliss. That is what has been expressed in this song.

References
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva’s Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 13)
2. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva’s Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 13)
3. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva’s Teachings – 2 (continued) (Discourse 13)
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, The Sound of God
5. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, The Call of the Supreme


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Beginning of meaningful life

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 at 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 ==

Reason some animals can do sadhana

Ananda Marga ideology says, "In certain animals like dogs and monkeys, the 'doer' I is a bit more expressed or developed than in other creatures. That is why in the future they may be in a position to do this spiritual practice." (1)

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 18, Cult, Inference and Propensity


== Section 3: Links ==

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