Sinking Purodha

22 March 2014

SINKING PURODHA

~ Baba ~

Namaskar,
This letter is not for non-margiis, or pseudo margiis, or those who who do not have reverence for Ananda Marga ideology and conduct rules. Due to a lack of reverence, they cannot understand the gravity of the issue addressed in this letter.

To understand this letter, the pre-requisite is to have faith in Ananda Marga conduct rules, where there is a gender separation and free-mixing is not allowed.

So before reading this letter consider the above.

For those who wish to continue reading, the letter begins now...

Here in this photo one purodha is in merriment with the opposite sex and that is against WT conduct rules.

According to WT conduct rules, Wts are to involve in (a) service to suffering humanity or (b) meditation for self-realisation. Our Wts do not have any time for idle extravaganza. Life is very short. But look what is happening here. This photo tells the whole story. Dada Maheshvarananda ji is indulged in the opposite sex. Dadaji has set a very bad precedent.

Dada Maheshvarananda indulged in the opposite sex

This is the sad and lowly standard of so-called purodhas who are the vanguard of Ananda Marga. They are sinking the boat. By his conduct it is obvious that Maheshvarananda ji is sinking. The whole affair is unfortunate.

Baba took vow from these people to remain strict in dharma and do and die for ideology. But look what they are doing now - they forgot the whole thing.

That is why I call upon all rational people who have eyes to see & realise, they should hold true to the ideological fundamentals and not compromise with wrongdoing.

If our wts are involved in a gross, negative, pseudo-culture way of life, then how will they - our august purodhas, avadhutas, acaryas, and Wts etc - rescue the whole society from such degradation.

In spite of all this, in spite of these few rotten apples, I believe that Ananda Marga has a bright future.

For your reminder, here are some WT conduct rules related with our monks, avadhutas, acaryas, Wts:

MUST POINT OUT

Here Baba is guiding us that it every Ananda Margii has the right and duty to point out other Ananda Margiis (purodhas, avadhutas, acaryas, wts etc) when they fail to adhere to the conduct rules and code of discipline.

"The establishment of an ideal society depends on the mutual help of the members and their cooperative behaviour. This cooperative behaviour depends on the practice of the principles of Yama and Niyama; so, spiritual practices, especially the practice of Yama and Niyama, are the sound foundation of an ideal society...All Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of Yama and Niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong. Henceforth I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margi to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama." (1)

"Regarding the Sixteen Points, it was said that ácárya/ás or senior persons would see if you were observing them properly or not. Similarly, I gave a directive to all that they should keep watch on one another. No one will exempt anyone else regarding the Sixteen Points." (2)

"From the social or human viewpoint, everybody has the right to correct the behaviour of everyone else. This is the birthright of every human being. No scholar can dispute the right of people to correct the shortcomings of those with whom they come in contact. The recognition of this right is indispensable for the health of society. " (3)

WT RULES AND THE OPPOSITE SEX

Here below are some of the very important conduct rules which Baba has clearly outlined and delineated. All avadhutas, avadhutikas, and wts are to be held to living up to this standard. None may contravene these rules and codes of conduct given by Guru.

"Avadhu'ta must not remain in a lonely place with any female." (WT Conduct Rule, See Ref 4 below)

"Under no circumstances should the purity of the body and mind be polluted." (WT Conduct Rule, See Ref 5 below)

"Avadhuta shall treat every woman of the world, including his ex-wife, as mother." (WT Conduct Rule, See Ref 6 below)

"...Avadhu'ta shall not engage his ears in any obscene language or songs, touch any tamasik articles, see any depraving entity or pictures, go through any story, novel, or fiction having even the slightest bit of sexual importance, eat, drink, or smoke any rajasik or tamasik things or use any article which is artificially scented." (WT Conduct Rule, See Ref 7 below)

"One should not look at the face of the opposite sex except at the time of nursing." (WT Conduct Rule, See Ref 8 below)

"One should follow discipline very strictly." (WT Conduct Rule, See Ref 9 below)

"You will have to protect yourself from sexual weakness and luxury." (WT Conduct Rule, See Ref 10 below)

CONCLUSION

Thus when any purodha or Wt is indulged in any way - as Dada Maheshavarananda ji is in the attached photo - then good people will take strong steps to rectify him, lest he slip sand sink deeper and wholly lose the path of dharma.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Kamala
(Carolyn Norton)

SNAKE INSIDE THE HOUSE

Here is one final thought on this matter.

अपना आदमी हो, घर का आदमी हो ; कोई सत्य से इधर-उधर हट गया, sincerity की कमी जिनमें है—उसका विरोध करो, बर्दाश्त मत करो | अपना आदमी है तो क्या है | अपना आदमी अगर असाधु है, insincere है, तो, और भी अधिक ख़तरनाक है | क्यों ? बाहर में अगर साँप रहा, वह जितना ख़तरनाक है, घर में अगर साँप घुस गया तो और भी अधिक ख़तरनाक है | इसलिए, और भी, उसका अधिक विरोध होना चाहिए |” (11)

"If our own person or relative deviates from the truth or is lacking sincerity, oppose him, do not tolerate him. It does not matter if he is our own relative. If our own person is dishonest and insincere then he is more dangerous. Why? If there is a snake outside the house it is dangerous, but if it enters inside the house, it becomes more dangerous. Therefore he [our close person] should be opposed more strongly." (11)


REFERENCES
1. A Guide to Human Conduct
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam-23, Silent Action
3. Human Society - 1, Justice
4. 32 Rules for Avadhu'tas, pt #13
5. 32 Rules for Avadhu'tas, pt #30
6. 32 Rules for Avadhu'tas, pt #11
7. 32 Rules for Avadhu'tas, pt #32
8. 37 Worker's Rules, pt #15
9. 37 Worker's Rules, pt #24
10. WT Conduct: Fourteen Points, pt #12
11. Sa’dhana’ kii Mukhy Ba’t – Satya’shraii Bano, EGD 25 November 1978 Mumbai




http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/02/why-baba-used-pen-name.html

लालची पुरोधा विवाह टैक्स - २: Greedy Purodha & Marriage Tax

18 March 2014

Note: Please forward the Hindi section of this email to all those sadhakas you know who read Hindi script - friends, family, relatives, and sympathizers. English readers have read this letter already, whereas it is entirely new for Hindi readers. The original English letter has been appended below for your easy reference.

~ Baba ~

लालची पुरोधा विवाह टैक्स - Greedy Purodha & Marriage Tax

~ भाग २ ~

(नोट :- इस श्रेणी में जारी पत्रों का यह दूसरा भाग है ,पहले पत्र की लिंक नीचे दी गई है। )
पहले पत्र में बताया गया है कि आनंदमार्ग वैवाहिक पद्धति किस प्रकार अतुलनीय और समाज के लिए बाबा का विशेष आशीष है। आनंदमार्ग की क्रांतिकारी वैवाहिक पद्धति अन्तर्जातीय शोषणरहित , किसी प्रकार के दहेज़ के बिना लिए-दिए, समाजनिर्माण पर आधारित, गॄहस्थों के द्वारा ही आयोजत की जाती है | इसमें किसी पुरोहित की आवश्यकता नहीं होती। इसके अलावा आनंदमार्ग में हम भाषण देते और चर्चा करते रहते हैं कि किस प्रकार हमारे मार्ग में बिना किसी खर्च के शादियां होती हैं--पर इस सबके उलटे अन्य समाजों और सम्प्रदायों में दहेज़ और पुरोहितों की फीस में बहुत खर्च करना पड़ता है। परन्तु आजकल कुछ दादा लोग इन तथ्यों को भुला चुके हैं।मार्ग के लोभी पुरोहितगण विवाह पर टेक्स लाद रहे हैं।

विवाह का टेक्स कैसे लादा गया

कुछ दादाओं ने नव विवाहित वर-वधुओं से फीस लेने का नियम बना कर एक डोग्मा लाद दिया है कि यदि वे तथाकथित आशीर्वाद, DMS में pp दादा से लेना चाहते हैं, तो उन्हें फीस देनी होगी। इस प्रकार वे गलत नियम लागू कर रहे हैं कि आशीर्वाद लेने के लिए धन देना आवश्यक है।
परन्तु बाबा ने यह कभी भी नहीं किया। नव विवाहितों के लिए DMC में बाबा का आशीर्वाद लेने के लिए, कभी भी कोई फीस नहीं ली गयी। चाहे गरीब हों या अमीर सब पर उनकी अहेतुकी कृपा रहती थी। कुछ दादाओं ने यह प्रथा डोग्मा वाले सम्प्रदायों से अपना ली हैं। सम्प्रदायिक पुरोहितों द्वारा जन्म, विवाह और मृत्यु या किसी भी धार्मिक उत्सवों के समय लम्बी चौड़ी फीस ली जाती है।

धार्मिक उत्सव : हर मोड़ पर पुरोहितों को लाभ

भूतकाल में शंकराचार्य ने हिन्दू पुरोहितों को आर्थिक मदद देने की पद्धति का प्रचलन प्रारम्भ किया था जिसमे सामान्य जनता धार्मिक उत्सवों, मृत्यु के समय के आयोजनो, विवाह और जन्म आदि के समय उन्हें आर्थिक मदद करने का नियम बनाया गाया। प्रत्येन कार्यक्रम के आयोजन हेतु पुरोहितों की अनिवार्यता बनाई गयी और उन्हें इस कार्य के लिए फीस भी निर्धारित की गई। समय बीतने के साथ इस व्यवस्था में लगातार बृद्धि होती गई और प्रत्येक सामाजिक समारोह में कर्मकाण्डीय पूजा करने और सलाह कार्य के लिए पुरोहितों को फीस देकर उनकी सेवाएं लिए जाने का अकाट्य नियम बन गया।

बाबा ने आनंदमार्ग के त्योहारों को करमुक्त बनाया

बाबा ने , चाहे दीक्षा हो या पर्सनल कांटैक्ट , बच्चे का नामकरण हो या धर्मं समीक्षा, गृह प्रवेश या अखंड कीर्तन किसी भी कार्यक्रम में, मुफ्त में ही सब काम होते रहने कि व्यवस्था उन्होंने बनाई है। कभी भी किसी भी कार्यक्रम में किसी भी आचार्य को कोई भी फीस नहीं दी जाती। फीस आनंदमार्ग की पद्धति के विपरीत है, पूर्णकालिक कार्यकर्ताओं ==kii सहायता करने के लिए दान की व्यवस्था बनाई गई है पर शादी जैसे कार्य में किसी भी प्रकार की राशि लिए जाने की प्रथा नही है। पर वह सब अब बदल रहा है , ज्वार लौट रहा है। अब नव-विवाहितों को पुरोधा प्रमुख के आशीर्वाद हेतु धन देना पड़ता है।

विवाह टेक्स से समाज का अधोपतन

जब आनंदमार्ग में ज़बरन विवाह कि फीस ली जायेगी तब हो सकता है अधिकांश लोग विवाह ही न करें | और समाज के बंधन से मुक्त रहकर बच्चे पैदा करें , परिवार समाप्त हो जाएँ और बच्चों के पिता की कोई जिम्मेवारी, उनके पालन पोषण में न रहे। इस प्रकार समाज का अधोपतन अवश्यम्भावी है। भगवान शिव ने बच्चों के पालन पोषण सही ढंग से होते रहने के लिए ही विवाह की प्रणाली, समाज को दी थी ताकि समाज का स्थायित्व बना रहे | और पुरुषों के अनुत्तरदायित्व पूर्ण व्यवहार को समाप्त किया जा सके। बाबा ने इसे और अधिक परिमार्जित किया और विवाह पद्धति में क्रांतिकारी परिवर्तन ला दिए।
और अब कुछ वरिष्ठ दादा लोग इस पवित्र पद्धति पर विवाह-टेक्स लगा रहे हैं। जो लोग इस टेक्स को नहीं दे पायेंगे वे विवाह ही नहीं करेंगे। पुत्रियां वधुएं बनने की इच्छअ मज़बूरी में त्याग कर आत्महत्या का वरण करने लगेंगीं।
इतना ही नहीं , भविष्य में यह टेक्स इतना विकराल रूप ले लेगा कि वह परिवार को आजीवन विकलांग वना देगा | ठीक वैसा ही जैसा दहेज़ प्रथा में बेटी कि शादी करने के लिए लोग जीवन भर अपनी आवश्यकताएं घटाते हुए धन एकत्रित करते रहते हैं--भविष्य में यह टेक्स इतना विकराल रूप ले लेगा।
(कृपया इस पत्र कि अगली किश्त भी देखिये )
नमस्कार ,
उनके चरणों में
मधुसूदन

Hindi Readers: Please watch for the third part of this series: लालची पुरोहित विवाह टैक्स.

Here below is the original English letter...

To: AnandaMargaNewsBulletin
From: madhusudan
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2013 15:55:32
Subject: Greedy Priests of Marga Imposing Marriage Tax - part 2

Baba

GREEDY PRIESTS OF MARGA IMPOSING MARRIAGE TAX

~ PART 2 ~

(Note: This is the second part of this on-going series. A link to the first letter is appended below. All text in brown is cited material from part 1. - Eds)

Namaskar,
The prior letter enlisted several reasons why our Ananda Marga marriage system is wholly unique and stands as Baba's special blessing upon society. To review, the revolutionary marriage system as given in Ananda Marga is inter-racial, exploitation-free, devoid of dowry, based on society building, and run by family people, not priests.

Plus, in our Ananda Marga we would commonly give speeches and talks about how in our AM marriages there are no expenses, in stark contrast to the various religions where dowries or large fees to priests are made. These are some of the key and fundamental elements that make it an ideal system.

But nowadays all this is being jeopardised by the actions of a few dadas.

HOW A MARRIAGE TAX HAS BEEN IMPOSED

Certain Dadas have created and imposed the dogma wherein newly married margiis must pay a surcharge or fee if they wish to receive a so-called blessing from PP Dada during DMS etc. They are implementing the bogus rule that money is needed in order to get a "blessing."

Yet Baba never did like this. No payment was ever needed for newly married couples to receive His divine ashirvad (blessing) during DMC. There was never any tax or fee, just His causeless grace. Rich or poor, all had equal opportunity.

But now some Dadas have implemented this new rule. They just dragged it in from the dogmatic religions of old wherein priests levy huge fees on the common people for their so-called services whether it be marriages, births, deaths or any other ritualistic gathering. Always the priests wanted a big payment - this dogma has always plagued the various religions. And now some Dadas in AM are doing the same thing.

RELIGIOUS CEREMONY:

PRIESTS PROFIT AT EVERY TURN

In the distant past, Shankaracarya introduced a financial system to support the Hindu priest class whereby common citizens would pay for religious functions and occasions like death ceremonies, marriages etc. For each and every gathering that required the presence of a priest, there was a fee or tax. Over time there was a ripple effect and it became a multi-tiered financial structure where the people had to pay for every social ceremony, as well as ritualistic worship and counsel.

BABA DESIGNED ANANDA MARGA CEREMONIES TO BE FREE

Baba never ever appreciated this approach and that is why all such endeavours in Ananda Marga are always free: initiation, baby naming ceremonies, PC, dharma samiiksa, house blessings, akhanda kiirtan and all our programs. No one ever pays an acarya for a particular social function. This is against the Ananda Marga system. There an avenue to financially support the WT structure but that donation-based approach is wholly independent of charging for social ceremonies like marriages etc. Every ceremony and social function in Ananda Marga is free of cost.

But now all that is changing - the tide is turning. Now newly married couples have to pay to receive PP's "blessing".

SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN FUTURE:

PEOPLE IN ANANDA MARGA MAY NOT MARRY

When a dogmatic fee or tax is imposed on our Ananda Marga marriage system, then some people may opt not to get married ever. Instead they will engage in relations outside the social bond of marriage. And they will give birth to children outside of a family structure where fathers are apt not to share responsibility in their raise of their offspring. This will bring about the further demise of society.

Lord Shiva introduced the system of marriage to protect children and put an end to libertine relations. And Baba further refined and revolutionized the marriage system.

And now some top Dadas are threatening this sacred system by imposing a tax or fee to receive a marriage blessing. Those who cannot afford it may opt not to marry at all. Daughters - wishing to be brides - may even resort to suicide etc.

But not only that, the tax that is being imposed today will swell and multiply into something really huge that will cripple a family for a lifetime. Just as happened with the dowry system wherein a family had to save their money for an entire lifetime and curtail basic needs to get their daughter married.

PP's MARRIAGE BLESSING TAX GOES TO GROUP LEADERS

OTHER DADAS PROFIT FROM OTHERE CEREMONIES ETC

Now a fee of upwards of RS10,000 is being charged by a group's PP Dada to get his "marriage blessing." In this process, that PP Dada is just a puppet in the hands of those running that particular group. All monies and fees will go directly to those group leaders.

This has set the stage for other levels of Dadas to impose their fee and get a payment in the marriage process. Some will charge for introducing the couple and others will charge for performing the ceremony. It is not difficult to see where this is going. Certainly not every Dada will engage in this, but when even a few do it is enough to spoil the entire system.

Our marriage system is designed to be free of any and all costs, yet now with the imposition of a payment to get PP's so-called blessing, things are heading in the wrong direction. Becuase we are also witnessing how some Wts are charging margii families for performing shraddha ceremonies, while other Wts will not attend a retreat or akhanda kiirtan unless they are assured a solid payment from the organisers. Theses are are "spillover" of the PP Dada marriage tax. Other Dadas are sizing up how they too can profit from various Ananda Marga social functions - verily this is already going on.

Charging fees for attending programs and performing ceremonies has been such a big money-maker for some Dadas that they have become tied to this easy way of life. Until and unless, there is a strong and united resistance by family margiis, those select Dadas will continue to exploit in this way. They will levy their fees and taxes whenever and wherever possible. For them it is easy money.

UNFORTUNATE RIPPLE-EFFECT OF BOGUS MARRIAGE TAX

Now our Ananda Marga is marching down the road paved by dogmatic Hindu priests. For the various groups, their chosen PP became a stooge in the hands of the group leaders. This started the marriage blessing tax and it will not be long before some more Dadas open up their own marriage stalls at DMS and charge for marital advice, recommendations, engagements, ceremonies and services. They will charge a fee every step of the way - including initiation into Ananda Marga.

Such Dadas may even demand a new dress (from head to toe including eye glasses) in exchange for performing the marriage. And if they did 5 marriages in one weekend or one month, then they will sell the extra clothes for a profit.

The same Hindu dogma which has littered Kashi, Varanasi, Puri, Rameshvaram, Dwarka, Ayodhya, Gaya, Deoghar and Prayag will infest our Ananda Marga marriage system. That is the very real threat. In that case marriage will become one exorbitant affair that weighs heavy on the public pocket so people will avoid marriages altogether and pursue sensual relations outside of marriage, leave children unattended to, and tragically, we will be back to that pre Lord Shiva era or become a mirror image of today's materialistic culture where having children out of wedlock is common. It will be just like what is happening now in materialistic regions.

That is why no money should be associated with our Ananda Marga marriage system. Otherwise the results will be nothing short of disastrous. We should stop the current indiscretions immediately and set our Marga back on the right path - without delay.

PP IS JUST PUPPET AND FIGUREHEAD - HE CANNOT BLESS

BEST IS TO DEPEND 100% ON BABA

Most definitely, a marriage blessing should be available to newly married people. But why should they go to PP Dada for such a "blessing". Firstly they should not be forced to pay Purodha Pramukha, i.e. those group leaders, and secondly at present PP Dada is just a figurehead - not a dharmika. So why get the blessing of PP. That has no value.

The better way is to get the blessing done by any sincere, local senior margii who has sacrificed for the great cause. There is no need to get the blessing from various opportunists who are fighting for the post and dividing the organisation.

Or one can simply depend on Baba - that might be the best approach of all. Though it certainly is acceptable to seek out the blessing of one true dharmika in Ananda Marga.

But to run after the blessing of PP Dada is just meaningless. Especially when PP is just a puppet of the ruling regime. We must not allow PP's so-called blessing to become one ritual in Ananda Marga.

Better to just seek out any genuine margii in your local unit.

HOW BABA GRACIOUSLY PERFORMED MARRIAGE BLESSING

During DMC and select other occasions, Baba would graciously arrange for marriage blessings. The newly married couple would come in front of Baba with with malas and do pranam to Baba as He was seated on the dais. Then Baba would hold take their hands in His hands and touch their malas as well. And He would bless them by saying, "Be like Shiva and Parvatii..." - many sample blessings are enlised below. Then Baba would give both malas to the bride, and the couple would do pranam to Sadguru Baba and exit the stage.

Note: Here below are transcriptions of some of the many ways that Baba would express His blessing. it should be udnerstood that Baba would address brides from the west different from Indian brides. OFten He would address overseas sisters as "My little girl", whereas He might address Indian sisters as "Mother." Thus no need to translate "My little girl" into Hindi, or vice versa.


(A) Be like Shiva and Pa’rvatii. Do all your worldly, mental, and spiritual duties with proper zeal. Like Shiva and Pa’rvatii. Kalya’n'amastu

My little girl, keep these garlands with you as your personal property.

(B) Be like Shiva and Parvatii. Let your life be an ideal life, an ideal physical, mental, and spiritual life. Kalya’n'amastu.

(C) Be like Shiva and Parvatii, and do all your duties— physical, mental, and spiritual, with a ta’ntrika zeal.

(D) Strictly adhere to the cult of Shiva and Parvatii. Be great by your sa’dhana’, service, and sacrifice.

(E) इस जगत्‌ में हर पार्वती के समान रहोगे | सामाजिक, मानसिक, आध्यात्मिक, हर क्षेत्र में, तान्त्रिक आदर्श के अनुसार रहोगे | तुम्हारे आचरण से लोग हर पार्वती को याद करें | रखो लो, माँ, यह अपने पास रख लो |

(F) इस संसार में हर-पार्वती के समान रहो | अपना कर्त्तव्य करते रहो | तुमसे मानव समाज की सेवा हो, कल्याण हो, तुम्हारा भी कल्याण हो | लो, माँ | इसे अपने पास रख लो |

(G) इस दुनिया में हर पार्वती के समान रहो | कर्त्तव्य करते रहो, तुमसे विश्व की सेवा हो, कल्याण हो, और तुम दोनों का भी कल्याण हो | रखो लो, माँ, यह अपने पास रख लो |

(H) हर पार्वती के समान रहो | कर्त्तव्य करो, दुनिया की सेवा हो तुमसे, कल्याण हो, और तुम दोनों का भी कल्याण हो |

[माला मार्गी बहन को देते हुए |] रख लो माँ |

(I) जाओ माँ ! हर पार्वती के समान रहो | तुम्हारी सेवा से, तुम्हारे कर्म से समूचा विश्व का कल्याण हो, और तुम दोनों का भी कल्याण हो | शुभमस्तु | [माला] लो माँ ! अपने पास रखना |

HOW BLESSING SHOULD BE DONE NOWADAYS

Nowadays, when going for Guru's marriage blessing, a senior trusted margii - devoted to Baba - will state:

"By Baba's grace, be like Shiva and Parvatii. Let your life be an ideal life, an ideal physical, mental, and spiritual life. By Baba's grace, may there be eternal peace."

There is no other way, because that sadhaka is merely an instrument in Baba's hand. Only Guru can actually bless.

Unfortunately, these days PP Dada is giving his so-called blessing on his own behalf: “Let there be...” as if he himself is capable of authoring such a blessing. This is wrong in two ways. It is just done for business purposes and the acquirement of money, and secondly no human being can bless anyone.

So, why seek out the so-called blessing of a figurehead leader like PP Dada who is charging money to satisfy his own greed. That so-called blessing is impotent.

Margiis must unite and boycott such type of dogma which is discussed in this posting.

Namaskar,
At His feet,
Madhusudan

(Please watch for next installment of this letter...)

Note 1: LINK TO INITIAL LETTER MARRIAGE TAX BY GROUP LEADERS

http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2013/12/greedy-priests-of-marga-imposing.html

Only My Bengal Is Great

Baba

ONLY MY BENGAL IS GREAT

Namaskar,
Recently many read the letter on Ananda Marga Google Groups network how Bengal is great. I also feel that Bengal is great.

And here below I offer an example Bengal is great. As we know, Ananda Marga started in 1955 and since then nearly sixty years have passed and Ananda Marga has spread all around the globe - to all places, lands, and regions.

Yet such type of incident described below only occurred in Bengal. That is why I feel that Bengal is "great". In Bengal, the people are very broad-minded and dharmic.

Read below and see how the general public of Bengal is great and saintly - decide for yourself.

EXAMPLE OF GREATNESS OF MY BENGAL

'The four of us came to the Krishnanagar railway station. The Baharampur-bound local was not to arrive yet for an hour. We sat on a bench on the platform and engaged ourselves in conversation. Some unknown men, standing some distance away attracted our attention. They were looking at us suspiciously and talking among themselves. We did not think anything of it because gossip and conjecture about Ananda Marga was not unusual those days. Everybody judged us from his own point of view. This was nothing unusual.'
  
'The train for Baharampur arrived on time. We were quick to get in and occupied some seats. Within half an hour the train reached the Dhubulia station where it was to stop for a few minutes. As soon as the train stopped, some men crashed into our compartment and began attacking us, shouting at the top of their voices, 'You hypocrite sadhus! Kidnappers! Get  down from the carriage, quick!'. Grabbing our arms they were about to drag us out of the compartment. Their violent appearance, the smell of liquor on their breaths, their crude language and beastly behaviour showed they were some antisocial gang. There was no doubt that their action was premeditated; they attacked us with definite motive. We were nothing before their combined force; we were totally helpless. Even then, our moral courage was decidedly stronger than theirs. We stood in defiant protest against their onslaught...'
  
'The train had moved a little distance from the station, but suddenly came to a creaking halt. The gangsters had pulled the alarm chain. Instantly a large contingent f ruffians broke into our compartment, shouting filthy, abusive language. This time their aim was to haul us off the train. They used their combined force and started to drag us by the arms. They were mad in their bestial behaviour. The other passengers were frozen in terror...'
 
'Some ladies were trembling and broke into tears...'
 
'Suddenly, something flashed in my mind. There was only one who could save us from this predicament. Closing my eyes for a few seconds, I concentrated my mind on Baba. I regained my strength and equanimity.'

'On the platform we faced a huge crowd of hundreds of people. They pounced upon us immediately and started heckling us. They pulled off our turbans and tried to tear our clothes off us, pushing and pulling at us from all sides, shouting the same names as before, 'Kidnappers! Beat them! Beat them!' They were like a pack of frenzied wolves, it was quite useless to inquire which boy, whose son, where, who. I realized we were the victims of a planned conspiracy. I again remembered my saviour Baba and surrendered to Him...'
 
'We were dragged forcefully along the railway lines, the gang hitting us with all their might. They brought us to as big field adjacent to the station. In a twinkling of an eye, thousands assembled there. Some had come with the intention of teaching some child-stealers a good lesson, some had come to get a kick out of beating us and others came to enjoy these jokes. Pulling and pushing and dragging us, we were brought, at last, to the middle of the field.'
 
'We were surrounded by angry, leering men on all sides. To them we were only kidnapers to be brought to mob justice. Vulgar words were continuously thrown at us. Different people were threatening us with any weapon at hand-- branches, bamboos broken from some fencing, iron rods. We were victims of a deep conspiracy and would be the victims of a lynching. After this not even our nameless corpses would be found. With fear in our eyes we trembled to think what lie ahead and again remembered Baba. We consecrated ourselves to Baba's holy feet and stood motionless, our eyes closed, lost in the thought of Him.'
  
['Later] They surrounded the room. They started to pound and beat on the door. We had bolted the shuttered, barred windows from inside, but they were hitting them violently. Soon the latches were broken and the panels splintered. They started throwing rocks and brickbats through the broken windows; we sheltered ourselves in a corner of the room. Some of them were trying to break the iron grilles off the windows....This tremendous struggle continued for a long time...'   
 
[Ultimately in the end], the Supreme Father snatched us from the jaws of death when escape seemed impossible. I felt we all got new lives handed over to us. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I offered my homage to Him for His kindness and mercy...Nobody can snatch the Lord's loving children from the ever-secure shelter of His feet without His consent..." (1)

DECIDE FOR YOURSELF

So decide for yourself - are the people of Bengal dharmic and great?

Namaskar,
In Him,
Pallab Bose

Note 1: NARROW-MINDED PERSONS VS NEO-HUMANISTS

Those absorbed in neo-humanistic ideals are beyond geo, socio, and linguistic sentiment. For them every land is "our / my land" - and no language or country is great or lowly. All are equal as being the creation of Parama Purusa. But those who are narrow-minded they adopt an opposite stance.


Here below is the letter about the greatness of Bengal & Bengalis that ignited this entire discussion and the above letter is the reply.

From: Kartick Kutti <kartickku.....l.com>
Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2014 15:18:33 +0530
Cc: Babasdream<BabasDream@yahoogroups.com>; anandamarg<anandamarg@googlegroups.com>

"Yes there are hundred reasons to think that Baba was a Bengali and He liked Bengali." <end>



REFERENCE
1. My Days with Baba by Ac Sarveshvarananda Avt, p.155-61
(Note if you want to read the full story, please see the chapter in the book.)