Baba
B group: fish business
Namaskar,
In many Ananda Marga units in Bengal, various Wts maintain ponds for cultivating and selling fish. The state of West Bengal is a huge, fish-eating region where eating fish is a way of life; it is so common that the people simply refer to fish as "water fruit." Just as a desert is filled with cactus plants, similarly all across Bengal there are man-made and natural ponds. These ponds are used solely for their fishing industry; i.e. killing and eating fish.
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Cruel dealing by WTs
Unfortunately, some of our Wts in Bengal are involved in this anti-neo-humanistic dealing and here is more about what they are doing. On various Ananda Marga land parcels, wherever there is sufficient space, they maintain ponds for growing fish. Then those Wts get the word out in the community that all are welcome to come and fish those ponds for a fee. Essentially, Wts are selling "fishing rights" to locals, and in turn those villagers can come onsite to catch and eat the fish from the pond. This is the type of dealing that is going on. So those Wts are going against bhagavat dharma and neo-humanism.
Some WTs befool margiis about fish business
When ideal margiis object to this uncivilised behaviour then some cunning Wts reply with a half-truth by saying that, “Baba has given the program of pisiculture so, we should make money by selling fish for people to eat.” This is their justification or half-truth.
The reality is: Yes, Baba has given the program of pisiculture, but the cultivation of that fish is not for human consumption; rather, fish are cultivated for the sole purpose of creating and maintaining ecological balance.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Fish should not be the food of human beings, but the food of jackals, birds, foxes and other fish and crabs. If the paddy water drains into ponds, lakes or rivers, small fish will flourish and become the food of larger fish, birds and animals. In this way the farmers will be helping maintain ecological balance.” (1)
So Sadguru’s teaching is that fish are not for human consumption; those fish are for creating and maintaining ecological balance.
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How fish generate water
Prout philosophy says, "Fish should be cultivated in lakes, dams and ponds because they help conserve and purify the water. Small fish can also be cultivated in the paddy fields during the rainy season. Fish are the natural food of birds, so they are an essential part of a balanced ecology." (2)
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Pisciculture should also be developed in ponds and lakes. The fish help to keep the water clean and the level constant because their breathing creates water and carbon dioxide. The fish inhale oxygen along with water vapour from the atmosphere as well as dissolved oxygen from the water. They synthesize water which is exhaled into the lake. This helps to keep the water in the lake at a constant level. If many fish live in a lake, hundreds and even thousands of gallons of water will be added to the size of the lake in the course of time. Each lake should also have an attached bird sanctuary, because the fish provide food for the birds." (3)
Fish are not for human consumption but for maintaining ecological balance. By their very existence, fish cleanse the existing water and create more fresh water.
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Why AMPS encourages fisheries
So Baba has given the program of pisciculture as a key system for creating ecological balance, and averting and solving the water crisis. Here is how it works.
All kinds of aquatic animals like crabs, oysters, and fish etc are to be cultivated in ponds and lakes. By their presence, those bodies of water are cleansed and kept at an optimal water level. Trees and other vegetation are then planted around those lakes and ponds. That brings shade to the area, attracts rain clouds, and very importantly, brings birds to the region. Those birds are the natural predators of fish and will prevent the overpopulation of fish, ensuring balance.
The establishment of lakes and ponds is Baba's system for water conservation. The presence of aquatic animals is key for its success. So that is the right use of fish in the Ananda Marga model of pisciculture. To kill those fish for human consumption is a direct violation of Baba's given system. Sadguru’s teaching is that pisiculture - the cultivation of fish - is for maintaining ecological balance, i.e. environmental sustainability.
Why it is hypocrisy
On the one side those Wts are preaching the gospel of neo-humanism and on the other side they are exploiting, killing, and selling fish. In contrast, those non-margii fishermen are comparatively better as they do not go around singing the sermon of neo-humanism. They are not hypocrites, i.e. preaching neo-humanism and killing fish. Whereas those Wts who preach ahimsa and neo-humanism and sell fish are fake and worthless. They are a bad example in the name of Ananda Marga.
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Conclusion
According to Ananda Marga philosophy and neo-humanism, it is the duty of all Ananda Margii to care for animals, plants, flora, and fauna etc. They are all part of our vast cosmic family. This earth is not only for humans. Parama Purusa has made this world for all kinds of creatures, but greedy humans grabbed it all as their own - and animals and plants have been pushed aside. So now the whole creation is imbalanced as the outcome has been horrific.
To resolve this issue Baba has given various types of programs and one is fisheries. At our jagrtis and master units, there will be ponds for fish. Those fish will become part of the food chain for fish-eating animals like various birds, cats, and dogs etc. But they are not for human consumption. At the same time, those fish will help tremendously with water conservation and bring ecological balance.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Ranjana’ Banerjee
References
1. Ideal Farming - 2, Integrated Farming
2. Ideal Farming - 2, Integrated Farming
3. Ideal Farming - 2, Lakeside and Riverside Plantations
* * *
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 ==
Great bhakta
PS Intro: In a mundane way, if someone helps you when you are undergoing a difficult time then you feel very obliged and respect towards that individual. With regards to the Supreme Entity, people do not think in this way due to the influence of avidya maya. Such is the fog of ignorance.
Remember, if there is someone who always thinks about your welfare and helps in all kinds of ways - all the time, then you will have deep regard for Him. You may or may not know, but all the 24hrs He, Parama Purusa, remains with you. He always helps and works for your well-being - in your past, present, and future lives also. So it is very natural to desire to see Parama Purusa.
When a person develops bhakti they realise this eternal truth. And in that state, the desire naturally arises to go close to and communicate with that Supreme Entity. Parama Purusa cares so much about them. In that deep state of longing, if you do not get the One whom you love so much, then the tears being to flow.
In this following song, the bhakta expresses this very idea.
“Toma’ri tare kato kendechi, tumi kaeno ele na’ ka’che…” (Prabhat Samgiita #3895)
Purport:
O’ Parama Purusa, how much I have wept for You and shed so many tears in Your longing. Why didn’t You come close to me. Day and night I kept calling You. Over and over again I was chanting Your name. Has my call not reached Your ears. Otherwise why did You not respond, my Nearest One.
O’ Parama Purusa, every prahar (hours) has passed - so many stars have fallen. So much time has gone by. The dawn has come and the frolicking birds have all left their nests and flown very far. Still You have not come. I have been waiting ages for You. Eternal Guide, it seems You are devoid of mamata (mineness towards me). You do not have any love and affection for me. Otherwise You surely would have come. Other than You, who is mine - no one.
O’ Parama Purusa, my Closest One, You are known as Ajana Pathik (Cosmic Entity). You are the Supreme One. In the future tithis (dates), people will sing Your victory. Always, people sing about Your greatness. Everyone chants Your glory. In their hope and despair, they only say one thing, "Baba, You exist that is why this universe revolves. Everything exists because of You."
O’ Parama Purusa, Baba, my greater Self, please come to my mental abode…==
Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #3895
[1] Prahar: Each day is broken up into eight segments or eight periods. And these periods are known as 'prahar'. In that way, each prahar is three hours length in duration. Here Baba explains more about prahar and various other segments of time.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The verbal root 'mas' means 'to measure'. By adding 'ghain' to 'mas' we get ma'sa whose etymological meaning is 'a measurement of time' or 'a period of time'. Thus ma'sa in this sense means 'era', 'lunar year', 'lunar month', 'lunar day', 'solar year', 'solar month', 'fortnight', 'week', 'solar day' or ahora'tra (from sunrise to sunrise), prahara (three hours), hour, minute, second, fraction-of-second and so forth -- all of these." (1)
[2] Mamata': Mineness; In Sanskrit “mama” = mine, and the suffix ta’ = -ness; hence “mineness.” To have equal or more love for something / someone than one has for oneself.
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "What is the meaning of “mamatá”? Mama + tá = mamatá. Mama means “mine” and thus mamatá is the inner idea of being mine, the feeling that something is my own." (2)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "“Mamatá” means “mine-ness” – “Mama” means “one's own”, and the abstract noun derived from it is “mamatá” – meaning, thereby “mine-ness.”" (3)
For example, suppose you are suffering from a fever then naturally you will be concerned about your own health. You will try to cure yourself by going to the doctor and taking medicine etc. If you have mamata for someone else, then if they are sick with a fever you will have the same degree of care for their condition as your own. When one does sadhana then this sense of mamata grows and one ultimately has the feeling of mamata towards the entire created universe. Without sadhana, one’s sense of mamata will be extremely limited whereby one might only care about their own individual existence. So when the mind is extremely narrow one only has mamata for oneself. Those with a slightly broader mind will have mamata towards their parents and family members. And as the circumference of mind expands one will have mamata for other relatives and community members etc. However, it is only with sadhana that the periphery of mind can grow further and further wherein one’s sense of mamata includes all beings and expressions of this cosmos. Parama Purusa has mamata’ for each and every entity - this entire creation, all living and non-living expressions.
[3] Ajana Pathik: The term Aja'na' Pathik means 'The Divine Entity Parama Purusa Who moves around this entire universe, and resides everywhere and knows everything; irrespective of where one goes, He remains along with you'. That is one of His many unique attributions and that is the speciality of the name 'Ajana Pathik'. The name 'Ajana Pathik' denotes this special quality.
Literally, Aja'na' means 'unknown' and Pathik means 'traveler' or ‘tourist.’ But this is just the word by word, literal translation; and proper nouns are not meant to be translated. So we cannot call Him the ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist', or Unknown Vacationer', or 'Unknown Backpacker', or 'Unknown Visitor', or 'Unknown Globetrotter', or 'Unknown Daytripper', or 'Unknown Hitchhiker.’ The spirit and meaning is then lost.
The inner sense of the name Ajana Pathik is that Parama Purusa is always moving throughout this vast cosmos and He is constantly present with everyone, all the time. He is in the Cosmic Nucleus yet at the same time through His ota and prota yoga He is everywhere - carefully watching & lovingly guiding everyone. This unique aspect of His grand Personality is treated as Aja'na' Pathik. Because He is constantly traveling yet present everywhere. He is in the nucleus as well as throughout this entire universe.
As the Ajana Pathik, Parama Purusa Baba moves and moves and moves. In their spiritual approach bhaktas feel that wherever they go the Aja'na' Pathik will always be there to shower His blessing. By His grace, bhaktas can always get His intimate company and companionship. With this mystical link, sadhakas understand that Parama Purusa is present everywhere, yet side by side He travels on and on throughout this entire cosmos. Thus He is Aja'na' Pathik.
Overall the name Aja'na' Pathik has one special and unique meaning that goes far beyond its literal translation. And in our hearts we A'nanda Ma'rgiis know and feel that Baba is that Aja'na' Pathik. Indeed in His discourses, in Dharma Samiiksa, and in reporting, in DMC, and in numerous ways Baba has shown this very fact that He is ever-present and always along with us. He is always moving and wherever we go then He will also be there. Parama Purusa has infinite attributions and one of them is this special quality where He always remains along with us wherever we are in this vast universe. In this way He is known as - Aja'na' Pathik. In true sense, as the omnipresent Entity, He does not go anywhere because He is everywhere; but in a more literal manner He goes from place to place.
Those who use ‘Unknown Traveler’ or ‘Unknown Tourist’ in place of Aja'na' Pathik are naive and ignorant.
References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 2, Disc: 13
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, The True Nature of Bhakti
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, Pleasing the Lord
== Section 3: Important Teaching ==
Ananda Marga ideology says, “People’s life becomes mechanical, if they are overwhelmed with the sentiment that they must do such acts, must perform such yajiṋa, must rise in this manner and sit in this manner and get up in this manner and so on. Such a person is not happy and this type of ritualism cannot be called real Karma. To serve others at one’s sacrifice is called penance. In the absence of love any service or penance is for show and is therefore fruitless. All ritualistic devotion, sham penance, counting beads etc. are meant only for public show and true love and the Supreme goal are lost from sight. Brahma cannot be attained through actions, since the sweetness of joy is lacking in such ritualism. On the other hand the divine bliss is easily attainable to those who base their sádhaná on love.” (1)
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 1, Yajiṋa and Karmaphala
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Sadhana for some animals
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: Important Teaching ==
Way to resolve all rifts in AMPS & world
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Today human beings, to whatever country they may belong, should, on the one side, propagate an anti-exploitation sentiment (exploitation does not mean exploitation in the economic sphere only, it includes all sorts of exploitation), and form strong nations in their respective countries; and, on the other side, preach the theory of one spiritual inheritance – that every living being is the child of the Supreme Entity, and that all the people of all nations belong to the same family. This will have to be explained to all, that there will be clash among different nations as long as national feelings exist. People may talk of disarmament, but military preparation will go on underground. And if people dedicate themselves to the welfare of the entire human race, their respective nations will also be benefited indirectly because their nations are not outside the universe! Along with the theory of spiritual inheritance, one Cosmic ideology will have to be propagated too, and that ideology is that one Supreme Entity – the Cosmic Entity – is the goal of all living beings. This spiritual sentiment will keep human beings united for all time to come. No other theory can save the human race.” (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 5, To The Patriots
== Section: Important Teaching ==
How Prout revolutions unfolds
Prout philosophy states, “If, in the history of human struggle, the role of the vipras [intellectual exploiters] is one of parasitic dependence on others, I cannot find words to describe the role of the vaeshyas [wealthy exploiters]. Both the vipras [religious exploiters] and the vaeshyas exploit society, but the vipra exploiters are not as terrible as the vaeshya exploiters. The vaeshyas are like a deadly parasite on the tree of society which tries to kill the tree by sucking dry all its vital sap. But if the tree dies, the parasite will also die. The vaeshya parasites understand this and therefore try to ensure the survival of society by making some donations; they build temples, mosques, churches and pilgrims’ inns, give little bonuses, feed the poor; etc. Calamity only comes when they lose their common sense out of excessive greed and try to suck society completely dry. Once the social body falls unconscious, the vaeshyas will die along with the rest of the body. Otherwise, before allowing themselves to die, the exploited shúdras [toiling mass], kśatriyas [warriors] and vipras [intellectuals] can unite to destroy the vaeshyas [wealthy exploiters]. This is the rule.” (1)
Reference
1. Human Society - 2, The Vaeshya Age
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Why good deeds can cause your demise
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Now, those who advocate the supremacy of the doctrine of action should remember that only the performance of good deeds is not enough: one will have to be ready to undergo the reactions of good actions. After undergoing the reactions one will again have to come down on earth. And one will not always do only good deeds: bad deeds may also be performed. So one has to keep grinding along the cycle of actions and reactions, which seems to have no end. Yudhiśt́hir once said, “When I perform some deed, I do not expect any result: I surrender everything to Parama Puruśa.” That is, “I perform the deeds but I do not expect the results thereof – I immediately surrender the results of my actions. I am prepared to undergo the bad reactions of my bad deeds, but I do not wish to enjoy the good fruits of my good deeds: I offer those to Parama Puruśa.”" (1)
One should perform good actions with the ideation of serving Parama Purusa offering everything unto His lotus feet. That is the only way to free oneself from the worldly bondages and escape the cycle of life and death. If one serves for one's own petty enjoyment and gain, that will not suffice - one will be bound and degraded.
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, How an Ideal Person Should Live
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Are we gregarious or loners?
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Some animals are gregarious and others are not. The tiger is not a gregarious animal – it prefers to move alone. Goats are not gregarious, but sheep, elephants and lambs are. Human beings are social beings. They do not like to remain in isolation." (1)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "You know that humans are gregarious beings. There are some living beings who live in groups or clans, and some who live in isolation. In very olden days, human beings lived in clans" (2)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “You are social beings. One cannot live in isolation. When you feel thirsty, you can’t manufacture a spade, dig a well, and draw water yourself. One person will make a spade, another will add the wooden handle, and another will dig the well — this is how we work collectively. This is the way for human beings to live. In all spheres of human existence, in the aesthetic sphere as well, humanity should live collectively. You should live in unison. You should vibrate together to the same music. You should move in a common psychic flow. You should fight collectively against your common enemies. Unitedly you should face all problems, mundane and supra-mundane. In a word, you must reflect the spirit of harmonious collective living in conformity with the spirit of the Vedic mantra Sam’gacchadhvam’ sam’vadadhvam.” (3)
Note: This is Baba’s special guideline which is lacking these days in the society. All should understand they do not exist alone, by themselves, in isolation. With collective spirit, all have to work together. By that way, many works can be done for the great cause, by His grace.
References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 4, Plants, Animals and Human Beings
2. Namah Shivaya Shantaya: Disc 8
3. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 26
== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==
प्रभात संगीत 576 आमि धूलिकणा आलोर सागरे, हाराइया गेछि ... ...
भावार्थ
हे परमपुरुष! ब्रह्मआभा के सागर में मैं एक छुद्र बूंद हॅूं। आज इस अरुणोदय के समय, मैंने अपने आप को उस विराट प्रभा में खो दिया है। ब्रह्म प्रभा की चमक कहीं से आयी और उसने मुझे उठाकर किसी अज्ञात आध्यात्मिक लोक में तैरा दिया।
उस अमृत लोक की आभा के ज्वार और भाटे से परमपुरुष ने मुझे हर्षोन्मादी नृत्य से मदहोश कर दिया । उनकी कृपा से मैंने अपने को खो दिया, मेरा अणु अस्तित्व उस विराट अलौकिक महासागर में पूर्णतः डूब गया। उस दिव्य सत्ता परमपुरुष से मिलकर मैं एकाकार हो गया।
वह धूल का कण मेरा लघुरूप था, अब मैं रूप से अरूप हो गया और मैं उस अनन्त परमपुरुष में मिल गया।
== Section: Bangla Quote ==
তখন এই যে বারাণসী তত্ত্ব
“এই বারাণসী বা কাশী এখানে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হয়ে গেলে মনকে খুৰ দ্রুত উপরে তুলে ফেলতে হয় | এবং তন্ত্র সাধনা, কপাল সাধনা যা তোমাদের কেউ কেউ শিখেছ, এর ফলে মনে সেই দ্রুতি আসে, বেগ আসে | তখন এই যে বারাণসী তত্ত্ব এতে প্রতিষ্ঠিত হতে একটু সুবিধা হয় | তা না হ’লে, পারৰে সৰাই | কেন পারৰে না ? যে মানুষের শরীর পেয়েছে, সেই পারৰে | “ (1)
Unfortunately, the below English translation from the Electronic Edition of Baba's books (2009) is not up to the mark. It does not accurately portray Guru's original teaching given in Bengali featured above.
“To establish the mind on this point of Váráńasii or káshi, one has to quickly elevate the mind. Those who have learnt the technique of Tantra sádhaná or kápálika sádhaná, know what joy can be derived from this. It helps to establish the practitioner in the cult of Váráńasii. Those who have not yet mastered it, will one day be established in the cult of Váráńasii. Why not? Those who have acquired a human structure will surely be established in Váráńasii.]” (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, Where Is Varanasi
== Section 4: Links ==
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