Baba
Namaskar,
Renunciation, dedication, and sacrifice are the cornerstones of our Ananda Marga way of life. Our saffron flag stands for these ideals—as should our sannyasii order. That is Baba's design and teaching of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis from the Acarya Diary.
Madhukar is that black bee which encircles the flowers and only takes that food which it needs at that very moment—nothing more. That madhukar does not gather and hoard bucketfuls of pollen to eat later. A step up is the ajagar, or python, which does not even move to get its food; it merely eats what comes across its path. So not only does it not gather extra, but that ajagar does not even spend time hunting for food.
That is why in the aparigraha section of the Acarya Diary, Baba specifically states that the madhukar and ajagar represent the only two ways for our Wts to exist in this world. That means that in their personal lives, our Wt Dadas and Wt Didis are to adjust with the minimum necessities of life—and not get caught up in materialistic pursuits like hoarding money etc. Instead Wts are to use their precious time and energy serving and helping others in all realms, including spiritual elevation. That is the essence of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.
At the same time, in their social service endeavours, Wts can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life—for the service of others—Wts may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life, Wts must desist from keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis. Per Baba's direction in the Acarya Diary, that is the only ideal way to live as a Wt.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Present day standard in AMPS
Tragically, a few of our Wts have lost this spirit and are instead running after transitory allurements. With great idealism, they entered into our Wt cadre, but at some point they got caught up in the mundane race for material possessions like money, riches, land, property, as well as post and power. In the wake of that spiritual vacuum, all kinds of negative habits, tendencies, and diseases crop up, and the spirit of renunciation fades. Then those particular workers cannot inspire anyone onto the spiritual path. Thus our numbers in AMPS fail to increase. Rather our numbers are in steady decline. And the primary cause is that when any worker loses their spirit of renunciation, then true pracara work cannot be done.
All should embrace the spirit of renunciation
Only through this pathway of renunciation—madhukra and ajagar—can our Ananda Marga sannyasii order really be something great: an order that represents dedication. That is Guru's teaching.
In Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi) part 26 chapter 11 titled "Dhvaj sanket...", Baba has given one special formula related with this very topic.
“हर मनुष्य को एक-एक aeroplane दे दो बहुत अच्छा | हर मनुष्य को ताकि एक-एक aeroplane मिले, मैं उसके लिए मैं चेष्टित रहूँगा | ख़ूब ठीक है, सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग | किन्तु वैयष्टिक-जीवन में त्याग | वैयष्टिक-जीवन में त्याग नहीं रहने से सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग नहीं होता है | एक आदमी के पास अगर एक करोड़ रुपया रह गया, और दूसरी जगह सत्तू-मिर्च नहीं मिलता है; तो उससे समाज का, देश का, राष्ट्र कल्याण नहीं है | वह वैयष्टिक-जीवन में वह छोड़ दे सब, त्याग कर दे | सब कोई मिलकर खाए, पिए, परम पिता के सन्तान हैं, सब मज़े में रहें |” (1) (Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi), part 26, chapter 11)
The whole idea of this teaching is that only through dedication and renunciation in the individual sphere can society prosper. For example, if anyone collects bundles of money in their own bank account, that impedes upon the welfare of others. This will not bring any relief to the common people, rather it will hinder their ability to progress.
So those with money should not indulge in extravagant luxuries that are beyond the means of ordinary citizens. Until each and every person in the society can afford those amenities, good people should not use such luxuries. But when those items become accessible and affordable to all, then in good faith it is alright for sadhakas to have those items.
Conscientious people use their wealth to raise the living standard of all. If one truly adopts such ideals of renunciation then they can bring smiles and happiness to countless people. So the spirit of sacrifice in one's own personal life is truly something great and honourable. That is Baba's guideline from Ananda Vacanamrtam.
Baba's example: sacrificing to give to non-margii school
And in His own personal life, Baba was exemplary in this very approach. For years and years, He traveled by railway, bus, or by foot since that was the common standard. And the monetary compensation He earned through His railway job He distributed to various wholetimers etc. Not only that, before 1970 while He was still working in Jamalpur, Baba traveled to Ranchi and while there saw a newspaper article about a non-margii school headmaster's request for money to fix the leaky roof in his school. The roof was leaking in the students' classroom and the headmaster requested money 1000Rs for repairs. That very evening Baba went to the school and donated 1000Rs of His own personal money, i.e. whatever He had as savings of the last several years. So in all the ways, Baba's personal way of living stands as the embodiment of renunciation. We should understand and follow Guru's teaching and adopt the path of renunciation in our individual lives, especially our Wts.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Conclusion
Ajagarii and madhkarii vrttis are not some type of punishment to those wearing saffron. Rather, adhering to this ideal code of aparigraha is something quite noble—it allows one to fulfill their mission in the true sense of the term.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "The dedicated monks and nuns of Ananda Marga have accepted their life of renunciation...to further the cause of human welfare; and through their service, they seek to lead human beings along the path of righteousness to the abode of Supreme Bliss." (2)
in Him,
Amrta’
~ In-depth study ~
When corrupt people become the leaders
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "What we see in the market place and railway stations is the exhibition of half-clad street beggars and lepers – all stretching out their begging bowls, the only means of earning their livelihood. They are fortunate if anybody contemptuously flings a copper coin at them. The old blind beggars wait all day long at the bridge and lift their bowls as soon as someone walks past them. Their shrill cries fall on deaf ears only. On the other hand, the affluence of foods kept ready in luxurious houses to entertain the big guns of society ridicules the present human civilization." (3)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "As you know, all are the progeny of the same Supreme Progenitor. He created this universe and He created this material world, as well as His living children. Now, when he created the material world, the inanimate world, the plants and the human beings, common sense says that the entire world belongs to His children irrespective of caste, creed, religion, nationality, standard of education, standard of wisdom, or standard of physical, mental or spiritual strength. It is the vested interests, with their mean and base motives, that create disparity among living creatures, especially among human beings. So those who exploit others and want to enjoy this created world by depriving others of their legitimate and paternal rights, are the enemies of society. They are the enemies of humanity, and they are the enemies of the cultured and civilized world." (4)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The vanity expressed by the so-called civilized human beings of today is extremely dangerous. These people hide the cruder propensities of the mind under the cloak of sweet words and decent behaviour. They are more harmful to the well-being of the human race than the so-called uncivilized humans, because they are hypocrites. The defects of the uncivilized humans pale into insignificance before their abominable hypocrisy. The uncivilized humans of the past may have killed twelve people at most in the battles they fought with bows, arrows, sticks and spears, but the so-called civilized human beings of today kill millions of unarmed, innocent people indiscriminately with their dreadful and lethal weapons. Human society of today is being exploited by the so-called civilized people. Such people should not make themselves look ridiculous by claiming otherwise." (5)
Wts food disparity: rich & poor
And this same type of disparity occurs on the point of food as well. Top Wts have private chefs who prepare exotic, sumptuous dishes for them while the mass of workers suffer from malnutrition by surviving on the most basic, staple foods—sometimes only living off of the grains served to feed horses like garbanzo bean feed stock.
Another facet that comes into play is that big Dadas get their money by taxing the common Wts. In that case, they just view those general workers as a milking cow—nothing more. Even robbers and professional thieves take pity and mercy on the poor and do not steal from them, yet our Central wts have no such conscience. They will place those poor Wts under campus arrest until they pay all those illegal taxes and dues. And after collecting those fees, those top workers are not satisfied until they chew their bones also and get all they can from those impoverished workers. Verily what they are doing is sinful as they are wholly exploiting the spirit of dedication of those simple wholetimers.
This is the tragic state of affairs nowadays within our WT cadre.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Harmful Wts
& Spirit of true Wt
& Spirit of true Wt
Namaskar,
Renunciation, dedication, and sacrifice are the cornerstones of our Ananda Marga way of life. Our saffron flag stands for these ideals—as should our sannyasii order. That is Baba's design and teaching of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis from the Acarya Diary.
Madhukar is that black bee which encircles the flowers and only takes that food which it needs at that very moment—nothing more. That madhukar does not gather and hoard bucketfuls of pollen to eat later. A step up is the ajagar, or python, which does not even move to get its food; it merely eats what comes across its path. So not only does it not gather extra, but that ajagar does not even spend time hunting for food.
That is why in the aparigraha section of the Acarya Diary, Baba specifically states that the madhukar and ajagar represent the only two ways for our Wts to exist in this world. That means that in their personal lives, our Wt Dadas and Wt Didis are to adjust with the minimum necessities of life—and not get caught up in materialistic pursuits like hoarding money etc. Instead Wts are to use their precious time and energy serving and helping others in all realms, including spiritual elevation. That is the essence of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis.
At the same time, in their social service endeavours, Wts can and should collect money for those projects. In that arena of life—for the service of others—Wts may seek out and gather donations and build up organisational bank accounts to sustain those projects. The account should be submitted to and overseen by a committee. Then there will be trust and commitment from all involved. In their personal life, Wts must desist from keeping such accounts. Then they will be in accordance with the teachings of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis. Per Baba's direction in the Acarya Diary, that is the only ideal way to live as a Wt.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Present day standard in AMPS
Tragically, a few of our Wts have lost this spirit and are instead running after transitory allurements. With great idealism, they entered into our Wt cadre, but at some point they got caught up in the mundane race for material possessions like money, riches, land, property, as well as post and power. In the wake of that spiritual vacuum, all kinds of negative habits, tendencies, and diseases crop up, and the spirit of renunciation fades. Then those particular workers cannot inspire anyone onto the spiritual path. Thus our numbers in AMPS fail to increase. Rather our numbers are in steady decline. And the primary cause is that when any worker loses their spirit of renunciation, then true pracara work cannot be done.
All should embrace the spirit of renunciation
Only through this pathway of renunciation—madhukra and ajagar—can our Ananda Marga sannyasii order really be something great: an order that represents dedication. That is Guru's teaching.
In Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi) part 26 chapter 11 titled "Dhvaj sanket...", Baba has given one special formula related with this very topic.
“हर मनुष्य को एक-एक aeroplane दे दो बहुत अच्छा | हर मनुष्य को ताकि एक-एक aeroplane मिले, मैं उसके लिए मैं चेष्टित रहूँगा | ख़ूब ठीक है, सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग | किन्तु वैयष्टिक-जीवन में त्याग | वैयष्टिक-जीवन में त्याग नहीं रहने से सामूहिक-जीवन में भोग नहीं होता है | एक आदमी के पास अगर एक करोड़ रुपया रह गया, और दूसरी जगह सत्तू-मिर्च नहीं मिलता है; तो उससे समाज का, देश का, राष्ट्र कल्याण नहीं है | वह वैयष्टिक-जीवन में वह छोड़ दे सब, त्याग कर दे | सब कोई मिलकर खाए, पिए, परम पिता के सन्तान हैं, सब मज़े में रहें |” (1) (Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi), part 26, chapter 11)
The whole idea of this teaching is that only through dedication and renunciation in the individual sphere can society prosper. For example, if anyone collects bundles of money in their own bank account, that impedes upon the welfare of others. This will not bring any relief to the common people, rather it will hinder their ability to progress.
So those with money should not indulge in extravagant luxuries that are beyond the means of ordinary citizens. Until each and every person in the society can afford those amenities, good people should not use such luxuries. But when those items become accessible and affordable to all, then in good faith it is alright for sadhakas to have those items.
Conscientious people use their wealth to raise the living standard of all. If one truly adopts such ideals of renunciation then they can bring smiles and happiness to countless people. So the spirit of sacrifice in one's own personal life is truly something great and honourable. That is Baba's guideline from Ananda Vacanamrtam.
Baba's example: sacrificing to give to non-margii school
And in His own personal life, Baba was exemplary in this very approach. For years and years, He traveled by railway, bus, or by foot since that was the common standard. And the monetary compensation He earned through His railway job He distributed to various wholetimers etc. Not only that, before 1970 while He was still working in Jamalpur, Baba traveled to Ranchi and while there saw a newspaper article about a non-margii school headmaster's request for money to fix the leaky roof in his school. The roof was leaking in the students' classroom and the headmaster requested money 1000Rs for repairs. That very evening Baba went to the school and donated 1000Rs of His own personal money, i.e. whatever He had as savings of the last several years. So in all the ways, Baba's personal way of living stands as the embodiment of renunciation. We should understand and follow Guru's teaching and adopt the path of renunciation in our individual lives, especially our Wts.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Conclusion
Ajagarii and madhkarii vrttis are not some type of punishment to those wearing saffron. Rather, adhering to this ideal code of aparigraha is something quite noble—it allows one to fulfill their mission in the true sense of the term.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "The dedicated monks and nuns of Ananda Marga have accepted their life of renunciation...to further the cause of human welfare; and through their service, they seek to lead human beings along the path of righteousness to the abode of Supreme Bliss." (2)
in Him,
Amrta’
~ In-depth study ~
When corrupt people become the leaders
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "What we see in the market place and railway stations is the exhibition of half-clad street beggars and lepers – all stretching out their begging bowls, the only means of earning their livelihood. They are fortunate if anybody contemptuously flings a copper coin at them. The old blind beggars wait all day long at the bridge and lift their bowls as soon as someone walks past them. Their shrill cries fall on deaf ears only. On the other hand, the affluence of foods kept ready in luxurious houses to entertain the big guns of society ridicules the present human civilization." (3)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "As you know, all are the progeny of the same Supreme Progenitor. He created this universe and He created this material world, as well as His living children. Now, when he created the material world, the inanimate world, the plants and the human beings, common sense says that the entire world belongs to His children irrespective of caste, creed, religion, nationality, standard of education, standard of wisdom, or standard of physical, mental or spiritual strength. It is the vested interests, with their mean and base motives, that create disparity among living creatures, especially among human beings. So those who exploit others and want to enjoy this created world by depriving others of their legitimate and paternal rights, are the enemies of society. They are the enemies of humanity, and they are the enemies of the cultured and civilized world." (4)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The vanity expressed by the so-called civilized human beings of today is extremely dangerous. These people hide the cruder propensities of the mind under the cloak of sweet words and decent behaviour. They are more harmful to the well-being of the human race than the so-called uncivilized humans, because they are hypocrites. The defects of the uncivilized humans pale into insignificance before their abominable hypocrisy. The uncivilized humans of the past may have killed twelve people at most in the battles they fought with bows, arrows, sticks and spears, but the so-called civilized human beings of today kill millions of unarmed, innocent people indiscriminately with their dreadful and lethal weapons. Human society of today is being exploited by the so-called civilized people. Such people should not make themselves look ridiculous by claiming otherwise." (5)
Wts food disparity: rich & poor
And this same type of disparity occurs on the point of food as well. Top Wts have private chefs who prepare exotic, sumptuous dishes for them while the mass of workers suffer from malnutrition by surviving on the most basic, staple foods—sometimes only living off of the grains served to feed horses like garbanzo bean feed stock.
Another facet that comes into play is that big Dadas get their money by taxing the common Wts. In that case, they just view those general workers as a milking cow—nothing more. Even robbers and professional thieves take pity and mercy on the poor and do not steal from them, yet our Central wts have no such conscience. They will place those poor Wts under campus arrest until they pay all those illegal taxes and dues. And after collecting those fees, those top workers are not satisfied until they chew their bones also and get all they can from those impoverished workers. Verily what they are doing is sinful as they are wholly exploiting the spirit of dedication of those simple wholetimers.
This is the tragic state of affairs nowadays within our WT cadre.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Ersatz wts traveled in AC train (2018)
Namaskar,
This past weekend, 24/25 Feb, many Wts descended upon the village of Adalpura. How they traveled there is significant - on many levels.
These Dadas traveled in a luxurious manner via air-conditioned train:
(A) Dada Rudrananda was already on-site as Rudrananda has traveled there earlier by air-conditioned train.So the above Dadas traveled in extravagant, costly, air-conditioned train car during this spring season when the temperature is most comfortable.
(B) Then on Sat the 24th (Feb), so many Dadas also reached there via air-conditioned train including:
- Savitananda
- Nabhatiitananda
- Mantrajapananda
- Vimalananda
- Madhuvartananda
- Satyashrayananda
- Raganugananda
On the one side so-called central Dadas are selling AMPS properties and land, and on the other end those same Dadas are traveling as VIP’s and wasting an extraordinary amount of that stolen money from public funds. While Didis were traveling in crowded lower class compartment train. This was a classic case of misuse of margiis’ funds by male central Wts.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
These dadas are keen to travel in air-conditioned compartment on the train. The cost of that seat is astronomical, more than 10x what one should pay for a reasonable seat. And remember this is spring season and it is the most comfortable time of year with regards to temperature.
Or think of it this way. Purodhas are selling irreplaceable organisational public assets (land and property) and spending that money on their own personal luxuries and comforts.
~ Many Dadas on-site in Adalpura & reached there by A/C train car ~
See above Purodhas are selling irreplaceable organisational public assets (land and property) and spending that money on their own personal luxuries and comforts. These dadas are keen to travel in a A/C compartment on the train during spring season when the temperature is quite comfortable. The cost of that seat is astronomical, more than 10x what one should pay for a reasonable seat.
Baba's special teachings about ajagarii and madhukarii from Senior Acarya Diary encapsulate the whole entire spirit of being a real sannyasii in our Marga—and for years and years this was prevalent in our WT cadre. So what is discussed below is a summary of a recent discussion.
The overall message was that the spirit of renunciation is waning in our Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha (AMPS). It is a trend that is on the rise.
So let us again investigate the ideals and practice of madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis. These qualities will bring balance into our organization. Baba guides us that madhukarii and ajagarii vrttis are the key ingredients of real avadhuta life.
Another Example
These dadas are keen to travel in a top-tier A/C compartment on the train. The cost of that seat is astronomical, more than 10x what one should pay for a reasonable seat.
Or think of it this way. Purodhas are selling irreplaceable organisational public assets (land and property) and spending that money on their own personal luxuries and comforts.
See above Purodhas are selling irreplaceable organisational public assets (land and property) and spending that money on their own personal luxuries and comforts. These dadas are keen to travel in a top-tier A/C compartment on the train. The cost of that seat is astronomical, more than 10x what one should pay for a reasonable seat.
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi), part 26, chapter 11
2. A Few Problems Solved - 3, Verse, Mythology, History and Itihása
3. Social Values & Cardinal Principles
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Birthright of the Microcosm
5. Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life - 8, Struggle and Progress
Bygone era of agriculture
This is an English summary of the original Bangla discourse - Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (B) ‘80, chapter 11,:
In the primitive age people were not aware how to cultivate the land. Still in present day India there are many tribes who follow those primitive ways. In that pre-historic era they used to burn the forest as a means of preparing the ground for planting. And when those ashes were mixed with the soil then the soil would become more fertile. Afterwards, using pointed stones or some sharp wooden pieces, those primitive people would then scrape the top layer of topsoil and spread the seeds.
After the rains came the seeds would grow and the crops would come. Usually after 3 - 4 years of continuous cultivation, the fertility of the land would decrease. Then those tribes of the prehistoric era would leave that place and go to another part of that forest. And in a similar way they would burn that section of the forest and re-start their process of preparing the land. This type of cultivation is called "jum-cha's'a". When the age of jum-cha's'a finished then the age of the plough came and then people used to cultivate using the plough.
(English summary of Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (Bangla) ‘80, chapter 11, MGD, 30 March 80 Kolkata, History of Yajina - 7, p.126)
Note: Here above Baba is revealing the historical facts about how primitive tribes in the jungles used to live thousands of years ago. It was only after the mountain age that tribes started agricultural cultivation. Actually they were under pressure to do something because they had already killed most of the animal livestock of the jungle. So up to that time they were living in the mountains and hunting for the basic needs. But when there was a shortage of animals to eat, they came down to the plains area and started cultivating the land in the aforesaid manner. In that early era, they could not even invent a single simple tool. That is why they were scratching the land with sticks and pointed stones. Those days people also were moving naked and living in the trees making nest-type of houses. Animal skins were only used as the clothes in the winter season.
Reference
1. Summary of Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (B) ‘80, chapter 11, MGD, 30 March 80 Kolkata, History of Yajina - 7, p.126
Scripture series
Recent postings
Other topics of interest
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam (Hindi), part 26, chapter 11
2. A Few Problems Solved - 3, Verse, Mythology, History and Itihása
3. Social Values & Cardinal Principles
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Birthright of the Microcosm
5. Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life - 8, Struggle and Progress
== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
Bygone era of agriculture
This is an English summary of the original Bangla discourse - Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (B) ‘80, chapter 11,:
In the primitive age people were not aware how to cultivate the land. Still in present day India there are many tribes who follow those primitive ways. In that pre-historic era they used to burn the forest as a means of preparing the ground for planting. And when those ashes were mixed with the soil then the soil would become more fertile. Afterwards, using pointed stones or some sharp wooden pieces, those primitive people would then scrape the top layer of topsoil and spread the seeds.
After the rains came the seeds would grow and the crops would come. Usually after 3 - 4 years of continuous cultivation, the fertility of the land would decrease. Then those tribes of the prehistoric era would leave that place and go to another part of that forest. And in a similar way they would burn that section of the forest and re-start their process of preparing the land. This type of cultivation is called "jum-cha's'a". When the age of jum-cha's'a finished then the age of the plough came and then people used to cultivate using the plough.
(English summary of Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (Bangla) ‘80, chapter 11, MGD, 30 March 80 Kolkata, History of Yajina - 7, p.126)
Note: Here above Baba is revealing the historical facts about how primitive tribes in the jungles used to live thousands of years ago. It was only after the mountain age that tribes started agricultural cultivation. Actually they were under pressure to do something because they had already killed most of the animal livestock of the jungle. So up to that time they were living in the mountains and hunting for the basic needs. But when there was a shortage of animals to eat, they came down to the plains area and started cultivating the land in the aforesaid manner. In that early era, they could not even invent a single simple tool. That is why they were scratching the land with sticks and pointed stones. Those days people also were moving naked and living in the trees making nest-type of houses. Animal skins were only used as the clothes in the winter season.
Reference
1. Summary of Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (B) ‘80, chapter 11, MGD, 30 March 80 Kolkata, History of Yajina - 7, p.126
== Section 3: Links ==
Scripture series
Recent postings
Other topics of interest
