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.)

Dada's Lust For

Baba

DADA'S LUST FOR OPPOSITE SEX

Warning: This posting presents a clear-cut issue related with the fight against pseudo-culture, the exploitation of women, and Ananda Marga ideology. Before reading please think whether you can manage this sensitive issue or not. A rational and calm mind is needed; those who get reacted easily must have control over their emotions, otherwise they may not be able to manage these hard facts. Those who do not want to hear this should not read this posting.

Namaskar,
This letter has three basic aspects as one Dada has put a half-naked female on display which created three types of sin:

1. Going against the code of the protection and dignity of women and instead engaging in female exploitation by supporting pseudo-culture.
2. Misrepresentation of yoga.
3. Going against own avadhuta conduct rules.

As Ananda Margiis, our job is to smash this misconception and preach and personify the high ideals of tantra where yoga aims at the unification with the Supreme.

Unfortunately, one avadhuta fell far, far short of this mark.

DADA'S BOOK ON YOGA

On the cover of Dada Vedaprajinananda ji's book he displays a young female wearing form-fitting unitard (sleeveless tight outfit). And the title is "Yoga Weight Loss Secrets". And then Dada has placed his avadhuta name - Vedaprajinananda - in big bold letters along the bottom. That is the entire book cover.

MUST BE VANGUARDS AGAINST PSEUDO-CULTURE

As Ananda Margiis - as neo-humanists - Baba guides us that we are to be the vanguards against the onslaught of pseudo-culture. But instead of leading on this front, this avadhuta has been veritably swallowed up by pseudo-culture.

By Dadaji's book cover and yoga presentation:
(a) he feeds into the false notion that yoga is just for females so that they can become thin and alluring to attract others;
(b) he feeds into the false notion that yoga is merely some type of physical exercise;
(c) he feeds into the false notion that females are to be judged by their bodies;
(d) he feeds into the false notion that females should be half-naked and displayed to "pitch" and sell his book.
(e) and there are numerous other ways how this avadhuta falls into the mud puddle of pseudo-culture in his presentation of his e-book.

See here below the cover of Dada Vedaprajinananda ji's book:

Add caption

The question then becomes: Why did this avadhutaji do like this? The answer is money. To boost sales this avadhuta is willing to go against his oaths and vows (see avadhuta rules below) and undermine Ananda Marga ideology.

Such is the sad state of affairs.

IT LOOKS LIKE BEING AN AVADHUTA IS SOMETHING

CHEAP & COMMERCIAL, NOT DHARMIC

In all circumstances our aim is to preach and demonstrate Ananda Marga ideology: To teach genuine points of bhagavad dharma - not compromise with the ways of pseudo-culture. The entire world is waiting for something great to happen, i.e. to receive the teachings of Sadguru. Yet here we see one of our avadutas selling-out and giving in to materialistic, societal trends. In this case, he can never implement one stitch of dharma, rather he is anti.

All this he is doing in his avadhuta name. People are bound to think that being an avadhuta is something cheap and commercial, not dharmic and righteous. Because they see that Dadaji is teaching yoga by splashing a photo of a half-naked female on his book cover and preaching the virtues of pseudo-culture values etc. It is really an awful scene and I feel badly for Dadaji to see how he has fallen in this manner.

Worse than that - by failing to live up to the ideal of an avadhuta - he is verily depriving humanity of dharmic teachings. Dadaji's duty is to spread dharma but he is doing something else.

DENIGRATING FEMALES AS SEX OBJECTS

In getting caught up in the winds of the fake yoga syndrome, Dadaji blatantly contradicts so may of his avadhuta conduct rules and vows:

- "Avadhuta shall treat every woman of the world, including his ex-wife, as mother." (32 Rules for Avadhuta, pt #11)

Contradiction: Instead of treating females as mother he is denigrating them as sex objects etc.


- Avadhuta must not remain in a lonely place with any female." (32 Rules for Avadhuta, pt #13)

Contradiction: Here Baba is guiding that avadhutas should have respectful but distant relations with females. It is alleged that Dadaji seems quite comfortable hanging around half-naked females - so much so that he is willing to associate with them by putting a half-dressed female on the cover of his book.


- "One should not look at the face of the opposite sex except at the time of nursing." (37 Workers Rules, pt #15)

Contradiction: Here again Dadaji's dealing and conduct flies in the face of the letter, word, and spirit of this conduct rule.


- "You will protect yourself from sexual weakness and luxury." (WT Conduct Rules, Fourteen Points, pt #12)

Contradiction:  It is alleged that Dadaji has blatantly fallen into indulgence - his mind is coloured in that way.

YOGA IS NOT MERELY A PHYSICAL EXERCISE FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Here Baba guides us that yoga is not a mere physical exercise for losing weight etc.

"Some people think that Yoga means a particular exercise, No, no, no: Yoga does not mean exercise. Yoga means unification. It is the Supreme definition of Yoga." (AV-14, What Is Yoga?)

Yet, the cover of Dadaji's e-book paints this false picture that yoga is just a way to exercise to make one more alluring and attractive.

FEMALE EXPLOITATION

Here Baba warns us about the dangers of pseudo-culture and how our duty is to rise up an fight against all forms of pseudo-culture, including points related with the dignity of women.

"This exploitation in the cultural sphere is accomplished by the propagation of pseudo-culture. Every honest, virtuous, rational person must fight against this pseudo-culture, and inspire others to do the same. If this is not done, the future of humanity will be sealed. It is proper for human beings to struggle for political freedom, for social emancipation; but if their cultural backbone is broken, then all their struggles will end in nothing – like offering ghee into a fire that has died out." (Liberation of Intellect - Neo-Humanism)

SUMMARY

Tragically, Dadaji took a fall on multiple levels by presenting his book in this manner: propagation of pseudo-culture, misrepresentation of yoga, and going against avadhuta rules.

In so doing, he wholly misrepresents the aims and teachings of Guru and Ananda Marga, while the common people are misled. This situations is bad from beginning to end.

in Him,
Liila
(Leslie Walker)

BASER PROPENSITIES ARE OVERPOWERING HIM

Up until this point, most say that Dadaji was doing alright. But now his mid-life crisis has arrived and  It is alleged that his baser propensities are overpowering him. There are countless stories how this happens - people become victims of their lower vrttis. This happens to even upstanding people.

Note 1: LINK TO PHOTOS OF BOOKS BY DOGMATIC YOGIS

THEY DID BETTER JOB THAN THIS AVT

Dadaji should take lesson from these dogmatic yogis. They do not have Saduru's divine teachings but what they know they apply, right or wrong. And here they are dealing with the same subject as Dadaji's book but their book covers are far, far better. They are not exploiting females in their given approach. Click here to see their cover photos.

                                                 ====

                                                                    Part-2



Baba

GOOD & BAD BOOK COVERS

MUST BE VANGUARDS AGAINST PSEUDO-CULTURE

As Ananda Margiis - as neo-humanists - Baba guides us that we are to be the vanguards against the onslaught of pseudo-culture. But instead of leading on this front, this avadhuta has been veritably swallowed up by pseudo-culture.

By Dadaji's book cover and yoga presentation:
(a) he feeds into the false notion that yoga is just for females so that they can become thin and alluring to attract others;
(b) he feeds into the false notion that yoga is merely some type of physical exercise;
(c) he feeds into the false notion that females are to be judged by their bodies;
(d) he feeds into the false notion that females should be half-naked and displayed to "pitch" and sell his book.
(e) and there are numerous other ways how this avadhuta falls into the mud puddle of pseudo-culture in his presentation of his e-book.


See here below the cover of Dadaji's book:

Above is Dadaji's book cover.

Tz

 

Read Entire Letter on This Topic

==

Note 2: HISTORIC LETTER ABOUT PROUT MARCH AGAINST FEMALE EXPLOITATION

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/01/female-exploitation.html

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/01/photos-from-girls-prout-procession-in.html

Good & Bad Covers

Baba

GOOD & BAD BOOK COVERS

MUST BE VANGUARDS AGAINST PSEUDO-CULTURE

As Ananda Margiis - as neo-humanists - Baba guides us that we are to be the vanguards against the onslaught of pseudo-culture. But instead of leading on this front, this avadhuta has been veritably swallowed up by pseudo-culture.

By Dadaji's book cover and yoga presentation:
(a) he feeds into the false notion that yoga is just for females so that they can become thin and alluring to attract others;
(b) he feeds into the false notion that yoga is merely some type of physical exercise;
(c) he feeds into the false notion that females are to be judged by their bodies;

Add caption

(d) he feeds into the false notion that females should be half-naked and displayed to "pitch" and sell his book.
(e) and there are numerous other ways how this avadhuta falls into the mud puddle of pseudo-culture in his presentation of his e-book.


See here below the cover of Dadaji's book:

Above is Dadaji's book cover.

THESE BELOW DOGMATIC YOGIS DID A FAR BETTER JOB

Dadaji should take lesson from these below dogmatic yogis. They do not have Saduru's divine teachings but what they know they apply, right or wrong. And here they are dealing with the same subject as Dadaji's book but their book covers are far, far better. They are not exploiting females in their given approach:

 

Read Entire Letter on This Topic

How They Ruin

HOW THEY RUIN OUR DEVOTIONAL SCRIPTURE

BY THEIR METHODS OF BANGALISATION

Warning:

Baba originally gave the discourse in Hindi, but as is indicated in publishers page of the Hindi edition of Subhasita Samgraha-16, the in-charges translated the Hindi into Bengali and then re-translated it back into Hindi. This is their way of Bangalisation. When in fact the best approach is to simply transcribe Baba's discourse in the language in which it was originally given.

Unfortunately, even the printed Hindi discourse is not accurate.

WARNING:

YOU MUST SPEAK UP

Until you speak up, this nasty approach and horrible problem will never end. And you will never get a proper discourse into your hands. Those who want to know more about this should write us. Because that is not the subject of this particular email.

HIGHER SADHANA...

Baba

JADA SAMADHI IS VERY MUCH BELOW HUMAN EXISTENCE

Let us see what Baba teaches us about jada samadhi:

"Persons who are self-centered (Khuda parasta), don't have Paramatman as their goal, but something else. Outwardly they say that Paramatman should be obtained but in their inner mind they have the desire for something else. Such people who outwardly say that Paramatman should be obtained but in the inner mind they desire for fame, riches, have the crude object as their goal. Whatever the inner mind says is the goal of the Jiiva (microcosm). Whatever is the feeling in the external mind is not the goal. But in the inner mind, because of his goal being the crude object his ultimate achievement is known as Prakrtiliina. Prakrti means the phenomenal world. Their existence will be transformed into the phenomenal world i.e. the conscious man gets transformed into crude object. There is one more word for the Samadhi in the Prakrta Shakti and that is Jada Samadhi. Jada Samadhi is very much below human existence and to be free from that is also very difficult. After crores of years there will be human life. Just see how dangerous it is! So with Parama Puruśa, don 't have two personalities, inside something and outside something else. Become the same as you are within. Entire mental structure, entire ectoplasmic stuff will be converted into the quinquelemental world." (Astitva and Shivatva)

PROCEDURE FOR SÁDHÁRAŃA PRÁŃÁYÁMA

"Closing the eyes, sit in either siddhásana, padmásana or bhojanásana. Do bhútashuddhi. After doing ásana shuddhi, concentrate your mind on the point that the ácárya will fix. Then, after doing cittashuddhi, ideate on the first syllable of your Iśt́a mantra, press and close the right nostril with the thumb of the right hand, and draw in a deep breath through the left nostril. During inhalation, ideate that infinite vital energy is entering the point from the infinite Brahma who is existing all around. After taking a full breath close the left nostril with the middle, ring and little fingers, and, taking the thumb away from the right nostril, slowly let out the air (Ideate that the infinite vital energy is returning from the point to that Infinite Brahma). During exhalation ideate on the remaining syllable of your Iśt́a mantra. When the breath has been fully expelled from the right nostril, inhale as fully as possible again through the right nostril. Afterwards, closing the right nostril with the thumb and removing the fingers, exhale the air through the left nostril. This completes one round. For the first week, complete three rounds each time. The number is increased by one round every week until seven rounds is reached. Práńáyáma can be practised up to four times in a day. If a person practising práńáyáma twice daily wishes to practise three times on any particular day, he/she may do so, but the person who practises twice daily must not suddenly increase to four times, because that will result in the body falling sick. Therefore it is advisable at first to do the practise twice daily, increasing it by one round per week. If, however, on any day two times práńáyáma is not completed, then at the end of the week, the number of times missed must be practised in compensation before increasing the number of rounds. Practitioners of práńáyáma should try to keep themselves away from dust, smoke, bad-smelling environments and excessive labour. It is very helpful to take a sufficient amount of milk products for the first two months following commencement of the practice." (CC-3, Práńáyáma)

BABA'S REAL TEACHING ON SAMADHI

Samádhi: While practising spiritual sádhaná, the mind is progressively withdrawn from the physical to the psychic and then to the spiritual. The trend in spiritual practice is to merge the extroversial propensities of the indriyas [sensory and motor organs] into the citta [objective mind, mind-stuff], the citta into the aham [doer “I”], the aham into the mahat [“I exist”], and the mahat into consciousness. In the case of samádhi, the conscious mind merges into the subconscious, and the subconscious into the unconscious. In the case of savikalpa samádhi, the unit unconscious mind becomes one with the Supreme Mind, whereas in nirvikalpa samádhi the unit unconscious mind becomes one with Supreme Consciousness." (Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 33 Samádhi, Senselessness and Sleep)

Important: If you have any problem finding the key line on any of the websites let us know...

Does Baba Contravene? + More

Baba

This email contains two distinct sections:
#1: Comment: It is Sinful to Blame Baba
#2: Posting: Does Baba Contravene His Own Teachings?

Date:
Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:05:29
To: AnandaMargaNewsBulletin
From: Lalita_G
Subject: It is Sinful to Blame Baba

IT IS SINFUL TO BLAME BABA BY STATING HE GIVES TESTS,
HARASSES, & CREATES PROBLEMS & PUTS THORNS ON THE PATH

Namaskar,
Ananda Marga Scripture says, ”People often hold Parama Purusa responsible for calamities that  befall them, but in fact they alone are responsible, as the suffering of  fate is only reaction of their own previous actions. How can Parama Purusa  be responsible? Human beings themselves are answerable for their fate as it  is their actions alone which create it. They alone will have to bear the  consequences of all their actions. No one else can substitute for them.  Their good deeds beget good result, while bad ones beget bad results, and  they will have to experience both without exception. This is the law of  Prakrti and no one can change this law.” (AMEP, p. 86-87)

Some people unfortunately do not like to admit their own mistakes and faults. And in due course when they face the samskara (consequence), they blame God, i.e. Parama Purusa Baba, for their wrongdoing - thereby committing sin. That is the central idea of the above teaching.

In 1970, Dadaji lost faith in Baba because of his own bad samskaras of the past. That time he was very frustrated and he started blaming Baba & accusing Him: "He (Baba) twisted my mind and that is why I lost faith." But, falsely accusing and blaming Guru in this way is sinful. Yet, that is what Dada Tapershvaranandji did. True bhaktas do not blame God for their own misdeeds. That is the essence of the above cited Ananda Marga scripture

Please write your thoughts.

Namaskar,
In Him
Lalita Ganguli

Note: A link to earlier letter on this topic is noted far below.

== Next Section ==

Subject: Does Baba Contravene His Own Teachings?
Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2014 11:16:19 +0530
From: tr sukul <trsukulsa...il.com>
To: Ananda Marga News Bulletin

DOES BABA CONTRAVENE HIS OWN TEACHINGS?

(Note: This is the third letter in this series - a link to the prior letter is below. - Eds)

Namaskar,
It is a common trait of human being to hear praise for their good work in the society. It is also good to praise in order to encourage to continue good work in the society.

(a) Some people are of the nature that they always like to be praised for their work whatsoever it may be i.e. it may or may not be beneficial to the society.

(b) A few are of the nature that they go on doing maximum good to the society without thinking that anybody may praise or criticize.

(c) Some people play diplomacy and do not do any work by themselves but remain indirectly in touch with those whose vow is to do welfare to the society without caring for praise etc. These diplomatic people take advantage of the opportunity of their concern and propagate that they have done a lot of good to the society and claim entire credit for themselves.

Using this characteristic such people try to acquire veneration in the common society by which they develop ego and feel greatness. But it is treated to be the worst if one desires to get name, fame and prestige for his works for the society or else, then what to say for those who do not do any work by themselves but claim or try to deserve prestige for the work done by some one else. This is a psychological disease.

PRESTIGE LIKE EXCRETA OF SWINE

In Ananda Marga philosophy it is given that one should not aspire for any praise for his work rather he should work selflessly and extend every fruit of action to the cosmic entity i.e. Parama Purusa. In this regard Rev. Baba often used to quote following niiti shloka:-

अभिमानम् सुरापानम् गौरवम् रौरवम् समं।
प्रतिष्ठा शूकरी विष्ठा , त्रयम् त्यक्त्वा हरिं भजेत। 

Abhimánaḿ surápánaḿ gaoravaḿ raoravaḿ dhruvam
Pratiśt́ha shukariiviśt́há trayaḿ tyaktvá hariḿ bhajet.

This means one should hate pride like wine, fame like Raurav (Hell) and prestige like excreta of swine if he wants to get Parama Purusa (Hari).

This simply indicates that true Ananda Margii will never try to develop false vanity as his goal is to get Parama Purusa not name, fame and prestige.

Great men never propagate nor like to be propagated as the doer of tremendous tasks of benevolence. They simply go on doing throughout their life utilizing every moment and we only come to know of their greatness after they have left us.

Our Rev. Gurudev Baba, has always discouraged vanity and he was completely against the notion of praising one self. Following is His conversation with margiis during His discourse, by which every one can conclude what I wish to say.

मैं-मैं, मैं-मैं” करेगी बिल्ली

"छोटा-सा काम कर दिए, और कहते हो—“मैंने किया, मैंने किया |” “मैंने यह किया, मैंने वह किया |” “मैं, मैं” करके मनुष्य परेशान हो जाते हैं | अरे ! तुम उतना “मैं, मैं,” क्यों करोगे ? “मैं-मैं, मैं-मैं” करेगी तो बिल्ली |

[हँसी]

क्या जी ? “मैं, मैं” कौन करती है ? बिल्ली करती है | हाँ | तो, मनुष्य इतना करता है—

[बाबा ने हाथ की दोनों अङ्गुलियों को नज़दीक लाकर इशारे से बताया कि मनुष्य छोटा-सा काम करता है |]

छोटा-सा किया | इतना बोलता है |

[बाबा ने अपने दोनों हाथों को दूर तक फैलाते हुए बताया कि मनुष्य अपने छोटे काम को बढ़ा चढ़ाकर बताता है |] |

सो नहीं, काम करते रहो | और उनको सोचते रहो | बोलने की कोई ज़रूरत नहीं है | परमपुरुष विश्व-ब्रह्माण्ड का हर काम करते हैं | बोलते हैं ? नहीं बोलते हैं | नीरव कर्मी बनो | Be silent worker |" (DMC 4 March 1984 Jammu)

CONTINUE TO DO WORK WITH HIS THOUGHT IN MIND

NO NEED TO TELL ANYBODY

Here is the English translation of above conversation:-

"You did a little work and propagate; 'I have done , I have done .'  "I have done this, I have done that". People praise themselves too much saying 'I', 'I'. Oh, why would you say that much I, I.

Oh, Why would you say "Maen, Maen"? If anyone does "Maen, maen, maen" it is a cat. *

(Laughter)

What you say? Who does "Maen, Maen"? The cat. Yes,

Man does a little, (showing with the two fingers and thumb of His hand) this much, and expresses (showing by expanding both the hands to max) this much.

Don't do like this. Continue to do work with His thought in mind. No need to tell anybody about it. Parama Purusa is doing every work of entire universe, does He talk about it? No He does not. Niirava karmii bano, Be a silent worker." (Subhasita Samgraha-17, chapter 2 (H), DMC 4 March 1984 Jammu)

--

* Here Baba is making a joke because the term 'maen' in Hindi means 'I' and and a very similar sounding word 'maiun' in Hindi is the sound that a cat makes - just like 'meow' in English. So Baba is making a joke that those who say I, I, I are just like the cry of a cat. Readers should understand that maen & maiun are pronounced with a very nasal voice and sound similar.

Note: Translated from the original Hindi to English by Dr. T.R. Sukulji. - Eds

ABOUT THE BELOW POEM

Some people try to be praised as a writer. They possess the art of writing but they don't know the ways of impressive expression. Therefore they try to express their own thoughts using the name of some great man so that they may get chance to be read by many readers and consequently get honor from public.

Here below is an example of such people :

In the July 1978 issue of Crimson Dawn, a famous story from 1974 is quoted.

Forty years ago, a young dada visited Baba in jail. Baba asked this dada if he thought that Baba was in pain (due to poisoning and fasting).

Then Baba said,

"I feel so much pain.
 No one else could endure such pain.
 Why I endure it?
 Because you, My sons and daughters
 Are in great danger now.
 If I were not suffering
 Then you would be suffering
 And you would not be able to endure it.
 Like the hen and the chicks --
 What does the hen do when the chicks are attacked?
 She spreads her wings and keeps her chicks safe.
 You all are in great danger now --
 And I must save you.
 If I did not continue My fast,
 The suffering would be much greater."

If we contemplate above story, can we believe that this type of statement would have been given by Rev Gurudev Baba? None can believe this as it goes against Baba's teachings as per above discussed quotations.

BABA PERFECTLY PERSONIFIES ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY

BABA CANNOT GO AGAINST HIS OWN TEACHINGS - NEVER

In so many teachings as well as in the above guideline in Hindi, Baba warns us not to indulge in self-praise. And Baba Himself cannot go against His teachings. So it is belittling to Baba to say that He is bragging how He has suffered so much and glorifying Himself how He has saved others. This is not the way that Baba expresses Himself; this is completely contrary to the way that Baba thinks or acts. Guru is the perfect personification of His teachings. He never goes against His own guidelines. Yet the above story portrays Baba as someone who gloats about His own greatness and degree of sacrifice. This type of fake and lowly story undermines Guru's greatness and endeavour.

It is a concocted story.

MUST NOT INDULGE IN SELF-PRAISE

"One should not praise oneself or any other person. There are many people who are very fond of praising themselves by telling everyone what wonderful things they have done." (AV-8, The Lord Should Always Be Praised)

DO NOT BRAG SAYING:

"I DID THIS, I DID THAT"

"People of action are also not free from vanity: “I did this, I did that – I built this road when I was a minister I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works Department” – this is how people become mad for their little “I”. Thus we see that although action is free from lethargy, it is not altogether free from vanity." (AMIWL-11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle)

"Those who think that they will get Him through the actional faculty are finally engaged in actional infighting. “I did this, I did that”." (SS-21, Human Life and Its Goal)

TOOK ADVANTAGE OF OTHER PEOPLE'S DISTRESS

"You must have seen many people who become angry and sorrowful at the time of his distress saying, “I helped those persons in their adversity, served them so much on their sick-bed, but today they are so ungrateful that they do not even cast a glance at me.” They may even curse, “God is witnessing everything – they will have to reap the consequences of their actions.” You know that such remarks are an extremely vulgar expression of mental meanness. Such persons have not done sádhaná for mental purification, nor have they truly served anybody in adversity or sickness. In fact they took advantage of other people's distress and gave them some assistance as an advance; but the motive behind such assistance was to recover it with full interest." (GHC, Shaoca)

In Him,
Dr. T.R. Sukul

Note 1: LINK TO PRIOR LETTER IN THIS SERIES

Here below is a link to the prior letter in this series titled-
Hari & Sickness Does Not Work Together

http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/01/hari-sickness-does-not-work-together.html


Note 2: LINK ABOUT BLAMING BABA LETTER

http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/02/dada-t-is-falsely-blaming-baba.html

Sampling of Pen Names

Baba

Here is a small sampling of pen names (from hundreds or even thousands) used by notable people in the society...

PEN NAME -- REAL NAME
Ann Landers for Eppie Lederer
Ayn Rand  for Alisa Zinov'yevna Rosenbaum
Dr. Seuss for Theodor Seuss Geisel
Molière  for Jean Baptiste Poquelin
Toni Morrison for Chloe Anthony Wofford
Woody Allen  for Allen Stewart Konigsberg

To see more search on Wikipedia

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

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

Gandhian Dogma + 3 More

Baba

This Email Contains 5 Distinct Sections:
1) Posting: Upcoming Patna Fasting is Gandhian Dogma
2) Comment by Anandam: Preparing Booklet on Niilkantha Divas
3) Comment by Vasudeva: On Unity
4) Comment by Mala: $100 for Lesson Review
5) Links: Related with posting.


Subject: Upcoming Patna Fasting is Gandhian Dogma
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 10:47:29
From: Umesh
To: Ananda Marga News Bulletin

Baba

UPCOMING PATNA FASTING IS GANDHIAN DOGMA

Namaskar,
A few people are gathering and staging a political protest on 12 February - the day of Niilkantha Divas. Their stated plan is to fast on that day - as well as a few more days, perhaps up to the 15th of February.

As Proutists, and as disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, we have to consider how far this approach is viable and consonant with his teachings.

Here following are Baba's clear cut guidelines and teachings on this important subject.

BABA DIRECTS US NOT TO FAST ON FEB 12

In His special discourse about Niilkanta Divas, Baba has strictly forbidden Ananda Margiis from fasting on 12 Feb. Rather His stated ideal is that we should prepare and cook delicious, sumptuous food for the impoverished and suffering people.

Here is Baba guiding Ramananda during His famous general darshan about Niilkantha Divas. In particular, Baba has motioned for Ramananda Dada to recount the scene:

[Baba is telling] "You people will decide how to commemorate it [Niilkantha Divas]." Then, when we didn't give proper reply to Baba, then He Himself told that, "Why you will be fasting? It will be, You will have to show your sentient anger, not just go on fasting or something like that...[Ramananda concludes] So, we are to take food that day, and the best food we should give to the needy on this very day."

Thus it is well-known and well-documented that Baba warns not to fast on Feb 12. So many were present and heard Baba give this order and it was recorded and perfectly transcribed as well.

PROTEST FASTS ARE GANDHIAN WAY

WE SHOULD SPEND ENERGY IN AWAKENING THE MASSES

As Proutists, we do our regularly scheduled fasting days as given by Guru for reasons of physical health, mental purity, and spiritual practice. We do not fast for political purposes or in protest.

Those who fast in protest are apt to destroy their physical body. Theirs is passive, Gandhian mentality. Whereas, Baba as the dharma Guru has specifically allotted that we should keep our bodies fit and utilise our energy in organising and educating the masses about exploitation. This type of consciousness raising on the grass-roots level demands tremendous energy and engagement, yet ultimately that is the way to bring about comprehensive change, i.e. Proutistic revolution. Remember, Baba has strictly forbidden Ananda Margiis from fasting on 12 Feb.

BABA REJECTS GANDHIAN MANNER OF PASSIVE PROTESTS

Baba vehemently opposes our taking a passive, Gandhi approach based on fasting and civil disobedience etc. Baba has declared such methods lost their efficacy long ago.

"The philosophy of Gandhi died before India got independence – it died long before Gandhi died." (Prout in a Nutshell - 15)

FASTING PROTEST IS NOT PROUTISTIC WAY

In His Prout teachings, Baba has given a dynamic range of plans and programs for us to bring to the people. This cannot be done if we are sitting around, fasting, and getting weaker by the moment. That will not due. Rather to enact those programs we will need our full energy in all realms.

Since the very inception of Prout in 1959, never has there been a sanctioned fasting protest by Proutist Universal nor Ananda Marga. Baba never guided us in this manner.

ONLY SPEED = DANGEROUS; ONLY SYSTEM = USELESS

Baba has given the formula that to get success in bringing about social change there must be both speed and system. If there is only speed it is dangerous; and, if there is only system it is useless. Both are needed.

Those planning to do this fasting protest have only speed - not system. That is to say, they are eager to do something, but that something is not in accordance with Baba's teachings. Hence they only have speed. In which case they are leading themselves and others down a dangerous path. Baba warns us against this.

No doubt those planning the protest are sincere and their heart is in the right place, but to bring about Proutistic changes and revolution, we must abide by Baba's divine guidelines, and not resort to old, outdated Gandhian methods.

BABA'S TEACHING:

SUCH EXPLOITERS NEED A "RUDE SHOCK"

Here below Baba is warning us that those using fasting to appeal to capitalist exploiters are ignorant. This will never work because such heartless exploiters will not care about your fasting. Instead, Baba warns us that such exploiters need a "rude shock." For that, consciousness raising and making preparations for revolution are needed. Satyagraha fasting will do nothing. Rather it will create harm.

"Some people are of the opinion that only humanistic appeals and no other approach can effect a change of heart. Although the principles of such people may be high, in reality the soil of the earth is extremely hard. Their appeals to do good cannot easily gain support..."

"This sort of appeal does not hold much value for those with crude minds. To vibrate the minds of such people it is, and will forever remain, necessary to influence their minds by giving them a rude shock. Otherwise one will have to wait indefinitely for the sensitive violin strings of some secret recess in their hard minds to be similarly vibrated by high-minded appeals to do good. And meanwhile the existence of the helpless, exploited people, on whose behalf these appeals are being made, will have been reduced to dust."

"That is why no matter how much importance was given to the benevolence of the human mind by the Gandhian and Bhudan movements, or how saintly their propounders may have been, selfish and mean-minded people will never accept their principles. The bleeding sores on the feet of marching protesters will never be able to soften the minds of ruthless exploiters. Gandhism may be an excellent utopian model, but in the harsh reality of the world it is absurd and self-righteous." (Human Society - 1, Social Justice)

If the matter is not clear to you then please go to Note 2, and click on the link to read a larger section of the above teaching.

HOW SOME ARE PLANNING TO FAST ON 12 FEB

Here is a quoted summary of their leaflet detailing their upcoming plans to fast on 12 Feb. These margiis are sincere and want to do something, but they are moving off the track, unfortunately.

"A co-ordination committee of All India Proutist Samaj was formed. In the beginning, it was decided to stage procession, Rallies, hunger strike, protests, etc in Delhi and in Patna.

"In view of above, a “protest and hunger strike” have been decided to arrange in Patna on 12th Feb. Since Baba was lodged in prison due to PROUT philosophy and later Baba was poisoned in Patna jail on 12th Feb. considering this history, a “Dharana, protest and hunger strike” has been arranged on 12th Feb. Therefore, all margi brothers and sisters are requested to reach Patna on 12 Feb 2014 @ 10am positively to make it a grand success. Please find attached the “Pamphlet” for details."

"As everybody knows that "Dharana and Hunger strike" will be staged in Patna at least for two days starting 12 th Feb. If we receive good public response, we may continue "Dharana and Hunger strike" unto 3rd day."

SUMMARY STATEMENT

In sum, we should observe Niilkantha on 12 Feb per Baba's guidelines. That means no one should fast that day. We should eat, and, most importantly, serve delicious food to the need and poor, and side by side organise Prout programs to create awareness amongst the people about the presence of exploitation.

If still anyone has any questions etc, they should re-read Baba's discourse on this key and important topic.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Umesh

== NEXT LETTER ==

Subject: Re: Niilkantha Divas
Date:  Tue, 28 Jan 2014 13:11:58 +0530
From: Anandam
To: Ananda Marga Universal

PREPARING BOOKLET ON NIIILKANTHA DIVAS

Namaskar
This is so much alive! Thanks from the core of my heart - that is all I can say.

Likewise I request the forum to supply such materials, so that we can educate as well as propogate the right ideology in the right way.

(Working: I will prepare a booklet on Niilkantha Divas and distribute it to all margii families of my area in the local language and arrange to follow Niilkantha Divas observances as per given guideline.)

Anandam

== NEXT LETTER ==

Subject: SV: ~ AMPS News ~ Proof: H Group is Altering Baba's Books
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 14:30:05 +0100 (MET)
From: Tandero <harm....o>
To: Ananda Marga News Bulletin

ON UNITY

Namaskar dear dada

Hope everything is fine.
i hope that soon the amps can get out of the geo and socio sentimentality and get into a global face value. To much Indian focus on fight between boys with to high lessons and to less ideological strength on both sides of the wall of shame, make unity more difficult. Big responsibility are on the back of they who make walls in the time of the BRIDGE MAKER.

Vasudeva
BNK

== NEXT LETTER ==

Subject: On Dada Nabhaniilananda & Lesson Review
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 07:01:55 -0000
From: Mala
To: Ananda Marga News Bulletin

$100 FOR LESSON REVIEW

Namaskar,
It is unfortunate that the lesson system is now based on money and control of said margiis. Dada Nabhaniilananda now charges in advance for lesson review. it is at least $100. he controls large percent of the margiis of certain oversas sectors - even with this point that lessons and initiation should be free of charge. Sadly, those paying for sadhana review with him do not understand or take it seriously that they should not give money for lesson review etc.

In Him,
Mala

== LINKS OF MAIN LETTER ==

Note 1: LINK TO BABA'S HISTORIC DARSHAN ABOUT NIILKANTHA DIVAS

For those who wish to read Baba's entire general darshan where He outlines that we must not fast on Niilkantha Divas (Feb 12) then please click on the below link.

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/01/upcoming-observance-more.html

Note 2: MUST TAKE FIRM STAND AGAINST SUCH EXPLOITERS

http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/01/must-take-firm-stand-against-such.html

Must Take Firm Stand Against Such Exploiters

Baba

MUST TAKE FIRM STAND AGAINST SUCH EXPLOITERS

Here below Baba is warning us that those using fasting to appeal to capitalist exploiters are ignorant. This will never work because such heartless exploiters will not care about your fasting. Instead, Baba warns us that such exploiters need a "rude shock." For that, consciousness raising and making preparations for revolution are needed. Satyagraha fasting will do nothing. Rather it will create harm.

Some people are of the opinion that only humanistic appeals and no other approach can effect a change of heart. Although the principles of such people may be high, in reality the soil of the earth is extremely hard. Their appeals to do good cannot easily gain support.

What are humanistic appeals, or satyágraha? They are simply a special means of using violence to create circumstantial pressure. We can, in fact, call them the intellectual’s method of using violence. They are a way to make people eager to move along the path of human welfare without resorting to actual violence, relying on legal enforcement, or becoming angry and adopting the path of bloodshed. Or, in simpler language, they are a way to compel people to move.

What is circumstantial pressure? Does it not aim to vibrate the individual or collective mind with the wave of collective welfare through the application of force? In fact, this approach is an attempt to touch the aspect of the human mind which is very tender and capable of responding to humanistic appeals. Thus, those who have finer sensibilities and rational judgement readily respond to humanistic appeals, or satyágraha.

This sort of appeal does not hold much value for those with crude minds. To vibrate the minds of such people it is, and will forever remain, necessary to influence their minds by giving them a rude shock. Otherwise one will have to wait indefinitely for the sensitive violin strings of some secret recess in their hard minds to be similarly vibrated by high-minded appeals to do good. And meanwhile the existence of the helpless, exploited people, on whose behalf these appeals are being made, will have been reduced to dust.

That is why no matter how much importance was given to the benevolence of the human mind by the Gandhian and Bhudan movements, or how saintly their propounders may have been, selfish and mean-minded people will never accept their principles. The bleeding sores on the feet of marching protesters will never be able to soften the minds of ruthless exploiters. Gandhism may be an excellent utopian model, but in the harsh reality of the world it is absurd and self-righteous.

Yes, the human mind must be vibrated, and for this one cannot wait for the application of the sentient force or humanistic appeals. Rather, all necessary steps must be taken to create circumstantial pressure. I do not consider it at all improper if exploiters are forced to follow the right path by circumstantial pressure in a totalitarian state or by legal compulsion in a democratic one. However, the primary objective is not simply to use any means available to create a vibration in the minds of exploiters. Proper moral training must also be imparted to keep the waves of that vibration alive, and there must be a ceaseless endeavour in individual and collective life to perpetuate the waves of that vibration. One must maintain one’s zeal so that, with the passage of time, the momentum of the vibration does not slow down. Its vigour and vitality should not turn into stagnation. Staticity should not creep into the hidden corners of the human mind.

Those who depend solely on magnanimity of mind or on humanistic appeals are bound to fail. And those who aspire to establish communistic systems either through legal methods or at bayonet point without changing the hearts of the people, without implementing development programmes and without introducing moral and ideological education to reform people’s bad habits, are also bound to fail.

(Human Society - 1, Social Justice)

Donkey Marriage - 4

Baba

DONKEY MARRIAGE - 4

(Note: Before reading this letter be sure you have read earlier parts of this series- see links appended below.)

Namaskar,
Bride: SS Goenkas'a granddaughter has been initiated into the Ananda Marga sadhana system and she regularly attends dharmacakra.

Bridegroom: The husband-to-be is of the same caste as the bride. He is a non-margii, who has agreed to do both a Hindu style marriage and an Ananda Marga system of marriage - one after another.

The boy is a non-margii and the girl is an Ananda Margii.

Baba's directive is very clear and straightforward. Margii boys may marry non-margii girls and bring them into Ananda Marga; but margii girls should not marry non-margii boys. Baba's warning is very explicit: Our margii girls should not marry outside the Marga. That is Baba's key directive.

Important: The marriage will be held in less than 2 weeks but it does not hold up to Baba's divine teachings. Firstly, it is a caste marriage. Secondly, the bridegroom is a non-margii**. Thirdly, per Baba's teaching we should always aim for both bride and groom to be dedicated Ananda Margiis. Failing that, we should be keen to adhere to Baba's explicit warning and parents should not impose their will and force their margii daughter or granddaughter to marry non-margii boys.

Here are further points for the critical review of this upcoming marriage.

HOW CAN HE FULFILL MARRIAGE VOWS

For the upcoming 7th February marriage, the boy is himself essentially a non-margii so then how can he properly fulfill the marriage vows when he has no real established link with Guru.

What usually happens in a situation like this is that in a token or ritualistic type of way, the boy will be initiated shortly before the wedding. But in this way he will not be able to adhere to the oaths and vows of our Ananda Marga marriage system.

The bottom line is that the boy was interested in a caste marriage etc - not an Ananda Marga revolutionary marriage. That is the only reason why he is getting initiated - not due to any greater spiritual urge or yearning. In that case, that initiation is quite suspect.

It is just like if a boy is attracted to a young female and cannot see her on the street etc, and his only recourse for seeing her is to attend temple / church. In that case, his only reason for going to temple or church is to be able to see the girl, otherwise he would not attend. We cannot then call that boy a bhakta or an adherent of any religion per se, because his only aim is the girl.

Likewise, when a boy takes initiation solely so he can marry a particular girl, then who can think such a boy is a real sadhaka who is ready to understand and fulfill his oaths to Guru. In this case the initiation is just namesake only.

RECIPE FOR NON-MARGII LIFE

If the boy was really interested in spirituality and Ananda Marga dharmic life, then he would have taken initiation months ago so he could practice meditation regularly and attend weekly dharmacakra, the various seminars, and DMS etc. If he had done this for 4 months or so, then it would be a valid initiation and marriage. The way it is now is just for show - nothing more.

Under such circumstances, we see that in most cases the bride and groom lead a non-margii life and their entire family becomes non-margiis, i.e. children etc. Within the Goenka family, there are other such marriages that stand as proof of this horrible outcome.

Here we can basically say that the boy is a veritable non-margii who will take initiation sometime before the wedding in an attempt to befool the world. If he were really interested he would have eagerly taken diiksa at the earliest possible moment in order to inculcate Ananda Marga ideals in his life, but this he did not do.

OATH WITHOUT REVERENCE IS USELESS

In marriage, Baba has given the hymn and the marriage oath. The oath begins with the following vow, which first the groom and then the bride must repeat.

"I say on oath in the name of Parama Brahma and Marga Gurudeva that out of my own free will I will accept Shriimatii / Ms. ... as my wife." (Caryacarya)

In this above quote, the oath is taken "In the name of Parama Brahma and Marga Gurudeva". So here the point is that if the oath taker does not believe in Marga Gurudeva, then taking an oath in His name has no meaning for that person.

To take an oath, one must have reverence for that person or entity - one must be a practicing and committed Ananda Margii, not just some pseudo or quasi margii who just took initiation before the wedding.

JUST LIKE TAKING VOW

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, JESUS, HANUMAN ETC

For example, if one margii takes oath in the name of Marga Gurudeva, then that has deep meaning. Because the margii has heartfelt feeling for Baba, our Marga Guru. But if that same margii takes oath in the name of Allah, Jesus or Hanuman, sun god, moon god, or monkey god, then what will be the sense of that when the margii has no reverence for those entities.

It is just like if an atheist takes an oath in the name of God, then that oath does not mean anything. Because that atheist does not have any feeling for God. So then how can an oath in the name of God hold any meaning - in that circumstance it cannot.

An oath is meaningful only to the degree one has faith and belief in that Entity. Likewise, when non-margiis, or pseudo-margiis, or quasi-margiis do not have faith in Ista or Ananda Marga ideology, then how can the oath they take in the name of Baba hold any real value or meaning.

If a non-margii bride or groom (or both) or quasi margii takes the oath on the name of Marga Gurudeva, then what meaning will that have when they themselves do not feel that Baba is their Guru. That will be ludicrous and they will never try to fulfill those oaths. For them it is a joke, lip service, or an empty drama. That is meaningless; this a very bad start as they are beginning their marriage with hypocrisy.

Those in-chareges and elders are teaching the bridge and groom that hypocrisy is OK. In that case, they will never feel serious about their oaths in marriage, and they will not feel that it is binding.

MARRIAGE OATH IS A LIFELONG COMMITMENT

As we know, in Ananda Marga, an oath is taken very seriously. One must have a deep feeling, connection and commitment to take an oath. Moreover, here we are talking about marriage, a life-long commitment. So the marriage oath is a critical matter. It must not be taken on the name of one entity for which one has no feeling. Otherwise that is just hypocrisy.

This marriage oath is Baba's clear-cut injunction on marriage. Because this oath is being taken on the name of Marga Gurudeva. And as is already clear, when one has no heartfelt reverence or adoration for Marga Gurudeva, then that oath has no meaning. So this oath is very clear-cut, and it is given directly by Baba. A non-margii or quasi margii cannot take this oath.

On this basis, it is proven that both parties intending to marry within the Ananda Marga marriage system must be dedicated, practicing margiis who accept Baba as their Guru.

CONCLUSION

WT'S MUST NOT ATTEND ON 7TH FEB

For all these critical reasons the upcoming marriage of 7 Feb 2014 is completely against the principles and teachings of Sadguru Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

Wt's must not attend this unholy marriage. Instead, margiis should come forward and arrange an ideal marriage for this margii girl and uphold Baba's given revolutionary marriage system and Ananda Marga ideology.

VANDANANANDJI AND WHO ELSE IS EAGER TO ATTEND

Unfortunately, some Dadas who are greedy and loose in adhering to Ananda Marga ideals are excitedly planning on attending, just like fox who line up to get some scraps from the dining table. Such Dadas are keen to get payment and gifts for attending the marriage of one "prestigious" family. This is the unfortunate scene - Vandananandji is one of these Dadas. If you know names of some of the other Dadas who eagerly plan attending, kindly write in.

in Him,
Manoj


** Bridegroom is non-margii who will get a token initiation before the marriage.

Note 1: JUST DONKEY MARRIAGE NOTHING MORE

The aforementioned upcoming marriage in Trivandrum (Kerala) is nothing but a donkey marriage. Superficially, they have everything ready in terms of proper outfits and acaryas on hand etc, but upon closer examination the foundations of this marriage are completely bogus as it is wrapped up in caste dogma etc and contravenes the tenets of Ananda Marga. On the outside it looks like Ananda Marga but in reality it is not Ananda Marga. That is what is meant by donkey.

Here "donkey" refers to anything that is done for show or for a superficial reason. Here below Baba gives the example of donkey food.

"If food is not given with that heart-felt feeling and if one's own life is not in danger due to starvation, in that condition then any food offered is donkey food, gardabha'nna. So one must not eat that food." (Summary of Shabda Cayanika - 20, p.163-64 [Bangla])

So that is donkey food - food given just for show or to impress others etc.

And donkey sadhaka is when one is doing sadhana sitting in a very erect position hoping that someone will notice him and be impressed. But internally, that "meditator" is just thinking about himself, not Parama Purusa.

And in the case of the aforementioned marriage in Trivandrum (Kerala), they are arranging it in a very superficial manner to make it look like an Ananda Marga marriage. But in fact, the dharmic fundamentals are wholly lacking. To the untrained eye and non-sadhaka, it may look like an Ananda Marga marriage, but to every sincere Ananda Margii it is evident that this is just a donkey marriage.

Note 2: "DONKEY MARRIAGE - 3A & B GOENKA FAMILY"

Shyam Sundar Goenka is a senior margii that is why it is important and needed to carefully examine his actions; lest others be led astray.

Here below is a link to the first two donkey marriage letters about the Goenka family and their upcoming wedding on 07 Feb 2014.

#1: http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/01/donkey-marriage-3a.html

#2: http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/01/donkey-marriage-3b-g-family.html

Note 3: LINKS TO MORE DONKEY MARRIAGE LETTERS

#1: http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2013/10/donkey-marriage-1.html

#2: http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/01/donkey-marriage-2-pune-wedding.html