Open Reply to Vishvadeva + More

Baba

This email contains three sections:

1. Letter: Open Reply to Vishvadeva

2. Letter: Can't Be Pig

3. End Quote: Naming in Saḿskrta Means

OPEN REPLY TO VISHVADEVA

Namaskar All,

Vishvadeva’s letter is  focused on following two suggestions :-

1. The other religions and their followers in the world celebrate MPD so we should not oppose it.

2.  Ending MPD only is not the solution of uniting organization or solving other burning problems inside it

Regarding point (1), it is quite natural that the common people follow in the footsteps of their seniors, but following blindly is not advisable. The followers should apply their mind to the act they are intending to follow.

Ananda Marga philosophy has never supported those thoughts which are dogmatic or may become dogma in the future. Rev. Baba has proven how Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna, Buddha, and Mahavira's teachings were deformed and distorted by the so-called jinanis and followers, and they deviated the society form the right path. Rev. Baba's entire endeavour has been to eradicate all sorts of dogma and ill thoughts from the society and not to give birth to any such irrational, illogical ,unscientific thought. Appending MPD in CC and then changing it in various other names itself proves that it is the first step to give birth to strong base to establish dogma, which is against our fundamental principle.

I mean to say is, that ours is the defectless path and ideology established by Taraka Brahma Himself which means others should follow us not we to others (who are limited by their own dogmatic views). What the other religious groups of the world are doing is not our object. We are to be strict to follow our own spiritual ideology because we are not a religious group like others. As a true follower of Rev. Baba all should oppose such acts and thoughts which pollute the society for generations together.

Regarding point (2), it is a general rule of nature that the solution of any problem lies within the problem itself and the place where it is created. It is more difficult to cut and eradicate a huge banyan tree than to remove it in an earlier growing stage. MPD in AM , if not eradicated at this stage, will generate many other irrational ideas leading to rituals like Hindu priests. Ending MPD may not solve all the problems inside Ananda Marga or unite all the groups, but it will certainly save the Ananda Marga society from degeneration

To raise sound  against dogma and its parallel thoughts, is our birthright.

"Non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista." (Sixteen Points, #10)

Respectfully

Dr T R Sukul

Note: Most probably you have a copy of Vishvadeva’s letter but if not let us know - Eds.

== Section 2 ==

CAN’T BE PIG

Warning: This below letter is very sensitive and devotional  It raises a very subtle point. Those who do not have faith in Ista should not read this letter. They may not understand -  and may get frustrated. So please watch out. If you are not strict in Ista, please do not read.

Namaskar,

I read the letter how brother Vishvadeva equates Parama Purusa Baba with human beings. Brother Vishvadeva remarks that since others paths observe an annual death day for their guru or leader, like Ramana Maharishi and Jesus, then that same death day observance should be done for Sadguru Baba. That is the logic and comparison made by brother V.

Perhaps we should apply the same type of logic to Vishvadeva.  

For instance, a pig has a nose and two eyes and brother Vishvadeva has a nose and two eyes. So by this logic should we just treat brother V as a pig. We can just call him pig. What will be wrong by this. After all, both brother V and a pig share those very same characteristics - one nose and two eyes. So V must fall within the pig category.

By that way Vishvadeva will learn something.

"Non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista." (Sixteen Points, #10)

at His lotus feet,

Valmiki Narayan Singh

Note: Most probably you have a copy of Vishvadeva’s letter but if not let us know - Eds.

== Section 3 ==

 

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,

completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*************************************************

Naming in Saḿskrta Means

“Naming is a matter of great consequence. The names must imply an imposing meaning. Naming was a memorable ceremony among the Áryas. The name has a very significant bearing over the mind. The mental awakening corresponds to the vibrations set in as a result of pronouncing the name. A particular attraction is attached to the words.”

“The human society has to be unified. It must have one standard. Naming in Saḿskrta means providing one standard.” (Táttvika Diipiká)

*************************************************

See What Is Printed About Tiljala + 2 more

Baba

SEE WHAT IS PRINTED ABOUT TILJALA MAHAPRAYAN IN BANGLA NEWSPAPERS

Namaskar,

Here below is cutting of a daily Bangla newspaper  - Bartaman.  The main point of the article is that this is the 24th annual death day observance of Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.

  For those who do not know what mahaprayan is in India, please see below.

Mahaprayan is done by Muslims to observe the death of those mainly of the Islamic faith. Those followers bury their deceased and then perform yeay tomb worship on the anniversary of their death.  So the concept of "mahaprayan" is something very mundane; it signifies the death of a human being; it is a common phenomenon across the Indian subcontinent. It is widely observed for the death of a human. So it is not something divine. It is not something for the eternal Sadguru. And it is not a new phenomenon that started in 1990. For ages and ages, so many humans have had their mahaprayan. Since the Sanskrit language came into existence - thousands of years ago - the concept of mahaprayan conveys the idea of the death of a human being.

MAHAPRAYAN OF MUSLIM FOLLOWER:

MAULANA ABDUL LATIF CHAUDHURY

Here below is a public announcement in the newspaper about the mahaprayan of a Muslim man named Maulana Abdul Latif Chaudhury. This is a common phenomenon in my Bengal. The term mahaprayan is everywhere; it is widely used for all kinds of people to signify their death. It is not something special or unique. This below person was not an Ananda Margii.

The last word of the title of the below newspaper article is the term 'mahaprayan' in Bengali script:

In this article - as well as in its regular usage - the term mahaprayan is used to insinuate the death of a man who has made his departure from this world to God. That is why this word is not used for Baba because He did not depart - He is the eternal Parama Purusa. So the mahaprayan term is for ordinary humans, i.e. mortals.

Some think that we should live happily and not care about all these things. That is the wrong approach and defeats the purpose of creating the organisation. All kinds of societal dogmas were in vogue and Baba created Ananda Marga to eradicate those dogmas. Naturally then we must not allow such dogmas in our very own organisation, AMPS. If we ignore those dogmas it defeats the purpose of the formation of Ananda Marga.

 

 SANMATI SAGARJI'S MAHAPRAYAN

See below this mahaprayan ritual that it typical of India. There is a pile of wood and placed the deceased there; and there are people all around - well wishers and loved ones and they are pouring milk on the deceased before final cremation. They do this to purify the body. And soon they will burn the body. This mahaprayan ritual is done just before lighting the body. Note: See how the mahaprayan term (highlighted in blue) was used in the top-center of the below image.

 

Namaskar,

in Him,

Narhari Ganguli

== Section 3 ==

*************************************************

A Few Important Points

“Casteism is a burden on the Hindu society. All the year round they preach casteism but on the polling days they decry it. This is wholly undesirable. It is better to avoid all titles. Titles signify the caste. If casteism is to be wiped out, it is incumbent to discard the titles. It is commendable if everyone adopts uniformity on title – Deva. Persons using a particular word more often will influence their minds with the meaning of that word. People are reluctant to use the word dása because this word signifies slavery. Whenever the so-called low caste people catch an opportunity, they declare themselves as belonging to the so-called elevated caste, etc. It is an ideal to become deva and for this reason Deva title should be adopted.”

“Titles of the present society have undergone considerable changes during the past fifty years, the cause being that everyone aspires to pertain to an elevated caste. The so-called Shúdras also use the sacred thread. This is only an effort towards the concealment of one's identity. By this means, they conceal only their disregarded status. This is to be regretted. It is consequent on social debility that they harbour the desire for changes in their situations. It is out and out purposeless to convene All-India Conferences or particular castes. All of them desire to assert and establish their rights. This is simply misuses of energy and money.”

“The consent of those embraced must be sought for before renaming them in Saḿskrta. Language has got nothing to do with religion and as such, there is no reason for anybody depreciating the use of Saḿskrta. In this connection it may be added that the great emperor Aurangzeb used the term sudhárasa (juice of nectar) for mango (original Saḿskrta term for mango is ámra) and saddharma for Islam.” (Táttvika Diipiká)

*************************************************

This email contains three sections:

2. Posting: See What Is Printed About Tiljala

3. End Quote: A Few Important Points

Open Letter to Dada Vivekaranjanananda + “Please Don’t Cry” + शैतानी चालू हो गई

Baba

This email contains 5 sections:
1. Letter: Open Letter to Dada Vivekaranjanananda
2. Letter: “Please Don’t Cry”
3. Hindi Poem: शैतानी चालू हो गई
4. End Quote: They Will Not Stay For Long
5. Links

Note: If you received the email version and wish to see the letters by Tapan Biswas and Dada Vivekranjanananda then please scroll down to the bottom.

Open Letter to Dada Vivekaranjanananda

Respected Dada Vivekaranjananandji, Namaskar

You really got me thinking.

The "policy making body central committee has RIGHT to make policy" and that a TRUE Ananda Margii is obliged to follow any new policy made by CC.  In this case what you are saying is that every Ananda Margii should observe MPD since this policy was made by CC and this policy is valid because it was a unanimous decision of a then united CC. Furthermore this policy, no matter how flawed,  cannot be changed or rescinded at this point in time because of organisational disunity. What this effectively means is that no AMPS central (Kolkotta or Ranchi ) is credible or rather representative of CC. and has no rights to policy making - and so every Ananda Margii is obliged to observe MPD - until or unless unity is achieved and the truly representative CC makes a decision on this matter of MPD. Until such a time every Ananda Margii is stuck with MPD. Either follow the new Caryacarya or relinquish being an Ananda Margii........ .

I think that your point is important and it warrants healthy, meaningful discussion.

My view, however, is a policy that is not in keeping with our ideology (as per Baba) has to be rejected. Any policy, conceived by no matter who, that hampers spiritual advancement cannot go unchallenged.

Mahaprayan has been declared a DOGMA. Much discussion on the question of MPD has being on-going and the arguments against its practice are reasonable and rational. In fact pro-lobbyist have lost the case having no sound justification-except for this dogma having the disguise of Kirtan to which many are attracted.

It may well be that Baba Himself caused the division in Ananda Marga in order to stimulate robust discussion. This division has presented everyone with an opportunity to intensely understand the purpose of His Holy advent - to remove DOGMAS and other limitations plaguing  Human society. Can you imagine if the CC was united to this date. Its command would be "Observe MPD solemnly or face expulsion." The division has ruled out this option.

It is also my observation that FAKE vaniis were created by the then CC. It has set a precedent for numerous Fake vaniis. Dogmas give birth to numerous dogmas. First MPD, holy thiirta now tomb worship.

Dadaji, your view also ascertains that anyone not following Caryacarya cannot be an Ananda Margii. In other words all WTS  either Kolkota faction or Ranchi faction are ex-WTs or non-Ananda Margiis as they follow a narrow groupist agenda.

In Him Who is Eternal,

Amrit

Note: A link to Dada Vivekaranjananandji's letter has been appended below.

== Section 2 ==

“Please Don’t Cry”

Namaskar Tapan,
Nobody is attacking the Kirtan programme. We are attacking the idea lurking under the cloak of Kirtan- mahaprayan (death)
My dear Tapan why are you so confused about " Should we mourn ,or  celebrate ,or should we do anything at all ?"
According to [post-1990] Caryacarya you should be mourning. It is a solemn celebration.

"I do not want to see the faces of my defeated sons and daughters." ? By observing MPD you are acknowledging defeat by being solemn. You have not lost your Baba. You are being mislead into believing so. Let everyone be happy.........let everyone see the bright side....says Baba. Please continue to sing Baba Nam Kevalam - He is all that is. My dearest brother Tapan . Please don't cry.

In Him Who is Eternal,

Amrit

Note: A link to Tapan Biswasji's letter has been appended below.

== Section 3 ==

शैतानी चालू हो गई

Namaskar,
Here below is one Hindi metaphorical story / couplet related with MPD.

पिताजी बागीचे में थे, बच्चों ने सोचा कि वे आफिस गये हैं।
फिर क्या उनकी शैतानी चालू हो गई। घर की सजावट तहस नहस हो गई।
पिता वापस आए और बाकी आप समझ सकते हैं कि क्या हुआ होगा ?
यहाँ परमपिता सबकी कारस्तानी देख रहे हैं।

The overall meaning is that Parama Purusa is very close yet due to avidya maya some cannot see Him nor realise His closeness. They think that Parama Purusa has gone far away to some distant heaven where He is beyond our reach etc. So now they think they are free to ruin the organisation and do as they please because Parama Purusa is gone.

== Section 4 ==

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*****************************************

They Will Not Stay For Long

"People come to this world for a short time for some fun and games, and then they go. So for human beings the earth is like a traveller's inn, where they will not stay for long. Or it might be compared to a railway waiting room, where passengers from different places come and sit together for a while. The moment the train whistle blows, they forget each other, pick up their bags, and set off for the train. They do not look to right or left. Parama Puruśa is that train, and this world is the waiting room." (AV-12, Puńya All Twenty-Four Hours)

*****************************************

== Section 5 ==

Links

Scroll below to read the letters by Shrii Tapan BIswas and Dada Vivekranjanananda:

Scroll Down

Here are more letters of interest:

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/baba-story-my-blunder-my-home-is.html

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/four-in-one-dangerous-philosophies-2.html

From: "amps central news" <prs@anandamargacentral.org>
Date: Oct 18, 2014 2:58 PM
Subject: Why unity in AM has become difficult and what we can do

Dear brothers and sisters,

Namaskar.

The 6 day Kiirtan on the solemn occasion of Baba's Mahaprayan Divas always attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world. This year prior to the Kiirtan program, there is two day unity meeting on 18 and 19 October(today and tomorrow) and there are more than 200 margiis and  workers participating in this difficult  endeavour. More are expected to join the exercise ..

Why unity is becoming difficult? There are several reasons. Like power concept -who is Purodha and who is not? which Purodhas should be accepted and which should not be? This issue can be negotiated and solution can be found if one discusses it rationally. But Sentiment and anti-sentiment stops one from rational thinking.

There are also issues involving Samaj. Today Baba's Samaj system has been discarded all over India except Amra Bengali and some devotees of other samajas who understand the significance of this unique approach of bringing in Universalism (Please read Prout in Nutshell Part 13- Socio Economic Groupifications ) and are interested in it. But because of anti sentiment, not many people studied it. Some people also rejected it openly.

There are issues of Justice and Injustice. This can also be resolved if wisdom prevails over anti sentiment and fraternal feeling gets the center stage.

 How can sentiment or anti sentiment be removed?.

Baba says study will bring rationality. But how many of us really study what Baba has said on different issues? Not many. Some people quote from here and there and present a distorted picture, just to condemn. But study means an exhaustive exercise –what Baba says about the particular issue. Because when Baba says anything, He is so clear and and removes all confusions. But because there is anti-sentiment, the persons concerned harp on twisted quotes.

Other than above mentioned reasons of disunity there are some people who are creating issues to condemn this united administration. They make issues out of non-issues.

Take for example the issue of Kiirtan on the occasion of Mahaprayan Divas. There is so much of misinformation, disinformation on this issue, so much of abusing and condemning is going on that it is difficult to believe if the write is really a follower of Baba. Because Baba has specifically stopped us from attacking even the religious sentiment. But here the writer attacks the devotional sentiment of the devotees. 

What Baba has to say on this issue? We quote from Ananda Vacanamrtam Part 12, a talk titled –“The Coming of Taraka Brahma” – 13 May 1979 evening, Fiesch, Switzerland (Also published in Baba in Fiesch). This talk was in English and so no one can say that it is translated version and not original.

“.......Now when Parama Puruśa directly or physically comes in contact with these factors, what happens? Parama Puruśa is beyond the periphery of the tempus, but when He comes in contact or comes within the jurisdiction of the tempus, what happens? Do we get something new then? Parama Puruśa is beyond temporal and spatial and personal boundaries. But when He comes within their jurisdictions, what happens? Or what may happen? Under such circumstances, we say Parama Puruśa has become Táraka Brahma. Under such circumstances He comes here on a particular date, leaves this earth also on a particular date, takes the birth of His quinquelemental body, the death of His quinquelemental body. This we find, and, as you know, as the hub of the Universe He is an impersonal entity. But when He comes within the jurisdiction of these relative factors, temporal, spatial and personal, He no longer remains an impersonal entity. He becomes something personal, something closer, something closely related, and that is our Táraka Brahma.....”

Here Baba clearly says that the quinquelmental body of Taraka Brahma takes birth on a particular date and leave this earth on particular date. He uses the word death for His departure. Now solemn observation of Mahaprayan Day by singing Kiirtan is being opposed. One Devesh is always in forefront. He says –No, there is no death of Parama Purusa. Mahaprayan Program is about departure of qyunquelemental body of Taraka Braham, who has come under temporal bondages. How can one deny that this body of Taraka Brahma has taken birth on a particular date and it left this earth on a particular date and both these dates are significant? Because when He came as Taraka Brahma, in a physical body (In Baba’s words) .. - He no longer remains an impersonal entity. He becomes something personal, something closer, something closely related, and that is our Táraka Brahma.”

Now departure of Taraka Brahma from this earth is a significant date, because as Taraka Brahma He became a personal entity, something closer, closely related and something so difficult to forget and so if one wants to remember Him by singing His name on that day, what is the problem? The day of departure of Taraka Brahma was a very painful day for  thousands and thousands of devotees. And when that day again comes every year, they want to sing Kiirtan. Any rational person would say that it is so natural. But Devesh’s distorted mind cannot see any significance in this.

Another issue Devesh and his supporters always raise is about so called distortion in Baba’s books published by Publications Department. The department’s central secretary wrote an exhaustive mail about what are the facts (circulate by this list on 19th May 2013) and how books are published. Why even a talk in Bihar, where Baba spoke in Hindi, when printed in Hindi is written as translated from Bengali original in many cases. It is because after delivering the talk, Baba used to give dictation in Bengali and that was printed – so original became Bengali. It is a common sense that spoken word and written word may not be the same, although the basics are never changed. If Baba Himself wants that  His Pravacan should be published in a particular way, nobody can stop it. Then there is issues with recorded material not being audible. That also causes problems. That is why Publications Department appealed that please come forward.

Then how can unity ever happen? This kind of attacks are made only to keep the organization divided.

What we can do is being discussed and several good points have come up. We shall summarize it when unity conference is over tomorrow.

Ac. Raviishananda Avadhuta

PRS, AMPS Central 

======

From: "Tapan Biswas"

Date: Oct 25, 2014 1:25 PM

Subject: Mahaprayan : Devotion or dogma ?

Even as sweet devotional, vibrant kiirtan goes on at the Tiljala campus. Many mischief mongerers (like Deveshji using many aliases) are at work attacking the kiirtan program under various pretext. Allegations fly thick and fast, irrelevant comparisons are made with various dogmatic Islamic practices at various mailing lists, espousing why and how this program should be boycotted, dissuading people from attending.

It raises a pertinent question. Is the mahaprayan program, really devotion or just dogma ?

Should we mourn ,or  celebrate ,or should we do anything at all ? or should we forget and be indifferent as if nothing important had happened that day.

It is true that the omnipresent Lord existed when nothing ,not even creation existed , and later even in this small planet of ours, the Lord came in physical form  as Sadashiva and then Shrii Krishna , but for us ananda margiis He entered our hearts only when He took the physical form of Lord Anandamurtiji ,our beloved BABA. If that had not happened, we would have remained oblivious, ignorant human beings, more like animals. We would have never known that the Lord can even take a mundane human form , that He is so close to us , that the loves us so dearly even when we do not remember Him. These few moments we have spend in His physical proximity is extremely dear to us. His enchanting smile , His various moods , His deep love that we cannot ever express in words.

At this particular date why can we not collect at various places to sing kiirtan , to dance for Him, to ask Him mentally to ever remain with us , to feel His presence
and yearn for His love?

In our lifetime we cannot forget His physical departure , this deep pang of separation, even though it was only physical, meta physically He remains with us always.

We have seen many good margiis , WTs themselves attend but discourage others from attending. I could never understand the hipocracy.  If remembering the Lord that day is dogma, if singing for Him is dogma then yes we participate in this dogma. Baba has given us everything , this day we devotees give something to Him , we collectively yearn for Him, we give Him pleasure by calling out to Him.

And no better name suits that day than "Mahaprayan" , or the great departure., anything else would not aptly describe that day.

In BABA's own words "Tarak Brahma comes to this world on a fixed date with a Samkalpa and departs on a fixed date. During His life time on this earth, He does His Liila with the devotees and enjoys it."

After 1990 , organizing the Mahaprayan program was a decision taken jointly by all groups , including venerable grihi acharyas like Chandranathji. It was a
spontaneous reaction to BABA's physical departure. Why it has suddenly become a groupist agenda now? Is it because the program is so successful ? because it is organized in the Tiljala campus ? Is it the anti-bengali feeling of some ex-WTs like Deveshji that gets expressed by attacking the Mahaprayan program. But then Deveshji has reservation about bangla Prabhat Sangeet as well, do we stop sing Prabhat Sangeet too? Should devotees be guided by reactionary ex-WTs, for whom BABA has said "I do not want to see the faces of my defeated sons and daughters." ?

The decision will have to be taken by the margii devotees by listening to the yearnings in his/her heart. Some  of us who have already decided, for Him we shall continue this day to sing BABA NAM KEVALAM!!

At His Lotus Feet,

Tapan Biswas 

Religious Bigots

Religious bigots

God's Favourite Children, Whereas The Rest Of Humanity Are Cursed

Baba says, "There are many philosophies which tend to crudify the human mind, and make people violent and inconsiderate. They make people believe that they are God's favourite children, whereas the rest of humanity are cursed. Although these views have philosophical sanction, they do not have the sanction of the a'tman (soul)...Intellectually such people are certainly slaves, and in the material world also they are slaves." (PNS-18, p.15)

Note: This psychic disease is present in fundamentalist Jews, fundamentalist Christians, and fundamentalist Muslims etc. All are bad and guilty of this point; but especially the fundamentalist Jews & Muslims. They feel very negatively towards those who do not belong to their dogmatic beliefs. Muslims brand others as Quafir (demons) and Jews label non-Jews in their own derogatory language. Thus according to Baba's guideline, the status of those fundamentalist Jews & Muslims is like slaves - intellectually and physically. For more about this read Baba's discourse, 'The Continuous Effort to Promote Universal Well-Being-- Part 1'.

Warning Graphic Images

Reply: Raviishananda’s Distorted And Dogmatic Mind + On Amjhariya Kiirtan

Baba

This email contains two sections:
1. Posting: Reply: Raviishananda’s Distorted And Dogmatic Mind
2. Posting: On Amjhariya Kiirtan

REPLY: RAVIISHANANDA’S DISTORTED AND DOGMATIC MIND

Namaskar,
All rational margiis know that the observance of mahaprayan / annual death day goes against Guru's teachings in Caryacarya. Yet one Dada cannot understand this fact. Not only that he rudely and wrongly abuses one margii about this.

Here below is the explanation how the mahaprayan / annual death day program contravenes the guidelines given in Caryacarya. And thereafter we look at what Dadaji wrote.

In pre-1990 Caryacarya, Baba has given a chapter for unit beings to celebrate their birthday (chapter 20 of CC-1), and He has designated a special chapter (chapter 21 of CC-1) for celebrating the birthday (i.e. Ananda Purnima) of Mahasambhuti.

BABA FORBIDS ANNUAL SHRADDHA CEREMONY, SHRADDHAINJALI

MAHAPRAYAN / ANNUAL DEATH DAY / TOMB WORSHIP FOR MAHASAMBHUTI

But with the death ceremony, i.e. shraddha ceremony, He has only given a chapter for human beings (chapter 32 of CC-1).

There is no chapter or paragraph in pre-1990 Caryacarya about the shraddha ceremony / shraddhainjali / mahaprayan / annual death day / tomb worship for Mahasambhuti. Thus when He has overlooked the matter and not given any mention of it in pre-1990 Caryacarya, then we should follow His example and not observe it in any way. Observing shraddhainjali / mahaprayan / annual death day / tomb worship means going against and violating the pre-1990 Caryacarya and Guru's wishes. That is the worse grade of sin.

And for those who have lower devotion and are unable to realise that Parama Purusa Baba is Mahasambhuti, even if they think He is a human being there is no recourse per pre-1990 Caryacarya for observing His shraddha / shraddhainjali / mahaprayan / annual death day / tomb worship / shraddhainjali on an annual basis.

So no matter how you look at it, the point is moot. Shraddhainjali / mahaprayan / annual death day / tomb worship is a bogus invention that contravenes every ethic given by Sadguru Baba in the pre-1990 Caryacarya.

Thus the so-called shraddhainjali / mahaprayan / annual death day / tomb worship program is fundamentally wrong.

SEE WHAT RAVIISHANANDA WROTE

Now look at what Dada Raviishanda wrote:

"The day of departure of Taraka Brahma was a very painful day for thousands and thousands of devotees. And when that day again comes every year, they want to sing Kiirtan. Any rational person would say that it is so natural. But Devesh’s distorted mind cannot see any significance in this."

So here Dada is rudely accusing Devesh of having a distorted mind becuase Devesh opposes mahaprayan / annual death day. Yet per Carycarya there is no dharmic scope for the continued dogma of mahaprayan / annual death day / tomb worship program. So in actuality it is Dada Raviishanandji's mind that is distorted and confused - because Raviishananda is going against Guru's wishes.

NO OPEN DISCUSSION

JUST BIGOTED BEHAVIOUR

When rational margiis raise the point about this dogma, then Dadas like Raviishananda & others launch an ugly attack and resort to name calling like: "stupid", "idiot", "nonsense", "distorted mind" etc. This type of bullying, bigoted behaviour is their only recourse because they do not appreciate any type of healthy discussion or debate. Why? Because they do not have any logic in their favour.

"It is very difficult to persuade religious bigots to follow the path of logic because according to them even to listen to others is a sinful act. This is nothing but mere sentiment." (AFPS-2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 2)

"Merely saying, “Do not do this – it will be a sin to do it” will not do. If you say, “Do not do this” you have to state why one should not do it. Similarly, if you say, “Do this” you should also state why one should do it. In this way the human intellect will attain freedom. Through the movement for the liberation of human intellect, through the effort for the liberation of the human intellect, human beings are established in spirituality. Lack of this effort turns human beings into religious bigots, and feuds in the name of religion are the result." (PNS-18, Various Forms of Exploitation)

YOU CAN DECIDE FOR YOURSELF

So the whole scene is shameful. Dada Raviishanandji wrongly accuses Devesh and cause him rude and abusive names; plus Raviishananda is himself supporting the dogmatic mahaprayan function. So Dada Raviishananda is incorrect on all accounts and should ask for punishment.

Now everyone can decide for themselves whose mind is distorted.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Sulekha Chatterjee

Note: MORE OF AC RAVIISHANANDJI’S LETTER

Click here to see more of Dada Raviishananda’s abusive letter to Devesh.

== Section 2 ==

On Amjhariya Kiirtan
​
by- Raja Krish​

    Namaskar,

    Last week, I have attended 48 hours of Akhand Kiirtan program which was held at Amjharia, India.  Every year, this program is scheduled on 7,8 and 9th of October to co-memorate the Kiirtan which was first introduced on 8th Oct 1970 at Amjharia.  I got the chance of meeting the margiis who were present at the time of Kiirtan introduced for the first time in the year 1970.  I would like to share my discussion in detail, which I had with Shrii Jagannath and Shrii Ghasi Ram margiis who were present when Baba introduced Kiirtan.

    6th October 1970:

    Ghasi Ram who was working in Government health department and visited Amjharia on his official visit related to Cholera eradication program.   He came to know that Baba has visited Amjharia and taking rest in Forest guest house. So, he went there to have Baba's darshan.  But, Baba's security Vishnu Dev and P.A. Dada Vishokananda not allowed him to see Baba.   So, he went to near by village and informed margiis about Baba's visit and every one decided to go to guest house to see Baba on the next day.  Baba was staying in forest guest house with His wife and Gautam.

    7th October 1970:
    Margiis visited guest house and started shouting Baba, Baba... to have his darshan.  Baba has given His darshan to margiis.  Amjharia is a forest area and this guest house is located in an excellent location ( approx 800 feet above the ground level).  Baba started to discussing with margiis on the importance of Kiirtan.  

    8th October 1970:

    Please check the attached pictures Kiirtan1a.jpg and Kiirtan1b.jpg where Baba and Acarya Brahma Dev(family Acarya) were present.  Baba asked Acarya Brahma Dev to do dhyan and asked to listen some sound.  Acarya Brahma Dev told he could hear some music comes from dolak music instrument.  Baba asked him to listen with more concentration.  He told Baba that he could hear, "Baba Nam".  Baba told yes, it is "Baba Nam Kevalam" Kiirtan and Kinnara and ghandarva were singing this kiirtan.  Baba told him that this is Maha Mantra and margiis should start singing this Kiirtan going forward.  At this historical event only Baba and Acarya Brahma dev were present and first time "Baba Nam Kevalam" kiirtan was heard some where from sky.  It seems some other margiis who were 200 feet away from this place also heard this Kiirtan.

    Acarya Brahma dev immediately informed to all other margiis about this Kiirtan.  Baba demonstrated on how to perform this kiirtan and how to organize Akhanda kiirtan like decorating Baba's photo and lalit marmika mudra etc.  Margiis arranged Akhanda Kiirtan program and it started at 1pm on 8th October 1970 first time in this earth. A surprising incident happened after Kiirtan program has started.  Baba's car was standing about 100 feet away from the place where Kiirtan was happening.  Baba's son Gautam called Baba shockingly and pointing out the car which is vibrating and moving closer to Kiirtan.  Car has moved approximately 30 feet from the location where it was standing.  Baba replied to Gautam that, "This Kiirtan has the power to vibrate even the in-animate objects". Baba stopped car's vibration and Baba's car driver drove the car back to its original location.

    Will send some more information in my next email.

    Namaskar,

    In continuation to my previous email,  after Kiirtan introduced in 1970 at Amjharia, there was no importance given to this place till 1998.  In 1998, Acarya Guru Dattanand Avt visited this place Amjharia, forest guest house and local margii Shrii Suresh ji and other margiis arranged 24 hours of Akhanda Kiirtan on 8th Oct 1998.  From, 2004 onwards 48 hours of Akhanda Kiirtan was happening regularly every year on 7,8 and 9th Of october.

    In 2004 one interesting incident happened at this place.  Dada Prajinanananda Avt, Margiis Ganesh ji and Rajendar ji came to Amjharia to arrange 48 hours of Akhand Kiirtan on 4th Oct 2004.  When they were busy in work for the arrangement of the Kiirtan program, suddenly they could hear "Baba Nam Kevalam" kiirtan and they couldn't identify where from this Kiirtan music comes from.  There is no one near by to sing this kiirtan also.  This Kiirtan music continued from 12pm to 1pm.  It is a great inspiration for them to arrange this kiirtan on every year without fail and it is happening regularly.

    One another incident happened on 2005. Non-margiis nearby village also used to attend this Kiirtan program.  On 8th Oct 2005 there was heavy rain and even local people not able to find the way to reach this Kiirtan place.  As this is a forest area it is very difficult to find this place in the late evening time and they were struggling hard to reach here.  That time they could hear Kiirtan and a bright light leading the way for them.  They travelled approx 3 to 4 hours by following the bright light and they could hear the Kiirtan all the way and finally they reached Kiirtan program place at 11pm.  Then the bright light disappeared. They told this miracle thing to dadas and margiis and weeped a lot on realizing Baba's grace to reach this place.  Even now, the local non-margiis (tribal people) attending Kiirtan program on 8th Oct every year without fail and also they do kiirtan on their own traditional style.

    Dada Prajinananda and Dada Prajinanananda with local margiis arranging Kiirtan at this place every year with much effort.  As it is forest/hill area, arranging food items, water etc is very difficult.  The condition of the place where first Akhanda Kiirtan happened is in very bad shape.  It is a must visit place for each and every margii.  This area desperately need some basic facilities and construction development.  All the 3 groups (Ranchi, Kolkata and Unity group) WTs attending this program every year with minimum numbers.  The local margiis wants to have 1 week of Kiirtan program on every year, but needed more support from WTs to organize this program.  The above incidents which I mentioned shows the significance of arranging kiirtan program in this place every year.  So, we need WTs and margiis support to develop this place to have 1 week of kiirtan program.

    Request you to share any ideas to develop this place and let me know if you have any question.  Please find attached kiirtan picture taken on 8th Oct 2014.

Answer of Stump Speech + 3 More

Baba

This email contains four sections:
1. Posting: Answer of Stump Speech
2. “As-Is” Definitions: Vashika’ara
3. End Quote: Confused Proutist
4. Links

ANSWER OF STUMP SPEECH

Namaskar,
The organisers and supporters of mahaprayan propagate that:

"Mahsambhuti took birth and died and thus, We observe His death day annually - His annual death day is more important  and more glorious. That’s why we are observing mahaprayan each year for 6 days."

This is their line of argument - ie. their stump speech. And B group highlights this notion on the first page of their mahaprayan tri-fold pamphlet as well.

NOTHING SHOULD BE DONE

The logical response to their dogmatic annual mahaprayan programme is that, “Yes, Mahasambhuti takes birth and leaves His physical body, but Mahasambhuti Himself has given a special chapter in Caryacarya about how to celebrate His birthday, but that same all-knowing Mahasambhuti has not given any chapter on what to do on the day that He leaves His physical body. That itself is proof that on the day He left His physical body nothing should be done. Otherwise Mahasambhuti would surely have given something to be done on that day.

Bear in mind, Caryacarya-1 chapter 32 details how our Ananda Marga shraddha ceremony is meant only for human beings. Applying that to Mahasambhuti was and is demeaning. Yet we all know that from 1990 and many, many years thereafter, the mahaprayan leaders used the “Omn madhu” shraddha ceremony mantra for Mahasambhuti. That was completely inappropriate and sinful. Because that mantra and that ceremony is for humans, not for Mahasambhuti.

YEARLY SHRADDHA CEREMONY WITHOUT THE MANTRA

Thereafter the mahaprayan organisers have continued hosting a yearly shraddha ceremony - with or without the mantra - for Mahasambhuti. That is the worst type of sin. Because the Caryacarya part 1 chapter 32 about the Ananda Marga shraddha ceremony is meant for human beings.

So the mahaprayan organisers have been observing the day He (Mahasambhuti) left His physical body every year - for the last 24 years. In so doing they are contravening Caraycarya because all-knowing Mahasambhuti has not given any chapter on what to do on the day He leaves His physical body. That itself is proof that on the day He Has left His physical body nothing should be done. That is what Mahasambhuti wants.

NOT BEYOND TWELVE DAYS

And even if the organisers and supporters of mahaprayan - due to their “high devotion” - think Mahasambhuti is an ordinary human, then their annual mahaprayan program goes against the following point.

"The period of mourning should not extend beyond twelve days." (Caryacarya-1, Shraddha Ceremony)

So when the mahaprayan organisers deliver their stump speech about the virtues of their mahaprayan observance, then there are only two things you need to know. Firstly, the Caryacarya 1 Shraddha chapter is for humans - not Mahasambhuti, and, secondly, as Ananda Marga philosophy does not support any type of annual death ceremony. This alone is enough to trump their stump speech.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Ramavatar

== Section 2 ==

The following is not related with the main topic of this email; it stands on its own.
This section presents definitions given by Sadguru Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.
The below lines are an “as is” transcription from the audio file of His discourse.

***************************************

“As-Is” Definitions: Vashika’ara

Vashiika'ra: “The final phase is vashiika'ra. When he [the sadhaka] establishes his control over all the fifty controlling propensities of human structure and also over all his motor and sensory organs.”

Note: There are four stages on the spiritual journey: yatamána, vyatireka, ekendriya and vashiikára. Above is the definition given by Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji of the highest stage - vashika'ra.

***************************************

== Section 3 ==

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

***************************************
Confused Proutist

Shrii PR Sarkar says, "Prout is based on spirituality." (Prout-14,Questions and Answers [on Society] – 3)

Shrii PR Sarkar says, "Bodhi jinana, i.e. intuitional (spiritual) knowledge, can be utilised for solving mundane problems. Thus Prout is bodhi jinana." (PNS-15, Talks on Prout)

Note: On and off some have suffered from a particular dogma where they were claiming that communists & socialists are great Prout leaders. And sometimes they have also claimed that any type of atheistic thinker can be a great Prout leader. Such proclamation are completely wrong.

One must always remember Guru's teaching that those who lack spirituality cannot understand Prout. That means one must be firmly established in sadhana to be a Prout leader. Without that, they will be unfit to lead.

Calling a non-sadhaka a great Prout leader is akin to saying that a pig lying in the dirty drain is the cleanest & most pristine living being of this universe.

On this matter there was must be any confusion. Top sadhakas alone are capable of being leaders of Prout and guiding the society forward.

Here is Baba’s complete teaching on this matter:

“PROUT is based on spirituality. Neohumanism is also based on spirituality. Neither PROUT nor Neohumanism are subservient to each other.” (Prout-14,Questions and Answers [on Society] – 3)

   “Knowledge is of two kinds: intellectual and intuitional. Intellectual knowledge is based on experience, hence it is embedded in relativity. It cannot therefore claim to be absolute. Intuitional knowledge is transcendental in character. It dissects and analyses everything by itself, therefore it is absolute.”
   “The approach of PROUT is subjective approach through objective adjustment. This presupposes a connecting link between intuition and intellect. This connecting link or touching point is called “Bodhi Jiṋána”. With the help of Bodhi Jiṋána, intuitional knowledge can be utilized for solving mundane problems. Thus PROUT is a Bodhi Jiṋána.”
   “Logic is a psychic survey. Such a survey may or may not be correct, therefore it is futile to follow logic blindly. The result of your psychic survey is called your rationality. This psychic survey, embedded in relativity, may or may not be correct. Intuitional vision is the best logic. Intuitional vision should be your guiding ideology. For example, it is an axiomatic truth that everything has come from the Cosmic Father and everything will merge in Him, but this truth is beyond the scope of intellectual logic.” (PNS-15, Talks on Prout)

***************************************

== Section 4 ==

Links

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-why-to-do-half-sadhana.html

http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/10/those-who-suffered-we-cannot-forget.html

Dadaji's Self-Contradictory Sermon

Baba

DADAJI'S SELF-CONTRADICTORY SERMON

Namaskar,
Each year, around this time, one "great" Dada delivers his sermon about one program - he is a staunch proponent of the so-called mahaprayan observance. Today we shall examine the consistency of this Dada's message.

DADAJI SAYS THAT MAHAPRAYAN IS NOT A DEATH CEREMONY

In a recent email (01 Oct 2014), this "great" Wt makes the following remark.

[A] Dadaji writes: "I cannot speak for everyone, but I certainly have never observed the post-1990 annual Mahaprayan program as any kind of mourning ceremony."

Thus in his above statement, Dadaji is claiming that when he participates in the mahaprayan program then he does not view it as a shraddha ceremony or death / mourning ceremony. Dadaji views it as something else.

That is his first claim: That the mahaprayan program is not a shraddha or death ceremony.

Now let's examine another statement from his same exact email.

DADAJI SAYS THAT MAHAPRAYAN IS A DEATH CEREMONY

In that same email (01 Oct 2014), this Wt makes the following remark.

[B] Dadaji writes: "Even if the deceased gets no benefit from the shraddha ceremony, still Baba gave that ceremony and we observe it. Why do we do that? As Baba states in Caryacarya, we do so "for the psychic satisfaction of the person performing it". Clearly, a similar situation applies with our mahaprayan program."

In his above statement, this "great intellectual" Dada is justifying his desire to observe mahaprayan by equating it with a shraddha ceremony or death ceremony.

Let me explain further.

We all know that in Caryacarya Baba states that the Ananda Marga shraddha ceremony does not benefit the deceased per se, but is done for "the psychic satisfaction" of the grieving family members and friends. Baba wants that they should feel comforted by the program.

And now this great intellectual Dada is laying claim that he and others observe the mahaprayan program for their "psychic satisfaction." This is Dadaji's justification.

Thusly, he is using the logic and reasoning of the shraddha ceremony to validate his participation in the mahaprayan program. This clearly demonstrates that he views the mahaprayan function as a death ceremony.

DADAJI IS BEING CONTRADICTORY / HYPOCRITICAL

Between his two statements displayed above, this "great intellectual" Dada has fallen prey to contradiction. Firstly, claiming that mahaprayan is not any type of shraddha ceremony, and then purporting that mahaprayan is done for the same reasoning as the shraddha ceremony.

This is what is known as a contradiction or a hypocritical approach. Yet per his wish and convenience, Dadaji delights in sometimes saying that mahaprayan is a death / shraddha ceremony and other times he resorts to the notion that mahaprayan is not a death / shraddha ceremony.

All the facts are now before you - please see how this great intellectual Dada's writing is self-contradictory.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Yogesh
Yao Tsing

Note 1: READ THE RELEVANT SECTION OF DADAJI’S LETTER

Here below is the relevant section of Dadaji's original email.

From: "Abhidevananda Avadhuta" <abhidevananda@sarkarverse.org>
Date: Oct 4, 2014 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: Bro Abhidevananda says- Caryacarya should be amended to accommodate Mahaprayan- How dare he is???//
To: "Devesh Kumar" <deveshkumarbaba@gmail.com>
Cc: "MargiiMail" <margiimail@googlegroups.com>, "Ananda Marga" <AnandaMarga@googlegroups.com>

(note: The red section marked below we have coloured as those are specifically cited and addressed in the above letter.)

I cannot speak for everyone, but I certainly have never observed
the post-1990 annual Mahaprayan program as any kind of mourning ceremony.

Regarding the second question, it is thoroughly self-contradictory.

Instructions on the observation of Mahaprayana Divasa appear as an

appendix in Caryacarya Part 1. So, in fact, to purposefully not

observe this program - and, worse, to send out propaganda against it -

is the actual violation of Caryacarya.

> In CaryaCarya, in the list of festivals, death day observation is

> not included. Baba says,” The soul of the deceased does not get any

> advantage from Shraddha (Death Ceremony)”. Then why Mahaprayan

> observation?

This makes no sense. The portion of Caryacarya Part 1 that deals with

social functions and festivals is Chapter 21. The portion of

Caryacarya Part 1 that deals with our shraddha ceremony is Chapter 31.

The portion of Caryacarya Part 1 that deals with the mahaprayan

program is the Appendix. The author mixes all three together as if he

has never actually read Caryacarya and cannot appreciate the

significance of having separate chapters.

Pulling one sentence from here, another sentence from there, and

ending with a totally bizarre question suggests a type of mental

derangement. After insisting that Baba is not dead, why talk about Him

as if He is deceased? And, even if the deceased gets no benefit from

the shraddha ceremony, still Baba gave that ceremony and we observe

it. Why do we do that? As Baba states in Caryacarya, we do so "for the

psychic satisfaction of the person performing it". Clearly, a similar

situation applies with our mahaprayan program.

Muslim Kachim Uddin's 22nd Mahaprayan Divas Observed

Baba

MUSLIM KACHIM UDDIN’S

22ND MAHAPRAYAN Mahaprayana DIVAS OBSERVED

Namaskar,
The below photo shows how mahaprayan Mahaprayana  is done by Muslims to observe the death of those mainly of the Islamic faith. Those followers bury their deceased and then perform yeay tomb worship on the anniversary of their death. Specifically, the below article by Usif Alamgir and photo depict the annual death day occasion of Muslim Kachim Uddin’s 22nd Mahaprayan Divas.

Bhavaiya Yubraj Kachim Uddin died in 1992 in Kurigram (Bengal) and on a recent Friday they observed the anniversary of his 22nd mahaprayan with a large gathering. Actually, such mahaprayan ceremonies have been popular in the Islamic tradition for hundreds and hundreds of years. They bury their dead and erect a tomb and regularly worship the tomb on the anniversary of the death. Some of the observances are large and some small - the common theme being they are regularly done.

In contrast, other communities like the Hindus and Jains never did any type of mahaprayan observance. They would simply burn the body and spread the ashes - whereas for mahaprayan a tomb is needed. And only Muslims were doing that for mahaprayan.

MUSLIMS INVENTED MAHAPRAYAN

OTHERS COPIED FROM ISLAM

So it was only recently that other communities like the Jains and Hindus began emulating this mahaprayan observance and erecting tombs. Everyone has learned about the mahaprayan ritual from those Muslims. The proof is that you will not find old, old tombs in any tradition except Islam.

For this particular observance highlighted below, Usif Alamgi has written an obituary / eulogy in a Bengali newspaper for the 22nd anniversary of the death (i.e. mahaprayan) of, Kachim Uddin, a follower of Islam. By this photo and accompanying article, it is clear they are keen to honour the annual death day.

In the below piece, the first term of the second row of the title is the Bengali spelling of mahaprayan.

IN BENGAL ALL THINK

TILJALA MPD IS GURU'S ANNUAL DEATH CEREMONY

Naturally then, when the mahaprayan Mahaprayana  function is embraced by all as a death ceremony for human beings, then when it is done in Tiljala every year in October, all the locals think that a death ceremony is being convened. They think it is in honour of the death of the Marga Guru - and that Marga Guru is also a human being, not Sadguru.

HOW IRONIC - GURU OPPOSES DOGMA

THEN DOGMATIC DISCIPLES APPLY THAT DOGMA TO GURU

Taken altogether, the situation is quite pitiful. Beloved Baba is the eternal Parama Purusa yet the mahaprayan organisers are treating Him like one mortal who died.

It is just like how Lord Buddha was against idol worship; he himself did meditation. But the moment Lord Buddha left his physical body then his own disciples starting making and worshiping his idol. The dogma which Lord Buddha opposed, his own followers implemented for him. How ironic.

And now inside a similar thing is unfolding in Ananda Marga. Sadguru Baba is against the annual shraddha dogma:

"The period of mourning should not extend beyond twelve days." (Caryacarya-1, Shraddha Ceremony)

Yet certain Wts have imposed an annual death day anniversary program - i.e. mahaprayan - in Ananda Marga. And what to speak of 12 days, it is 24 years - and counting. How ironic - what Guru does not appreciate, they are doing that very thing for Him.

EVERY ANANDA MARGII MUST STOP AND THINK

So I ask you: Pause and think. This letter is not about groupism; this is a devotional issue. Guru is being abused. Don't you think Guru is with you always? In the tantra of Ananda Marga, sadhana starts with this feeling that, "Guru is with me." One must have this basic feeling. So naturally every Ananda Margii thinks their Sadguru is with them. Then why are we allowing this dogmatic annual death ceremony, i.e. mahaprayan. Mahaprayana

In Him,
Jaideva
(Zakir Hussain)