Baba
Namaskar,
By Baba's grace, I had His darshan on a few occasions - one of which was in Patna during the year 1971.
Specifically, that day was the unique occasion wherein Baba clearly described why fasting is so important for our human growth and development and how fasting counteracts the negative effects of the celestial bodies during certain lunar days, or tithis.
What He told in this Patna darshan is not in any of the published material (that I am aware of) about fasting. It is not in Caryacarya part III nor in other publications.
I have since asked many acaryas about this and they too cannot tell if or when Baba discussed this topic in other places. So this does seem to be quite unique material - and that transcription is included below.
In this darshan, Baba begins by telling that due to the pull or attraction of certain celestial bodies like the moon and the sun, the liquid portion of the earth rises. Baba was detailing how the tides of the ocean and sea levels are affected by the pull of the moon on particular lunar days, ekadhashii, or the 11th lunar day, pu'rn'ima', and amavasya.
(Note: Modern day sciences of geology and physics have verified this fact. The earth's oceans and tides are primarily affected by the moon etc and can result in tidal waves and other dangerous conditions.)
Then Baba began to systemically explain how even the liquid section in our human body also gets affected on such lunar days (tithis). Specifically the liquid portion rises up and disturbs the regular functioning of the brain and other primary organs in the upper regions of the body. One's thinking and sadhana are affected on these days.
(Note: As you may know, our bodies are 60% to 65% water / fluid, so when the liquid portion of the body is affected, its affect is quite dramatic and can even make people to do crazy things. That is why lunacy stems from the root luna meaning moon. Due to the effect of the moon, people lose their mental balance. This is also recognised in the common society)
In the next sequence, Baba began detailing the effects on the cakras. Because when the liquid portion rises up then the upper cakras are hampered.
Under normal conditions, the vishuddha cakra (5th cakra) to the sahasra'ra cakra (7th cakra) are purely for subtle and sentient pursuits. These cakras are totally sattvika or sentient.
The manipura cakra (3rd cakra) to anaha'ta cakra (4th cakra) deal with both higher and lower works, both spiritual and physical activities. Baba has classified these as being ra'jasik, a mixture of crude and subtle.
Then the two lower cakras - muladhara (1st cakra) and svadhisthana (2nd cakra) - only deal with baser activities, as they are ta'masik in nature. But as we all know certain crude works need to be attended to in this life, so those lower cakras also have their purpose.
That is how Baba described it in this darshan.
Now here comes the key point:
On certain lunar days - tithis - like ekadashii, or the 11th lunar day, pu'rn'ima' (full moon), and amavasya (new moon), the liquid portion of the body rises up and disturbs the functioning of the upper cakras - i.e. the ra'jasik and sentient cakras, which means the manipur cakra all the way up to the sahasra'ra cakra are all affected.
(Note: Baba also differentiates between lunar days known as tithis and solar days known as din in Sanskrit. And it is these lunar days or tithis which create this disturbance in the body.)
On those aforementioned lunar days or tithis (ekadashii, purnima & amavasya), due to the adverse effect of the moon's pull and the ensuing rise of the liquid portion of the human body, those higher cakras cannot function normally. In turn, our entire existence is negatively affected. Our regular and higher functioning of mind becomes impaired.
The ancient yogis - being practical scientists and researchers - knew well that the upper cakras could not carry out their normal manner of functioning on those tithis, so they came up with a solution.
And that solution was: fasting.
Then Baba revealed one very interesting idea. He told us that when one fasts, a vacuum is created in the stomach - because there is neither water nor food in the belly - and that vacuum pulls the liquid back down. That brings relief to our entire system on these lunar days.
(Note: Some Wts highly familiar with Baba's discourses have stated that this Patna discourse is unique and perhaps the only place where Baba has revealed this special point about creating a vacuum in the stomach.)
In that case, when fasting during those lunar days like ekadashii, then the higher organs are no longer hampered by the liquids which would normally rise up on those lunar days. Hence, the lungs, heart, thyroid, brain etc can work smoothly as usual.
That is the great benefit to the physical and mental body during fasting days.
Baba also then gave proof of this theory. He told that those suffering from arthritis and gout will experience worse conditions during ekadashii and other tithis. They will not experience any remission on these days. Because the liquid portions of the body rises up and creates problems for such patients.
So for all these reasons and more, fasting is a necessity for human health and vitality.
Then in a very sweet manner Baba began to discuss about the fasting system in Ananda Marga.
He explained that our fasting days occur on the following tithis: eleventh moon (ekadashii), full moon (purnima), and new moon (amavasya).
Then He said how He did not prescribe four fastings to family people - just two, i.e. the two fasting days of ekadashii. That will help them greatly in their physical and spiritual life.
Wts are required to do four fastings as they need to engage in more spiritual activities. Baba was careful to explain that Wts are not, by definition, more spiritual or devotional than margiis, but clarified that due to the nature of Wt life, they have more spiritually oriented duties.
Finally, Baba added that all family people are welcome to fast 4 times each month, but for them it is not a requirement. Should, however, any family person adopt the practice of fasting on purnima and amavasya, then they will not be questioned in any way. If they desire, they may freely do.
Baba then clarified that our fasting days are more than just days where we refrain from taking food. Not eating is known as anashana in Sanskrit.
But that is now our approach.
We call our fasting days as upa'va'sa. Then Baba explained the meaning several times using various examples and definitions from the realm of linguistics, and we all repeated and replied.
Upa' means "near", and va'sa means "sitting". Hence upa'va'sa means to sit or reside or live near the Lord.
Here below is a quote from one of Baba's published discourses on upa'vas'sa.
Baba says, "Upa” is a Sam'skrta prefix. In Sam'skrta there are twenty recognized prefixes, and one of these prefixes is “upa”. “Upa” means “proximity”. And “Va'sa” means “to live”, “to reside”. The word “upava'sa” means then, “to live near the Lord”. “Upava'sa” – on these days of fasting, what are all spiritual aspirants to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord. On all other days they are to remain balanced between objective adjustment and subjective approach. On these days of fasting, however, on these days of upava'sa, one remains in closer proximity to the Lord than to one’s mundane duties. That is why these days are known as “upava'sa”. The word “fasting” does not represent the proper sense or proper spirit. The Sam'skrta term for going without food is “anashana” – “ana” means not, “ashana” means eating – not “upava'sa”. But these eka'dashii, amavasya and pu'rn'ima' days are days of upava'sa." (AV-6)
The above passage was given in a discourse from 1978. It nicely complements what Baba told us that day in 1971 about upa'va'sa so I have included it here.
And we all know that during fasting, one may encounter difficulty in doing intense physical labour on that day. Some people may not experience any hardship, but for others doing tough physical tasks may be beyond their reach. It varies person to person.
In that case on upa'vasa', one should engage in more intellectual and spiritual pursuits, and less in physical duties. One should goad the mind toward higher echelons of philosophy, ideology, and devotional life. On these days, one should sit near Parama Purusa. That is what Baba repeats again and again.
Thus our fasting days are not just anashana (not eating), but upavasa as we are to pursue maximally in the spiritual realm and remain with the Lord.
Here following is the transcription of this very 1971 Patna discourse which was originally given by Baba in English. To date, this discourse has not been printed in any publication.
"Due to the attraction of the sun and moon, and certain tithis, the liquid portion of the earth moves upward. And that’s why it brings tides in the oceans. Similarly, in the human body also, the liquid portion moves upwards. And for this, the upper portion of the body, the normal functions of different limbs and brain are a bit affected. In the human body, the portion from vishuddha cakra to sahasra’ra cakra is the sa’ttvika portion of the human body. And from the vishuddha cakra to the man’ipura cakra, that is, the naval portion, is known as the ra’jasika portion of the body. And below the nave, below the naval portion, is the ta’masika portion of the body. In the ta’masika portion of the body, man does crude works — only crude works. That portion is also a necessity, but that portion is engaged in crude work. And in the central portion, ra’jasika portion, it is a mixture of crude and subtle - a mixture of physical and spiritual. And, in the sa’ttvika portion, that is the upper-most portion, a man is engaged in subtler pursuits, subtle work. Now, “tithi” means “lunar day”. In Sam’skrta, solar day is called “dina”, and lunar day is called “tithi”."
"Eka’dashii tithi means “eleventh moon”; pu’rn’ima’ means “full moon”, and ama’vasya’ means “new moon”. In these tithis, this ra’jasika portion and sa’ttvika portion, the normal functions get affected due to upward tendency of the liquid portion of the body. Now, for this, in ancient times, the yogiis, they invented this system of fasting. During fasting what does happen? In the stomach portion a vacuum is created, for want of food and water. And that vacuum attracts the liquid portion from the upper portion of the body - that is, from sa’ttvika and ra’jasika portions. And what does happen? The brain, heart, lungs, that is the upper portion — ra’jasika and sa’ttvika portions, get freed from the bad effect of liquid. Otherwise, you see, in the case of a gout patient, his pains increase in these tithis. A man suffering from fever won’t get remission during these tithis, because of upward movement of liquid."
"So, fasting is a necessity in the eleventh moon, pu’rn’ima’, that is full moon, and new moon. In A’nanda Ma’rga, I didn’t prescribe these four days fasting, that is, for grhii’s — that is non-wholetimers, non avadhutas — they are to fast only two days, two eleventh moons. And for workers, avadhutas, they are to fast how many days? Four days. Because they will have to engage themselves more in spiritual and higher works, in intellectual and spiritual [realms]. That’s why they should fast four times in a month - and others, twice. But if others so desire, they may fast four times — I won’t say anything. But it is not compulsory. For them, two eka’dashiis." (12/1/71 Patna)
It is the unfortunate circumstance that so many of Beloved Baba's divine discourses delivered in non-Bengali languages are pushed aside and kicked around by Publications Dept, as evidenced by the above transcript that has not been printed. If the above, "never-before-printed" discourse had been given by Baba in Bengali then certainly those Publications in-charges would have ensured the discourse was accurately transcribed and printed. But since it is an English discourse, they have abandoned it and let it be forgotten - nearly lost forever. That is why it has never been printed. This is the case with so many English discourses, as well as discourses given in other languages like Hindi etc. That is why many say that Publications Dept treats non-Bengali language discourses as their step-child.
Perhaps two of the most unique points from this special darshan are:
(1) A main function of fasting is to free the upper cakras from the negative effects of liquids rising up in the human body.
(2) The way this happens is that a vacuum is created in the stomach due to a dearth of food and water and that vacuum pulls those liquids back downward.
The principles - both physical and spiritual - of our fasting days allow us all to progress, despite the inherent difficulties of living on this earth. It is truly Baba's grace that He has given a method and solution for overcoming every problem.
Baba has graciously given us all the opportunity and practices to live eternally at His lotus feet.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Suresh
Note 1: LETTERS ON HOW TO BREAK FAST & OTHER BENEFITS OF FASTING
#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/upavasa-why-how-to-prepare-break-part-1.html
#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/re-upavasa-why-how-to-prepare-break-2.html
#3: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/04/upavasa-fasting-why-and-how-to-prepare.html
HEALTH RISK AND ATTRACTION OF
CELESTIAL BODIES
Namaskar,
By Baba's grace, I had His darshan on a few occasions - one of which was in Patna during the year 1971.
THE UNIQUE TOPIC FROM THAT DAY IN PATNA 1971
Specifically, that day was the unique occasion wherein Baba clearly described why fasting is so important for our human growth and development and how fasting counteracts the negative effects of the celestial bodies during certain lunar days, or tithis.
What He told in this Patna darshan is not in any of the published material (that I am aware of) about fasting. It is not in Caryacarya part III nor in other publications.
I have since asked many acaryas about this and they too cannot tell if or when Baba discussed this topic in other places. So this does seem to be quite unique material - and that transcription is included below.
PART 1:
UPWARD PULL BY CELESTIAL BODIES
UPWARD PULL BY CELESTIAL BODIES
In this darshan, Baba begins by telling that due to the pull or attraction of certain celestial bodies like the moon and the sun, the liquid portion of the earth rises. Baba was detailing how the tides of the ocean and sea levels are affected by the pull of the moon on particular lunar days, ekadhashii, or the 11th lunar day, pu'rn'ima', and amavasya.
(Note: Modern day sciences of geology and physics have verified this fact. The earth's oceans and tides are primarily affected by the moon etc and can result in tidal waves and other dangerous conditions.)
Then Baba began to systemically explain how even the liquid section in our human body also gets affected on such lunar days (tithis). Specifically the liquid portion rises up and disturbs the regular functioning of the brain and other primary organs in the upper regions of the body. One's thinking and sadhana are affected on these days.
(Note: As you may know, our bodies are 60% to 65% water / fluid, so when the liquid portion of the body is affected, its affect is quite dramatic and can even make people to do crazy things. That is why lunacy stems from the root luna meaning moon. Due to the effect of the moon, people lose their mental balance. This is also recognised in the common society)
PART 2:
THE EFFECT ON THE CAKRAS
THE EFFECT ON THE CAKRAS
In the next sequence, Baba began detailing the effects on the cakras. Because when the liquid portion rises up then the upper cakras are hampered.
Under normal conditions, the vishuddha cakra (5th cakra) to the sahasra'ra cakra (7th cakra) are purely for subtle and sentient pursuits. These cakras are totally sattvika or sentient.
The manipura cakra (3rd cakra) to anaha'ta cakra (4th cakra) deal with both higher and lower works, both spiritual and physical activities. Baba has classified these as being ra'jasik, a mixture of crude and subtle.
Then the two lower cakras - muladhara (1st cakra) and svadhisthana (2nd cakra) - only deal with baser activities, as they are ta'masik in nature. But as we all know certain crude works need to be attended to in this life, so those lower cakras also have their purpose.
That is how Baba described it in this darshan.
Now here comes the key point:
On certain lunar days - tithis - like ekadashii, or the 11th lunar day, pu'rn'ima' (full moon), and amavasya (new moon), the liquid portion of the body rises up and disturbs the functioning of the upper cakras - i.e. the ra'jasik and sentient cakras, which means the manipur cakra all the way up to the sahasra'ra cakra are all affected.
(Note: Baba also differentiates between lunar days known as tithis and solar days known as din in Sanskrit. And it is these lunar days or tithis which create this disturbance in the body.)
On those aforementioned lunar days or tithis (ekadashii, purnima & amavasya), due to the adverse effect of the moon's pull and the ensuing rise of the liquid portion of the human body, those higher cakras cannot function normally. In turn, our entire existence is negatively affected. Our regular and higher functioning of mind becomes impaired.
PART 3:
HOW YOGIS ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM
HOW YOGIS ADDRESSED THIS PROBLEM
The ancient yogis - being practical scientists and researchers - knew well that the upper cakras could not carry out their normal manner of functioning on those tithis, so they came up with a solution.
And that solution was: fasting.
Then Baba revealed one very interesting idea. He told us that when one fasts, a vacuum is created in the stomach - because there is neither water nor food in the belly - and that vacuum pulls the liquid back down. That brings relief to our entire system on these lunar days.
(Note: Some Wts highly familiar with Baba's discourses have stated that this Patna discourse is unique and perhaps the only place where Baba has revealed this special point about creating a vacuum in the stomach.)
In that case, when fasting during those lunar days like ekadashii, then the higher organs are no longer hampered by the liquids which would normally rise up on those lunar days. Hence, the lungs, heart, thyroid, brain etc can work smoothly as usual.
That is the great benefit to the physical and mental body during fasting days.
Baba also then gave proof of this theory. He told that those suffering from arthritis and gout will experience worse conditions during ekadashii and other tithis. They will not experience any remission on these days. Because the liquid portions of the body rises up and creates problems for such patients.
So for all these reasons and more, fasting is a necessity for human health and vitality.
PART 4:
OUR PRACTICE IN ANANDA MARGA
OUR PRACTICE IN ANANDA MARGA
Then in a very sweet manner Baba began to discuss about the fasting system in Ananda Marga.
He explained that our fasting days occur on the following tithis: eleventh moon (ekadashii), full moon (purnima), and new moon (amavasya).
Then He said how He did not prescribe four fastings to family people - just two, i.e. the two fasting days of ekadashii. That will help them greatly in their physical and spiritual life.
Wts are required to do four fastings as they need to engage in more spiritual activities. Baba was careful to explain that Wts are not, by definition, more spiritual or devotional than margiis, but clarified that due to the nature of Wt life, they have more spiritually oriented duties.
Finally, Baba added that all family people are welcome to fast 4 times each month, but for them it is not a requirement. Should, however, any family person adopt the practice of fasting on purnima and amavasya, then they will not be questioned in any way. If they desire, they may freely do.
PART 5:
UPA'VASA NOT ANANSHANA
UPA'VASA NOT ANANSHANA
Baba then clarified that our fasting days are more than just days where we refrain from taking food. Not eating is known as anashana in Sanskrit.
But that is now our approach.
We call our fasting days as upa'va'sa. Then Baba explained the meaning several times using various examples and definitions from the realm of linguistics, and we all repeated and replied.
Upa' means "near", and va'sa means "sitting". Hence upa'va'sa means to sit or reside or live near the Lord.
Here below is a quote from one of Baba's published discourses on upa'vas'sa.
Baba says, "Upa” is a Sam'skrta prefix. In Sam'skrta there are twenty recognized prefixes, and one of these prefixes is “upa”. “Upa” means “proximity”. And “Va'sa” means “to live”, “to reside”. The word “upava'sa” means then, “to live near the Lord”. “Upava'sa” – on these days of fasting, what are all spiritual aspirants to do? Mentally they should live near their Lord. On all other days they are to remain balanced between objective adjustment and subjective approach. On these days of fasting, however, on these days of upava'sa, one remains in closer proximity to the Lord than to one’s mundane duties. That is why these days are known as “upava'sa”. The word “fasting” does not represent the proper sense or proper spirit. The Sam'skrta term for going without food is “anashana” – “ana” means not, “ashana” means eating – not “upava'sa”. But these eka'dashii, amavasya and pu'rn'ima' days are days of upava'sa." (AV-6)
The above passage was given in a discourse from 1978. It nicely complements what Baba told us that day in 1971 about upa'va'sa so I have included it here.
And we all know that during fasting, one may encounter difficulty in doing intense physical labour on that day. Some people may not experience any hardship, but for others doing tough physical tasks may be beyond their reach. It varies person to person.
In that case on upa'vasa', one should engage in more intellectual and spiritual pursuits, and less in physical duties. One should goad the mind toward higher echelons of philosophy, ideology, and devotional life. On these days, one should sit near Parama Purusa. That is what Baba repeats again and again.
Thus our fasting days are not just anashana (not eating), but upavasa as we are to pursue maximally in the spiritual realm and remain with the Lord.
TRANSCRIPTION OF THAT DISCOURSE
Here following is the transcription of this very 1971 Patna discourse which was originally given by Baba in English. To date, this discourse has not been printed in any publication.
"Due to the attraction of the sun and moon, and certain tithis, the liquid portion of the earth moves upward. And that’s why it brings tides in the oceans. Similarly, in the human body also, the liquid portion moves upwards. And for this, the upper portion of the body, the normal functions of different limbs and brain are a bit affected. In the human body, the portion from vishuddha cakra to sahasra’ra cakra is the sa’ttvika portion of the human body. And from the vishuddha cakra to the man’ipura cakra, that is, the naval portion, is known as the ra’jasika portion of the body. And below the nave, below the naval portion, is the ta’masika portion of the body. In the ta’masika portion of the body, man does crude works — only crude works. That portion is also a necessity, but that portion is engaged in crude work. And in the central portion, ra’jasika portion, it is a mixture of crude and subtle - a mixture of physical and spiritual. And, in the sa’ttvika portion, that is the upper-most portion, a man is engaged in subtler pursuits, subtle work. Now, “tithi” means “lunar day”. In Sam’skrta, solar day is called “dina”, and lunar day is called “tithi”."
"Eka’dashii tithi means “eleventh moon”; pu’rn’ima’ means “full moon”, and ama’vasya’ means “new moon”. In these tithis, this ra’jasika portion and sa’ttvika portion, the normal functions get affected due to upward tendency of the liquid portion of the body. Now, for this, in ancient times, the yogiis, they invented this system of fasting. During fasting what does happen? In the stomach portion a vacuum is created, for want of food and water. And that vacuum attracts the liquid portion from the upper portion of the body - that is, from sa’ttvika and ra’jasika portions. And what does happen? The brain, heart, lungs, that is the upper portion — ra’jasika and sa’ttvika portions, get freed from the bad effect of liquid. Otherwise, you see, in the case of a gout patient, his pains increase in these tithis. A man suffering from fever won’t get remission during these tithis, because of upward movement of liquid."
"So, fasting is a necessity in the eleventh moon, pu’rn’ima’, that is full moon, and new moon. In A’nanda Ma’rga, I didn’t prescribe these four days fasting, that is, for grhii’s — that is non-wholetimers, non avadhutas — they are to fast only two days, two eleventh moons. And for workers, avadhutas, they are to fast how many days? Four days. Because they will have to engage themselves more in spiritual and higher works, in intellectual and spiritual [realms]. That’s why they should fast four times in a month - and others, twice. But if others so desire, they may fast four times — I won’t say anything. But it is not compulsory. For them, two eka’dashiis." (12/1/71 Patna)
NON-BANGLA LANGUAGES ARE STEP-CHILD OF
PUBLICATIONS
It is the unfortunate circumstance that so many of Beloved Baba's divine discourses delivered in non-Bengali languages are pushed aside and kicked around by Publications Dept, as evidenced by the above transcript that has not been printed. If the above, "never-before-printed" discourse had been given by Baba in Bengali then certainly those Publications in-charges would have ensured the discourse was accurately transcribed and printed. But since it is an English discourse, they have abandoned it and let it be forgotten - nearly lost forever. That is why it has never been printed. This is the case with so many English discourses, as well as discourses given in other languages like Hindi etc. That is why many say that Publications Dept treats non-Bengali language discourses as their step-child.
SUMMARY
Perhaps two of the most unique points from this special darshan are:
(1) A main function of fasting is to free the upper cakras from the negative effects of liquids rising up in the human body.
(2) The way this happens is that a vacuum is created in the stomach due to a dearth of food and water and that vacuum pulls those liquids back downward.
The principles - both physical and spiritual - of our fasting days allow us all to progress, despite the inherent difficulties of living on this earth. It is truly Baba's grace that He has given a method and solution for overcoming every problem.
Baba has graciously given us all the opportunity and practices to live eternally at His lotus feet.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Suresh
Note 1: LETTERS ON HOW TO BREAK FAST & OTHER BENEFITS OF FASTING
#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/upavasa-why-how-to-prepare-break-part-1.html
#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/re-upavasa-why-how-to-prepare-break-2.html
#3: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/04/upavasa-fasting-why-and-how-to-prepare.html
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
"Maner ma'jhe kon se ka'je a'cho balo na'..." (P.S. #2033)
Purport:
O' Parama Purusa, You are hiding deep in the recesses of my mind. What You are actually doing there I cannot say. Just You are sitting in the depths of my mind - listening to all my thoughts. O' my Lord, You are everywhere: omnipresent. Nothing can remain hidden from You. It is impossible to hide anything from You - what a torture this is. Your liila, Your divine play, is very vast - verily immeasurable like the infinite ocean. To understand Your divine liila, is very difficult. When I go to measure the depth of Your liila, then my whole existence is lost. Only consciousness remains floating. Mind becomes one with You. And "I feeling" is lost. O' Divine Entity, O' Baba, if You do not want to be held, please tell me what You want. Your desire is my desire, don't you know this very fact? Baba, You are eternally hiding in my mind and heart. Nothing remains unknown to You...
Purport:
O' Parama Purusa, You are hiding deep in the recesses of my mind. What You are actually doing there I cannot say. Just You are sitting in the depths of my mind - listening to all my thoughts. O' my Lord, You are everywhere: omnipresent. Nothing can remain hidden from You. It is impossible to hide anything from You - what a torture this is. Your liila, Your divine play, is very vast - verily immeasurable like the infinite ocean. To understand Your divine liila, is very difficult. When I go to measure the depth of Your liila, then my whole existence is lost. Only consciousness remains floating. Mind becomes one with You. And "I feeling" is lost. O' Divine Entity, O' Baba, if You do not want to be held, please tell me what You want. Your desire is my desire, don't you know this very fact? Baba, You are eternally hiding in my mind and heart. Nothing remains unknown to You...
