Baba
Vulture wts
Note: The terms shráddha and shraddhá are two different words. If uncii (accent mark) is on the first ‘a’ then it means death ceremony; and, if the uncii on the last ‘a’ then it means reverence. In this posting, the term shráddha is used.
Namaskar,
As we know, at the time of death, we must give support and solace to the grieving family members. Naturally, when any margii dies then Wts , we must reach there to perform the last rites and console the mourning family. Yet, it does not always work out that way. And that is what we examine here in this letter.
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When the wage-earner dies
If the deceased lived in a unit where there are many margiis then things proceed in a more standard manner. But suppose the deceased was a good sadhaka, who contributed financially to the organisation, and lived in an area where there were hardly any margiis. Upon his death, the breadwinner, i.e. main wage earner, of the family is gone. So the grieving family is not only in a terrible mental state - but undergoing economic strife. In desperation, they sound the call for margiis and wts from distant areas to come and help so wts must reach there.
As we know, according to the Ananda Marga teachings, the grieving family must not bear any expenses for disposing of the dead body and performing the shráddha ceremony. This is applicable if anyone at all dies in the family, whether it be a parent who is the breadwinner or a young child. In no circumstance is the grieving family financially responsible for covering the economic costs of the funeral etc. That is what Baba says.
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The disposal of the dead body and its financial responsibility belong to the society. It is not proper to give any burden to the bereaved family.” (1)
Rather the local, district, regional, or national level will bear all costs - not the grieving family. In addition, the wts coming for the ceremony should collect donations in the area where they are posted and establish a fund for this purpose. No worker should give economic burden to the grieving family. That is against the ethic of Ananda Marga.
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Unfortunately, some Wts arrive on the scene and create more burden for the grieving family. The family is grief-stricken yet now they are called upon to cook, feed, and clean utensils for those visiting Wts - and donate to their projects as well. This is not proper. Baba guides us that the bereaved family should not face any expenditures surrounding the deceased, including hosting and feeding visitors etc.
Vultures on the prowl
Here below we see how vultures feast on the carcasses of a deceased human. They fill their bellies and extra store in their neck pouch - look below. And that is the parallel being drawn upon in the above letter.
Society covers expenses - not bereaved family
In our Ananda Marga, the system is that the grieving family should not bear any financial burden - period. The entire expenditure for the deceased should be shouldered by the society. The grieving family should not spend any money, rather the local Ananda Marga unit will cover all costs. And if the unit is unable then those fees will be covered by the district, regional, or national level, as needed. That means the cost of transporting the deceased to the burial ground - and all sorts of big and small expenditures for cremating and / or burying the body along with the shráddha ceremony will be covered by the organisation / society. That is the standard protocol of Ananda Marga given by Baba.
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Greedy, vulture Wts fill their belly at expense of grieving family
But some wts have their greedy approach. They stay directly with the family - draining the family of all their resources and monies. The family is in mourning so their appetite for food is much less and they need personal time to process their loss. Certainly, it is comforting to have many attend the shráddha ceremony etc, but having to host people in their home is very difficult for the grieving family. Yet those Wts staying there pressure the grieving family into cooking for them, or purchasing foods from the restaurant etc, or they have them pay the neighbors to cook for them - when that family just lost their breadwinner etc. Such Wts become a huge burden on the family. That is why we call them vulture-brand wts because they reach there at the time of death to eat and fill their belly.
And if anyone asks them about this, those vulture Wts have their own justifications. They say that although the deceased’s family is not eating because they are in mourning and do not feel hungry, but, “I want to eat full - I do not want to fast more than 4 times - why should I have to do that.” So they burden the grieving family to cook meals for them. And sometimes they have the family come up with other solutions such as having the neighbors prepare a meal etc.
The grief-stricken family, which is beset with problems, difficulties, and financial upheaval, now has to support those Wts and pay for their food, traveling allowance (TA), and extra donations for helping those Wts get established in their next place. Those vulture Wts make things worse by claiming they will be staying in big cities and visiting far away lands, so they indirectly claim they need a large traveling allowance. Sometimes the grieving family has to borrow to feed 6 or 12 wts and provide the TA for all of them to cross the country, when that family just lost their breadwinner. Indeed, the whole situation is harrowing.
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Remember the grieving family is in an emotional state, which makes them more susceptible to being exploited by such Wts.
Conclusion
So then what is the solution? Baba says that the grieving family must not bear any expenses for disposing of the dead body and performing the shráddha ceremony. Rather the local, district, regional, or national level will bear all costs - not the grieving family. In addition, the wts coming for the ceremony should collect donations from people in the area where they are posted and establish a fund for this purpose. They must not give economic burden to the grieving family.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Amrta
~ In-depth study ~
Here Guru guides us that the costs associated with the deceased are to be borne by the society, not the grieving family.
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The disposal of the dead body and its financial responsibility belong to the society. It is not proper to give any burden to the bereaved family.” (2)
Naturally, then those arriving to help and provide assistance to the grieving family should not burden the family in any way - neither by accepting their money nor by requesting cooked food etc. It is the duty of local or distant margiis to make all such arrangements - not the grieving family.
Furthermore, the doctor and medical personnel should not collect fees when the patient succumbs to death.
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Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Doctors: If the patient dies, do not take any fee for that visit.” (3)
A few special points
Role of the bhukti pradhan: In all AMPS units, it is the duty of the bhukti pradhan to keep records of all deaths and collect funds and manage all expenses for the cremation and shráddha ceremony etc.
Both are involved: Since both Dadas and Didis are involved in this issue, they were collectively referred to as Wts.
Vulture Brand: All know that the vulture is a bird and feasts on the dead. Unfortunately, these types of wts do the same. That is why they are vulture brand Wts. What they are doing is wholly against the norms and ethics of Ananda Marga. If anyone dies then one should help the grieving family and not take from them.
Warning: Those who create the aforesaid situation are vultures. In the next installment, the names of those Vulture WTs will be published. Do you know of any such vulture Wts in your area?
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Vultures on the prowl
Here below we see how vultures feast on the carcasses of deceased humans. They fill their bellies and extra store in their neck pouch - look below. And that is the parallel being drawn upon in the above letter.
Here below we see how vultures feast on the carcasses of deceased humans. They fill their bellies and extra store in their neck pouch - look below. And that is the parallel being drawn upon in the above letter.
~ Vultures feasting on human carcass ~
References
1. Caryacarya - 1, Disposal of Dead Body
2. Caryacarya - 1, Disposal of Dead Body
3. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #25B
Expansionism on the world stage
Prout philosophy guides us, “While PROUT advocates that all people have the right to settle anywhere in the universe, it may be questioned whether the Chinese infiltration of Tibet can be supported on this ground. The reply is definitely “no” because this is an intentional infiltration – it is an expansionist move.”
“Similarly should one support Nepalese expansion in the eastern states of Sikkim and Bhutan? If we trace back through history we find that the Nepalese migrated from Nepal because of famine and for no other reason. Hence, this migration should not be criticized. However, recently a few persons have started a “Maha Nepal” movement. The propagandists of Maha Nepal are neither the friends of Nepal nor of India. The reaction to this movement will go against the interests of Nepalese settlers. By using the same logic as these protagonists India may also claim the Bhojpuri, Maithili and Bengali speaking areas of Nepal Terai. But such a situation would certainly be undesirable.”
“The case of the Jews who expanded into Palestine is similar. Palestine originally belonged to the Jews and the Arabs drove them out.”
“Likewise, the Pakistan infiltration into India cannot be treated as a justified move. The planned way in which this infiltration is going on indicates that it is motivated by expansionism.” (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout
1. Caryacarya - 1, Disposal of Dead Body
2. Caryacarya - 1, Disposal of Dead Body
3. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #25B
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
Prout philosophy guides us, “While PROUT advocates that all people have the right to settle anywhere in the universe, it may be questioned whether the Chinese infiltration of Tibet can be supported on this ground. The reply is definitely “no” because this is an intentional infiltration – it is an expansionist move.”
“Similarly should one support Nepalese expansion in the eastern states of Sikkim and Bhutan? If we trace back through history we find that the Nepalese migrated from Nepal because of famine and for no other reason. Hence, this migration should not be criticized. However, recently a few persons have started a “Maha Nepal” movement. The propagandists of Maha Nepal are neither the friends of Nepal nor of India. The reaction to this movement will go against the interests of Nepalese settlers. By using the same logic as these protagonists India may also claim the Bhojpuri, Maithili and Bengali speaking areas of Nepal Terai. But such a situation would certainly be undesirable.”
“The case of the Jews who expanded into Palestine is similar. Palestine originally belonged to the Jews and the Arabs drove them out.”
“Likewise, the Pakistan infiltration into India cannot be treated as a justified move. The planned way in which this infiltration is going on indicates that it is motivated by expansionism.” (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Human beings will have to practise tolerance. But this spirit of tolerance must be developed only in individual life; in collective life it must not be expressed. If a country illegally grabs even one inch of your land you must take one mile of the aggressor’s land; no spirit of tolerance in this regard is permissible. If you show your tolerance then they will take one inch today and one mile tomorrow. However, you can practise toleration as much as possible in individual life, and that will be considered a sign of greatness." (1)
Here Baba is guiding us that we should never overlook any injustice in collective life, and in His above teaching Baba gives the example of encroachment by a hostile enemy. At the same time, we should understand what it means to practice tolerance when facing an injustice in individual life.
For instance, when Ananda Margiis faced abuse and torture while in jail then they did not react quickly and escalate the situation. Rather, they quietly bore the brunt of those injustices and by enduring those troubles they gained some psychic stamina and strength, as opposed to so many others who broke, became lunatics, got depressed, or compromised with their values when undergoing similar troubles.
Here the operative factor is that one should not quickly react when facing difficulties in individual life. As far as possible, one should endure and carry on. That will lead to greater mental fortitude and equipoise. It is akin to going for night sadhana in the blustery, cold season and keeping’s one’s focus and not leaving their sadhana prematurely. Most people could not imagine bearing such hardship, but that sadhaka tolerates the conditions, thrives in that struggle, and gets the grace of Parama Purusa.
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Without collective food, a festival becomes meaningless
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “A grown up man does not like that others should call him grown up. An old man does not like that others should tell him old. Do you know, why they do not like to be said so? The adults or the aged are nearing death. This means that one is drawing nearer death as one grow up and this is why one does not like to be told grown up or old. Taking this for granted regarding human psychology, you shall arrange for two or three items in the programme for the old to enjoy, so that they may think at least for a short time that they are not old, they have sufficient energy still left in them.”
“Take pains to see that all join in the utsava. Give full opportunity to all the artists to make a display of their talents in art. Remember that taking food together is a special feature in a utsava, without which half of the pleasure of a utsava is marred.” (1)
Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Dvitiiya Parva), Point #4 - Utsava
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Dark plight of materialists
Ananda Marga ideology states, "All people should have proper knowledge and understanding of what is shreya and what is preya, what is vidyá and what is avidyá, for lack of this knowledge causes their downfall, and with its help, they progress onwards through proper sádhaná. Behind human desires the sweetly benevolent inspiration that the soul imparts, leads human beings to consciousness, not crudeness. That is why the wise try to develop their wisdom and intelligence more and more. No one wants to remain a fool: not even a simpleton wants to be called an idiot. To acquire true wisdom, judgement is necessary and judgment involves discrimination. The proper applications of this discriminating judgement is wisdom. This is why the discriminating people take Brahma, the ultimate stage of their consciousness, as their objective."
"But the ignorant or foolish ones who do not utilize their discriminating judgement but are tempted on to the path of materialistic sádhaná for their temporary enjoyment, eventually become crude themselves. The Yama said, “Allured by the paraphernalia of enjoyment these fools do not understand nor do they want to understand, the Supreme Entity. They cannot even imagine a subtler world beyond this material quinquelemental world and so they totally deny it. Those who take the crude as their objective, have to come again and again into this material world in crude forms to enjoy and endure the crude. Trudging along a dark path they are gradually transformed into matter. Thus, they come under my sway again and again, for it is impossible for them to redeem themselves from the cycle of birth and death." (1)
Note: In the present world, countless innocent people in the so-called advanced societies - and wherever materialism reigns - suffer terribly from this above described ailment. It is our duty to save them from their complete destruction and demise.
References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Supreme Benevolence and Mundane Pleasure
== Section: Story ==
Subject: My first love with BABA
Date: Tue, 26 May 2015 19:39:17 +0530
From: Devesh Kumar <deveshkumarbaba@gmail.com>
To: anandamarg <anandamarg@googlegroups.com>
CC: caraeveti@googlegroups.com
Baba story: My first love with BABA
Namaskar,
It was year 1976. In India, It was emergency period as well. Baba was imprisoned by CBI and Indira Gandhi government. Anandamarga organization was banned. One WT dada Ac Devananda Avt (now Ac Parasattananda Avt) secretly visited our residence in civil dress. At that time, I was attending classes in high school (class Xth). I was 13 and half years old. My father (Late Sri Shreesh Chandra, Buxar) thought it was right time to get me initiated. He called me from school. I was then initiated with 1st lesson. I got Ista mantra.
Realized that Baba is not an ordinary Guru
I was kid and could not understand the seriousness of initiation. However due to instruction from my father, I was sitting in meditation almost every day, but I was almost irregular. After one year, I realized that I was not enjoying Sadhana. In October 1977, Ac Sujeet ji visited my residence. He revised my 1st lesson. He informed me that I forgot all three “shuddhi” and was not doing shuddhi properly during meditation. When I started practicing shuddhi properly, I started enjoying Sadhana. Within a few months, I realized that Baba is not an ordinary Guru.
Grace of Baba: never missed a single Ekadashi fasting
Then came year 1978, in February, I appeared for “Bihar Board of School Examination” (10th Board Examination) and scored 74% marks. I was not happy as I expected more than 85% marks. However, in order to have admission in “Intermediate in science” (11th class), I arrived Patna with my father in June / july 1978. I applied for admission in the colleges of Patna.
At Patna, I came to know that Baba is supposed to be released from prison very soon. Those days, many WTs and margis crowded Patna Anandamarga offices, schools, etc AM buildings. I found 16 points sheets with WTs and margis. I asked what this was. They explained me the importance of 16 points. I also started following some points of 16 points. On 15th July 1978, one procession / rally was organized in Patna city at about 9 am. My father and I also participated. Procession ended at around 3pm.
I noticed that no one had been asking / arranging for meals / lunch. I asked why all are not going for lunch. Some of them informed me that today was Ekadashi fasting. I thought, it was almost 4 pm and due to procession I could not eat / drink anything since morning, hence I decided to observe Ekadashi fast without water. By the grace of Baba, I observed Ekadashi successfully without water till sunrise next day. I was only 15 years and two months old. I realized that I gained mental strength. Since then, I have been observing Ekadashi fasting regularly and sincerely without water. By the grace of Baba, I never missed a single Ekadashi fasting. Ekadashi fasting made me mentally strong. It has been almost 37 years and Ekadashi is still continued sincerely by the grace of Baba.
Running crowds after Baba’s car
Since release date of Baba was not decided, I left Patna in the third week of July. And hence I missed the historical date 2nd August 1978 the day Baba was released with the biggest ovation in history. Running crowds after Baba’s car, entire Patna city seemed submerged in devotion of Baba Nam Kevalam kirtan.
My first darshan with Baba:
“as if I touched a live wire”
I got admission in L.S. College of Muzzafarpur. Due to study, I came back to Patna only in the first week of October 1978 during leave from college.
In 1970s, I had Darshan of Baba with my father. But I was then a kid only 7 years old. My father was initiated in 1967 / 1968. Due to imprisonment of Baba, I could not see Baba since 1970. In fact I was feeling that I never had “Darshan of Baba” before.
The date was -- October 1978 at Patna, We reached “General Darshan” hall. As we entered, General Darshan was in progress. Baba was delivering speech. As soon as I saw Baba, I was stunned and felt as if I touched a live wire and I started crying like a baby. I continued to weep till Baba was present. I wept profusely. First of all in my life, I realized what devotion is. It was my first Darshan of Parama Purusa Baba and the very same day I decided that this life is now dedicated to Baba. My all energy would be now for the mission of our beloved Baba.
At HIS Lotus Feet,
Devesh Kumar, Mumbai
== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==
बाबा, तुम मेरे आँखों में दैवी-सुरमा लगा दो जिससे मैं तुम्हारे विश्व-व्याप्त मोहन रूप को, मैं सदा देख सकूँ ।
अञ्जन ऐंके दाओ।.. (PS #1432)
हे प्रभु, बाबा, तुम मेरे आँखों में दैवी-सुरमा लगा दो जिससे मैं तुम्हारे विश्व-व्याप्त मोहन रूप को, मैं सदा देख सकूँ ।
तुमसे रूप पाकर आकाश, पृथ्वी, जल और हवा सुंदरता से भर गए हैं । मेरी आँखे युगों से प्यासी हैं, मैं तुम को दिल भरकर देखना चाहता हूँ । मेरे ध्यान में आओ ।
हे परमपुरुष, बाबा ! आकाश के नीलापन में, पर्वत-श्रृंखलाओं में, पत्ते फल-फूल, लता-गुल्म में सर्वत्र, तुमने अपने को फैला दिया है । सभी में तुमने अपना आध्यात्मिक भाव भर दिया है । तुम आज कृपा करो जिससे मैं तुम्हें देखूँ और अनुभव करूँ कि तुम सर्वव्यापी, सब जगह उपस्थित हो ।
हे प्रभु, बाबा, मेरे आँखों में दैवी सुरमा लगा दो जिससे मैं तुम्हारे विश्व-व्याप्त मोहन रूप को, मैं सदा देख सकूँ ।
हे प्रभु, बाबा, तुमने अपने को फूल के मधु में, दूर के चाँद में फैला दिया है । तथा गृह ग्रह-तारा और आकाश गंगा के शरीर में, नक्षत्र- मंडल उल्का पिंड में सरे विश्व में सर्वत्र, सभी में तुमने अपने विभन्न रूपों में फैला दिया है, उन सभी के अणु-परमाणु में तुम मौजूद हो,सर्व--व्याप्त हो ।
हे प्रभु, बाबा, मेरी आँखे युगों से प्यासी हैं, मेरे आँखों में दैवी सुरमा लगा दो जिससे मैं तुम्हारे विश्व-व्याप्त मोहन रूप को, मैं सदा देख सकूँ ।
- Trans: Gopi
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== Section 3: Links ==
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