Baba
This email contains three sections:
1. Posting: Bad story
2. PS #838: I do sastaunga pranam to You again and again
3. Links
Bad story
Namaskar,
One dada, in his Baba story book, has put forth the following teaching:
Dadaji wrrote: "Baba had once said, “If I tell you something to do, you
may or may not do it; but if I tell you not to do something, never do
it”." (1)
We should examine this "guideline" and determine if it is proper or not.
Basically dadaji is telling us that:
(a) If Baba tells us not to do something, then we must follow His order.
(b) If Baba guides us to do something then we may or may not follow His directive.
That was the essence of his Baba story. And it is all given in the name of Baba.
As disciples of Baba Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji, we have to
carefully examine this message according to the touchstone of Ananda
Marga ideology.
"Pratyaváya [sin of omission] is worse than pápa [sin of commission]
One of the chief messages from dada's story which he attributes to Baba is that we need not do what Baba tells us to do.
That means if Baba tells us to do sadhana, then we may or may not do
sadhana. And if Baba tells us to eat sentient food, then we may or may
not follow a sentient diet. And when Baba tells avadhutas to look upon
every female as mother, they may or may not follow that guideline. It is
optional. That is the essence of dadaji's teaching from his story.
Yet we know that Baba is the dharma Guru; what He says should be done.
Hence not doing what should be done - i.e. not following what He says to
do - is a sin of omission or pratyavaya.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Pratyaváya means “not to do what should
be done”. For instance, parents should educate their children. If they
do not, they are said to have committed pratyaváya." (2)
Similarly, if Baba tells us to do something - i.e. do sadhana, or follow
a sentient diet, or adhere to the Supreme Command, or do fasting - then
by not following that teaching we are committing pratyavaya, or a sin
of omission. Because we did not do what Baba told us to do.
Baba furthermore warns us that pratyavaya is worse then pa'pa [sin].
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Pratyaváya [sin of omission] is worse than pápa [sin of commission]." (3)
But in his story, dadaji is telling us that it is fine to do pratyavaya; that is dadaji's overall message.
However, in His divine teachings of Ananda Marga ideology, Baba strictly
warns us that committing pratyavaya is very bad; it is worse than any
wrongdoing.
Clearly then, based on this point of pratyavaya alone, dadaji's Baba story is antithetical to our ideology.
Now let's further examine this story from other angles.
Example
In his Baba story, dadaji tells us that:
(a) If Baba tells us not to do something, then we must follow His order.
(b) If Baba guides us to do something then we may or may not follow His directive.
For the sake of clarity, we should put forth some practical examples.
For instance, if Baba tells us to follow a sentient diet, then according
dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's guideline. But if Baba tells
us not to eat tamasik food, then we must follow His guideline and avoid
eating meat etc.
In essence, the directive is the same (i.e. follow a sentient diet) but
the outcome is radically different. In one instance where Baba
positively tells us to eat sentient food, then we may not follow Baba's
order and if we desire we can eat meat etc; and in the other instance
where Baba warns us not to eat tamasik food, then we absolutely must
follow His order and we must avoid meat entirely.
Next consider this. Baba tells us to follow satya (benevolent
truthfulness), but according to dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's
guideline. But if Baba tells us not to indulge in falsehood, then we
must follow His guideline and be very strict in satya.
In essence, the guideline is the same (i.e. follow satya) but the
outcome is completely different. In one instance where Baba positively
tells us to follow satya, then we may not follow Baba's order and if we
desire we can indulge in telling lies and doing slander etc; and in the
other instance where Baba warns us not to indulge in falsehood, then we
absolutely must follow His order and we must entirely avoid telling
lies.
Flimsy and hypocritical
Then there is this example. Baba tells us to keep good character, but
according to dadaji's story, we may not follow Baba's guideline. But if
Baba tells us not to do any characterless behaviours, then we must
strictly follow His guideline and avoid all kinds of lowly dealings etc.
In essence, in both instances, the message is the same (i.e. be of good
character) but the outcome is radically different. In one instance where
Baba positively tells us to keep good character, then we may not follow
Baba's order and if we desire we may exhibit unsavory behaviour; and in
the other instance where Baba warns us not to eat tamasik food, then we
absolutely must follow His order and we must strictly avoid
characterless types of conduct.
This type of faulty reasoning given in dadaji's story makes Baba's
teachings and the entire platform of Ananda Marga ideology look flimsy
and hypocritical. Yet we all know that Baba's teachings are pointed and
clear.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "In the realm of dharma, the only true
guide and controller, motivating force and protector of the people, is
an excellent and comprehensive ideology which provides definite,
clear-cut and bold directions for all aspects of human life – from one’s
personal daily routine, to one’s social activities and collective
motivation, to the spiritual inspiration which brings one closer and
closer to God. A scripture which does not fulfil these conditions is not
worthy of being called a scripture at all." (4)
So-called Baba story is harmful
In the Supreme Command, Baba pointedly tells us to follow yama and
niyama, and to do sadhana twice daily, and to do pracara etc. Baba
directs us that we must do these things.
But now, according to dadaji's story, those directives from Baba
enlisted in the Supreme Command are optional - we may or may not follow
them. Whatever we do, that is fine.
Similarly, Baba has given us so many dharmic teachings in Sixteen
Points. Baba guides us to do half-bath, do fasting, be strict in Ista,
attend dharmacakra, follow conduct rules etc. Baba tells us to do so
many things. Furthermore in His Ananda Vanii, Baba puts forth the
dharmic reminder to follow Sixteen Points.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Be firm on sixteen points..." (5)
Yet here again, according to dadaji's Baba story, we need not sincerely
follow those points - all of Sixteen Points has suddenly become
optional.
As sadhakas of Ananda Marga and as disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii
Anandamurti ji, we clearly understand that we are to adhere to all of
Sixteen Points, and we are to abide by the mandates of the Supreme
Command.
Thus, we can easily understand that the so-called teachings put forth in
dadaji's Baba story are off the mark and just plain wrong.
Guru’s guidelines are never optional
Throughout His entire, vast teachings of Ananda Marga ideology, there is
neither a sentence nor a hint, that we should consider His guidelines
to be optional. Baba never ever expressed that, "If I (Baba) tell you to
positively do something, then you may or may not follow it. Just
consider it optional - it is up to you." There is no single line or
paragraph or page in Ananda Marga ideology that puts forth this notion.
Rather throughout His teachings Baba emphasizes that we should follow
His every word and incorporate every teaching into our life practice. In
so many reporting sessions, dharma samiiksa, countless guidelines and
discourses, verily in all these situations, Baba guides us to
incorporate every dharma principle into our daily routine. That is the
way He wants us to live.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "It is action that makes a person great.
Be great by your sádhaná, by your service, by your sacrifice." (6)
Thus what Baba tells us to do, we should do. There is no question of His
guideline being optional etc. No right-minded sadhaka can think in this
way, i.e. that we need not pay heed to Baba's order. Baba does not
preach anything which is unnecessary or impractical.
In the various religions, their scriptures and stories are exaggerated
up to the sky in the hope that if they tell the people to do tapasya
(sacrifice) for 1 million years, then the people might do it for 10
minutes each day.
But Baba did not employ such tricks or strategies. Everything Baba has
given and told is in complete concert and harmony with human psychology.
Baba's teachings are exact and precise. They need not be changed, or
shortened, or toned down as happened with the various religions. What
Baba has given, that is what should be followed as His divine guidelines
are the perfect recipe for success.
Bad tales should not be circulated
The main reason for writing this letter is that in the past the glorious
teachings of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna were ruined and distorted and
the common people just got caught up in dogma. And the main avenue for
distorting those dharmic teachings were fallacious and misleading
stories. Those with selfish agendas fabricated various stories in order
to misguide and dupe the common people. By this way, dogma, not dharma,
was propagated.
We must not let history repeat itself. Through the medium of such
harmful stories slowly, slowly the divine teachings of Lord Shrii Shrii
Anandamurti ji will also be destroyed if we are not careful. The duty of
sincere Ananda Margiis is not to allow such bogus and harmful stories
to enter into the arena. Bad tales should not be circulated, rather they
must be pointed out brought to the limelight.
When coming across any Baba story one must first look very carefully and
assess its accuracy and veracity, otherwise people will get duped and
misguided.
All in all, we can easily conclude that dadaji's Baba story and the
teachings therein are harmful and disastrous. This story misleads people
away from the teachings of Ananda Marga. Dadaji's story delivers the
wrong message.
No concession rather concession is dangerous
As we know we are to follow His dharmic injunctions cent-per-cent of the time. That is how we are to live on this earth.
Tasmáddharmah sadákáryah.
Dharma must always be followed. (7)
Ananda Marga ideology states, "To follow Bhágavata Dharma, you are also
to follow the shástra of Bhágavata Dharma. You are to follow Yama and
Niyama, you are to follow the code of discipline, you are to attend
Dharmacakra weekly. These are all codes of discipline as prescribed by
Bhágavata Dharma. You must follow these codes. There cannot be any
concession in this respect, rather concession is dangerous. Atha
yogánushásanam. “One must follow anushásanam. One must follow the code
of discipline.” One may be a king or may be a very poor man, but the
code of dharma is equally applicable to all. In this matter, nobody can
claim any special concession or favour." (8)
But if we look at and follow what dadaji says in his book, then it means
that if Baba tells us to follow a sentient diet, then we may not follow
that teaching - we can eat meat. And if Baba says to follow satya, then
we may not follow His guideline and can instead indulge in cheating and
deception. And if Baba says to do sadhana twice daily, then we may not
follow and can instead skip our dharmic practices. Indeed by his bogus
Baba story, dadaji paves the way for all kinds of deception and
degradation. According to dadaji, we may not follow what Babas says - it
is OK.
By all this, we can easily understand that the story told by Ac
Shamitananda Avt - story #8 of his book "101 Baba Stories" - is
completely false and misleading. Such a story only invites trouble for
others. Rather this story should be corrected and republished. Till that
time, an errata page should be issued for this book so no one is
misguided.
Unfortunately, Dada Shamitananda's Baba's story strays far, far from the
dharmic tenets of Ananda Marga ideology. There are 100 other stories in
the book. And now they are all suspect because if Dadaji can publish a
story that so blatantly goes against Baba's mandates, then every one of
his stories may be wrong. If anyone picks up this book they should be
very careful and read it with a keen eye, lest they invite all kinds of
problems.
Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Diyam'shu
~ In-depth study ~
What is needed to write a proper Baba story
It is important for us to consider what is needed to write a proper Baba
story. First and foremost one must ensure that the Baba story is itself
true. After carefully making this assessment, these following criteria
are needed: (a) deep devotion for Baba, (b) pointed understanding of
Ananda Marga philosophy, and (c) literary skill.
Devotion allows a person to write with proper flow and prana. Ideology
brings right direction and philosophical consistency. Literary skill
brings artistic value and beauty.
Of these three characteristics, if one has only devotion and lacks
philosophical understanding and lacks writing skills, then sometimes
their story will not have philosophical support. And in some cases the
story may even be dogmatic. And, certainly without literary skill, the
story will be rough and jagged and will lack proper expression.
If one has only philosophical understanding and lacks devotion and is
shy on writing skills, then their Baba story will be dry and poorly
expressed.
So if there is proper devotional feeling and ideological understanding,
then one's literary skill will help make that story shine. While if one
uses all their literary talent on a story that lacks devotional feeling
and philosophical understanding, then that story will be a mess - i.e.
useless and poisonous.
Unfortunately, nowadays there are some who fall in this last category.
They may or may not have the writing skills, yet utterly lack proper
devotional feeling and ideological understanding. In that case, the
devotional component of the story is ruined or left out entirely, or one
will write something contrary to the ideological fundamentals of Ananda
Marga. If one has devotion then that literary skill give devotional
flow to the story, but if one does not have devotion then that literary
skill is meaningless. So when those lacking both devotion and
philosophical understanding write a story, then the outcome will be like
applying cosmetic make-up to a dead person - there will not be any
charm. It will be useless and dogmatic
Best is to cultivate or have all the qualities. Then one can write a
beautiful and loving account that will inspire so many readers across
the ages.
To read full story- click here...
Those interested in reading the full, published version of Dada Shamitanandji's story should
click here.
References
1. Dada Shamitananda, 101 Baba stories, Story #8
2. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 18
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 1, The Purpose Behind the Advent
4. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14
5. Ananda Vanii #44
6. Ananda Vanii #20
7. Ananda Sutram 2-7
8. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
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== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
I do sastaunga pranam to You again and again
"A'mi a'r kaono kichu bhuli na', shudhu bhule tha'ki tavo na'm..." (Prabhat Samgiita #838)
Purport:
O' Parama Purusa, it is so unfortunate and painful that I do not forget
anything mundane; but I always forget Your divine name. I cannot
remember it constantly, because worldly things always come in my mind.
And those mundane things I always remember, only I forget Your name. O'
my Dearmost, please grace me. I want to remember Your name all the time -
within each and every breath and respiration - but alas I forget. O'
Divine Entity, although I don't chant Your name and remember You, even
then I can see that You love me. By Your grace, I always feel Your love,
especially when I look towards You. You are very charming and gracious.
O' Parama Purusa, You are the most magnificent One. When by Your grace
the stars shower from Your heavenly effulgent bosom, then the effulgence
from those particles fills my heart with divine ecstasy.
Baba, the Parama Purusa, You are the most compassionate One. The divine
love which You have poured in my heart - the affection that You
saturated in my mind - always vibrates my being and brings me to the
divine world. The melody that You played within my mind, in its tune,
today I do sastaunga pranam to You again and again with that very tune
and melody which You have resonated in my heart & mind.
Baba, please shower Your causeless grace on me so that I always chant Your divine name...
