Baba
Who should be blamed
Namaskar,
In this foundational book of Ananda Marga teachings, Baba clearly guides us that Parama Purusa (God) always has the disciple's welfare in mind and never undermines the sadhaka's forward movement by placing obstacles (tests) in his pathway.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Obstacles are not created by God or the Great Preceptor (Sadguru), as He wishes every one of the units to become emancipated like Himself." (1)
Thus it is clear that Parama Purusa never does anything to test or impede the progress of any of His disciples.
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Parama Purusa does not test His disciples
Sadguru Baba says, “I have already said that the Sádhaka’s sufferings are caused by the Saḿskáras which one created oneself. One should therefore not be afraid of experiencing these reactions or accuse Brahma of injustice on this account. Humans very often complain, “God, so you had this in store for me. Is this my reward for so much worship and so much charity?” Such complaints are foolish, even sinful. At the time of suffering a Sádhaka should reproach himself for his past misdeeds and refrain from evil actions in order to avoid more suffering in the future. …. I say you must not find fault with others because of your Saḿskáras; they are merely the reactions caused by your own mistakes and misbehaviour.” (2)
Dada T's book: falsely blames Baba
Keeping Parama Purusa Baba's aforementioned guideline firmly in mind, please read this following fictitious story from the chapter 'Tests" in Dada T's book, "Living with Baba", where he is telling fabricated things in the name of Baba:
Baba continued, “But, you know, the final test I will give Myself personally.” He explained, “Do you know what the final test is? I will create doubt and confusion in the minds of disciples regarding the Guru. I will create such an atmosphere, such an environment, that the disciple loses all faith in the Guru.”
When I [dada T] heard this awesome proclamation I thought to myself what would be the capacity of a disciple to overcome such a difficult test. He may not have the capacity to understand or to realize it.
I became rather upset. I asked, “Baba, if You give this sort of test, how can a disciple possibly pass? I thought that as Sadguru, You guaranteed the success of those who follow You. The unit mind is very limited. Your test is so difficult that disciples may easily lose faith. They may be lost. They may fall down. This means that there is really no guarantee of salvation.” (Dada T, Living with Baba, chapter: Tests)
In his above improper story, Dadaji recounts the horrifying, unfounded tale of how Parama Purusa Baba gives severe tests to His poor helpless disciples. In His role of Guru, He intentionally fills the minds of His disciples with extreme "doubt and confusion" and shakes their existence to the bone where they "lose all faith." This is the shocking, scary, and altogether misguided story Dadaji presents in His book. Here we should recall Baba’s below dharmic teaching.
Baba says, “I have already said that the Sádhaka’s sufferings are caused by the Saḿskáras which one created oneself. One should therefore not be afraid of experiencing these reactions or accuse Brahma of injustice on this account. Humans very often complain, “God, so you had this in store for me. Is this my reward for so much worship and so much charity?” Such complaints are foolish, even sinful...” (3)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Obstacles are not created by God or the Great Preceptor (Sadguru)." (4)
So it is clear that Dada T’s story contravenes the teachings of Ananda Marga spiritual ideology. Dadaji claims Guru gives tests that undercut the disciples while it is clearly presented in our Ananda Marga scripture that Guru (Baba) does not test or place obstacles in front of His disciples. Every true Ananda Margii can easily see how Dadaji's account veers far, far off the path.
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Obstacles / tests not created by Baba
Let's again examine Baba's clear-cut statement that He does not put forth obstacles (tests) in front of His disciples.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Obstacles are not created by God or the Great Preceptor (Sadguru), as He wishes every one of the units to become emancipated like Himself." (5)
Anyone can plainly understand that - as the Sadguru - Baba does not do anything to test or hamper the growth of His disciples. He never tries to push disciple off the path nor does He try to undermine their forward movement.
Sadguru Baba says, “I have already said that the Sádhaka’s sufferings are caused by the Saḿskáras which one created oneself. One should therefore not be afraid of experiencing these reactions or accuse Brahma of injustice on this account. Humans very often complain, “God, so you had this in store for me. Is this my reward for so much worship and so much charity?” Such complaints are foolish, even sinful.” (6)
Dada T's story: 100% against Guru's guideline
What makes the Dada T’s story so bad then is that it runs directly contrary to the stated teachings of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji Baba. As all know, Baba is the perfect embodiment of His divine guidelines. Many have understood this theoretically and realised it practically as well. In essence, Baba is one with His ideology.
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Yet, in reading the above outlandish story, Dada T poignantly presents Baba as behaving very differently - away from what He preaches in His books. Ananda Marga ideology states that Guru does not give tests to His disciples and instead wants them to get liberation. Whereas in his story, Dada T. states that Guru single-handedly tests and undermines the forward progress of His disciples. But remember...
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Obstacles are not created by God or the Great Preceptor (Sadguru)." (7)
Dadaji's story is a disservice as it runs counter to and verily ruins the very special Guru-disciple relation that is so unique in tantra.
Conclusion
Parama Purusa Baba is the all-loving Guru who has graciously come to lead His children from darkness to light. He has provided the pathway - Ananda Marga ideology (path of bliss) - whereby all may attain the stance of Supreme blessedness and remain under His shelter. Any story, like the above account by Dada T, that states otherwise is utterly false. Sadly, the only thing such a story does accurately portray is Dada T's own misunderstanding of tantra and the Guru-disciple relation. It is unfortunate he could not grow and advance along the path of universal welfare as given by Beloved Baba.
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Namaskar,
in Him,
Deva Prakash
Dogmas: what some people say
(A) Some people wrongly claim that, “He said Himself that He pops the devotee's ego bubble - which can be pretty painful.” Unfortunately, this is to misunderstand Guru’s role as Darpa Harii. A sadhaka’s ego gets crushed by having to face the consequences of their own actions as per the system of samskara theory.
Baba says, “I have already said that the Sádhaka’s sufferings are caused by the Saḿskáras which one created oneself. One should therefore not be afraid of experiencing these reactions or accuse Brahma of injustice on this account.” (8)
(B) Some people wrongly say that, “If God wants to test, He does. Besides, is not this reality we live in a kind of school, a place of education, and why, if we are to be educated, would we not be tested? It makes no sense to educate children without testing them.”
Here again the reply is very straightforward. It is true that in our worldly institutions, we engage in testing to prepare and gauge the readiness of our students. But the testing process is not to teach the students as much as it is a way for the teachers to measure a student's knowledge - as well as identify what those students do not know. However, in the grand kingdom of Parama Purusa Baba, He is all-knowing and He need not give tests to gauge a disciple's ability or degree of bhakti etc. Already He knows everything about His disciples. He need not deliberately set-up tests to know this.
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Baba says, “Humans very often complain, “God, so you had this in store for me. Is this my reward for so much worship and so much charity?” Such complaints are foolish, even sinful.” (9)
(C) Some people wrongly say that, “Baba rewards. Baba punishes. Why would He not test?”
Baba says, “I have already said that the Sádhaka’s sufferings are caused by the Saḿskáras which one created oneself. One should therefore not be afraid of experiencing these reactions or accuse Brahma of injustice on this account. …. I say you must not find fault with others because of your Saḿskáras; they are merely the reactions caused by your own mistakes and misbehaviour.” (10)
There is no mention of Guru testing His disciples anywhere across the entire spectrum of Ananda Marga philosophy.
~ In-depth study ~
Ananda Marga ideology states, "When people rob others, or indulge in hypocrisy, or cheat people, or indulge in tall talk day after day, they are committing original actions. When a dishonest government employee accepts a bribe it is an original action, and when his son gets sick and has to be rushed to the doctor it is the reactive action (the reaction to the original action). When his son dies he laments, “I haven’t knowingly done anything wrong. Oh, Lord, why have you given me such severe punishment.” But God did not give him any punishment – the deep sorrow he felt at the death of his child was the result of his past original actions." (11)
Ananda Marga scripture says, “People often hold Parama Purusa responsible for calamities that befall them, but in fact they alone are responsible, as the suffering of fate is only reaction of their own previous actions. How can Parama Purusa be responsible? Human beings themselves are answerable for their fate as it is their actions alone which create it. They alone will have to bear the consequences of all their actions. No one else can substitute for them. Their good deeds beget good result, while bad ones beget bad results, and they will have to experience both without exception. This is the law of Prakrti and no one can change this law.” (12)
When any person writes a book about Guru or His sublime ideology, then as His disciples it is our bounden duty to ensure that publication is consistent with the letter, word, and spirit of Guru's teachings. Before analysing Ac Tapeshvaranandji's book, we should begin with a fundamental review of Sadguru Baba's important guideline.
References
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Intuitional Practice and Its Necessity
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 1
3. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 1
4. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Intuitional Practice and Its Necessity
5. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Intuitional Practice and Its Necessity
6. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 1
7. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Intuitional Practice and Its Necessity
8. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 1
9. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 1
10. Subhasita Samgraha - 2, The Intuitional Science of the Vedas – 1
11. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 8, Sádhaná
12. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, What Is My Relation with the Universe and the Cosmic Entity?
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The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
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== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
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 ==
To make true art
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The creations or compositions of those who proclaim, “Art for art’s sake,” cannot be treated as sáhitya. Indeed, welfare which pertains to the mundane world is relative; its definition may also change according to changes in time, place and person. But the aspect of the term hita which leads human beings towards the absolute truth is one and the same for all ages and all countries.”
“In order to communicate with people at different stages of development who have different ideas, the same concept of welfare has to be expressed through different branches of knowledge. The grand, benevolent flow of ideas with the common people on one side and the state of supreme bliss on the other, is called literature; for in every particle, in every rhythmic expression of this benevolent thought process, the supreme bliss is lying dormant.” (1)
“Art for art’s sake” is not acceptable; rather we should say, “Art for service and blessedness”
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Thus literature is that which moves together with society and leads society towards true fulfilment and welfare by providing the inspiration to serve. The statement “Art for art’s sake” is not acceptable; rather we should say, “Art for service and blessedness.””
“In every expression, in every stratum of this universe, however crude or subtle, only one recurring theme occurs, and that theme is the attainment of bliss. In the artistic movement towards welfare both the attainment and the bestowal of happiness find simultaneous expression. When sáhityikas dedicate themselves to the service or sádhaná [sustained practice] of literature, they have to let their creative genius flow in this stream; they have to purify all that is turbid, all that is impure in their individual life in the holy waters of their universal outlook and then convey it sweetly and gracefully to the heart of humanity. In this lies the fulfilment of their service, the consummation of their sádhaná.” (2)
References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
2. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
Way to protect interests of have-nots
Prout philosophy states, “In capitalism or democracy the state is theoretically for the welfare of the majority, but in practice it is the rule of the minority of vaeshyas. Other groups of people are forced to become second grade citizens.”
“The Proutistic social order follows the principle sarva jana hitáya – that is, PROUT is for the welfare of all. Nobody is suppressed or oppressed. PROUT supports the rule of sadvipras. Only sadvipras can guarantee the all-round welfare of all groups of people because sadvipras represent the interests of all classes in society.”
“Until PROUT is established, however, special efforts should be made to protect the interests of backward classes. For example, tribal people are among the most deprived of the backward classes. In Tripura and many parts of India, and in other countries of the world as well, tribal people are poor and illiterate. Special steps should be taken immediately to enhance their socio-economic development. Such steps should include the removal of all educational inequalities; the widespread establishment of cottage industries; proper agricultural facilities, especially irrigation water; self-reliance in energy production, such as electricity; increased communication facilities, such as telephones; and better transportation infrastructure, such as railways.” (1)
Reference
1. Proutist Economics, Elevating Backward Classes
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Humans in name onlyAnanda Marga ideology says, "Those who have established themselves in their spiritual being through the practice of spiritual cult are the real human beings. Others, who do not move on the subtler and sublime path of spirituality, and behave like animals, are humans only in name. Human beings alone have the privilege to do sa'dhana'. Animals, because of their intellectual deficiencies, are unable to adhere to the spiritual cult...Human beings, on the other hand, have the capacity to develop even in the spiritual realm. Those who do not pay heed to this special gift are animals, nay, even worse than animals. Animals are unable to make efforts for their spiritual development, whereas humans do have this ability." (1)
Note: Generally people think everyone with a human body as being human, but according to Baba's above teaching all are not human. In the above guideline Baba differentiates how and why.
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 24, Mysticism and Spirituality
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Cautious before wishing
Baba says, “Suppose a man wants to be a king. In the next life he may be born into the household of a poor man whose surname is 'Raja' (king). He wanted to be a raja (king) and he became one! One must be very cautious before wishing for anything. In this regard there is a nice story. Once a certain person asked Shiva to grant him the boon of immortality. Shiva told him, 'It's impossible to become immortal. You should think more intelligently before asking anything.' So the man said, 'Alright, please grant me the boon that I will never die at night or during the day.' He died in the evening! In fact, the best thing is not to ask Parama Purus'a for anything." (1)
Note: First thing is that it is best not to ask mundane things from Parama Purusa because one does not know what is going to happen even after one second - whether one will survive or die. In that case, asking for something will be useless as we ourselves do not know our future needs. That is why one should say, "O' Parama Purusa, please act according to Your wish." Finally, if one has so much desire to ask something from Parama Purusa, then the only thing one should ask for is parabhakti - the highest devotion.
Reference:
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam-4, p.62
== Section 3: Links ==
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