Pitfall of free will + 8 more

Baba

Pitfall of free will

Namaskar,

Free will is the capacity to decide what to do and what not to do. Humans have this quality, not animals. People constantly decide what to do after weighing the pros and cons, the positives and negatives. Parama Purusa has given humans a lot of latitude and freedom, which animals do not have. 

Animals are guided purely by instinct. By seeing one particular dog then you can understand how other dogs of that breed behave. With humans, one cannot generalise in this manner. Everyone has their own unique way of making a decision, even under the same circumstances. This is due to free will. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The central idea is that God has given you the capacity to do wrong or right. And that is free will. And due to this freedom one is rewarded or punished. For example you have the capacity to beat or serve others. If you beat and abuse others you will be punished. And if you serve others you will be rewarded. The freedom to do whatever you wish is free will. Some people misuse and abuse it and some utilize it properly. For instance, after death there are many who get punished and have to return to animal life due to their bad decisions. They misused their free will. Whereas those who follow the path of righteousness become one with Parama Purusa, by His grace. This is the central idea of free will. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Human beings have a fully-reflected consciousness which makes them capable of independent action and also of distinguishing between good and bad." (1)

So this capacity of free will is that unique and unknown power. With free will, every person can gain tremendous control over their life and avert so many disasters, by His grace. In one discourse, Baba has declared that 99% of human beings misuse their free will and invite negative samskaras. But it does not have to be like that. One can avert all these problems. The proper utilization of one’s free will can also lead to the apex of spiritual attainment, by His grace. So it is a double-edged sword. Free will can lead one to the heights of bliss or the depths of hell. It all depends upon how it is used.


Humans get what they desire

In so many discourses, Baba guides us that human beings get whatever they desire.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Suppose a person is obsessed with the thought of doing this or that, to harm another person. They will receive the body of a pig or a dog. One who desires to do something good and noble will receive a good physical body accordingly." (2)

Whatever good or bad things a person desires in this life affects their next birth also. Here are more examples of this phenomenon.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Suppose someone has a desire to eat delicious food. Parama Purus'a will grant that wish, and the person may be reborn in the next life as a wolf or wild boar, to eat to his or her heart’s content. A woman who wishes to adorn herself with ornaments may be reborn as a colourfully-marked peacock. One day, however, a hunter may shoot the beautiful peacock with an arrow. As one desires, so one attains...So before wishing to attain something, one must be extra-cautious. 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 and he became one! One must be very cautious before wishing for anything." (3)

That is why this very special quality - i.e. free will - is a double-edged sword. If one desires Him, one will get Him. And if they desire something mundane, they will get that. Tragically, all too often human beings are not aware how powerful their desires are nor where those desires will lead them. In their shortsighted manner, people long for so many things - material wealth, name, fame, prestige, etc - which bind them more and more.

Negative pratisaincara only happens to humans

Animals are animals and follow their nature; they never get degraded and slowly move along the path of pratisaincara. In contrast, with free will, human beings may rocket ahead toward Him by His grace, or fall back into the depths of animal life or even be reborn as inanimate objects.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A human being in this life may well be reborn as an animal, plant or even a rock in the next life." (4)

It is due to free will that one may get caught up in negative pratisaincara. No other being falls in this way, only humans. Here below Baba graphically explains how one gets a body according to their desire.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Which animal is the greediest among the animals with which we are all very familiar? It does not like to give up greed in spite of ill treatment and humiliations. It is the cat. Yes, after moving a few steps ahead, the cat forgets that it was beaten. So that particular person is reborn as a cat after death, because that body affords an opportunity for the satiation of their greed. When the housewife looks around inattentively, the cat sneaks into the kitchen through the small opening in order to reach the milk." (5)

One may be reborn as a cat in order to fulfill their greed. All because when in human form they misused their free will and just indulged in greed. So the progress of living beings is very steady until one attains the human framework. Then, depending upon one's use of their free will and the nature of their desires, a person may degenerate (negative pratisaincara) and revert back to animal life or worse. Or one may ideate on the Supreme and attain Him.

Conclusion

Human beings have so many desires so if one is not aware about how to exercise their free will, they will suffer all the pains and agonies of degradation into a lower birth. Suppose one rushes after wealth, revenge, or greed etc, one will get a body accordingly. By Baba's grace, there is an easy answer. Those in human form have been blessed with an aspiration for the divine. With one's free will they should goad the mind in that direction and ask for parama'rtha.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Parama'rtha is that factor which brings about the permanent cessation of the triple afflictions. Here permanent cessation means cessation of those afflictions which, once removed, will never return again in the future. That artha which brings permanent relief from the pangs of hunger, which is the instrument of permanent cessation, is called “parama'rtha”." (6)

By desiring salvation, even a notorious sinner like the robber Valmiki can become a great saint. So when ordinary human beings seek paramartha naturally they will be blessed and escape this cycle of birth, death, and rebirth as a lower being, which leads to so much suffering and unrest. By His grace, one will walk this earth filled with His bliss and ultimately attain salvation, moksa. That is the proper use of free will and that is the proper use of our unique and often misused power.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Brahma Prakash

~ In-depth study ~

Suppose one does not have any concept of parama'rtha. And suppose one does not know how to use their free will correctly. Even then an ordinary person can achieve the highest stance. The way is to simply surrender to the will of Parama Purusa. One should merely request, "Let Your desire be fulfilled." That is the essence of Guru's below blessing.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Created beings, will have to move according to the Cosmic will; there is no other way. Learning, intellect and personal status become meaningless [and will goad one into bondage] unless they are directed towards Parama Purus'a. After realizing the Supreme truth intelligent people start moving according to Parama Purus'a’s desire, saying, “Oh Parama Purus'a. I have nothing to ask of You. Let Thy will be fulfilled. I want nothing else.”" (7)


Our unknown power

Every human being is born with a very special, innate capacity, but most of the time that special capacity goes unnoticed and misused. However, this quality allows one tremendous control over their future. Yet, because one is not aware about their unique and unknown power and unable to use it properly, things go awry. Consider the greatness human beings could achieve, and how many pains and troubles could be averted, if one becomes aware of and properly utilizes this innate gift.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In this modern era, researchers and scientists classify humans within the animal category. But, according to Ananda Marga philosophy, there is a significant difference between humans and animals. And this letter explores that unique difference. From the purview of Ananda Marga, human beings are wholly separate from animals and what distinguishes humans from animals is: free will. Parama Purusa has given humans free will - the power to think, choose, and decide.

References
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Intuitional Practice and Its Necessity
2. Ananda Vacnamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity – the Non-Doer
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, “Ye Yathá Máḿ Prapadyante”
4. A Few Problems Solves - 8, The Origin of Existential Stamina
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Supreme Entity – the Non-Doer
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, Artha and Paramártha
7. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 10, Bhágavata Dharma

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Rowing my boat

"Ámi tomákei jáni shudhu tomákei jáni..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0907)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, only You I know, no one else. By Your grace I only depend on You. You are my shelter. Since the creation of my mind, from the very beginning I have been with You. Now I am with You, and I know I will remain with You forever. By Your krpa, I understand, believe, and realise this eternal truth in the deep core of my heart. 

Unfortunately, I started running after the degrading attractions by the pull of maya. In this mad dash for mundane pleasures, I got swept off my feet by the flooded river of tamasika attractions - going towards who knows where. In spite of that, by Your compassion, in an isolated corner of my inner self, always I am singing Your songs and chanting Your name. The subterranean flow of my mental river always cascades with the water of bhakti. It is Your causeless and infinite kindness. 

Since the early dawn, I have remained absorbed in a stream of a dream about Your kindness. But now I am rowing my boat with a firm hand on the path of dharma, by remembering Your vanii. Your ideological teachings are my fuel for moving along the path of life divine and reaching the Supreme Entity. Friends, family, money, wealth, prestige, power, and post are all ephemeral. Such things are shelterless, and depending on them is ignorance. They cannot provide me a base. 

Baba, You fulfill all my longings as well as all of my physical, psychic, and spiritual needs. Besides You there is no one whom I can rely upon. In this universe only You are mine...

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Who can lead society

   Ananda Marga teachings guide us, “When for age after age society spins in the murky eddies of evil and vice, when individual and collective knavery masquerades as intelligence, when hypocrisy, bribery and fraud are the yardsticks for measuring the ability to lead – it is then that the genuine followers of Bháratii [the goddess of learning] must struggle on in spite of constant humiliation. Only taunts and insults will be their fate. Those who are afraid of these insults are incapable of offering anything really lasting to humanity. How can people who lack moral strength, under whose feet the soil is not hard and strong, invite anyone into a cool, refreshing shelter and impart happiness to them? It may be possible to drag oneself through life by sucking the blood of others like social parasites, but this will not bring fulfilment to either sáhityikas or their readers.”
   “The artist or sáhityika who assumes the responsibility of leading humanity along the path to light from the caverns of darkness will have to heed the road signs on that path. It is not possible to guide others with mere cheap, superficial knowledge, like a half-baked pandit who reads a half-a-dozen books and then spouts a few mouthfuls of grandiloquence, and who has obtained a doctorate by plagiarizing others’ works. Rather it is necessary for the sáhityika or artist to have a keen and vigorous insight, without which all their endeavours will prove fruitless. Merely juggling words or depicting defects in society will not satisfy the hunger of the human mind – and such creations of art are indeed valueless for social progress as well. One must know the path, and one must also know how to move on it. If those who have not comprehended what the form of society will be, allow the trends of the past that have shaped the present to proceed unchecked, they can never lead society to the path of perfection. They will in fact thrust society into darkness in the name of social reform; they will encourage license in the name of freedom. Instead of modelling a woman after the ideal of a goddess, they will mould the image of the goddess after the ideal of a harlot.” (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Real utility of knowledge

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "So why do people bother to cultivate knowledge or action? They do so to make their devotion more intense, not for any other reason. People do not eat pickles to fill the stomach, but only to whet their appetite so that they can enjoy their food more. Similarly, devotees cultivate knowledge and action not for their physical growth, but to acquire more strength to move along the path of devotion with greater acceleration." (1)

Note: Some people have gone astray from this above teaching. They acquire knowledge and do action for reasons of self-satisfaction and self-aggrandizement - so that they can brag to others. They want to misguide people, put simple folks in trouble, and create more dogmas. Yet all this inflates the ego and causes one's degeneration. It is rare that people cultivate knowledge and perform actions solely to serve humanity and increase their level of bhakti.

Reference
1. Namami Krsnasundaram, Vraja Krśńa and Dvaetaváda (Discourse 17)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Human victory

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The spirit to fight against all odds alone can solve the problems confronting human beings. March ahead and wage war against all difficulties, every impediment. Victory is sure to embrace you. Difficulties and encumbrances cannot be more powerful than your capacity to solve them. You are the children of the great Cosmic Entity. Be a sadvipra and make others sadvipras also." (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 6, The Future of Civilization

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Secret of service

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Every human being gets more or less opportunity for rendering services. If a poor man thinks that he cannot render Vaeshyocita type of service because he is devoid of money he is wrong. The charity of a few paise of the poor has the same value as a thousand rupees from a millionaire. Indeed the charity of these few paise is greater. Lord Krśńa attached greater importance to a handfuls of grains from Vidura than to the sumptuous royal dishes of Duryodhana. Even so, everyone should render service to the world in accordance with their capacity and work for the welfare of the living beings to the best of their ability. Perform viprocita type of service by projecting your convictions to others as best as you can. Let every person perform the four kinds of service as much as possible. Adhyátma yajiṋa is an internal yajiṋa and ultimately it terminates in Paramátman, the original self.”(1)

Note: The value of any service is based on how much a person sacrificed for others’ welfare - not the amount they give etc. 

Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha -1, Yajiṋa and Karmaphala

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Kids & seniors bring life to a festival

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Every human being likes utsava [festival]. It is the desire of all that they will rejoice unitedly. In Europe Puritanism failed in the end, only because the Puritans failed to care for the desires of the general public. They preached their theory only to a handful of devotees of knowledge.”
   “Ananda Marga is for the general public. So, considering the necessity of the general mass, proper importance has to be given to the utsava in social life. Excitement in a utsava is the greatest in the children, in the tender aged boys, in the youths and last of all in grown ups. In the programmes of a utsava, therefore, you shall think for the children first. Their sweet stammering noises ensure the success of the utsava. But whatever arrangements you may make for the children, the youngsters, youths, or for the grown-ups, make that there is no dearth of discipline even to the minutest extent anywhere. Let there be complete harmony. ” (1)

Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Dvitiiya Parva), Point #4 - Utsava

== Section : Important Teaching ==

Lack of refined intellect people become atheists

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Self-awareness develops through clash. The awareness that develops through physical clash is termed jadábuddhi [crude physical intellect] because it is associated with jadá [matter]. The consciousness of animals and undeveloped human beings is matter-oriented. But even in developed human society, if someone is an atheist or a materialist, we can only term their intellect as jadábuddhi. Such people deny the existence of spirituality in order to hide their intellectual deficiencies. Their denial betrays their moral and intellectual bankruptcy. It does not speak of their glory, nor does it diminish the value of spirituality."

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Devotion plays a positive role in the process of clash. Had there been no factor to maintain the balance among all the objects created within the Macrocosmic Mind, the entire structure of the universe would have fallen apart. For the sake of harmony and balance within the universe, there is a mutual attraction among all the objects; each microcosm attracts the other microcosms. All finite microcosms – the innumerable manifestations of the Supreme Entity – are entitled to that universal love with which It has bound each microcosm to Itself, entitled to the wave of that universal love, in which Its divine ocean of bliss is perennially flowing. Attraction is the innate characteristic of microcosms. When this attraction is for finite objects, it is called káma [“physical longing”], and when it surges towards the Cosmic Entity, it is called prema [“divine love”]. Of course, káma is nothing but a limited form of prema. When microcosms rush towards Parama Puruśa [Supreme Consciousness] attracted by the irresistible force of divine love, it is termed “devotion”. Since clash drives the microcosms towards subtlety, it follows that clash must be the sustainer of devotion." (1)

Reference

1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Cosmic Attraction and Spiritual Cult

== FURTHER READING ==

 You must not sit idle like a frog in a well under the spell of inertia - Ananda Vanii #5

"The accumulated distortions of many lifetimes cannot be removed in the twinkling of an eye. The removal of these distortions requires prolonged cultivation of knowledge, selfless devotion and untiring action. The world expects tremendous work from you; so you must not sit idle like a frog in a well under the spell of inertia. Therefore awake, arise."

Note: The above is one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis. These original and true Ananda Vaniis are unique, eternal guidelines that stand as complete discourses in and of themselves. They are unlike Fake Ananda Vaniis which are fabricated by most of the groups - H, B etc.

== Section ==

আমাদের এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে

“উৎ + নতি = উন্নতি | উৎ মানে—উপরের দিকে | ऊपर की ओर | Upward | যেখানে উৎ, নম্‌, ক্তিন্‌ | যেখানে মানুষ নমস্কার করছে, উপরে দিকের কোনও সত্তাকে---সেইটা হল তার উৎ নতি, উন্নতি | আর যেখানে মানুষ নমস্কার করছে, শ্রদ্ধা জানাচ্ছে, “অব” মানে “নিচের দিকের, কোনও কিছুকেই, জড়কে, ভেদ-ৰুদ্ধিকে, মানুষের-মানুষের বৈসম্য তথা বৈমনস্যকে”, সখানে সে নিচের দিককে নমঃ করছে | সে নিচে নেমে যাচ্ছে |...

তো, সেই ব্যাপার, উন্নতি-টুন্নতি হয়নি, ৰাপু; মুখে যাই ৰলা হক | তা, এখন যে যুগ চলে গেছে, যে দিন অতীতের অন্ধকারে হারিয়ে গেছে, সে গেছে ভালই হয়েছে | এখন নূতন উষার দিকে তাকিয়ে, আমাদের এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে” (1)

Reference
1. অপ্রকাশিত,আনন্দ নগর ১৯৮৪

== Section ==

When to skip following dharma

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Those who protect dharma, dharma protects them. One should always protect dharma, in both big and small ways. If one thinks that they will only follow dharma in some big events, and not in small ones, then those big events may not ever come in their entire life. It may be that in their whole life, besides their birth and death, not a single big event happens. Yet at the time of birth how can one protect dharma. At that time one is just a small infant and cannot do anything. That infant is totally unaware about the events going on around them. Then how can they protect dharma. And at the time of death, a person is senseless. In that case also how can they protect dharma. For this reason, dharma should be protected always. In small and big ways-- even in jokes and humor dharma should be protected. Those who protect dharma, dharma protects them: Dharma raksati raksitah." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 32 (H), p.86-7

== Section ==

Find out how many cultures in the world?

"Culture is a vague term. It is the collective name for different expressions of life. People eat, enjoy hospitality, laugh on some occasions and shed tears on others, and thereby express life through various actions. The collective name of all these actions is culture."

"According to PROUT all of society has the same culture. There are local variations in the mode or state of cultural expression, but the expression is universal. While everybody eats, some eat by hand, others by stick and still others by spoon. Indian dance is based on Mudrá or dance postures, and European dance is based on rhythm, but they do not represent two different cultures."

"Local variations will diminish if there is a close blending between different groups of people, because this will create common customs. In Nepal there is a blending of Hindu and Buddhist customs. In Bengal there is a blending of Aryan and Dravidian customs. These local variations are called customs. Thus local modes of expression bearing local or group specialities are customs, but the expression itself is culture. Therefore it is a mistake to readjust boundaries on the basis of language and culture. Indian culture and the culture of the world are one and the same." (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout

== Section: News 2018 ==

2018 News - Rudrananda group is in death mode: example

Namaskar,

The number of Ranchi WTs are reducing day by day. For last one year, almost 20 WTs left Ranchi / Rudra group.


Vacant AMPS properties

Please find below list of some AMPS properties where no WTs were posted.

(A) Dharwad (Karnataka) - It remains vacant. Recently Ac Praginananda Avt (TF) has occupied and staying there for last few months

(B) Ratnagiri (Maharashtra) - Still vacant.

(C) Akola (Maharashtra) - Ac Bodhajiananada (TF) has occupied

(D) Nashik & Thane Ashram (Maharashtra) are being controlled by only one dada - Manavmitrananda (Rudra group). Dada visits both ashrams regularly.

(E) Kolhapur (Maharashtra) - This ashram remains sometimes vacant and sometimes occupied. This ashram is under control of Rudra group margiis.

(F) Chandigarh - Two Ananda Marga lands are there. One is vacant but it is under control of Rudra group. They have locked it and one Rudra group WT dada visits to display that it is their property. Second land was purchased by TF and they are running school there. 95% margis of Chandigarh support TF and attend dharmacakra at TF ashram.

Exodus of Ranchi group Wts

Really there are more Ananda Marga properties where no WTs have been posted. B group and TF WTs are trying to occupy those deserted properties. Because the number of Rudra WTs are reducing day by day. Over the last one year, almost 20 WTs left Rudra group.


Conclusion

The only way to remedy this situation is to grab hold of dharma by sticking to the tenets of Ananda Marga ideology.

In Him,
Gopalkrsna Kushwaha

About: For the last 20 years, this News Bulletin network has been only for committed margiis and Wts who want to explore the organisational problems to find out the solution. If by mistake someone else has been added to this forum, kindly let us know.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Dharma rakśati rakśitah – “One who protects dharma is protected by dharma.” Dharma saves the dhármika [the upholder of dharma] in the material sphere, in the subtle sphere and in the causal sphere. When dharma saves people in the material sphere, they experience it before their very eyes, they hear it with their ears, they feel it with the tenderness of touch. When dharma helps them in the causal sphere, they experience it by loving Parama Puruśa with all the sweetness of their hearts. This feeling has no external expression. When dharma saves people in the subtle sphere, they experience it through deep reflection.” (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 11, Shivokti 11

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Style of each Mahasambhuti

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/pessimists-dont-like-to-understand-this.html

Yogic science of breathing

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/11/very-useful-but-rarely-practised-point.html

How to prevent a bad marriage

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/06/way-to-bring-tragedy-2-more.html

Story: how sadhana cured

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2015/09/story-sick-became-healthy-due-to.html

Experiencing His divine vibration

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-memories-with-baba.html
  

So-called ghosts & AMPS books

Baba

So-called ghosts & AMPS books

Namaskar,

The belief in ghosts is a pervasive phenomenon. There are a number of reasons why it is important to solve this matter as soon as possible.

Most people in the society do not study philosophy - that includes those within and without AMPS. Instead people get most of their information from personal experiences, stories, and human interactions. Hence, even though Baba has stated very clearly in His teachings that ghosts do not exist, that domain of knowledge is not accessible to most people. Instead, they form their ideas based on stories etc. So it is very important that the full breadth of Baba's books are written properly and put forth the right teaching - i.e. that ghosts do not exist. Otherwise readers will be led astray.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Imaginary ghosts are a common problem

So many around the globe already believe in so-called ghosts - in some form or another. Indeed most are absolutely terrified of them. In some corner of their mind or more, people are afraid. That is why they are scared to walk in the dark or fearful of entering into an empty house. They may or may not wish to admit this publicly, but many, many people suffer from a fear of ghosts.

From the most simple, rural communities to the most technologically advanced places on earth - and all points in between - there is a long history of false and imaginary things like haunted houses, witches, goblins, and all kinds of apparitions that people label as being ghosts. Even in the materially advanced land of the US, there is a day dedicated to acknowledge so-called ghosts known as Halloween. On this day, children's subconscious fear of ghosts is born and this phobia will remain with them their entire life. This leads to so many problems.

Discourses need proper printing

The rational teachings of Ananda Marga have been given to dispel these fears and myths - not legitimize them. So this is a very key point for why our AM discourses should be clear on this matter and the requisite corrections must be made. The wrongful printing of Baba's discourses should not serve to reinforce harmful dogmas - like the existence of ghosts - that plague humanity.

The main thing is that due to errors in publication, we should not spread wrong teachings; other sadhakas and members of the public should not get exposed to those mistaken ideas. That will only lead to confusion and more problems. That is why it is absolutely necessary to update the books as quickly as possible. In no place should the existence of ghosts be affirmed.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Weak-minded people see imaginary ghost

Those who do kiirtan and sadhana regularly have a healthy mind. In that case, their conscious mind, subconscious mind, and unconscious mind function well. Such persons never see so-called ghosts because their mind is not defective. As Baba states, a so-called ghost only "exists" for weak-minded people, i.e. those whose thought processes are not proper. Their mind is filled with all kinds of complexes and dogmas etc. In that case, most certainly, they will suffer from psychic diseases like the existence of ghosts. The one way to save oneself is to do sadhana and kiirtan etc.

Unfortunately, in the west health-care professionals do not know how to treat those suffering from psychic diseases, so they administer only drugs. But that only creates another type of problem. In that case, patients may imagine that some inner dark soul is commanding them. Such psychiatric institutions are filled with people suffering from this very problem - and this is prevalent everywhere. And the root cause is a faulty thinking and the mistreatment thereof. Again the main solution is to clean the subconscious mind by feeding it dharmic ideas - not dogmas. Then the person will develop right thinking and a healthy outlook. For this, sadhana and 16 Points is needed, along with crude medecine.

All in all, through the vast gamut of His philosophy, Baba employs this main teaching for ridding people of their irrational fear of ghosts. In His discourses, He refutes the existence of ghosts by explaining that ghosts are merely a play of one's own mind or a figment of the imagination. In this context, Baba references topics like the philosophy of mind and bio-psychology etc. We should all have a clear understanding about this.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Tainted books

Sadguru Baba's teachings are clear, concise, and conclusive. There is no ambiguity - not on any point. That is why it is strange and misleading the way certain publishers have printed Baba's books - specifically with regards to the use of the term ghost. Every Ananda Margii knows that Baba has clearly refuted the existence of so-called ghosts. Yet in so many discourses AMPS publishers have printed Baba's books in such a way that it looks like Baba gives credence to the existence of  so-called ghosts.

For example:
(a) Ananda Marga books state, "I have attempted to explain things in some of my ghost stories. Try to find time to read them." (1)
(b) Ananda Marga books state, "Some people say that if mustard seeds are sprinkled over any person possessed by a ghost, the ghost takes to its heels." (2)
(c) Ananda Marga books state, "When someone constantly thinks of a ghost, he actually becomes a ghost one day." (3)

By reading the above the publishers make it look like Baba truly believes in the existence of so-called ghosts. Many new and future sadhakas will think in this way upon reading these above chapters. And verily there are several chapters that were printed in the same way: Where it looks like Baba advocates the existence of so-called ghosts. Yet we know Baba is wholly against illogical dogmas like the existence of ghosts; He clearly states that so-called ghosts do not exist - they are a figment of one's imagination.
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Conclusion

If we ignore this problem then the purity of our Ananda Marga teachings will be lost. Baba has given something dharmic yet because of the improper rendering of His books, something else is going on - like validating and believing in the existence of ghosts. We should be vigilant.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Manmohan
(Mark Rossberg)

~ In-depth study ~

Baba rejects the existence of so-called ghosts

In the preface to His book, "Strange Experiences", Baba clearly tells that He does not believe in ghosts and refutes their existence entirely.

Sadguru Baba says, "Let me state at the very outset that I am not a believer in ghosts and spirits, demons and devils, or heaven and hell, because I have found no logic behind their existence. I know that whether ghosts and spirits or demons and devils, everything which bears the imprint of the supernatural is only the play of the mind. The appearance and disappearance of such things takes place in the various kos’as [layers] of the mind due to variations or possible variations in physical or mental circumstances." (4)

In His above teaching, Baba further explains that the entire "ghost" phenomenon occurs within one's own psyche. As Baba says, it is just a "play of [one's own] mind". Then in the Q & A discourse, "Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Section B", Baba directly asks and answers this question about ghosts.

"Q. 56 Do ghosts really exist?"
"Ans.: – Those strange figures which we call ghosts are mainly figments of the imagination. When the mind is in a weak or vulnerable state, what was previously created in the imagination now appears to be real." (5)

So in the above query, Baba tells that not only are ghosts imagined by one's own mind but that such so-called apparitions tend to occur with unit minds that are "weak" and "vulnerable". Those people who see "ghosts" are not lying per se. They are correctly stating what they see in their mind, but what is in their mind is not reality. So there really is no such thing as a "ghost." And finally, Baba issues this most conclusive statement.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Ghosts do not exist." (6)

Therefore, under no circumstances should anyone be led to believe or think that Baba or His philosophy supports the existence of ghosts. Yet, that is how certain publishers printed Baba's divine discourses.
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More refutations of so-called ghosts

In order to make the point perfectly clear and to ensure all sadhakas have access to Baba's exact words, here are more of Baba's refutations about the existence of so-called ghosts.

[A] In this first teaching Baba is contrasting the projection of Cosmic Mind with that of unit mind wherein He furthermore states that ghosts are merely a creation of the unit mind (i.e. one's imagination) and are not part of this practical world.

Baba says, "You know, philosophically, whatever we see in this universe is, we may say, a positive hallucination created by the Supreme Consciousness (Parama Purus'a). Whatever He thinks is seen by the nerve cells of the individual mind. The difference between this practical world and ghosts is that in the case of ghosts the suggestion comes from the individual mind; one’s own thought is projected outside." (7)

Let's examine it this way: If people start thinking again and again in their own mind that there is a ghost which has a big tooth and eats people, then because of that reinforcement in their subconscious mind, that dogmatic idea overpowers their conscious mind. It is just like when we dream - then during sleep that dream appears to be real because the conscious mind is not active. Similarly, in an awakened state, when the subconscious mind controls the conscious mind, then the thought of a ghost becomes real. That is the idea Baba is conveying in His above teaching.

[B] In this next guideline, Baba scientifically explains how due to glandular defects one will suffer from various psychic hallucinations like ghosts. Although people see ghosts due to their own defective psychic imagination, in some rare cases that imagination is caused by their physical deficiency. In the following paragraph Baba explains how this happens.
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Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If there is under-secretion of the hormones from the prostate gland, a person will develop a fearful nature and suffer from psychic hallucinations. One may even see a ghost in broad daylight. Under-secretion, or low secretion, from the prostate gland creates this psychology." (8)

[C] Finally, Baba states that the existence of ghosts is utterly "baseless".

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "When people say that there is a ghost in such-and-such tree, it is totally baseless." (9)


Baba's lucid explanation on seeing so-called ghosts

How is it then that people claim to see so-called ghosts? The following is Baba's beautiful explanation for how people get obsessed by their own personal, defective thoughts. Tragically, they end up seeing the things which do not exist, such as ghosts - all because of their faulty thinking.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Suppose in daytime you are in a lonely place. It may or may not be a lonely place. Suppose in daytime you are alone in a big house, and some people told you that there is a ghost – ghost…ghost.” You heard it. The acoustic wave touched your mind, touched the subconscious portion of your mind, and after that you are told, “You know, Mr. X, there is a ghost in this house.” And you are Mr. X. “There is a ghost in this house.” All the nerve fibres fail to function. What will happen then? Just touch the conscious level of your mind, and as an extro-objective creation, as an external reflection of your very ectoplasmic stuff, you will see a ghost. And what sort of ghost will you see? The description of a ghost that you read in your books or you heard from your granny, “A ghost is like this.” In broad daylight you will see the ghost." (10)

References
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 6, Vashiikára – 2
2. A Few Problems Solved - 2, Dialectical Materialism and Democracy
3. Ananda Vacanamratm - 12, Dances and the Path of Vidyá
4. Strange Experiences, 'Preface'
5. Tattva Kaomudii - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt B
6. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 5, Matter and Spirit
7. Yoga Psychology, Are Ghosts Hallucinations?
8. Yoga Psychology, Bio-Psychology
9. Discourses on Tantra - 2, The Real Culprit
10. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Select Your Object Very Carefully

== Section: Prabhat Samgiita ==

बाबा! तुमने मेरे मन का सब अंधकार हटा दिया

प्रभात संगीत 3359:- एइ शुभ  अरुणोदये एले,आलो झराले...

भावार्थ

हे  परमपुरुष बाबा! इस सुंदर शुभ अरुणोदय के समय तुम मेरे निकट आये। तुमने मेरे ऊपर कृपा वृष्टि की। तुमने मेरे मन का सब अंधकार हटा दिया जो कि अमावस्या   की कालिमा के पहाड़ जैसा लगता था। मेरे मन में अब केवल तुम्हारी मधुर मुस्कान है।

बाबा! तुम्हारी कृपा से मैं अपने साॅंसारिक कष्टों को भूल गया हॅूं। भक्ति का आशीष देकर तुमने मेरा मन चुरा लिया है। मेरी आध्यात्मिकता बीज रूपमें थी जिसे तुमने कृपा कर बृक्ष बना दिया है।

बाबा! इस भव्य नव अरुणोदय के समय जब मैं उदास और दुखी था तब तुमने मेरे निकट आकर अपनी कृपा से नहला दिया... 

== Section 3: Links ==

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