The Purpose of Mans life

The Purpose of Mans life

by S.P.Chakraborty

What dose a man long for? Since the beginning of creation he has wanted to live and grow; to keep his existence intact and expending. Everything he doses is to satisfy these two prime desires; it is for them that he struggles. The proper role of his passions is to be servants to help him accomplish his purpose. But if a man is subservient to his passions he gradually becomes self-centered, which means he can not grow and can not do any good to his environment. By giving him intellect and conscience as well as passions, the Supreme Father has made man the best of His creations. But these faculties can help him be free from the rule of passions only through the acceptance and the following of an Ideal Man. In this way only can a man enter into the greater existence in which his desires for life and growth are truly fulfilled? In this way only does he become worthy of his humanity?

In the past many sects have been formed, and between them conflicts in the name of Dharma have arisen. This has happened because sectarians have confined themselves within a narrow compass and forgotten the real meaning of Dharma, which does not admit of any such conflict. Dharma is the providential flow to uphold life and growth, the upholding urge of our existence, (The Message, Vol. II, pp. 5, 7) Sri Sri Thakur has said. The mistake, which has led sectarians to violence, has been in assuming that the sect itself is Dharma. As Sri Sri Thakur said,

By Dharma everyone can live and grow;

The sect is not the same as Dharma though.

(Translated from Bengali)

and, The degeneration of humanity began at that moment when the unseen God was made infinite and ignoring the Seers, the worship of their Sayings began.

Oh Mankind! If you desire to invoke your good, forget sectarian conflict. Be regardful to all the past Prophets. Be attached to your living master or God and take only those who love Him as your own. Because all the past Prophets are consummated in the divine Man of the Present. (Satyanusaran)

The centre in which all can meet should be above all sectarian feeling; it should be in a great man in whom we can all see the great men of the past. In Sri Sri Thakur, Mohammedan has found Mohammed, and Christians have felt the loving touch of their Lord Jesus. By following him each men of India could be united with in a single bond. He says, As much as everyone does for each other, so much unity sprouts up. Every sect should do for every other sect. Arrangements should be made so that no one can keep himself aloof from others. I believe in the Vedas, the Koran and also the Holy Bible. I want that the Hindus should study not only their own scriptures but also other scriptures followed by different sects. As much as one knows the fundamental sayings of others in this way, so much will the difference between them go on diminishing. The feeling of love will grow. Ignorance is the cause of difference. There is a type of people that want to keep the dispute alive and aggravate it. These satanic activities of theirs should be stopped by enactment of laws. (A.P. Vol.8.)What is the purpose of mans life? In answer to this question he has said clearly,

Our goal is the attainment of God,

a personality realized

with upholding and nurturing urge,

the way to it is

active attachment

to the Spiritual Guide (Acharya),

from this comes

self-adjustment, family adjustment,

adjustment of the society

and adjustment of the state,

and through this adjustment of state

forming a link of connection

with the whole world

to advance towards becoming with all

and so to make everything

meaningful in God;

and this alone

is attainments supreme awakening. (Adarsha Binayak)The utter indiscipline and chaotic conditions that prevail today result from the lack of self-adjustment. The first step toward the welfare of society and state is the acceptance of an Ideal in individual life. Without active attachment to an Ideal, a man can never adjust himself, his family, society or state. At this time of crisis, when whole nations are suffering in conflict and bewilderment, Sri Sri Thakur shows us the way to eternal peace and well being.(((((((((((Being is instinct with existence,

consciousness and blissful becoming-

spontaneously resisting evil,

which is unfavorable to existence,

consciousness and blissful becoming is Dharma.

Dharma is embodied in a living Ideal.

Initiation by the living Ideal begets adherence.

Adherence brings adjustment of complexes.

Adjustment of complexes invite

Uphold of existence.

uphold of existence brings compassionate sympathy.

Compassionate sympathy gives birth

to integration.

Integration welcomes power.

Power invokes harmonious total growth

And uphold of existence gives rise to deep

Concentration

From deep concentration comes Samadhi-i.e., perfect absorption in the Supreme Spirit-

and Samadhi comes

eternal emancipation of the soul-

the total extinction of passionate desire-

the great awakening of Supreme consciousness.

(((((((((( On Education

The lack of real education has brought about the chaotic condition of the nation, which we see today. To the truly aware the education and culture that have prevailed in this century are most disappointing. Nowhere does one find education that uplifts the divinity in man, endowing him with a greater feeling of life and the kind of efficiency that would be good for him. So Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra wanted to make a radical change in the system of education. Well-adjusted habits and dealings appropriately related with the individuals specific characteristics and illuminated with love for the Ideal are the basic goals of education. According to Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra,

Systematic organization of habits and instincts for the purpose of fulfilling the becoming of life by a graduated active manipulation of behavior may be called education.

To become mere expert in reading and writing is not to be called education; without habits, behavior and commonsense, there is no education at all.

A person cannot achieve these goals if he is not inspired with his entire mind to fulfill his Spiritual Guide. So in his divine message he says,

Ideal or Spiritual Guide

is the living embodiment of education,

and he alone can feel this

who has adherence-delighting go

in accordance with Him.

If education does not lead to the expansion of the mind that comes by carrying out the commands of the Spiritual Guide, of what value is it?

Education is far away from him

who has no following go

to carry out the commands,

and who has no

cordial serviceable attitude.

Through proper education a man becomes enlightened with intelligence; and by adjusting his behavior and habits to make them accord with the Ideal, he develops himself. Otherwise what is called education is mere literation. Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra says, Literation makes the complexes facilitated whereas education enlightens the being, hence its index, habits and behavior, glows on in a sonorous rhyme.

Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra wanted the existing system of education to be changed radically. Education should at least give one the capacity of earning a square meal daily, so that one doesnt have to depend on others mercy. He says:

Your intelligence does not bloom at all

however much you learn;

you become just an ox bearing recollections,

a morsel of rice you cannot earn.

For this period of great crisis Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra has given plans for a kind of education that will help everyone towards infinite development. When these are materialized the sweet fragrance of education will delight the whole world. All the aspects of education, having consistent significance for success, will be unified. The centre of this real education will be a university. According to Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra, Where varieties arrive with meaning at unity--- it is University. and,

Let your university attain meaningful prosperity

standing on the basis of national existential tradition;

let its proper effulgence of character make everyone active

with right intelligence being all-fulfilling

and nurture of specific characteristics;

and let sprout up on that basis all the learning of the universe

in well-adjusted significance of meaningful integration,

enriched with a unified solution; to the existential feet of Him

who is my only one I ardently pray, May He fulfill my prayer. (

((((((((((More literate Learning is not education; a trained habit which includes intelligence with every consistency and makes the system habituated accordingly is Education. Sri Sri Thakur

(Source : Benign Lord, Published by Satsang Publishing House)On Marriage Reformation

Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra put particular stress on marriage reformation and said emphatically, We have to bring into society a progressive mood, marriage reform and industry.

The improvement of society depends on the quality of the individuals who compose it, and Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra has clearly shown the rules and principles which if followed will bring better progeny of a generous, regardful, concentric and honest nature. The ancient seers of India set a science of marriage forth; whenever it has been ignored the progeny produced has been generally unfaithful, mean, disregardful and destructive of culture. As Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra says:

Good progeny and upliftment

Are marriages basic stay;

Dont make the mistake of marrying

In a haphazard way.

(Anushruti, Vol-I)Through the proper regulation of marriage, the germ cells passed from generation to generation can be improved; but deviation from proper marriage will diminish the wealth of qualities inherent in those cells.

The greatest fulfiller is the centre of mans evolving. With deep attachment to him a man becomes efficient and builds up a divine integrity. But the capacity for these qualities must be transferred to the progeny if they are to be preserved in this world. The wealth of qualities accumulated in our forefathers germ cells can be stored only in our offspring.

The germ cells will continually be improved under a system of marriage based on the principle of Varnasram (the grouping of people of similar instincts). Marriage of members of the same Varna (a guild composed of people of similar instinct,The message, Vol. IX) and hypergamous marriage is most beneficial. Hypogamous marriage is harmful, and so is marriage between people of common blood. Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra warns:

Never allow even by mistake

Marriage within the same clan of the same varna;

it will make your lineage decrepit

with incoherent qualities.

He defined hypergamy in this way:

Marriage of girl of lower birth

To a boy belonging to superior Varna

Is called hypergamy

And society propers thereby.He also said:

A mans marriage into a family whose culture is less

makes the society ascend in the way of progress.Deviation from this means hypogamous marriage, which creates a situation dangerous to the production of a good progeny. In hypogamous marriage, where the wifes heritage is superior to her husbands, the wealth of the germ cells deteriorates. So Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra says:

By marrying into a higher family, a man

aggravates chaos and ruins his own clan.

If hypogamous procreation continues, national life will eventually reach a point of serious crisis. So he repeatedly warns:

If one marries a girl of superior culture

or offers a girl to an inferior boy,

his heritage decays, wealth leaves,

the state is injured.It is only through marriage in consonance with varnasramic principles that devout-spirited men will be born, and only then will a real welfare state evolve.

Shakta*, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian,

Vaisnav or whatever you be,

Dons give up your distinctiveness

And in marriage adore hypogamy.

Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra gave thousands of messages on marriage and eugenics. Only a small portion of his ideas on this subject has been presented here. ( Shakta: One who worships the goddess Mother Kali.

(Source : Benign Lord, Published by Satsang Publishing House)Thoughts on Exalting Oneself with Pious Worship: Yajan

The importance of making Name and meditating upon that Name and Sri Sri Thakur Who embodies that Name cannot be emphasized adequately. Repetition of Name and meditation were responsible for our family surviving the ordeals of fourteen and a half year of our sons chronic illness. At eleven and a half he began allergic symptoms of asthma, digestive troubles, inability to eat many common foods, concentrate properly, keep his room in order (after being extremely neat and well-organized), emotional ups and downs with various degrees of severity as well as a constant headache, retained to this day. This wreaked havoc to all concerned our finances. Later on he experienced further unpredictable symptom of fibromyalgia with constant neck and upper back pain. Thirty-five doctors later we still had few answers. If it hadnt been for the continual repetition of the Name and regular meditation, mornings and evenings (and sometimes in between due to our totally desperate state of mind) we would never have weathered these perpetual trials and painful challenges. The name gave us the inner stability we needed when all on the outside seemed to go haywire. It gave us calm and a sense of peace and focus while our son was hospitalized due to a week of sleep deprivation, unable to function, to walk, talk or even recognize some of his friends etc. Instead of giving in to feeling sorry for ourselves we were able to take charge of the situation and objectively analyze and prioritize what was required. I stayed with him in an excellent hospital the entire time. When after six days they wanted to send him to another setup we observed the abysmal conditions there for eight hours and took him home instead, in spite of extreme pressures from the so-called health care professionals who tried their utmost to discourage us. But we remained firmly resolved, by Thakurs grace, and successfully resisted all their efforts to persuade us. Thus, through Thakurs guidance, we were able to rescue him from a negative and chaotic environment. Gabriel, who has been home schooled all his life, was profoundly grateful afterwards that we did. By His grace and mercy and Sri Sri Dadas continual help and encouragement he is gradually on the road to complete recovery. The Holy Name and the meditation are wholly responsible for bringing this about. (Source: Dharma & Ideal monthly Magazine by Mr. David & Gisela Lichtgarn)Here is what Sri Sri Thakur says in the Holy Book, 21st day,

Practice meditation. You will obtain whatever you focus on in meditation. Say the Name of God. You will grow stronger physically. You have nothing to worry about concerning physical stamina. (2)

Continue making Name with tremendous speed. When your repetition of the Name with each and every inhalation and exhalation, it will normally lead to ecstatic absorption. Do you know what it is like? If inhalation and exhalation are 2 and making Name becomes 4,6,8, or 10, then our being will be full of Name and you will transcend the limitations of nature. (13)

In another part of the Holy Book Sri Sri Thakur gives specific advice to someone. Though we may not all be able to apply His advice totally (due to lack of time, for one thing) it is still extremely useful and inspiring to read.

Practice name in a rhythmic way and fix the gaze of your inner eye on the right point. Keep you engage yourself in concentration. Sit in such a posture that your limbs dont become slack. A sleepy tendency is likely to overtake you, but do not indulge in it. You may be deeply absorbed in concentration but even then you should not let your hands and feet hang loosely. Dont get distracted. Even if you do, give it no shelter. You should practice like this three times a day, each time for one to one and half-hours. Name should be repeated mentally and that without any break. If you can continue it persistently you may be assured of attaining perfection in the course of four to six years. (8)

You are in tune with both the earth and the highest point of heaven. You are a storehouse of infinite power. I am imparting the fundamental clue to you. Whatever you will eat after doing it will be easily assimilated. You will even overcome and absorb all that is clearly hostile and unfavorable to you. (9)

Continue making Name with tremendous speed.

--- Sri Sri Thakur

37th day: November 25, 1916 (from the Holy Book)

Cultivate the practice of the Holy Name only for a few days. Eventually you will have the realization of the highest Name. It is not perceived as sound, but the Name is an echo, i.e. an appropriate verbal representation of the experience that is had with our whole being. Just start the practice right here and now. (2)

Make you mind vacant so that it may constantly dwell in the Lord. To get beyond the limitations of the mind we have to repeat Name intensely. (5)

To stop the function of the mind, a ceaseless continuation of vibrations is essential. If we seek to stop the mind by one sudden crushing blow it does not serve the end in view. It has to be done gradually. (6)

All stars change their position, but the pole star continues to stay in one fixed place. Achieve a little bit of faith, a little bit of devotion and a little bit of love. Once this is done everything else gets accomplished. Open your mind and lift it upward. (7)

Dont get distracted. --- Sri Sri Thakur

From Conversations with Sri Sri Thakur we learn the following fascinating information.

Many have come to the tent where Sri Sri Thakur is sitting. They are all sitting before Him. Notes from the previous day are being read out to Sri Sri Thakur and new questions are being put to Him. He begins to reply with a beaming face.

Q We hear that attachment grows as a result of the repetition of the Holy Name and meditation. Would please explain how that happens?

SST When one meditates on someone and repeats the Holy Name, the attachment for him grows. Repetitions of Holy Name make our brain and nerve cells more sensitive and the more we are attached to him, the more we are absorbed in him. As our attachment deepens, the brain and nerves are so tuned as to provide stimulus to bodily organs to carry those impulses that would fulfill the Love Lord appropriately and with great enthusiasm. This is the secret of the repetition of the Holy Name and meditation.

If you think about stealing or about girls instead of your Lord, your attachment for them will excite your nervous system. It will give such impulses to your body that you will indulge in stealing or kidnapping girls. It will keep you engaged in finding out the ways and means to achieve that. As a result you will become a thief and a loafer.

O my dear! The rain drops during the star Swati produce different effect on different objects. Similarly, your attachment for the Love Lord will increase through repetition of the Holy Name and meditation.

When one meditates on someone and repeats

the Holy Name, the attachment for him grows.

---- Sri Sri Thakur

Q That is true. But why should there be an excitement of nerve and brain due to repetition of Holy name? And why should attachment go along with repetition of the holy Name? Would you explain all these?

SST There is an eternal urge in man to be attached to something in order to remain conscious about his own existence. Through this he feels distinct from others. When he is attached to someone, he does not only become conscious about himself but also enjoys him to whom he is attached. He wants to become like him and tries to assimilate his characteristics. Everything in the world tries to divert his mind and sever his bond of love. But this makes him all the more conscious of the fact that he is distinct from others. He begins to realize what he is what he aspires after.

As our attachment deepens, the brain and

nerves are so tuned as to provide stimulus to bodily organs to carry out those impulses that

would fulfil the Love Lord appropriately

and with great enthusiasm.

---- Sri Sri Thakur

This magnetic pull of love may be called Surat or word current. This is the magnetic expression of human existence. If a person is attached to someone, he normally keeps thinking about him. When his mind is absorbed in such thoughts, other things try to sidetrack and obsess him by enticing his complexes and thus try to shake off his attachment. Out of this conflict develops the power of discrimination the power to distinguish right from wrong. Thus one is able to discover what will fulfill the object of love. This gives one the awareness about those things and the knowledge what is favorable and propitious to his own existence and what is not. And the object of love leaves an indelible stamp on his brain as well. The more one develops ones love for him, the more a person likes to absorb and enjoy him in unique ways. A persons spontaneous love urge or attachments for someone unifies him with the name. The more one goes on repeating the holy name; stronger and steadier his urge becomes. As a result not only do the brain and nerves grow more and more sensitive but so do all the cells of the human organism as well. As the sensitivity of the system increases one is able to feel and enjoy the object of love all the more. The hunger for Name is thus automatically aroused.

These Holy Names are generally representative of or personifying the Ideal. And thus, the more our cells become sensitive and receptive, the more heat is generated in our system and gradually one hears the eternal sound that rolls in the bosom of the Beyond and one also perceives different lights and images, as for example, the words aum, rang, hring, and kling etc.

And there are many varieties of sounds and images also. If anyone hears a sound and perceives an image in the course of this practice he is said to be the seer who has realized that particular sound or mantra.

And as result of this repetition of the Holy Name and the loving contemplation about the seer of that mantra one undergoes similar experiences. In the scriptures this is known as Vija Mantra or root sound. For example, if repeat the word aum and if I am attached to the seer who has realized that sound, he becomes the ideal of my life. And the word Aum is all that he has acquired and realized and he becomes representative of that sound.

(From Katha-Prasange, Vol. 1, Chapter 3, Shri Sushil Chandra Basu, Translated by Dr. Binodanand Jha - Sunday, 20 Pausha, 1342, Bengali era)

Comments: From the above we see how absolutely vital it is for us to repeat the Holy Name without break and to meditate regularly in order to existentially overcome hurdles, obstacles and adversity of every sort. We are blessed to have been given the most powerful tool to bring this about. Through it we can unlock the storehouse of infinite power that develops from our genuine love attachment for the Lord. Now we must apply that tool and not waste our precious time, because life is short and none of us know how much time we are allotted. If we repeat that Holy Name with a little bit of loving faith and devotion for Him we will be given the keys to solving all difficulties and challenges thrust upon us.

Comments on Making Name by Sri Sri Borda

Sri Sri Bordas comments are taken from a wonderful book entitled Discourses on the Ideal, Vol. I:

One should never give up practicing the Name. One must repeat Name. Practice it everyday. Even for two, four, or five minutes, it is to be done. It is to be done at a fixed time. Today at twelve, tomorrow at one, another day at three it wont work to do it this way. It has to be done, even if for only a short while, at the same time and in the same way. If we dont eat at the time when we usually eat, our bodily organs become upset; in the realm of the mind it happens in the same way. (p. 147)

In an affectionate tone, he continued, I request everyone, let no one ever omit the practice of the Name. Do everything else keeping this primary. Dont let it become secondary in any way I request this of everyone. We want happiness, we want bliss. Thakur said, Do, do sincerely. Dharma, wealth, pleasure, liberation, whatever you want, you will get but do. Without doing, there is no getting. If you can do it properly for seven days, even if you do it for one day, then you will be able to understand. (p. 148)

The following passage from Satyanusaran was being discussed:

Repetition of the Name makes man keen, and Meditation or Dhyan makes him calm and receptive.

The question was raised: What are Name and Meditation?

Sri Sri Borda: Name means repetition of Name; meditation means thought of the Ideal. How does the Name make one keen?

Shankar Ray: If a knife is sharpened it cuts quickly. Likewise, a person can finish a task very quickly. He can understand everything quickly. This is what is to be keen. If a person keeps doing the Name, he develops such keenness.

Sri Sri Borda: Yes, it happens like that. The brain cells become developed. If some subject comes to ones attention and comes within ones meditation, he resolves it; this is how it happens. A person becomes quick in all respects.

About meditation he said, Meditation goes on within the Name. We get the Name from the Guru. We keep repeating the Name in our minds, and within this repetition, meditation is done. As a result of meditation, the power to retain everything in the mind increases. The brain cells become developed.

Speaking a little bit more loudly, he said, I say emphatically that Name should be practiced for at least half an hour in the morning and half an hour in the evening every day. If this is done for some days, everything will become clear.

Baswanda: In the evening when can we do it? how is it to be done then?

Sri Sri Borda: If one finds time, it can be done in the evening. It can be done four or five hours after the midday meal.(p.151)

The best medicine for keeping the mind good is japa (constant repetition of the Holy name)

Sri Sri Borda

The best medicine for keeping the mind good is japa (constant mental repetition of the Holy Name). If japa is done properly no ugliness remains in the mind. The Name is to be repeated all the time. Then there comes the vision of the true Self (Atma), and we can understand ourselves. This making Name is our sadhana. If making Name becomes habitual, no sorrows or difficulties can oppress one. Even if theres nothing left to eat in the house, there is no sense of want. Then there is the realization of every creatures suffering. The Ideal is seen in everything.

Wheresoever you may glance,

There shines Krishnas radiance.

This is the way it is. Then we can feel the presence of the Ideal in everything. If one is perfected in the Name, then he has mastered infallible speech. There is no difference between the Name and the Namee (the human embodiment of the Name). Through the Name, love for the Namee grows. He is realized within the heart. Then he is united with everything within me. Then it can all be understood: what kind of person anyone is, who establishes the Ideals interest and who does not. The mind is directed within, directed to the Cause. By going on making the Name with every breath, the Name becomes firmly set. Then the world is filled with the perception of the Ideal. Understand it logically. The Name and the Namee are not different. So if the Ideal pervades my heart, where else need I seek happiness, and what could make me unhappy! Everything is my Ideal; establishing his interest is my aim. (p.103)Comments: At every step we are blessed by the Lord because He left us such a worthy guide Sri Sri Borda, who has embodied the teachings of Sri Sri Thakur in every way. It was Thakurs will that we follow Borda in His absence. In this way we would have a living example and not a God up in the sky. Now we have Rev Ashokeda (Sri Sri Borodada), specially designated by Sri Sri Borda, according to Sri Sri Thakurs instructions, to continue the blessings. In this way we can grow unimpeded and adjust ourselves through our attachment to the Acharya.

In the Eternal Truth (an English translation of Shashwati) we find this emphasized also:

Surrender to an abstract idea or Ideal which is not embodied in a man and surrender to the sky or egoistic passion arent they the same in essence? Who or what will be adjusted by that surrender? Think it over. What benefit will come from it?--- Sri Sri Thakur

Each morning and evening we sing the prayers with words: Again and again I fold my hands and humbly pray to you, give me the association of holy men, oh my kindhearted Master. Rev. Boro Dada is the holy company that Sri Sri Thakur wants us to have and associate with! Without that holy company we lack that loving, living touch that makes us think of our Beloved Sri Sri Thakur. We perennially require that existential reminder of what holy company is all about, seeing that there is none where we are. In this way we get hope, inspiration, upliftment, focus, guidance and also most importantly the opportunity for service, and through that unexpectant service the possibility of adjustment of our character. Thus mastery within gets a chance to unfold. In the very 3rd paragraph of the pursuit of Truth Sri Sri Thakur made it clear: Oh, you who would be devotees with hope for name and riches. Dont make me your Lord and Master. Beware! If mastery within does not awaken, Master, Center, none you have. And deceiving, you shall be deceived. For our maximum growth we require the company of holy men and the Acharyadev Sri Sri Dada is the foremost of those! As Sri Sri Thakur himself has pointed out in The Eternal Truth, 253:

To be adhered to God

one must be adhered to His manifest blessing

Ideal, Acharya-Satguru,

that adherence will bring about your God-realization

with self-improvement

And:

Surrender to an abstract idea or Ideal

which is not embodied in man

and surrender to the sky or egoistic passion-

arent they the same in essence?

who or what will be adjusted by that surrender?

think over what benefit will come of it?

---- Sri Sri Thakur (The Eternal Truth, 254)

Resistance to Evil

We are all aware of the many levels of resisting evil. It starts with us, of resisting bad habits, unexistential thinking or speaking. The remedy for all levels exists of Yajan, Yaajan and Istabhrity, as these practices link us to the Lord directly. Humility also enters here.

In Discourses on the Ideal, Vol. II, conversations with Sri Sri Borda, Thakurs saying from the Satyanusaran, Be obedient, but for that dont be weak-hearted. Is discussed. Sri Sri Borda explained: Obedience means humility (which also has the connotation of gentleness, politeness, flexibility and softness in Bengali). It is necessary to maintain this feeling toward everyone, not only toward superiors, so that everyone will be attracted. In the Vaishnab scriptures it is written:

Humble as the grass, patient as tree,

respectful to the unrespected;

praises of the Lord should always be sung.

This is the form of humility; this is the Ideal of humility. And if a person is like this, he is not rejected by anyone. Only then does expansion come. Then people are charmed by his words and attracted. For this reason Thakur said: There is nothing so fascinating as humility (Satyanusaran). One who is truly humble is humble to everyone

To clarify the matter further he said, Suppose someone is truly humble, but he has children. If those children are insolent to someone, or make mischief, then what should he does? The proper thing then is to stop them, control them. If he does not tolerate their insolence or mischief, but stops it resist the evil then will his feeling of humility be destroyed? No, it does not happen like that. But one who is weak-hearted cannot do that. To oppose or resist evil is not possible for him at all. In many cases he he suffers due to his attachments.

There is great power in being humble; and on account of that such a one attracts the whole world.

Gurukinkarda: How can one become like that?

Sri Sri Borda: There is Thakurs saying:

You are for the Lord, not for others;

You are for the Lord, and so for others.

It happens when one becomes like that. One must become the Lords. If one becomes exclusively for him, then everything else comes spontaneously. It is for this reason that our sadhana is only to become his, to become in his accord with his mind only. And meditation on the Name, Yajan, Yaajan and everything else are for that purpose only. If one becomes for him alone, then one becomes for everyone. Everyone is his alone.

When we saw Thakur, each of us to think that Thakur loved me the most. Everyone felt it. We also need to become like that, so that when people see us they will all feel that way. We want to become like that. Through this there comes self-development.

Satishda; Then does humility mean to behave in the same way with everyone?

When we saw Thakur, each of us used to think that Thakur loved me the most. Everyone felt it. We also need to become like that, so that when people see us they will feel that way. - Sri Sri BordaSri Sri Borda: What do you mean by behaving in the same way? To be humble with one person and not with another is not humility. That is not to say that is to be indulged. Rather evil doing cannot occur in the presence of one who is truly humble. There are many people who talk big and boast, but do not have the courage or strength to resist evil; this is not a sign of humility. One who is genuinely humble is also genuinely powerful. He is practiced at acting rightly according to the particular situation.

Mahaprabhu (Sri Chaitanya) once went to Kashi (Varanasi). After some days Prakashananda Saraswati and his disciples came to Mahaprabhu to discuss a certain matter. A higher seat was indicated for Mahaprabhu, but he didnt sit there; he sat on the floor. Then the discussion started.

Another thing happened this was involving Sarbabhoum Pandit. He was explaining a passage from the scriptures to Mahaprabhu, who was very young at the time. He explained that one passage in various ways trying to get Mahaprabhu to understand it. But Mahaprabhu seemed to be preoccupied with a different thought. Noticing this, Sarbabhoum Pandit asked, Dont you understand? Mahaprabhu said. I cant exactly grasp all that you are saying. He said, What? I explained it in seven ways, and yet you cant understand it? Mahaprabhu gave the same answer. Sarbabhoum Pandit thought, What kind of student is this! He does not say yes to anything. Finally Mahaprabhu said, If you permit, I can tell you how I understand it.

To that Sarbabhoum Pandit said, Yes, tell me. Then Mahaprabhu started to explain the passage. Using simple language, he explained it in seventeen ways. Sarbabhoum Pandit was speechless! Mahaprabhu helped him to grasp things that he himself had not known before. But noticethere was no way to know that from the expression of Mahaprabhus face. Sarbabhoum Pandit couldnt understand it at all. So it is, if there is real humility. Then all others are astonished.

Finishing the discussion, Sri Sri Borda said, The greatest thing possessed by all the Great Fulfillers who have taken birth on earth is humility. But all of them were fearless. Many of us think that the less humble a person is the more fearless he is. We think fearlessness is to show disregard to respected persons, or to consider the lower animals contemptible. That isnt it. Humble peoples resistance to evil is coupled with modesty. (p.59-62)

The greatest thing possessed by all the Great Fulfillers who have taken birth on earth is humility. But all of them were fearless. --- Sri Sri BordaAnother time Panditda reminded Sri Sri Borda of an incident that illustrates resistance to evil. He said: Once you were going toward Deoghar Town. A few youths were making unseemly comments about Thakur. You tackled them in such a way that they all became crestfallen and prayed for forgiveness. As many of the devotees wanted to hear about it Sri Sri Borda told them: It happened a long time ago. It was not long after we had come here (to Deoghar) from Pabna with all-merciful Sri Sri Thakur. At that time I lived at the house known as Golap Bag. I was going to the bazaar in Baidyanathdham to bring some ghee for Thakur. Going way of Purandah on the footpath, I was approaching the rail line. I saw seven or eight youths walking along the road. I heard them saying some slanderous words, and I thought they were talking about Thakur. I stopped. They got to the level crossing and started walking toward the station along the rail line. I followed them, then going ahead a bit, I asked them, Who is it that you are talking about?

One of them said, This one who has started an Ashram here. Anukul Thakur

So what about it?

One of them said, My uncle is a disciple of his.

Who is your uncle?

Prabhat Haldar, his home is in Howrah District. Thakur took his land, house, money, and everything.

What does that mean? Thakur brought all that here from Howrah?

No, I mean that he gave it all to Thakur.

Are taking and giving the same thing? I asked. He didnt say anything. I asked, Have you seen Thakur?

He mumbled something in answer to my question, and finally said, I have not seen him here, I went to Pabna.

At Pabna? What route do you take to get there?

By Iswardi.

Iswardi, and then what?

He was not able to say any more. May be he had heard the name of Iswardi from someone.

In the meantime we came to the bridge. I said to his companions, You see that he does not know anything; he hasnt seen Thakur. He is talking contemptible nonsense about a Mahapurush. And you are listening to it !

A great anger came upon me then. I looked at the boy and said, Where do you come from, with your impudence? Couldnt you find anyplace else to display your impertinence? Without seeing Thakur, without knowing him, would you say such stuff about him? Peoples lives are blessed when they see him, thousands and thousands of people revere him; and you would slander his name!

There were quite a few in the group, and they were all very angry. They came toward me and said, Do you want to hit us!

Scoundrel, you think I would just hit you! I think Ill take you one by one, knock your teeth out, and throw you down there. (The rail line embankment is 25 or 30 feet above ground level at that place.) You have no regard for venerable people, no devotion to father or grandfather, you slander a Mahapurush! Scoundrel, number one swine! Nobody can talk like that unless he is misbegotten.

Then they backed up a bit. They seemed to be embarrassed, and said. It was wrong. Forgive us. We wont speak this way any more.

I said, Never do it again; it is extremely bad! He is a Mahapurush, an Avatar! Both individually and collectively people get the supreme good by taking shelter in him. One must never speak as you were speaking. After saying this I went on toward the Bazaar. On the following day one of them came to the Ashram, begged for pardon and took initiation.

Satish Pal: They were debilitated in the face of such strength. Even though there were seven or eight of them, they couldnt stand before you.

Sri Sri Borda: When one hears slander about some Mahapurush, about the Ideal, about father and mother, or venerable people, then no reasoning or so-called courteous talks comes out. There is no time to start reasoning. Then the weapon to be used is. Sarbachurna gadar bari ! (This is a proverbial phrase meaning, pulverized by a blow with a club.) (p.235-237)

Another time the following message was read from Tapobidhayana 251:

As the very first thing that is necessary

when entering the world of education

is to become acquainted with the alphabet,

so, on entering the kingdom of Dharma,

at the very start,

through self-examination,

to learn to grasp ones own faults,

to learn to remove them

and to learn to adjust them with dexterous dexterity

out of proper adherence to the Ideal

with meaningful upholdment

is the first and foremost practice

to be cultivated;

those who do not know how to see

their own faults, on their own,

do not know how to reform themselves

in flawless development.

In discussing the message, Sri Sri Borda said, Those who do not touch upon their own faults cannot enter the kingdom of Dharma. Those who do not make excuse for their own faults move on the path of development. We have to pay attention to ourselves so that others are not put to grief by us. Only those who do not cause sorrow to others may become reverent and devoted; only they can attain the Ideal. A person like this will listen to what a five-year-old child has to say, and can play with him. He treats even a dog nicely. It is not childs play. He does all this sincerely, and for that reason he advances quickly toward the attainment of God.

There are some people who do not see their own faults at all. If such a persons son gets into a fight with another boy of the neighborhood, he scolds the other boy. This is bad for both him and the boy.(p223-224, Vol.II)

Another time the following quote from the Satyanusaran was discussed: Try to forbear injustice and resist not what you have to forbear. You shall soon achieve good in the highest.

Sri Sri Borda said, If someone acts unjustly to you, forbear it. This is what I do. But if someone acts unjustly to someone else, that has to be resisted. To whom is the Satyanusaran directed? It is for the person who reads it. To forbear injustice toward oneself is not a sign of weakness; it is the sign of a strong heart. There is a saying, who forbears endures. But if someone goes to harm even an ant or an animal or bird, one is to oppose him. Not to do so is weakness and cowardice. Resist violence through violence. Be violent to violence remove the feeling of violence.

If someone acts unjustly to you, forbear it. This is what I do. But if someone acts unjustly to someone else, that has to be resisted... To forbear injustice toward oneself is not a sign of weakness; it is the sign of a strong heart.Who forbears endures. Sri Sri BordaTHE WEAK MIND WORRIES

Do not make your mind clumsy

good and bad always exist;

the weak mind worries for the bad,

the strong mind watches the bad

and flourishes the good.

Sri Sri Thakur (The Message, Vol.5, p.197)

One has to win the mind. If I want to take revenge on someone I start thinking how I shall win him over. One of my playmates became malicious to me. He would speak ill of me everywhere. But knowing this, I would praise him before his face and behind his back and would behave with him with regard and love always, and, really, I did not entertain any bitter feelings toward him. But there was a determination in my mind as to how I could make him my own. For twelve years I pursued him in this way, and later, feeling remorseful, he came to me himself and broke down and wept, Oh, brother, how big you are and how small I am; I now understand after so many days. Please forgive me. But I gave him no scope to carry on in this self-depreciating way.

From Conversations with Sri Sri Thakur (June 20, 1941, p.95)

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON SRI SRI THAKUR

The above quote summarizes the essence of Sri Sri Thakur! He was the master of love! He never rejected any one. He never gave up on anyone, no matter how negative. He never stopped caring. His compassion was unconditional and for all in creation. Understanding what made others live and grow, he ever encouraged, consoled and accelerated life, progress and natal distinctiveness of everyone who came to him. His life, words and example were an inspiration to all who knew him. He embodied whatever lofty concepts he articulated. In constant communion with the Source of existence he never rested content until others, too, to the best of their ability, grasped and assimilated the dynamics of unconditional love, until they, too, were able to demonstrate the kind of foresightedness and wisdom that he daily normally and spontaneously displayed.

Although an ordinary householder and a physician by profession, he had the extraordinary gift of evoking the best in each person, whether it is a simple villager from Thakurs native Himaitpur in Bangladesh, or a sophisticated scientist or scholar from abroad. Thakur was able to bridge the gap, relating to each person in the language and subject matter that he or she felt comfortable with. He would, for instance, joke with an uneducated farmer in the mans colloquial dialect. The next moment, with a scholar, he might be seen quoting lengthy Sanskrit verses from antiquity. With an engineer he would discuss the laws of Dharma in terms of construction and engineering principles. A village housewife might arrive and cover the subjects of cooking, diet, marital relations and rising of children. Whoever came to him went away with the distinct sensation that here was a man who understood him or her completelywho possibly understood even more than the person herself either verbalized or grasped. His understanding was so complete that communication was always at its maximum, whether it be spoken or silent. Any contact, even a brief glance or swift gesture, was filled with meaning, never accidental and always for the accelerated growth of the one who came to him. How do we know? We experienced this remarkable process ourselves in the presence of Thakurs eldest son and successor, Sri Sri Borda and now the Thakurs eldest grandson Sri Sri Dada (Present Acharyadev of Satsang, Deoghar) !

Who is this marvelous peace and love-filled man who was capable of eliciting the best from each person regardless of differences in cultures, beliefs, social backgrounds or language barriers?

This publication is dedicated to sharing with our readers the life, thoughts and teachings of this wonderful man who has been an inspiration to many and continues to be to our family since 1950.

LOVE LEADS TO WILL AND ACTIVITY

Love imparts will,

Will imparts activity,

that makes environment enhanced.

(The Message, Vol.3, p.18)

SERVE TO LIVE AND GROW

If you love to live and grow,

then let others too

live and grow

and serve them accordingly;

your existence will be

nurtured in that way,

and that nurture

will be the asset of your life. (The Message, Vol.3, p.186)NOTHING SUCCEEDS LIKE SUCCESS

Nothing succeeds like success

through compassionate

honest service

that drags not others down. (The Message, Vol.3, p.330)

GOOD SERVICE

Good wishes and good service

for the uplift of others

determine ones weight

and it echoes in prestige. (The Message, Vol.3, p.190)Comments:

Sri Sri Thakur emphasized serving the environment. To the extent that our environment is uplifted and positive, to that extent it will directly affect us and come around to us. Thus we must see to it that it is not neglected but served to the best of our ability. It is the sort of selfishness that he had no objections about. Thakur used to call himself the most selfish of men when people asked him why he continually looked after the needs of others. By fulfilling, protecting and nurturing those around him he felt he was being selfish in a good sense, as it made him very happy seeing others in such a satisfied and nurtured state. Thus, without expecting it, all this giving came around to him. He spent the entire 81 years of his life seeking out the needs of the environment and then went about fulfilling those needs, wants and desires. It was his happiness and pleasure to see others happy, content and peace-filled while at the same time encouraging them to grow reach for ever higher potentials.

Although this was never his intention, people out of love, affection, regard and gratitude were always bringing him things or doing things for him as an auto-initiative love offering. Depending on capacity and inclination, they often went through considerable expense of energy and materials to provide articles for him that he had either requested or that they felt he needed. They had observed that he never asked for anything with a motive to utilize. His requests were of the most unusual and high order: they always benefited and expanded the individual who tried to fulfill them! With time those who got to know Thakur discovered that it was a privilege to be asked for something by him.

Thakur lived and personified the principle that it is better to give than to receive. Consequently he never discouraged giving of any sort. Not only that, he knew that real growth and expansion can happen only through giving. However, this giving must be unconditional, without ulterior motives. The giver must remain aware of not overextending him or her. In the Pursuit of Truth Thakur reminds us: Be careful..dont try to make anyone happy at the cost of your self; then your troubles will know no end.(p.29) But by trying to connect ourselves with the Source, as Thakur was continually demonstrating, we are able to replenish our depleted resources and recharge our exhausted batteries in order to keep responding appropriately to our needing environment.

In the process of learning to give unhypocritically we may also have to learn to receive and accept gratefully. Our joy at receiving something may be a gift to the giver. Thakur covers the many facets and double edges of giving and receiving. His main criteria were always well-being, genuineness and expansion. Also, whenever a meaningful coordination exists between self, environment and ideal peace and progress gradually sprout and grow. Because Thakur himself gave continually on all levels, whether it be money, food, clothing, love, encouragement or connecting oneself with the Source, he set the example that a life of service is not only possible according to the highest standard but also conducive to maximum growth and well-being.(CONVERSATIONS WITH SRI SRI THAKUR

(Katha Prasange, Vol.2) What is Truth?For years many of Thakurs conversations were recorded. He was always available to everyone throughout the day and often during the night as well. Here is an excerpt of one of these conversations:Question: -What is Truth? Is Truth the real Dharma? What does the statement mean that it is good to speak the truth?

Sri Sri Thakur: - That which protects, nurtures, fulfils and exalts life on the path of existential becoming is called Truth; that which does not do so is untruth as that pushes life towards death and extinction. If that were so, then why should truth not be the real Dharma? Many right statements that cause diminishing of life and growth are no better than false statements, which bring about death and disaster. The correct approach is, however, to control and adjust this wrong approach. So speaking the truth means to say such things, which exalt and accelerate life and growth of people this in fact is real truthfulness.(***************

That which protects, nurtures, fulfils and exalts life on the path of existential becoming is called truth. That which does not do so is untruth as that pushes life towards death and extinction. Sri Sri Thakur***************

Many right statements that cause diminishing of life and growth are no better than false statements, which bring about death and disaster.

***************Question: - We hear that it is mentioned in the Muslim Scriptures that even if Truth is distasteful, one must say it.

Sri Sri Thakur: - It means that one should refrain from making that statement which accelerates, nurtures and protects life and growth of people, even if it is disagreeable to someone. One should, however, as much as possible, say it in such a way that it does not wound the person to whom it is addressed. Also, one should be careful that ones talks and activities do not cause harm to one while doing good to someone else. And if you can proceed in this way for some time, truth will be materialized in your character before long.(Pure conception is generally the progeny of pure breed

-- Sri Sri Thakur --

ON RESISTANCE TO EVIL

Lord Buddha said, In order to correct a crooked man you have to do something even harder: correct yourself.

Thakurs sayings cover a huge range of situations-embracing opposites in paradoxical resolves. But the tone and tenure is ever the same-transcend the chaos, complexes and confusion presented by the world and be thoroughly adhered in. Your Being and Becoming to the Master Love, Beloved the Great.

In speaking about the disciples of Jesus. Thakur noted that they lacked valor and evil-resisting capacity. They did not protect Jesus. In fact, Thakur went on to say that if a person had a beloved dog as a pet, and someone was intent on killing that dog, most owners would certainly more courage and gumption in protecting that dog than the disciples of Jesus did.

The Prophet, Thakur says, has the distinctive quality that he needs a strong girdle of protection. He is LOVE and by that nature He does not try to protect Himself. He embraces all. Thus He must be protected.

In contrast, Thakur noted, that the followers of Mohamed during his time were fierce warriors. They formed an impenetrable shield around Mohamed and protected His life with their very lifeblood.

In our normal day-to-day life we are often confronted with situations which require skilled handling in order to maintain peaceful relationships with our fellow workers, family members and random people we meet. All of us have experienced the agony of hateful interactions, meanness, spite, pique, irrational attacks of anger etc. All of us have encountered negative people, arrogant people, insensitive people, and irrational people.

It is my experience that by following Thakurs path of Yajan, Yaajan and Istabhrity He gives us the peace, hope, love, fulfillment, security, expansiveness and wisdom to be more and more adept at handling interpersonal situations intuitively.

One Satsangi Gurubhai talked to me once of having some conflict with a co-worker that became resolved with no direct conciliatory action on the part of him. He kept his eyes and heart on Thakur - and this man by the grace of Thakur started acting more normal, friendly and balanced.

The beauty of Thakur is that He inspires and leads us from within. He empowers us the more we are adhered to Him and do for Him. This is the work.

A lot of conflicts with others after all are born of ego sensitivity or honor sensitivity. And the repetition of Holy Name, Meditation, concentric service to the environment and Istabhrity all serve to sublimate the ego into a divine state of love and peace in Thakur. We become secure children of the infinitely powerful Lord. We are not shocked or shaken. The greater the adherence, the less shaken and shocked you shall be. We can easily tolerate the barbs, quips and insults of those around us and comprehend that it is their lack and insecurity that causes their inappropriate and insensitive remarks. Further we can feel com-spend the main part of our days sitting with Sri Sri Borda and day after day passion for their being in such a hellish state of slander and negativity and actively try for their good. As Thakur says, to forbear does not mean to retreat but to embrace with love.Sri Sri Borda demonstrated all this directly to me during my early days in Deoghar. I was very troubled in my mind, I was tormented with inappropriate, negative thoughts directed toward Borda. I tried to ignore them or distract myself but due to the passivity of sitting around, lack of suitable psychomotor coordination, but mainly due to being unaccustomed to making Name I was unable to control my thoughts. Finally, desperately, I went to Borda in private and told Him my problem.

Sri Sri Borda said: What are the bad thoughts? I said I didnt want to say them. He insisted that I say them. When I at last blurted them out with great embarrassment Borda sat gazing calmly and peacefully at me and smiled. Accepting my irrational judgment of him totally, he seemed entirely unfazed and unaffected by it. He sat silently for a few moments. The peace and loving acceptance of me, in spite of my negative confessions, was tremendous. All I felt was his love and his peace. Finally he said: Try to love! That was it.

Sri Sri Borda lived totally always on the level of total for Thakur. He said other times: Some say Borda is great; others say Borda is garbage. Neither one matters to Borda.

The clue that Sri Sri Borda left us? My only work is to make Name.Sri Sri Thakur said: If you find a person who says he loves many people dont believe him. But if you find a person who says he loves one, and for the sake of that one he is trying to love many, believe that person.

What does love consist of? Sri Sri Thakur said: One who loves desires to protect, fulfill and nurture the one he loves.

Thakur is for existence. Out of love for Thakur we come to love existence concentrically. Sri Sri Borda said: Everything I do is done out of love.

We were sitting with Borda one day when a young satsangi voiced violent statements of how he was going to join the Deoghar police force and that he would then beat up various people of Satsang whom he didnt like. Bordas reaction that from a sitting position Borda leapt up into a standing position in a split second and leaping at the young man he pummeled him briefly furiously on the chest, only to sit down again just as quickly.

This is evil-resisting valor. But it was done out of love, not malice. It was from Bordas ineffable peace and serenity not ego or uncontrolled anger. It was done as a loving surgeon removes a tumor not as an act of vile hatred. It was executed with matchless speed, skill and grace. It was in short an act of devotion.

We all dont have Bordas capacity. However, it is not significant because we all have some capacity. As I understand it, the entire

Lord wants us our genuine, sincere effort and we shall be empowered thereby to that extent.

I have found in the range of my limited capacity that Holy Name and love do give me wisdom, insight, ability and peace to successfully negotiate with some pretty difficult people at the Office. One person there who has tendency to get his happiness by insulting, belittling and taunting others turned his tricks on me. He hit a real central nerve and while I tried not to show on it, I was hurt and aching inside for days.

Only by deep meditation was I able to move past the hurt. I could let go. I had Thakurs peace and love to focus on. I saw at a certain point that I could choose to move forward to positive thought and activities or continue to dwell on this negativity. The choice was easy.

But what to do about my interactions with this person. I turned the incident over in my mind. I thought deeply about whom the person was and where he was coming from what his need is. Finally, with the Lords grace I prayed, Let me make this person my friend. Whenever I could see him I would treat him cordially, inquire about his well-being, and praise his good qualities. At one point, I wanted to hear the music of certain artist but didnt know what the best CD would be to buy. I talked to co-worker. He said: I know someone who loves that artist. Let me ask him. Whom does he bring back but my hero friend? This man who hurt me with his harsh words now eagerly lent me his favorite CD and encouraged me to keep it as long as I desired!

Thakur says: Resist evil or vice will volley in volumes.The Holy Name and devotion to One guides us to do so properly. (*********** ************ ************

But if someone goes to harm even an ant or an animal or bird, one is to oppose him. Not to do so is weakness and cowardice. Resist violence through violence. Be violent to violence-remove the feeling of violence.

Sri Sri Borda

*********** *********** ************

RESIST EVIL TO MAKE LIFE ETERNAL

Fight out the evil, - the Satanic influence, bliss will come out automatically with every shining enthusiasm and active service to the people- one for the other, Lord, the lead, smiles with joy, and everyone in a bloomy effulgence serves each other with every dance of peace to fight out the evil, to prolong the activity. Sri Sri Thakur*********** ************ ************

Sri Sri Thakur wants us to resist evil aptly and appropriately. In other words, to remove a splinter, he does not want us to use an axe. A small pair of tweezers will suffice. On the other hand, big resistance requires big preparation and readiness. Each situation requires discernment and right judgment. We must ask ourselves:

What is required in this particular situation to bring back conditions conducive to life and growth, being and becoming, compassion and forgiveness, and well being to all sides concerned etc? What thoughts, words and actions are needed to bring this about?

Sri Sri Thakur doesnt want us to be fearful or cowardly, not does He want us to be foolhardy. It takes self-knowledge to know how much each of us can do when facing challenges of varying degrees of difficulty. The more we earnestly try to remain adhered to the Lord through doing Istabhrity, repetition of the Holy Name and regular meditation to that extent He can guide us just exactly how to confront each of the challenges confronting us. Our best protection lies in this. From meditation and constant repetition of the Holy Name we gain focus and strength, courage and the ability to defeat the enemy within which are fear, cowardice doubt, unexistential anger, greed, pride, lust, egoism and the like. With those tools given to us by Sri Sri Thakur. He is enabling us to anticipate negative circumstances and prepare for them, both internally and externally. In this way He is equipping us for all sorts of untoward situations while dwelling on Him who is love, peace and everything that reconciles and brings the evil-doer to good and repentance.

We are praying for the leaders of this country, that they may be guided by the lord, wisdom and existential principles that attempt to not only defeat evil but get to the root of why it arose. We must try to understand why so much defeatism, disillusionment and antagonism exits, hatred and rage not only directed toward others, but toward themselves in the total absence of love and forgiveness. We can only conclude that their level of frustration must be intense.

Some say many Arabs and Muslim feel impotent and that their sense of identity, self-worth and dignity is wounded. Without a living Ideal, that puts love of Ideal, self and others first, mere reading of any scriptures can create mental chaos and confusion. Muslim radicals who feel stripped of dignity and former glory once experienced by Muslims, have done just that. They have singled out those parts of the Koran and the Hadith, the collected sayings and deeds attributed to Mohammad that seemed to support their arguments that holy war was necessary to defend not just Muslims but Muslim dignity. While atrocities must be stopped to protect others we must then step by step provide hope and solace. This must be done in such a way that it will once again make those misguided frustrated and discouraged types intent on using religion to justify their twisted, nihilistic minds, want to live a life of true courage, expansion and fulfillment. This is the duty of the victor over evildoers.

Throughout history people of all faiths have sought to use God to commit atrocities, murder and all manner of cruelties, mistreatments, misdeeds, indignities, and offenses. To compensate for their lack of character, true stature and inner mastery they attempt to gain this mastery by controlling the outside. To make up for lack of dignity and self-worth, which originates from loving service to the Ideal, a scapegoat is lashed out against. Can self-respect and dignity be felt by mal-treatment of anyone?

Only loving surrender to the present Incarnation, the Embodiment of life and lift, love and existence, will lead us to the clues that enable us to raise above our individual shortcomings our egos, our desire to play the blame game out of frustration for all the things we lack. We pray that peace and focus will be found by those suffering and misdirected, twisted and tortured souls who can find no other alternative but to worship death and destruction. May they feel the loving presence of Him who wants well being for all, peace and prosperity, self respect, and true nobility expressed through noble words, thoughts and deeds. Let us remember, we are all sons and daughters of the Father, worthy of the highest, and innately capable of bringing it about. (*********** ************ ************

Resist cordially

Be not unprofitable and un-nurturing to others except to those inimical to your Lord, mother, father and superiors; but judicious to the inimical, resist cordially, and thus resist the evil with judicious and cordial treatment. Sri Sri Thakur

*********** ************ ************

Resist Evil to Baffle it

Resist evil with every rational behavior, with every conscientious inquisitive eye of intelligence and vim and vigor, to baffle it in such a way that repentance evolves with conscientious consideration ; thus demolish evil in words as well as in action to make it blessed with every devout service and have the existence blessed through the blessings of the Providence, the provider.

*********** ************ ************DETECT APPROACH OF EVIL

Keep your inquisitive energetic volition with every penetrating eye by which you can detect every approach of evil much before it appears in front of you, and flare up with innate conscientious run, compassionate look and every judicious, justified mentality; again I say hate evil, correct the evil doer and make him baptized with swabs of your heart regulating his condition to a regular go of life and service of the Love, the Lord, the Anointed Being.*********** ************ ************

BE YE WISE

Be ye wise, agile and apt enough to face any troublesome affair resisting and nullifying evil with every tactful benevolent urge.

--------- Sri Sri Thakur

*********** ************ ************

(Source: Dharma & Ideal byMr. David & Gisela Lichtgarn, USA)

Self Development

S. P. Chakraborty

It is a pious dream of every individual to attain the maximum height in his life. He remains engaged all the time for this objective- knowingly or unknowingly. Every one inherits some qualities in him but he remains unaware of the fact. If we hire the pages of the history, we can clearly find out this truth. Mahavir Hanuman did not know that he possess the capacity to turn it possible what is designated as impossible for the general mass. He did wonders in his life and is remembered today as a source of inspiration to many. It is the environment, which provides the necessary impulse. Our Lord Purushottam Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra has emphasiged at several places that it is the environment, which sources us by providing the necessary impulse. We are fortunate that we have joined Satsang and we have simple command of our Lord to observed Yajan, Yaajan, Istavrity, Swastyayani and Sadachar. These are the vital steps and necessary requisites for self development. We have to develop the capacity in us to remain all the time in-tuned with our Lord.

Through Diksha (Initiation), each one of us has got the clue to remain all the time in-tuned with our Lord. The fact that our mind, which is at the root of all our activity, remains busy in weaving a net like a spider to trap the object which are supposed to be conducive to our existence and growth. The in tuning with the Lord provides us the necessary ingredients to empower our mind and take the rational decision. The habit of performing proper and regular Yajan is repetition of the Holy Name and meditation, adds an individual the sharpness of brain cells. He becomes keen, calm and receptive. He attains a more critical brain to handle the problems of his own self and the environment and also the same time necessary tact to adjust and do well to all.

Self-centeredness is the greatest enemy to self-development. It hinders uplifting thoughts in a man and creates confusion towards normal growth of self and related objects. To eliminate these problems from our life Sri Sri Thakur has emphasized the pious habit of Yaajan, is service to the environment. This habit generates confidence by communicating ones realizations and faith to the individuals of the environment.

Ishtavriti is the material manifestation of ones love to his Ideal, Guru or the Lord. To maintain ones livelihood an individual is expected to earn something in the exchange of his labour and service to the environment. If he makes himself accustomed to offer daily a material oblation to his Lord before taking food from his self earned wealth; he attains such a power in him that none can challenge his progress and success in life. This habit is the prime mover of existence in ones life.

Sri Sri Thakur has also devised a most scientific process to uplift a common man to an ideal man by observing Swastyayani. He says:

A man who does not observe Swastyayani can not rise to the highest level of humanity. The Swastyayani Brata is a consolidated form of five steps. The first step asks us to realize the God resides in every heart and goes on directing us every moment to be good. The second step explains us that the director of the supreme father comes to us as our inner voice and thought. We must act on that instruction. The third step of the Brata asks us to remain conscious all the time for the welfare of the society and the environment. The fourth step teaches us to serve our Ideal with all our passion and complexes. The fifth and the last step makes us financially strong by offering daily Swastyayani Arghya and preserve it seriously and utilize it in future as per command of the Lord.

The next step Sadachar is the observation of hygienic laws of good and perfect health, mental health, physical health and spiritual health.

The habit of doing Yajan, Yaajan, Istavrity, Swastyayani and Sadachar brings integration in ones thought, speech and action and the individual attains attachment to the Lord which inevitably gives knowledge and power for self-development. The habit of sitting cross-legged with eyes closed for concentration helps the blood circulation of our systems in the upper part of the body and minimizes disturbances. In practicing Sadhana according to the direction of the Master or Truth we have to take care not to be attracted to what others are saying about us, otherwise we shall become attached to that and shall fail to have self elevation.

Usually it happens that we pass some opinion or give up anything after only superficial study. There is no wisdom in this process. We should cultivate the habit of observing a thing thoroughly and go deeper and deeper to investigate the real knowledge to find out the truth. It was habit of Sri Sri Thakur that he studied a subject by penetrating at the root of the things and it was not difficult for him to find out a way in sorrows, sufferings and calamities of the environment. He used to generate positive thoughts to have control over the situation and in his long eighty-one years of life we fail to detect any shortcomings. He loved to all and always asked us to wage war on weakness and be bold and brave. If one gives contrary ideas, heaves and accepts arguments favoring faith, doubts vanish and depression can not stand. To remove doubt and establish faith is to attain knowledge.

At present we are residing in such a society in which people are not guided by one Ideal. Mostly they are pre occupied with varieties of principles and each group command a section of people and claim that they are doing their best to bring peace and happiness to the people. Sri Sri Thakur who has been recaptured as Prophet of the Age provides a warning to us through his following Message:

He who has no Lord, has nothing, has no love and is scattered with passionate feats; he can never adjust himself and always lives like a vacant vagabond a lazy worshipper of a worthless God-hood; by thou with the Lord, and gather with Him, and do serve Him with every ardor of thy eager heart. (The Message, vol. II).

The general mass, though engaged in worship have become so lazy that they are unable to pick up the spirit of the worship have. Worship means worth-ship. A devotee in the real sense should develop a capacity in their character as a ship, which carried persons from one shore to another i.e. from material passionate hell to a spiritual loving heaven.

A great responsibility has fallen on our shoulder. We have to become anointed in the conduct, characteristics and attribute of our Lord, the Supreme Father that dwells in the life spirit of every being. He is always unlimited and according to the devotion and the attitude of the followers, a particular aspect appears prominent. Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra is like a full moon in this present age by his vast love for the whole of the universe. His vast literature, which provides the answer, to all problems of the present age are to be studied and practiced. Let us pray to our Lord to shower His grace so that we may pick up that strength in us to carry out his commands sincerely. (((((((((((Do devote thyself with ardent eagerness

that evolves into energetic volition unto the Lord;

Beloved the Great; do serve Him out and out

with every performance;

of His command and every progressive profitable step

that nurtures His wishes;

do meaningfully adjust thyself

unfolding thy efficiency;

thus make thy personality

well furnished

with energetic exaltation,

and so present thyself to Him

with all thou hast, be blessed and have heaven in thee.

-----Sri Sri Thakur------

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