Service in Galveston Texas

 Houston Unit hosted a Christmas Party for the Children’s Center of Galveston attended by about 45 kids and 15 families.I collected toys and gifts from coworkers and were distributed to the kids  we served vegetarian dinner  and had games .Kids had a wonderful time!

A Few of Tantra’s Special Characteristics

By Shrii Shrii Anandamurti

During the last few days, I have been saying repeatedly that Tantra has its own special characteristics. Although Ananda Marga is essentially Tantra-oriented, it too has a few special features of its own.

As I have said previously, our ideology maintains that no one need be afraid of anything under any circumstances. If anyone does become afraid, it should be understood that he or she is doing something opposed to our ideology. So you should remember that no situation will ever arise in this world which will give you cause for fear.

It has been said that Parama Puruśa is the fear of fear. That is, fear is as afraid of Parama Puruśa as humans are afraid of [objects of] fear. Bhiiśańaḿ bhiiśańánám – “He is the dread of all dreaded things.” A feared object is as afraid of Parama Puruśa as others are afraid of it. So, as you are the progeny of Parama Puruśa, who or what can possibly give you cause to fear?

I have also said that sins are just like the dust that settles on our clothes. By shaking the clothing, the dust will vanish. This simple action can be done by everyone. Ananda Marga has clarified that human beings are the progeny of Parama Puruśa and are thus the objects of His love and affection. Whatever might be the nature of the sins they commit, they will never be deprived of His affection. Parama Puruśa may scold them, but He can never hate them. He will simply shake the dust off their clothes and take them onto His lap. So the most important thing is complete surrender. People should always remember that they are the progeny of Parama Puruśa. That is enough.

In this regard something also should be clarified, something which differentiates the ideas of Ananda Marga from other established ideas. Ananda Marga is very different from isms and theories. We do not want to condemn people over very small or trivial matters, a practice which was common in our past society, ridden with various caste divisions and so on. According to our philosophy, only that injustice which harms others should be considered as pápa [sin].

In ancient times people were made outcastes on trivial charges of social crimes. We do not subscribe to such beliefs. According to us, the only error which may be considered as a sin is the one which harms society, and nothing else. In the past, mental wrongdoing was considered as a sin in all cases, according to the ancient Tantric traditions too. It is of course a fact that all sins first originate in the mind, that mental sins are transformed into external sins. But according to Ananda Marga, unless mental sins take external form, thus harming the society, they should not be considered punishable. (Sádhakas, however, will always rectify their mental sins, because they may take external form one day. If the mental sin does take an external form, it should be punished vigorously. An effective way of rectifying such a sin is to sing and dance kiirtana.)

One should not keep thinking again and again why such a thought came in the mind. It is useless to do so. You should continue to discharge your duties with an open mind, with full awareness of your responsibilities. You should not waste your time bothering about the minor deviations you make along the path of your movement. We are no longer like the ancient logicians or lawmakers. Our duty is to make the best use of the strength and capacity of the entire human race. To analyse everything threadbare or to suppress human strength and capacity or to limit human activities can never be considered as humanistic. Moreover, I do not think it good to criticize anyone behind their backs, saying, “Well, Mr. So-and-so may be leading a virtuous life now, but don’t you know, he was a terrible sinner in the past.” We must forget the past. I said at the outset that sins are like the dust of the street that settles on clothing. We must shake this dust off and move ahead.

Those considered social criminals will have to accept punishment in accordance with the law. Even if society does not punish the wrongdoers, they are bound to be punished by Prakrti. Under no circumstances, however, will Parama Puruśa ever consider them as hated beings. One should not think, “Oh, dear, dear, dear, I’m such a sinner. Oh, how can I ever approach Parama Puruśa.” Rather one should think that as one is a sinner one should rush up to Parama Puruśa as quickly as possible, saying, “So much dust has accumulated on my clothes. How strange it is that You still haven’t taken me on Your lap and shaken it all off.” One should ask insistently why one was allowed to be covered with so much dust for so long.

Always remember that an effective way of freeing the mind from one’s past sins is to sing and dance kiirtana. This will certainly bring about the desired result. You should also remember that no matter how many sins you have committed, you are never subject to hatred in the eyes of Parama Puruśa. He may scold you, but He cannot hate you.

I have said many a time that Parama Puruśa cannot do two things: He cannot create a second Parama Puruśa like Himself, because whoever has established an intimate friendship with Him, whoever has identified himself with Him, becomes one with Him. Secondly, however hard He may try, He can never hate anyone, because everything is in His mind. Even if He wanted to hate someone, to hate would mean that He was indirectly hating Himself. And that is why Parama Puruśa cannot hate anyone, even if He wants to. You should always remember this.14 November 1978, Calcutta

Published in: 
Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 5
Discourses on Tantra Volume Two [a compilation]

Jatakarma Ceremony of Paramananda and other New York News

Baby Naming Ceremony for Paramananda son of Raman and Lyuba was attended by Acarya Shankarananda Avadhuta , Avadhutika Ananda Kalyanmitra and Acarya Diiptimanananda Avadhuta together with the margi of Brooklyn and Staten Island. The beautiful images received tell about everything of the joyful ceremony. Welcome to Paramananda in the Ananda Marga Family. 

But the news from New York don’t end here … here below the group photo from the Akhanda Kiirtan of the first Sunday of the month which was very well attended and participated.

… and finally a tribute for the special presence we enjoyed in New York Jagrti by Sandiip who came visiting from Gujarat and became soon a dearest brother for all.

PROUT active in Dallas

Nov 06 2018 was the day of the U.S. midterm elections and we all saw and felt all the buzz and high contentious energy surrounding it on all sides of the socio-political spectrum!

As PROUTists, we should not support or endorse any political party or candidate*, but I decided to attend rallies to “feel the pulse” of the electorate, candidates and public, as well as mix and interact, talk with people there, to better know their opinions, hopes, dreams…so Nov 05 I attended the final rally in Dallas of “Beto” O’Rourke, Texas Democratic candidate for US Senator, who energized especially younger voters (& voters for/against him!). 

So here are some of the scenes, the hotel ballroom was completely packed standing room only, with thousands…we know that most politicians will be politicians–tall promises to get the votes and won’t/can’t deliver, or forget interests of those who voted for them once they attain office.

The key and inspiring thing is to mix with “the masses” and see, feel their aspirations, as I saw present were mostly regular, well-meaning people, families (here and also in other rallies on the other side), and to try to let people know there is a more comprehensive alternative to the 2 political ideologies dominating this society, closer to our very own PROUT; met and talked with many idealistic youths–potential PROUTists!(* thus we do not go in Acarya uniform to political rallies)


Acarya Advayananda Avadhuta

Activities in Ananda Priiti Master Unit in Atascosa Texas.

Avadhutika Ananda Hitaprabha Acarya is newly posted as Rector Master in Ananda Priiti Master Unit in Texas. She sent the following news:

Ananda Priiti Master Unit is situated in Atascosa, Texas. Regular Dharma Cakra ( collective meditation) was held every Saturday for Margiis.

On the occasion of Victory Day (Oct 19, 2018) we had 3 hours AkhandaKiirtan on Oct 21, 2018.

OnOct 26, 2018 Vietnamese Margiis from Houston and Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam), Kaomudii and Karuna visited Master Unit and we had small DC and lunch together. Sister Karuna is the oldest margii in Vietnam. Her whole family is margiis. And Kaomudii has been practicing Ananda Marga for four years in Ho Chi Minh , Vietnam before she settled down in Houston. They were happy to see the development of Master Unit.

On October 28 Didi Ananda Sutirtha, Didi Ananda Acira, Didi Ananda Hitaprabha and San Antonio Margiis did meditation and satsaunga in Corpus Christy Beach, San Antonio.

On November 7, we had 3 hours Sadhana Shivir for celebration ofDiivapali Festival ( Light Festival) with Amrta and Kamala Devii. Then on Sunday November 12, brother Yogendra and his son Devadiipafrom Mexico visited and joined DC together with us. Yogendra shared touching stories of his personal contact with Baba during dharma shastras time.

Development of Master Unit

After the incident of house burning 2016, Margiis and Didi Ananda Sutiirtha worked hard to make another building proper to stay. Kitchen and DC Hall was slowly set up. Brother Krsna from San Antonio helped Didis to fix the kitchen pantry and electricity inside the house.

Before and after the Kitchen Pantry

Cleaning garden and prepare soil for plantation of Master Unit.

Grasscutting for garden and preparation of soil for planting winter vegetables was done at the first week of October. We cut all lower branches of trees and stored for firewood.

Irving Unit in Texas

Irving Unit in Texas is preparing to host the Ananda Marga Winter Retreat for the first time near Dallas Texas. There is a lot of expectation and the preparation is ongoing. We wish best of good wishes for all the Margi in Dallas. In the images Prabhat Samgiita celebration which was attended by Acarya Anudhyanananda Avadhuta.

Ananda Marga Winter Retreat in Dallas, December 30, 2018, to January 1, 2019

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Namaskar!

Welcome to the Winter Retreat in Dallas, Texas!

The Winter Retreat is a unique opportunity to enjoy deep meditation, Akhanda Kiirtana, Sadhana Shivir, and Satsaunga and enter the New Year with new hope and blissful devotional feelings. The program will include every day Akhanda Kiirtana (mantra chanting), ample opportunity for meditation, classes, and sharing meals as a spiritual family. 

Registration is now available on the website: 
http://www.ampsnysconference.org
 
Highlights of the Program 
 
Every Day Akhanda Kiirtana
Collective Meditation and Spiritual Talks
Interesting Classes/workshops
Beautiful environment
Collective vegetarian/vegan meals
 
Arrival for the Winter Retreat is on December 30th at 11AM and departure is on January 1stat 3PM
 
The Ascend retreat center in Dallas is a fully equipped retreat center with sports grounds, forested area, bonfire area, dining hall, and banquet hall. The accommodation is in cabins for 14 – 40 people with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. 
 
What to bring?
The average temperature in Dallas in December and January is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Please bring warm & comfortable clothes, personal toiletry, towel, inside slippers and other personal items. 
Blankets, bedsheets and pillows are available at the retreat center for an extra charge of $10 per person. 
 
Transportation 
The retreat center is conveniently located about 30 minutes drive from both Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL). If you need help with transportation, please contact Swami Bhattar: tel. (832) 606-6179 email: swamip@yahoo.com
 
The address is: 
Ascend Camp and Retreat Center
5218 Kiwanis Rd.
Dallas, TX 75236
 
Contact for Further Information:
Acarya Diiptimanananda Avadhuta: tel. +1 929 257 8099, email: sosny@anandamarga.us
Acarya Anudhyanananda Avadhuta: tel. +1 (570) 445-5883, email anudhyanananda@gmail.com
Avadhutika Ananda Kalyanmitra Acarya: tel. +1 (530) 615-9529, email anandakalyanmitra@gmail.com
 
 
Wish you all the best!

Ácárya Diiptimanánanda Avadhúta
Sectorial Office Secretary (SOS) of Ananda Marga in New York Sector
Address: 149-02 Melbourne Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367-1356, USA
Tel. +1 718 898 1603
Mob. +1 9292578099


It is never too late

Namaskar all, 

I simply wanted to share this picture with you. It is of a student of mine in Mexico who just learned how to meditate.  Baba advise us to learn meditation as early as possible. Some do not get the opportunity to do so. While elderly people may not contribute to society as much as they did in their younger age, they are still very valuable members of society and deserve our love, attention and care.  Baba taught us that all have the same existential value. 
I just wanted to remind us all that regarding spirituality, it is never too late, not for others and not for ourselves. 

Whatever spiritual matter you have now at your hands – do not postpone, do it now! 

*The text in the picture says in Spanish – “Identify your mind with Him and you will realize that even the minutest objects are you… The universe which is the manifestation of the Cosmic Energy will appear as your own manifestation.  You meditate on Him and He meditates on you.” Baba (in “Bhakti-Rúpa Setu – Devotion Acts Like a Bridge”)


Avadhutika Ananda Aparajiita Acarya.

The tradition of Brothers Day

Ananda Marga celebrates Brothers Day or 
Bhrátrdvitiiyá . 

Here below is an article that was written on a blog which describes the celebration and its meaning as seen with the eyes of somebody not familiar to this tradition:

Bhai Tika – Sister and brother day in Nepal

Posted on October 28, 2011

This morning we were privileged to witness the observance of Bhai Tika by our neighbors down stairs. Bhai tika is the last day of Diwali celebrations in Nepal. The day is also referred to as Bhai Tihar. Bhai means brother while Tika –  tilaka or  tilak  is a mark worn on the forehead and other parts of the body. 

Tilaka may be worn on a daily basis or for special religious occasions only, depending on different customs.

The tika symbolizes the third eye, or mind’s eye, associated with many Hindu gods and the idea of meditation and spiritual enlightenment (Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religions in Nepal). In the past, tilakas were usually worn by gods, priests, ascetics, or worshippers, but is now a common practice for most Hindus. It can express which Hindu tradition one follows. It may be made with sandalwood paste, ashes, clay, or other substances. The pastes are applied to the forehead and in some cases to the upper part of the forehead.

Today sisters pray to Yamraja for her brother’s long life and prosperity. The royal astrologer gives the appropriate time to put the tika through the national radio a day before and the entire nation abides by it. The king of Nepal receives tika from his sisters after which a thirty-one-gun salute is given to honor the function. The entire nation observes Bhai Tika.

A  Mandap is made in the name of her brother, then the sister put Tika (Seven colored) — Yellow, green, red, blue and white color, offers him Shagun, fruits and sweets and in return the brother gives their sister gifts or money. He also places Tika on her forehead.

The main theme behind bhai tika is the sisters praying for their brother’s long life from Yama Raj, god of the underworld

The sister then serves the brothers with some food. We are told that the ceremony is important that those who don’t have brothers can adopt a brother just to perform the ceremony. If you put Tika on a man, he becomes your bhai (brother) and culturally you cannot marry him. That is how strong the tie is.

Meditation Practice for Health and Wellbeing: A 7-Part Series

The Northborough Free Library is pleased to present a 7-part series on Meditation called Meditation Practice for Health and Wellbeing. The series will be presented by Academic Dr. Dhanjoo Ghista, a resident of Northborough and lifelong practitioner of meditation for improved health and wellbeing. Professor Ghista has taught meditation in a variety of settings, including senior centers, yoga centers and at the Northborough Free Library.

DATES: November 20, November 27, December 5 (Wednesday), December 11, December 18, January 8, January 15, January 22 (snow date)

TIME: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Library Meeting Room or Conference Room

This will be a seven week course, wherein the group will meet once a week for 1.5 hours. The first half-hour will be presentation by Prof. Ghista, the second half-hour will be collective or group meditation. The third half-hour will be an informal discussion about our meditation experiences and shared interests leading to a better frame of mind, health and wellbeing.

During these seven sessions, Professor Ghista will present information on the following topics:

1. General Introduction and overview of the series.

2. New science paradigm: Consciousness to cosmology, to life origin and evolution.

3. Meditation: Ideating on consciousness, promoting psychosomatic health & wellbeing,

liberation and enlightenment.

4. Basic concepts of morality, as the foundation of spirituality.

5. Fundamentals of meditation practice.

6. Values inculcated from meditation, at the personal and societal level: In education,

living and societal values.

7. Promoting a neo-humanistic outlook and cosmic thinking, towards bringing about a

more socially aware, human-centric and enlightened civilization.

Meditation is connecting our unit mind or individual mind with the Cosmic Mind, and thereby getting liberation from our embedded impressions in the mind, to attain a divine state of enlightenment. We will practice meditation in each session.

An important result of meditation is spiritual development. As part of this series, we will discuss how to incorporate this spiritual development in our personal lives and in our communities.

Finally, through this series we will aim to support (1) a neo-humanistic outlook, elevating ourselves beyond ‘narrow isms’ which have plagued our society, and (2) acquire cosmic thinking. Altogether, this series will help support our mutual goals of incorporating meditation into our daily lives, in leading to a more spiritual outlook, improved health and overall wellbeing.

Advance registration for the entire series is required. In order to register, please visit the Library’s website at www.northboroughlibrary.org and click on the event calendar for November 20th. Complete the online registration form and submit it online. You will receive an automated notification that the registration was successful. You can also call Adult Services at 508-393-5025 x5 and the library staff will register you on the phone.

For more information, please call 508-393-5025 x5.

Contact:

Christopher Lindquist, Library Director

Northborough Free Library

34 Main Street

Northborough, MA 01532

(508) 393-5025 x9