Living-Ideal

If you really have known some truth and if you think it is beneficial, speak to your utmost about it and

request everyone to know it. [Satyanusaran]

PREFACE

Today is 15th December 2011. The time is 8.05 p.m. in Delhi, India. I have just finished

praying to Bapun Baba (I have a framed picture of Bapun Baba) about the idea of writing a book on a

Living Ideal which came across my mind a little while ago. Therefore, with a pen in my hand, now I

am starting to write down my very own experiences.

I am 30 years old, hold a master degree in Computer Science and work in a Multinational

company. My life is not different from the life an average working professional, except that three

years back I had turned completely vegetarian and since then I have been trying to follow a Living

Ideal.

I stay alone in a rented accommodation and I cook my own food. It is sometimes really very

painful, especially in winters, to return from office, after a day-long hardship, and prepare food for

myself. My parents are desperately looking for a girl for me for the past two years. It has been tough

to get a proposal for my marriage because I am a vegetarian and in Bengali community it is

considered very unusual. I, however, consider myself lucky as I have realised that my life is dedicated

to the mission of my Living Ideal. Moreover, according to Sanatan Dharma, marriage is a very

important process leading to procreation of future generations. One should take utmost care to avoid

anti-providential marriage which could completely destroy a good lineage and give birth to

generations that could become a serious threat to future human existence in this world. This gives me

strength to move on, despite the hardship, embarrassment and sometimes humiliation that I face.

INDEX

Sl# Contents Page

1 A Common Interview Question 4

2 How did I choose my Ideal 9

3 Shree Shree Thakur Anukulchandra an Introduction 12

4 What Thakur accomplished 20

5 What Thakur will accomplish 29

6 Will He re-incarnate? 41

7 Ananta Shree Baba an introduction 56

8 Teachings of Christ 67

9 How things happen 72

Photo Gallery 81

Thesaurus 87

Chapter 1

A Common Interview Question

Who is your Ideal?

There was a time when this question was used to be asked by interviewers. Did you ever

wonder what significance this question has? I feel that interviewers had the conception that a person

having an ideal would be disciplined. Contrary to this, the new generation of youngsters facing

interview, had a different conception. They believed an ideal is a person worth worshipping. So they

often bluntly answered My parents are my Ideal.

Let me try to describe my understanding which I have gathered through my real-life experience.

Who is an Ideal?

Ideal in Hindi is pronounced as Adarsh. He is a guide to our life. Someone can guide us only

if he is a man of experience. A doctor can guide someone to become a doctor. A cricketer can guide

someone to become a cricketer. Similarly an ideal should be such a man who has experience of all

aspects of life in totality and can lead our life in the right direction. An ideal should be a subject of

veneration; however every subject of veneration need not be an ideal. An ideal should be just like a

mirror which portrays our image whenever we make a mistake, so that we can correct our mistake on

our own.

When Mr Eugene Exman visited a great Indian spiritual teacher named Sri Sri Thakur

Anukulchandra, he asked I dont have much time to understand your philosophy. Can you explain

me your philosophy in just two words? Thakur replied in just two words Be concentric. Later,

when Mr Eugene asked, Thakur explained that there should be a centre in our life and let our life

revolve around it. In that centre we must place our ideal. In other words we should lead our life being

concentric to the ideal. Mr Eugene asked What if I make Henry Ford my ideal. Thakur replied

Then you can become Henry Ford, not Jesus Christ. Mr. Eugene Exman was then the President of

Spiritual Literature section of Harper and Brothers, a renowned publishing house. Thakur

Anukulchandra was the ideal of a great Indian freedom fighter named Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Swami Vivekananda came to Sri Ramkrishna Paramhans, and acknowledged Him as his ideal,

seeking for material accomplishment. However Sri Ramkrishna turned him into a renowned master.

Shivaji, the great Indian king, conquered all obstacles through his devotion to his ideal, saint Ramdas.

In the epic Mahabharata the Pandavas became victorious despite numerous drawbacks, only because

they obeyed their ideal Lord Krishna. The legendary Hanuman accomplished impossible tasks

through his devotion to his ideal Lord Ramchandra. Therefore we must understand that an ideal is an

indispensable part of our life.

The entity called mind (Manah) has the ability to manifest things around it at a subtler level.

All that is happening in this world is the effect of mind-programming. The mind has the ability to

manifest good as well as bad; this is the working principal behind Law of Attraction which works on

the belief system that like attracts like. When we closely acquaint with a noble personality, a part of

nobleness reflects in our life. And when we befriend a spoiled man, it impacts our personality too.

Hence it is imperative that the person we accept as an ideal has goodness within him. Now imagine

what if an ideal is perfection personified. Such an ideal or master is called satguru sat meaning

existence. A person who has the ability to nurture our existence is a Satguru. Thus He should be such

a person who knows the secret of eternal existence. In theory, He Himself should be eternal, else how

can a finite fathom the eternal. Not only in theory, but in practical also He must be eternal such

as the son of god, Jesus Christ.

A highly accomplished Indian Spiritual teacher named Shree Shree Thakur Anukul Chandra

said:

Means:

When Purushottam descends, He is the fulfiller of all ideals; Idealising him doesnt mean discarding ones existing ideal.

He is the best guide and God to human evolution. [Sri Sri Thakur]

- , , [Sri Sri Thakur] Means:

When He (Purushottam) appears in a new form, He alone is worshippable to you, and whatever you

do minus him is most definitely futile.

Who is PurushottamThe Prophet?

Purushottam is the enlightened son of God in blood and flesh. When He descends on Earth, He

alone is to be followed, as He is the prophetthe absolute.

PROPHETTHE ABSOLUTE

Only the prophet is absolute

the materialized embodiment

of all principles,

for he turns all the relatives

into the absolute

and that absolute is Divine.

[The Message Vol-VIII]

From the teachings and life of Shree Shree Thakur we understand that in human form

Purushottam has descended on Earth eight times in this epochRam, Krishna, Buddha, Jesus,

Muhammed, Chaitanya, Ramkrishna and Anukulchandra.

On Earth, He always proclaims His heavenly kingdom indicating that He alone is to be

worshiped. This is also a sign of identifying Him:

sarva-dharman parityajya

mam ekam saranam vraja

aham tvam sarva-papebhyo

moksayisyami ma sucah [Lord Krishna]

Means:

Abandon all misinterpretations of Dharma and surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful

reaction; Do not fear.

Buddham saranam gacchami, dharmam saranam gacchami, sangam saranam gacchami [Gautam

Buddha]

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me [Jesus]

The following excerpt has been taken from page-8 of the book Rashul Gita by Depi Prasad

Mukherjee. Thakur recollects verse 4:80 from Quoran Sharif and explains:

, [Hazrat Muhammed] Means:

Whoever surrenders to Rashul (The Prophet), definitely he stays surrendered only to God (Allah).

Mui Sai Mui Sai Mui Sai [Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]

Means:

I am the One, I am the One, I am the One

[Ramkrishna Paramhans] Means:

Same Ram same Krishna,

In this generation He is Ramkrishna

- [Sri Sri Thakur] Means:

If My words are just your food for thought;

If you do not materialize them through action and conduct;

Then your attainment would remain unaccomplished,

That is extremely sure Yours I.

Further, Thakur said:

It is easier for a man to observe so-called dharma, but difficult to surrender to a Living Ideal;

because there the surrender needs to be materialised. The surrender is not there for the sake of word,

it is real. There is lot of scope to act according to our whims in the surrender to the GOD in the sky.

It does not work; the reason is that the sky never resists me. One who cannot resist me can never

mould me either. Misdeeds can be nicely performed looking at the sky. Religion means to get

delightfully united with the Living Divine Ideal, to get bound to Him. This tests the mental strength,

the sincerity. Many could understand this, their nature is also good. But they cannot do it. That

means they are not sincere to their ideas. [English translation of Alochana Prasanga Vol-14 Pg 191]

Thakur also said, during a discourse with a disciple, Janardhan da:

Janardan da: What is the need of a Living Ideal? One can follow the Idea.

Shri Shri Thakur: Idea makes a man idiot. A living man makes Him(God/Supreme Father/Parampita)

alive and the idea gets manifested. [English translation of Alochona Prasange Vol.21, First Edition,

Pg 225]

Those who have the Aerial inside them, only they can find Him. When they have the eagerness in

their heart, they start looking out and thus receive different impulses internally. Externally too

unexpected connections take place. Human brain is the finest device. One only gets the impulses

according to the tuning he has. [English translation of Alochona Prasange Vol.9, Pg 20]

Saint Kabir said:

Jab tak na mila satguru saccha tab tak karta ja dus bees pachasa

Means:

Till the time you find a true ideal, go on making 10-20-50 ideals.

Why should we follow Purushottam?

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad [St

Matthew 12:30]

HE WHO DOES NOT GATHER

WITH MESCATTERS

Adherence to a common Ideal

the nurturer of specific characteristics

gathers people

cementing the differences

between one another

with every compassionate pull

that exalts one into many

with initiative serviceable urge

and energetic ardour ;

but dining together

and indiscriminate marriage

can never gather people

or make them inter-related ;

Lord Christ hath said,

"He who is not with me

is against me

he who does not gather with me

scatters" .

[The Message Vol-IV]

Thakur explained living ideal as a staff who guides us, the blinds:

To be blind is unfortunate indeed but to be without a staff is even worse; for the staff does much of

the eyes work. [Satyanusaran]

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into

the ditch. [St Matthew 15:14]

Thakur Anukulchandra said that the purpose of life is to drive away want completely, and that is

possible only by knowing the cause of everything. The cause could be best understood when

gradually we imbibe the characteristic of Living Ideal within us through our attachment to Him.

Whenever He descends He alone is the best fulfiller of existence. He is the best guide and god to

human evolution. So must seek Him until we find Him. The moment we start seeking Him He too

starts seeking us. And once we find Him we must follow Him.

Chapter 2

How did I choose my Ideal

Who am I? How did this feeling of I within me generated? Why am I within me and not in

somebody else? How big is this universe? There is a container containing this universe. There is

another container containing that container. Where does this chain of container ends? How can it ever

end? Such thoughts baffled me when I was 5. I used to get frightened when I thought that the

universe doesnt end. I used to become very uncertain about existence. I used to be thankful that at

least I exist. At the age of 6 a question crossed my mind Does human being die. I got convinced on

my own that a person dies when he reaches 100 years of age. I became very frightened; I did not want

to lose my identity as the world is so playful and I loved my maternal grandpa. I used to pray to god

that my maternal grandpa survives long. He is today 90 years of age and is still alive.

At the age of 12 I started reading books like World famous discoveries, World famous

Mysteries, World famous Medicine and Therapy; typically the World famous series of Pustak

Mahal publisher. I was also very athletic and liked playing all kinds of games, especially cricket.

From the tender age of 14 onwards I started doing heavy physical exercises without proper

guidance. I did not realize that the unguided physical exercises would hamper my height and would

be the cause of backache after few years. My height got restricted to 5 and quarter feet, though I was

a good athlete. At school I often used to be overpowered and underestimated by my fellow students.

Except for once, I never got the opportunity to play either Cricket or Football in school matches. And

it was that single Football match when I had proved my calibre to the Physical Training teacher. Thus

to prove myself, to the World, I started pushing myself to limits. I wanted to become a cricketer

though I never disclosed it to my parents, because I knew my parents would simply neglect it.

At the age of 15 I started reading books on Palmistry followed by a book on Hypnotism.

Miracle and magic always fascinated me. I had read that a Yogi can gain the strength of an elephant

by meditating on the picture of an elephant. I started practicing a technique called Tratak which was

required to attain hypnotic powers. The kind of Tratak that I used to practice involved focussing on a

candle flame in a dark room till the eyes started watering. Ideally it should be done for not more than

a minute or two. But I used to do it for around 15 minutes, despite stream of water rolling down my

cheeks. Thus I used to overstrain my eyes, but the moment I focussed on the flame I used to forget all

my tensions and felt relaxed at heart. The convent education system, due to its shortcomings, often

causes depression in me. I took Tratak as a tool to avert that depression, and to achieve spiritual

powers. However this practice was turning me aggressive. During that time I used to adhere to

vegetarian diet, though my parents tried to make me eat non-vegetarian food. Several times they tried

to restrain me from practising Tratak, however I never listened. I never realised that the degree to

which I stressed my eyes would cause problems after 4-5 years. I practiced it for around one year and,

at the end, I turned little aggressive by nature.

I felt that I was going through a period of bad fortune. I had learned that if a blue Sapphire

astrologically suits a person then it can make him as fortunate as a king. I went to my parents, but my

parents wouldnt get it for me. Then somehow I convinced my parents to consult a gold medallist

astrologer named Asim Chaterjee. He recommended me to wear few gems, and again my parents

were not interested to spend any money, though they could have afforded it. The tension between me

and my parents increased.

One day I saw a saint named Asha Ram Bapu on television. Bearded saints always fascinated

me. So I started watching his satsang on television frequently. I started doing the kind of meditation

that he suggested. I also started practising pranayama after reading a book on it. In doing so, I started

experiencing peace. I used to feel reluctant to sit for pranayama, but after completing a session of

around 15 minutes I used to experience bliss. I used to forget all worries and tensions. I practices the

ways of devotion suggested by Asha Ram Bapu on television. Slowly my interest started shifting

from Tratak to devotional meditation. I used to repeatedly chant the word Narayan during

meditation. Occasionally I started watching discourses of spiritual gurus like Shree Jaggi Vasudev,

Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj on television.

At the age of 17 I gradually started loosing momentum on my spiritual hankering. I was then

preparing for my Higher Secondary examination. At the age of 19 I got enrolled in a college for an

off campus course in Computer Science. The classes used to be conducted 4 days a week, in an

institute, at the first floor of a building. In those days there were many such institutes offering degrees

in collaboration with some college. The standard of education was not good. I was not happy thinking

that my parents did not do much to get me admitted to a good college. My college days were quite

ordinary. I was a shy creature and I did not make any girlfriend.

At the age of 22 I completed my Graduation. By then I had realised that my dream to become a

cricket had already shattered. The tension between me and my parents was at its peak. At 23,

determined to make a career, I went to Bangalore to prepare for GATE examination in Computer

Science. My throat infection problem, which started from the age of around 16, increased since then. I

also started suffering from backache. Also for the past two years I had been suffering from tooth ache,

but finally got it fixed there at Bangalore through Root Canal therapy.

I cleared GATE and I also cleared CDAC entrance exam. CDAC is a state-of-the-art

government institute in India providing short term advanced course in Computer Science. I choose to

go to Pune to pursue a 6 months course, not knowing that those 6 months were going to be the worst

days of my life. I had literally experience hell on Earth. At Shivajinagar in Pune, I had to stay in a

hostel along with 11 other boys. The place was unhygienic and untidy, and I thought that Pune is

infamous for bedbugs. Within few days a theft took place in the hostel and four of us lost some of our

belongings. I lost the most, a purse containing two ATM cards, an ID proof and money. For the next

1 month I had to live through borrowing money from my colleagues. We had a hectic schedule. We

used to leave at 7.30 AM in the morning and return at around 1 AM at midnight. There werent any

suitable restaurant around that place. I often ate fast food like Egg friend rice, chicken fried rice etc in

a thela, a typical restaurant on a four wheeler cycle van. The place used to be dirty with street dog moving around. Sometimes I felt that I was just a little better than these street dogs. Within few days

I suffered throat infection. Since I did not have much money, I did not go to a doctor for about a

month. The pain was very irritating and sometimes I managed to get little hot water to gargle and

drink. At night I would not be able to speak because of my throat condition. In the meantime after a

month, I received an alternate ATM card and I consulted an ENT specialist. She advised me that I

should avoid certain things throughout my life which included cold drinks, citrus fruits, spicy and oily

foods and anything containing MSG. I got temporary relief after medication.

I was obsessed with my short height and this obsession was at its peak. I started hating myself.

A similar reaction reflected from nature. Suddenly my fellow students started addressing me with a

nickname Gattu, which in colloquial language meant a short person. I could not stand this taunting.

Despite being inquisitive and intelligent I lost attention from studies and became extremely depressed.

The untidy surrounding, the physical pain, the frustration and humiliation made it a hell for me.

I somehow completed my CDAC course and in April 2008 I got placed in a software company,

in a place called Noida. I was then 27 years old. Again obsessed with the idea of gaining height one

day I did some stretching exercise by hanging using a high concrete shelve. This revived the age old

backache problem, and this time it was intense. It was summer with temperatures going as high as 45o

C. I was staying with a colleague in a rented accommodation, a very ordinary room without any

window again a bad situation. At midnight during usual power cuts I used to sweat profusely.

Eating became a problem as there were no quality restaurants nearby. I lost my appetite and my blood

pressure dropped very low, to 40-120. At office, though it was air-conditioned, the reclining chairs

were not at all comfortable, which added to my problem. I consulted multiple specialists but they told

me that they could not relate my condition with any disease. They prescribed me some supplements.

My backache problem became unbearable. At a point of time I even thought of giving up my job. I

purchased a hip belt, on my own, and this brought me some comfort. In May 2008, after one and a

half months of joining my first company, I changed my accommodation and went to a little better

place with one of my colleague named Kamraj. We stayed as paying guest in a single room shared by

three people, me Kamraj and one more person. The room was equipped with a cooler and a television,

and there were some good restaurants nearby. This brought me some comfort.

However, the ordeal did not end there. Two months after joining my first company, suddenly

the workload increased. I was called in to work even on weekends. I felt quite difficulty staring at the

computer screen. This might have been a result of the Tratak that I practised 4-5 years back. I

remember that I had to work for 16 hours a day, from 9 AM to 1 AM, for 7 consecutive days. The

company did not follow any overtime policy, so I did not get paid anything for the extra hours. This

workload invariably continued for around one month, after which there was some relief.

I and Kamraj started enjoying life, after all it was our first job and we were software engineers.

We occasionally went to restaurants like KFC, Pizza hut, Mc Donalds etc. We, occasionally, used to

drink and I mostly liked wines. In November 2008, my throat infection problem started. Meanwhile I

again changed accommodation along with Kamraj. This time it was a nice flat with three bedrooms,

one kitchen and a large hall. Altogether, along with three other office colleagues, we were five people

sharing this flat. My throat problem continued to inflict pain. Sometimes it used to grow so intense

that I had to spend sleepless nights. I, always, had to drink warm water. Further, I was not satisfied

with my job. My obsession with my height often troubled me. Finally, in January 2009, I thought that

I would be the right time to introduce an Ideal in my life

Kripalu Ji Maharaj describes satguru as a person who has knowledge of all scriptures and who

has seen God. So one day I decided to practice the method of finding a satguru, suggested by Kripalu

Ji Maharaj. He suggested that if we cry and pray to Lord Krishna for a satguru, then Lord Krishna

would get us a satguru. Therefore I did do. I also prayed Lord if you cannot alleviate me of all my

sufferings then please pick me up and release me of this mortal cage.

Within few days I fell very sick and I had to be hospitalised. The doctor diagnosed Hepatitis (A

& E) and typhoid. I informed my parents and they would take at least two days to reach Noida. In the

meantime I got very frightened. Weird thoughts started worrying me Had the Lord really heard my

prayer. Is He going to pick me up; What if I die; death would be so painful; I dont have to die this

way; Why do I always keep complaining about life; Life itself is so beautiful ; I have talent does not

mean that I have to utilize them. Only a guru can save me now. For 35 years, my parents were

disciple of a guru named Shree Shree Thakur Anukulchandra Chakroborty. I once heard from some

disciple, about how Thakur used to solve problems of every person who came to Him. But I didnt

know who Thakur was and what His story was because my parents never discussed anything about

Thakur. So, laying at the hospital bed, I started surfing the internet to know about Thakurs life. I

came across many discourses and understood how good a person He was. I came to know that He was

a very ordinary person and He has been through lot of hardships in His life. I also came to know

about His spiritual accomplishments and His kirtan movement. I learned that His versus and sayings

have been compiled into more than hundred books where He has given information on all walks of

life like marriage, health, mans conduct, womans conduct, cooking culture, history, astrology etc. I

decided to make Him my Ideal. Thus I cried profusely and prayed to Thakur to save me, and that I

will lead a life of according to His instructions and will have no desire of my own. I believed that

even if I sacrifice all my wishes, still there would be so many good things left for me in life. I could

get married and lead a simple and happy life. I recovered very quickly, and few days later, towards

the end of Feb 2009, I got initiated.

Chapter 3

Shree Shree Thakur Anukul Chandra Chakraborty An

Introduction

The life story of Shree Shree Thakur has been suitably illustrated in a book named Ocean in a

Teacup, written by Ray Archer Hauserman, a United States veteran of World War II. This book was

written during the lifetime of Thakur. It became the source of inspiration for many readers one of

whom was Mr Eugene Exman, who came to India and offered Thakur to fly to America in a chartered

aircraft, though Thakur politely resisted. This book is freely available on the internet. Fortunately a

Bengali version is also available at the website http://www.satsangindia.com/satsang-bindute-

sindhu.html .

Thakur Anukulchandra was born in a Brahmin family on 14th Sep 1988 at a hamlet called

Himaitpur in Pabna district of Bangladesh. Himaitpur was a very backward, disconnected and

uncivilized village at that time. It was surrounded by dense forest which sheltered many dacoits. His

father, Shiv Chandra Chakroborty was a virtuous man, ideal-centric, dutiful, kind, hospitable and

educated. His mother, Manmohini Devi was a woman of faith. Manmohini Devi, during her tender

age of 9, when she first saw the picture of a renowned saint named Hazur Maharaj, became desperate

to see him.

Please, ma, I must see him. Only do this for me and I will always be dutiful and faithful and

uncomplaining. Please ma I will take care of you all the days of your lifeOnly once let me see

Hazur Maharaj. [Ocean in a Teacup]

This way she persuaded her mother to visit the ashram of Hajur Maharaj. There she was

initiated by Hazur Maharaj with a holy name. She was foretold by the ascetic that she would beget a

son of divine qualities who is the representative of the name that she had been initiated with.

Manmohini Devi derived the name Anukul from the first letter of every line of the poem she

composed:

Means:

When the poor and needy falls in despair,

Bow head and speak to them.

To soothe them try wholeheartedly.

Focus and relive their pain.

During childhood Thakur was inquisitive and little mischievous. Thakur did everything to

appease His mother throughout her life. But His mother was very strict with Him and never praised

Him, except for once, during the very last moment of her life before she died. Thakurs mother was

pretty harsh with Him and always tried to command Him.

Now let me illustrate the life Thakur in the form of small anecdotes:

Since the age of three, whatever Thakur pronounced turned into reality. Like a young kid He

used to play around and pluck flower from a garden nearby. One day the gardener caught young

Thakur and tied Him up. Thakur said to him that it is pointless to do gardening here because after 15

days He would be a gardener of some other world. Exactly after 15 days the person died. So one day

mother Manmohini Devi made Thakur promise that He would never utter any such words for anyone.

Thakur would keep this promise throughout his life. Thus, in the coming years, Thakur would save

people from grave dangers through his instructions, but would never disclose beforehand about

http://www.satsangindia.com/satsang-bindute-sindhu.htmlhttp://www.satsangindia.com/satsang-bindute-sindhu.html

the impending danger. An Indian spiritual teacher, Avadoot Baba Shivanand, says Realised men

always talk in riddles; else they would be violating the laws of nature. Many great devotees of

Thakur underwent great sufferings and even met death, just because they pursued their complexes

instead of following His instructions.

Ten year old Thakur was in a classroom where the teacher named Moitra was imparting a

lesson which meant Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Thoughts started

flashing through His mind and He understood that no two things in this universe are same. Till now

Thakur had been trying to please everyone the same way. Now He understood that every person

should be treated differently as per their distinctiveness. His disagreement to Moitras teaching, made

Moitra start from the beginning What is 1+1. Thakur replied 1 + 1 is two ones. To this the

teacher hit Thakur with the pointer so hard that He momentarily became unconscious. When Thakur

reached home, without taking food, He went to the bank of river Ganga. There He curiously inspected

every two leaves, stones, flowers, roots of trees. Thakur reaffirmed His induction from Nature that no

two things in this universe are alike. Next day He brought some of these evidences to His teacher.

Today people falsely believe that Thakur said Borda is what I am, the either side of the same coin.

Later in this chapter I would disclose who Borda was.

During his 13th

year, Moitra passed Thakur along with his friends Atul and Dilip, out of village

school. However Moitra complained to Anukuls parents I have passed Him not because He knows

anything, but because He will never learn anything from me. Thakur now got into high school,

which was 4 miles away from His place. Every day He used to go by walk. He used to find the

subjects history, Geography, Mathematics, English grammar rhetoric, tedious, confining and often

confusing. But because Thakur was determined to please His mother so He continued with His

studies.

In 1905, when Thakur was 17 years old, He was preparing for His matriculation examination.

On the day He was going for the exam He came to know that His friend Atul was not coming for the

exam. Thakur went running to Atuls house and found that he was unable to collect 5 rupees for the

exam fees. Atul needed to clear this exam in order to get the clerks job in Dacca (now capital of

Bangladesh). Atuls family was living in poverty. His widowed mother had 6 siblings and for the past

few weeks his mother had worked very hard but was able to earn only 2 rupees. Thakur handed His 5

rupees to Atul and said Take this and run, there is not much time left. Atul Asked What about

you? Thakur replied I will go get more. You hurry. Atul vowed to pay it back. However Thakur

failed to appear for the exam. Thakurs family itself was running tight on money and that 5 rupees

was a substantial amount. Thakur promised His Ma and grandma that He would work as a coolie

(porter) at the docks. Thakur ascertained them that they wont be shamed and that no relatives would

come to know about it. He would hide his face on the sight of any relative.

After working as a coolie for a few weeks, by the influence of a cousin, Thakur merely on

the basis of His knowledge, not qualification got enrolled to a medical college in Kolkata. Thakurs

father, Shiv Chandra, was to receive 50 rupees from some person whom he had once helped. The

borrower promised to pay him back in some other way, pretending that he did not have any cash. He

proposed that Thakur when He was at Kolkata for medical studies could stay in one of his friends

coal factory. So during day time the factory used to be occupied by workers and during night Thakur

used to sleep on an ordinary bed laid at a corner of the factory.

Thakur saw the poor working condition of the coal-factory-workers. They had chapped heels

which used to bleed. They never cared for themselves. Those workers used to go into deep sleep after

taking their night meal. Thakur, then, used to wash their cloths with washing powder and soda and

would hang it for drying. Without their awareness, He used to apply ointment on their feet. Slowly

their feet started healing. The workers started to think that it was the work of some angel. However

one day they caught Thakur doing this. They bowed We are so filthy creatures that no one even

looks at us. Only god can take care of us in such a way. You are definitely god.

Thakur used to have dinner at a hotel arranged by the borrower. After few weeks he tried to

trick Thakur, to get rid of the incurring expenses. One day Thakur saw phlegm excreted from

human nose on his rice plate. Being in poverty, Thakur discarded that part of the food and ate the

remaining. When this didnt work that person wrote to Shiv Chandra that the loan has been paid off

through the service which he had provided to Thakur.

Now Thakur became homeless, and like many, the footpath of Sealdah station became His

home. He just had a trunk, and beside the trunk He used to put some newspaper on the ground to

solve the purpose of a bed. Thakur did not inform anybody at home about this. Many nights He used

to sleep on empty stomach as finding a part time job was quite difficult. Further the winter made

things even more painful for Him, though He never complained. The homeless children at the station

became His friends and He used to spend time with them, telling stories, singing song and playing

games etc. And when the hunger became quite intolerable He used to accept the invitation from one

of the childrens mother to share their little meal such as a piece of watermelon etc.

When Thakur became 16, Manmohini Devi became concerned about Thakurs marriage. She

almost finalised His marriage with Sorosibala Devi. I have known from people that Thakur didnt

want to marry at that time and He expressed this intention to His mother. However He would not

straight away confront ma Manmohini, for He respected her the most. Finally, after a year at the age

of 17 Thakur was married to Sorosibala Devi, who later came to be known as Boroma. Leaving

Boroma with Manmohini Devi, Thakur returned to Kolkata to continue His studies.

For the next few years Thakur got closely attached with a slum area in Kolkata. From Sealdah

station, He went to live with a family in the slums. By His simple efforts He changed the bad habits

of the inhabitants of slum area. Ultimately it rendered into a very hygienic inhabitable place to stay.

Thakur was not granted a degree by the orthodox education system. Anyway when Thakur was going

to return to His village after completing His medical education, the inhabitants rendered their love in

the form of small gifts, whatever they could have afforded.

When Thakur returned to Himaitpur, Boroma wanted to conceive a child. However Thakur had

no such intention at that point of time. So whenever Boroma approached Thakur with sensual

intention, Thakur composed his body in such a way giving an impression that He was an impotent

man. Thakurs father in law, Ram Gopal Bhattacharya, came to meet Manmohini Devi to talk in this

regard. Manmohini Devi assured him that her Son is not infertile and that Soroshibala Devi would

beget a child within one year. An incident describing Thakurs aversion towards physical relation

could be found in the book named Sri Sri Thakur Anukul Chandra The man who knew my mind

and loved me the most Within a year His first child Amerandranath Chakroborty was born, who

later came to be popularly known as Borda.

In 1911, after 6 years of study in medical science, He began practicing medicine in His village.

As a fee He accepted whatever the villagers humbly offered rice, vegetables etc. By 1915, His

patient started considering Him a saint, for anyone who received treatment from Him got cured,

irrespective of the criticality of the disease.

One day Thakur wonderingly went to see His friend Ananta Nath Roy in his poor windowless

hut. He saw Ananta fasting for three days and came to know that he often fasts this long in a stretch.

He became frail and was reduces to bones. Ananta had lost his children and his wife. So he was

fasting as a penance, for he believed that he must have committed some grave sins in his past lives.

However Thakur encouraged him saying that the village bears testimony of his loving and gentle

conduct. Thakur said There is justice and reason behind everything that Supreme Father does, but

such reason is not immediately recognised. Sometimes it is wise to endure patiently until the Father

makes known His plan. Few days later Thakur suddenly perceived something in His mind. He

hurriedly ran towards the hut of Ananta, and Manmohini Devi followed Him too. On reaching, He

knocked several times. When no response came, Thakur broke open the door by dashing it with His

shoulder. He saw Ananta hanging with a rope tied around his neck, still breathing. Thakur brought

him down and for sometime cradled him like a child till he revived consciousness. Ananta mourned I

will reincarnate and next time the Supreme Father might get me a guru Thakur prayed to His

mother to impart the holy name to Ananta as she did to Him. Thus Ananta became the first disciple of

Thakur.

Thakur observed that the diseases suffered by the villagers were mostly psycho-physical. Hence,

Thakur began to take interest in Kirtan, and propagate the same. Thakur started doing kirtan with the

dacoits who resided in the jungle of Himayatpur. He turned them from dacoits to civilized human

beings. Thakurs Kirtan movement gained pace and it drew hundreds of people from nearby villages.

People started experiencing the thrill of the enchanting dance and music. At a stage when the beats

and notes used to be at its peak, Thakur used to go into a state of trance. He didnt have any pulse

during His trance. He used to utter words in various languages, one of which was Bengali. He used to

address the thoughts of the people standing nearby and He used to talk on the matter of love, devotion,

spirit, universe, creation science etc. His words had been composed into a book called Punya Punthi

or Holy book. Few lines, spoken in English, are as follows:

Yes, Charity begins at home, but you must expand it the charity of homeMy Lord ! I am

nothing but I you must think all is not little all, all is supreme soul. I am supreme soul the

Parabrahma. 21

See, the things which we see, are nothing but illusion and this illusion is the expression of the

spiritwe see it.

Try to draw your attention upon the current of spirit that is going on the junction of the two

eyes at the root of the nose. It is the spirit onward.

My Lord, let me go now. I am quite unablw to remain any longer.

Children! You must fix your attention at the root of the nose to have You and draw the spirit

onward. This was my policy when I was Jesus. You can search Holy Book, 22*

There were certain things which Thakur did not like, yet He had to tolerate it just because His

mother liked it. At the age of around 30, Anukul received this title namely Thakur which means a

highly accomplished spiritual teacher though He resisted it. He once called Himself a leper, an

account of which is documented in an authentic book named Amio Bani. The exact reference could

be found ahead in this book (in Chapter 5). The following few lines about Thakur taken from

Chapter-18 of the book named Being and Becoming, written by Hauserman, further illustrates the

point:

Often, when we were alone, he'd relate some personal stories of his childhood and family. His

intense love for his mother made it seem as if she could do no wrong. So I had to ask one night,

"Weren't you ever reprimanded by her?"

"So many times it's not possible to count."

I had heard stories of some harsh treatment which at times almost verged on what we would

call today child abuse. His reaction, though, was to develop an obsession to do something that would

gain her praise.

He practiced the meditation she taught him with total intensity, and then related his

experiences to her. When he began falling into trances and miracles would happen, people started

calling him "thakur." He was repelled by the adulation until he found that she seemed to be pleased

by it. He contented himself with the fact that "thakur" can also mean "cook" as well as "master" or

"teacher."

When people sought him out for advice, he'd say, "Go see Ma." The motive behind all his

remarkable achievements seems to have been to win her praise. So I asked, "Didn't your mother ever

praise you?"

"Only once, but it was at such a time that I could not enjoy it at all." His voice grew desolate as

he told the story. His mother had been sick for some months and nothing seemed to help. He tried

many kinds of medicine, but she just grew weaker and weaker.

Late one night she beckoned him to her side and said Anukul, I only wanted to tell you that

you have fulfilled all my hopes. There's nothing left. Now go and see that nobody has any trouble

Soon after, she was gone. He finally won her praise but at such a time when he could not cherish it.

"Thakur, that seemed cruel," I blurted out.

He reacted as if I had struck him. "Think what you like! But if Ma had not been the way she was,

I could never have become what I am today!"

In 1919, at the age of 31, Thakur refrained from participating in any more Kirtans. He then

began His movement called Love for Labour, for He believed that love cannot be achieved without

any service. He, accompanied by some devotees, used to go from door to door offering their service

mending the poor hut, cleaning the drain, cleaning the vegetable garden, building a well etc in

return for nothing. Slowly, without asking, contributions started to flow in. Those contributions were

used to equip the village with electricity, schools, hospitals, factories... Himaitpur was transformed

into heaven. Alongside He started imparting His realizations in the form of verses, discourses, and

poems and of course through His own real life experiences. He gave us the following eight principles

to follow:

1) Jajan It is a process of self-exaltation through meditation, keeping alms, observing fast,

practicing kirtan etc. In short, it is an important part in the process of being and becoming through

active attachment to Living Ideal

2) Jaajan It is a process of exaltation of others through pious means. We may eagerly speak

about Living Ideal and describe His qualities. It is an outcome of Jajan. In other words when we

become exalted, it shows up in our conduct. We become eager to carry out the instructions of Living

Ideal and speak of His greatness. Jaajan makes the surrounding more idealistic to existence.

3) Istavriti Understanding our capacity, selflessly, what we offer every morning, before

taking food, to our beloved Lord, is Istavrity. The word Istavriti could be broken into Ista and

Vrity the former means wellbeing and the latter means nurturing; Therefore it is a process of

nurturing our wellbeing. It is often called Samarthya Yog, means, when we ardently do istavrity,

nature enhances our ability in all grounds, so that we can serve our Lord better.

The above three principles can be summarised within the following motto:

JAJANJAAJANISTAVRITI

To exalt oneself

with pious worship

is Jajan,

to exalt others

with pious worship

is Jaajan,

the daily sacred oblation

to your Lord

before taking any food

is Istavriti.

[The Message Vol II]

4) Swayastani It has been beautifully described in an article written by a disciple of Thakur

name S.P.Chakroborty:

The Swastyayani Brata is a consolidated form of five steps. The first step asks us to realize

that 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.

5) Sadachar Sadachar is maintaining Hygiene at Physical, Mental and Spiritual level

Physical hygiene involves activities such as keeping ourselves clean; washing hands before and

after taking any food; bathing regurly; keeping toilets clean; avoiding food cooked or served by

someone who does not follow hygiene

Mental hygiene involves abstaining from unhealthy thought or any object that induces

unhealthy thoughts

Spiritual hygiene is maintaining untottering adherence to Living Ideal and to follow Him

unconditionally.

6) Adhyayan & Addhipona Adhyayan is a process of continuous investigation and invention.

In other words it is the urge to understand the reason behind everything. It makes us inquisitive and

makes us seek Him.

Addhipona is process of spreading our learning in our environment. In a way it helps to subdue

our ego, for ego is a barrier to attaining real knowledge. It also makes us more proactive and more

attached to Him.

7) Viksha It is a process of begging, so that, being away from the grip of ego or vanity, we

are able to serve the environment better. Vikshya is a process of requesting for some favour from

others in return for some service no matter that service could be in the form of education. Thakur

often used to ask for favours from people things, money, work etc. Sometimes He used to ask

someone to beg money from people and buy Him a particular thing. Thus people often used to go

begging Thakur had asked me to get a camera, so could you please contribute something.

Some people with greater spiritual development found it a pleasing activity. Some people found it

really difficult. One of Thakurs disciples whom Thakur made to go begging on numerous occasions

was Hauserman. Hauserman beautifully describes one such account in Chapter-18 of the book named

Being and Becoming written by him:

"Hey, Soila, your sari is torn," Thakur noticed, yet again. Soila was one of a group of nearly

40 widows who clustered around Thakur because they had no other home. Their families were either

dead or had driven them out, and Thakur was their last resort.

Some found work as a cook, nurse, or nanny. The more aggressive and shrewd wheedled

their way into one of the small jobs around Thakur. Soila was such a warrior who had honed her

skills at securing food and clothing to a fine art. A woman in her fifties, she had been driven from her

home because of her quarrelsome nature.

Everyone knew she had several new saris in a box under her bed, but regular additions

seemed important to her sense of security. Wearing a torn sari in front of Thakur was part of her

program, and it always worked.

"Where will I get the money to buy a new sari? You know I live from hand to mouth," she

would whine.

Looking around the group, Thakur's eyes would fall on me. "Hey, Ray, will you get Soila a

new sari?"

I did have some options here. I could complain that I knew she had six new ones in a box. I

could refuse. Or I could follow Vivekananda's law of devotion articulated a century earlier: "To

follow the guru without any hesitation or doubt is the only way to spiritual success." Which meant

begging the money and buying a sari.

I knew well that obeying Thakur invariably brought its own rewards, sometimes many times

more valuable than the item itself. Then there was the pathetic story of Devi Das that flashed through

my mind. Devi had innocently responded once to Thakur's request, "Who is it for?" That was 10 years

ago and Thakur had never turned to him again, despite his anguished appeals to be called upon.

With little money to my name, I resorted to begging, which in India is not necessarily

disreputable. In fact, in Hindu tradition, it is taught that biksha for the guru helps to break the chains

of pride, anger, greed, lust, and infatuation.

Different responses met my request, as I went from door to door. Some smiled when I

mentioned Thakur and gave me one or two rupees. Some flatly refused, knowing that Soila had

several new saris stashed away. Some even slammed the door in my face. But after 50 homes, I had

the 42 rupees to buy a sari from the local Satsang cloth shop.

Soila snatched it from my hand without a word of gratitude, as if I were a servant. Together,

we pronamed to Thakur. She left, and the group returned to its discussion. Taking my seat near

Thakur, I felt lighter, freer and emotionally closer to Him. Whether this meant I was breaking the

chains of pride, lust, and greed, I don't know; but I wondered again at his easy skill in nurturing my

spiritual development by using Soila's character glitch and perhaps only until she too became

strong enough in the environment of unconditional love to overcome it herself.

Further, vikshya was once an integral part of Aryan culture. Thakurs primary objective was to

revive the Aryan civilization, because once, Aryans were the true lover of existence.

8) Tapasya It is a process of continual renouncement from material desires, with an inner hankering.

These are the eight principles that Thakur gave us to follow. During those days, in around 1918,

Thakurs followers in the village had grown in number. Manmohini Devi suggested that they should

build an organization. His mothers happiness was His utmost priority. Thus the organization named

Satsang was formed, and she played a lead role in its formation. Though, at later stages Thakur

expressed His concern over the uncontrolled growth of Satsang through improper initiation.

Many eminent people came to see Thakur, and many of them accepted Him as their ideal. One

such person was Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das a freedom fighter, the president of Swaraj Party and

the first Mayor of Calcutta Corporation. He took initiation in the year 1924. One year later, in 23rd

May 1925, he returned to Himaitpur with Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji had a short tour of the ashram

just before he meets Thakur. He thought in his mind that Thakur would some bearded ascetic wearing

typical saffron attire. However when he met Thakur, he saw a cheerful and friendly man with simple

clothing white dhoti and a white tea shirt. Gandhiji had discussions with Thakur on various topics

including independence-movement. Gandhiji was so influenced by Manmohini Devi that he

commented I have never seen such a masterful woman in my life. After few days, Das da would

expire. Just few days later, Mahatma Gandhi published an article titled At Darjeeling in the

newspaper Young India, encapsulating a message from Das da to Gandhiji:

I have learned from my Guru (Ideal) the value of truth in all our dealings. I want to live

with him for a few days at least. Your need is not the same as mine, but he has given me strength, I

did not possess before. I see things clearly which I saw dimly before

[Young India, 16-7-1925]

Gandhiji once again met Thakur on 23rd

May 1925 along with Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who later became

the first vice president of India.

Thakur laid down rules on marriage and revealed that a man can marry more than once, under

certain condition provided the marriage takes place on the insistence of the first wife and the mans

parents approves it. Such a marriage is called supra-selective polygamy. The following discussion

between a woman and Thakur, taken from Chapter-1 of the book named Answer To The Quest I

written by Ray Archer Hausarman, further illustrates it.

What is supra-selective polygamy?

Supra-selective polygamy was practiced, I think, when Abraham, the Patriarch, married

Hagar, the hand-maid, at Sarahs insistence. For when a woman of lesser tradition is united in

sacred wed-lock with a man of a greater at his wifes insistence, then supra-selective polygamy is

practiced, often to fulfil and exalt the needs of existence.

But, Thakur, the young American woman protested, it is said that Sarah ultimately became

jealous of Hagar and even drove her away. I dont see how this exalted anybodys existence!

Thakur smiled softly. But from Sarahs son, Jacob, came Christ the benevolent Blessing of

Providence. From Hagars son Ishmael, came Mohammed the Servant of Survival. Did they not

heighten the glow of Providence? Were they not the super-sonorous urge of Heaven?

In the spring of 1930, Boromas younger sister came to spend her vacation at Satsang. She was

a student of science at King Edward College. She got so much impressed by Thakur that she decided

to marry Him, else she would not marry at all in her entire life. She went and convinced Manmohini

Devi and Boroma, though Thakur never intended to marry her. Manmohini Devi was so moved by

her strong desire that she urged Thakur to marry her. Again, Thakur, being devoted to His mother,

was bound to agree. Thus on Nov 17 1930, Thakur was married to Sarba Mangala, whom we

commonly refer as Chotoma.

On 23rd

May 1937, Manmohini Devi took her last breadth. Moments before her demise she

expressed to Thakur Anukul, you have fulfilled all my hopes. Never, her mother praised Him

before. Only now when it is her last moment

In 1940, 20 years after Satsang was formed it had a permanent population of 8000 resident, 500

ritwiks and more than a quarter million disciples who had taken initiation.

In the year 1946, the tension between Hindus and Muslims was at its peak. On Sep 1946,

Thakur, accompanied by all His devotees at Pabna, permanently left the place and came to Deoghar

in Bihar (now in Jharkhand). The crores of rupees of asset at Pabna comprising of schools, hospitals,

industries etc was left at its own fate, for Thakur knew that it was the people who were His real

asset. A two storied rented accommodation called Boral Bungalow became His accommodation.

Initially resources were scanty and they had to survive on half filled stomach. However, with Thakur

amidst them, the zeal and enthusiasm of the people were never lacking. On 15th Aug 1947, Himaitpur

became a part of Pakistan. Within few years, with the ardent effort of His disciples, the empire of

Satsang was erected once again school, hospitals, buildings etc were built again.

In May 1956, at the age of 68, Thakur suffered a stroke which made His right side paralysed.

However Thakur recovered completely after few weeks. Slowly Borda started taking over the

responsibilities of Satsang. Thakur died in the year 1969. From 1960 to 1969, Thakur had to undergo

tremendous mental sufferings. He kept on repeating:

I did not find a single man

During the end days He used to slap on His own face with His own sandals. He used to lock Himself

for several hours in the toilet. He even said Jesus is being crucified everyday. Unable to withstand

the pain of Thakur few of His very dear devotees, feeling helpless, left Deoghar. What made Thakur

suffer? This question has never been answered publicly. Nor does anyone bother to ask this

question. I feel very upset when I wonder Is there no one who loves Thakur more than his career,

family and personal matters. Does no one of us ever have time to analyze what surpassed Thakur

during the last few years of His life? I wonder how many people out of present millions of

devotees even know the life story of Thakur. I wonder why the general mass doesnt know about

Thakur like they know about Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Buddha and Lord Jesusgiven the fact

that Satsang is the richest spiritual organization in the world in terms of daily offering.

Chapter 4

What Thakur Accomplished

A glance of the personality and nature of Thakur could be found in the book named Sri Sri

Thakur Anukul Chandra The man who knew my mind and loved me the most written by a devotee

named Sushil Ranjan Das and later translated into English by Dr. Debesh C. Patra. Thakur was very

kind and loving, yet He always wanted to be very strict with every disciple for He knew that without

discipline the word disciple will not become meaningful. Here my effort is to summarize a few of

the distinct accomplishment made by Thakur during His life.

Thakur has contributed more than 100 books to mankind. Some of the books contain only

verses. The quality of knowledge is so profound that it amazed the most learned section of the society

comprising of people like Rabindranath Tagore, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose etc. Thakur used to

speak on different topics like creation science, quantum physics, spiritualism, dharma, life, marriage,

medicine, conduct etc.

A disciple named Prafulla Kumar Das used to note everything Thakur used to speak. He used to

accompany Thakur all the time. Prafulla Kumar Das was an ardent follower of Ramkrishna

Paramhans the guru of Swami Vivekananda. Ramkrishna Paramhans had predicted that two years

after discarding His mortal cage He would reincarnate somewhere on Earth. Thus He instructed His

wife, Saroda Maa, that she should continue to observe the custom of a married woman after His death

instead of wearing a white saree which typically a widow wears in India, even though it is considered

a taboo. She did so and she had to face the contempt of the society. Prafulla da knew the fact about

His gurus reincarnation. His quest to find his guru brought him to Thakur, thinking that the wisdom

of this saint might help him to locate his guru

After spending some time with Thakur he came to know that, Thakur, it was whom Prafulla da

was searching for; Thakur used to explain about saint Ramkrishna as if He was explaining His past.

Since then he stayed with Thakur throughout Thakurs life. Later when Prafulla da became aged his

role was assumed by Debi Prasad Mukherjee, another disciple of Thakur. Debi da used to note down

the discourses of Thakur with people and all the verses and important facts which Thakur used to

utter. The entire series of the book called Deeprakhi has been compiled from notes taken by Debi da.

It is by virtue of these two disciples of Thakur that we are able to read Thakurs sayings which exist

today in the form of books.

Name of some of the books:

1. Satyanasuran This short pocket-sized book was handwritten by Thakur, at the age of 21, for a devotee named Atul Bhattacharya when Thakur used to stay at the platform of Sealdah. This book

was written in a single night. It is believed to be the crush of all the scriptures and Vedas

including Gita.

2. Nareer-Neeti (Code of conduct for Women).

3. Chalar-Saathi (A constant companion for Ideal-centric movement).

4. Pather-Kari (Gems of the way).

5. Punya-Punthi (Holy Book, Revelations of Sri Sri Thakur in Trance i.e Samadhi).

6. Anushruti 7 vol. (Revelations on various topics in simple Rhymes and poetry).

7. Swasthya O Sadachar Sutra (Aphorism on Health & Hygiene)

8. Yati Abhidharma (Upholding principles to be followed by a Saint)

9. Debi-Sukta (Noble sayings about Women).

10. Tapa-Bidhayana 2 Vol. (Proper Regulation of Spiritual Practice).

11. Bidhi-Binyas (Regulation of Destiny).

12. Sad-Bidhayana (Regulation to be followed to perceive the embodiment of truth).

13. Nistha-Bidhayana (Proper regulation of Adherence).

14. Adarsha-Binayaka (Proper regulation according to the liking of Ideal).

15. Bidhan-Binayaka (Guiding principles of upholding laws).

16. Samaj-Sandipana (Guiding principles to enlighten society).

17. Bikriti-Binayana (Adjustment of Distortions).

18. Bigyan-Bibhuti (Treasury of Scientific knowledge).

19. Dhriti-Bidhayana 2 Vol. (Proper maintenance of principles of upholdment).

20. Achar-Charyya 2 Vol. (Principles of Conduct & Behaviour).

21. Alochana-Prasange 22 Vol. (Conversations with Sri Sri Thakur).

22. Nana-Prasange 4 vol. (Conversation with Thakur on various Subjects such as quantam physics, biology, medicine, marriage, universe, creation etc).

23. Katha-Prasange 3 Vol. (Discourses of Sri Sri Thakur).

24. Islam-Prasange (A must read for Muslim Society, He has given ways for complete eradication of sectarian conflict).

25. Seva-Bidhayana (Proper regulation of Service).

26. Neeti-Bidhayana (Proper following of Moral Principles).

27. Kriti-Bidhayana (Proper regulation of Activity).

28. Shiksha-Bidhayana (Proper guidance of Education).

29. Darshan-Bidhayana (Proper guidance of Knowledge).

30. Nareer Pathe (Conversations with Sri Sri Thakur about Woman hood).

31. Shaswati (Eternal truths uttered by Thakur).

32. Sambitee (Sri Sri Thakurs holy utterances on Perfect Knowledge).

33. Taanr-Chithi (A compilation of letters by Sri Sri Thakur).

34. Amiya-Lipi (Solutions related to different daily life problems).

35. Ashish-Banee 2 Vol. (Compilation of messages given by Sri Sri Thakur as blessings on various occasions).

36. Preeti-Binayak 2 Vol. (Utterances about the different forms of love and factors that guide love to the ideal).

37. Jaji-Sukta (Noble utterances on principles of yaajan).

38. Charyya-Sukta (Noble utterances on practice and habit).

39. Bibaha-Bidhayana (Proper system of marriage).

40. Sangya-Samiksha (Invaluable utterances on Religion Philosophy Society, Politics and day to day activities).

41. Bibidha-Sukta (Noble utterances on various subjects).

42. Arya-Pratimokshya (Utterances of Sri Sri Thakur after coming to Deoghar).

43. Deeprakshi (Conversation with Sri Sri Thakur).

44. Jeevan Dipti 3 Vol. (Life exalting Messages of mankind).

45. Arya-Kristi (Discourses on various topics viz. Varnashram, Eugenics, Instincts and many more).

46. Amiya Bani (Holy utterances by Sri Sri Thakur).

47. Sri Sri Thakur O Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das (Includes discussion with C.R Das on Indian Independence and Social Reformation).

48. Akhanda Jivan Darshan (Discussion of life in a society and many different aspects of life).

49. Ista-Prokta (Sayings and answer to many complicated questions of various subjects).

50. Matri-Mongal (An exclusive book must read by woman).

51. Smriti-Tirthe (An excellent book of old reminiscence).

52. Sono Ritwik (Compilation on functionalities of Ritwik).

Some of the books originally written in English:

1. The Message 9 Vol This series is in English and has similarity with Biblical language. It contains divine utterance on Religion, Spiritualism, Education, Society, Politics, Industry,

Commerce and others.

2. Magnadicta (The sayings of the Great Seer Thakur. Analytical solution of the diverse problems of man)

3. Lords Prayer (Charming forms of divine service, solemn and melodious like Vedic chants).

4. Discourses (A short record of discussions of several dignitaries with Sri Sri Thakur).

5. Who Thou the Revolutionary ? (A record of a few days experiences of a political agnostic about Sri Sri Thakur Anukulchandra).

6. An Integral Philosophy of life (Constitutes the total philosophy of life)

Mobilizing en masse:

In 1945, Thakur talked with eminent political leaders in India. He analysed their thoughts and

understood that they are busy with their political activities and were not concerned about the rising

tension between Hindus and Muslims or about the country. He foresaw that these leader would fail to

the conspiracy of the British Empire and India was would be partitioned. He pretended to fall sick.

For days He complained of headache, dizziness... Eminent brain-specialists from Kolkata were called

for His treatment. They doctors analysed Thakur, but failed to identify any disease. This news of

Thakurs illness gradually got circulated to peoples. They fell in despair. Then Thakur suddenly said

one day:

I had a dream. Lord Badrinath is calling me. I must go to Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Bihar.

There, if I drink the holy water and receive the holy water on my head, My ailment would be cured.

Those days even today people had strong faith in such beliefs. Thakur said:

All of us would go and visit Badrinath Dham.

People were charmed with the idea of a tour. On Sep 1946, He asked Sushil Bose to visit the place

beforehand and make all arrangements. With the help of Binodananda Jha, the then chief minister of

Bihar, Sushil da rented the Boral Bungalow. It was a very old architecture with cracked walls, broken

window frames, and the surrounding 5 acres area was filled with wild grasses and weeds. But it was

the largest vacant building available at that time. As per Thakurs instructions, people travelled in

single cloth to Deoghar without carrying much luggage and belongings. After reaching Deoghar

Thakur never planned to return to Pabna. Since then Thakur never uttered the name of Pabna, though

many people initially insisted that they must return home.

The question is Why Thakur did so? Why didnt Thakur say something like India is going to be

partitioned and so we must move to Deoghar? I think that had He revealed it, the political leaders

could have manipulated His statement. Further, the British Empire could have turned hostile towards

Him and His disciples knowing that their conspiracy would be disclosed. Again this goes to show His

ability to handle critical situation tactfully and peacefully.

Do never die, nor cause death, but resist death till death [Sri Sri Thakur]

During the year 1920 a cholera epidemic broke out in the village of Thakur and its surrounding

area. For many weeks Thakur and some of His disciples worked round the clock to prepare a herbal

cure. Then Thakur, with His group of doctors and disciples, went from cottage to cottage nursing and

comforting the patients and at the same time making a careful inspection to see that the instructions

concerning treatment and sanitation were carried out. Soon news about Thakurs miraculous remedy

reached every corner of Bengal and request for this cure were reaching to Satsang. Not a single

disciple, nor a single patient who received the cure, died due to Cholera. Not just death due to disease,

Thakur has given us ways to resist death due to any unnatural means.

- , - ' ' ' [Satyanusaran] Means:

Be immersed in enlivening thoughts; enlivening deeds will be your helpers, and your surroundings,

being enlivened, shall surely always save you.

[Sri Sri Thakur] Means:

No matter whatever trouble comes to your life

Istavriti will always bring alleviation for everyone

[Shi Shi Thakur]

Means:

People our own, money not our own, catch people as many as you can

During His teenage he gave His examination fee to one of His needy friend and He Himself

dropped from examination. During His medical studies Thakur stayed on the footpath of Sealdah

Station, still giving attention to the poor kids around. It was also the time when Thakur went to stay

with a family in a slum area just to teach them sanitation and ways of proper living. Thakur always

paid personal attention to anyone who came to see Him. Thakur used to nurture everyone differently,

for He knew No two things in this universe are same. So everyone needs to be treated as per their

distinctiveness. In 1946, when Thakur shifted to Deoghar from Himaitpur He left all his property,

worth around 2.5 crore(25 million) rupees, behind in todays valuation it would be few thousand

crore. However He did not leave a single man behind. The early days at Deoghar were very tough.

Each day, for the next few months, along with devotees, people from the surrounding places used to

take food at Anandabazar the community kitchen of Satsang. To accommodate every hungry

stomach the quantity of served food had to be limited. Even Thakur used to suffice with little amount,

however not a single person was denied food. When a news reporter sought permission from Thakur

to publish this event, Thakur queried Do you feed your children everyday

Reporter - Yes

Thakur -Go and publish that

So Thakur felt just like a father and the people were His children.

Thakur attracted various people from all over the world. Many people, including Mahatma

Gandhi, parents of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose(were disciples), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose,

Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Ananta Sayanam Ayengar(former Speaker of

Lok Sabha), the Russian council, the Council of Arab Republic etc came to visit Him. If anyone

bowed his head before Him, Thakur too reciprocated with folded hands, to convey their prayer to the

supreme father. It was always so easy to approach Thakur. In fact He was so simple that He always

wore a white dhoti and a white undercloth. Looking at Him amidst a crowd of people it was difficult

to differentiate Him from the others because of His simple disposition. Yet Thakur had over 50 lakh

(5 million) followers towards the end of his life in late 1960s.

Revival of Kirtan Movement:

Kirtan is a form of dance involving jumping and throwing oneself towards the sky out of

devotion in combination with high-note music involving instruments like conch shell, drum and

metal plates. Kirtan is sometimes more effective than meditation and it induces a sense of

submissiveness within us. Secondarily Kirtan rejuvenates our cells and makes our heart stronger, thus

alleviating us of many diseases. Steve Jobs, during the early stage of his career when he was just an

ordinary man came to India and practiced Kirtan. Kirtan was originally invented by Chaitanya

Mahaprabhu a renowned 14th century Bengali prophet and in due course of time it lost its

significance. Satish Chandra Goswami was the direct descendent of Adyaitya, who in turn was a

distinct disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Satish da became a disciple of Thakur.

Thakur started practicing Kirtan during His mid 20s. Once He went for a three week tour to

adjoining cities, with His dance group. At a certain stage during Kirtan, Thakurs feet wouldnt touch

the floor. He used to go in a state of trance, wherein His bodily functions such as heartbeat, pulse

and breathing used to collapse. With prior consent of Thakur, people placed red hot burning coal on

His shoulderpierce iron rod through His feet. When Thakur came out of trance, all signs of torture

seemed disappeared. The environment of Kirtan used to be so harmonious that it attracted thousands

and thousands of people. Thus when the entire world was raging into World War I, Thakur and

thousands of His disciples were intoxicated by love.

Even today, within the community of Satsang, Kirtan is quite prevalent. I stayed in a Satsang

centre for one year, where there used to be a weekly satsang (here it means a spiritual gathering) and

Kirtan, for around 45 min. It used to be an energetic experience for me.

Around 3-4 years after starting his Kirtan movement, Thakur was questioned What would be

the fate of Kirtan movement when you are gone. Thakur kept silent for a while with a sigh of

graveness. He broke His silence:

Love caught in a moment of rapture will fly away. If you would give yourself to Love abide

in Love it must be drawn carefully through your every thought shape your every word with its

free flow determine every act of your body

And this must be so weather you are at work or at ease weather you deal with friend or foe.

This is the only way that Love can be of service to you, and through you to all. [Ocean in a Teacup,

Pg-94]

Since then Thakur never participated in a single Kirtan. I feel, through this act, Thakur wanted

to indicate Kirtan is a part of life, not a way of life. You must be wondering Then what is the way

of life? Well, this will be discussed in the next chapter.

Independence means Inter-dependence

Quit Exploitation, not India; Cooperation, not non-cooperation.

Satsang was never in disharmony with the British administration. Why would it, when nobody

in satsang sought freedom; for, in Thakurs presence they never needed any external freedom. The

then Governor of Bengal and a graduate of science, Sir John Anderson, became an admirer of Satsang.

When Mahatma Gandhi came to see Thakur, they discussed on various topics, one of which

was Freedom. Ganhiji sought His divine blessing so that he could succeed in his non-cooperation

movement. Thakur explained The British people are also an integral part of nature and hence non-

cooperation could not be a solution, because in nature there is cooperation not non-cooperation. Nor

should we ask British to quit India, instead we should ask them to quit exploitation. Thakur clearly

warned Gandhiji that what he was considering as a benediction is in fact a curse on the future of the

nation. However Gandhiji concluded arrogantly I dont understand all these things, I just want to

seek your blessing for the non-cooperation movement. In deed today we see that non-cooperation

has reached every family, every society and every organization and everywhere we can possibly

imagine, including human mind. The decision that we make are not in coordination with each other.

We do not do what we think or speak what we did. Thakur believed that coordination between

thinking speaking and doing is the foundation of spiritualism. Thakur had the vision that the British

people staying in India could have lead to a generation of superior progeny, for the British people

usually belong to a higher clan or varna. Had it materialised, I feel that India would have been a world

leader today.

In the coming days though Gandhiji would send some of his erring workers to Thakur to get

adjusted spiritually, yet the damage was already done. The following excerpts, originally in Bengali,

is a translation of Nana Prasange Vol.1, Ninth Edition, Dec-2001, Page 41-43, by a disciple of Thakur

named Subrata Ghosh. The words in bold are, however, originally used by Thakur:

Question: Well, what is that we are going to do with this dharma or saadhna or life what is that we

gain if we remain subservient if we cannot win over the environment? What is your idea about

Swaraaj (self-governing)?1

Shri Shri Thakur: Swaraaj, to me, does not mean hatred towards the British. By Swaraaj I understand

accomplishing all that I need to do to keep my existence going and through that true Swaraaj is

gained. When we can establish swa or self within and without both sides, then only the real

Swaraaj is achieved. If the British get in the way of this they will automatically leave us otherwise

becoming a friend they will get amalgamated with us.

Imagine if someone has the germ of tuberculosis inside his body, the doctor will try to recover his

health and for that he will arrange appropriate foods, medicines, fresh air etc. When the patient gets

well he then declares, he is out of danger. In the same way we too need to recover our lost health.

Thus to elevate activity and to push becoming there is a need for establishing banks, factories etc.

Question: But if the interests of the British take a beating will they not destroy all these

establishments much like the way they destroyed our textile industry?

Shri Shri Thakur: Whatever has been destroyed is verily due to our own fault. Had there been no

blemishes within us nobody could have ever destroyed that.

Foot notes:

1 He who confuses political liberty with freedom and political equality with similarity has never

thought for five minutes about either. Bernard Shaw

2 Political boundaries and political opinions don't really make much difference. It is the economic

condition which really forces change and compels progress. My Philosophy of Industry

by Henry Ford

Dharma Clearly Defined:

SPIRITUALISM AS I MEAN

Spiritualism is investigation

and invention

of the hows and whys

by which matter extend and grows

to the acceleration

of our Being

and Becoming !

[The message, Vol I]

SUSTAINER OF LIFE AND GROWTH

Dharma

means the laws

that sustain

life and growth

with every effulgence

of personnel

both individually

and collectively.

[The message, Vol II]

DHARMA MAKES US LIVE

AND GROW

What makes us live and grow

with healthy maintenance

is Dharma in short.

[The message, Vol II]

The entire book, The Message Vol II, is dedicated to explanation of Dharma.

The following is a translation of Nana Prasange Vol.1, Ninth Edition, Dec-2001, Page 44, by Subrata

Ghosh. The words in bold are, however, originally used by Thakur:

Question: There is a big laboratory in Presidency college, but their research is not increasing our

national wealth in any way why is it so?

Shri Shri Thakur: That is because one cannot be committed to a fulltime employment and

simultaneously doing (real)research work.1 The research which is inspired from the thought of

addressing the need of the country, caring for the welfare of the fellow countrymen by ensuring

continued improvement upon their health, education, wealth and peace, is the real research and this

is what is endorsed by the Arya-dharma as well. The scientists of other developed nations verily do

this and so without beating the drums of dharma they happen to be the real dhaarmik.

Question: People say there is no connection between science and dharma rather they are like the

opposite poles. Science increases worldly comfort whereas dharma brings in renunciation.

Shri Shri Thakur: Science itself is the guide to the nectarine path of life. Science verily shows us how

to lead a blissful life, how to live and grow unabatedly.2 That is why dharma itself invites science.

Science is the vision of spirituality. In the process of realising the soul, all that it beholds gradually

become visible. The knowledge gained in this process is the real science, and also the real spirituality.

Foot notes:

1 Almost all paid work is done from desire, not from impulse: the work itself is more or less

irksome, but the payment for it is desired. The serious activities that fill a man's working hours are,

except in a few fortunate individuals, governed mainly by purposes, not by impulses towards those

activities. Principles of social reconstruction by BERTRAND RUSSELL 2 Science can, if it chooses, enable our grandchildren to live the good life, by giving them

knowledge, self-control and characters productive of harmony rather than strife..Then at least we

shall have won our freedom. What I believe by BERTRAND RUSSELL

Thakur had brought such a harmonious correlation between Dharma and Science. In simple

words Thakur explained that Dharma or Spiritualism or Truth is anything that upholds life and

existence. Many people from Muslim community and Christian community came to see Thakur.

They questioned Him on Jesus Christ and Prophet Hazrat Rasool. Thakur answered each and every

question and showed that there is no contradiction amongst prophets. The present prophet is always

the best fulfiller of the past prophets. He gives furtherance to the mission of past prophets. And at any

point of time there can be only a single prophet or son of god, as they are not different but the same

prophet incarnating at different times. He indicated clearly in His Purushottam-vandana (prayer) that

Purushottam or Son of God has incarnated 8 times in this epoch (4 yugas).

Two Muslims once came to Thakur for initiation saying that He was a greater prophet then

Muhammed. Thakur replied Dont come to me if you wish to change your faith. Your prophet is as

dear to Me as every other. Leave their sayings aside if they confuse you. Meditate on the Saint

Himself. If a Muslim comes to me with sincere desire to love Muhammed with all his heart, then I

would receive him with open and joyous heart. The two Muslims returned after few weeks and

declared We have studied the teachings of Muhammed every night and wee understood that He is a

true prophet. This time Thakur accepted them as His disciples. They became the first Muslim

disciples of Thakur.

Syed Khaliluddin, a Mouluvi (Musim priest) of the Islamic community at Pabna became a

follower of Thakur. He got his son educated at the Tapovan School, under supervision of Thakur.

Similarly, Reverend Fred Hawkyard, director of the British Christian Mission at Pabna, came to see

Thakur. He was amazed to hear how Thakur spoke about Christ with such conviction seldom

encountered among Christians. Thus many people from different communities came to Thakur and

took initiation.

New realms of science:

During the days at Pabna, the science laboratory called Word science centre or Biswa Bigyan

Kendra was formed. Ray A Hauserman describes it in his book Ocean in a Teacup :-

The site for the laboratory was picked out and Thakur entered

into all details of planning and building with such energy and boyish

enthusiasm that everyone in the community desired to take part.

Devotees who worked in Himaitpur or Pabna by day even insisted

on erecting flares so that they might make bricks and otherwise

contribute to the effort by night. The air vibrated with talk of electricity

and solar heat ... of new equipment and machinery that

were soon to make higher level scientific research possible. Pg 127

Ultimately Satsang had its own printing press, and imported

two Ipswich generators, which provided the electrical power required

by the research laboratories in Viswa Bignan Kendra, and

also supplied electricity to the homes and streets in Satsang. Pg 43

Thus 90 years back, when there was no electricity supply in some of the advanced towns in

India, a small village in the Jungle of Pabna was equipped with electricity.

Thakur had also conceptualised an instrument called Vibrometer, which could infuse life into a

dead person, provided all his vital organs are intact. Thus according to Thakur, a person dying of

drowning, heart attack, fever etc could be revived by inducing a vibration into him through that

instrument.

Translation of Nana Prasange Vol.1, Ninth Edition, Dec-2001, Page 27-28, by Subrata Ghosh. The

words in bold are, however, originally used by Thakur:

Question : You think death is a curable disease so when treated properly, can one get cured from it?

Shri Shri Thakur : I feel many deaths are curable. If the organs do not get damaged from death, at

least such deaths are curable like for example, death from heart failure, drowning, cholera etc. A

man can be revived from such types of death. For that matter all living beings can

be revived by induction of life-energy.

Question : Have you ever revived someone yourself?

Shri Shri Thakur : No, but I think it is possible to revive. In fact it is not my opinion alone, nowadays

in the western world many eminent p