Sadhana

In order to become realized and achieve the goal of life one must per from Sadhana. The goal of life is to merge with Brahma, but to achieve this lofty goal one must get rid of all earthly desires and attachments. All these earthly attachments and desires must be converted into one desire - the desire of total merger with Brahma.

According to Baba, “”Sadhana means Tantra and Tantra means Sadhana.” [1] And “Tantra is a spiritual tradition which originated in India in prehistoric times and was first systematized by Shiva. It emphasizes the development of human vigor, both through meditation and through confrontation of difficult external situation to overcome all fears and weaknesses.” [1]

Reference

1 Shri Shri Anandamurti Discourses on Tantra Volume Two. Ananda Marga Publications, 1994. pp. 117, 261. ISBN 81-7252-022-0

Pratik

The above yantra is the symbol of Ananda Marga called the pratik. Pratik practically means emblem. The pratik is composed of two interconnected triangles where one points upwards and the other points downwards. This geometrical shape is also found the Anahata Chakra and it is called the Satkona. In the center of the triangle is a rising sun, and in the core of the rising sun is a swastika.

The triangle pointing downwards symbolizes internal development or meditation for self-realization. The triangle pointing upwards symbolizes action in the external world. The two triangles are in perfect balance. A person must balance their internal life with service in the world.

The rising sun indicates progress that is the result of a balanced way of life. Thus the spiritual aspirant is progresses towards their goal of self-realization.

This spiritual victory is indicated by the swastika. Sawastika is is a Sanskrit word that means “to have a good existence of a permamnet nature.” It is composed of su which meaning "good" and asti which means "to become.”

The Pratik is a symbol that expresses a universal ideology of Self-Realization and service to humanity.

Upwards pointing triangle: signifies work in the world, i.e. social work.

Downwards pointing triangle: signifies inner work, i.e. meditation.

The sun - the sum of work in the world and inner development leads to personal and spiritual development.

The svastika - Signifies personal victory, in the sense of spiritual fullfilment and salvation.

Namah Shiváya Shántáya

Ananda Marga is an international organization dedicated to the welfare of humankind. It literally means “path of bliss.” It promotes meditation based on the teachings of Tantra.

Tantra is a practical science introduced in India by Shiva more than 7,000 years ago. Shiva who is the Adi-Guru who helps one to conquer one’s lower nature and rise above it into one’s true divine nature and be able make possible the union of the jivatma with Paramatma.

So then, Tantra endeavored to improve the quality of life by transforming one’s life from crudeness to the attainment of Brahma. It is a way of lie that includes meditation, service to mankind, social ethics, and dietary consideration.

Any questions contact:

Ananda Marga Dallas
2355 Trellis Place
Richardson, Texas 75081
Phone: (972) 699-3838

Email: Dada Shubhacetanananda <shubhany@yahoo.com>

Reference:

Namah Shiváya Shántáya

http://shop.anandamarga.org/books/sarkar/shiva.htm