Baba
Namaskar,
One elderly lady had a peculiar relationship with Ananda Marga. On the one hand, she was following the Hindu dogma of idol worship, and in public she would outrightly criticise and abuse Ananda Marga. But, internally, she was extremely curious about Ananda Marga. Actually, the only reason she was criticising AM publicly was to get more information about Baba and Ananda Marga. For this reason she would raise points of contention so that margiis were forced to reply. Ultimately, her desire was this: She wanted proof whether Baba was really Parama Purusa or not. That was what she was yearning to know; that was her motivation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Baba came to her in dream
Then, one night, in around the year 2000 or so, Baba appeared in her dream and assumed His role as va'madeva. He then lovingly scolded her and demanded that she start singing Baba Nam Kevalam. So, in that very dream, she began singing Baba Nam Kevalam, and, in the middle of the night, she woke up from her dream and started singing kiirtan loudly in her house.
Her family woke up, and they all immediately thought that she was crazy because during the day she was accusing Ananda Marga but, when no one was watching, she was singing kiirtan during the night. When the lady regained her senses and became aware of what was going on then she explained her entire dream to her family members. From that time, she has always held a deeply devotional feeling for Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji.
Baba’s loving punishment
This story clearly demonstrates that Baba still comes before sadhakas in all kinds of ways and forms, including that of va'madeva; and, by that show of punishment, bhaktas are blessed to come closer to Parama Purusa. In His liila, His scolding is imbibed with His divine love and has a wonderfully positive effect, whether done in PC, reporting, or dream etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (1)
Conclusion
So for a sadhaka, Guru is always present and guides in various ways in order to help bhaktas reach unto Parama Purusa. Thus, even though one may not have seen Baba when He was physically performing His roles etc, still those divine expressions are forever available to all His bhaktas in their dreams, thoughts, meditation, and dhyana etc. He remains with you always.
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “You spiritual aspirants, you should remember that Parama Puruśa is always with you and His grace is always with you, and you all are His loving children.” (2)
In Him,
Anand
Note: In His grand liila, some margiis were blessed to see Baba in physical form, while others did not have that opportunity. So some may think that, “I did not get a chance to see Baba physically so I missed out.” But bhaktas know that still now and up to eternity, Baba is guiding and will be guiding sadhakas in every way - including that of va'madeva. And the above story is the proof.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
~ In-depth study ~
Baba's role as va'madeva - still it is going on
All of Baba's five faces - all of Baba's five forms - are highly important and meaningful. All five faces, including that of Va'madeva, are expressions of His divine love. And still this liila is going on.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Va'madeva is terrible – rudra, rudra'tirudra, rudro'pirudrah – 'one who teaches others by making them shed tears'. But the underlying purpose is to teach people, not to harm them...the main purpose is to teach them, to promote their welfare. Now here also, the two roles of Va'madeva and Ka'la'gni are controlled by the central face, Kalya'n'asundaram. He is sundaram, beautiful, because He promotes kalya'n'a [welfare]: hence, “Kalya'n'asundaram”. He is terrible, but at the same time superbly calm and tranquil. Yet behind His apparent dreadfulness and tranquility lies the kalya'n'asundaram bha'va." (3)
The five faces of Parama Purusa
The following teachings outline the five faces of Parama Purusa. Sometimes the term Shiva is used, but we all know that Mahasambhuti has taken advent three times on this earth. All three are manifestations of Parama Purusa. So wherever the term Shiva is used the sense is Parama Purusa; and, as we all know, Baba is Parama Purusa. So the following quotes all refer to Baba's divine personality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "It is physically impossible for anyone to have five faces, yet Shiva is called Paiṋcánana [“Five-Faced God”]. So what are those five faces?"
"Shiva has one face in front flanked by two faces on the right and two on the left. The face on the extreme right is called Dakśińeshvara. This face conveys the message: “Listen to me! This will be good for you. You should behave in this way. Follow me. Please follow this path. Don’t indulge in improper deeds, but follow the path of morality and pious deeds.” Dakśińeshvara guides people with sweet polite language. Even though it tells one not to do certain things, it is still pleasant."
"The face on the extreme left is called Vámadeva. It speaks with a thunderous voice. “You worthless chap, why did you do such a thing? I will punish you severely.” Thereafter it punishes the wrongdoer with a stick. “Don’t take me lightly, your bones will learn what is proper and what is improper!” This Vámadeva is the exact opposite of Dakśińeshvara."
"The face next to Dakśińeshvara is called Iishána. It says, “Look, my child, follow this path. If you follow any other path, it will bring you only sorrow. Don’t make such a mistake. Prakrti will never pardon you. The result will be disastrous.” Iishána clearly states the consequences of misdeeds and gives a few pieces of advice. You may experience Parama Puruśa either in the form of Dakśińeshvara or in that of Iishána."
"And on the left, the face next to Vámadeva is called Kálágni. Kálágni says, “Severe punishment is awaiting you. Your bones will be broken. Stupid! What nonsense are you doing?” In this way Kálágni scolds and threatens to punish, although it does not actually carry it out. Kálágni tries to rectify wrongdoers by creating fear in them, not by actual punishment. When someone becomes extremely angry we call him agnisharmá [red as fire]. The face in the middle is called Kalyáńasundaram. This face says, “Come, dear child, and sit beside me. I hope you are quite well.” This is the role of Kalyáńasundaram. Thus human beings want only Kalyáńasundaram."
"With these five faces the Supreme Entity is watching the movement of each and every human being." (4)
More about the five faces of Parama Purusa
Here Baba explains more about the five faces of Parama Purusa.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Shiva is also called paiṋcavaktram, which means “one who has five faces”. Now the question is, did Shiva really have five faces? No, no one having a physical body can have five faces. The idea of the five-faced Shiva is purely a symbol of the five expressions of one and the same face. The central face, the real face, of Shiva, is Kalyáńasundaram. The face on the extreme right is Dakśińeshvara, and the face between Kalyáńasundaram and Dakśińeshvara is Iishána. The face on the extreme left is Vámadeva, and the face between Kalyáńasundaram and Vámadeva is Kálágni. The behaviour of Dakśińeshvara is mildly severe; Iishána is still milder; Kálágni is far more terrible; but in Kalyáńasundaram there is not the least severity – He is always smiling. Let me explain it in this way: If someone makes a mistake, Dakśińeshvara will say, “Why did you do such a thing? For this, you will be punished.” Iishána will say, “Why are you doing wrong? Shouldn’t you be punished for this?” Kálágni will say, “Why are you doing wrong? I will give you severe punishment, I won’t tolerate these things. Before me this type of excuse is useless!” Vámadeva will say, “You are such a scoundrel! I will destroy you – I will burn you to ashes!” And Kalyáńasundaram will laughingly say, “Don’t do such things, you yourself will be harmed by this.” So Shiva actually had not five faces but one, and that one face had five expressions; thus He is called paiṋcavaktram." (5)
Overview of five faces
Ananda Marga philosophy states,"The face just to the right of the central face is called Iishána – one who asks human beings to follow the path of righteousness and tells them to refrain from following the path of unrighteousness. The extreme face on the right side is called Dakśińeshvara – one who always remains with those persons who are inspired by righteous thoughts. The first face on the left side is called Kálágni – one who rules people for their welfare. The extreme face on the left side is called Vámadeva – one who rules very strictly with the scepter of thunder. This Vámadeva is a terror for sinners due to its severity. The central face of Shiva, with its expression of profound mercy, is called Kalyáńasundaram." (6)
References
1. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
2. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 19, The Path of Salvation
3. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, An Introduction to Shiva (Discourse 1)
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 10, Sambhúti and Mahásambhúti
5. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Shiva in the Dhyána Mantra (Discourse 20)
6. Shabda Cayanika - 4, Kárpat́ika to Kála (Discourse 23)
Plagiary?
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
“Seeing the bright side”
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Sulocana” means the man who only sees the bright side of everything, only the positive qualities, only the good side, and not the bad side. Such a person never supports any sort of destructive criticism, rather always constructive criticism. The person who always sees the good side of everything, is “Sulocana” in [the] masculine; in [the] feminine it will be “Sulocaná”. One "a" is to be suffixed to the word.” (1)
In His above guideline, Baba equates “seeing the bright side” with constructive criticism. That means if anyone points out the problem in order to make the situation better, then they are “seeing the bright side.”
For instance, suppose sadhaka X contravenes the code of conduct and indulges in negative things. If sadhaka B points out the problem with the aim of raising the standard of sadhaka X, then sadhaka B is “seeing the bright side”.
All too often some are confused about this. One should know that when pointing out is done in a constructive manner then it is a positive approach. Then they are “seeing the bright side.”
Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, One Should Know Everything
While doing dhya'na
Ananda Marga ideology says, "The only way, the only approach, is complete surrender. 'O Supreme Entity, You may be great, You may be the Nucleus of the entire world, You may be infinite, and I may be finite; You may be Great, I may be small; You may be everything, and I may be nothing: but this much You cannot ignore. You cannot deny; You cannot deny that I am the son and that You are the Father. So I have a birthright to sit on Your lap. You cannot deny it.' So each and every entity has the right to move towards Him, and to be one with Him.” (1)
Reference
1. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 3, Jiivátmá and Pratyagátmá, p. 90-1
Elderly woman’s Baba dream
Namaskar,
One elderly lady had a peculiar relationship with Ananda Marga. On the one hand, she was following the Hindu dogma of idol worship, and in public she would outrightly criticise and abuse Ananda Marga. But, internally, she was extremely curious about Ananda Marga. Actually, the only reason she was criticising AM publicly was to get more information about Baba and Ananda Marga. For this reason she would raise points of contention so that margiis were forced to reply. Ultimately, her desire was this: She wanted proof whether Baba was really Parama Purusa or not. That was what she was yearning to know; that was her motivation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Baba came to her in dream
Then, one night, in around the year 2000 or so, Baba appeared in her dream and assumed His role as va'madeva. He then lovingly scolded her and demanded that she start singing Baba Nam Kevalam. So, in that very dream, she began singing Baba Nam Kevalam, and, in the middle of the night, she woke up from her dream and started singing kiirtan loudly in her house.
Her family woke up, and they all immediately thought that she was crazy because during the day she was accusing Ananda Marga but, when no one was watching, she was singing kiirtan during the night. When the lady regained her senses and became aware of what was going on then she explained her entire dream to her family members. From that time, she has always held a deeply devotional feeling for Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji.
Baba’s loving punishment
This story clearly demonstrates that Baba still comes before sadhakas in all kinds of ways and forms, including that of va'madeva; and, by that show of punishment, bhaktas are blessed to come closer to Parama Purusa. In His liila, His scolding is imbibed with His divine love and has a wonderfully positive effect, whether done in PC, reporting, or dream etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (1)
Conclusion
So for a sadhaka, Guru is always present and guides in various ways in order to help bhaktas reach unto Parama Purusa. Thus, even though one may not have seen Baba when He was physically performing His roles etc, still those divine expressions are forever available to all His bhaktas in their dreams, thoughts, meditation, and dhyana etc. He remains with you always.
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “You spiritual aspirants, you should remember that Parama Puruśa is always with you and His grace is always with you, and you all are His loving children.” (2)
In Him,
Anand
Note: In His grand liila, some margiis were blessed to see Baba in physical form, while others did not have that opportunity. So some may think that, “I did not get a chance to see Baba physically so I missed out.” But bhaktas know that still now and up to eternity, Baba is guiding and will be guiding sadhakas in every way - including that of va'madeva. And the above story is the proof.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
~ In-depth study ~
Baba's role as va'madeva - still it is going on
All of Baba's five faces - all of Baba's five forms - are highly important and meaningful. All five faces, including that of Va'madeva, are expressions of His divine love. And still this liila is going on.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Va'madeva is terrible – rudra, rudra'tirudra, rudro'pirudrah – 'one who teaches others by making them shed tears'. But the underlying purpose is to teach people, not to harm them...the main purpose is to teach them, to promote their welfare. Now here also, the two roles of Va'madeva and Ka'la'gni are controlled by the central face, Kalya'n'asundaram. He is sundaram, beautiful, because He promotes kalya'n'a [welfare]: hence, “Kalya'n'asundaram”. He is terrible, but at the same time superbly calm and tranquil. Yet behind His apparent dreadfulness and tranquility lies the kalya'n'asundaram bha'va." (3)
The five faces of Parama Purusa
The following teachings outline the five faces of Parama Purusa. Sometimes the term Shiva is used, but we all know that Mahasambhuti has taken advent three times on this earth. All three are manifestations of Parama Purusa. So wherever the term Shiva is used the sense is Parama Purusa; and, as we all know, Baba is Parama Purusa. So the following quotes all refer to Baba's divine personality.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "It is physically impossible for anyone to have five faces, yet Shiva is called Paiṋcánana [“Five-Faced God”]. So what are those five faces?"
"Shiva has one face in front flanked by two faces on the right and two on the left. The face on the extreme right is called Dakśińeshvara. This face conveys the message: “Listen to me! This will be good for you. You should behave in this way. Follow me. Please follow this path. Don’t indulge in improper deeds, but follow the path of morality and pious deeds.” Dakśińeshvara guides people with sweet polite language. Even though it tells one not to do certain things, it is still pleasant."
"The face on the extreme left is called Vámadeva. It speaks with a thunderous voice. “You worthless chap, why did you do such a thing? I will punish you severely.” Thereafter it punishes the wrongdoer with a stick. “Don’t take me lightly, your bones will learn what is proper and what is improper!” This Vámadeva is the exact opposite of Dakśińeshvara."
"The face next to Dakśińeshvara is called Iishána. It says, “Look, my child, follow this path. If you follow any other path, it will bring you only sorrow. Don’t make such a mistake. Prakrti will never pardon you. The result will be disastrous.” Iishána clearly states the consequences of misdeeds and gives a few pieces of advice. You may experience Parama Puruśa either in the form of Dakśińeshvara or in that of Iishána."
"And on the left, the face next to Vámadeva is called Kálágni. Kálágni says, “Severe punishment is awaiting you. Your bones will be broken. Stupid! What nonsense are you doing?” In this way Kálágni scolds and threatens to punish, although it does not actually carry it out. Kálágni tries to rectify wrongdoers by creating fear in them, not by actual punishment. When someone becomes extremely angry we call him agnisharmá [red as fire]. The face in the middle is called Kalyáńasundaram. This face says, “Come, dear child, and sit beside me. I hope you are quite well.” This is the role of Kalyáńasundaram. Thus human beings want only Kalyáńasundaram."
"With these five faces the Supreme Entity is watching the movement of each and every human being." (4)
More about the five faces of Parama Purusa
Here Baba explains more about the five faces of Parama Purusa.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Shiva is also called paiṋcavaktram, which means “one who has five faces”. Now the question is, did Shiva really have five faces? No, no one having a physical body can have five faces. The idea of the five-faced Shiva is purely a symbol of the five expressions of one and the same face. The central face, the real face, of Shiva, is Kalyáńasundaram. The face on the extreme right is Dakśińeshvara, and the face between Kalyáńasundaram and Dakśińeshvara is Iishána. The face on the extreme left is Vámadeva, and the face between Kalyáńasundaram and Vámadeva is Kálágni. The behaviour of Dakśińeshvara is mildly severe; Iishána is still milder; Kálágni is far more terrible; but in Kalyáńasundaram there is not the least severity – He is always smiling. Let me explain it in this way: If someone makes a mistake, Dakśińeshvara will say, “Why did you do such a thing? For this, you will be punished.” Iishána will say, “Why are you doing wrong? Shouldn’t you be punished for this?” Kálágni will say, “Why are you doing wrong? I will give you severe punishment, I won’t tolerate these things. Before me this type of excuse is useless!” Vámadeva will say, “You are such a scoundrel! I will destroy you – I will burn you to ashes!” And Kalyáńasundaram will laughingly say, “Don’t do such things, you yourself will be harmed by this.” So Shiva actually had not five faces but one, and that one face had five expressions; thus He is called paiṋcavaktram." (5)
Overview of five faces
Ananda Marga philosophy states,"The face just to the right of the central face is called Iishána – one who asks human beings to follow the path of righteousness and tells them to refrain from following the path of unrighteousness. The extreme face on the right side is called Dakśińeshvara – one who always remains with those persons who are inspired by righteous thoughts. The first face on the left side is called Kálágni – one who rules people for their welfare. The extreme face on the left side is called Vámadeva – one who rules very strictly with the scepter of thunder. This Vámadeva is a terror for sinners due to its severity. The central face of Shiva, with its expression of profound mercy, is called Kalyáńasundaram." (6)
References
1. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39c
2. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 19, The Path of Salvation
3. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, An Introduction to Shiva (Discourse 1)
4. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 10, Sambhúti and Mahásambhúti
5. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Shiva in the Dhyána Mantra (Discourse 20)
6. Shabda Cayanika - 4, Kárpat́ika to Kála (Discourse 23)
Plagiary?
It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:
1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).
2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story:
“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”
This will be treated as the standard protocol.
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
“Seeing the bright side”
Ananda Marga ideology states, “Sulocana” means the man who only sees the bright side of everything, only the positive qualities, only the good side, and not the bad side. Such a person never supports any sort of destructive criticism, rather always constructive criticism. The person who always sees the good side of everything, is “Sulocana” in [the] masculine; in [the] feminine it will be “Sulocaná”. One "a" is to be suffixed to the word.” (1)
In His above guideline, Baba equates “seeing the bright side” with constructive criticism. That means if anyone points out the problem in order to make the situation better, then they are “seeing the bright side.”
For instance, suppose sadhaka X contravenes the code of conduct and indulges in negative things. If sadhaka B points out the problem with the aim of raising the standard of sadhaka X, then sadhaka B is “seeing the bright side”.
All too often some are confused about this. One should know that when pointing out is done in a constructive manner then it is a positive approach. Then they are “seeing the bright side.”
Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, One Should Know Everything
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Ananda Marga ideology says, "The only way, the only approach, is complete surrender. 'O Supreme Entity, You may be great, You may be the Nucleus of the entire world, You may be infinite, and I may be finite; You may be Great, I may be small; You may be everything, and I may be nothing: but this much You cannot ignore. You cannot deny; You cannot deny that I am the son and that You are the Father. So I have a birthright to sit on Your lap. You cannot deny it.' So each and every entity has the right to move towards Him, and to be one with Him.” (1)
Reference
1. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 3, Jiivátmá and Pratyagátmá, p. 90-1
== Section 3: Links ==
Other topics of interest
