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Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Joyous festival + 3 more

Baba
Joyous festival

Note: The following letter reminds us of the joys of celebrating the grand occasion of Ananda Purnima, and how indebted we are to Sadguru Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji for His great gifts to humanity and the endless showering of His love upon us all. 

Namaskar,

On the festive occasion of Ananda Purnima everyone is together: small kids, youths, university students, parents, seniors and bhaktas of all walks of life. All are working towards one goal of pleasing Parama Purusa through various programmes. Our social functions like Ananda Purnima offer something for everyone, thereby attracting all and helping build an ideal human society. Indeed, the joining and gathering for Ananda Purnima is a special event as it represents the union of everyone’s heart. Our joyous, heart-felt gathering of Ananda Purnima reflects society in the deepest sense of the term, where everyone is together towards Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So at Ananda Purnima all are celebrating in unison – money or other factors are not important and should not impede anyone's ability to participate. Everyone comes together regardless of one’s social status, career, educational background, or family history etc. It is a time for all grades of bhaktas to join in and gather for sweet celebrations. Non-margiis are also invited – so long as they follow according to the sentient ways of the gathering. Ananda Purnima is a grand occasion for one and all.


Sweetness of festival brings new joy & vigour

Here following Baba is describing the great import that festive occasions like Ananda Purnima have on the human psyche. And that such social functions lead to the formation of a unified humanity.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, “When people become tired and uninspired, when they can no longer look towards the future with hope, when their colourful dreams are shattered, at that time the sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigour in life. Thus in individual and collective life, the importance of festivals is tremendous. One should always remember that festivals should be such that all can take part in them without any ostentatious display of wealth, and with an upsurge of their life force. And these festivals should be conducted in such a way that people take part in them from a spontaneous inner urge. I hope that you will make such arrangements so that all are attracted towards your festivals which will be more and more charming – and this will bring about your collective welfare.” (1)


The advent of Mahasambhuti


Here is another one of the special ideations linked to the holy festival of A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’. A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’ signifies the advent of Mahasambhuti who has come to wipe away all the tears and fog from the suffering humanity on this dusty earth and infuse within all a sense of peace, hope, tranquility and bliss. He has graciously come to establish the lost humanity in divinity – elevating everyone’s standard, and paving the way for the reign of dharma.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “When He comes, after creating His own body with the help of the five fundamental factors– solid, liquid, luminous, aerial, ethereal – to create an ideological tidal wave, that is called as Maha’sambhu’ti. Maha’ means ‘great’, ‘having a form which is supra-natural’. And bhu plus ktin equals bhu’ti. Hence Maha’sambhuti means ‘The Great Creation’, ‘The Great Appearance’...[He comes] to push humans society forward, to resuscitate the half-dead human race, to awaken society– to create a wave in the field of ideology, in the social field, and in the field of humanity; [He comes] to create a tidal wave in every dimension and on every level.” (2)


On this auspicious day


Social functions and festivals are a time for us all to move together in His divine flow, regardless of one’s standard or status – where one and all gather round in the spirit of unity. And top of all our special duty as bhaktas is to propagate the greatness and grandeur of Sadguru Baba. In a phrase we can say that this is the key point behind the auspicious occasion of A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’: to highlight Baba’s greatness.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Caryacarya says, “The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings— That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidya (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamurtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty.” (3)


All humanity is an indivisible entity

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “That which renews human existence and makes it full to the brim and overflowing with the joy of living is termed a festival…Inspire all people to live with a new spirit like true human beings. Let it inspire them with the fact that all humanity is an indivisible entity. On this auspicious day this is my inner wish.” (4)

Verily social functions like the upcoming Ananda Purnima celebrations give society a tremendous boost to advance: Such programs help inspire people to grow together. Plus social functions generate more enthusiasm and propulsion on the collective pathway – with the result being that all types of good things suddenly become possible.

By such functions humans can solve various problems. Now the need of the day is to build a single human society. Naturally, social functions are a wonderful tool towards this end; by this way, various people come together in a social and spiritual way, and in that process become far more accepting of one another. Social functions generate family-feeling, i.e. “a feeling of unity and interest in others.”
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba’s teachings and guidelines on the celebration of Ananda Purnima and social functions positively affect our Ananda Marga. Utsava goads the mind toward spirituality. Not only do Ananda Marga social functions give a huge injection of inspiration, but these grand gatherings – which Baba has designed – goad and guide everyone deeper into the spiritual realm. This in turn brings permanent peace. So although the name is a social function, its base is spirituality.

In direct contrast, in general society social parties end up being nothing but degenerative events that promote and satisfy animalistic desires & carnal pleasures. Just people are rushing madly after worldly pleasures and transient pursuits.

So a very unique aspect of our social functions and festivals – like Ananda Purnima – is that they goad the mind toward the Supreme Self – that apexed point of human realization.


Fresh start created through festivals


Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “People often feel bored with their humdrum lives, with their mechanical routines; thus a fresh start must be created through festivals or utsava. The root verb su means “to be reborn.” Su plus -al suffix = sava. The substance which produces new vigour in the body is called a’shava, or wine. Similarly ut + su + al = utsava, which means “festival.” “Ut” means “towards up” and “sava” means “life”; so utsava means “an occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life.” (5)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Visnumaya’

This year Ananda Purnima is the 12 of May 2025.

~ In-depth study ~

Most significant event ever

Here we reflect on why Ananda Purnima is such a momentous event. In each and every sphere of existence – physical, psychic, social, moral, and spiritual – Sadguru Baba has paved the way for humanity’s all-round enlightenment. The divine and holy advent of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji is the most significant event this earth has ever seen. Naturally, the blessed day of Ananda Purnima is recognised as the greatest and most celebrated of all our Ananda Marga social functions and festivals.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

As we know, Ananda Marga is the path of bliss. The systematic yogic lifestyle and the 360 degree spiritual-cum-social outlook leads the entire human family to march forward in unison. Part and parcel of this collective movement is our participation in social functions because it is by these blissful gatherings like Ananda Purnima that we are able to glorify Baba, renew ourselves, and attract more people on the collective train of dharma – generating greater momentum to move forward.

Ananda Purnima is a wonderful opportunity to bring forth one and all in collective harmony.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "At the outset of any festival or social function, the Saḿgacchadhvaḿ mantra is recited so that everyone can reflect on the significance of the common ideal. Ánanda Márga promotes love for the entire humanity." (6)


Social functions: great unifying force

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “Collective social functions: Many of the ills of society develop because people do not care to know other members of society. This may not only mean ignorance of the condition and difficulties of others, but also leads to intolerance and a lack of interest in the affairs of the other members of society. Common social functions bring different members of society together and are therefore a great unifying force. By performing certain functions collectively, all the members are engaged in doing the same thing for some time, and this brings about a feeling of unity and interest in others.”
   “In Ananda Marga such common social functions are especially encouraged. Milita snána [collective bathing] and dharmacakra [collective meditation] provide grounds for common social functions in the physical, psychic and spiritual fields. Common participation in such functions is a very great unifying force. The participants in such functions will have no intolerance for each other, and will instead get more united. Such functions are, therefore, a great unifying force.” (7)


An occasion celebrating together

Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Ensure that those who enjoy the celebrations also get thereby healthy opportunities for their physical, mental, and spiritual progress.” (8)

In addition to all the social festivities and ceremonies, Ananda Purmina is also a time for reflection. On the purely personal & spiritual level, for Ananda Margiis, A'nanda Pu'rnima can signify that great moment in one's existence when Baba first appeared in their life - in their dhya'na. By His grace, the connection with Him is internal and on-going, yet at the same time there was a starting point - a time when you first realised or experienced Baba in your heart. It might have occurred in a dream, during kiirtan, just prior to initiation, in sadhana, or at any moment. So on the individual level A'nanda Pu'rnima' is a time to reflect and cherish your internal link with Him.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “This is a day of rejoicing, and amidst this rejoicing [people] will have to determine ways of improving their individual and collective life, developing their resources in all the strata of life for their future progress.” (9)

The grand result being that all will fondly remember and gather round this auspicious occasion. Already many units may be doing like this.

We should always keep in mind that everyone’s spiritual standard is not the same. Not all members of the society are of the same spiritual standard. But if everyone is celebrating together via the various festivities etc then they will blissfully recall the joy of Ananda Purnima. That will enhance unity. And it will draw people near.


Fake vs. True Ananda Vanii

During Ananda Purnima, Sadguru Baba set the tradition to offer an Ananda Vanii. Unfortunately, nowadays, certain groups have created their own Fake Ananda Vaniis, which violate the code and ethic of Baba's original and true Ananda Vaniis. Over the years surely you have seen such Fake Ananda Vaniis. Here below is one of Baba's true and original Ananda Vaniis. This contains a pointed message and strong force that towers over those Fake Ananda Vaniis.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "The humans of today are possessed of spirited intellect and accomplished wisdom. They are keen to advance with rapid step shattering the shackles of dogmas. They will no longer be entrapped by the illusion of opportunism. The rays of the crimson dawn of a new humanity on the eastern horizon have started weaving textures of colours on their eyelids and in the subtle recesses of their minds. As for those who have been dreaming of keeping humanity imprisoned by dogmas, their days are numbered; their blissful dreams are being shattered to pieces. I call upon all enlightened people and say: “Go ahead with courage. The humanity has been awaiting you. Establish it in the excellence and grandeur of glory.” (10)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved – 5, On Festivals
2. Discourses on Tantra – 1, Krśńa Unparalleled
3. Caryacarya II, p.1
4. Ananda Vanii #48
5. A Few Problems Solved – 5, On Festivals
6. Prout Nutshell – 16, Our Social Treatise
7. Prout in a Nutshell – 2, Social Psychology
8. Caryacarya – 1, p.42
9. A Few Problems Solved – 5, Chapter 2
10. Ananda Vanii #53


*        *        *

The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Why so many terrorists are Muslims

Ananda Marga ideology states. “The structure of the mind is determined by the nature of its object. If the psychic object is crude, the inter-atomic gaps within the mind decrease in size, and the mind will ultimately refuse to accept anything except its own crude object. For this reason the supporters of crude isms become incapable of accepting the rational ideas of others, and closing their eyes and plugging their ears, they try to cling to their own irrational rituals. Their psychic receptivity is lost due to the superimposition of crude ideation. They do not feel the need for the Vidyá force to exceed the Avidyá force. They say, “Why should I bother about such subtle things. I am quite happy as I am.” Such people, engrossed as they are with materialism, are bound to be reborn in crude material bodies.” (1)

Note: In His above teaching, Baba is describing the ultimate fate of materialists; namely, they are reborn as inanimate objects. 

When one thinks about anything crude, the inter-atomic gaps within their mind decreases in size and, in turn, the mind becomes more static, i.e. more oriented towards matter and a narrow, sectarian outlook. The outcome is that the person gets more engrossed in physicality, completely unable to  accept the rational ideas of others. That is exactly what happens to fanatic terrorists. They are entrenched in 7th century, outdated, rotten ideas which are detrimental for the growth and development of human society. Their goal is to get 72 virgin women in so-called heaven. And due to their material goal their mind becomes completely inert like a stone. And if you try to talk with them about neo-humanism they will kill you. Such people are bound to be reborn in crude material forms like dirt, iron, or rocks. 

The operative factor is the theorem: As you think, so you become. As the mind continues to harbour mundane and material objects, the inter-atomic gaps within their mind decrease in size, the mind becomes more and more narrow and closed. This occurs to such a degree that the mind becomes limited to its own crude state and is unable to expand beyond that. This is the absolute nadir point and tragically seals their fate.  

Prior to their rebirth, their minds are so crude that they cannot accept or comprehend a rational, subtle, or dharmic ideal. They are just full fixated on their crude and degrading dealings. Sadly, nowadays, there are many who suffer from this type of mentality. When you come across such persons, you can be assured that they will be reborn as matter - not human life, nor animal life, nor even plant life. They will become inert objects. That is what awaits them. 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Live - 8, Cosmic Attraction and Spiritual Cult


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Hinduism pre-Shankaracarya


Before Shankaracarya, the name of the Hindu religion was Árśa Dharma. For support please see this below teaching from Baba. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "About 2500 years ago, when the sun of Árśa Dharma was about to set, when it was limited to a series of cruel sacrifices and ritualistic ostentations, without any devotion or idealism, a simmering discontent brewed in the hearts of honest, intelligent and rational people. They could not express their suppressed agony – that this lifeless, substanceless dharma was like a fruit without any pulp, unable to satisfy the deep hunger of the human heart. In fact, in most cases it was only a handful of people, motivated by the instinct of greed, who were beating the drums of dogma and ruthlessly exploiting innocent people." (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 18


== Section 3: Links ==

Upcoming festival: getting ready
Other Postings to Read
Fundamental spiritual teachings

Perfect story for present era

Humans reduced to lustful creatures






Mahaprayan of Ac. Vishuddhananda Avt

Baba

Mahaprayan of Ac. Vishuddhananda Avt 

Namaskar,

It is with much sadness that we share the news of the mahaprayan of Acarya Vishuddhananda Avadhuta. 

May we all take solace in the fact that Baba will lovingly bestow His infinite grace.

in Him,
Harideva

Note: Here is an alert for those cremating a dead body in India or Indian managed cremation homes around the world. Their custom is to put the fire in the mouth of the deceased to initiate the burning of the body. This is prohibited in AM as it is uncivilised. So watch out; do not allow this. If you are not careful, they will end up cremating the body in this manner. Make them aware ahead of time. 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The practice of putting fire into the mouth of the dead body is repulsive, it should not be encouraged." (Caryacarya - 1, Disposal of the Dead Body)


~ In-depth study ~

We have seen that when somebody dies then in offering their condolences people say now Mr So-and-so is sitting on Baba's lap. On other occasions when telling a Baba story people also say, "Such and such person sat on Baba's lap." But these days the trend is that "sitting on Baba's lap" is used more in connection with death. And that causes some confusion in the minds of readers. To unknot the situation please read below. 

Dogma: if "on Baba's lap" only used for death

Here are quoted lines from recently posted emails on various forums, wherein the writer uses the phrase - "in Baba's lap" - with the occasion of death:

- "May Parama Purusa Baba accept her in HIS divine lap"

- "We pray to Baba - please give him shelter in his lap... "

- "May his soul rest in the lap of our beloved BABA"

- "Now she is taking rest in Baba's Lap."

- "May Baba accept him in HIS divine lap....."

- "May he rest in HIS loving lap of eternity."

- "We are sure that Baba has taken him in His loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in Baba's lap forever."

- "Let her rest peacefully in Baba's Lap - which she always desired."

- "now he is in beloved Baba's lap"

- "May his soul get peaceful place in His lap"

- "He is now in Bábá's loving lap"

- "May Baba bless him with a seat in His lap."

- "May BABA accept him in HIS divine lap!"

- "May Baba take him in his eternal loving lap."

- "May his soul rest in peace taking shelter in Baba's lap."

- "Please keep him on Your lap forever."

- "We all collectively pray to Baba to take him on Baba's divine lap forever.”

All of the above lines are commonly written in eulogizing the deceased. These days mostly it is used in a eulogy and rarely used to recount one's intimate spiritual experiences - unfortunately. By this way, the phrase "in Baba's lap" is being misused, and step by step the real meaning is being forgotten as now people more commonly use the phrase to eulogize those who have died, and much less so to express their inner feelings of bhakti. Unfortunately, the meaning and inner spirit of the phrase is getting lost.


Baba story: "sitting on Baba's lap"

Some time ago after dharmacakra, a senior margii was recounting his experiences of having dharma samiiksa with Baba. He said, "After being lovingly scolded by Baba for my wrongdoings, then He called me close and placed me on His lap - I remained there for some time soaking up His love - and He blessed me."

We all enjoyed hearing about his personal account with Baba during dharma samiiksa. When he finished telling his factual and historical event, there was a call for questions. Various people posed their queries. Towards the end, one new margii raised his hand and asked, "How did Baba bring you back to life?"

Everyone stared at the new margii in amazement. There was a look of astonishment all around - people were really shocked to hear him say this. The new sadhaka sensed that something was wrong, and he said very matter-of-factly, "I thought that sitting on Baba's Lap means that he (the margii) died - that is why I asked that question."

This was quite eye-opening for those of us in the room: Through our language and expression we had unknowingly taught someone to think that being on Baba's lap is the equivalent of death. Because it seems that nowadays people only use the phrase "Baba's lap" when a person has died, such as "Let him rest peacefully in Baba's lap", as if in order to sit on Baba’s lap one has to die. But that is false. Sincere sadhakas regularly sit on Baba’s lap in their meditation. It is His grace. It is just like how a child need not die in order to sit on his father’s lap.

The idea is that this phrase - Baba's lap - has been linked with death due to extreme overuse. So for some time if sadhakas use this phrase exclusively for spiritual purposes, that will be best. The phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", should not meet a similar fate. It should not lose its pure spiritual quality and just refer to one's death. That will be very negative.

Baba would bless bhaktas and place them on His lap


There are tens of thousands of recorded stories by sadhakas where they use the phrase, "on Baba's lap", when describing their experiences of being with Baba: He used to bless them and bring them on His lap. People should understand the deeply mystical value of this expression, and not just think that Baba's lap means death, i.e. that you can only sit on His lap at the time of death. Still today there are thousands of margiis walking this earth who sat in Baba's lap. And not only that, there are countless more sadhakas who were blessed by Baba in dreams and sadhana wherein they sat in His lap. And still today this deeply intimate experience is attainable by sadhakas, by His grace.

There are so many ways an aspirant can reach unto Baba's lap including in sadhana. That is the main idea that should be preserved. Sadhana is a spiritual practice and one can sit on Baba's lap in sadhana. We should make it cent-per-cent clear to one and all that the phrase, "sitting on Baba's lap", does not mean death.

"Mahaprayan" means death of mortals - confirm for yourself
from the Samsad Bengali-English Dictionary


Mahaprayan (Death): Many are aware that mahaprayan (death) is the common term used in India and especially in our Bengal to describe the death of any human being, even ordinary people. In that way, the obituary columns of the newspapers of Bengal regularly cite the mahaprayan (death) of various persons of society who died or passed away.

Some may get confused and wrongly think that the word 'mahaprayan' (death) is one extraordinarily grand term of bhakti to be used in association with Parama Purusa. But that is not at all the case. Rather to do so is only to undermine the eternal presence of Parama Purusa. That is why no bhaktas ever use the word 'mahaprayan' in reference to Lord Shiva or Lord Krsna. Because Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna exist eternally. Then there is no question of Their mahaprayan (death).

Baba is Parama Purusa so He is eternal and there is no question of His mahaprayan.

Here it should be known that the convention of an annual death day ceremony (i.e. shraddhainjali or mahaprayan) is a foundation of the Islamic tradition. Muslims are well known for this, and their approach of an annual death day ceremony was adopted by the leader of a particular group in AMPS. So no one should think that mahaprayan is some type of sacred event. It is done on the death day anniversary of Muslims.

And for those who need still more technical proof then all this can be clarified quite readily by referencing the dictionary. Specifically in the Samsad Bengali-English dictionary 3rd edition on page 848. By checking there, it will be confirmed that the word 'mahaprayan' means death. Which is why it is used to refer to the passing away of even common citizens. And that is the case in this letter also. The term mahaprayan means death, and this is the ideal term for this purpose.

Mahaprayan is only for humans not for Sadguru


Here it should be qualified that there is both a real mahaprayan and fake mahaprayan. Real mahaprayan marks the death of any ordinary human being, just like the aforesaid news. This is the proper use of the term: To note a person's departure from this earth. That is the meaning of the mahaprayan term and that is the standard way the term is used in Indian languages.

Then there is the fake, or so-called, or dogmatic mahaprayan. That is when certain vested interests try to apply the mahaprayan term to Parama Purusa. This is grossly inappropriate because when Parama Purusa Sadguru Baba is that Divine Entity who is beginningless and endless and resides always in our heart, then it is entirely wrong to proclaim that He is gone.

That is why rational margiis are protesting; because the Oct 21st program is so-called mahaprayan. So-called means that something is fake. Parama Purusa is eternal, thus for some vested interests to declare "mahaprayan of Parama Purusa" is nothing but so-called mahaprayan.

Mahaprayan only really happens in the case of human beings, not Parama Purusa. Those doing mahaprayan for Sadguru are hypocrites. On the one side in meditation they ask His grace thinking that He is ever-present, and on the other side they think that Baba has passed away. That is their hypocrisy.


== Section 2: Links ==

Upcoming Festival: Ananda Purnima 12 May
AP celebrations for all 
Upcoming festival: getting ready
Other Postings to Read
Fundamental spiritual teachings

Perfect story for present era

Humans reduced to lustful creatures



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