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Sunday, April 19, 2026

Including all in AP celebrations + 3 more

Baba

Including all in AP celebrations

* The grand festival of Ananda Purnima is on Friday, 01 May 2026.

Namaskar,

In this following letter, I am going to enlist some new things how we are going to arrange and organise our Ananda Marga Ananda Purnima festival this year. A few fresh things have been included in our agenda.

Programmes for elders

Here Baba guides us how the elderly should also get scope to participate in special ways as well.

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “A grown up man does not like that others should call him grown up. An old man does not like that others should tell him old. Do you know why they do not like to be said so? The adults or the aged are nearing death. This means that one is drawing nearer death as one grows up and this is why one does not like to be told grown up or old.”
   “Taking this for granted regarding human psychology, you shall arrange for two or three items in the programme for the old to enjoy, so that they may think at least for a short time that they are not old, they have sufficient energy still left in them.” (1)

Ananda Purnima is also an opportunity for artists to display their talents.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Take pains to see that all join in the Utsava. Give full opportunity to all the artists to make a display of their talents in art. Remember that taking food together is a special feature in a Utsava, without which half of the pleasure of a Utsava is marred.” (2)

Exhibition

Around the globe, and in our larger units especially, various exhibitions can be created that encapsulate a wide sampling of Baba’s teachings and programs. In this way, the theoretical side of Ananda Marga ideology and its practical expression can be highlighted. There could be a good news presentation of the wide array of Ananda Marga service projects and socially uplifting programs; plus via story, song, dance, and drama there should be joyous performances that highlight the history and development of Ananda Marga.In addition, there could be the special showing of Baba’s video and other renewing activities like a tree planting, musical performance, and other cultural activities.

Organising an Ananda Mela (fair of bliss)

A grand Ananda Mela can also be formed in selected places. This can feature local sentient shops, as well as cultural programs, sports and festivities, art, music, a children’s theatre and poetry competitions. Such a gathering could include non-margiis and margiis alike. That will build community relations and involve everyone. It would bring people together in a sweet way and the environment could be nicely maintained by having all the events monitored by margiis. Yet, at the same time, allow non-margiis to participate fully and be active up to certain levels.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Verily, this is an occasion for one and all and could include multi-day or even multi-week camps for honouring and celebrating this most glorified event of Ananda Purnima. Overall, such types of programs would draw in all the various sections of society and could occur over a month-long period, perhaps 2-weeks before through 2-weeks after Ananda Purnima - as some do in India with the Ram Liila*. Our Ananda Purnima should take on that type of significance and celebration, focused exclusively on Baba, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji.

   * Ram Liila: For those who are not aware, the Ram Liila is an annual theatre drama depicting the glory, greatness, and myth of Ram staged in the evening for several weeks. This theatre drama highlights the life of Ram for the public to see, learn and enjoy.

   In a similar manner, we should produce a theatre reenactment of all the great, dharmic events. This should include His younger years, the formation of Ananda Marga, the spread of devotion, the jail period, Emergency, how the margiis faced so many problems, how the communists were destroyed, the vast array of AM service projects, spiritual life, etc. All the good and bad times should be depicted for everyone to know.

Artful presentation of Baba’s liila, cartoons, paintings, & songs

The above programs will serve as a great complement to the numerous other festive ways of celebrating the grand occasion of Ananda Purnima. Some of those activities include: Poetry readings, debates, prize distribution, collective bath, collective food, narayan seva, clothing distribution, collective sadhana, medical camps, food distribution in nursing and convalescent homes, collective social service, singing and dancing of Prabhat Samgiita, the exchange of gifts, sports and games, display of Baba’s diorama, artful presentation of Baba’s liila, cartoons and paintings of how Baba has graced bhaktas, theatrical depictions of how negative forces could not diminish the glory of Baba and Ananda Marga.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Indeed, this is a time when everyone – young and old, wealthy and poor, literate and illiterate, etc – can come together and rejoice in the sweet celebrations of Baba’s divine advent. The festival of Ananda Purnima should be given utmost importance as it is the most festive day of the year.

Special Prabhat Samgiita programs

As everyone may remember, Baba has beautifully given the system of making extended Prabhat Samgiita programs whereby gathered margiis sing blissful and spiritual songs. Just like we often have our long akhanda kiirtan programs of 3, 6, or 12 hours – in the same way these programs of Prabhat Samgiita can also take place.

Many may recall how Baba used to sit on the dais and call for the rendering of Prabhat Samgiita at the grand celebration of our Ananda Purnima social function. And it would proceed step-by-step where first one purport was read out by a selected margii and then the singing of that same song would begin and small young children of 8 or 9 years of age would dance to that song. As soon as one song was completed then another would begin with the reading of the purport followed by the singing and dance performance of that very song. And in this grand fashion several songs were linked together – all the while maintaining a nicely formatted sequence where the first song celebrated Baba’s holy advent and then the next song depicts His divine blessings etc. By that way several songs are linked together creating one panoramic flow of bhakti.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Social service, CSS, Narayan seva, painca seva

In addition, during Ananda Purnima all the trades and departments of AMPS partake in their respective social service programs. VSS optees do CSS, i.e collective social service such as public cleaning or repair work or other physical works for the security, safety, and welfare of the society etc. Side by side, AMURT can operate their free medical clinics. Financial donations for further social service work should be encouraged. And SDM optees can arrange for a maximum number of initiations. In this way, Ananda Purnima is a day for doing all types of social service because we Ananda Margiis are declassed and perform all the sevas.

at His lotus feet,
Surta’tma’

Links to previously posted letters on this series have been appended below. 

References
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Dvitiiya Parva)
2. Táttvika Diipiká (Dvitiiya Parva)


*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Crooks needed for Your magnificence

Note: If you are at the dinner table talking to your close companion who is seated next to you and looking directly at you, already you have their full attention. In that case, you need not address them by saying “O”. If you say “O” they may get irritated. So prefacing an appellation for God with “O’” such as in O’ Lord is not appropriate in our Ananda Marga. Saying “O’ Lord” signifies that that Divine Entity is far away - i.e. in the so-called 7th sky or heaven - and that one must cry out to reach them. And that goes against the spirit of bhakti. 

In our Ananda Marga, we know that Parama Purusa is watching us always. He is never far - always He resides in the heart witnessing all we think, do, and say. Hence there is no need to call out to Him using the phrases, “O’ God”, “O’ Lord etc.” One may simply address Him in a natural manner without the “O” preface and He will certainly listen to your call. But in melancholic songs, using the address O’ God, O’ Lord etc is appropriate.

"Káhákeo pápii bheve, bhay peyo ná ogo prabhu, 
pápii jadi ná thákito, mahimá kii pete kabhu..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0695)

Purport:

Prabhu, please don't be “afraid” knowing that someone is a sinner, a mahapatakii, or an evil person. I request You not to keep Your distance or have any aversion towards them. If there were no nefarious people, then how could You ever gain so much glory. All-pervading Entity, Your fame grows by saving them from their sin and negative samskaras. My Adored One, You steal away sin, and that is why Your name is Hari. If there were no wrongdoers and there was no sin for You to steal, then no one would call You Hari. That name - Hari - would be meaningless. That is why the presence of crooks is needed for Your magnificence. 

Baba, of the universe, do You think that only those always calling You with tearful eyes and folded hands are Your bhaktas. Or that only those strict in Sixteen Points, kiirtan, fasting, asanas, pranayama, bhajan, and dhyana sadhana etc are Your bhaktas? No, they are not Your only bhaktas; felons are also Your bhaktas. Miscreants also cry for Your help and with full surrender want Your mercy, so please do not forget them. 

Parama Purusa, the hearts and minds of those who are infamous transgressors are also full of bhakti. The only reason they are papiis (sinners) is because they don't want to become light by giving their burden of sin to You. Because of their exceptional prema towards You, they are unwilling to give the misery of their bad actions unto You. Rather they keep those reactions for themselves to endure. Divine Entity, Baba, such evildoers love you so much. They prefer to undergo the suffering of their negative samskaras on their own. Because of their considerable affection for You, they do not want to burden You with their sins. That is why they are known as offenders.

Baba, by seeing that someone is a scoundrel, please do not keep Your distance...


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Sleep & nerve cells

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “Yes, we were discussing sleep. After labouring beyond a certain point in the wakeful state, one's nerve fibres become exhausted and one feels the need to rest. In the wakeful state, as the nerve cells are constantly performing the functions of thinking and recollecting, they become fatigued. Thus for psychic and physical health, one needs to sleep – the exhausted nerve cells and fibres will fall into sleep of their own accord. The nerve cells of those who do physical labour become extremely exhausted, and that is why the moment they go to bed they immediately fall asleep.” (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya: Disc: 16


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Example of protozoic & metazoic mind

   Ananda Marga ideology states, “The protozoic minds are guided by instinct only. The protozoic mind is citta only, with no development of ahaḿ[tattva] or mahattattva. Ingesting food, supporting offspring – this is all done instinctively, according to their svabháva [spontaneously], the reasons being quite unknown to those creatures. The earthworm does not know that it is an earthworm. It moves instinctively, spontaneously, according to its undeveloped mind. The protozoic minds and the protozoic microcosm can be said to be the physical mind. A protozoic creature has only physical mind. The collection of protozoic minds in the human can be said to be the physical mind of the human, known as the [kámamaya kośa]. It is guided by instinct, there is no discrimination.”
   “But the metazoic mind moves with some intellect, or discrimination, as there has been some development of intellect in it. Hence the metazoic mind has control over the protozoic mind. The more the metazoic mind is developed in a creature, the more developed the creature is; that is, a metazoic structure will be more complicated. And where this complication has increased considerably, that physical structure is the human physical structure.” (1)

Note: Living cells act according to instinct because of their protozoic mind. There are many organs in the human body such as the kidneys and the liver. These organs have have a more developed mind, i.e. metazoic mind. So long as the kidneys and liver are in a greater structure like an animal or a human they will do their job. That is why doctors are able to perform kidney and liver transplants from one human body to another. So metazoic mind controls protozoic mind. And, in the human structure, both protozoic and metazoic mind comes under the domain of the unit human mind.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Knowledge and Progress


== Section 4: Links ==


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Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Preparing for Ananda Purnima 2026 + 4 more

Baba

Preparing for Ananda Purnima 2026

Namaskar,

Sadguru Baba’s holy advent is such an auspicious occasion that there is no aspect of life that has not been purified and made pristine by His holy arrival. Each and every aspect of creation is ensconced in bliss by His august presence.

In that wholesome spirit, our Ananda Purnima celebrations should be of an equal breadth, size, and stature. Every sphere of life should be touched by our Ananda Purnima ceremonies and festivities. This year, Ananda Purnima is on Friday, 1 May 2026. As usual, every unit may prepare accordingly for the best possible celebration.

Here below are guidelines based on Baba's divine teachings for how we can best maximize the festivities of the auspicious occasion of Ananda Purnima.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Celebrations in every local unit: invite non-margiis

Unlike centralised events like DMS etc, the occasion of Ananda Purnima is meant to be joyfully celebrated in each and every unit. It is a local function for one and all. Every unit is highly encouraged to host their own Ananda Purnima celebration. And, many ideal units do everything – more than a full-day program. Margiis and sympathizers often arrive the evening before to participate in an all-night kiirtan program (more about this below), followed by opening ceremonies and presentations. This continues into the day of Ananda Purnima itself with a special paincajanya and day-long celebrations including a varied array of activities and programs, culminating and concluding late that evening. So at the Ananda Purnima gatherings, the first iishvara pranidhana practice is done before breakfast, and the second iishvara pranidhana is done before the midday feast, and then there may be more as festivities extend into the evening etc.

Here the main point is that, blissful Ananda Purnima programs should take place locally in each and every unit. This is Baba’s prescribed system. As Ananda Margiis, we should encourage our entire family to attend the Ananda Purnima celebrations. Just as we are aiming to bring all of humanity under the banner of Ananda Marga, the same we should do with our own laokik family. About this all should be vigilant, otherwise that undermines the whole affair. All family members should be eager to attend.

The magnificent characteristic of all our Ananda Marga social gatherings is that all are welcomed - irrespective of age, colour, race, profession, educational standard, etc. All types from all places are invited. Indeed everyone comes together for sadhana, games, feasting, and other celebratory activities. By this way one social flow is formed thereby making way for a healthy, unified human society.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Ánanda Púrńimá: Collective bath with snána mantra, twice collective Iishvara Prańidhána and Varńárghyadána, collective noon and night meals, merry celebrations, spiritual conferences, annual meetings of workers, children’s sports, and procession with táńd́ava dance. " (1)

Of course, this is the best time to invite non-margii relatives, neighbours, colleagues, and others so they will come to know about the teachings of Ananda Marga. By this way they may become sincere margiis in the future.

Pada kiirtan, pala kiirtana, avarta kiirtan

For the occasion of Ananda Purnima, various types of kiirtan programs can be organised: pada kiirtan, pala kiirtana, avarta kiirtan, akhanda kiirtan, nagar kiirtan etc.

As you may know, nagar kiirtan, the singing and dancing of Baba Nam Kevalam through the streets and parks etc, should be done just before sunrise as it creates a very sentient vibration at that hour. If done two hours after sunrise, then everybody is busy in the streets doing all kinds of mundane activities and people will not pay attention. Whereas in the pre-dawn and dawn hours, most everyone is still in their home and many are still sleeping. And if they awaken to kiirtan then their whole day will be blissful. They may not understand why they are feeling blissful but they will be benefited. In nagar kiirtan, the chanting should be soothing, not ear-piercing. As far as possible, this should be done with loudspeakers, bearing in mind the local customs and legal code. What is acceptable in India, however, may not be allowed elsewhere. The overall spirit is for a maximum number of people to hear the holy siddha mantra: Baba Nam Kevalam.

The sound should be natural with the overall spirit being to please Baba by singing and sharing this spiritual chant with others. Baba guides us that by this way there will be tremendous benefit.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

After each and every kiirtan program, there should be special prasad. Remember, Ananda Purnima is a grand festival for one and all - everyone: Some are involved deeply in spiritual sadhana, while some, such as the children, are interested in special treats like prasad. By this way, there will be something for everyone. All will think of it as a delightful and joyous celebration.

The celebrations for the auspicious gathering of Ananda Purnina should begin the evening before. So this year the actual day of Ananda Purnima is Thursday, 23 May 2024. That means maximum attendees should arrive on Thursday around sunset, and from Thursday evening to Friday morning an all-night kiirtana program should be arranged. Attendees should have designated time slots through the night to sing kiirtan - people will go turn by turn and keep the kiirtana going the entire night. That will create a strong vibration in the subconscious mind and generate a deep flow of bhakti. That will be the ideal lead-in to the Ananda Purnima celebrations.

Collective bath essential 

An essential component of Ananda Purnima is collective bathing that is done in a discreet, gender-separated manner. And It is possible to do collective bath everywhere. For instance, in Tiljala (Kolkata), in 1982 a large bathroom was made for collective bath. In one bathroom there were around 50 faucets connected so at least 200 people at a time could take bath there. So for collective bath, lakes are not compulsory. In every jagriti there should be such arrangements. Collective bath is very important; we cannot avoid this practice because it brings unity. 

There may be rental places and tent houses that may supply water on a short-term basis for a fee. Just like how for the DMC pandal they would hire contractors, similarly there are contractors that provide water for large collective gatherings. There are so many creative ways to arrange and finalize this work in cities. It is not compulsory to have lakes, ponds, and rivers for collective bath.  Collective bath (i.e. gender-separated) is integral and cannot be avoided as it is an essential point for creating unity. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “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.” (2)

Firecrackers: Ignorance pollutes

Many units have stopped using firecrackers during our Ananda Marga festival celebrations. Baba’s expressed guideline is that firecrackers are a waste of money, create huge pollution, and invite serious injuries. Firecrackers are carcinogenic, dangerous, and wasteful on many levels. They should not be used at our programs. Instead the funds used for purchasing firecrackers should be directed toward enhancing our narayan seva and relief work that very day.

Think in this way: Suppose someone was depressed and they purchased poison to commit suicide. Yet then they came to the understanding that committing suicide is bad. Then they should not think that, "Since I spent money, how can I throw this poison away. I should use it anyway." Rather they should be happy and rid of this poison thinking that, "I saved my life." In the same way, firecrackers should be disposed of and put in the garbage bin according to the local codes.

Certainly, we all know that the holy occasion of A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’ signifies the day of advent of Taraka Brahma as Mahasambhuti Baba. And that on this wonderful and blissful occasion there is a morning and evening dharmacakra, collective bath, all-round merrymaking, and a sentient feast etc.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Yet there are also other special components to the celebration of Ananda Pu’rn’ima which Baba has outlined. Some of these are listed and described below.


Events & new clothes to all family members

Here below are a few more of Baba’s many recommendations and guidelines for how to make the occasion of Ananda Purnima an even more memorable, joyful, and charming gathering for one and all.

(A) On the grand festival time of Ananda Purnima, all types of age groups should have their own programs that are appealing to them. Certainly there will be one central place for the entire gathering, yet at the same time specialised plans and programs for the various age divisions should be organised.

For the younger children there should be games and sports and / or a drama production etc.

For adolescents and teenagers there should be competitions in the various realms from kaoshikii and tandava to music, art, and literature. And their day should also include sporting events etc.

And likewise for adults, there should be a range of activities and programs from the spiritual singing of kiirtan to service projects, plus spiritual talks, dance competitions, and general socialising.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(B) In addition, on Ananda Purnima the heads of households can utilise this as the time to arrange new clothes for all family members. Plus there should be toys for the children and the sharing of sweet treats. By this way one and all will know that something great is happening and that Ananda Purnima is a grand event.

(C) Ananda Purnima can also be made special by offering moderate gifts and presents or cards etc to those around you as a showing of love and affection.

Conclusion: spirit of utsava

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Humans are social beings. So every human being likes utsava. It is the desire of all that they will rejoice unitedly. In Europe Puritanism failed in the end, only because the Puritans failed to care for the desires of the general public. They preached their theory only to a handful of bhaktas of knowledge.”
   “Ananda Marga is for the general public. So, considering the necessity of the general mass, proper importance has to be given to the Utsava in social life. Enthusiasm in a utsava is the greatest in the children, in the tender aged boys, in the youths and last of all in grown ups. In the programmes of a Utsava, therefore, you shall think for the children first. Their sweet stammering noises ensure the success of the Utsava. But whatever arrangements you may make for the children, the youngsters, youths, or for the grown-ups, make that there is no dearth of discipline even to the minutest extent anywhere. Let there be complete harmony...” (3)

at His lotus feet,
Anandaliina’

References
1. Caryacarya – 1, Social Functions and Festivals
2. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
3. Táttvika Diipiká (Dvitiiya Parva)


*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Your divine rhythm

“Janma dine ei shubha kśańe, práń bhará apár ánande…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0135)

Purport:

Baba, on this auspicious holy occasion of Your birthday, Ananda Purnima, by Your divine grace my heart is overflowing with infinite bliss. My mind is full of love. It sways in new colours and aromas; Your divine advent vibrates each and every pore and cell of this entire universe. With Your holy arrival, the entire atmosphere has become completely charged with spiritual bliss.

Baba, everyone is completely charmed by Your divine attraction; all are ensconced in spiritual ecstasy and lost in jubilation; the entire population is floating in cosmic bliss. By Your grace, my heart is drenched and overflowing by Your exquisite presence; I am overjoyed in getting You. All are dancing in Your divine rhythm.

Parama Purusa, Your supreme presence has transformed every person. You have graciously come, and with Your love You are keeping us all close to You. You have granted us shelter in You. Baba, You are the effulgence of light; You are in the bliss of all.

Baba, on this auspicious day, my only request is that You please remain eternally in my heart. I offer everything at Your altar…


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Key to success #2

Namaskar,

Every human being wants to be successful. Who does not want to be successful? Whether in the realm of art, law, medicine, schooling, business, literature, science, or architecture - or any other field or endeavor - everyone wants to be successful. Knowing how to be successful then is an important recipe.

Baba has graciously given us His special guidelines wherein He explains how the 'Seven Secrets of Success' apply not just to spiritual life, but to worldly life as well. Here we examine the first secret of success: vishvása.

Vishvása: In spiritual life this means having firm determination for one's Goal. Yet Baba guides us that in worldly life this is also needed. If before studying for an exam, a student thinks that, "I will never be able to pass", then they are doomed. Certainly they will not be able to get success. Similarly, if an adult walks into a job interview thinking that, "I will not be able to get this job - it is beyond my qualifications", then they will have little or no chance of getting that job. So vishvása in worldly life is a big point. It refers to having confidence and a positive outlook before pursuing any endeavour.

Baba has blessed us all with great teachings which lead us to success, including how to utilize the Seven Secrets of Success in our worldly endeavours. So we should pay heed to this doctrine not just in spiritual life but in all our worldly dealings as well.

Baba says, "You, boys and girls, should remember the points and do accordingly. It will help you in your all-around success." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Seven Secrets)

Namaskar,
Bhakti Bhusana


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Do not display photo: AM marriages

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The pratiika [emblem of Ananda Marga] should be placed in an elevated place in the marriage hall." (1)

In His above teaching, Baba gives clear reference that the pratiika should hold a prominent place in the hall during our Ananda Marga marriage ceremonies. At the same time, there is no mention in Caryacarya of having Guru's photo on display. 

The reason is that some non-margiis may be attending the marriage and Baba's photo should not be displayed in front of those who do not have utmost reverence for Him. That is why we should strictly follow Caryacarya and not put His photo on display during our Ananda Marga marriage ceremonies. Whereas, with the pratiika, non-margiis will positively accept it as a tantrika symbol and will have respect for it - just as every religion and organisation has their own symbol. So even if non-margiis do not know the full significance of the pratiika, they will accept it at face value and not degrade it. But that is not the case with the photo. 

To preserve the sanctity of the photo, at our Ananda Marga marriage ceremony we must not put Guru's pratikrti [photo] on display. On this matter, we must strictly abide by the dictates of Caryacarya, and not show the photo. 

Reference
1. Caryacarya - Part I, Marriage Ceremony


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Dwellings of Lord Shiva

In His following guidelines, Baba tells us where Lord Shiva was living. 

(a) Here below Baba clearly states that Lord Shiva was going to Varanasi and residing there, most notably during the winter season.  

In Ananda Vacanamrtam - 43, Baba says, "‘वाराणसी’ नाम हुआ था...शिवोत्तर तन्त्र period में लोग इसको पुण्य क्षेत्र मानते थे क्योंकि शिव यहाँ आते थे, रहते थे ।" (1)

(b) Next, Baba describes how during the hot season Lord Shiva was in the mountainous regions, including Mount Kailash. 

Baba says, "There have been five acknowledged Tantras since ancient times – Shaeva, Shákta, Gáńapatya, Saora, and Vaeśńava. Shaeva Tantra was equally present in this mountain region and its nearby areas. It was a little stronger in the mountains because this area is called “Shiva's Field”. The name of the mountains is also the Shivalic Range. Shiva used to remain mostly in this area, also in the Mount Kailash region." (2)

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam-43 (Pure), chapter 15
2. Shabda Cayanika - III, Kabala to Kaḿsári (Discourse 20)


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Best place for sadhana

You might have heard some people say that, “This place is very good for sadhana.” Especially, you will hear this in Ananda Nagar, Jamalpur, Tiljala, Ranchi etc. They like to create the feeling that in order to get a special blessing you have to come to Ananda Nagar, Jamalpur, Tiljala, Ranchi etc and sit under that particular rock or tree etc. And then only sadhana will be best. Because that place emanates a spiritual vibration. Baba’s below teaching debunks this idea. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “To differentiate between different places for sádhaná, to consider one place more suitable than another, or to regard a particular spot as good and another bad, is to divide Brahma. Every place in this creation is the manifestation of the Supreme Cosmic Entity (Brahma), and to call one place good and another bad is to attribute these qualities to Brahma. If sádhaná is based on the consideration of good and bad, it will never be possible for one to develop the feeling of oneness with the rest of creation. One will never be able to love others as oneself. To Brahma every place is the same, and sádhaná can be practised anywhere.” (1)

If some place is isolated or a natural setting and there is no pollution of any kind, then that is suitable for sadhana in comparison to a noisy bus stop that smells like an open sewer. That is based entirely on the environmental qualities. The above teaching debunks the myth that some place is spiritually important, whereas other places are not.  

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Prout based on intuition

   Prout philosophy states, “The approach of PROUT is subjective approach through objective adjustment. This presupposes a connecting link between intuition and intellect. This connecting link or touching point is called “Bodhi Jiṋána”. With the help of Bodhi Jiṋána, intuitional knowledge can be utilized for solving mundane problems. Thus PROUT is a Bodhi Jiṋána.”
   “Logic is a psychic survey. Such a survey may or may not be correct, therefore it is futile to follow logic blindly. The result of your psychic survey is called your rationality. This psychic survey, embedded in relativity, may or may not be correct. Intuitional vision is the best logic. Intuitional vision should be your guiding ideology. For example, it is an axiomatic truth that everything has come from the Cosmic Father and everything will merge in Him, but this truth is beyond the scope of intellectual logic.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout


== Section 4: Links ==

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Friday, April 10, 2026

Why same mantra + 3 more

Baba
Why same mantra

Namaskar,

Why is it that only one hymn is used in all our Ananda Marga social functions? Whether it be baby naming, house blessing, marriage ceremony, tree planting or death ceremony, always the same hymn is used. The hymn being referred to here is "Omn madhu va'ta' rtaya'te...".
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Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "This [Omn madhu vátá] “mantra” has not been adopted here or elsewhere as the guiding “mantra” of the occasion. It is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions." (1)


Why this hymn of peace

After understanding why in Ananda Marga we have only one hymn for all social ceremonies, one might wonder why this particular peace hymn is used and not any other. The answer is quite straightforward. The meaning of the Omn Madhu hymn is very sweet and focuses our vision on the bright side of life. The hymn perfectly embodies the path of bliss as it gives a positive touch to everything. Even in seemingly negative events we goad the mind toward spirituality. It is our unique outlook in life to always see the Supreme Veracity. This Omn madhu hymn enables this to happen, regardless of the social ceremony. More about this is written below.

"Anandaddhyeva khalvima'ni bhuta'ni ja'yante..."

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Out of Anandam or Supreme Bliss, this universe of created beings has emerged. They are living in the midst of Anandam. And finally they will merge again in Supreme Bliss." (2)

The sense is that everything is blissful. Everything comes from bliss and will go into bliss. And the life of bhaktas is therefore blissful. In the above teaching, Baba is telling this eternal truth that the life of the bhakta is always blissful. That's why this "Onm Madhu..." hymn, a hymn of peace, has been selected for all kinds of functions. Because it carries the true feeling of Ananda Marga - the Path of Bliss.
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This is a special quality in our Ananda Marga way of life that each and every expression is blissful. It may be a child's birth, or it may be the death of someone. In all the cases, irrespective of whether shra'ddha ceremony or marriage ceremony, always we chant kiirtan and sit for sadhana in all these functions, and raise the "Parama Pita Baba Ki Jai!" slogan, and use this blissful hymn. We see the positive side and bright side of everything.

Even though the hymn may hold different meanings in the various ceremonies, in each and every circumstance the hymn reminds one and all that Parama Purusa is present. And verily there are countless reasons why we have only one hymn for our social ceremonies - some more of which have been outlined and expanded upon below.


"Omn madhu..." - the full hymn & translation

In Ananda Marga, at each and every social function the same hymn resounds. When anybody dies, this peace hymn is used in the shra'ddha ceremony. When a tree is planted, this peace hymn is used for the tree planting ceremony. For marriages, baby-naming, house blessing, and all social functions this peace hymn is used.
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Oṋḿ madhu vátá rtáyate madhu kśarantu sindhavah;
Mádhviirnah santvośadhiih.
Madhu naktamutośaso madhumat párthivaḿ rajah;
Madhu dyaorastu nah pitá.
Madhumán no vanaspatirmadhumán astu súryah;
Mádhviirgávo bhavantu nah.
Oṋḿ madhu oṋḿ madhu oṋḿ madhu.

The literal meaning is:

May the winds bring blessings,
May the oceans bring blissful tides;

May our forests be beautiful,
May our plants be charming;

May our days and nights be sweet,
May every particle of this earth be radiant with joy;

May the sun shower rays of hope and happiness,
May the spiritual light shine on all;

May all the beings of this universe be blessed.
Let eternal peace prevail, let eternal peace prevail, let eternal peace prevail.


Why one hymn for all social functions

1. Accessible to All:

Our Ananda Marga social functions must be accessible to all. The common people should not be intimidated by or overwhelmed by our various social functions. By having one hymn for all occasions, it will be quite simple for people to learn so they can perform the ceremonies themselves.

We do not believe in a priest class (priestocracy) where such priests are looked upon as more respected, dominant figures in society. We see everyone as equals on the existential plane where there is no feeling of superiority by priests nor feeling of inferiority by family people.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When there is one hymn for all Ananda Marga ceremonies, then every family person can easily learn it, and perform the social ceremonies as needed.


2. Importance of Participation:

There is a tremendous difference between being an active participant and a passive observer. There is a huge psychological difference. When one is an active participant they feel an emotional link and deep connection, whereas if one is a mere observer they do not feel part of what is going on.

With regards to our Ananda Marga social ceremonies like marriage or baby naming, those in the audience immediately become active participants as they too take a vow to watch for the growth and well-being of that new born child, and newly married couple. So in these ceremonies no one is a passive observer. Those witnesses must repeat this hymn, (Omn Madhu 3x), take a vow, and if there is no acarya available then senior family margiis may conduct the entire ceremony.

When family margiis are active participants in our Ananda Marga ceremonies then naturally they will feel more connected to those programs and our Ananda Marga society. If one were to just watch the priest lead the program - as happens in the various religions - then people feel like they have nothing to do with the ceremony. They are just "in the audience" as passive observers while the religious priests chant and lead the ceremony. Yet all along those attendees have no idea what is going on.
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In contrast, in our Ananda Marga ceremonies, where people are actively participating, by repeating the hymn of peace - and taking an oath etc, then a greater bond is created and the occasion is far more meaningful - for everyone.


3. Emotional Link in Society:

When people actively participate in social ceremonies then that creates an emotional and familial link between members of society. Baba provides this following example to demonstrate this fact.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Játakarma is the first step in raising the social life in the light of this great ideal. Its aim is to give social recognition to the new born. Anyone present in the ceremony may actively participate, because according to Ananda Marga any social duty is a combined responsibility of all men belonging to the Samája. Such a fine picture of the occasion may be stamped in the minds of those present in the ceremony, as will not fade even when the child will be full-grown. In later years, when the child will come to him dressed as a gentleman, he will look on him as the self-same child of the past Játakarma ceremony and not as a gentleman of the present day and will express signs of tenderness and responsibility in his dealings. The fact that he had taken oath regarding the child will rise afresh in his mind. When the child also, thus dressed as a gentleman, will learn that he is one among those who took part in his Játakarma ceremony, he will respect and regard him as a father and this will result in a sweet social relation." (3)

Here the whole point is that by actively participating in the ja'takarma ceremony, one is involved in welcoming this baby as a bona-fide member of society. People feel connected and linked with one another. And that lasts a lifetime as Baba states in His above teaching. Unfortunately, this feeling is lacking in today's materialistic society where people remain selfish. People do not feel connected to one another nor do they want to help each other.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In Ananda Marga, we see one and all as part of our universal human family. Participating in Ananda Marga social functions reinforces this idea. Naturally then there is a feeling of respect and good-will and service mentality towards all. When there is one hymn for all Ananda Marga social ceremonies, then naturally it is very easy to participate fully and hence strengthen the bond and connection from one person to the next.


4. Why Saḿskrta:

The question might arise that why should the one hymn for our social ceremonies be in Saḿskrta. Well, most of the world's languages are connected with Saḿskrta. Saḿskrta is the grandmother of so many languages of so many regions of the world across the globe.


Conclusion

To eradicate priest exploitation Baba has given this hymn. Our Ananda Marga is the path of bliss and this hymn - "Omn madhu va'ta' rtaya'te..." - helps us view all events in life in a spiritual and blissful manner. Using  this same hymn for all kinds of occasions facilitates the coming together of people from different backgrounds and participating in the same ceremony. So this hymn provides us with a positive vision and acts as a unifying force in our universal human society.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Liila’
(Lynn Channing)


~ In-depth study ~

Two keys of this hymn

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "This [Omn madhu vátá] mantra has not been adopted here or elsewhere as the guiding mantra of the occasion. It is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions." (4)

1. Not Guiding hymn: That means that although this hymn is chanted at all our social ceremonies, it does not contain the actual specifics of that particular event. For instance, this hymn does not contain the marriage vows or the baby blessing etc. For the specific meaning of each social festival one is to reference Caryacarya and then those vows will be read aloud in the mother tongue so all involved clearly understand that required oaths and vows etc.
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2. Hymn of Peace: Our hymn - "Oṋḿ madhu vátá rtáyate..." - is really a peaceful hymn that brings a certain sweet feeling and spiritual vibration to each and every social ceremony. Thus it fulfills a very unique and important role. This hymn creates a common bond amongst all attendees.


Vows in mother tongue

Here Baba distinctly warns us what happens when the specific vows and oaths of a particular ceremony are not given in one's local language or mother tongue.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "It has been prescribed to spell the “Mantra” in one’s mother tongue, because to read out the words of an oath in some other language without understanding their meaning is nothing but a farce. It is not possible to realize the responsibility of uttering oaths without knowing their meaning." (5)

By this way Baba ensures that by using one’s mother tongue the sanctity and understanding of every Ananda Marga social function will be clear to all participants and attendees. There will be no scope for dogma or ritualism or blind following to come into our Ananda Marga social ceremonies and gatherings. Each and every person present will comprehend the oaths taken and at the same time joyfully chant the hymn thereby creating a common bond amongst all attendees.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Ananda Marga is dharma, & dharma is for all

Ananda Marga is dharma, and dharma is universal. It is for all types of people, from the people of the desert up to the North Pole, tropical countries and cold countries, everywhere. Irrespective of the environment, race, or language, Ananda Marga is suited for everyone.

Baba has made everything in a concise way. The reason is that this enables everyone - literate and illiterate -  to understand and practice His guidelines. Because dharma is for all. The practice of dharma should not be complicated. So the rules of Ananda Marga philosophy are rational, simple rules which are quite easy to follow. That is why only one hymn is used.
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References
1. Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Nityánanda and Liilánanda
3. Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva
4. Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva
5. Táttvika Diipiká, Caturtha Parva


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Resonance of Your flute
 
“Ba’hir vishve dhara’ da’o na’ko, marme lukiye tha’ko…” (Prabhat Samgiita #3857)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa, in the external world You can’t be held. You are hiding in everyone’s heart and cannot be found outside, nor held in this mundane world. Searching for You externally - in various, so-called holy lands and ostensible tiirthas like Ananda Nagar, Tiljala, Jamalpur, or Varanasi, Jerusalem, Puri, Mecca, Rome, and at the top of the so-called holy Himalayan mountain ranges, Mount Sinai  etc - is just a waste of time. You always reside in the deep core of my heart and remain eternally in that golden vessel in the inner recesses of my being. Regardless of who is crying for You, longing for You, or is oblivious of You, You lovingly shower Your compassion and grant shelter at Your lotus feet to one and all - never making any distinctions. Everyone is part of Your creation; You call and bring all jiivas under Your timeless care. With Your infinite charm and the resonance of Your flute, You draw everyone nigh, and attract all living beings near by the pull of Your karuna. This is Your special call.

Baba, Parama Purusa, the planets, stars, sun, mountains, forests, eye-captivating images, dry desert, and deep green trees, everything one can imagine - all You fill with Your nectar, Your karun’a’.

Parama Purusa, I feel this mutual affection of ours is eternal. You soak the dust of the earth and the chirping and dancing of the birds with Your loving, causeless grace-compassion and divine nectar.

Parama Purusa Baba, You are eternally present - always smiling in my inner self. My Dearmost, You are so gracious...


== Section: Important Teaching ==

What to consider before eating

   Ananda Marga ideology states, “All-round restraint is indeed necessary. It will not do to simply eat what you get or do what you desire. When you eat you must consider if it is sentient, mutative or static. While eating you must think carefully as to what influence it will have over your body and your mind. You are not a goat or a camel that you will eat whatever you get. You have to think when you act.”
   “Śaśt́haiṋca pramitáháro. There is a Bengali saying: uno bháte duno val, bhará pet́e rasátal. If one eats less, then one’s strength increases and one does not fall sick, but if someone overeats, then they fall sick. Here it has been said: pramitáhára. Pramitáhára and parimitáhára are not the same. Parimitáhára means that I have not eaten a lot, nor have I eaten a little. That is called parimitáhár. And pramitáhár means that I have eaten little but I have eaten nourishing food. That is pramitáhára. You have the custom of eating sentient food. If you follow that then you meet the objective of pramitáhára.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, The Primary Causes of Success


== Section: Important Teaching ==

One will have to take shelter in Him

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Suppose you meet a great karmi and ask him if he is successful in everything he undertakes. He will certainly say, “No.” If you ask him if he ever gets tired of working, he will say that he definitely gets tired on different occasions. And when he gets tired does he not ask Parama Puruśa to give him more strength? No matter how great a karmii one might be, one will have to eventually take shelter in Parama Puruśa, one will have to eventually surrender to Him." (1)

Note: In the life of a sadhaka on the spiritual journey, the first and foremost ingredient is surrender. In so many ways it is used. In the above quote, surrender is explained in a very simple way.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Do Virtuous Deeds Day and Night – 2


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