Baba
Namaskar,
The question might arise as to why we use one Saḿskrta hymn for all our social ceremonies. Here we examine why this hymn is appropriate for all our social ceremonies.
This particular hymn - "Onm madhu va'ta'..." - is actually from old Saḿskrta, i.e. the Vaedic language. From the Vaedic language, so many other languages have emerged including Hebrew, Latin, Germanic languages, Romance languages, and so many of the Asian languages including modern Saḿskrta. Thus Saḿskrta is linked with nearly every language, and one can find distinct similarities in word meanings between Saḿskrta and so many languages.
For example: Take the word matr in Saḿskrta which means mother. That matr is related with the Spanish and French words madre and mere. In addition, it is related with Latin and is the root for the term matrilineal etc. So Saḿskrta is linked with numerous languages, and there are many such examples. To know more about this please consult Baba's discourses on philology.
Unifying force
At the same time, one of the great benefits of having the hymn in Saḿskrta is that when margiis from across the globe, with different mother tongues, get together, then they can participate in the programs collectively. It is just like how wherever you go on this earth for dharmacakra, then Guru Puja is always performed using the Saḿskrta shloka. One immediately feels a sense of connection, even if they have never visited that far distant land before. Similarly, the Saḿskrta shloka serves as a point of commonality and bonding.
Similarly, in all our social functions, reciting the Saḿskrta hymn, "Onm madhu va'ta'...", automatically engenders a feeling of connection between participants and with the ceremony itself. For instance, suppose someone from Brazil travels to Alaska and participates in an Ananda Marga social function. Even though that participant has traveled from afar and may not know anyone, but when the Saḿskrta mantra is chanted, he will immediately feel linked with the ceremony and those around him, and he will no longer feel like an outsider. So using the Saḿskrta hymn has great value and unites people from diverse language and geographical backgrounds. It is a great unifying force.
Ananda Marga = path of bliss
"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." (1)
In the above teaching Baba is telling this eternal truth that the life of the bhakta is always blissful. That's why "Onm Madhu..." is a hymn of peace and has been selected for all kinds of functions. Because this unique hymn of peace carries the true feeling of Ananda Marga - the Path of Bliss.
Our Ananda Marga philosophical approach is that life is full of ananda - not misery. That's why Baba uses this "Onm Madhu" hymn. Because in Ananda Marga everything is blissful. Child-naming and marriage ceremonies are blissful; even in death we see the bright side and never lose sight of the spiritual goal.
The key common denominator in all these ceremonies is that the hymn - "Onm Madhu" - denotes that Parama Purusa is witnessing all that is transpiring.
After death also, there is bliss as one's connection with Parama Purusa is eternal. Each and every human life is one part-life, part of the big chain of the full and complete life. It goes on and on, life after life, until the final goal is reached. (2)
Ultimately then everything is blissful in the life of sadhakas. And that's why Baba has given this hymn and peace hymn, "Onm Madhu...", for every social ceremony / gathering. Ananda Marga is for all, that's why Baba has made one common shloka for all the functions.
Baba says, "It [i.e. the Omn Madhu hymn] is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions." (3)
Ananda Marga social customs are healing balm
Sadguru Baba says, "The social customs of Ananda Marga have been formed with a view to intensifying the speed to supply fresh blood to the body – to stream fresh spring water into blocked water storages." (4)
"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 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.
One chant in ceremonies
Namaskar,
The question might arise as to why we use one Saḿskrta hymn for all our social ceremonies. Here we examine why this hymn is appropriate for all our social ceremonies.
This particular hymn - "Onm madhu va'ta'..." - is actually from old Saḿskrta, i.e. the Vaedic language. From the Vaedic language, so many other languages have emerged including Hebrew, Latin, Germanic languages, Romance languages, and so many of the Asian languages including modern Saḿskrta. Thus Saḿskrta is linked with nearly every language, and one can find distinct similarities in word meanings between Saḿskrta and so many languages.
For example: Take the word matr in Saḿskrta which means mother. That matr is related with the Spanish and French words madre and mere. In addition, it is related with Latin and is the root for the term matrilineal etc. So Saḿskrta is linked with numerous languages, and there are many such examples. To know more about this please consult Baba's discourses on philology.
Unifying force
At the same time, one of the great benefits of having the hymn in Saḿskrta is that when margiis from across the globe, with different mother tongues, get together, then they can participate in the programs collectively. It is just like how wherever you go on this earth for dharmacakra, then Guru Puja is always performed using the Saḿskrta shloka. One immediately feels a sense of connection, even if they have never visited that far distant land before. Similarly, the Saḿskrta shloka serves as a point of commonality and bonding.
Similarly, in all our social functions, reciting the Saḿskrta hymn, "Onm madhu va'ta'...", automatically engenders a feeling of connection between participants and with the ceremony itself. For instance, suppose someone from Brazil travels to Alaska and participates in an Ananda Marga social function. Even though that participant has traveled from afar and may not know anyone, but when the Saḿskrta mantra is chanted, he will immediately feel linked with the ceremony and those around him, and he will no longer feel like an outsider. So using the Saḿskrta hymn has great value and unites people from diverse language and geographical backgrounds. It is a great unifying force.
Ananda Marga = path of bliss
"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." (1)
In the above teaching Baba is telling this eternal truth that the life of the bhakta is always blissful. That's why "Onm Madhu..." is a hymn of peace and has been selected for all kinds of functions. Because this unique hymn of peace carries the true feeling of Ananda Marga - the Path of Bliss.
Our Ananda Marga philosophical approach is that life is full of ananda - not misery. That's why Baba uses this "Onm Madhu" hymn. Because in Ananda Marga everything is blissful. Child-naming and marriage ceremonies are blissful; even in death we see the bright side and never lose sight of the spiritual goal.
The key common denominator in all these ceremonies is that the hymn - "Onm Madhu" - denotes that Parama Purusa is witnessing all that is transpiring.
After death also, there is bliss as one's connection with Parama Purusa is eternal. Each and every human life is one part-life, part of the big chain of the full and complete life. It goes on and on, life after life, until the final goal is reached. (2)
Ultimately then everything is blissful in the life of sadhakas. And that's why Baba has given this hymn and peace hymn, "Onm Madhu...", for every social ceremony / gathering. Ananda Marga is for all, that's why Baba has made one common shloka for all the functions.
Baba says, "It [i.e. the Omn Madhu hymn] is a hymn of peace and hence can be chanted equally on all occasions." (3)
Ananda Marga social customs are healing balm
Sadguru Baba says, "The social customs of Ananda Marga have been formed with a view to intensifying the speed to supply fresh blood to the body – to stream fresh spring water into blocked water storages." (4)
"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 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.
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.
Ananda Marga is blissful - how
Ananda Marga is the Path of Bliss. Ananda Marga is very easy, simple, and straight-forward. Everyone comes onto this earth with the natural inclination to follow Ananda Marga ideals. A small child cannot speak a lie, and children do not like to eat tamasik food etc. Rather these imposed samskaras are accumulated over time because of the negative influence of society. Yet the human body is beautifully made to follow Ananda Marga. By definition, the human body and mind are geared towards vegetarianism and spiritual ideals. Those are very natural for all humans. Verily, all sadhana lessons, asanas, and dances given by Baba lead to one's overall progress. In all realms of life, Ananda Marga practices propel one forward on the path. When one follows those guidelines like Sixteen Points then those practices become very soothing and easy.
Unfortunately, when one is forced to follow irrational and harmful religious edicts then that is unnatural and not easy. Such as if one has to do long penance by standing on one leg then one's body will be harmed and destroyed. Those religious followers suffer terribly when they have to bow down to and adhere to those illogical religious mandates.
Whereas all the practices and mandates in Ananda Marga are well-suited for one's overall progress because AM is based and founded upon eternal truths. That is why adhering to the codes of Ananda Marga is easy - because those practices are always beneficial. Those who are thinking it is difficult may not be following them wholeheartedly.
Our AM versus the dogmatic religions
In all the various religions, due to dogma there are sad ceremonies. Muslims beat their chest to the point of bleeding during the sad Muslim ceremony of Moharrum. Muslims show their grief for what occurred hundreds of years earlier. In Christianity, they also have many sad ceremonies and events. The cross itself is a symbol of deep sadness. Christians feel tremendous guilt and sadness at the thought that Christ died on the cross for their sins. Essentially, the various religions are based on their own theology which is rooted in their imaginary tales of creation and miracles; they are basically grounded in myth.
In contrast, our Ananda Marga is based on eternal truth. Our teachings are fully in concert with the inner workings of this cosmos and founded upon the inherent fact of how this universe was formed. Indeed, in Ananda Marga, there is nothing sad. Because Ananda Marga is dharma and we feel that this whole universe is born of out His bliss. This is not a religion where the dogma of sadness is king. Rather we adhere to the path of eternal, boundless bliss.
All Ananda Marga festivals are blissful
In Ananda Marga there are all sorts of festivals, and all are blissful.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "People often feel bored with their humdrum lives, with their mechanical routines; thus a fresh start must be created through festivals or utsava...so utsava means "an occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life." (5)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "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." (6)
So in Ananda Marga, people participate in all kinds of blissful utsava or ceremonies. Now compare this with the religions where they have various sad events based on their dogmatic and fictitious tales. But in Ananda Marga nothing is sad or irrational. Rather, everything is blissful and in perfect concert with the workings of this entire cosmological order.
Always in bliss
When experiencing supposed pain or pleasure, devotees always feel bliss. Bhaktas in personal life do not feel any difference between the person who is inflicting pain or who gives pleasure to them. This is exquisitely described in the discourse, "Devotion--The Only Path", in Ananda Vacanamrtam (Part-5).
To do something natural is very easy, and needs little effort. Speaking rta (factual truth) is quite natural. Children, animals, and plants never speak a lie. Speaking rta is not difficult or complicated. In almost all circumstances rta and satya are the same. But telling a lie is very difficult. To say one lie, one has to create 100 more lies, in order to hide. So that is a tricky job.
Here the central idea is that natural things are easy to manage and do. Dharma is natural which means it is easy to follow. As Ananda Marga is the expression of dharma, it makes sense that Ananda Marga rules are natural and easy to follow.
These days however, the social vibration is negative. Many people are unfortunately, negatively attracted and addicted to pseudo-culture. And that's why people think that the rules of Ananda Marga are difficult. But, in truth, they are not difficult. That's why the name of these collected rules is Ananda Marga, Path of Bliss.
Conclusion
This is the only hymn that gets used in each and every one of our social occasions. That makes our social ceremonies common and accessible to all. Whereas if each and every occasion had a different hymn or shloka, then the whole process could become quite cumbersome and complex. To avoid that, Baba has given this singular hymn which is the expression of bliss. And the guidelines provided in this hymn have been given according to the nature and needs of the social occasion.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Sukhadeva
Ananda Marga social customs are that healing balm
Sadguru Baba says, "Ananda Marga is against all kinds of exploitation, because exploitation always breaks the pace of advancement. These feelings of anti-exploitation have to be given a shape through the medium of social organization. A healthy social outlook has to be adopted. The parasites which live on exploitation do not want that the throes of inactivity should disappear from the society as it is on this filth of stagnancy that they exist and grow. They are like sores on the social body. External application of ointments will not cure this type of sores. So long as the blood affected with the harmful germs of the sore is in the body, the sore will come out again and again. So the best way of treating such sores is to keep them clean by washing and sponging them externally or to apply mild medicines and to increase the supply of fresh blood corpuscles in the body. To increase the blood within, the speed of every limbs and joints has to be increased and do you know on which depends this speed in case of the society? The more is the adjustment between the social body and the elements; – time, place and person, the greater is the speed. The social customs of Ananda Marga have been formed with a view to intensifying the speed to supply fresh blood to the body – to stream fresh spring water into blocked water storages." (7)
Unfortunate development
It is definitely true that there are no sad ceremonies in Ananda Marga,
but tragically there is one ceremony that was dragged in and going on
these days that is sorrowful in nature.
On that occasion they proclaim that Mahasambhuti came on this earth and is now gone. This sorrowful day marks that moment. Yet Mahasambhuti Baba told never to think in this way. As Taraka Brahma He is present always. As Mahasambhuti He takes physical form and leaves His physical body, but as Taraka Brahma He always remains.
However, some ignorant disciples invented one sorrowful occasion and this goes 100% against the ethic of Ananda Marga. This is not a blissful gathering so it defeats the purpose of having a festival / ceremony. The name of that sad and sorrowful ceremony that some have created is so-called mahaprayan (MPD), i.e. mahaprayan dogma
However, some ignorant disciples invented one sorrowful occasion and this goes 100% against the ethic of Ananda Marga. This is not a blissful gathering so it defeats the purpose of having a festival / ceremony. The name of that sad and sorrowful ceremony that some have created is so-called mahaprayan (MPD), i.e. mahaprayan dogma
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Nityánanda and Liilánanda
2. Ref: AV-22 (H), "Khan'd'a Jiivan o Pu'rn' Jiivan"
3. Táttvika Diipiká (Caturtha Parva)
4. Táttvika Diipiká (Caturtha Parva)
5. A Few Problems Solved - 5, On Festivals
6. A Few Problems Solved - 5, On Festivals
7. Táttvika Diipiká (Caturtha Parva)
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Swapping dogma: bad
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Should one dogma be replaced by another dogma of the same order or of another order? Should a dogma of a positive order be replaced by a dogma of a positive order or by a dogma of a negative order? A dogma is an illogical, irrational sentiment. All dogma must be replaced by non-dogma. Gautam Buddha said that anger should be overcome by sweetness, miserliness by generosity, falsehood by truthfulness, hatred by love and sorrow by happiness. If we adopt the same approach, does this mean replacing a negative dogma with a positive dogma? No, because these attributes are mental propensities, not dogma.” (1)
The inventors of dogma often resort to a certain strategy when they see that their dogma is getting unearthed. Here is what they do: They keep their same old dogma but give it a fresh new name.
One classic example of this is how they proposed changing the name of mahaprayan divas (MPD). When MPD lost its charm and was placed on its deathbed, then certain group leaders came up with a new name for their dogma. They broadcasted it everywhere how they will now be observing samkalpa divas. That is the new name they assigned to their MPD dogma.
But the name “samkalpa divas” is just their trickery. Here it should be understood that samkalpa means strong determination or taking an oath etc. And since the inception of Ananda Marga tantra sadhana, new sadhakas have always had to take an oath when they first sit and learn meditation from their acarya. So the tradition of taking an oath did not start on 21 Oct 1990. Oath taking and the path of Ananda Marga are very interlinked. There are various types of oaths in Ananda Marga.
Obviously then it is bogus to declare 21 October as an oath day or samkalpa divas. If anybody does like this they are committing the same blunder that Guru warns not to do in His above teaching. So this is the sham they are doing: Changing mahaprayan divas to samkalpa divas means going from one dogma to the next.
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 16, Religious Dogma – Excerpt B
== Section : Prabhat Samgiita ==
बाबा ! मैं तुम्हें यह माला पहनाना चाहता हॅूं।
परिचयः- आनन्दमार्ग दर्शन के अनुसार प्रभात सङ्गीत हृदय की अनुभूति है, हृदय के भावोद्गार हैं जो हृदय की स्याही से ही लिखे गये हैं। यह बात हर एक भक्त जानता है।
प्रभात सङ्गीत 1698 अजाना पथिक, जींमो गो क्षणिक ...
परिचय- भक्त तीन प्रकार के होते हैं, तीसरी श्रेणी के भक्त परमपुरुष से भौतिक जगत की वस्तुओं को माॅंगते हैं और न मिलने पर शिकायत करते पाए जाते हैं। दूसरे प्रकार के भक्त अनेक वरदान , मुक्ति, मोक्ष और मानसिक शान्ति चाहते हैं। पहली श्रेणी के भक्त कुछ नहीं माॅंगते वे तो केवल परमपुरुष को ही चाहते हैं। इस तरह उनकी कृपा से वे उन्हीं में मिलकर आनन्द पाते हैं। यही भक्ति का परम बिन्दु और मानव जीवन का लक्ष्य होता है। दूसरे और तीसरे प्रकार के भक्त इस गीत की गहराई को नहीं समझ सकते । इस गीत में पहली श्रेणी का भक्त अपने मन के प्रेम और आकर्षण की बातें परमपुरुष से कह रहा है।
भावार्थ
हे अजाना पथिक ! मुझ पर कृपा करो, एक क्षण के लिए रुको तो सही। दूर मत जाओ। मैं तुम्हें फूलों की माला पहनाना चाहता हॅूं। फूलों की सुगन्ध से भरी और हृदय के प्रेम और आकर्षण से सजी यह फूल-टोकरी मैं लाया हॅूं। मैं तुम्हें यह माला पहनाना चाहता हॅूं।
बाबा ! मैं तुम्हारी भक्ति से भरे गीतों को दिन रात गाता रहा हॅूं ताकि तुम प्रसन्न हो सको । मैं तुम्हारे प्रभात सङ्गीत के गीतों की लय और तान का अभ्यास करता रहा हॅूं । तुम्हारी अपार कृपा जिसे कोई नाप नहीं सकता उसने मेरा हृदय मधुरता से भर दिया है। मेरा मन आनन्द में डूब कर भक्ति से लबालब भर गया है। हे अजाना पथिक ! क्षण भर के लिए रुक जाओ, मैं तुम्हें फूलों की माला पहनाना चाहता हॅूं।
हे मेरे प्रभु ! मैं तुम्हारे स्वागत में अनेक प्रकार के लय में नाचता हॅूं। इस असीम आनन्द और अमृत से भरी नदी को पाकर मैं तुमसे और कुछ नहीं माॅंगता। केवल मैं अपने हृदय का प्रेम उड़ेलते हुए आत्मसमर्पण करना चाहता हॅूं। हे अजाना पथिक ! एक क्षण के लिए रुको, मैं तुम्हें फूलों माला पहनाना चाहता हॅूं।
हे अजाना पथिक ! हे बाबा ! कृपा कर मेरी पुष्पमाला स्वीकार कर लो।
References
1. Sadguru Baba says (in GD, Delhi, 26 Feb 1984) that when writing a Prabhat Samgiita purport then very simple words should be used so that the common mass may understand. The above Hindu purport has been written according to that guideline.
