Search This Blog

Monday, April 14, 2025

Dos & don'ts about clapping + 3 more

Baba
Dos & don'ts about clapping
Namaskar, 

Our Ananda Marga spiritual gatherings are wholly unique and have no parallel in the general society. They are unlike any typical social event or meeting. Hence, the  norms are also radically different. One key point of contrast is that clapping is unacceptable at our AM spiritual gatherings. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


No clapping at DMC

Sadguru Baba says, “No clapping. Clapping is not allowed in any spiritual meeting.” And verily, Baba has reiterated this point at numerous DMCs when those in the audience began to applaud etc. 

Applying this rule:

(A) Prize distribution: At DMC, Baba would regularly distribute prizes to the various competition winners. They would wait on the side of the stage; listen for their name to be called; approach the dais; do sastaunga pranam to Baba; accept the prize; and, walk off the stage. And during this entire process, clapping was not allowed. 

(B) Kaoshikii & tandava: At DMC, Baba would regularly call upon sadhakas to dance kaoshikii and tandava. And Baba would often comment in one way or another. Here also, clapping was never allowed as a form of applause. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Thus in all aspects of our spiritual gatherings, clapping was never allowed as a way of showing approval or favourability, or joy etc. Clapping in that context was strictly forbidden. And, as sadhakas, we should maintain this standard in all our spiritual gatherings, whether it be DMS or dharmacakra etc. Clapping is not allowed. 

The only time clapping is allowed is when it is used as an accompaniment to music. Specifically, Baba has stated that clapping complements those Prabhat Samgiita compositions that employ a certain middle-eastern tune. In addition, clapping is permitted to maintain the rhythm of the tandava dance.


Conclusion

#1: At our spiritual gatherings, clapping is never allowed to show any kind of approval or applause etc. 

#2: Clapping is only allowed as a musical accompaniment to particular Prabhat Samgiita compositions and as rhythmic support for tandava etc. 

In Him, 
Nityesh

Baba’s discourses about no clapping

Sadguru Baba opposes clapping at spiritual gatherings. 


(A) For example, during the evening general darshan on 27 May 1979 in Stockholm, the following scene took place where Baba is scolding everyone for clapping.

[Ta'n'd'ava is performed.]

[Announcer: ---”Final pose! Jump!”]

Baba says, “Well done. Bravo.”

[laughter, and some clapping.]

Baba says,“No clapping! In spiritual meetings, clapping is not allowed.” (1)


(B) In this next example, at the very end of the discourse, there is some clapping, and Baba immediately puts an end to it. 

Sadguru Baba says, “Hey! No clapping.” (2)


(C) Here the whole idea is that suppose Baba is delivering a line of His discourse such as, “You will be victorious”, and hearing this some begin to clap. That makes Baba’s discourse sound cheap or that this line was given to generate applause, like today’s superficial politicians do. Sadguru Baba is the Taraka Brahma and all He has given is eternal truth. Humans are in no position to applaud or clap; best is, one should listen attentively and ideate. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam -12, Chance To Be One With Him, EGD 27 May 1979 Stockholm
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, How an Ideal Person Should Live (at the end of the discourse)


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why we are against capitalism

Ananda Marga Philosophy says, “Today the world is following either capitalism or extreme materialism [i.e., communism]. Under these systems, those who are endowed with greater knowledge, intellect or physical power go on misappropriating more and more material wealth. People have forgotten that together with physical wealth we also receive subtle wealth from Prakrti [the Supreme Operative Principle]. A member of a family who does not feel a sense of unity with the other family members and does not recognize the logically-acceptable necessity and the lofty principle of joint rights, cannot be regarded as a social being. According to a universal spiritual ideology, the system of individual ownership cannot be regarded as absolute. This is why our [Ananda Marga’s] concept of society does not support capitalism.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell Volume 1 Part 5, The Responsibility of Society


== Section: Important Teaching ==

What this type of mentality signifies

In His below teaching, Baba guides us that when we see someone supporting a particular group or an agenda based on caste, creed, colour, race, then we should be alert. By digging down, we will find that the person is not sincere in sadhana. Because Ananda Marga sadhana is the sadhana of the infinite Parama Purusa. By ideating on Him, the mind becomes larger and more vast. That is why standard sadhakas do not support any kind of groupism etc. So watch out: if someone is supporting any group then try to politely convey that they should increase their sadhana. By this way their mind will expand; and, thereafter from the core of their heart they will naturally keep their distance from any type of lowly outlook like groupism etc. This following quote from Sadguru guides us in this direction.

   Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The more the human mind becomes magnanimous or expanded, the more it rises above the sentiments of tribalism, communalism, provincialism, etc. Often I hear people say that nationalism is an appreciable sentiment and that there is no narrowness in it. But is this true? Nationalism is also relative, just like tribalism, communalism or provincialism. In some places it is more worthwhile than tribalism, communalism or provincialism, while in other places it is less worthwhile..."
   "Hence it is observed that communalism, casteism, provincialism and nationalism are all of the same defective type. Those who are able to capitalize on one of these sentiments advocate it volubly. In fact, every one of these sentiments suffers from the defect of ism, and is completely filled with narrowness, violence, envy, mean mindedness, etc. Those who enter the field of social welfare by creating divisions between “yours” and “mine”, substantially widen the fissures of fissiparous intellect in human society."
   "Those who want to promote the welfare of all human beings, remaining above all sorts of parochial sentiments, have no alternative but to embrace universalism with their heart and soul – there is no other way. As universalism is totally devoid of any characteristic of ism, it is not proper to depict universalism as an ism. If everyone is looked upon as one’s own, no one remains beyond the periphery of one’s kith and kin. Naturally, then, there is no scope for violence, envy, narrowness, etc….The more the human mind becomes magnanimous or expanded, the more it rises above the sentiments of tribalism, communalism, provincialism, etc." (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #18


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Receiving answers from deep within

Ananda Marga philosophy states:

"Q. 58. Who receives the answer or remedy at the time of staging a dhárańá?"

"Ans.: – Once the conscious and sub-conscious minds are inactive the remedy is received from the all-knowing Casual Mind. The ectoplasmic mind will take the shape of anything which is ideated upon with a specific aim, with sincerity and with proper concentration. While staging a dharńá the kamamaya and manomaya kośas become partially suspended and a vision of knowledge occurs (like a particular type of dream state) originating from the Causal Mind. In that dream state the person receives the answer to any question he/she may have asked about medicine or other matters."

"Those staging a dharńá are convinced that a certain deity will give the cure for a disease or answer any question they may ask. Therefore, when the answer comes, they naturally conclude that it was given by that very same deity. In fact, this vision of the deity, like the vision of the ghost, is simply a play of the mind. After being told about the greatness of a particular god or goddess a person will go to make offerings and will often receive the expected cure or answer. There is no question of a god or deity being involved here; God had nothing to go with what happened. It is purely a psychic phenomenon. The effectiveness of the cure or answer depends upon the degree of concentration of the mind." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt B, Q & A #58





Labels: ,

Story: Baba came in dark night out of the blue + 2 more

Baba

Story: Baba came in dark night out of the blue 

Namaskar,

In my younger years, during the 1950's, I was initiated by an acarya. At that time I was new to Ananda Marga so I was not aware that when an acarya teaches others then the acarya is not actually teaching you; just they are a medium of Guru Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji who is doing the teaching.

Shortly thereafter, I was blessed to have Baba's darshan. On that occasion, Sadguru Baba corrected my sadhana. At that time, I was also graced with the opportunity to make a request, "Baba, my desire is that You should teach me the entire meditation process. You are my Guru and I do not want to learn from any middle-man."

Baba smiled and replied, "What you are thinking that desire will be fulfilled.”

"Baba is calling you - go see Him immediately"

Time passed. Then one day I got a message from GS Dada. I was told, "Baba is calling you - go see Him immediately." I made the journey from my village near Muzaffarpur and reached Jamalpur as quickly as possible.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When I was outside waiting to enter to see Baba I had mixed feelings. On the one side I was happy to have the darshan of my Guru Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji and have His blessing. But also I was concerned about if I had made any mistakes. I was not sure why Baba had called me. I had no clue. So I was in a quandary. I could not remember having done anything wrong - but if so, certainly Baba was going to scold me for it. So I have this fear. But the overall feeling was one of joy. I was thinking that whatever Baba does will be for my welfare - for my progress. All this was going through my mind while I was waiting to see Baba.

Soon I was called inside to see Baba. Upon entering all my fear disappeared immediately; I forgot all about it with the overflowing bliss of His close proximity. By His grace with full surrender I did sastaunga pranam.


Baba never forgets His promise

Then Baba asked about my family and how things were going with the unit.  He then said that He was going on fieldwalk and I should accompany Him. So per His schedule, Baba went for fieldwalk - and I followed Him - and He told many things along the way. In due course we reached to the Tiger's Grave. It was a dark, lonely night. Nobody was around for miles and miles and there was no hint of light in any direction. It was pitch black outside. Now and then, the idea came in my mind,  “Why had Baba called me from Muzafarrpur.” Mentally, I was thinking, “Baba, why did You call me from Muzafarrpur - You are not saying anything about this.” These thoughts were swirling in my mind.

Baba turned towards me and said, "Sometime back you expressed the desire to learn sadhana directly from Me. Such was your request and that is why I have called you here today."

Immediately, that memory flashed in my mind. I recalled my words to Baba. I had completely forgotten about my request that He should sit face-to-face with me and personally guide me in sadhana. Although I had forgotten, Baba had graciously remembered. Later on I realized that human beings forget, but the all-knowing Parama Purusa Baba never forgets His promise. I forgot my own desire but Baba remembered, called me, and reminded me.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba then taught me the entire process of kapalika sadhana. When He finished, per His direction, I repeated the instructions back to Him and He gave His approval. Baba then instructed me, "Initially, you must do kapalika sadhana for 30 days in a row; thereafter, you must do it for one of the 3 days of amavasya each month - that will be sufficient." I felt truly blessed to receive my sadhana instructions directly from Him.


Scolding: "When you go to that banyan tree"

Baba also guided exactly how to go to the cemetery in my village near Muzaffarpur. Baba told me which path I should take from my house during the night, as well as which left turn and right turn I should make. He told me everything meticulously.  It was quite intriguing for me to see how He knows all these minute details. Because  Baba had never visited there, and He was telling me all those details. Actually, at that time I did not have the realisation that Baba is Parama Purusa. Just I was thinking that Baba is some great guru - that’s all. It was my ignorance those days. So I was surprised to see that He knew this.

Next, Baba began to explain where I would sit for sadhana. Baba told, "In the cemetery near your village, there is a banyan tree. Near the banyan tree, some feet away, there is a mango tree; and then, after another short distance, there is a wood apple tree."

Although it was my village cemetery I was not aware about those two other trees. Mentally, I thought, "Baba, there is indeed a banyan tree, but I do not recall there being a mango or a wood apple tree in that area." Just I was thinking in this way - i.e. expressing doubt.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba looked towards me and expressed His feigned anger and started scolding me: "When you go to that banyan tree, after exactly 49 feet to the northeast you will see the other two trees. Nearby you will sit and do your kapalika sadhana." Mentally I thought, "When I reach Muzaffarpur I will see how far this is correct."


No courage to go alone

While still in His divine presence, I began thinking about going to the cemetery alone in that pitch-dark, midnight hour - devoid of any reflected or refracted light. I would be away from human habitation, with the apparatus, and sitting there by myself. It would be a difficult, dangerous, proposition. Ghosts might even come. I was raised in a very dogmatic environment and all kinds of fear was imposed upon me during my childhood. In earnest, I was a coward. So going alone to the cemetery on a dark night was unthinkable for me. I was afraid that a ghost would be there hovering around and it would attack me. That dogma of ghosts was a gift of my dogmatic upbringing. But by His grace, later on, it became clear to me that ghosts do not exist. But, in that moment, I was struck by fear and thought some problem could come. In that case, what would I do? I was thinking it would be very good if Baba could also be there.

The mere thought of going to the cemetery alone on a pitch dark night was terrorising for me. So with reverence in a very polite manner I requested Him, "Baba, generally the Guru goes along to the cemetery to protect the disciple if danger comes."

Baba replied, "Those ordinary gurus do so - but for Me there is no need."

Filled with the terror of going all by myself to the Muzaffarpur cemetery, I made a direct appeal, "Baba, what is the need for me to go to Muzaffarpur. You are here, and I can stay here. Then You could always come along with me for night sadhana to protect me from any ghosts or evil spirits. Plus You could directly revise my sadhana lessons as needed. What You taught is very involved and complex, if I forget certain steps You could guide me."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba replied, "No, go to your village and do your sadhana there. And always remember that regardless of the time of day, all the 24hrs, I am always with You and whenever there is a need, you will be able to open your eyes and see Me with your eyes open."

After hearing this from Baba, my fear did not dissipate completely. I could not gather the courage to go alone.


I express my doubts to Baba

I politely requested Him, "Baba, You have graciously taught kapalika sadhana to so many people who live in so many different places like Kolkata, Mumbai, throughout Delhi sector and indeed around the globe. If all these people have a problem at the same time in different cemeteries - all over the globe - then how will it be possible for You to be in all those placed at the same time to help and intervene? You will be forced to attend to one particular sadhaka and leave the others to fend for themselves. How is it possible for You to go everywhere and help everyone at the same time, in disparate places, when they are in crisis."

Baba told me in a firm voice, "I can go wherever there is a need - all at the same time."

I did not reply, but I was thinking that, "Often, people say like this just for the sake of saying it. But I cannot believe this. I can't believe it. I cannot fathom how He will be in all places at the same time."

Baba paused, "When you see Me there then You are going to believe."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Baba started scolding me, "You do not believe what I am saying. You will see Me there - You can test this. But there is one condition: You must always start your cemetery sadhana without fail by exactly midnight. Then you will be able to see Me with your own eyes."


Midnight cemetery night sadhana

I went back to my village. The first thing I wanted to do was confirm where to sit and see the 3 trees which Baba was talking about. In broad daylight I went to the cemetery. Lo and behold, I saw that those 3 trees were exactly as Baba described. Mentally I begged for an apology from Baba.

I felt ready to begin my night sadhana routine. That night itself I thought to start going in the night for my kapalika sadhana. I thought I should do night sadhana and follow Baba's system and ultimately verify what Baba said, i.e. that He saves His sadhakas if there is any problem or danger during night sadhana.

After my long walk, I reached the cemetery at the proper time so I could start my sadhana 15min before midnight. I was determined that there should not be any delay at all, not ever. And in that way, everyday I was doing midnight sadhana in the cemetery according to His guideline: I took the designated path, reached the place at the correct time, and sat for sadhana according to His instruction. I was doing this every day. Fifteen days passed in this way.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


A strange voice says to me…

Then one day as I approached the cemetery, I heard a very clear voice in my ear: "Where are you going - why are you doing sadhana - there is no need to do this - what do you want - I can grant it - whatever you want I can grant it - do not waste your time in sadhana - you are quite young - go and enjoy the world - why waste your time in sadhana."

I looked all around but could not see anything or anyone around me; yet this voice was very clear. Since it was such an unusual phenomenon I was listening very carefully. This was a new experience in my life, and I was quite intrigued. I continued to listen. Then I thought that it was getting late, and I should get to my spot in the cemetery for sadhana.

In this way I got caught up and delayed. I had no idea that this was a ploy of avidya maya to disturb my sadhana. The whole episode lasted about 10 - 15 minutes.


Midnight in cemetery:
Baba was smiling at me

When I reached my place in the cemetery, I saw that Baba was standing there - facing me and smiling. As I approached Him to do sastaunga pranam, He moved 25 feet further away. It was extremely dark but His face and entire body were very clear. There was a bright light around Him; I could see His smile. Beyond His figure, the area was enveloped in utter darkness.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

I saw Him and thought to go close. I approached Him again to do sastaunga pranam, but no matter how hard I tried I could not get closer than 25 feet. I started walking towards Him but the distance was not decreasing. I could not catch Him. When I began calling Him, He did not respond - He would only smile. I was running to catch Him, but I could not get closer than 25 feet. I could not get Him. In this way the time passed. I became tired.

After chasing Baba for approximately 20 minutes, Baba again scolded me and said: "Go and complete your sadhana." At that point, I had no option but to follow His order. When I turned to go to my spot for sadhana, Baba went away. I sat for my sadhana and when I was done I returned to my house but could not sleep because of what had transpired. I was happy to see Baba but sad that He did not allow me to do sastaunga pranam or feed Him. I was also not happy that He did not stay.


One invisible entity talking in my ear

In the morning, I left my house and traveled to Jamalpur. I felt that I must complain to Baba about the events of last night. I reached Jamalpur and was called in to see Baba. Upon entering the room, I immediately did sastaunga pranam, but did not get the opportunity to tell Him anything; rather He started scolding me: "Why were you late for sadhana last night. I did My inspection to see if you started on time, and you were not there."

Baba continued, "You failed to do your duty, and now you must start over from the very beginning and do night sadhana for another 30 days in a row starting from tonight." That was my punishment for being late. Then Baba was quiet. He was graciously giving me the opportunity to speak.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

I began, "Certainly I committed a mistake last night in the cemetery. Then I saw You and wanted to do sastaunga pranam but I could not get close enough to You. I wanted to take You to my home and called You, but You just smiled and did not reply. Again I tried to go close to You, and again You went further away. This went on for 20 minutes. And then in the end You did not stay. I do not understand."

"The reason I was late for my night sadhana was because when I entered the cemetery I was disturbed by some negative talk. I got caught up in listening to one invisible entity who was talking in my ear. He was discouraging me from doing sadhana, and I became 5 minutes late."

Baba replied, "That was just Karn'a Pisha'cii. He can't harm you or do anything bad to you. He is just full of tall talks. He has one very small type of occult power or siddhi - a very ordinary siddhi. If in the future Karn'a Pisha'cii creates any type of nuisance for you, then tell him, "I want Parama Purusa - bring Him here"."

Hearing Baba's words, I understood that on the path of sadhana, we are confronted by so many obstacles. Yet we have to fight back and overcome such hurdles. I failed this time but vowed that next time I would succeed, by His grace.


Conclusion

Since then my mind changed and I realized that my Guru is not ordinary; rather, He is indeed Parama Purusa. He always remains with me. Whether I see Him or not, He is there. And when the need arises He will show Himself, otherwise He will remain invisible, watching me.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

For those who cannot perceive Him, they may think that Baba is no more or that He went to a different planet or star. But for me, there is no change from those days before 1990 and now. In the very same way, my Baba is with me, showering His grace and smiling.

Namaskar,
Manoranjan

The above story was told by Ac Vaedyanath Jha - a family acarya from Muzaffarpur who was initiated in the 1950's. The above is his direct narration. I am merely posting it "as is" for your review - I did not add or change anything.

Baba's feigned anger

[1] Feigned Anger: As we know, Baba never really gets angry, rather He feigns anger in order to teach others.  However, sometimes, due to their ignorance, Dadas write that "Baba became angry" in their books and essays etc, but such writers should correct themselves and be careful about making such a mistake. 

Plagiary?

It is the accepted international standard and Baba's system not to copy another's work and publish it in your own way. Baba has given a very strict rule on plagiarism. Why is Baba against plagiarism or stealing someone's work? There are many reasons:

1) It is against the code of asteya (non-stealing).

2) Countless stories of bhaktas need to be published. But some do not want to do the hard work of compiling and writing these stories, so they just steal them from others. But new stories need to be told, otherwise so many unpublished stories of sadhakas will be lost and forgotten forever. So watch out for story thieves, and kindly help them not to steal by posting on social media in their own way. If you want to forward this story then attach the following yellow section with the story: 

“Courtesy of unknown bhakta via Ananda Marga Universal (https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/)”

This will be treated as the standard protocol.


== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Message of sadvipra

PS intro: This following composition is for revolutionaries and sadvipras when they are addressing cowardly people, i.e. those afraid to come forward and fight against the demons.

"Keu tora' yadi bhay pa's, a'ma'r ya'boi...
A'darshke sa'men rekhe pa' phelabai." (Prabhat Samgiita #3283)

Purport:

If someone amongst you is terrified even then by His grace we will march forward to establish sadvipra society. Even if we are surrounded by the loud laughter of ferocious demons, we will advance ahead without any concern. We will tromp on; we will go forward. We will have the courage to advance with His blessing.

My friend! Why are you looking with helpless eyes? Do not think like a pessimist. Even if the problems are like Himalayan mountains, we will assuredly cross them, with His mercy.

Even if the goddess of fate does not support us and turns her head away, even if the sky falls on us, regardless of the negative circumstances, we will march on holding the banner of Ananda Marga ideology high, keeping Parama Purusa Baba as the polestar. Our collective movement cannot be halted. We will usher in a new era of neo-humanism. The krpa of Baba is with us…


Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

SUBJECTS TOPICS