Baba
Precious time with Baba
Note: This letter is only for those who have reverence for Sadguru Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji and try to follow His Ananda Marga ideology.
Namaskar,
Here is one of the many highly memorable occasions when Baba would make us all smile and laugh and thereby bring us closer to Him. Despite our faults and despite our limitations, through His immense warmth and love, and yes, by making us laugh, we would feel that whatever we may be in this world, certainly we are His and He is mine. That was one of the very special ways in which Baba would make us all feel close. Below is one of the scenes which I recall.
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Reception & Baba's arrival
At one particular DMC that I attended, a huge crowd of margiis and workers were anxiously awaiting Baba's auspicious arrival. The pandal was completely full and everyone present was involved in singing and dancing kiirtan. All were in a blissful flow and the intimate spiritual feeling was mounting more and more as they expected Parama Purusa Baba to come any moment.
Then suddenly one Dada started shouting and the kiirtan came to a distinct halt. Another Dada immediately began raising the slogan, "Parama Pita Baba Ki!", and everyone exclaimed "Jai". Again and again the slogan was raised: "Parama Pita Baba Ki - Jai!"
The volume and vibration of the pandal was increasing and everyone knew that at any moment Baba would be coming. The slogan was raised one more time and then we could all see Baba entering onto the stage. Cries of "Baba, Baba" could be heard all around and still the slogan was going on, "Parama Pita Baba Ki- Jai!!". The whole pandal was charged and vibrated by His presence.
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As Baba walked slowly across the stage surrounded by His entourage, He passed His cane to one Dada and majestically sat down on the dais. Quickly another Dada came forward to remove Baba's shoes. As Baba moved onto the center point of the dais, one or two Dadas were involved in arranging the side pillows of His seat. Then, for a second time, Baba brought His hands together and gave His blessing across the entire pandal.
Everyone was feeling waves of bliss as Baba looked in their direction. Then one Dada approached Baba with a mala and garlanded Baba and then did sastaung pranam. Everyone was completely focused on Baba - watching His every gesture and move. Baba then began giving some directions to a few Dadas who were by His side and then they took leave and went from the dais.
Next Baba looked out across the sea of margiis and in a smiling manner He said, "How are you - everything is alright?"
Then everyone present simultaneously replied, "Yes, Baba!"
Baba looked to be in a very jolly mood and that heightened everyone's happiness and joy. In successive order Baba performed blessings for newly married margiis and distributed prizes to various workers and margiis.
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Display of kaoshikii & Baba’s humorous response
Immediately thereafter, per the system of DMC, there was a call for brothers’ kaoshikii. Baba smiled and turned slightly towards His left and looked over in their direction.
One Dada could be heard saying, "Dhin dhin dhin, dhin dhin..." and on that count the brothers' kaoshikii dance began. Actually those brothers had not been practicing kaoshikii recently. They already thought that they were the best dancers of kaoshikii - better than others - so they internally felt that there was no need to practice. This was the outlook they had cultivated. They felt a sense of entitlement. With this attitude they started dancing.
Since it was the time of DMC there was a big crowd. And those brothers were dancing as if they were already perfect at kaoshikii etc. This was their inner feeling.
Baba was smiling towards those brothers who were dancing. After a minute or two, the call came "Halt!", and all the dancers immediately stopped, thinking they had done it flawlessly.
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Normally, the sisters would then be signaled to start their kaoshikii. But on this particular occasion, Baba was smiling and still looking over towards those brothers who had just completed their dance. So everyone's focus was in that direction. Then in a jolly manner and in a smiling way Baba very reassuringly spoke the following:
"You know the kaoshikii dance displayed by the boys was very good - (Baba was still smiling)
"--with the exception of a few points."
Then in a charming way Baba said:
"The teamwork was not so good; the angular bending was not so good; and, there was actually no rhythm."
Then in a jovial mood, Baba concluded:
"With the exception of these three points, it was very good." (AV (Pure) - 49, PD #273, “The Path of Excellence”)
All laughed
Hearing Baba's dramatic delivery and humorous words, we all laughed - everyone laughed - and this laughter continued for several seconds. We were all charmed by His manner. Side by side, in a very benevolent way, those dancers got the message that they were not exempt from practicing. In their heart of hearts, they understood that they should refine their movements and dance with a sense of surrender - not ego. This was the great benefit they received, by His grace.
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By this way, by Baba's humorous response, all felt loved and cared for, and everyone understood in the depths of their heart that, "I am His child and regardless of how my performance is, always He loves me and finds a way to help me progress." We all felt very close to Baba.
A few takeaway points from the story
There are a few things we can all understand from the above story.
1) Baba was giving the encouragement that no one should feel dejected by their performance and that He recognises the sincerity of their effort and gives everyone His love and affection.
2) Baba wanted that everyone present - whether they were dancing or not - should improve the standard of their kaoshikii.
3) If Baba would have just appreciated the performance and not pointed out the defect in their dance, then no one would have been aware of their mistake and by that way those dancing and those watching would continue their poor way of dancing in the future.
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4) If Baba had only scolded these new margiis then they might think that doing kaoshikii was beyond their reach and they also would not feel close to Him.
5) But in a special way, He appreciated their effort and guided them for their improvement.
Really in that moment everyone felt loved, cared for, and close to Baba. Such is the effect of His radiant Presence and special words. Thereafter, the DMC program took its course and the sisters danced kaoshikii and the brothers tandava and after that Baba announced, "The subject of today's discourse...". And always we will remember that in spite of how poor the kaoshikii dance was, Baba found a way to appreciate their effort and everyone laughed and felt close. So Baba has a unique way of making the entire atmosphere blissful.
Baba is not only Guru but He is our Father and in His each and every expression He is very close and sweet. How can we forget those moments. And to this very day, whenever I close my eyes then I remember that special time and I feel His close proximity. And that gives me the energy to move forward.
Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Suvidya'
~ In-depth study ~
Create a heartfelt link
As the Divine Father, Baba has come on this earth to give ultimate salvation by decreasing the distance between He and His children. He has come to create an intimate closeness with bhaktas and encourage all to come even closer and still more close.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Being Parama Purusa and the most Magnanimous One, Baba would always create a heartfelt link with bhaktas which would automatically melt the gap between His supreme greatness and our ordinary selves. And one of the wonderful ways He would accomplish this was by using humour and tender expressions with bhaktas. By making everyone laugh and smile, sadhakas would immediately feel more relaxed and closer with Baba. This was the very sweet and gracious way in which He would communicate with bhaktas.
Each and every margii has their own personal experience of closeness with Him and by that way they could feel His sweet touch; and, those who could not get this feeling could not remain. Every new or old margii has their own experience and realisation, and even today He is with us.
Take advantage of the opportunity
By Baba's sweet grace we will all realise the height of human glory and live life divine and reach up to Him.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Do not forget your life; do not forget the path; the path is very noble, very beautiful, and it is for you to know that, it is for you to realize that, so do it from today. Do not leave it for tomorrow, tomorrow may not come for you. Who knows? The sun may not rise for you tomorrow. No one can say who is going to live from today till tomorrow. It is up to Him to decide. So as long as we are here today, let us try to take [advantage] of this opportunity and do sa'dhana' and follow dharma; thereby you will know Him, [you will complete] the beautiful journey of knowing Him. So let us know Him today. In this way we will be able to provide paths for human beings to come. Animals also are marching ahead to know that Supreme Entity. So it is our duty to make the way, to pave the way, in order for everyone to come on this path. Realize Him. Realize that Supreme Being within you. This is your dharma, this is your path; and let this path be yours, and victory will surely be yours." (1)
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Dharma Sádhaná
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.
--
Warning about 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) The individual who steals gets degenerated and it sets a bad example in the social sphere.
3) It impedes social progress as others will not be inclined to pursue new and original work as they think that others will just steal it.
4) It breeds a society of lethargic people who will always wait for others to create something new. It is just like those who are lazy in the kitchen do not cook - just they wait for others to prepare food and then they steal it away and devour that food.
5) 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, with their own name etc. This is plagiary.
== Section: Important Teaching ==
The Supreme Command states, "...Every Ananda Margii will have to perform sadhana twice a day invariably; verily is this the command of the Lord..." (1)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Dharma is the assemblage of all your conduct” – the way you eat, the way you speak, the way you perform sa'dhana'. If your conduct is good, dharma is with you; if your conduct is not good, dharma is not with you. And if dharma is not with you, what comes about is your sarvana'sha, or sarva'tmaka vina'sha – that is, your physical, mental, and spiritual ruin....Conduct is the principal factor in dharma.” Be a sadácárii, a person of good conduct, and you will surely attain Paramátman." (2)
Note: If one donates 2% of their income to Ananda Marga service projects then it does not mean that they are therefore an Ananda Margii. Donating money or paying tithes also does not make one an Ananda Margii. To be a dharmika (an Ananda Margii), one’s lifestyle should be wholly consistent with the ideals of Ananda Marga, i.e. bhagavad dharma. Those who give money and live a different sort of life can be thought of as sympathizers, but not as dharmikas, i.e. as Ananda Margiis.
Greatest donor
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The most important point to consider is who has utilized his or her ability and to what extent. Hanuman [the mighty monkey, a bhakta of Rama in the mythological epic the Rámáyańa] fetched huge boulders to build a bridge across the sea, while the squirrels collected small pebbles. Yet intrinsically both these actions have the same value. We have no right to question anybody's sincerity, nor can we scoff at it. We cannot give more appreciation to those who have not utilized their potentialities properly but have done more work than to those who have fully utilized their talents." (3)
References
1. The Supreme Command
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Niiti and Dharma
3. Human Society - part 1, Social Justice
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Key question and only answer
Ananda Marga ideology guides, "Those who have fallen today may become evolved people, great personalities in the future – mahápuruśas. This is why no one should ever be disappointed in life. Parama Puruśa is calling everyone and He will continue to call everyone: all shall find a safe shelter on His loving lap. He does not hate or neglect anyone. Hence the only answer to the question, “kasya tvam” – “Whom do you belong to?” – is: “I belong to Parama Puruśa, to Him and Him alone, because I have come from Him and I am in Him, and finally I will return to Him.” And the only answer to the question, “Kuta áyátah” – “From where have you come?” – is: “I have come from Parama Puruśa and I will go back to Him. He is my permanent abode.”" (1)
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 12, To Whom Do You Belong? Where Do You Come From?
AND HERE ARE FURTHER MATERIALS:
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Everlasting Unity:
Very Beginning Of A Child's Life
Very Beginning Of A Child's Life
"In Ananda Marga the seed of a common ideal is sown from the very beginning of a childs life. At the age of five, when the child has acquired only a preliminary understanding of his or her surroundings, he or she is given the idea of Brahma [the Supreme Entity]. The entire society of Ananda Marga is thus founded on a common ideal or goal – Brahma. This foundation will never be lost like the dangers of war. Such an ideal will not disappear like the common ideal of facing the dangers of war; so the unity in a society founded on the ideal of Brahma will be everlasting." (AFPS-7, Social Psychology)
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उनकी कृपा से आज ऊषा की लालिमा लिये हर वस्तु
प्रभात संगीत 4647: तमसा काटिछे विहग डाकिछे, पूर्व तोरणे...
भावार्थ
उनकी कृपा से आज पूर्व में सूर्य निकला और अंधकार दूर हो गया, पक्षियों ने चहचहाना प्रारंभ कर दिया। ऊषा की लालिमा लिये हर वस्तु आकर्षक और मधुर लग रही है। नये युग का द्वार खुल गया है। ए मेरे भाई बहिनो! तैयार हो जाओ नींद और तंद्रा में मत रहो, ए बच्चो जागो उठो! ए संसार के लड़के लड़कियो! जड़ता और स्थिरता का जेल तोड़कर बाहर आ जाओ। अब यह हमारी ड्युटी है कि हम पूर्वकाल के ऋषियों द्वारा प्रारंभ किये गये महान कार्यों को पूरा करें। हमे सतर्क रहकर नव्यमानवतावाद का दीपक सदैव प्रकाशित करते रहना है। बाबा की कृपा से आज सब अंधकार और जड़ता चली गयी है और एक नया उज्जवल युग प्रारंभ हुआ है।
Following is the phonetic spelling in Roman Script of the above purport:
Unakī kr̥pā sē āja ūṣā kī lālimā liyē hara vastu
prabhāta saṅgīta 4647: Tamasā kāṭichē vihaga ḍākichē, pūrva tōraṇē...
Bhāvārtha
unakī kr̥pā sē āja pūrva mēṁ sūrya nikalā aura andhakāra dūra hō gayā, pakṣiyōṁ nē cahacahānā prārambha kara diyā. Ūṣā kī lālimā liyē hara vastu ākarṣaka aura madhura laga rahī hai. Nayē yuga kā dvāra khula gayā hai. Ē mērē bhā'ī bahinō! Taiyāra hō jā'ō nīnda aura tandrā mēṁ mata rahō, ē baccō jāgō uṭhō! Ē sansāra kē laṛakē laṛakiyō! Jaṛatā aura sthiratā kā jēla tōṛakara bāhara ā jā'ō. Aba yaha hamārī ḍyuṭī hai ki hama pūrvakāla kē r̥ṣiyōṁ dvārā prārambha kiyē gayē mahāna kāryōṁ kō pūrā karēṁ. Hamē satarka rahakara navyamānavatāvāda kā dīpaka sadaiva prakāśita karatē rahanā hai. Bābā kī kr̥pā sē āja saba andhakāra aura jaṛatā calī gayī hai aura ēka nayā ujjavala yuga prārambha hu'ā hai.
प्रभात संगीत 4647: तमसा काटिछे विहग डाकिछे, पूर्व तोरणे...
भावार्थ
उनकी कृपा से आज पूर्व में सूर्य निकला और अंधकार दूर हो गया, पक्षियों ने चहचहाना प्रारंभ कर दिया। ऊषा की लालिमा लिये हर वस्तु आकर्षक और मधुर लग रही है। नये युग का द्वार खुल गया है। ए मेरे भाई बहिनो! तैयार हो जाओ नींद और तंद्रा में मत रहो, ए बच्चो जागो उठो! ए संसार के लड़के लड़कियो! जड़ता और स्थिरता का जेल तोड़कर बाहर आ जाओ। अब यह हमारी ड्युटी है कि हम पूर्वकाल के ऋषियों द्वारा प्रारंभ किये गये महान कार्यों को पूरा करें। हमे सतर्क रहकर नव्यमानवतावाद का दीपक सदैव प्रकाशित करते रहना है। बाबा की कृपा से आज सब अंधकार और जड़ता चली गयी है और एक नया उज्जवल युग प्रारंभ हुआ है।
Following is the phonetic spelling in Roman Script of the above purport:
Unakī kr̥pā sē āja ūṣā kī lālimā liyē hara vastu
prabhāta saṅgīta 4647: Tamasā kāṭichē vihaga ḍākichē, pūrva tōraṇē...
Bhāvārtha
unakī kr̥pā sē āja pūrva mēṁ sūrya nikalā aura andhakāra dūra hō gayā, pakṣiyōṁ nē cahacahānā prārambha kara diyā. Ūṣā kī lālimā liyē hara vastu ākarṣaka aura madhura laga rahī hai. Nayē yuga kā dvāra khula gayā hai. Ē mērē bhā'ī bahinō! Taiyāra hō jā'ō nīnda aura tandrā mēṁ mata rahō, ē baccō jāgō uṭhō! Ē sansāra kē laṛakē laṛakiyō! Jaṛatā aura sthiratā kā jēla tōṛakara bāhara ā jā'ō. Aba yaha hamārī ḍyuṭī hai ki hama pūrvakāla kē r̥ṣiyōṁ dvārā prārambha kiyē gayē mahāna kāryōṁ kō pūrā karēṁ. Hamē satarka rahakara navyamānavatāvāda kā dīpaka sadaiva prakāśita karatē rahanā hai. Bābā kī kr̥pā sē āja saba andhakāra aura jaṛatā calī gayī hai aura ēka nayā ujjavala yuga prārambha hu'ā hai.
== Section 2: Links ==
Upcoming Festival: Ananda Purniima - Thurs, 23rd May
Baba stories
