Value of singing + 4 more

Baba

Value of singing

Namaskar,

In this ultra-modern and technological era, where machines and gadgets are often dominant, there is the tendency just to listen to kiirtan via a stereo, mobile phone, or computer etc - and not sing ourselves. The reliance upon technology can enter into every aspect of one's existence, including spiritual practices like kiirtan. So while living in this modern era every sadhaka should be aware.
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Why sing in a loud voice

Sadguru Baba's guideline is that to get the real benefit of kiirtan then one must sing - loudly.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "To proclaim the glories of Parama Purus'a, the Supreme Consciousness, in a loud voice is termed 'kiirtana'. The Sam'skrta root verb kirtt means to 'utter something loudly so that others may also hear it'; thus kiirtana means to proclaim the glories of the Lord loudly for all to hear." (1)

Here again Baba delivers the same message, in slightly different language.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Kiirtana means to utter good words loudly; not mentally, nor in a whisper, but loud enough for everyone to hear. It is never done secretly, but always openly...So devotees will openly sing praises to Parama Purus'a. Kiirtana means, as I said a little earlier, to sing the Lord's glory in a loud voice." (2)

As Baba explains above, part and parcel of "doing kiirtan" means singing kiirtan - not just listening to kiirtan. And best is to dance as well. In this way one can get 100% benefit: A unique spiritual feeling overcomes the entire existence and one feels a deep sense of peace within.
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All the organs vs one organ busy

There is an underlying science behind all our spiritual practices. In this respect, Baba guides us that by singing kiirtan we are engaging more of the body's organs than if we just simply listen. By singing, the mouth, throat, tongue, and vocal cords are also involved. This enhances one's ability to focus on the kiirtan. So best is to involve a maximum number of the ten motor and sensory organs.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "At the time of kiirtana, the vocal cord sings, the ears hear, and the hands and feet dance, and thus all the organs are kept preoccupied with the divine. They are not allowed to move wherever they want but are kept engaged...if the sensory and motor organs are not kept engaged in the attainment of the divine, they may lead one astray. Kiirtana is therefore most beneficial as it keeps all the organs fully engaged in a spiritual pursuit." (3)

By singing kiirtan the mind is more engaged in the practice of kiirtan than if one is just listening. And best is to dance also as this involves more motor and senory organs. By this way, sadhana will be improved.
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Natural flow of bhakti

Some may say or think that they do not have time to stop and sing kiirtan. But the reply is that singing kiirtan itself need not take any extra time. One can sing kiirtan while doing mundane duties such as when cleaning the kitchen or when bathing etc. In this way, singing kiirtan can be done frequently throughout the day. That will spiritualise all one’s daily activities and then when sitting for sadhana one will automatically feel the difference. There will be a natural flow of bhakti, by His grace. So while traveling, or walking, or when preparing meals, one can sing kiirtan. Actually, if we look carefully, we will come across so many moments in our day where we can sing kiirtan in a loud voice - thereby enhancing life in the sphere of bhakti.

Doing proper kiirtan is not a matter of singing in tune or in a particular pitch.  When anyone sings kiirtan, Parama Purusa only thinks about the sweetness and sincerity of the bhakta’s heart - not the tune or melody. So no one should suffer from any type of complex about whether they have a good voice or not. One should consider whether they have a "beautiful voice" or not. One should always remember that we are only singing to please Parama Purusa. For this we simply need to awaken that subtle feeling of bhakti that is inherent to one and all. Ultimately between Parama Purusa and the bhakta there is an innate feeling of love based solely on the heart. With this personal link to Ista one should sing kiirtan.
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Conclusion

Our Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtana mantra is meant to be sung out loud and by this way the bhakta will be benefited in numerous ways, including an enhanced sadhana practice. So every sadhaka should always be eager and keen to practice kiirtan regularly and sing aloud.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Brahmeshvar

~ In-depth study ~

Kiirtan purifies the mind for sadhana

In various discourses Baba says that when the mind is not concentrated in sadhana then one should do kiirtan wholeheartedly and then sadhana will be much better.

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Now the time has come to manifest the glory of kiirtana. And I also want to say further that those who wish to attain spiritual progress in their sádhaná will have to do more and more kiirtana. By kiirtana, the mind becomes pure, and with this pure mind, one can do sádhaná. If the mind is made pure even for five minutes by kiirtana, then if you do sádhaná for only five minutes, your sádhaná will be very good – you will surely attain spiritual progress. And because of your spiritual progress, you will come closer and closer to the Supreme Consciousness, you will come in contact with His psychic waves. And in that state you will be able to render still better service to human beings, animals and plants, by means of Neohumanism. May you all be blessed." (4)

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Just to concentrate your mind during your occult practice, you must dance and sing kiirtana, because kiirtana is the best purifying agent. It purifies the mind, and its meaning is also very good. Its meaning is, “O Father, I am to take your name and your name only.” Bábá means “the nearest and dearest one”." (5)

Kiirtana cures psychic ailments, suicide

   Ananda Marga ideology says, "These days many psychic diseases have appeared as a result of this mental complexity. Many people are committing suicide; many people are becoming lunatics. The reason is that people are unable to adjust with the various types of complexities in life."
   "The human brain is limited, and its nerve cells also have a limited capacity: they cannot tolerate these growing complexities. Kiirtana gives bliss to Parama Puruśa in the mental sphere, and it also brings joy to human beings both individually and collectively; it leads them on the path of welfare and frees them from all these complexities. It removes all the diseases of the intellect and allows people to think easily and in the proper way."
   "So intelligent people should do kiirtana as much as possible. When people, due to psychic complexities, cannot find the solution to their difficulties and they are at a loss what to do, if they sit together at any place and do kiirtana wholeheartedly for a while, their psychic complexities will be removed and they will easily seize upon the solution to their problems." (6)


Bhaktas are never helpless

By Baba's grace, singing and dancing kiirtan brings tremendous bliss in life and enhances sadhana. One should always remember that no matter what the circumstances, always He is listening to your kiirtan. This is His unfathomable blessing.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Everywhere you are with Parama Purus'a, and never in this universe, nowhere in this universe, are you alone. So you are never helpless. Wherever you may be, do your Kiirtana, 'Ba'ba' Na'ma Kevalam.' He is with you. You are never alone. You are never weak. You are never helpless." (7)

In the life of each and every sadhaka - in the heart of every A'nanda Ma'rgii - there is an inherent desire to make sadhana better and better, by His grace. This is the common feeling amongst all bhaktas. To that end, we follow Baba's various do's and don'ts. Before sadhana we do half-bath, find a quiet place, do sastaunga pranam, and then sing and dance kiirtan before sitting for meditation.

References
1. A Few Problems Solved - 4, Supra-Aesthetic Science and Music
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, How Should a Devotee Behave?
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Sádhaná, Abhidhyána and Kiirtana
4. Neohumanism in a Nutshell Part 2, Spirituality and This Panoramic Universe
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Everything Comes from Something
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 22, Serve the Supreme by Kiirtana
7. Ananda Vacanramtam - 12, From the Physical Stratum to the Apex

*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Dry heart

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Some so-called bhaktas – those who do not have genuine devotion - pretend to be devotees just to cheat others. That is, they ring the bells as they should be rung and light the candles as they should be lit, but without any feeling, so that after some time they become like machines. A person lacking devotion becomes like a machine. There is no more joy; only the mechanical turning of the parts. A heart devoid of joy is as barren as a desert. When one becomes as dry as the desert sands, one is compelled to cry out, “Oh Lord, save me. Protect me from the scorching heat of the desert.”" (1)

Note: In the life of a sadhaka on the spiritual journey, the first and foremost ingredient is surrender. Yet surrender itself is defined and described in a multitude of ways. In the above quote, surrender is explained in a very simple manner.  

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

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Very unique life

Namaskar

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Even after getting human life, only a few get the opportunity to listen to dharmika discourses. Among those, only a few develop the desire to practise dharma sádhaná. And even among these, only a few actually grasp the spirit of Sádhaná. Those rare ones who understand, perform sádhaná, and reach the goal are truly blessed." (1)

In the above teaching, Baba is expressing how each and every Ananda Margii is extraordinary as they have already crossed so many hoops and became an Ananda Margii. And there are a few more hoops to go. So one should always be alert not to get stuck in the present stage. Please read carefully to understand which stage you have crossed and where you are going. 

Namaskar, 
in Him, 
Ranjiit

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, The Requirements for Sádhaná

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Types of sin

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Pa´pa means "to do that which should not be done". For instance, stealing is pa´pa, telling lies is pa´pa. In addition to pa´pa, there is another word - pratyava´ya. Pratyava´ya means "not to do what should be done". For instance, parents should educate their children. If they do not, they are said to have committed pratyava´ya. In some countries, parents are responsible for arranging the marriage of their daughters who are of suitable age. If they do not, they are said to have committed pratyava´ya. In common parlance, pa´pa means both pa´pa and pratyava´ya. The common word pa´taka [sin] thus has two branches - pa´pa and pratyava´ya." (1)

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Regarding the special meaning of pa´pa: Pa´pas are of two kinds. In the social order, there are certain vidhis and certain nis´edhas - certain dos and certain don'ts. "You should do this, you should do this, you should do this, you should do this" - these are the dos of society. These dos are called vidhi in Sanskrit. And there are certain don'ts - "Don't steal, don't do this, don't do this, don't do this." These don'ts are called nis´edha in Sanskrit." "What if you go against the vidhis, for example, "feed the poor," "serve the ailing humanity" (these are all vidhis - "Do this" - that is, positive orders)? For example, if you are to serve ailing persons but you are not serving ailing persons, then you are going against a vidhi. To go against a vidhi is called pratyava´ya. If you are not serving a man in distress, then you are committing pratyava´ya." (2)

References
1. Namami Krsnasundaram, Disc: 18
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 31, Sinners and Their Rectification

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Step-wise development of world government

Prout philosophy states, "Divergent national interests and popular scepticism may stand in the way of the formation of a world government. To allay baseless fears from the minds of the people, this task should be carried out step by step. Obstacles will have to be negotiated with an open mind, and the world government will have to be strengthened gradually, not suddenly. For example, to run the world government, two houses may be maintained for an indefinite period. The lower house will be composed of representatives from various parts [countries] of the world, elected on the basis of population. The members of the upper house will be elected country-wise. This will provide opportunities to those countries which cannot send even a single representative to the lower house due to their small population, because they will be able to express their opinions before the people of the world by sending their representatives to the upper house. The upper house will not adopt any bill unless it has been passed by the lower house, but the upper house will reserve the right to reject the decisions of the lower house." (1)

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #19

== Section 3: Links ==

Recent Postings

• Mistaken notion of samaj

• Variety of bhaktas

• Raising kids: fear complex

• Main tool of health

• Prout & fasting

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana

Raising kids: fear complex + 4 more

Baba

Raising kids: fear complex 

Namaskar,

Here is an English summary of Baba’s teaching in Hindi:

The small babe did not want to drink the milk. So in order to get the baby to drink the milk, the family members said, "Look a "ghost" is on the palm tree - it will come and get you if you do not drink your milk." So you drank the milk out of fear of being caught by the "ghost.”

Sadly some parents impose fear complexes

That fear gets expressed in various ways as the child grows. They will be terrified of talking to new people, taking an examination, going to new places, undertaking an adventure, going for a job interview, fighting against injustices etc. A child burdened by a fear complex will not do any of these things. Parents will have raised their children into cowards. The overall effect will be disastrous.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In some cases such children will not be able to live alone anywhere, and they will be afraid of walking in the dark. Verily such a fear complex will give birth to other psychic diseases like nightmares, an inferiority complex, a defeatist complex etc. Imaginary fears pollute the child’s subconscious mind. Their reality will not be based on the conscious mind but rather subconscious thinking - and those thoughts will terrify them.

This condition is worse than a deadly contagious disease. That disease will bring about one's death. Whereas suffering from a fear complex will kill you each and every day - over and over again. Such persons will be frightened of their own shadow, and startled by their own footsteps. By their birth, children are not cowards - rather they are quite brave. But sadly, parents impose fear complexes and turn them into cowards.


You will see an imaginary "ghost"

Here Baba scientifically shows how the fear complex takes root in the human mind and becomes part of a person's living reality.

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Suppose in daytime you are in a lonely place. It may or may not be a lonely place. Suppose in daytime you are alone in a big house, and some people told you that there is a "ghost" – “Ghost… ghost… ghost.” You heard it. The acoustic wave touched your mind, touched the subconscious portion of your mind, and after that you are told, “You know, Mr. X, there is a ghost in this house.” And you are Mr. X. “There is a ghost in this house.” All the nerve fibres fail to function. What will happen then? Just touch the conscious level of your mind, and as an extro-objective creation, as an external reflection of your very ectoplasmic stuff, you will see a ghost. And what sort of "ghost" will you see? The description of a ghost that you read in your books or you heard from your granny, “A ghost is like this.” In broad daylight you will see the ghost." (1)

Thus what to speak of even small children, an adult's mind can also be polluted by fear such that those false and imagined fears come to life for them.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Dirty thoughts stained your mind

The following is an English summary from Baba’s original sound file from  01 January 1986 (Kolkata): 

Family members said, "Look a ghost is on the palm tree - it will come and get you if you do not drink your milk.”

Hatred, doubt, and fear are sin. When you were small, you did not hate anybody. After that your neighbors, friends and family members taught you, "This is what hate is, don't do such a thing." They taught you fear, they taught you shyness, and in the end those interactions stained your mind in that color.

The small babe did not want to drink the milk. So in order to get the baby to drink the milk, the family members said, "Look a ghost is on the palm tree - it will come and get you if you do not drink your milk." So you drank the milk out of fear of being caught by the "ghost".”
 
After many years, when you were no longer two, but became twenty-two years of age, that mental "ghost" still existed in your mind. From time to time in your dreams you will still see that "ghost". In consequence, while remaining in a lonely place your heart will become startled and frozen due to fear of that "ghost". What is this? Imposed bondage. This type of bondage or these bondages are known as pa'shas.” 

Child’s entire existence will shake

A child’s world is limited - they do not have diverse experiences. So if you inject a terrifying, imaginary figure in their small world, then the child’s entire existence will shake. It is just like if a huge monster were to come into your small bedroom then you will not feel comfortable and will leave the room. But for the child, in the case of imposed fears, that innocent kid has no such recourse. They cannot escape those fears. Again, the child’s world is very limited - and if you terrify that child by telling them about goblins etc, the life of that child will be very disturbed.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

Remember, one should not inject any type of fear complex into the child's mind, otherwise that youth will suffer from that fear complex their entire life - to varying degrees. That will be very bad. Instead of being brave and strong, that child will be meek, frightened, and cowardly.

As Ananda Margiis, we should follow Guru's teaching and never inject any type of fear complex on our young ones. We should seek raise our children to be brave and courageous - and not be stricken with fear.

Namaskar,
at His feet,
Jayanti
J. Davis

In North America and parts of Europe, the holiday of Halloween is celebrated, generally around Oct 30, 31, & Nov 1. Kids dress up in scary costumes, and participate in haunted houses, hear ‘ghost’ stories, and engage in other fear-based activities. The underlying theme is fear whereby children become permanently shackled and the child never grows properly in the mental realm. So we should be extremely careful never to impose such fears on a child.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 

Baba sound file 

• https://archive.org/details/InfusingFearInTheMindOfTheChild
  

Baba audio transcription

Ghrna', shaunka', bhay, aet'a' holo pa's’, jab tumi jakhan chotto chile, tumi ka'uke ghrna' korte na'. Oi pare toma'r prativeshiira' bandhura' ba'r'iir lokera', toma'ke shikhiye chilo ki, "Aeta’ korte na'in, aeta ghrny jinish." To, toma’ke bhay shikhiyeche, lajja' shikhiyeche, a'r seit'a’ shes' paryant toma'r rang [lege] geche. Choto chele du'dh kha'cche na'. Ba'r'iir lokera' bolle, "Oi juju a'che, ta'l ga'che juju a'che, dhare nebe." Tumi jujur bhaye khiye nile du'dh. Ta'r pare, sei tumi jakhane du vatsa'rer na'y, tumi hoye gele ba'is vatsa'rer, takhano sei maner jujuta' roye gelo. Kakhano-kakhano svapnetei juju ke dekhbe. Ekla' hote giye jujur bhaya buka kenpe ut'abe. Era holo ki? Na, ca'npiye deoya ba'ndhan. Ai, this type of bondage or these bondages are known as pa'shas.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam-12, Select Your Object Very Carefully

*        *        *

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 ==

I feel Your presence 

"Toma'ke peyechi prabhu smara'n'e manane..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0160)

Purport:

Baba, I have gotten You in various ways: in my shravana, manana, nididhyasana, sadhana, dhyana, japa, and kiirtan. Through these avenues, I have held You. You come in my closest proximity, wherein I am able to receive You, by Your grace. When I look towards the sky or smell the fragrant flowers, I feel that it is all Your expression of love that is shining forth. And when in a lonely place I think about You, then in my heart also I feel Your presence. Baba, I have been blessed to embrace You in numerous ways…

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to stock your kitchen

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Every object of the world is dominated by one of the three principles – sentient, mutative, and static. Food is no exception, and according to its intrinsic nature, is divided into the same three categories."

"Sentient food: Food which produces sentient cells and is thus conducive to physical and mental well-being is sentient. Examples of sentient food are rice, wheat, barley, all kinds of pulses, fruit, milk and milk products."

"Mutative food: Food which is good for the body and may or may not be good for the mind, but certainly not harmful for the mind, is mutative."

"Static food: Food which is harmful for the mind and may or may not be good for the body is static. Onion, garlic, wine, stale and rotten food, meat of large animals such as cows and buffaloes, fish, eggs, etc., are static." (1)

Reference
1. Yoga Psychology, Food, Cells, Physical and Mental Development

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Benefits of hard surface for sleeping

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Do not sleep on a soft bed." (1)

Note: Baba's above guideline is key for wellness. Some people, however, who are unaware about health and hygiene, get swayed by pseudo-culture and use a spring-loaded bed with a thick mattresses. But that is very detrimental for the various joints, muscles, and organs of the body; one will also suffer from incurable back pain and problems with the spine. Moreover, sleeping on a soft mattress adversely affects the body's systems leading to digestive disorders and disease.

Conscious people know that soft beds lead to the onset of many diseases while hard beds massage the body. So one should be aware and not fall into the pseudo-culture approach of using a soft bed and thereby invite more dangerous diseases. Sincere sadhakas keep away from using a pillow also.

On the spiritual side, Baba guides us that those using a hard bed in day to day life develop a body that is capable for intense psycho-spiritual practice. Keeping this view, including many more benefits, Baba has graciously introduced this above rule. Those who follow this guideline realise its value.

Extra points

Regarding this point there is no difference between males and females. It is just a matter of habit. Both Dadas and Didis are to use hard bedding - it is the same rule for all Wts.

While the body gets habituated to sleeping on a hard sleeping surface, one can initially use a 1/2 inch or 1 inch cushion or folded blanket on the hard surface - and slowly adjust with completely hard bedding by removing the blanket / cushion over time. The ideal is to lean towards the hard side. Sleeping on a carpet is OK but not ideal. Best is to sleep on a thin blanket or cloth on hardwood.

The above applies to people in good health.

Reference
1. Caryacarya - 3, Chapter 6, Pt #4

== Section: Important Teaching ==

How using Deva title defeats casteism dogma

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Casteism is a burden on the Hindu society. All the year round they preach casteism but on the polling days they decry it. This is wholly undesirable. It is better to avoid all titles. Titles signify the caste. If casteism is to be wiped out, it is incumbent to discard the titles. It is commendable if everyone adopts uniformity on title – Deva. Persons using a particular word more often will influence their minds with the meaning of that word. People are reluctant to use the word dása because this word signifies slavery. Whenever the so-called low caste people catch an opportunity, they declare themselves as belonging to the so-called elevated caste, etc. It is an ideal to become deva and for this reason Deva title should be adopted.”
   “Titles of the present society have undergone considerable changes during the past fifty years, the cause being that everyone aspires to pertain to an elevated caste. The so-called Shúdras also use the sacred thread. This is only an effort towards the concealment of one’s identity. By this means, they conceal only their disregarded status. This is to be regretted. It is consequent on social debility that they harbour the desire for changes in their situations. It is out and out purposeless to convene All-India Conferences or particular castes. All of them desire to assert and establish their rights. This is simply misuses of energy and money.” (1)

Reference
1. Táttvika Diipiká (Paiṋcama Parva)

== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

One will have to think of promoting human welfare

“Human society is one and indivisible. Keeping this supreme truth ever fixed in one’s vision, one will have to think of promoting human welfare, love for humanity, human solidarity and universal fraternity, and move accordingly. Not for a single moment should one forget it nor even ignore it. Due to lack of intellect or mutual conflicts in the past, a vast number of creatures have become totally extinct from the surface of the earth. Let human beings not meet the same dreadful consequence.” (Ananda Vanii #60)

Note 1: True Ananda Vaniis have a number whereas Fake Ananda Vaniis do not - just as a fake car license plate has no number. By this way, you can easily recognise a Fake Ananda Vanii.

== Section: Important Teaching ==

No shortage of energy in the cosmic system

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Because each and everybody in this universe gets energy from Parama Purusa, He is the Supreme Source of energy.”

“This earth and all the other planets and satellites of this solar system get their energy from the sun. The sun is the source of their energy. But He is the source of the sun’s energy. And that’s why He is jvalantam.”

“And that’s why I have said that there won’t be any thermal death of this universe. Because He is jvalantam, He is present, and He will be present forever. So there won’t be any shortage of energy in this cosmic system, though there may be a shortage of energy in some particular portion of the earth or the cosmos.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 3, p. 26-27

== Section 4: Links ==

Recent Postings

• Main tool of health

• Prout & fasting

• For mental health

• Boosting sadhana

Other topics of interest

• How to advance your dhyana
  

• Those early days
  

• Altered photo ruining dhyana