Search This Blog

Monday, April 28, 2025

Story: Baba corrects my kiirtana + 5 more

Baba
Story: Baba corrects my kiirtana

Namaskar,

It was the early 1970's and our Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan had recently been given. My duty was to organise a nagar kiirtan procession in my village. I was the lone margii in my area and thought that other people would not be interested in singing Baba Nam Kevalam. After all, in those days many were opposing Ananda Marga on various fronts. So I thought that the best way to get people attracted to our nagar kiirtan program was to incorporate their words of choice into our Baba Nam Kevalam mantra.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The idea came in my mind that since Baba came as Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna and Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji - all are the same entity - then there is nothing wrong in including their names also in our kiirtan. By this way non-margiis will be more inclined to participate because the name of their choice is also included. Or, at minimum, they would be more sympathetic and would not oppose us.


This is the kiirtan I made

So I thought for a while and decided that we should sing:

Bholenath*
Radheshyam**
Baba Nam Kevalam
Baba Nam
Baba Nam
Baba Nam Kevalam

This was the kiirtan I made.

[*Bholenath refers to Lord Shiva; and **Radheshyam refers to Lord Krsna and Radha]

That day we sang this newly made kiirtan for our nagar kiirtan program and it worked well. Many non-margiis joined who otherwise would not have participated. Of course still many opposed but overall we gained some people. So I was thinking it was quite successful.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


I went to see Baba

The next time I went to see Baba, He was very kind and sweet and He asked me, "What type of nagar kiirtan have you been singing in your village. Sing the entire kiirtan now."

I then sang it in front of Baba:

Bholenath*
Radheshyam**
Baba Nam Kevalam
Baba Nam
Baba Nam
Baba Nam Kevalam

Baba looked at me and said, "Sukhadev, you have made a mistake."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Must not sing multiple names

Then Baba went on to explain that Caetanya Mahaprabhu created two kiirtanas:

1. Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare;

This was for those who were followers of Ram.

2. Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krna Krsna Hare Hare;

This was for those followers of Lord Krsna.

So one should not sing both names in the same kiiirtan. Nor should any person sing both kiirtanas independently. One must not sing two names in any way.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


The only kiirtan for True Ananda Margiis - Baba Nam Kevalam

Baba continued: "For Ananda Margiis, I have given: Baba Nam Kevalam. So Ananda Margiis should only sing this kiirtan. And you mixed all three names in one kiirtan. That was a mistake."

Baba furthermore explained, "Ananda Margiis should only repeat Baba Nam Kevalam, not any other. On the point of Ista one must not compromise. So Ananda Margiis should not add Bholenath and Radheshyam to the Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan in order to appease non-margiis.”

"You should not mix other names into the Baba Nam Kevalam. If you mix them together, then Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan will not be useful for you. No sadhaka should compromise on the point of Ista. If you chant multiple names it has no value, rather it is harmful. Regardless of how much you sing, you will just waste the time and bifurcate the mind."
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

I realised my mistake and did not do that again. By Baba's grace, since that time I stopped my newly made kiirtan and I only chanted Baba Nam Kevalam kiirtan.  

It is certainly true that one Parama Purusa as Mahasambhuti came on this earth as Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna but in our spiritual practices the names of Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna are meaningless. We should only sing Baba Nam Kevalam.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

That was the unique lesson I got that day, by His grace. Now I only sing Baba Nam Kevalam.

Namaskar,
in Him,
Ac Sukhadev Dharmamitram


Note: About the above story

The above story told by Ac Sukhadev Dharmamitram (Jehanabad district, Bihar) is very meaningful and key to adhering to the point of "non-compromising strictness and faith regarding the sanctity of Ista."

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.



*        *        *

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 ==

Charming appearance

"Tumi, ándháre esecho, álor enecho ván…” (Prabhat Samgiita #2669)

Purport:

Baba, You have taken advent in the darkness - in the age of dogma and ignorance. Because of Your august presence, the blackness has vanished and now a flood of refulgence of spirituality has illumined this entire world. Nobody knew, understood, or imagined that this was going to happen - that You are going to take form as Mahasambhuti and make everything immersed in bhakti.  

Parama Purusa, in their dark state of body, mind, and heart, human beings were sleeping in the depths of the ignorance of avidya maya. You have showered Your infinite radiance on everyone's face, and awakened them from their psychic stupor - their slumber of narrow mindedness, groupism, racial and caste sentiments, and attachment. From the state of staticity, they evolved and became divine, by Your grace.  

My eternal Bandhu, You have come with a flower garland and heart-captivating, sweet oscillations. On the path of time with the aura of cosmic illumination, You have arrived with Your sweet, attractive, and charming appearance, and vibrated everyone's mind and heart with Your exquisite blessing. You have come here, shown the path of salvation, and given the permanent solution of all the problems - physical, psychic, and spiritual.

Baba, You have blessed all…


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Wrong approach against capitalism

The Propounder of Prout says, "I cannot support the attitude of those who denounce capitalism at every opportunity, because this allows capitalists to become alert and invent more scientific and devious ways to exploit the people. Those who lack a constructive ideology will never be capable of destroying capitalism, even if they speak sweet words, use threats, or create circumstantial pressure." (1)


Note: This about Prout teaching is referring to the impractical and shortsighted approach taken by communists.

Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #3


== Section: Posting ==

बाबा कथा: और लगा मैं विलख-विलख कर रोने

बाबा

नमस्कार,

मेरी दीक्षा के दो तीन वर्षों बाद मेरा P.C. (पर्सनल कोन्टक्ट) भी रांची में हो गया। मेरा यह दुर्भाग्य रहा कि P.C. में बाबा के इतना निकट जाने के बाद भी उनका चरणरज मै नहीं प्राप्त कर सका। कारण, प्रथमतः तो यह था कि बाबा पालथी मारकर अपने आसन (चौकी) पर बैठे हुए थे। दूसरा कारण यह था कि उनको स्पर्श करना (उनकी बिना आज्ञा) अनुशासन भंग करना था। और तीसरा शायद सबसे बड़ा कारण यह था कि पूर्व में तथा P.C. के समय भी मेरे मन में बाबा का चरणरज लेने का भाव उदित ही नहीं हो सका था। हम मात्र साष्टांग प्रणाम ही करते थे।

यह मेरी मौन विनती कई माहों तक चली

 चरणरज लेने का प्रबल भाव होने पर किसी न किसी प्रकार बाबा अवश्य ही उसे मुझे देने कि कृपा करते। लेकिन वह भाव भी जागा और कुछ वर्षों बाद। अब मैं बाबा भगवान का पवित्र चरणरज लेने के लिए तरसने लगा। मैं नित्य प्रति श्रद्धाभाव से बाबा से मन ही मन विनती करता कि – “हे प्रभो~ मुझे किसी तरह अपना अमृतमय चरण रज एक बार भी दे दो। इस बात का खुलासा मैंने किसी के सामने नहीं किया। यह मेरी मौन विनती कई माहों तक चली। मै विनती तो करता, लेकिन यह जानकर उदास हो जाता कि अब मेरा P.C. हो चुका है। और बिना P.C. के बाबा के निकट जाना कठिन बात है। जब हम उनके निकट ही नहीं जायेंगे तो चरणरज कैसे सुलभ होगा? किन्तु यह विनती मेरी चलती रही|एक दिन रात्रि में स्वप्न में बाबा आये और अपना पवित्र चरणरज देकर मुझे कृतार्थ किये। पवित्र चरणरज पाकर मेरी नींद टूट गयी और लगा मै विलख-विलख कर रोने। मैंने कहा – “नहीं बाबा, नहीं। हम स्वप्न में नहीं, साक्षात् तुम्हारा चरणरज चाहते हैं। तुम हमें अपना वही चरणरज दो। इससे हम मानने वाले नहीं हैं|

परम प्रभु, बाबा चरण में
देवकुमार

Shrii Bhakti jii presents this story:
- We are very grateful to Shrii Bhakti for his immense contribution of putting the hardly legible material into a usable electronic format. Without his efforts it would not have been possible to publish this story. - Eds


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Rgveda is of special value to the world

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Although the Rgveda is mainly concerned with hymns, it also contains various tales and anecdotes. While not all of these stories and tales carry equal spiritual value, they are representative of the cultural heritage of those ancient humans. They paint a portrait of the gradual advancement of human thinking and the structure of society. When considered from this point of view, the language, literature and expression of the Rgveda is of special value to the world." (1)

Ananda Marga ideology states, “We can roughly say that civilization first started sprouting after the prehistoric age of the human race, that is, from the days of the first composition of the Rk Veda, about  15,000 years ago. A major change took place during the days of Lord Shiva towards the end of the Rk Vedian period (which lasted 10,000 years). (2)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika-2, Rk to Rkśa (Discourse 11)
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, Sadvipra, Táraka Brahma, Sadáshiva and Shrii Krśńa


== Section: Ananda Vanii ==

What is principal aspect of jiivan dharma

“Marching ahead is Jiivan Dharma (the characteristic wont of life). To march ahead, carrying all, viewing the world humanity as an integral entity, is the principal aspect of Jiivan Dharma. Resolve courageously to observe this Jiivan Dharma. Remember: “Yato dharmah tato iśt́ah, yato iśt́ah tato jayah”. “Where there is Dharma, there is Iśt́a, and where there is Iśt́a, there is victory.”” (Ananda Vanii #43)

Note 1: The above is one of Baba’s original Ananda Vaniis. These original and true Ananda Vaniis are unique, eternal guidelines that stand as complete discourses in and of themselves. They are unlike Fake Ananda Vaniis which are fabricated by most of the groups - H, B etc.


== Section 3: Links ==
Labels: ,

Saturday, April 26, 2025

We only salute Parama Purusa + 5 more

Baba
We only salute Parama Purusa

Namaskar,

In our Ananda Marga, our goal is Parama Purusa – not any second or third entity. Parama Purusa is the focus of our each and every thought, word, and deed. He is our ideal. Naturally then, when we do namaskar, we are paying salutations to Him, i.e. to that Supreme Consciousness residing within another unit being. We are not saluting any unit individual, per se. Only we are paying our respect and homage to Parama Purusa, in the form of that person, when we use the namaskar greeting.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Unfortunately, some completely misunderstand this basic aspect of our Ananda Marga way of life. They think that during the namaskar salutation (a) others are saluting them, or (b) they are saluting another human being. This wrongful approach leads to ego and vanity in the mind of those receiving namaskar. And those doing namaskar develop feelings of inferiority, and all kinds of complexes in the mind. In addition, they are doing the namaskar greeting improperly. In that case, the whole namaskar salutation is ruined, and one will be degraded. The aim is to save anyone from degradation and keep all moving on the sentient path.


Dogma: people bow & salute other humans

Although we use the namaskar greeting on a daily basis, here is Baba’s clear-cut guideline about this practice. After reviewing this guideline we will apply our litmus test and see who is misguided and ignorant about the namaskar salutation.

Baba states that when doing namaskar, we are paying salutations to Parama Purusa – The Divine Entity. In the dogmatic religions and in the kingdoms of old, people would bow and salute other human beings. Our namaskar mudra is not at all like this.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Tadekam’ jagatsa’ks’iiru’pam’ nama’mah. “If there is anyone to whom spiritual aspirants should surrender, if there is anyone to whom they should pay salutations, it is Parama Purus’a.” The system behind salutations is to look for the Supreme Being that is the inner essence of a person, and to pay salutations to that Parama Purus’a.” (1)

So when doing namaskar we are recognising the Supreme within another jiivatman, we are not bowing or greeting another human being.


Conclusion

This is the fundamental guideline about doing namaskar: we are saluting Parama Purusa in the form of a unit being. For others it may look like we are saluting human beings, but that is not what we are doing. When we do namaskar, we are paying salutations to Parama Purusa - not x, y, z.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

at His lotus feet,
Niranjana’

Namaskar to whom

Ananda Marga ideology says, "What is our style of extending goodwill? We do, Namaska'r. That is, “I pay respect to the Supreme Entity residing within you.” You should remember this. “I concentrate all the good feelings of my mind here in the trikut'i [between the eyebrows].”

“In your mind there are so many propensities. Propensities are called vrtti in Sanskrit. So there are so many vrttis, so many propensities..."

"So many thoughts are in your mind. But you should concentrate all your thoughts at a particular point, here – that is, with all the strength and goodwill of your mind you are doing this – you are touching these two palms here [trikut'i]. That is, you are concentrating all your goodwill here, because you are paying respect to Parama Purus'a residing within this body...[pointing to different people]. First do this."

"And not only mental concentration, you are human beings, you have got so many sentiments also. Human sentiment, you know? When you feel much joy you burst into tears, when much sorrow you burst into tears. These are sentiments. And human beings are guided by sentiment, more by sentiment than by logic, you must not forget it – more by sentiment than by logic. So your sentiment is also there, so with all the concentration of your mind and with all the sweetness of your sentiment, from the very core of your heart, you are paying respect to Parama Purus'a residing within human structure. So you do this [palms together at mid-point of chest], and say, Namaska'ra." (2)

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Intuitional Science of Tantra
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Parama Puruśa within Everyone


*        *        *

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

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

Two mudras for health: all should know

These two mudras - uddayan mudra and utksepa mudra - are very important for all-round health as they serve as prevention and treatment for numerous diseases. In the Ananda Marga Yogic Treatments book, these two mudras are pervasively used. So all should know how to practice these mudras - i.e. when to inhale and when to exhale etc. The instructions are printed in Caryacarya part 3 for all to see. Everyone has access to this knowledge. People should therefore take it upon themselves to acquire the foundational knowledge of basic Ananda Marga practices, like these two important mudras.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Ud́d́ayana mudrá: Standing, place the hands above the knees and bend forward a little. Gradually breathe out, to a state of complete exhalation. Keeping the breath out, draw the abdomen and lower abdomen inward as hard as possible, to touch the spine. Maintain this position for eight seconds. Then gradually inhale fully. Practise eight times.” (1)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Utkśepa Mudrá: This mudrá should be practised in bed immediately upon waking. While lying on the back, one should flex both the arms and legs, bringing them over the chest, and then return them immediately to the extended position. After doing this three or four times, sit up in bed and drink a glass of cold water without allowing the water to touch the teeth. After this you should expose the navel area to the air, and walk up and down in this way for some time in the open air.” (2)

References
1. Caryacarya - 3, Mudrás and Bandhas
2. Caryacarya - 3, Different Yoga Practices


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Kalachand’s wrath against Hinduism

Prout philosophy states, “The second inviolable principle is that people should not be forcibly converted from one religion to another. People will not leave a religion if it is able to guide them properly on the path of Dharma….”

Prout philosophy states, “There is a well-known story about a Zamindar from Bengal called Kalachand Roy, later Kalapahar, who was a follower of Kálii. He worshipped a stone image of Kálii with great devotion. At that time some invaders, belonging to another religion, started a campaign to destroy all Hindu temples and deities. When Kalachand’s temple was about to be destroyed, he prayed to Kálii saying, “Mother, I do not have the power to protect you, so please protect yourself.” But how can a stone idol protect itself? In due course his temple and idol were destroyed, and Kalachand lost faith in Kálii. He was converted to the religion of the invaders, and became known as Sheik Kaluddin Khan. He launched his own campaign of terror throughout Bengal and Orissa and forcibly converted people to his new religion. He disfigured deities, destroyed temples and threatened people with physical violence to convert them. Once he travelled to Kashi and set about converting a widow who also happened to be his elder sister. She refused to succumb to his threats, and scolded him mercilessly for his bad behaviour.”

Prout philosophy states, “This made him realize the error of his ways, and he abandoned his campaign. If Hinduism had not practiced idol worship, Kalachand would not have been converted. Because of his forcible conversion, Kalachand became extremely hostile towards Hinduism and launched his own campaign of terror against it. A religion [in real sense dharma] should be so strong that no one can be converted from it.” (1)

Note: In the last paragraph the term religion was used but the real sense is dharma. Baba is talking about dharma, because as we know all religions have defects. 

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell-16, Three Cardinal Socio-Political Principles


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Incense is a pollutant

Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "If peoples blind attachment to sacrificial rituals and love for outmoded customs are intense, they will not disappear when confronted with logical arguments or shaken by the first jolt caused by psychic clash. But if one can create a suitable environment of constant psychic clash their blind attachments are bound to disappear. Some people believe that the fragrance of the sacrificial smoke purifies the air and kills germs. This is not true. On the contrary, the increase in the amount of carbon particles makes the air more impure. A highly pungent smell is much more effective in destroying germs. Thus, due to the impact of constant psychic clash, people eventually understand the defects of old systems and ideas." (1)

Some have taken to the practice of lighting incense when doing meditation or in other gatherings etc. They do so under the dogmatic belief that it will make the air cleaner and the room more sentient. But nothing could be further from the truth. In His above teaching, Baba clearly guides us that the burning of incense increases the level of carbon dioxide and pollutes the air. So there is not an iota of truth to the notion that incense cleans the air. That is just a dogma of religious ritualism. Everyone should be aware about this.

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Struggle and Progress


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to boost your sadhana

Here is the English summary of Baba’s below Hindi teaching.

After involving in mundane works one is generally plunged in worldly thoughts. So then if one sits in sadhana, in the mind you will think that 'Tomorrow I will go to Arariya town. Indeed I have to go in the morning. I will have to catch the first bus'. You will sit in sadhana and go on thinking like this. In this situation what should you do? Before sitting for sadhana you should do kiirtan-- either 2 min, or 5 min, or 10 min. So first one should do kiirtan. Because by doing kiirtan the mind will get elevated. After that immediately one should sit in sadhana. Then you will see that there will not be any worldly thoughts. Then sadhana will be proper...Do not worry you have learned sadhana and I am always ready to help and serve you. (1)

Note: Every sincere Ananda Margii wants to do sadhana. Yet most of the time this aforesaid problem occurs. And our Guru understands this. That is why He has graciously given such a beautiful solution-- as mentioned above. I think many may be following His divine guideline; and for those who are not, they should do so from now onwards, i.e. sing kiirtan before doing sadhana.

Reference
1. Átmatiirtha, V24 25(H), 22 Nov 71 Purnea, Bihar AV 24-25


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Benefit of kiirtana

Ananda Marga ideology states, “The benefit of kiirtana is that one whose mind is dirty becomes purified and one whose mind is already pure becomes even purer. One whose mind is holy becomes even holier. One whose mind was soiled but is no longer so is vimala, and one where it is not known if there was dirt in his or her mind or not, but at present there is not, is called nirmala.” (1)

Note: In the mirror of a pure mind Parama Purusa can be visualised. In this above teaching Baba is giving the way how to clean that mind by kiirtan. That is why after one after kiirtan, sadhana is better.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, The Source of Internal Stamina


== Section 4: Links ==
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

SUBJECTS TOPICS