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Saturday, April 25, 2026

Festival of Ananda Purnima + 3 more

Baba
Festival of Ananda Purnima

Note: The following letter reminds us of the joys of celebrating the grand occasion of Ananda Purnima, and how indebted we are to Sadguru Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji for His great gifts to humanity and the endless showering of His love upon us all. 

Namaskar,

On the festive occasion of Ananda Purnima everyone is together: small kids, youths, university students, parents, seniors and bhaktas of all walks of life. All are working towards one goal of pleasing Parama Purusa through various programmes. Our social functions like Ananda Purnima offer something for everyone, thereby attracting all and helping build an ideal human society. Indeed, the joining and gathering for Ananda Purnima is a special event as it represents the union of everyone’s heart. Our joyous, heart-felt gathering of Ananda Purnima reflects society in the deepest sense of the term, where everyone is together towards Parama Purusa.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

So at Ananda Purnima all are celebrating in unison – money or other factors are not important and should not impede anyone's ability to participate. Everyone comes together regardless of one’s social status, career, educational background, or family history etc. It is a time for all grades of bhaktas to join in and gather for sweet celebrations. Non-margiis are also invited – so long as they follow according to the sentient ways of the gathering. Ananda Purnima is a grand occasion for one and all.

Sweetness of festival brings new joy & vigour


Here following Baba is describing the great import that festive occasions like Ananda Purnima have on the human psyche. And that such social functions lead to the formation of a unified humanity.

Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, “When people become tired and uninspired, when they can no longer look towards the future with hope, when their colourful dreams are shattered, at that time the sweetness of a festival brings new joy and vigour in life. Thus in individual and collective life, the importance of festivals is tremendous. One should always remember that festivals should be such that all can take part in them without any ostentatious display of wealth, and with an upsurge of their life force. And these festivals should be conducted in such a way that people take part in them from a spontaneous inner urge. I hope that you will make such arrangements so that all are attracted towards your festivals which will be more and more charming – and this will bring about your collective welfare.” (1)


The advent of Mahasambhuti

Here is another one of the special ideations linked to the holy festival of A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’. A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’ signifies the advent of Mahasambhuti who has come to wipe away all the tears and fog from the suffering humanity on this dusty earth and infuse within all a sense of peace, hope, tranquility and bliss. He has graciously come to establish the lost humanity in divinity – elevating everyone’s standard, and paving the way for the reign of dharma.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “When He comes, after creating His own body with the help of the five fundamental factors– solid, liquid, luminous, aerial, ethereal – to create an ideological tidal wave, that is called as Maha’sambhu’ti. Maha’ means ‘great’, ‘having a form which is supra-natural’. And bhu plus ktin equals bhu’ti. Hence Maha’sambhuti means ‘The Great Creation’, ‘The Great Appearance’...[He comes] to push humans society forward, to resuscitate the half-dead human race, to awaken society– to create a wave in the field of ideology, in the social field, and in the field of humanity; [He comes] to create a tidal wave in every dimension and on every level.” (2)

On this auspicious day


Social functions and festivals are a time for us all to move together in His divine flow, regardless of one’s standard or status – where one and all gather round in the spirit of unity. And top of all our special duty as bhaktas is to propagate the greatness and grandeur of Sadguru Baba. In a phrase we can say that this is the key point behind the auspicious occasion of A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’: to highlight Baba’s greatness.

Caryacarya says, “The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings— That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidya (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamurtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty.” (3)

All humanity is an indivisible entity


Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “That which renews human existence and makes it full to the brim and overflowing with the joy of living is termed a festival…Inspire all people to live with a new spirit like true human beings. Let it inspire them with the fact that all humanity is an indivisible entity. On this auspicious day this is my inner wish.” (4)

Verily social functions like the upcoming Ananda Purnima celebrations give society a tremendous boost to advance: Such programs help inspire people to grow together. Plus social functions generate more enthusiasm and propulsion on the collective pathway – with the result being that all types of good things suddenly become possible.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

By such functions humans can solve various problems. Now the need of the day is to build a single human society. Naturally, social functions are a wonderful tool towards this end; by this way, various people come together in a social and spiritual way, and in that process become far more accepting of one another. Social functions generate family-feeling, i.e. “a feeling of unity and interest in others.”

Baba’s teachings and guidelines on the celebration of Ananda Purnima and social functions positively affect our Ananda Marga. Utsava goads the mind toward spirituality. Not only do Ananda Marga social functions give a huge injection of inspiration, but these grand gatherings – which Baba has designed – goad and guide everyone deeper into the spiritual realm. This in turn brings permanent peace. So although the name is a social function, its base is spirituality.

In direct contrast, in general society social parties end up being nothing but degenerative events that promote and satisfy animalistic desires & carnal pleasures. Just people are rushing madly after worldly pleasures and transient pursuits.

So a very unique aspect of our social functions and festivals – like Ananda Purnima – is that they goad the mind toward the Supreme Self – that apexed point of human realization.

Fresh start created through festivals


Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “People often feel bored with their humdrum lives, with their mechanical routines; thus a fresh start must be created through festivals or utsava. The root verb su means “to be reborn.” Su plus -al suffix = sava. The substance which produces new vigour in the body is called a’shava, or wine. Similarly ut + su + al = utsava, which means “festival.” “Ut” means “towards up” and “sava” means “life”; so utsava means “an occasion which gives human beings fresh inspiration to live a new life.” (5)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Visnumaya’

This year Ananda Purnima is on 01 May 2026.

~ In-depth study ~

Most significant event ever

Here we reflect on why Ananda Purnima is such a momentous event. In each and every sphere of existence – physical, psychic, social, moral, and spiritual – Sadguru Baba has paved the way for humanity’s all-round enlightenment. The divine and holy advent of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji is the most significant event this earth has ever seen. Naturally, the blessed day of Ananda Purnima is recognised as the greatest and most celebrated of all our Ananda Marga social functions and festivals.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

As we know, Ananda Marga is the path of bliss. The systematic yogic lifestyle and the 360 degree spiritual-cum-social outlook leads the entire human family to march forward in unison. Part and parcel of this collective movement is our participation in social functions because it is by these blissful gatherings like Ananda Purnima that we are able to glorify Baba, renew ourselves, and attract more people on the collective train of dharma – generating greater momentum to move forward.

Ananda Purnima is a wonderful opportunity to bring forth one and all in collective harmony.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "At the outset of any festival or social function, the Saḿgacchadhvaḿ mantra is recited so that everyone can reflect on the significance of the common ideal. Ánanda Márga promotes love for the entire humanity." (6)

Social functions: great unifying force


Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “Collective social functions: Many of the ills of society develop because people do not care to know other members of society. This may not only mean ignorance of the condition and difficulties of others, but also leads to intolerance and a lack of interest in the affairs of the other members of society. Common social functions bring different members of society together and are therefore a great unifying force. By performing certain functions collectively, all the members are engaged in doing the same thing for some time, and this brings about a feeling of unity and interest in others.”
   “In Ananda Marga such common social functions are especially encouraged. Milita snána [collective bathing] and dharmacakra [collective meditation] provide grounds for common social functions in the physical, psychic and spiritual fields. Common participation in such functions is a very great unifying force. The participants in such functions will have no intolerance for each other, and will instead get more united. Such functions are, therefore, a great unifying force.” (7)

An occasion celebrating together


Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Ensure that those who enjoy the celebrations also get thereby healthy opportunities for their physical, mental, and spiritual progress.” (8)

In addition to all the social festivities and ceremonies, Ananda Purmina is also a time for reflection. On the purely personal & spiritual level, for Ananda Margiis, A'nanda Pu'rnima can signify that great moment in one's existence when Baba first appeared in their life - in their dhya'na. By His grace, the connection with Him is internal and on-going, yet at the same time there was a starting point - a time when you first realised or experienced Baba in your heart. It might have occurred in a dream, during kiirtan, just prior to initiation, in sadhana, or at any moment. So on the individual level A'nanda Pu'rnima' is a time to reflect and cherish your internal link with Him.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, “This is a day of rejoicing, and amidst this rejoicing [people] will have to determine ways of improving their individual and collective life, developing their resources in all the strata of life for their future progress.” (9)

The grand result being that all will fondly remember and gather round this auspicious occasion. Already many units may be doing like this.

We should always keep in mind that everyone’s spiritual standard is not the same. Not all members of the society are of the same spiritual standard. But if everyone is celebrating together via the various festivities etc then they will blissfully recall the joy of Ananda Purnima. That will enhance unity. And it will draw people near.



Fake vs. True Ananda Vanii

During Ananda Purnima, Sadguru Baba set the tradition to offer an Ananda Vanii. Unfortunately, nowadays, certain groups have created their own Fake Ananda Vaniis, which violate the code and ethic of Baba's original and true Ananda Vaniis. Over the years surely you have seen such Fake Ananda Vaniis. Here below is one of Baba's true and original Ananda Vaniis. This contains a pointed message and strong force that towers over those Fake Ananda Vaniis.

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "The humans of today are possessed of spirited intellect and accomplished wisdom. They are keen to advance with rapid step shattering the shackles of dogmas. They will no longer be entrapped by the illusion of opportunism. The rays of the crimson dawn of a new humanity on the eastern horizon have started weaving textures of colours on their eyelids and in the subtle recesses of their minds. As for those who have been dreaming of keeping humanity imprisoned by dogmas, their days are numbered; their blissful dreams are being shattered to pieces. I call upon all enlightened people and say: “Go ahead with courage. The humanity has been awaiting you. Establish it in the excellence and grandeur of glory.” (10)

References
1. A Few Problems Solved – 5, On Festivals
2. Discourses on Tantra – 1, Krśńa Unparalleled
3. Caryacarya II, p.1
4. Ananda Vanii #48
5. A Few Problems Solved – 5, On Festivals
6. Prout Nutshell – 16, Our Social Treatise
7. Prout in a Nutshell – 2, Social Psychology
8. Caryacarya – 1, p.42
9. A Few Problems Solved – 5, Chapter 2
10. Ananda Vanii #53


*        *        *

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: Important Teaching ==

Why so many terrorists are Muslims

Ananda Marga ideology states. “The structure of the mind is determined by the nature of its object. If the psychic object is crude, the inter-atomic gaps within the mind decrease in size, and the mind will ultimately refuse to accept anything except its own crude object. For this reason the supporters of crude isms become incapable of accepting the rational ideas of others, and closing their eyes and plugging their ears, they try to cling to their own irrational rituals. Their psychic receptivity is lost due to the superimposition of crude ideation. They do not feel the need for the Vidyá force to exceed the Avidyá force. They say, “Why should I bother about such subtle things. I am quite happy as I am.” Such people, engrossed as they are with materialism, are bound to be reborn in crude material bodies.” (1)

Note: In His above teaching, Baba is describing the ultimate fate of materialists; namely, they are reborn as inanimate objects. 

When one thinks about anything crude, the inter-atomic gaps within their mind decreases in size and, in turn, the mind becomes more static, i.e. more oriented towards matter and a narrow, sectarian outlook. The outcome is that the person gets more engrossed in physicality, completely unable to  accept the rational ideas of others. That is exactly what happens to fanatic terrorists. They are entrenched in 7th century, outdated, rotten ideas which are detrimental for the growth and development of human society. Their goal is to get 72 virgin women in so-called heaven. And due to their material goal their mind becomes completely inert like a stone. And if you try to talk with them about neo-humanism they will kill you. Such people are bound to be reborn in crude material forms like dirt, iron, or rocks. 

The operative factor is the theorem: As you think, so you become. As the mind continues to harbour mundane and material objects, the inter-atomic gaps within their mind decrease in size, the mind becomes more and more narrow and closed. This occurs to such a degree that the mind becomes limited to its own crude state and is unable to expand beyond that. This is the absolute nadir point and tragically seals their fate.  

Prior to their rebirth, their minds are so crude that they cannot accept or comprehend a rational, subtle, or dharmic ideal. They are just full fixated on their crude and degrading dealings. Sadly, nowadays, there are many who suffer from this type of mentality. When you come across such persons, you can be assured that they will be reborn as matter - not human life, nor animal life, nor even plant life. They will become inert objects. That is what awaits them. 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Live - 8, Cosmic Attraction and Spiritual Cult


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Hinduism pre-Shankaracarya


Before Shankaracarya, the name of the Hindu religion was Árśa Dharma. For support please see this below teaching from Baba. 

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "About 2500 years ago, when the sun of Árśa Dharma was about to set, when it was limited to a series of cruel sacrifices and ritualistic ostentations, without any devotion or idealism, a simmering discontent brewed in the hearts of honest, intelligent and rational people. They could not express their suppressed agony – that this lifeless, substanceless dharma was like a fruit without any pulp, unable to satisfy the deep hunger of the human heart. In fact, in most cases it was only a handful of people, motivated by the instinct of greed, who were beating the drums of dogma and ruthlessly exploiting innocent people." (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 18


== Section 2: Links ==





Friday, April 24, 2026

AM: today & tomorrow + 3 more

Baba
AM: today & tomorrow

Namaskar,

We should be fully assured that our A'nanda Ma'rga ideology is immortal and going to flourish on this planet and across the universe, wherever humans go. Because the path of Ananda Marga satisfies human dharma. That is the special formula and the hidden reason why our AMPS will not only survive, but verily thrive.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Why only AM is path of eternal bliss?


Ananda Sutram (sutra 2-5) guides us that every human being has a thirst for limitlessness. All are eager and hungry to find eternal happiness and peace. To that end, humans do so many things and run in so many directions: money, materialism, allurement, power, etc. All done in order to find happiness. But those material engagements are unable to provide real satiation.

In that sense, they are just like small babies who are hungry and chewing on anything they can find: sticks, plastic, pencils, and cardboard etc. But that baby will not be satisfied until it gets mother's milk. Likewise, humans are involved in various material pleasures only because they have yet to find something better. And still they are searching, slowly refining their ways.

Proof being that now, around the globe, so many have joined up in various styles of yoga and other healthy ways of living. People are flocking in this direction and improving themselves. They are on the move. But even that will not entirely quench their thirst, because only Ananda Marga is the path of eternal bliss. So their quest and search will not stop until they find themselves on the path of Ananda Marga ideology.

Baba's special formula is the ultimate combination: He has instilled within human beings an infinite desire and He has given the teachings of Ananda Marga to satiate that innate human yearning for eternal happiness. Each and every human being is on a pre-programmed search to seek out the path of bliss, Ananda Marga. There is no other destiny.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When speed & pause? (part 1)


Now that we are confirmed that every human being has an inborn desire to find Ananda Marga, the path of bliss, let's redirect our attention to the current scene within AMPS. How is it that we can feel assured that our AMPS will be able to show the path of Ananda Marga to all who come.

Before 1990, our Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha (AMPS) was in a phase of tremendous speed. In a few decades, Baba unveiled the plan and programs for the entire future of humanity. No teaching or secret was left untold. He has given everything. Each and every day brought a new revolutionary idea or concept as well as a plan to implement. Our Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha (AMPS) was marching at full velocity. That was the need of the day in that pre-1990 period.

At the same time, in that pre-1990 period, we could not digest all of Baba's teachings, like neo-humanism, microvita, and samadhi etc. It was a period of speed to roll out more and more new works, all done at a pace faster than the human mind could assimilate those teachings. It is just like if someone goes to the university bookstore and purchases all the needed books to get a PhD in quantum physics. Buying those books alone does not make one automatically worthy or qualified to have a doctorate degree. Rather it will take years and years of study to assimilate the requisite knowledge to earn that PhD. Same is the case with our Ananda Marga ideology. Just because some people were taking dictation or publishing books about Ananda Marga ideals, that does not mean they are wholly established in those tenets. Rather it takes time to instill all those ideas within one's being.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


When speed & pause? (part 2)

In our period of speed prior to 1990, it was extremely rare for anyone to be able to assimilate the real essence of what Baba was saying and doing. And there are so many examples of this. And still today some are more involved in propagating Baba's miracles - at the expense of Baba’s ideology. And that is not the need of the day. The world and its religions are already full of tales of miracles etc. What is really needed is a rational philosophy. The need of the day is for us to understand and propagate Ananda Marga ideology.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "A study of history will make it clear that a strong and healthy society has not yet evolved on this planet. This is mainly due to the inadequate propagation of an ideology. Although at different times a few people thought of establishing a strong and healthy society, they used argument and debate instead of deliberation and reason to convince others of the need for such a society, and ultimately ended up projecting themselves instead of the ideology. Thus the ideology became secondary and was ultimately swept away because people started worshipping them as mahátmas [elevated souls] or mahápuruśas [spiritual beings]. Due to the absence of an ideology a strong society could not be established, and many defects crept into individual life." (1)

Since 1990, our AMPS has been in a period of pause. The phase of speed finished. So since 1990 the period of learning and assimilation of Ananda Marga ideology has been in vogue. In that light, earlier, it was hard to understand exactly what groupism was and the amount of harm it could do. But now, having had to fully confront it in our own organisation, we are step by step pulling our AMPS out of the mire of groupism. Through study and sadhana, we are aiming to rise above any groupist sentiment.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Sadhakas in AMPS are now learning Ananda Marga ideology. With each and every passing day we better adhere to Baba's teachings and spread His ideals via our conduct, discussions, and actions. Our AMPS is slowly righting itself on the path of ideology.

Optimistic outlook for AMPS


Baba has instilled within all the inherent and infinite desire to become great, i.e. to experience eternal peace. Plus, He has given the path of  Ananda Marga ideology, which is the only real avenue for experiencing infinite bliss. And now our AMPS is in a period of pause, so we may best assimilate and understand His teachings. For all these reasons, we can sincerely know, 'Ananda Marga Amar Hai', Ananda Marga ideology is immortal.

That is what the period of pause is all about and with every passing day that we are coming more in line with our Ananda Marga ideology. And, ultimately, by this way humans will carry Sadguru Baba's teachings of Ananda Marga forever and ever. That is why there is a grand feeling of optimism percolating within our AMPS. Not all our problems are solved yet, but one by one they are being addressed as we hold onto and implement Baba's teachings, by His grace.


Conclusion

Human beings have infinite desires, and only Ananda Marga is that path of eternal bliss that can quench the human thirst to achieve limitlessness. And, in this period of pause, we are all becoming worthy media for bringing Ananda Marga teachings to the world.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "This speed and pause will continue. Pause means the gathering of momentum for speed in the subsequent phase. If one closely watches the effect of speed on a particular community or the entire humanity, one sees that generally people eulogize the period of speed. However, we cannot afford to ignore the state of pause, because by judging what the previous state of pause was like, we can discern the speed of the next phase."
   "There are some people who are pessimistic. They say that the society around us is very bleak, that it has no expression of vitality and that it seems that everyone is in a deep slumber. Pessimists say this because they have never made any detailed study of human history, nor do they care to. Had they done so, they would certainly be optimistic, because if they had looked carefully at the symptoms of pause, they would have realized that significant preparations were being made for the subsequent phase of speed. So under no circumstances should human beings be pessimistic. That is why I am always an incorrigible optimist, because I know that optimism is life." (2)

We are now no longer thinking that just because a sadhaka came into Ananda Marga that one is therefore a sadvipra. That is how it was prior to 90. A few thought that simply because they were in  AMPS, therefore they had the birthright to rule the world. Hence the building of the Prout Palace to entertain the world's leaders. Those days, some were just waiting for their coronation as kings of this earth.

But now that dream is over. Now most understand that being in AMPS means that we must personify Baba's teachings in thought, word, and deed. So all are studying, learning, and competing to be better informed about our Ananda Marga ideology and way of life.

Namaskar,
In Him,
Vishvamurti

Why religions cannot satisfy human thirst


The religions have a sense of god-hood, which is why they still have followers. Because human beings are not inclined to become atheistic. But the diminished feeling of god-hood that the religions convey is not enough to keep their followers. Because people want more than dogma in their life. They want to realise something Great and be guided by a flawless philosophy based on rationality. Hence, none of the dogmatic religions can keep their followers forever. Over time, all will come onto the path of Ananda Marga ideology.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 5, The Responsibility of Society
2. A Few Problems Solved - 3, Dynamicity and Staticity


*        *        *

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

*        *        *


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Recipe for success - 6

Namaskar,

Every human being wants to be successful. Who does not want to be successful?  Whether in the realm of art, law, medicine, schooling, business, literature, science, or architecture - or any other field or endeavor - everyone wants to be successful. Knowing how to be successful then is an important recipe. 

Baba has graciously given us His special guidelines wherein He explains how the 'Seven Secrets of Success' apply not just to spiritual life, but to worldly life as well. Here we examine the sixth secret of success: pramitáhára.

Pramitáhára: Just as proper attention to diet and food is needed in spiritual life, it is also needed for mundane success. If a student overeats then they will not be mentally sharp for their examination. Similarly, if a person grossly overeats time and time again, they will become obese, in which case they will suffer from all kinds of ailments from shortness of breath to heart disease, and that will keep them from discharging their duties properly. So food and drink must serve to keep one healthy and fit. Then only can one get success in worldly endeavors.

Baba has blessed us all with great teachings which lead us to success, including how to utilize the Seven Secrets of Success in our worldly endeavours. So we should pay heed to this doctrine not just in spiritual life but in all our worldly dealings as well.

Baba says, "You, boys and girls, should remember the points and do accordingly. It will help you in your all-around success." (1)

Namaskar,
Bhakti Bhusana

1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Seven Secrets


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Purchasing capacity: empowerment


Prout philosophy states, “It may be questioned whether it is wise for any government to guarantee the minimum requirements. If the state is to supply cereals, pulses, salt, gram, ghee, butter, etc. to all people then naturally the state has to institute some process of control which people may not like. Hence PROUT’s view is that people should be guaranteed the provision of sufficient purchasing power to meet these requirements. In that case the state need not adopt control measures.”

“The other disadvantage of guaranteeing the supply of minimum requirements is that if consumable goods are supplied to everyone, people will become lethargic. They should therefore be supplied with purchasing power in exchange for their work according to their physical, psychic or spiritual capacity.” (1)

Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout


== Section 2: Links ==


    Wednesday, April 22, 2026

    Celebrating AP: food & finances + 3 more

    Baba
    Celebrating AP: food & finances

    Namaskar,

    Here we examine some of the key components (finances, food etc) regarding our upcoming Ananda Purnima gathering. High quality meals should be made available to any and all who attend. The most practical and rational way to do this is for margiis to contribute to this program according to their liking and means.
    https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/



    Sliding scale

    Basically, donations should be requested from all the margiis – on a sliding scale. According to their capacity margii attendees can contribute. So there should not be a certain fixed fee for every participant. Rather, donations should be based on one’s financial condition. Those with more money can offer larger donations and those with financial constraints can give smaller amounts. So everyone should contribute something and if a person has the feeling and ability to give a bigger financial donation, that is welcomed. Along these lines, it is okay to let wealthier margiis give more, if they wish.


    Donation box

    However, the amount donated should not be revealed publicly. That would be insensitive and humiliating for those donating smaller amounts. One idea is to set up a special donation box; then people can offer even the smallest of donations and still feel comfortable. More about this has been appended below.

    May we always remember that it is the feeling behind the giving that is most important, not the amount. All along, we have to find the right balance. That is why there should be a sliding scale, with no stated minimum amount. The main idea is that the food at programs like Ananda Purnima should be accessible to all. By and by, money should not hinder anyone’s participation.
    https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

    Opportunity to create new margiis


    Everyone should be encouraged to participate and bring their entire family, as well as their close, non-margii friends who are ready to participate. That means those non-margiis are ready and eager to join the Marga flow for a day of celebration - i.e. sing and dance kiirtan, sit quietly during sadhana, and follow a sattvika diet etc. That type of person is welcome to join. If however the individual is not ready and just wants to go outside and smoke during sadhana time then it is useless to bring that type of person. You know maximum positive attendance will make for a joyous celebration and it will give us the opportunity to create new margiis.


    Pomp & show

    In some bhuktis, someone steps forward with great enthusiasm to cover the cost of the entire program. But this should only be accepted when the person has sincere feeling for Sadguru Baba and the overall spirit of the celebration. That means their name should not be announced as being a big donor and there should not be a banner or signs / leaflets indicating that Mr. So-and-So sponsored the feast etc. Only the organising committee should be aware about the size of the donation. This is not for public knowledge or anyone’s personal name and fame. The central idea is that the donor should feel that they are feeding Parama Purusa. If any donation is offered out of pomp or show, then such monies should be politely rejected.
    https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

    Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “If a person wants to feed you out of genuine intimacy, you should take that food happily, even if it is just grains and vegetables. But if someone invites you only to make a show to people, never accept his/her food.” (1)


    Deception in Narayana seva

    Special food should be made available for all attendees. There will be one kitchen: The same type of food for all, which is of top quality, yet very simple and sentient. So in Narayana seva - feeding of financially poor people  - the food must be planned beforehand. The same quality of food prepared with the kind intention should be prepared for all: Top Dadas, attending margiis, local non-margiis, and beggars etc. All should be served the same food.

    Unfortunately, there are a few units that follow sinful style. Instead they pursue one of the following scenarios:

    (a) They only perform Narayana seva (feeding of the poor) if there are leftovers. They do not specifically plan for there to be ample food for all. Only if some food was not prepared properly (burnt or not tasty), or if not all the food was eaten, only then do they have food to offer as Narayana seva.

    (b) They designate rejected, lower-grade food as Narayana seva.
    https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

    (c) They prepare tasty, sweet, sumptuous food for dadas and margiis, and then serve plain veggies and potatoes with a little salt as Narayana seva. Here it should be noted that sometimes those impoverished people are insulted seeing that they are given second grade food. So in protest they throw stones, quarrel, refuse to eat, and return back home - hungry & thirsty.

    (d) All of these types of situations are very bad and go contrary to the spirit of Narayana seva. Those who conduct themselves in the aforesaid ways do not feel that they are serving Narayana. They do not ideate that they are feeding Parama Purusa. That is why they misbehave in the above described manner. If they had a true feeling about Narayana seva then they would not act like that. So logically everyone should be convinced beforehand. Then the aforesaid problem(s) will not occur.

    When doing Narayana seva, proper planning and a proper outlook are needed. An ample amount of food should be catered to all, regardless of their social standing. Everyone should be offered the same delicious food, whether they be a Wt or a beggar. There is no high or low, or first class and second class. The same food should be served to all - seeing all as part of our cosmic, universal brotherhood. Because Parama Purusa comes in the form of a beggar to eat.
    https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

    Baba story: feeding Narayana


    Narayana seva organisers shooed them away and gave nothing to eat...

    Baba would often tell that He arrived on-site for Narayana seva at xyz AM unit but instead of being fed a proper meal, He was was not even allowed on the premises. Rather He sat and stood outside for hours, but was never allowed in nor was He given anything to eat. And in the end when He thought He might be given something, the organisers shooed away any and all beggars who were hanging around outside the campus.

    Baba pointed out those units that behaved in this insulting and degrading manner. Hearing this, all were shocked and understood that Baba had come in the form of a beggar.

    at His lotus feet,
    Ma’la’

    More about donation box

    Concern: Some active margiis think that every donation amount should be accounted for and provided with receipts so that "Birthday committee" verify it. They want that there should not be any unaccounted money. That is the reason some do not want to keep a "Donation Box".
    https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

    Reply: Having a donation box does not mean that this is unaccounted for money. A margii panel or the bhukti / birthday committee could be in charge of counting the donation box during and after the event, and allocating how that money should be used. A donation box does not by definition mean that it is going straight into Dada's pocket or black hole.

    The benefit of having a donation box is that then maximum margiis will be inspired to give. Suppose someone can only donate RS10. In that case he may feel shy and self-conscious, and think that others may label him as a "freeloader". Beleaguered by such thoughts he may not attend, and instead choose to remain away to save him from any embarrassment and humiliation about his small donation. Whereas he might freely give that amount in a donation box. So the donation box enables and empowers people to give whatever amount they can afford to offer.

    By giving a donation and enlisting that publicly is India's old dogma where in the temple every brick is tainted by the names of donors. Ananda Marga philosophy does not appreciate this. One should not have the feeling that, "I donated xyz amount." If one thinks like that their donation will vanish. Their punya of giving will be lost in the face of some sort of egotistical or transactional donation where a person gives in order to see their name in lights. This destroys the service motive. Actually, naming the donors or citing their amount creates an inferiority complex in some and a superiority complex in the minds of others. To avoid this problem, the use of a donation box is very appropriate.
    https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

    Forgive & forget


    Universal festivals like Ananda Purnima are also a time for forgetting about past differences and starting new relations. They are a time for a fresh new start where we bury old issues, forgive and forget, sit together, and invite a clean, new beginning. Baba guides us that in personal life it is best to forgive others wholeheartedly - so long as the guilty party has fully rectified themselves. If the person has not rectified themselves then they should not be forgiven.

    Ananda Marga ideology states, “In individual life you can extend maximum forgiveness – rather, the more forgiveness, the better….in individual life, however much one might harm you, you may forgive that person to the greatest extent possible.” (2)

    Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “Do not forgive till his/her nature is reformed. Immediate forgiveness is a special weakness of mind. It results in worse harm to society.” (3)

    So in individual life there is a stipulation - one should be ever-ready to extend maximum forgiveness upon seeing that the person has fully rectified their wrongful ways. Matters of ideology or collective welfare are completely different. In that case, we have no right to forgive anyone - not under any circumstance.

    Ananda Marga ideology states, “In collective life one has no right to forgive anyone...Suppose you are an inhabitant of India. If someone harms the collective life of India, you must not forgive them. Likewise, as you belong to the entire human race, you must not forgive anyone who harms humanity.” (4)

    So while we cannot extend forgiveness to those who have harmed the collective, on personal affairs forgiving others according to Guru’s aforementioned system is an ideal course of action; and what better time to do this than on the blissful occasion of Ananda Purnima.
    https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

    References
    1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #37
    2. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle
    3. Caryacarya part 2, Society, Point #6
    4. Ananda Marga Ideology and Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle


    == Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

    Controller of everything

    Note: Only those bhaktas who feel a spiritual vibration in their heart can understand this song in the depths of their core.

    "A'ma'r a'sa' a'ma'r ja'oya' toma'r kheya'l-kushii priyo..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2026)

    Purport:

    Baba, my taking birth and leaving, my coming and going, is depending on Your wish. My life, death is the way, but You are ever-present, infinite, and vast - bigger than the grandest of oceans, and I am just one tiny drop. There is no comparison between You and me. 

    My Parama Purusa, for me, day and night, all these 24 hours are a big thing; but for You even billions of years is just one minuscule segment of time. For me one giant ocean is very vast; but for You it is even smaller than a single drop of water - or even less than that. That which is so insurmountable for me is absolutely ordinary for You. Because You are the Controller of everything; this entire creation lies within You.

    Baba, I have come here due to the flow of Your divine source. And with the attraction of Your incredible grace I am floating on and on in this creation. For me, Your love and Your mercy are everything. Without that my existence has no value.  

    Baba, there is no comparison between You and me. You are vast and I am meagre and I am completely depending on Your krpa... 

    == Section: Important Teaching ==


    Naming hypocrites

    Ananda Marga Caryacarya states:

    "Hypocrites are:"
        "(a) Those who give indulgence to falsehood;"
        "(b) Those who are ungrateful to their benefactors;"
        "(c) Those who do not keep their word;"
        "(d) Those who betray;"
        "(e) Those who slander behind one's back."

    "You may come to a temporary truce with a hypocrite, but do not forgive till his/her nature is reformed. Immediate forgiveness is a special weakness of mind. It results in worse harm to society. Those who cherish class distinctions, communalism, provincialism and casteism while indulging in propaganda about universalism are also hypocrites." (1)

    Reference
    1. Caryacarya, part 2, Society, points #5 - 6


    == Section: Important Teaching ==

    Creating blissful universal family

    Prout philosophy states, “Ánanda Parivára or establishing a universal spiritual family involves not only a World Government but also a Universal Government. More correctly it is a universal social order. The question is, how can such a Parivára be established? This will certainly come through revolution which may be democratic or undemocratic; or it may be a pyramidical, palace or nuclear revolution. Among all the types of revolution, nuclear revolution is the best. The nucleus of creation is Cosmic Consciousness. It is also the goal of revolutionaries, and whatever they do by way of revolution with this goal in mind leads them to the culminating point of their life’s march. Revolution must have an ideological goal. In essence, revolution means controlling all the three nuclei of the universe – physical, psychic and spiritual. It is possible to make people conscious of Proutistic ideas in a democracy. This consciousness will have a repercussion in elections. Even before elections are held this consciousness may launch a revolution to change the social order.” (1)

    Note: To establish a blissful universal family:
    (a) For this sadvipras should be created:
    (b) Sadvipras will bring revolution:
    (c) There are various types of revolution:
    (d) Nuclear revolution is ideal.

    Reference
    1. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Talks on Prout


    == Section: Important Teaching ==

    First quality of a dharmika

    Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The greatest quality of a person at a meeting or debate is the capacity to convince others. The highest quality in the battlefield is 'yudhi vikramam', or valor in the battle. While in danger, one's great quality is patience." (1)

    When in danger, some become paranoid and some remain patient and calm. Depending upon one’s reaction, a person displays their weakness or their greatness. When danger arrives if one becomes paranoid or loses their wits, they will not be able to solve the problem. Rather they are liability. In that case, they are not a dharmika because they are missing the first point of dharma - i.e. dhrti  (patience). In contrast, if one's rational brain is keen and sharp when in grave danger, and that person is able to properly evaluate the situation and take the right course of action, it means that individual is a dharmika.

    Here the point is not that if someone else's house burns down and you keep calm, then you are a dharmika. That is not the idea. Rather, the objective is to keep your rational mind functioning when your own house is burning down. If you can manage to keep your own mind balanced in a dangerous situation, you can resolve that issue in the best way according to circumstances. That is the quality of a true dharmika.

    Normally it is difficult to gauge who is a dharmika and who is not. Everybody will try and claim that they are a great dharmika. If any problem comes that is the time to measure if one is a dharmika or not. If one becomes paranoid at the time of misery then that person is not a dharmika. And if they are calmly trying to resolve the issue then that person is a dharmika.

    Reference
    1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, The Ten Characteristics of a Dhármika


    == Section 3: Links ==

    SUBJECTS TOPICS