== OUR MARGA IS COLOURFUL ==
Namaskar,
Our Ananda Marga is colourful. People have entered into AM with all
kinds of mentalities, with all types of psychic tendencies, and with a
diverse range of mental constitutions. To accommodate all, Baba has
graciously given something for everyone. In turn, we have the
opportunity to choose which approach suits us best.
Some are oriented toward the path of jinana and some towards bhakti.
Some prefer intellectual explanations whereas other tend towards
devotional understanding. Some like to sing kiirtan thinking, 'I am
overcoming all internal and external obstacles', while others may prefer
simply to ideate only on Baba.
Different minds prefer different thought ideations-- and that makes the
world colourful.
None should therefore think that any particular approach is the
be-all, end-all. Because Baba has given and approved them all: From
sadhana to microvita theory, from kiirtan to kaoshikii, from Prabhat
Samgiita to sristi cakra, Baba has provided diverse explanations to
appeal to the wide array of people & mentalities in AM.
Hence, no one should feel pressured to adopt or limit oneself to a
particular style, explanation, or reasoning. Because Ananda Margiis come
in all shapes and sizes.
A FEW PRACTICAL EXAMPLES
Below are some clear-cut examples of how various AM practices can be
pursued in different ways.
(A) DHYANA: In dhyana, Baba has given various bhavas: Madhura bhava
(lover relation), dasya bhava (Master-slave relation), vatsalya bhava
(Parama Purusa a as child), sakhya bhava (friend relation), and
Father-son relation etc. These are all approved methods, given by Baba,
for doing dhyana. However that does not mean that every devotee must
follow all of the above. Those involved in sakhya bhava may not have an
iota of interest in vatsalya bhava, and vice versa. Thus every sadhaks
has the power of choice: To experiment and see which one is most
appropriate for their mental make-up, for their link with Parama Purusa.
(B) PRABHAT SAMGIITA: With regards to Prabhat Samgiita, some prefer to
analyse and study the style of music such as the type of raga or ragini,
yet side by side Baba has also said that, 'Prabhat Samgiita is written
with the ink of the love of the heart of the devotees to make link or communicate
with Parama Purusa'. So it is not just music only. So these are two
vastly different ways of relating with Prabhat Samgiita. And it will
depend upon one's mental characteristics as to which they prefer. Some
opt for a more jinani approach whereas others prefer the more personal
and intimate manner. Everyone can choose for themselves.
(C) MICROVITA: About microvita, Baba has given vast and complex theories
about this smallest energy form-- the ultimate building block of this
universe. Chapters and chapters can be read and studied about this
scientific phenomenon. And many jinanis may spend years immersed in that
approach. At the same time, in His RU discourse, 'Microvitum and Its
Effect on Human Body and Human Mind', Baba says, 'After all microvita is
nothing but Cosmic grace, I just use the term microvita to make you
laugh'. This He has said in Hindi part of His discourse, which was not
printed. But if anyone listens to the cassette of His RU discourse, they
will hear Baba say like this. So again, based on one's mentality, there
are a variety of ways of thinking about microvita.
(D) CREATION THEORY (Srsti Cakra): Similarly, one can think of creation
theory using terms like jadasphota, pratisaincara, various tattvas, and
other technical terminology, or one can simply think that, 'He was all
alone, all by Himself, so He created this vast universe'.
Thus depending on one's mental framework, there are varieties of ways of
interacting with our AM practices and philosophy.
KAOSHIKII AND AVARTA KIIRTAN ALSO
And the same can be said with regards to kaoshikii and avarta kiirtan also.
There is a very technical explanation of kaoshikii where one takes on a
different ideation for each direction, and side by side one can simply
think of pleasing Baba while doing their kaoshikii dance.
In avarta kiirtan also there are two diverse approaches. In a more
jinani style, the aspirant can adopt different ideations for each
direction. And these ideations generally focus on oneself, 'I am
cleansing myself with fire, I am controlling this universe, I am
unstoppable', etc etc, or one can simply think of Baba and ideate on
loving and pleasing Him.
Some sadhakas may like a more technical & analytical explanation and
some prefer the more simple approach of pleasing Him. Personally I
prefer the latter way. I do not like to engage in all kinds of
sophisticated or lengthy descriptions when dancing avarta kiirtan.
Rather I prefer Baba's simple method of bringing the mind to sahasrara
cakra and thinking of Him. But if others prefer to think, 'I am cleaning
this entire universe etc' then that is also fine.
We should always keep in mind that Baba has given something for everyone
in Ananda Marga. And we should be accepting and tolerant of all the
different styles and at the same time choose a way that is most
appropriate for us.
PEOPLE HAVE COME INTO AM FOR DIFFERENT REASONS
After all, we have to remember that people have entered into AM for a
vast array of reasons. Some have come because they wanted to travel
overseas, some have come because they could not get a job in the private
sector, some have come to escape their jail sentences, some have come to
find a wife or husband, some have come to get away from their wife or
husband, some have come to do karma yoga, some have come to get a high
post, some have come to be regarded as a high yogi, some have come to
fulfill His mission (A'tma moks'a'rtham' jagaddhita'ya ca), and some
have come to please Him.
Regardless, all are our brothers and sisters, we should embrace all, and
help everyone become successful in their human life. There are various
grades and we appreciate everyone.
Some like to sing kiirtan thinking that they are becoming clean and
becoming a force in this universe, and some like to sing for the sole
reason of loving and pleasing Parama Purusa.
Some bhaktas do not feel comfortable relying on their own
unit ego. They do not like to think that 'I am doing everything',
because they know that unit beings cannot do anything, Parama Purusa
does everything.
It all depends on one's quality of mind as Baba has created something
for everyone.
IN THE NOTES BELOW
Below, in the notes, are the technical descriptions of Avarta Kiirtan &
Kaoshikii. And if one wishes to pursue their practice in that way they
can. At the same time, no sadhaka should feel burdened that they must do
their kiirtan and kaoshikii like that. Remember that Baba has explained
His AM practices and philosophies in various ways to appeal to various
grades of people, various standards of mind. Some are jinan oriented and
some are bhakti oriented. Everyone should do what feels most comfortable
for them. Baba has approved multiple ways for this very purpose: To
appeal to one and all.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace He has designed this Ananda Marga for everyone-- and
verily all must come under the banner of AM. For this reason Baba has
given diverse ways of explaining AM practices and AM ideology. Because
everyone belongs in AM.
Baba says, "Remember, until every person in the universe accepts the
Ananda Marga ideology, you have no opportunity to rest." (CC-2)
Baba says, "Now, these created beings, they being the progeny of the
same father, are members of the same Universal Family. We must not
forget this supreme fact." (AV-14)
Namaskar,
Jawaharlal
Note 1: PEOPLE DO SADHANA FOR VARIOUS REASONS
As there are various grades of sadhakas in AM, people do sadhana for
various reasons. Some do sadhana to impress others, some do sadhana as
one requirement so that they can take their meal, some only do sadhana
in public, some fake their entire sadhana program, some do sadhana for
mental peace, some do sadhana for self-realisation, some do sadhana to
serve and please Him. So there are various grades of sadhakas in our Marga.
Note 2: TECHNICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF AVARTA KIIRTAN & KAOSHIKII
Here are two technical descriptions of our avarta kiirtan and kaoshikii
practices. These may appeal to some whereas others may not like to be
bothered by these more intricate approaches. In that case they may adopt
a more simple, devotional outlook.
Then there is also the notion that as these two below descriptions are
not printed in any book, then they may not be entirely accurate. If
anyone has the original cassette(s) where Baba discusses these below
approaches then they are requested to write this network immediately.
AVARTA KIIRTAN
1. I am the embodiment of sincerity.
2. I have the innate love for Paramapurusa.
3. I have purify my mind with the fire of devotion.
4. I am overcoming all internal and external obstacles.
5. O lord, take me onto your lap.
6. I surrender my everything to you.
KAOSHIKII
VERTICAL --I am now trying to establish a link with Paramapurusa.
RIGHT-- I know the right way of making request to you, Paramapurus'a.
LEFT--- I know how to carry out your command
FRONT-- I know how to surrender completely to you.
BACK-- I am ready to undergo discomfort when trouble comes.
STEPS---Oh, lord, I am now imitating your rhythm, brining your subtle
Consciouness into manifestation, into pratical forms.
OVERALL IDEATION:-
I, the microcosm, am establishing a link with my lord, the Nucleus of
the Macrocosm.
Note 3: SIMPLE DEVOTIONAL APPROACH
Some bhaktas may just prefer to sing kiirtan and dance kaoshikii with
their mind immersed in Him-- to serve, please, and love Him. Trying to
follow all the above technical operations may verily take the mind away
from being with Baba. So adopting a purely devotional stance is also
alright if that is what you prefer. That freedom everyone has.
