From: "Tanmay Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’ Celebrations: Baba's Guidelines
Date: Fri, 04 May 2012 21:01:42 +0530
Baba
“Áloke snátá, a’nande-smit, e prabhát jeno prabhu, sháshvat hoy…” (Prabhat Samgiita #2649)
Purport:
Baba, O’ Parama Purusa, this magnificent dawn of Your auspicious birthday, Ananda Purnima, is saturated with Your effulgence and smiling in bliss – please may it remain so up to eternity. Baba, Your divine effulgence is emanating in the far distant sky, as well as in the deepest corner of my heart, O’ my Dearmost.
Baba, O’ my Parama Purusa, since ages I have been waiting in the hope of Your holy advent. Today with Your endless love You have fulfilled my longing. Your infinite compassion (karun’a') has satisfied the yearning of my heart. Baba, please let this showering of Your karun’a’ continue to flow, age after age, up to eternity.
Baba, it was known to me that You reside eternally in my mind. Now You have graciously taken advent in Your divine form and grandeur of Mahasambhuti. O’ my Dearmost Baba, You reside in my heart and mind; that is the pulsation of my existence. Because You are, I am. Baba, by Your cosmic grace, I understand that this divine liila of Yours is infinite and endless.
Baba, by Your love and compassion this dawn of Your auspicious birthday is saturated with effulgence and smiling in bliss. Baba, You are so gracious; You are the most loving One…
Note: This series of letters, “A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’ Celebrations: Baba’s Guidelines”, has four parts. Each part, presented by a different margii, offers complementary ways and descriptions for celebrating Ananda Purnima. Together, these letters paint a picture for how to commemorate this grand festival. We wholeheartedly welcome your suggestions as well. Please read part 4 below. – AM-GLOBAL Moderators
Namaskar,
Baba’s holy advent is such a tremendous event that there is no aspect of life that is not purified and made pristine by His holy arrival. From the flowers to the clouds, from the schools to the hospitals, from the smiles to the tears of joy, and from the kiirtan to the meditation, each and every aspect of creation is revolutionized by His august presence.
In that wholesome spirit, our Ananda Purnima celebrations should be of an equal breadth, size, and stature. Every sphere of life should be touched by our Ananda Purnima ceremonies and festivities.
Here below are further suggestions compiled from various margiis for how we can best maximize the celebration of the glorious day of Ananda Purnima.
Around the globe, and perhaps in our larger units especially, various exhibitions can be created that encapsulate a wide sampling of Baba’s teachings and programs. In this way the theoretical side of AM ideology and its practical expression can be highlighted. Toward this end, there could be a good news presentation of the wide array of AM service projects and socially uplifting programs; plus via story, song, dance and drama there could be a joyous performance highlight the history and development of Ananda Marga.
In addition, there could be the special showing of Baba’s video and other renewing activities like a tree planting, musical performance, and other cultural activities.
A grand Ananda Mela can also be formed in selected places whereby local sentient shops are invited and where cultural programs, sports and festivities, art, music, a children’s theatre and poetry competitions are displayed. Such a gathering could include non-margiis and margiis alike. That will build community relations and involve everyone. It would bring people together in a sweet way and the environment could be nicely maintained by having all the events monitored by margiis. Yet at the same time allow non-margiis to participate fully and be active up to certain levels.
Verily, this is an occasion for one and all and could include multi-day or even multi-week camps for honouring and celebrating this most auspicious event of Ananda Purnima
Overall, such types of programs would draw in all the various sections of society and could occur over a month-long period, perhaps 2-weeks before through 2-weeks after Ananda Purnima - as some do in India with the Ram Liila*. Our Ananda Purnima should take on that type of significance and celebration, focused totally on Baba.
In our various units, across all the sectors, there will be grand kiirtan programs. Certainly, already numerous akhanda kiirtan programs are being held; and, in addition, nagar kiirtan can also be done in our villages, towns, and cities.
As you may know, nagar kiirtan, the singing and dancing of Baba Nam Kevalam through all the streets & parks etc, should be done just before sunrise – not during the full-day sun. The style of kiirtan should be soothing, not ear-piercing. As far as possible, this should be done with loudspeakers bearing in mind the local customs and legal code. What is acceptable in India, however, may not be allowed elsewhere. The overall spirit is for a maximum number of people to hear the holy siddha mantra: Baba Nam Kevalam.
The sound should be natural with the overall spirit being to please Baba by singing and sharing this divine chant with others. Baba guides us that by this way there will be tremendous benefit.
After each and every kiirtan program, there should be special prasad. Because Ananda Purnima is for everyone. Some are involved deeply in spiritual sadhana while some, such as the children, are interested in special treats like prasad. By this way there will be something for everyone. All will think of it as a delightful and joyous celebration.
The above programs will serve as a great complement to the numerous other festive ways of celebrating the great occasion of Ananda Purnima that were outlined in prior letters of this series. Some of those activities include: Poetry readings, debates, prize distribution, collective bath**, collective food, narayan seva, clothing distribution, collective sadhana, medical camps, food distribution in nursing and convalescent homes, collective social service, singing and dancing of Prabhat Samgiita, the exchange of gifts, sports and games, display of Baba’s diorama, artful presentation of Baba’s liila, cartoons and paintings of how Baba has graced bhaktas, theatrical depictions of how negative forces could not diminish the glory of Baba and Ananda Marga and so many more ways.
Indeed this is a time with everyone – young and old, wealthy and poor, literate and illiterate, etc – can come together and rejoice in the sweet celebrations of Baba’s divine advent. The festival of Ananda Purnima should be given utmost importance as it is the most festive day of the year.
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 have very high devotion. But if everyone is celebrating together via by the various festivities etc then they will fondly remember Ananda Purnima. That will enhance unity. And it will draw people near.
Baba says, “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.” (A Few Problems Solved – 5)
Namaskar,
Tanmay Deva
* Ram Liila: The Ram Liila is an annual theatre drama depicting the glory and greatness of Ram staged in the evening for several weeks. This theatre drama highlights the life of Ram for the public to see, learn and enjoy.
In a similar manner, we should produce a theatre reenactment of all the great events in Baba's life. This should include His younger years, the formation of Ananda Marga, the spread of devotion, the jail period, Emergency, how the margiis faced so many problems, how the communists were destroyed, the vast array of AM service projects, spiritual life, and more. All the good and bad times should be depicted for everyone to know.
** Collective Bath: In AM, collective bath does not mean that males and females will bathe together. It is separated by gender, unlike in western countries.
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’ Celebrations: Baba's Guidelines
Date: Fri, 04 May 2012 21:01:42 +0530
Baba
“Áloke snátá, a’nande-smit, e prabhát jeno prabhu, sháshvat hoy…” (Prabhat Samgiita #2649)
Purport:
Baba, O’ Parama Purusa, this magnificent dawn of Your auspicious birthday, Ananda Purnima, is saturated with Your effulgence and smiling in bliss – please may it remain so up to eternity. Baba, Your divine effulgence is emanating in the far distant sky, as well as in the deepest corner of my heart, O’ my Dearmost.
Baba, O’ my Parama Purusa, since ages I have been waiting in the hope of Your holy advent. Today with Your endless love You have fulfilled my longing. Your infinite compassion (karun’a') has satisfied the yearning of my heart. Baba, please let this showering of Your karun’a’ continue to flow, age after age, up to eternity.
Baba, it was known to me that You reside eternally in my mind. Now You have graciously taken advent in Your divine form and grandeur of Mahasambhuti. O’ my Dearmost Baba, You reside in my heart and mind; that is the pulsation of my existence. Because You are, I am. Baba, by Your cosmic grace, I understand that this divine liila of Yours is infinite and endless.
Baba, by Your love and compassion this dawn of Your auspicious birthday is saturated with effulgence and smiling in bliss. Baba, You are so gracious; You are the most loving One…
== A’NANDA PU’RN’IMA’ CELEBRATIONS: BABA’S GUIDELINES ==
~ Part 4 ~
~ Part 4 ~
Note: This series of letters, “A’nanda Pu’rn’ima’ Celebrations: Baba’s Guidelines”, has four parts. Each part, presented by a different margii, offers complementary ways and descriptions for celebrating Ananda Purnima. Together, these letters paint a picture for how to commemorate this grand festival. We wholeheartedly welcome your suggestions as well. Please read part 4 below. – AM-GLOBAL Moderators
Namaskar,
Baba’s holy advent is such a tremendous event that there is no aspect of life that is not purified and made pristine by His holy arrival. From the flowers to the clouds, from the schools to the hospitals, from the smiles to the tears of joy, and from the kiirtan to the meditation, each and every aspect of creation is revolutionized by His august presence.
In that wholesome spirit, our Ananda Purnima celebrations should be of an equal breadth, size, and stature. Every sphere of life should be touched by our Ananda Purnima ceremonies and festivities.
Here below are further suggestions compiled from various margiis for how we can best maximize the celebration of the glorious day of Ananda Purnima.
THE MAKING OF AN EXHIBITION
Around the globe, and perhaps in our larger units especially, various exhibitions can be created that encapsulate a wide sampling of Baba’s teachings and programs. In this way the theoretical side of AM ideology and its practical expression can be highlighted. Toward this end, there could be a good news presentation of the wide array of AM service projects and socially uplifting programs; plus via story, song, dance and drama there could be a joyous performance highlight the history and development of Ananda Marga.
In addition, there could be the special showing of Baba’s video and other renewing activities like a tree planting, musical performance, and other cultural activities.
ORGANISING AN ANANDA MELA
A grand Ananda Mela can also be formed in selected places whereby local sentient shops are invited and where cultural programs, sports and festivities, art, music, a children’s theatre and poetry competitions are displayed. Such a gathering could include non-margiis and margiis alike. That will build community relations and involve everyone. It would bring people together in a sweet way and the environment could be nicely maintained by having all the events monitored by margiis. Yet at the same time allow non-margiis to participate fully and be active up to certain levels.
Verily, this is an occasion for one and all and could include multi-day or even multi-week camps for honouring and celebrating this most auspicious event of Ananda Purnima
Overall, such types of programs would draw in all the various sections of society and could occur over a month-long period, perhaps 2-weeks before through 2-weeks after Ananda Purnima - as some do in India with the Ram Liila*. Our Ananda Purnima should take on that type of significance and celebration, focused totally on Baba.
VARIOUS TYPES OF KIIRTAN PROGRAMS AND PRASAD
In our various units, across all the sectors, there will be grand kiirtan programs. Certainly, already numerous akhanda kiirtan programs are being held; and, in addition, nagar kiirtan can also be done in our villages, towns, and cities.
As you may know, nagar kiirtan, the singing and dancing of Baba Nam Kevalam through all the streets & parks etc, should be done just before sunrise – not during the full-day sun. The style of kiirtan should be soothing, not ear-piercing. As far as possible, this should be done with loudspeakers bearing in mind the local customs and legal code. What is acceptable in India, however, may not be allowed elsewhere. The overall spirit is for a maximum number of people to hear the holy siddha mantra: Baba Nam Kevalam.
The sound should be natural with the overall spirit being to please Baba by singing and sharing this divine chant with others. Baba guides us that by this way there will be tremendous benefit.
After each and every kiirtan program, there should be special prasad. Because Ananda Purnima is for everyone. Some are involved deeply in spiritual sadhana while some, such as the children, are interested in special treats like prasad. By this way there will be something for everyone. All will think of it as a delightful and joyous celebration.
OVERVIEW OF FESTIVITIES
The above programs will serve as a great complement to the numerous other festive ways of celebrating the great occasion of Ananda Purnima that were outlined in prior letters of this series. Some of those activities include: Poetry readings, debates, prize distribution, collective bath**, collective food, narayan seva, clothing distribution, collective sadhana, medical camps, food distribution in nursing and convalescent homes, collective social service, singing and dancing of Prabhat Samgiita, the exchange of gifts, sports and games, display of Baba’s diorama, artful presentation of Baba’s liila, cartoons and paintings of how Baba has graced bhaktas, theatrical depictions of how negative forces could not diminish the glory of Baba and Ananda Marga and so many more ways.
Indeed this is a time with everyone – young and old, wealthy and poor, literate and illiterate, etc – can come together and rejoice in the sweet celebrations of Baba’s divine advent. The festival of Ananda Purnima should be given utmost importance as it is the most festive day of the year.
ALL WILL REMEMBER….
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 have very high devotion. But if everyone is celebrating together via by the various festivities etc then they will fondly remember Ananda Purnima. That will enhance unity. And it will draw people near.
BABA’S BLESSING
Baba says, “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.” (A Few Problems Solved – 5)
Namaskar,
Tanmay Deva
* Ram Liila: The Ram Liila is an annual theatre drama depicting the glory and greatness of Ram staged in the evening for several weeks. This theatre drama highlights the life of Ram for the public to see, learn and enjoy.
In a similar manner, we should produce a theatre reenactment of all the great events in Baba's life. This should include His younger years, the formation of Ananda Marga, the spread of devotion, the jail period, Emergency, how the margiis faced so many problems, how the communists were destroyed, the vast array of AM service projects, spiritual life, and more. All the good and bad times should be depicted for everyone to know.
** Collective Bath: In AM, collective bath does not mean that males and females will bathe together. It is separated by gender, unlike in western countries.
Note 1: LINKS TO PREVIOUS POSTINGS OF THIS SERIES
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/04/ananda-purnima-celebrations-babas.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/04/re-ananda-purnima-celebrations-babas.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/05/re-ananda-purnima-celebrations-babas.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/04/re-ananda-purnima-celebrations-babas.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/05/re-ananda-purnima-celebrations-babas.html
