Re: Baba's Guideline: Celebration of Ananda Purnima #3

Baba

== RE: BABA'S GUIDELINE: CELEBRATION OF ANANDA PURNIMA ==

~ Part 3 ~

(Note: This is the third letter of this series. Links to the first two letters are appended below. - AM Universal Moderators)

Namaskar,
This year Ananda Purnima is on Saturday, 25 May. Here are more of Guru's guidelines for how to celebrate this grand event - our most important festival.

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 ahead 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 ahead.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS:

A GREAT UNIFYING FORCE

In His discourse "Social Psychology" Baba tells the following in the section on 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." (1)

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.

By such functions humans can solve various problems. Now the need of the day is to build a single human society. Naturally, social functions help; 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."

Here below are more of Baba's teachings and guidelines on the celebration of Ananda Purnima and how social functions positively affect our Ananda Marga.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS BASED IN 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, but its base is spirituality.

In direct contrast, in the 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.

INCORPORATING FOOD INTO THE CELEBRATION

Here are more guidelines on this grand celebration.

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.

Basically, donations should be requested from all the margiis – on a sliding scale. According to their capacity they can contribute. So there should not be a certain fixed fee for every margii. 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.

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, hidden donation box; then people can offer even the smallest of donations and still feel comfortable. May we always remember that it is the feeling behind the giving that is most important, not the amount.

By and large though, money should not hinder anyone’s participation. Everyone should be encouraged to participate and bring their entire family, as well as their close friends. That will make for a joyous celebration and it will give us the opportunity to create new margiis.

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. With a progressive donation arrangement that aim is entirely possible.

Actually what we have seen here in India is that often in Delhi Sector 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 Baba and the overall spirit of the celebration. If offered out of pomp or show, then such monies should be politely rejected.

"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." (2)

Finally, 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.

SEE THAT ALL JOIN IN THE FESTIVAL OF ANANDA PURNIMA:

COLLECTIVE MEAL IS IMPORTANT

   "Humans are social beings. So every human being likes utsava. It is the desire of all that they will rejoice unitedly. In Europe Puritanism failed in the end, only because the Puritans failed to care for the desires of the general public. They preached their theory only to a handful of devotees of knowledge."
   "Ananda Marga is for the general public. So, considering the necessity of the general mass, proper importance has to be given to the Utsava in social life. Enthusiasm in a utsava is the greatest in the children, in the tender aged boys, in the youths and last of all in grown ups. In the programmes of a Utsava, therefore, you shall think for the children first. Their sweet stammering noises ensure the success of the Utsava. But whatever arrangements you may make for the children, the youngsters, youths, or for the grown-ups, make that there is no dearth of discipline even to the minutest extent anywhere. Let there be complete harmony..."
   "A grown up man does not like that others should call him grown up. An old man does not like that others should tell him old. Do you know, why they do not like to be said so? The adults or the aged are nearing death. This means that one is drawing nearer death as one grow up and this is why one does not like to be told grown up or old."
   "Taking this for granted regarding human psychology, you shall arrange for two or three items in the programme for the old to enjoy, so that they may think at least for a short time that they are not old, they have sufficient energy still left in them."
   "Take pains to see that all join in the Utsava. Give full opportunity to all the artists to make a display of their talents in art. Remember that taking food together is a special feature in a Utsava, without which half of the pleasure of a Utsava is marred." (3)

THE MEANING OF UTSAVA:

FRESH INSPIRATION TO LIVE

“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.” (4)

"I HOPE THAT YOU WILL MAKE SUCH ARRANGEMENTS" - BABA

“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.” (5)

MUST NOT USE FIRECRACKERS

Many units have stopped using firecrackers during our Ananda Marga festival celebrations. Baba's expressed guideline is that firecrackers are a waste of money, create huge pollution, and invite serious injuries. Furthermore firecrackers are a carcinogen. Thus firecrackers are dangerous and wasteful on many levels. They should not be used at our programs. Instead the funds used for purchasing firecrackers should be directed toward enhancing our narayan seva & relief work that very day. More about this is noted below.

BABA’S GUIDELINE AND CONCERN FOR ALL

“Ensure that those who enjoy the celebrations also get thereby healthy opportunities for their physical growth, mental development, and spiritual progress.” (6)

"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." (Ananda Vanii #53)

"Knowing oneself is the real knowledge; serving all with the ideation of Náráyańa, the real action, and the vow to please Parama Puruśa the real devotion." (Ananda Vanii #25)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Manomaya


REFERENCES:
1. A Few Problems Solved - 7, Social Psychology
2. Caryacarya-2, Society, Pt #37
3. Táttvika Diipiká  (Dvitiiya Parva)
4. A Few Problems Solved – 5, p.18
5. A  Few Problems Solved - 5, p.18
6. Caryacarya – 1, p.42

Note 1: BABA CONDEMNS THE USE OF FIREWORKS

(A) In the below story Baba specifically warns us about the use of firecrackers - on multiple levels:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/11/baba-story-teaching-on-fireworks.html

(B) Here is a more technical letter along with a human interest story about the dangers of firecrackers:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/07/deadly-practice.html

Note 2: EARLIER POSTINGS FROM THIS ANANDA PURNIMA SERIES

#1: This first letter discusses:
Mahasambhuti's Advent / Ways of Celebrating / Gift Giving / Sports Games / The Arts & more

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/05/babas-guideline-celebration-of-ananda.html


#2: This second letter discusses:
Celebrations in each unit  / Samgacchadhvam spirit / Importance of Festivals & more

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/05/re-babas-guideline-celebration-of.html

Colour Festival & Guru Puja Intrinsically Interlinked

From: "Ramlal Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Colour Festival & Guru Puja Intrinsically Interlinked
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2013 23:26:08 +0530

Baba

This entire email is composed of 4 parts:
(1) Posting: Colour Festival & Guru Puja Intrinsically Interlinked;
(2) Reader Comment: Dada Threatens To Commit Suicide;
(3) Trailer Quote: Health Guideline: Sleeping Related;
(4) Prabhat Samgiita #1341.

== COLOUR FESTIVAL & GURU PUJA INTRINSICALLY INTERLINKED ==

Namaskar,
In the jagrti on the day of colour festival, I was there when the margii arrived and I heard him ask Dadaji the question.

Already Dada had told everyone how we would celebrate and what we would do and I could see that the margii was a bit disappointed. He asked the following question.

"Dadaji, today is spring festival. How can we make our offering to Baba during our puja without colours? We need some type of coloured powder or flower. But you have not brought any. Baba will be deprived because we do not have any colour to offer Him. He must be waiting for us as this is the day of the festival. Why is it that you did not supply coloured powder for us?"

Indeed, the margii felt that actual colours (powders, flowers, incense sticks, & even blowing conch shells etc) must be offered to Baba in our puja during colour festival, otherwise Baba would be deprived.

The margii recounted that for years and years always he used coloured powder in his puja on spring festival. He furthermore told that all the margiis he knows do like this as well.

We all watched Dadaji to see how he would respond. Dadaji told that physical colours like powder and flowers are not mandatory during our Guru Puja (offering of colours) in spring festival program.

BABA'S WORDS ABOUT THIS

Below are the quotes and citations which we found from Baba's guidelines.

In Caryacarya, Baba says the following about the use of coloured powder during puja in our spring festival celebrations.

Baba says, "Then, in the afternoon, all will perform collective Iishvara Prańidhána and Varńárghyadána (using áviir [coloured powder] or flowers of colours of their own choice)." (1)

In that same chapter of Caryacarya Baba further clarifies the matter.

Baba says, "In relation to Guru Pújá, one should remember that both crude and subtle offerings have equal value. Therefore one should not do anything merely for show." (2)

So here above Baba clarifies that both base (physical) and subtle (psychic) colours could be offered during spring festival. It is not that coloured powders are absolutely mandatory.

Hence no one should be disturbed if actual colours are not used. One may offer physical colours such as flowers or mental colours. No one should blame or harass anyone if someone prefers to only offer mental colours. There should not be any confusion about this.

MORE OF BABA'S TEACHINGS

Here are more of Baba's teachings on this critical point:

[A] First in Ananda Sutram Baba says that ours is not the path of ritualistic worship wherein we only offer physical objects or engage in prayer etc

3-11. Prárthanárcaná mátraeva bhramamúlam.
       
[Prayer and ritualistic worship become a source of confusion.]

Purport: It is useless to pray to God for something, for He is sure to give what is necessary. Solicitation or importunity in the name of worship is nothing but toadyism and flattery. (3)

[B] Here below, in these next two quotes, Baba again explains the inner significance of spring festival.

"The inner significance of the Dolyátra of Shrii Krśńa is this: “By surrendering all the colours of my mind to You, I want to become colourless.” This surrender to the Supreme Consciousness propels human beings towards Him. So this colour festival is not merely an outward play; it is purely a psycho-spiritual phenomenon. This very psycho-spiritual phenomenon is operating behind the process of varńárghyadána [offering of colours]: “O Lord, make me colourless so that I may move towards You without any hesitation.”" (4)

"The significance of the Dol Liilá, the Spring Festival, is to surrender all one’s mental colour to Parama Puruśa, and thus free oneself from the bondage of colour." (5)

GURU PUJA / VARNARGHYADAN / PRATYHARA YOGA ARE ONE AND THE SAME

In colour festival, we offer color to the Supreme Entity, who is in the form of Guru, by doing Guru Puja. Colour Festival then is nothing but the festival of Guru Puja.

Here, in the following paragraphs, colour means bondage, or the attachment of the mind. For example, anything & everything in the world has some sort of vibration, or colour. When attracted, the mind gets dyed with that colour. For instance, if someone is attracted to rasgolla and must eat tht sweet whenever he goes to the market, then the colour of rasgolla will stain his mind.

Likewise, humans get coloured colored by all kinds of colour. So here, colour means a stain on the mind. When the mind is stained, then that mind is in bondage. When mind is not attracted with any color and is just attracted towards Parama Purusa, then the mind is colourless.

That is why in Guru Puja, sadhakas offer their mental colour - all kinds of attractions, weaknesses, and attachments - to the Supreme Entity. If the offering is made with sincerity, that  weakness or attachment will fade away, and the mind will become calm, serene, and blissful. That is the very close to the stage of colourlessnes. When the mind is completely coloured then one becomes one with Parama Purusa.

Ultimately,, the unit mind and the Cosmic Mind are the same, only due to one's mental colour the unit mind is not becoming one with the Cosmic Entity. In order to become one with Him, we celebrate Colour Festival and offer our mental colours to the Divine Entity - Parama Purusa - and try to become one with Him.

"You must bring about a revolutionary change in the flow of your judgment and thought, and see how, after overcoming your fascination with external colour, your mind becomes tinged with the His glorious colour. In Ananda Marga Sadhana, the method of withdrawing the mind from degrading tendencies, and absorbing oneself in the colour of the Great, is called Pratyáhára Yoga (the yoga of withdrawal) or Varńárghyadána (Guru Puja: the offering of colours). All people have a particular attraction for one or another object or activity and as soon as they become attracted to an object, then their minds become coloured with the colour of that object. You can withdraw your mind from the colour of that object and dye yourself in His colour by offering Him the captivating colour of the object that has attracted you: this is the real Pratyáhára Yoga [Guru Puja]. The word Pratyáhára means “to withdraw” – to withdraw the mind from its object."

"The main object of the Spring Colour Festival (Vasantotsava) is not playing with external colours; it is meant to offer Him the colours of different objects which have dyed the mind. When this practice of offering your own colours – your own attachments, becomes natural and easy, you will then merge in Him. Then you will have no need for any colour, for you will become colourless – you will go beyond the reach of any colour. Your unit-ego will become one with the Cosmic Ego. Whichever way you look you will see only Him in His ever-surging glory. There is no “I” nor “you”. By an everlasting, mutual pact the final curtain will have fallen on all clashes of “I” and “you”. At that stage, if you call Parama Brahma as “I”, you are right in calling Him so; if you call Him as “He”, you are equally right; and if you call Him as “you”, again you are correct. The extent of your attainment of Him will be proportionate to your self surrender."

"Remember, you have to offer your own identity – not money, rice plantains or other crude objects. The give-and-take of crude things is a business transaction. If you want to attain the bliss of Brahma, you must offer your own self. If you want to have the Great “I”, you must give away your own little “I”. You have to give the full sixteen annas, (the full rupee). Giving fifteen annas and holding back one anna will not do. You must completely surrender. To attain that Infinite One with the help of your mental concentration and strength, you have to surrender yourselves. But, remember self-surrender does not mean suicide. On the contrary, your soul will have its full expression. Your existence will not become contracted, for contraction is inert in principle. Hence in the Sádhaná of self-surrender the ego is expanded, not contracted. In the Mahábhárata, when Duhshásana was pulling the sari of Draopadii, she was tightly holding the cloth to her body with one hand beseeching lord Krśńa with the other. “Oh! My lord, save me!” But the Lord did not then come forward to save her from shame. When Draopadii found no means of escape, she then released her hold on the cloth and appealed to the Lord most piteously with both hands out-stretched, crying, “O Lord, I surrender my all to you. Do what you think is best”. And the Lord immediately rescued her. That is why I say that you will have to dedicate yourselves to His feet wholly and unreservedly. You will earn godliness in proportion to the extent that you surrender yourselves, and finally, after merging that acquired godliness of yours in His Entity, you will attain eternal bliss." (6)

By His above teaching the point is very clear. Our colour festival is not about coloured powders and flowers per se. Rather Baba guides us that the real import is the psycho-spiritual approach of offering the colours (i.e. attachments and obstacles) of one's mind.

Here again is the critical line from Baba's teaching.

Baba says, "The main object of the Spring Colour Festival (Vasantotsava) is not playing with external colours." (7)

OUR ANANDA MARGA COLOUR FESTIVAL IS UNIQUE

Our Ananda Marga spring / colour festival - vasantaotsava - is highly unique and stands as a dharmic event. It is not a mere replication of the dogmatic Hindu colour festival. Baba has given distinct, dharmic reasons for the practice of our colour festival that makes it independent and different from the Hindu rituals performed in their colour festival.

SUMMARY

By all of Baba's above teachings, our approach in colour festival is very clear. There should not be any confusion. Those who wish to use physical colours may do so, but they must offer the colours of their mind as well. And those who wish to only offer their mental colours, that is in perfect accordance with Baba's teachings.

So no one should think that coloured dyes and powders are an absolute requirement for the celebration of our colour festival. On this point there should not be any confusion.

Namaskar,
Ramlal


REFERENCES
1. Caryacarya-1, Social Functions and Festivals
2. Caryacarya-1
3. Ananda Sutram
4. Liberation of Intellect: Neo-Humanism
5. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 19
6. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour
7. Subhasita Samgraha - 3, Vibration, Form and Colour

*************************

Subject: Re: Dada Threatens To Commit Suicide
Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2013 04:18:55 GMT
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Namaskara Brothersji,

Good  article.

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/03/dada-threatens-to-commit-suicide.html

I work in the psych field and everyday there are people that come in from suicide attempts that were not successful. Many attempt because of physical or emotional pains.

I don't know this Dada that was suicidal but I suspect he is putting on an act if indeed he threatened to do so to get the requested land. That is so non-sensical. Of course, suicide itself seems nonsense to the rational mind. I think he is bluffing. If I am wrong, O.K., but I don't think so.

Namaskar
Vyasa

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

*************************
Health Guideline: Sleeping Related

"Do not sleep on a soft bed." (Carycarya - 3, Chapter 6, Pt #4)

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

Conscious people know that soft beds lead to the onset of many diseases while hard beds massage the body.

So one should be aware. One should not fall in the pseudo-culture approach of using a soft bed and thereby invite more dangerous diseases.

Sincere sadhakas keep away from using a pillow also.

On the spiritual side, Baba guides us that those using a hard bed in day to day life develop a body that is capable for intense psycho-spiritual practice.

Keeping this view, including many more benefits, Baba has graciously introduced this above rule. Those who follow this guideline realise its value.

*************************

Prabhat Samgiita

“A’mi ca’i na’ ei sabhyata’, a’mi ca’i na’ kut’ilata’…” (PS 1341)

Purport:

O’ Lord, my life is for You and Your ideals. I do not want this pseudo-civilization. I do not want hypocrisy and cunningness. I want to float in the open, vast, blue sky – in the boundless open air with the softness of the birds where there are no limitations or boundaries of dogma.

I want more and more effulgence and free air, and the great sky which is studded with stars. I want that very mind which is saturated in divine love and dharma - where there is no presence of the bondages of crookedness, religion, groupism, or narrowness.

I always keep Parama Purusa in my mind and my heart. His blessing and His grace is my everything. By His grace I will go on painting and covering the darkness with the fragrance of sandal paste. Whatever and wherever impurity is there, by His grace it will be removed. This superficial culture and civilization I do not appreciate. I want straightforwardness. I want to lead a life under His shelter...

Re: Why Shravanii Purnima #3

To: AM-GLOBAL
From: "Jyotirmaya Deva" Jyotirmaya.hg@humana...
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:59:43
Subject: Re: Why Shravanii Purnima #3

Baba

== WHY SHRAVANII PURNIMA ==

~ Part 3 ~

(Note: This is the third letter in this series. Links to the first two postings are below. Please know that the first letter in this series was posted under the title, "The Birth of Ananda Marga." In subsequent letters the title has been: "Why Shravanii Purnima".  - Eds)

Namaskar,
Our Ananda Marga festival, Shravanii Purnima, is very soon soon: Thursday, August 2, 2012. Below is an excerpt (in brown) from the earlier letter on this thread; thereafter is Baba's personal account of this holy and auspicious occasion.

"Regarding Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima', one important fact remains that Baba performed the first initiation in the cemetery. So this reveals and foreshadows how in each and every Ananda Margii's life the cemetery has immense practical value. Those suffering from the dogma that the cemetery is only for avadhutas or kapalikas should gain the proper understanding. Our AM meditation is tantra sadhana and that has relevance and importance for each and every Ananda Margii. That is the special significance why the first disciple Kalicharanji was initiated in the cemetery."

BABA'S PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF SHRAVANII PURNIMA

Here below Baba Himself recounts the scene of that auspicious Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' when He performed His first initiation.

Baba says, "This is Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima'. It is an important day. Then I was very young, studying in Vidy'asagar College in Calcutta. One evening a
very interesting event took place. Suddenly a wicked person came near me. I use the word 'wicked', but it is not a permanent state of human beings. A
person who is wicked today may be a noble person tomorrow, and one who is dull or stupid today may be wise tomorrow. These are all relative matters
bound by the bondages of relativity. No one can be called permanently wicked. It should always be borne in mind that one should always try to
develop the good and the subtle in a wicked person."

"That evening a certain wicked person came to me. What could he expect from me? But then he came. In accordance with natural human psychology, I asked him, "What do you want? Why do you adopt this evil path?" In the course of our conversation, he realized that he should change the course of his life, and he took initiation. That was the first spiritual initiation I ever imparted to anyone. And that same day, Shra'van'ii Pu'rnima, has again
returned."

"A long time has elapsed since then. That was perhaps in 1939. This all took place 41 years ago." (A Few Problems Solved - 5, p. 27-28)

GREAT IMPORTANCE OF REPENTANCE

When a sadhaka feels repentance for his sins or crimes in the deep core of his heart, then grace personified Parama Purusa takes away all those negativesamskaras. And He blesses that sadhaka with His unfathomable grace. That is what happened with Kalicharanji. For Kalicharanji was that "wicked" person who approached Baba that evening and took initiation into AM tantra sadhana.

Here following Baba reveals the importance of repentance.

Baba says, "Someone might have committed a pa'taka [sin of commission], but after that wrong action feels repentance, and compensates for the harm his action caused. After such repentance and compensation, the action is no longer a sin...that person's sin has been washed away." (Discourses on Krsna and the Giita, p. 176)

Baba says, "If, knowingly or unknowingly, you have committed any mistake or any sin, then your repentance and your singing Kiirtana, wholeheartedly, will free you from all sins. So, your future is always bright, never dark, never dark." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12)

Namaskar,
Jyotirmaya Deva

Note 1: LINKS TO EARLIER LETTERS

#1: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-birth-of-ananda-marga.html

#2: http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/07/re-why-shravanii-purnima-2.html

Re: Why Shravanii Purnima #2

Date: Th, 26 Jul 2012 09:22:18 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: "Shiva"
Subject: Re: Why Shravanii Purnima #2

Baba

== WHY SHRAVANII PURNIMA ==

~ PART 2 ~

(Note: The first letter in this series was posted under the title, "The Birth of Ananda Marga." A link to this first posting is included below. - Eds)

"Shra'van'ii Puurn'ima is coming soon: Thursday (Aug 2). This letter shares some of the highlights of this special occasion and festival of Ananda Marga.

In AM, everyone is aware that Baba started giving initiations in 1939: That began one auspicious and glorious era. So this coming festival dates is a special occasion because on that very day the Lord Himself initiated the first sadhaka unto the path of Ananda Marga. Baba Himself proclaims that Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' night was the first occasion upon which He initiated anyone on the path according to the Ananda Marga sadhana system."

CEMETERY SADHANA IS FOR ALL:

EVERYONE IN AM IS A TANTRIKA

Namaskar,
Regarding Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima', one important fact remains that Baba performed the first initiation in the cemetery. So this reveals and foreshadows how in each and every Ananda Margii's life the cemetery has immense practical value. Those suffering from the dogma that the cemetery is only for avadhutas or kapalikas should gain the proper understanding. Our AM meditation is tantra sadhana and that has relevance and importance for each and every Ananda Margii. That is the special significance why the first disciple Kalicharanji was initiated in the cemetery.

Now read the below transcript where Baba proclaims that doing sadhana in the cemetery is beneficial for all - everyone initiated in the the tantric cult of Ananda Marga sadhana - i.e. every Ananda Margii.

BABA'S AUDIO:

"CEMETERY IS VERY ENCOURAGING FOR SPIRITUAL ASPIRANTS"

This recording is from when Baba came to the Philippines. Following is the transcription of a conversation which took place on 24 April 1969 at 9:00pm when Baba was on His field walk along with some local margiis and acaryas.

(This audio file has been uploaded to the AM-GLOBAL blogsite, along the upper left side. You may listen to it or download it.)

Baba: "What is the distance of that American cemetery from this place where we are at present now."

Margii: "The way I look at it Baba, it is a little bit..."

Baba: "How many miles or kilometers?"

Margii: "Almost the same, almost the same, with the only exception that the road there is dusty now because under repair. But I think tomorrow brother P will take You to the cemetery."

Baba: "I like the entire world."

Margii: "Ah, no particular place."

Baba: "No."

Margii: "But all."

Baba: "But all..."

Baba: "The cemetery is very encouraging for spiritual aspirants, for sadhakas."

Margii: "That is true - that is what we think. Whenever we go there we get inspired only to meditate and do nothing more."

Baba: "And many of the sadhakas were initiated there?"

Margii: "Yes, Baba. Especially at the beginning. And this brother...where he left us..."

Baba: "He went there [to the cemetery]? He was there [at the cemetery]?"

Margii: Yes, Baba.

BABA'S BLESSING

So once again the day of Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' is coming: Each and every margii should try to visit the cemetery at least once in a year, or on a more regular basis such as on amavasya. But doing sadhana there on this Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' is very good because human life is very short. So we should utilise it for higher pursuits. That will be real remembrance of Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima'.

Here following is Baba's divine blessing:

Baba says, "By dint of sadhana, one is to arouse and exalt that sleeping divinity. ...But for this, one requires divine help and I know further that one is getting divine help, and I know still further, that it is for infinite time and infinite space, one is getting this divine help, and you are all sadhakas, you will certainly attain the Supreme Stance and enjoy that divine blessedness. You are sure to enjoy it my sons and daughters." (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, p. 76)

Namaskar,
Shiva

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Toma'y kabhu ka'che pa'i na'i, gun' shuniya'chi lok mukhe..." (PS 2934)

Purport:

Baba, O' Parama Purusa, You are the most charming One. O' my dearmost, I long for You day and night. Baba, I do Your sadhana and spiritual practices always, but I do not ever get You close. Baba, I try hard to see You in dhyana but I do not get You. I do not have that first-hand experience of You in sadhana. Just I have heard people talk about Your glories. Baba, the devotees say that You are gracious and that You shower Your divine love. Baba, I have heard so much about Your greatness and glory, but I myself do not have any practical realisation or direct experience of You and Your sweetness. Baba, I do not have any personal realisation of You. O' my dearmost, why don't You come to me; why are You not listening to my call; why don't You call my name and tell me that 'I love You'. O' Lord, in my practices I long for You and call You with my mantra but neither do You listen to my call nor do You come close. Baba, You do not respond at all to my calling of Your name, my chanting in kiirtan, or my longing for You in sadhana. Baba, please grace me by coming close.

Baba, You are the Polestar in the dark night. You give inspiration to those who lose the path. If anyone does not know what to do and what not to do, then by Your grace You show them the pathway to move ahead. You show them how to get You. Baba, for the hopeless heart, You are full of hope. You graciously reassure those who have lost all hope. You shower Your grace on those who have been abandoned by everyone in the society. Nobody cares about them and they live a life of gloom.  Baba, on all such people You shower Your grace and bless them with Your varabhaya mudra. Baba, You shower Your effulgence in the helpless citta; Baba, I do not have any practical realisation of You; I am not a realised soul. Even then my heart feels trust and love for You - and I feel that You are my Saviour. Baba, my heart longs to surrender at Your alter. O' my dearmost when anyone's citta - mental sphere - is full of gloom and despair, You give them hope, light, and inspiration. You also graciously show them the path. By that way, they feel their life is not worthless. Baba, because of Your infinite compassion I surrender my everything at Your alter - even though I do not have any practical realisation of You in my life. Just I have heard so much about You from others.

Baba, You are infinite. You are beyond all perception. You are beyond language, and beyond the ideation of song. Baba You remain ever-present in the eternal memory. O' my dearmost, Your greatness cannot be expressed in words. All poems and prose fail to express Your grandeur. O' Parama Purusa, Your glory cannot be sung and You are always established in the world of divinity. Baba, You go on dancing in the flow of the rhythm. Baba, You are expressing Your grandeur of sweetness in all the directions. Baba, Your greatness is emanating everywhere. Baba, wherever one looks they can see
You present in Your most charming and sweet form. [1]

O' Baba, please come and manifest Yourself so I can see You sitting eternally in my heart. Baba, make my entire existence effulgent in Your effulgence...


END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #2934:

[1] "Bha'sa'r atiite bha'ver giitite...": The whole idea of this stanza is expressed in this below excerpt from one of Baba's divine discourses.

Baba says, "His radiance is beyond the power of your sensual comprehension. You cannot conceive of His radiance...It is not an easy task to apprehend his extreme radiance. For this, vigorous sa'dhana' is indispensable. Imagine how wonderfully radiant He must be, before whom the moon, the stars, the lightning, the fire - all become pale. If you cannot see even the sun with your bare eyes, imagine what a tremendous amount of sa'dhana' is necessary to see Him."

"It is with His radiance that every object is radiant. None of the objects has any radiance of its own. The moon is bright with the sun's brightness, and the sun is bright with His. The sun is not jyotisvarupa (characteristically self-effulgent), it is He alone who is jyotisvarupa. In His radiance there is depth but no severity, there is sweetness but no harshness. Observe His calm brilliance in the firmament of your heart. Shunning all inferiority complexes, move on the path of sa'dhana'. The only purpose of your being a human being is to do sa'dhana'. The life of one who does not do it passes in vain like a tree struck by lightning." (Anadna Marga Ideology and Way of Life-5)

The Birth of A'nanda Ma'rga

Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:36:43 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Chandra Shekhar
Subject: The Birth of A'nanda Ma'rga

BABA

"Shra'van'ii pu'rn'ima'r katha' a'j mane par'e..." (P.S. 4954)

Purport:

Baba, today the divine story of Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' is coming in my mind, in my heart. O' Bandhu, the memory of Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' is floating in my mind. The glorious advent of that historical day is still fresh in my mind when the divine play between the staticity and divinity started happening [1]. That time the sweet, fragrant air was saturated with the aroma of the night jasmine; it was permeating the entire atmosphere. This yuthika' flower was full of sweetness & love. A sweet, mild breeze was blowing and various creatures including frogs were singing the chorus with great joy. the grace of Supreme Consciousness acted upon the crude mind with the divine force of ista mantra shakti. On that very day of Shravanii Purnima, new spiritual vibrations were created on this earth as the radiant effulgence pierced through the fog & the darkness. The memory of that Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' is still fresh in my mind, by Your grace...


END NOTES FOR PRABHAT SAMGIITA #4954:

[1] Here Baba is poetically narrating how when Kalicharanji was blessed by receiving initiation then he started repeating his Ista mantra & with the incantative power of the mantra his sleeping divinity was aroused.

== THE BIRTH OF A'NANDA MA'RGA ==

Namaskar,
Shra'van'ii Puurn'ima is coming soon: Thursday (Aug 2). This letter shares some of the highlights of this special occasion and festival of Ananda Marga.

In AM, everyone is aware that Baba started giving initiations in 1939: That began one auspicious and glorious era. So this coming festival dates is a special occasion because on that very day the Lord Himself initiated the first sadhaka unto the path of Ananda Marga. Baba Himself proclaims that Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' night was the first occasion upon which He initiated anyone on the path according to the Ananda Marga sadhana system.

ANANDA MARGA IS THE PATH OF BLISS

Our Ananda Marga is the Path of Bliss. A'nanda means bliss and Ma'rga means path; hence, "path of bliss." And if one follows this path - His teachings of Ananda Marga - then one becomes ensconced in bliss: By reaching up to Parama Purusa and being bathed in His divine nectar, by His grace.

2-4 "A'nandam' Brahma itya'huh"
Meaning: This a'nanda is called Brahma

So our Marga is the path to Brahma. And Shravanii Purnima is the day when Baba graciously first revealed this path to humanity. So this is one highly memorable occasion as it marks the birth of Ananda Marga as we know it. It was on Shravanii Purnima that those devotees began performing AM sadhana, and thereafter began holding dharmacakra and following so many
spiritual teachings, by Baba's grace. Later on the organisation was formed in 1955; but, by then already Baba had beautifully created so many followers of Ananda Marga. That is why Shravanii Purnima in 1939 is the real birth of Ananda Marga - the path of bliss.

THE DEEP SIGNIFICANCE OF SHRA'VAN'II PU'RN'IMA'

Since that very day of Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima', the cosmic play started between the divine forces and crude forces. And ultimately the collective kundalinii got awakened and started rising up, by His grace. This entire scene Baba describes in the above Prabhat Samgiita.

The overall idea is that Baba has infused this whole world with His special vibration. And in that way there will be victory over the crudeness & staticity. That is what happened through that historic initiation of Kalicharanji in 1939.

In AM history this day of Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' has deep importance, not just physical history but psychic and spiritual history too. It has a special significance because that day Parama Purusa infused His spiritual power and energy which is working and will work in future also. So this Shra'van'ii Pu'rn'ima' has great value.

In true sense human beings come on this earth to reach and achieve this goal - Parama Purus'a. And Parama Purusa Himself comes in the form of Ta'raka Brahma to help and execute this task. That is what was auspiciously started by our Sadguru Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji in 1939 when He graciously performed His first initiation.

THE DIVINE APPEARANCE OF TARAKA BRAHMA

As every Ananda Margii has realised, His divine advent (Ananda Purnima) itself is very meaningful; and, so is the special day of Shravanii Purnima when He blessed humanity by initiating aspirants onto the divine path of AM tantra sadhana.  Both days are historic events. Because Ta'raka Brahma comes on this earth to liberate one and all from all sorts of bondages: physical, psychic and spiritual.

Baba says, "No one need harbour any doubt that Parama Purus'a exists to promote the well-being of all created beings. If He was not concerned about the welfare of the living unit beings, He would have remained in His unqualified stance forever and would not have manifested Himself as Ta'raka Brahma or Sagun'a Brahma. But He did manifest Himself in this way and has
just showed His intention of promoting the well-being of humanity. That is why He has given the assurance:"

"Paritra'n'ya..."

"Now what is the necessity for His repeated advent into this world? To ensure human welfare; about that there is no doubt. Human welfare primarily means welfare in the spiritual stratum..." (Prout in a Nutshell-11 pg 59-60)

SHARANAGATI = UNDER HIS DIVINE SHELTER

So we are fortunate and especially graced that Baba has taken us in His loving shelter. When He has graciousluy accepted us as His disciples, it means we are in His divine care.

Those who do not have that deeper connection with Baba, with their superficial understanding they may think that 'Baba has left us, He has gone, He did not fulfill...'. But those who are devotees have the real understanding. They know that Baba is with us, and that HE is always remaining along with us. And we can have His communication, & we can get His blessing in Guru cakra through the medium of the dhya'na sadhana that He has taught us.

BABA'S BLESSING

Baba 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 Shrii Shrii Anandamurtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate
Its majesty." (Caryacarya II p.1)

Namaskar,
Chandra Shekhar

Bengali New Year For All?

Date: Sun, 15 Apr 2012 18:30:12 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Bengali New Year For All?
From: Gopal_Mukharjee@security-net...

Baba

== BENGALI NEW YEAR FOR ALL? ==

Namaskar,

On 14 April, respected Dada Kalyaneshvarananda of Tiljala announced to one and all the coming of the Bengali New Year. With due diligence and respect, let's take a moment to think and consider this announcement.

SPRING FESTIVAL ANALOGY

1) Our Caryacarya scripture is to be applied rationally across time, space, and person. For instance, one of our Ananda Marga festivals is Spring Festival, yet who can think that those in the southern hemisphere should observe spring festival the same day as those in the northern hemisphere. Because when spring is starting in the northern hemisphere then fall is starting in the southern hemisphere. Thus it would be silly and irrational for countries in the the southern hemisphere like Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and Argentina to celebrate spring according to the calendar date of countries in the northern hemisphere like Norway, Canada, Russia, and India. By this we can understand that the whole globe cannot follow one particular day for spring festival etc.

SHOULD BE CELEBRATED ONLY IN BENGAL

2) Similarly, the Bengali new year is for our Bengal – only. It is not meant for those other areas, regions, states, or countries. No one in the Tiljala faction should have the idea that the rest of the globe should also celebrate our Bengali new year.

3) Think about it. How would we feel here in Bengal if we were asked to celebrate the Cuban new year or the Greek new year. Probably we would not be inspired to celebrate that day. Similarly those outside our Bengal have little or no interest in celebrating the Bengali new year. Because it is a regional festival, not a universal one.

4) The situation is just like if someone living in a cold country in wintertime declared that everyone on the earth must wear heavy jackets. Then those living in tropical areas would laugh at such a suggestion. Because where they live the temperature is quite hot. So why should they wear an insulated snow jacket simply because someone in the depths of winter in a cold country makes such a proclamation.

5) The occasion of the Bengali new year is for Bengal – period.

BABA HAS GIVEN 1ST JANUARY AS NEW YEAR'S

6) Baba has already declared the international date of 1st January as the day of New Year’s celebration for our universal AM society. On that day, Baba would give the Ananda Vanii and hold DMC. So that is our New Year’s Day.

7) In Baba’s below Ananda Vanii it is quite clear that January 1st is our day of celebration for New Year’s:

“Struggle against evil forces is life. We have to remember this fact once again on this threshold of a happy New Year.” (Ananda Vanii #9,  1 January 1959)

ANANDA PURNIMA AS NEW YEAR'S

8) As you may know, one approach in our Marga has been to select Ananda Purnima as New Year's Day and construct the calendar around the date of the advent of Mahasambhuti Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji in human form. To that end, some of the early magazines published in the Marga featured this approach. Such magazines were dated using the day of Mahasambhuti Baba's advent as the starting point of the calendar year. That was called Ananda Yuga. This was the regular style for some of those early magazines. By this approach of making Ananda Purnima as New Year's Day, the New Year marks the date of Mahasambhuti’s advent on this earth. That gives everyone a constant reminder of Baba’s eternal and divine presence. As the teachings of Ananda Marga spread, this approach may gain widespread popularity.

SUMMARY

9) The overall idea is that ours is a rational society and we are to apply Baba’s teachings in a rational way. Here in Bengal, we will most certainly celebrate the Bengali New Year. But to expect that the rest of the world should also rejoice is not only unrealistic but against the sentiments of the people. No doubt Dadaji means well, but it should be clear to all that the Bengali New Year is for the people of Bengal - and should not be imposed on others. Naturally all brothers and sisters from our universal AM family should have full freedom to celebrate New Year's accordingly.

10) Please write in with your thoughts.

Namaskar,
Gopal Mukharjee

Note 1: UNIVERSAL IN SPIRIT, REGIONAL IN APPROACH

Although not stated explicitly, the underlying message of Kalyaneshvaranandji's email was that all should celebrate the Bengali New Year. The proof is that his email incited an involved discussion on one margii email forum about how around the world everyone should celebrate the Bengali New Year.

I have great regard for Dadaji on an individual level, yet feel that in our universal AM society each area should celebrate and honor their own local and regional customs, so long as they are consistent with AM ideals. Keeping this in mind, it does not make sense for margiis around the world to celebrate our Bengali New Year, just as it does not make sense for members of the various samajas to sing our A'mara' Bengali songs. Rather they should sing songs of their own samaj, and they should be allowed to celebrate the New Year according to their region.

Let us never forget Baba's Proutistic guideline, "universal in spirit but regional in approach." (A Few Problems Solved - 9, Socio-Economic Groupifications)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'laker saurrathe saba'y nite tumi esecho..."  - P.S. 1089

Purport:

Baba, O' my Parama Purusa, You have come with the shining chariot of divine effulgence. You have come to take everyone to the divine realm. You do not differentiate between who is great, who is meagre, & who is small etc. You listen to everyone's tales - to everyone's feeling of the heart.

Baba, O' Divine Entity, even without seeing You, I have loved You. By Your grace, I am always feeling close & loving towards You. And even when I have not heard about You, I have been attracted by Your divinity. Baba, You are so gracious. You do not make judgments based on one's merits or demerits. You love all, unconditionally. And I understand that You are always present - across all time and space.

O' my Dearmost, You have done so much for me, and in return You do not want anything. In spite of knowing about the hundreds of defects in me, You have made me Yours and accepted me as Your own.

Baba, You have showered Your causeless grace on me. You have come here on this dusty earth to bring everyone onto the path of divinity. Baba, You are so gracious...

Dadhiici: Celebration & Story of Great Sage

Date: 04 Mar 2012 18:37:48 -0000
From: “Kalpatru Deva”
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Dadhiici: Celebration & Story of Great Sage

Baba

== DADHIICI: STORY ABOUT THE GREAT SAGE ==

Namaskar,
We all know that tomorrow, March 5, is the sanctified day known as Dadhiici Divas– the occasion which commemorates those who valiantly sacrificed their lives for the great cause of dharma: AM ideology.

Here is some further background and meaning about this great event– which is one of our AM festivals.

HOW TO CELEBRATE

In addition to what was written in the prior letter, Dadhiici Divas: History & Observance, Dadhiici Divas is to be observed with all kinds of collective and joyous programs that celebrate the honour and well-being of humanity.

Uplifting functions like akhanda kiirtan, dharmacakra, mass feeding, clothing distribution, sports and games are most appropriate for this day. Literary, athletic, and science competitions are also welcomed as well as unifying events like collective bhajans and collective meals. People also observe a day of half-fasting and feed those in need.

Please write in with how you and your unit plan to honour this day.

SPECIAL POINT ABOUT DADHIICI

As we know, often is the case in India that martyrs are known as ‘shahiid’, which is an Arabic word. The common Hindi or Sanskrit term – Dadhiici – is not usually used.

While giving a discourse Baba make this point quite clear.

Baba says, “Those brave warriors who take part in the Islamic religious wars (jeha’dd) are called muja’hid in Arabic. Those muja’hids who give up their life in battle are called shahiid. Those who are victorious in battle are called ga’jii (if they live, ga’jii; if they die, shahiid). Similarly, those who give up their life in the Christian religious wars (crusades) are called “martyrs”. By what logic then do we call those brave progeny who give up their life for their country or for any other great cause shahiid? Instead, we can use the word dadhiici for them because Mahars’i Dadhiici sacrificed his life for the welfare of others. He did not lose his life in a jihad or crusade.” (Varna Vijiana, Disc 21)

In His above Baba commentary, Baba clarifies the meaning of the term shahiid and makes an explicit distinction between (a) those fanatics who die for the limited agenda of their dogmatic religion and (b) those great souls – Dadhiicis – who sacrifice their lives for that all-expansive cosmic ideology.

STORY: THE SACRIFICE OF THE GREAT SAGE DADHIICI

As the story goes, the elderly Mahars’i Dadhiici was a great rishi who stood for the cause of universal welfare. And ultimately he sacrificed his life for the human society.

In this mythological tale, it is told that when the devatas (pious people) and da’navas (demons) were fighting against one another, then in order to achieve permanent victory over the da’navas, the devatas went to Mahars’i Dadhiici for his blessing– and to get a boon from him.

Up until that point in the battle, the da’navas (wicked people) were winning the war. So the devatas (moralists) knew that something special needed to be done, otherwise they were sure to lose the war. And they also knew that Mahars’i Dadhiici had performed great penance in his life.

So the devatas approached Mahars’i Dadhiici knowing that if he gives one of the bones from his holy body then the vajra (mighty weapon like a lightening bolt) made from that bone will be enough to permanently annihilate the demonic forces.  Because it would take the bone of one great ascetic with lots of spiritual power in order to win the war. So only if Mahars’i Dadhiici sacrificed his life by giving one of his bones could the devatas be saved– otherwise not. With this in mind the devatas approached Mahars’i Dadhiici.

When they arrived at the doorstep of his ashram, the Mahars’i was deeply absorbed in sadhana. But knowing that they had come calling especially for him, he broke his meditation. And then after listening to the request of those devatas, Mahars’i Dadhiici agreed with their demand and he gave his approval for the plan.

Then the great Mahars’i Dadhiici permanently withdrew all the vital energy from his body through the practice of pranayama. And by this way the devatas (righteous forces) could make a weapon from the bones of his body and win the war. Thus Mahars’i Dadhiici gave up his existence for the great cause of universal welfare.

DADHIICI IS NOT THE SAME AS SHAHIID OR MARTYR

Since then the term ‘Dadahiici’ was born. It means sacrificing one’s life for the great cause– Bhagavata Dharma. Hence, according to Baba the term ‘Dadhiici’ is distinctly different from those other terms which denote one who has given their life for their narrow & dogmatic religion.

Baba says:
“When Christians die for Christendom, they are called martyrs;
When Muslims die for Islam they are called shahiids;
When My children sacrifice their live for the ideals of Bha’gavat Dharma,
I call them Dadhiicis.”  – 5 March, 1967

Therefore it is every year on this day of 5 March that we remember all those great souls who have given their life for the establishment of AM ideology.

SPECIAL NOTE:

EVERY SACRIFICE IS SIGNIFICANT

Each and every sacrifice is important – each and every person who sacrifices their life to save Ananda Marga / bhagavad dharma has great importance. No sacrifice is of less significance than another.

Whether it be those who sacrificed that fateful day on 2nd April 1982, or those who were killed in the fight with the communists in Ananda Nagar, or those who did self-immolation, they have all sacrificed their life to save bhagavad dharma. So we should regard them all the in equal life, with great honour.

Baba has denoted 5th March as this day to recognise all those who sacrificed. Those who sacrifice in the future, they too will be honoured on Dadhiici Divas. It is Baba’s distinct guideline that all dadhiciis will be honoured on this very day.

Namaskar,
Kalpatru Deva

Note: MORE ABOUT DADHIICI DIVAS

http://www.am-global-01.blogspot.com/2012/03/dadhiici-divas-history-observance.html

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“A’mi ca’i na’ ei sabhyata’, a’mi ca’i na’ kut’ilata’…” (PS 1341)

Purport:

O’ Lord, my life is for You and Your ideals. I do not want this pseudo-civilization. I do not want hypocrisy and cunningness. I want to float in the open, vast, blue sky – in the boundless open air with the softness of the birds where there are no limitations or boundaries of dogma.

I want more and more effulgence and free air, and the great sky which is studded with stars. I want that very mind which is saturated in divine love and dharma - where there is no presence of the bondages of crookedness, religion, groupism, or narrowness.

I always keep Parama Purusa in my mind and my heart. His blessing and His grace is my everything. By His grace I will go on painting and covering the darkness with the fragrance of sandal paste. Whatever and wherever impurity is there, by His grace it will be removed. This superficial culture and civilization I do not appreciate. I want straightforwardness. I want to lead a life under His shelter...

***************************************
Spiritual Progress in Future Humans & Animals

Baba says, “The human beings of that future age will be very sensitive…The functional jurisdiction of the brain will also increase. Similarly, many animals will become more sensitive and their vocabulary will increase. With intellectual development vocabulary increases, and the number of words in a language also increases. The functional jurisdiction of the brain of animals will increase too. With the help of spiritual practices, the human beings of the future will increase the functional jurisdiction of their brains with accelerating speed.” (PNS-17, p. 36)

***************************************

Confusion About Colour Festival

From: "Ramlal Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject:  Confusion About Colour Festival
Date: Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:41:19 +0530

Baba

                   == CONFUSION ABOUT COLOUR FESTIVAL ==

Namaskar,
In the jagrti on the day of colour festival, I was there when the margii arrived and I heard him ask Dadaji the question.

Already Dada had told everyone how we would celebrate and what we would do and I could see that the margii was a bit disappointed. When that margii could no longer contain his frustration, he asked the following question.

"Dadaji, today is spring festival. How can we make our offering to Baba during our puja without colours? We need some type of coloured powder or flower. But you have not brought any. Baba will be deprived because we do not have any colour to offer Him. He must be waiting for us as this is the day of the festival. Why is it that you did not supply coloured powder for us?"

Indeed, the margii was quite disappointed. He felt that actual colours (powders, flowers, incense sticks, & even blowing conch shells etc) must be offered to Baba in our puja during colour festival, otherwise Baba would be deprived.

The margii recounted that for years and years always he used coloured powder in his puja on spring festival. He furthermore told that all the margiis he knows do like this as well.

We all watched Dadaji to see how he would respond. With full sincerity, Dadaji told that colours were not a mandatory part of the program, but the margii was not convinced.

Later on, Dada and I went inside and read Baba's discourses on this topic and Dada asked that I write and share our findings with one and all on the email.

The critical point at hand is: Are physical colours like powder and flowers mandatory during our Guru Puja (offering of colours) in spring festival?


                                       BABA'S WORDS ABOUT THIS

Below are the quotes and citations which we found from Baba's guidelines.

In Caryacarya, Baba says the following about the use of coloured powder during puja in our spring festival celebrations.

Baba says, "Then, in the afternoon, all will perform collective Iishvara Prańidhána and Varńárghyadána (using áviir [coloured powder] or flowers of colours of their own choice)." (Caryacarya-1, Social Functions and Festivals)

In that same chapter of Caryacarya Baba further clarifies the matter.

Baba says, "In relation to Guru Pújá, one should remember that both crude and subtle offerings have equal value. Therefore one should not do anything merely for show." (CC-1)

So here above Baba clarifies that bother crude (physical) and subtle (psychic) colours could be offered during spring festival. It is not that coloured powders are absolutely mandatory.

Hence no one should be disturbed if actual colours are not used. One may offer physical colours such as flowers or mental colours. No one should blame or harass anyone if someone prefers to only offer mental colours. There should not be any confusion about this.


                                       BABA'S CLEARCUT GUIDELINE

Baba's next guideline offers great insight into the significance of our AM colour festival.

Baba says, "The main object of the Spring Colour Festival (Vasantotsava) is not playing with external colours; it is meant to offer Him the colours of different objects which have dyed the mind. When this practice of offering your own colours – your own attachments, becomes natural and easy, you will then merge in Him. Then you will have no need for any colour, for you will become colourless – you will go beyond the reach of any colour. Your unit-ego will become one with the Cosmic Ego." (Subhasita Samgraha - 3, 'Vibration Form & Colour')

By His above teaching the point is very clear. Our colour festival is not about coloured powders and flowers per se. Rather Baba guides us that the real import is the psycho-spiritual approach of offering the colours (i.e. attachments and obstacles) of one's mind.

Here again is the critical line from Baba's teaching.

Baba says, "The main object of the Spring Colour Festival (Vasantotsava) is not playing with external colours." (Subhasita Samgraha - 3, 'Vibration, Form & Colour')


                                                    SUMMARY

By all of Baba's above teachings, our approach in colour festival is very clear. There should not be any confusion. Those who wish to use physical colours may do so, but they must offer the colours of their mind as well. And those who wish to only offer their mental colours, that is in perfect accordance with Baba's teachings.

So no one should think that coloured dyes and powders are an absolute requirement for the celebration of our colour festival. On this point there should not be any confusion.

Namaskar,
Ramlal


Note 1:                             MORE OF BABA'S TEACHINGS

Here are more of Baba's teachings on this critical point:

[A] First in Ananda Sutram Baba says that ours is not the path of ritualistic worship wherein we only offer physical objects or engage in prayer etc

                         3-11. Prárthanárcaná mátraeva bhramamúlam.
        
               [Prayer and ritualistic worship become a source of confusion.]

Purport: It is useless to pray to God for something, for He is sure to give what is necessary. Solicitation or importunity in the name of worship is nothing but toadyism and flattery.

[B] Here below, in these next two quotes, Baba again explains the inner significance of spring festival.

Baba says, "The inner significance of the Dolyátra of Shrii Krśńa is this: “By surrendering all the colours of my mind to You, I want to become colourless.” This surrender to the Supreme Consciousness propels human beings towards Him. So this colour festival is not merely an outward play; it is purely a psycho-spiritual phenomenon. This very psycho-spiritual phenomenon is operating behind the process of varńárghyadána [offering of colours]:(2) “O Lord, make me colourless so that I may move towards You without any hesitation.”" (NH-LOI)

Baba says, "The significance of the Dol Liilá, the Spring Festival, is to surrender all one’s mental colour to Parama Puruśa, and thus free oneself from the bondage of colour." (Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 19)


Note 2:                     OUR AM COLOUR FESTIVAL IS UNIQUE

Our AM spring / colour festival - vasantaotsava - is totally unique. It is not a carbon copy of the dogmatic Hindu colour festival. Baba has given distinct dharmic reasons for the practice of our colour festival that is totally independent and different from the dogmatic Hindu rituals performed in their colour festival.


Note 3:                         MORE ABOUT SPRING FESTIVAL

    http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2011/03/special-significance-of-dolyatra.html

In AM Everything is Blissful

Date: Sat Dec 11 2010 04:58:39 -0000
From: "Shivadayal  Singhal"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: In AM Everything is Blissful

BABA

"Eso prabhu a'ma'r ghare toma'y a'mi ceyechi..."  (P.S. 946)

Purport:

  O' Prabhu Baba, please come in my home-- with the yearning & longing I
am calling You. I want You. Please listen to the suffering of my heart
which is grief-stricken in Your absence. Baba only for You I am surviving,
my life is for You.
  Baba You are the divine tower of effulgence on my dark path; and You are
the warmth of my broken heart. Baba You are the quintessence of the sandalwood
paste of my forehead; O' Lord You are pure and filled with the divine
effulgence.
  You are that type of pure joy & happiness which one feels after
receiving recovering something that was lost in the past. Baba, by Your
grace I have understood You. Baba please come close in my heart. You are my
most dear. For You I have kept nectar filled in my heart. Baba, please come
to me...


          == IN AM EVERYTHING IS BLISSFUL, NOT SAD ==

Namaskar,
As the year 2010 draws to a close, we must again reflect on the state
of things in our Marga.

By Baba's grace, He has blessed us with a divine ideology and all the
ways to make life blissful. We start our day with Guru Sakash and each
and every moment is filled with His presence as we practice madhuvidya
(2nd lesson), realizing that He is always watching us. At night we
take rest thinking if Him, lying in His sweet lap. By His grace our days
pass in bliss.

Furthermore, all our AM festivals serve as reminders of this divine truth.

All along however, one group has been and continues to struggle to make their
own mark and deviate from Baba's supreme directive, by infusing and even
reinforcing their own dogma. That has been their recurring theme
over these past 2 decades. All that is noted below.


               THIS UNIVERSE IS BATHED IN BLISS

Baba has blessed us by showering His sweet grace in all the directions.

        "A'nanda'ddhyeva....a'nandam' prayantyabhisam'vishanti."

Baba says, "This quinquelemental world has been born out of bliss, is being
maintained in bliss and into sacred bliss it will melt." (NKS)

So in our Marga where life itself is blissful then naturally our festivals are
also blissful. And of all our festivals, Ananda Purnima is the crowning
glory-- it is the festival of  festivals, full of bliss.

However one of the groups is pushing down Ananda Purnima by describing it
in their own downcast way. Needless to say, this goes against Baba's
fundamental teaching. Because in our Marga even the remembrance of the day
when Baba was poisoned in jail is celebrated in a festive way-- full of
bliss and merriment.


              EVEN NIILA KANTHA DIVAS IS BLISSFUL

When Baba was in jail and first poisoned, then immediately upon hearing
this very sad news, margiis and WTs could not understand how to observe
this horrible day. They had pain in their heart about the whole affair. So
according to their own way of thinking they were doing fasting on that very
day. Because everybody was thinking that Baba was poisoned by demons so it
was told by in-charges etc that at minimum a half-fast should be done that
day. It was done as a showing of sadness.

But when Baba came out from jail He guided the situation in a completely
different direction. Means He came out from jail and revealed what was to
be done and how to joyfully observe this historical and significant occasion.

Baba told that, 'This is not a sad day. The sinful forces wanted to destroy
our Marga and with that in mind they put their poison. But they could not
get success. And ultimately dharma became victorious. So that is why this
is not a sad day'.

Then Baba said, "So when enemies poisoned Me, then I had to feed them. So
naturally then this I did. But I did not feed them poison, but rather
nectar."

Then Baba in a very gracious, loving mood further told, that "Demons
poisoned Me on that day. And now our duty is to feed very delicious food to
needy people-- up to their heart-felt content and full satisfaction."
Hence our Niila Kantha divas program became a joyful day with a tasty
feast, sharing quality food to all.

NOTE: Here is a full transcription of Baba's explanation of Niila
Kantha Divas:

http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2010/02/babas-darshan-of-niilkantha-divas.html 

So when Niila Kantha divas is blissful then most certainly all our festival
days are blissful. Indeed that is our way of life in AM.

Unfortunately, since 1990, one group has had their own agenda, and in trying
to satisfy their agenda of Mahaprayan they are trying to cast all our
AM festivals in that way.

As Ananda Margiis, as His sons and daughters, we know that Baba Himself
is the embodiment of bliss and everything in this cosmos is His own
expression - a reflection of this bliss, including all our AM
festivals.


            IN OUR MARGA ALL OUR FESTIVALS ARE BLISSFUL

Here is Baba's divine guideline about the positivity of festivals.

Baba says, "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." (AFPS-5, p.18)

Namaskar,
Shivadayal

nb: It is my hope others will also share thoughts.


Note 1:             THEIR DEEP-SEATED PLAN

Since 1990 - i.e. for the past 20 years - one group in particular has been
trying to put forth their hidden agenda. Since that time other groups have
also come to the fore, by learning the tricks of the orginal group, i.e.
Sarvatmananda's team.

From the get-go Sarvatmananda and Co have tried to make Tiljala the epicenter
for their financial and political gain by making it into a tiirtha. They
continually called all to Tiljala for their dogmatic Mahaprayan programme
and even made it mandatary to attend - lest Wts be sidelinded and margiis
yanked from the Bhukti Pradhan voter list etc.

And indeed in 1990, they inserted the the dogma of Mahaprayan into the
appendix of Caryacarya I and called it a "solemn occasion". To justify
this dogma over the years they have created further dogmas.

See first how they typically would describe the occasion of MPD:

B group wrote: "The anniversary of BABA's Mahaprayan is being observed at
Camp HQs of Ananda Marga at 527, VIP Nagar Kolkata. This solemn programme..."
(10/22/04)

Then on the anniversary of the day when so many AM sannyasis were murdered
in cold blood in Calcutta, B group observed this heinous act in "solemn
fashion".

B group wrote: "sacrifice of 17 sanyasis on 30th April 1982... This year we
are again observing this day in the most solemn way." (4/27/03)

Yet, we know that on the very day in 1982 when it was reported to Baba
that this horrific incident took place, then His first and foremost order
was to sing and dance kiirtan. He would not allow us to sink into a
depressed and sullen mood as that would only signify victory to our
assailants. So Baba had His special manner, which unfortunately certain
groupists could not or refused to emulate.

And - to further make it look like all AM festivals are like their dogmatic
Mahapryan progamme - Sarvatmananda & Co began painting Ananda Purnima in their
dogmatic way and began observing Ananda Purnima as a "solemn" affair:

B group wrote: "At Kolkata Camp HQs. Ananda Purnima 2005, ...
ended with observation of the solemn moment of His birth...observe the
solemn moment with utmost sobriety." (5/24/05)

The whole point is that due to their crusty dogmatic outlook and
seeing everything in a nihilistic way by starting their dogmatic Mahaprayan
ordeal, B group could not and cannot escape from this negative tailspin as their
dogmatic minds perceive everything-- including Ananda Purnima-- as being
negative, i.e. sad.

Two things have resulted:
1. They invented their dogmatic Mahaprayan for their own gain and stature yet
in so doing their own minds became negatively affected by really thinking
Baba is gone.
2. With that defective mindset they started painting other areas of AM life
in that same dark mood. Such is the way dogma works - it multiplies.

This history must not be forgotten, lest others do like this.

That is why in this last month of 2010, we must not forget the dangers of
dogmas like Mahaprayan and work together to ensure that we represent our
AM way of life in its true and original blissful manner.

By Baba's grace, our Marga society has come a far as only a very few - due
to their groupist allegiance - pay any mind to MPD.

Everyone else follow Baba's divine way.


Note 2:              BABA'S GRANDEUR

By Baba's grace He is always with us showering His bliss.

Baba 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." (Caryacarya II p.1)


         ******************************************
                      Time of Eating

Baba says, "This rainy season cucumber is called shashakphalam. This
shashaka phala is a favourite food of the shashaka (in English, "hare").
For this reason its name became shashaka phala. However, one shouldn't
think by this that rabbits don't also love to eat cucumbers."

"Cucumbers which are not grown in the rainy season, but which are grown on
scaffolds rather than being allowed to creep along the ground are also
called shashaka phala. If this shashaka variety of cucumber is left to
creep along the ground then it easily falls prey to insect attacks and its
fruit is destroyed." (SC-3, Disc 19)

Note 1: According to Baba, it is highly beneficial if the small variety of
cucumber is eaten in the morning up to 11 o'clock. That is very good. And
in fact the earlier in the day it is taken the better; and guava falls in a
similar category. If such foods are eaten in the afternoon and late hours,
then it causes cough and cold. This idea Baba has guided in various
discourses / acarya diary.

Note 2: This cucumber is found around the globe and people use it in
salads; that is why it is important topic to discuss with one and all.
         ******************************************