Story: Baba's Humour

Baba 

PS Intro: This following Prabhat Samgiita can be understood in two distinct ways: 

(1) Baba is depicting the advent of Parama Purusa as Mahasambhuti in the play of His divine liila; and,

(2) this song refers to Baba's divine appearance in dhyana. 

"Na'm na'-ja'na' ma'na' na'-ma'na' rauniin parii ese pa'she..." (P.S. 2983) 

Purport: 

One shining, colorful angel of unknown name came close to me. This angel was not concerned about getting respect or not. Just it graciously came to me. Its eyes were glowing with golden effulgence, and this divine angel told something to me. 

The angel said: 'My abode is in the divine world yet to accomplish the work & for the welfare of all, I move around this entire universe. All those who love me, I pull them close.' 

'Without stopping I move continuously around this entire universe.' The angel furthermore told, 'In the bond of love, I also get caught. I float in the flow of divine songs.' 

From the divine world one angel has come and graced me, and told me all the secrets of its advent... 

Note: In this song Baba is using the allegory of an angel, yet in true sense He is talking about Himself. Thus, although the word - parii - literally means 'angel', but in Prabhat Samgiita the real meaning of the term parii is: Baba the Parama Purusa. 

== STORY: BABA'S HUMOUR == 

Namaskar,

In His divine manner, Baba made everyone laugh at this DMC (Dharma Maha Cakra) with His humourous comment. 

HERE IS THE SCENE

 

It was May 1983 in Ananda Nagar and general darshan was going on.

The Prabhat Samgiita was sung. It was song #58, Dujane jakhan miliche takhan, which is a song about marriage. As per the custom, after the song was sung, then in Baba's presence, selected Dadas read their purports. 

The basic idea of the song is: 

O' human beings, when two people are being united in marriage, then you all shower them with your good wishes. Amidst their burning sorrows, amidst their garlands of joy, in their pains and pleasures, be with them always. 

Our human society is indivisible, neglecting not a single family. Let us all sing and dance together. Accept everyone as your own. 

With the sweet music of the earth, give this newly married couple your affectionate words and wishes. Give them sweet messages of love. Fill their lives with colour and shower them with your well wishing... 

HERE COMES BABA'S HUMOROUS COMMENT

 

As everyone may recall, it was quite normal for Baba to add and correct the purports read by various Dadas. This day was no different. 

When the Dada finished reading His Hindi purport, Baba started reciting this Sanskrit shloka about marriage. 

Kanya' varayate ru'pam, ma'ta' vittam, pita' shruti,

Ba'ndhavaha hitam icchanti, mis't'a'nnam itare jana'h 

While smiling, Baba then gave the following explanation: 

At the time of marriage, the bride longs for a handsome groom; the mother hopes that the bride and groom become wealthy; the father hopes the groom is a talented and smart husband for his daughter; the friends desire that in spite of all of life's difficulties the newlyweds should be happy; and others in attendance hope that whatever may be, there should be the distribution of sweets. 

With His wide smile, and looking across the pandal from left to right, He said: "I belong to the last group!" 

Hearing this, everyone started laughing. 

REFLECTION ON ABOVE STORY 

By His divine example, Baba is demonstrating that there should be a very sweet and cordial relation when teaching others. As the ideal Guru, and Supreme teacher, Baba always maintained a familial and loving relationship with His disciples, where there was always a perfect symmetry between discipline and humour. 

As Ananda Margiis, when guiding others it is our duty to create this same balance. When we teach others we should emulate Baba's appraoch. We should not be too strict where there is no time for laughter. That will not achieve the desired result. Through the use of humour, talented teachers hold the interest of their students. Laughter helps bring the wandering mind back onto the topic with greater focus. 

Those who fail to use any humour in their teaching style are poor teachers. Indeed, we have all seen how some professors remain aloof when they are teaching; that makes for a very poor relationship with students. In contrast, some teachers are too casual and relaxed in their teaching style. That also is not good because when the time comes to impose discipline, they cannot do it.

Between the teacher and student, there should be a proper balance between discipline and humour. That is Baba's teaching. 

Finally, the above story is not an uncommon occasion. In every discourse and darshan, Baba would lovingly create the situation where everyone would laugh and feel joyous. This was part and parcel of His beautiful and effecive teaching style. By this way, all bhaktas kept focused on the topic and enjoyed Baba's darshan. 

BABA'S SPECIAL MANNER

Being a Parama Purusa, Taraka Brahma and Sadguru, Baba was very humorous and loving. Irrespective of anyone's economic or social standing, all margiis felt close to Him. By this way they came closedevotionally as well. Between God and His devotees there should not be any distance or complex. Every margii felt Baba to be their own, by His grace. 

During His each and every discourse, Baba used to create certain situations wherein everyone would laugh. 

"Laughter gives happiness." (Yoga Psychology) 

Namaskar,

in Him,

Surya