Baba
For cure: do it properly
Namaskar,
You know that in our Ananda Marga, everything is done in a very systematic way: Sadhana, our way of eating, bathing, and so many other facets of life including our Ananda Marga dances. Those dances like kaośikii should be done in a specific manner according to Guru's guidelines, otherwise all the benefits are lost.
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How to derive maximum benefit from kaoshikii
To best derive the numerous benefits of kaoshikii, it should be done according to the following tenets:
(A) Frequency: Kaoshkii should be practiced before one’s morning and evening asanas, i.e. twice daily. For brothers, the tandava dance should be done after kaoshikii and before asanas.
(B) Bending: When dancing kaoshikii it is extremely important to bend the body properly in all four directions to get maximum benefit. Just doing a bend from the shoulders and neck will not do. The body should be fully lengthened when upright and then start the bend from the lower spine (i.e. around the level of the manipura cakra) in the appropriate direction. And each bend should be pure; that means when bending to the sides there should not be any forward motion in the bend. It must be purely a side bend etc, a minimum of 45 degree angular bend to the left and right etc. .
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(C) Duration: One should practice kaoshikii according to their capacity:
About below photo
Unfortunately, at one DMS, the Wt organisers failed to give basic guidelines to our young margii boys and girls about our Ananda Marga dances. This is most disturbing because our innocent youths who participate in DMS activities, like the kaośikii dance, are obviously involved and interested in Ananda Marga. And that interest and enthusiasm should be properly cultivated and harnessed. Yet the Wt organisers and in-charges failed to do the needful and could not guide those innocent youths in the right way.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
So it is sad that the efforts of those willing, eager, and youthful margiis, who were trying their best to dance, were undermined by in-charge Wts because those youths were never taught the proper way. And this had a cascading effect. Those in attendance also got the wrong teaching about how dance should be done - as well as all those who heard about it from others etc.
Unfortunately, it was not just our margii boys who were victims - the young girls also suffered. Wt Didis failed to teach those young girls the proper way to dance kaosikii. They did not teach the fundamentals about (a) keeping the arms straight, (b) keeping the vision fixed, (c) having the palms together, (d) bending in the right way, and (e) dancing in unison etc.
See here below how our Wts Didis were unable to properly teach and guide our young margii girls. Here is that scene.
It is obvious that the above photo is from one DMS. Unfortunately, Wt Didis could not impart proper kaosikii training to these sincere youths. Some of the girls are trying hard and others simply just do not know what to do. Their arms are not raised properly, and they are all dancing without any rhythm. Some have their eyes closed, some open, some are looking to the sky and others are looking downwards or to the side. It is all over the place. But it is not their fault - they are sincere youths. That is why they came to DMS and eagerly participated.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Opportunity Lost - Many harms done
The whole problem lies with the trainer Didis who could not give those girls the requisite training. This type of display on the dais in front of all gives a very poor impression.
(a) Those who are new think this is the proper way - those naive people think that these are the best who are dancing. And they got the lesson that doing anything in a haphazard manner is kaosikii.
(b) If general margiis watch people dance kaosikii in an expert manner then those in the audience will be benefitted and learn how they can improve their own dance etc. But that could not happen with this type of display.
(c) Margiis came from remote villages where acaryas never go and they will not see anyone. So this was a lost opportunity to teach them how to properly do AM practices like kaosikii.
(d) Teens have enthusiasm to learn and do and if it is not done then, they will never get the opportunity to learn and practice. At DMS teenagers always do kaosikii and tandava - not adults.
(e) To solve this problem various age groups should practice and display at DMS. Otherwise new and aged margiis will think it is not for them. Yet those aged people need it - they are suffering from disease - and kaosikii is the medicine to help cure their ailments - but they are not getting that benefit because they are not practicing.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Sadly, in the above photo our youthful margii girls tried hard but to no fault of their own could not do the dance properly. Those in-charge Didi were remiss in their duty to properly guide those girls.
What to learn from this
So there are a few points to take away from this:
1. In-charge Wts should be more keen in giving guidelines; lest they always fall short in their duty, and adversely affect the growth of sadhakas.
2. It is very important to give our own youths the proper tools to adhere to Sixteen Points and perform AM dances properly. If our own acaryas are not doing this then who will.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Benefits of kaosikii
Here below are some of Guru’s many guidelines about dance kaosikii.
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "This [kaośikii] dance is both an exercise, and a medicine for twenty-two diseases. It is a sort of panacea for almost all female diseases, and for many male diseases in younger boys. It is a medicine for most liver diseases. It assures safe deliveries for women, and also checks the advent of old age. It is a medicine." (1)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The heel of the foot is related to the sound tá, the ball of the foot to the sound dhin, and the toes to the sound dhae. In the kaośikii dance all three are utilized." (2)
Conclusion
It is important to inculcate our youths with good teachings and the right method. Just as we teach our margii children about the right way to eat, so they can reap the benefits of a sentient diet for their entire life, similarly our youths should be taught the correct method for practicing Ananda Marga dances like kaosikii so they can get those benefits each and every day. Alas, when our own Wts fail to guide our youths in this endeavor, then there is a big loss. Those youths will not get the benefits of that practice, and even worse, the younger generation will fail to be the torchbearers of our Ananda Marga practices, like the kaosikii dance, as Guru’s system is not being followed.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
in Him,
Mamata’
Special ideation for jinaniis for kaosikii
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Kaośikii: The two hands when upraised and folded together represent, “Now I am trying to establish a link with Parama Puruśa.” Both hands bending to the right indicate, “I know the right way to request You.” The bending of the body should be at a 45° angular projection. The leftward movement represents, “I know how to fulfil Your demands.” The movement of bending in front suggests complete surrender. The backward bending represents, “I am ready to face all troubles that may come,” The last tá, tá represents, “O Lord, I repeat Your rhythm.”" (3)
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, The Cosmic Father Has a Special Responsibility
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 15, Táńd́ava, Shástra, and the Teachings of Shiva
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Dances and the Path of Vidyá
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
Not only sub-human, but sub-animal
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Human beings devoid of bhágavata dharma are just like animals. I have already said that if human beings lack bhágavata dharma they are actually worse than animals. Animals do not have a developed intellect or consciousness; human beings do. If human beings fail to utilize their developed intellect and consciousness, choosing to avoid the pursuit of bhágavata dharma, they are the enemies of humanity and a slur on the human race. Their actions, having no relation to bhágavata dharma, should be considered contrary to humanity and their innate characteristic. Their future is bound to be doomed, like that of a huge tree struck by lightning. The downtrodden masses who long to better themselves should embrace the path of bhágavata dharma. The easiest and most natural way for human civilization and humanity to grow is through bhágavata dharma. There is no other way. Hence, those who sincerely seek the welfare of humanity must uphold bhágavata dharma.” (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life, Bhágavata Dharma
Postings to Read
(C) Duration: One should practice kaoshikii according to their capacity:
(1) Essentially, one should do kaoshikii until one is tired or out of breath etc.
(2) The duration or timing is not common for all. A weaker or aged person may get exhausted within a few minutes, or less; whereas, a strong person may not even feel tired after dancing for 10 or 20 minutes. The best approach is to dance kaoshikii until you are exhausted. If the dance is done at a faster pace then naturally one will become exhausted more quickly.
(3) Remember, according to Ananda Marga teachings, there is no such thing as an asana competition. However, Baba did oversee and give prizes for both kaoshikii and tandava competitions. In those competitions, the winners were selected on the basis of keeping proper form for a maximum amount of time. So, for one’s daily practice, doing the dances to a high degree of proficiency for an extended period - i.e. until one is exhausted - is highly encouraged and quite beneficial.
About below photo
Unfortunately, at one DMS, the Wt organisers failed to give basic guidelines to our young margii boys and girls about our Ananda Marga dances. This is most disturbing because our innocent youths who participate in DMS activities, like the kaośikii dance, are obviously involved and interested in Ananda Marga. And that interest and enthusiasm should be properly cultivated and harnessed. Yet the Wt organisers and in-charges failed to do the needful and could not guide those innocent youths in the right way.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
So it is sad that the efforts of those willing, eager, and youthful margiis, who were trying their best to dance, were undermined by in-charge Wts because those youths were never taught the proper way. And this had a cascading effect. Those in attendance also got the wrong teaching about how dance should be done - as well as all those who heard about it from others etc.
Unfortunately, it was not just our margii boys who were victims - the young girls also suffered. Wt Didis failed to teach those young girls the proper way to dance kaosikii. They did not teach the fundamentals about (a) keeping the arms straight, (b) keeping the vision fixed, (c) having the palms together, (d) bending in the right way, and (e) dancing in unison etc.
See here below how our Wts Didis were unable to properly teach and guide our young margii girls. Here is that scene.
It is obvious that the above photo is from one DMS. Unfortunately, Wt Didis could not impart proper kaosikii training to these sincere youths. Some of the girls are trying hard and others simply just do not know what to do. Their arms are not raised properly, and they are all dancing without any rhythm. Some have their eyes closed, some open, some are looking to the sky and others are looking downwards or to the side. It is all over the place. But it is not their fault - they are sincere youths. That is why they came to DMS and eagerly participated.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Opportunity Lost - Many harms done
The whole problem lies with the trainer Didis who could not give those girls the requisite training. This type of display on the dais in front of all gives a very poor impression.
(a) Those who are new think this is the proper way - those naive people think that these are the best who are dancing. And they got the lesson that doing anything in a haphazard manner is kaosikii.
(b) If general margiis watch people dance kaosikii in an expert manner then those in the audience will be benefitted and learn how they can improve their own dance etc. But that could not happen with this type of display.
(c) Margiis came from remote villages where acaryas never go and they will not see anyone. So this was a lost opportunity to teach them how to properly do AM practices like kaosikii.
(d) Teens have enthusiasm to learn and do and if it is not done then, they will never get the opportunity to learn and practice. At DMS teenagers always do kaosikii and tandava - not adults.
(e) To solve this problem various age groups should practice and display at DMS. Otherwise new and aged margiis will think it is not for them. Yet those aged people need it - they are suffering from disease - and kaosikii is the medicine to help cure their ailments - but they are not getting that benefit because they are not practicing.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Sadly, in the above photo our youthful margii girls tried hard but to no fault of their own could not do the dance properly. Those in-charge Didi were remiss in their duty to properly guide those girls.
What to learn from this
So there are a few points to take away from this:
1. In-charge Wts should be more keen in giving guidelines; lest they always fall short in their duty, and adversely affect the growth of sadhakas.
2. It is very important to give our own youths the proper tools to adhere to Sixteen Points and perform AM dances properly. If our own acaryas are not doing this then who will.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
Benefits of kaosikii
Here below are some of Guru’s many guidelines about dance kaosikii.
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "This [kaośikii] dance is both an exercise, and a medicine for twenty-two diseases. It is a sort of panacea for almost all female diseases, and for many male diseases in younger boys. It is a medicine for most liver diseases. It assures safe deliveries for women, and also checks the advent of old age. It is a medicine." (1)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "The heel of the foot is related to the sound tá, the ball of the foot to the sound dhin, and the toes to the sound dhae. In the kaośikii dance all three are utilized." (2)
Conclusion
It is important to inculcate our youths with good teachings and the right method. Just as we teach our margii children about the right way to eat, so they can reap the benefits of a sentient diet for their entire life, similarly our youths should be taught the correct method for practicing Ananda Marga dances like kaosikii so they can get those benefits each and every day. Alas, when our own Wts fail to guide our youths in this endeavor, then there is a big loss. Those youths will not get the benefits of that practice, and even worse, the younger generation will fail to be the torchbearers of our Ananda Marga practices, like the kaosikii dance, as Guru’s system is not being followed.
http://anandamarganewsbulletin.blogspot.com
in Him,
Mamata’
Special ideation for jinaniis for kaosikii
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "Kaośikii: The two hands when upraised and folded together represent, “Now I am trying to establish a link with Parama Puruśa.” Both hands bending to the right indicate, “I know the right way to request You.” The bending of the body should be at a 45° angular projection. The leftward movement represents, “I know how to fulfil Your demands.” The movement of bending in front suggests complete surrender. The backward bending represents, “I am ready to face all troubles that may come,” The last tá, tá represents, “O Lord, I repeat Your rhythm.”" (3)
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, The Cosmic Father Has a Special Responsibility
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 15, Táńd́ava, Shástra, and the Teachings of Shiva
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Dances and the Path of Vidyá
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Not only sub-human, but sub-animal
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, “Human beings devoid of bhágavata dharma are just like animals. I have already said that if human beings lack bhágavata dharma they are actually worse than animals. Animals do not have a developed intellect or consciousness; human beings do. If human beings fail to utilize their developed intellect and consciousness, choosing to avoid the pursuit of bhágavata dharma, they are the enemies of humanity and a slur on the human race. Their actions, having no relation to bhágavata dharma, should be considered contrary to humanity and their innate characteristic. Their future is bound to be doomed, like that of a huge tree struck by lightning. The downtrodden masses who long to better themselves should embrace the path of bhágavata dharma. The easiest and most natural way for human civilization and humanity to grow is through bhágavata dharma. There is no other way. Hence, those who sincerely seek the welfare of humanity must uphold bhágavata dharma.” (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life, Bhágavata Dharma
== Section 2: Links ==
Future of AMPS
Way to effortlessly learn Prout
How Wts sink
Our great Dada Vijayananda ji
Story: all-knowing Baba
