WAY TO IMPROVE SADHANA =

 == WAY TO IMPROVE SADHANA == 

 Namaskar, In the life of each and every sadhaka - in the life of each and every A'nanda Ma'rgii - there is an inherent desire to make sadhana better and better, by His grace.This is the common feeling amongst all bhaktas. To that end, we follow Baba's various do's and don'ts.Before sadhana we do half-bath, find a quiet place, do sastaunga pranam, and then sing and dance kiirtan before sitting for meditation. However in this ultra-modern and technological era, where machines and gadgets often dominate our lives, there is the tendency just to listen to kiirtan via a stereo etc - and not sing ourselves. while living in this modern era we should be aware. Because Baba's guideline is that to get the real benefit of kiirtan then one must sing - loudly. "To proclaim the glories of Parama purus'a, the Supreme Consciousness, in a loud voice is termed 'kiirtana'. The Sam'skrta root verb kirtt means to 'utter something loudly so that others may also hear it'; thus kiirtana meansto proclaim the glories of the Lord loudly for all to hear."(1) Here again Baba delivers the same message, in slightly different language. "Kiirtana means to utter good words loudly; not mentally, nor in a whisper, but loud enough for everyone to hear. It is never done secretly, but always openly...So devotees will openly sing praises to Parama Purus'a. Kiirtanameans, as I said a little earlier, to sing the Lord's glory in a loud voice."(2) As Baba explains above, part and parcel of "doing kiirtan" means singing kiirtan - not just listening to kiirtan.And best is to dance as well.In this way one can get 100% benefit: A unique devotional feeling overcomes the entire existence and one feels a deep sense of peace within.This we have all surely experienced.