The accumulated distortions of many lifetimes cannot be removed in the twinkling of an eye. The removal of these distortions requires prolonged cultivation of knowledge, selfless devotion, and untiring action. The world expects tremendous work from you; so you must not sit idle like a frog in a well under the spell of inertia. Therefore awake, arise.

– Shrii Shrii Anandamurti Jii

Baba personally narrates the incident of Shrávańii Púrńimá 1939, when he given the first spiritual initiation to Kalicharan:

This is Shrávańii Púrńimá. It is an important day. Then I was very young, studying in Vidyasagar 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, Shrávańii Púrnima, has again returned. A long time has elapsed since then. That was perhaps in 1939. This all took place 41 years ago. You must try to arouse the seed of benevolence that lies hidden in the inner recesses of the human mind. How can this seed be aroused? Human beings will have to apply all sorts of measures – persuasion, scolding etc.; and at the same time you will have to continue your efforts so that the dormant seeds of psychic potentialities express themselves. And with their expression, the whole society will be benefited. Today human beings must be inspired and motivated, and thus discipline is essential. To impose discipline is not bad. It has been said in the scriptures: Hitarthe shásanam ityarthe anushásanam. “That discipline which leads to the welfare of all human beings is called anushásanam.” Society requires enforced discipline. In the scriptures it is also said: Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiyate: “One who is capable of punishing or rewarding oneʼs followers is called a Guru, a true teacher”. Only one who can discipline as well as love a person, can be called a Guru.

— Baba’s Discourse on Shrávańii Púrńimá – August 25, 1980

How to Celebrate Shrávańii Púrńima

The full-moon day of Shrávána. It celebrates the day of the first initiation given by Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrtijii.

Twice collective Iishvara Prańidhána and Varńárghyadána, collective noon and night meals, merry celebrations, spiritual conferences, literary meetings, procession with táńd́ava dance in the afternoon.

SHRÁVAŃII PURŃIMÁR KATHÁ || Prabhat Samgiita #4954 || Ananda Marga

SHRÁVAŃII PURŃIMÁR KATHÁ
ÁJ MANE PAŔE
ÁJ KE MANE PAŔE BANDHU
ÁJ KE MANE PAŔE
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MANE PAŔE JAD́A CETANE
E KII KHELÁ KARE
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ÁKÁSH CHILO MEGHA MEDURA
KHUSHII BHARÁ JALA DADURA
BAHITE CHILO JÚTHII MADHURA
PAVAN ÁVEGA BHARE
ÁJ MANE PAŔE

JAŔE HOLO CETANA SAḾGHÁTA
MANER MÁJHE MANTRA SAMPÁTA
HOLO NÚTANA ÁLOKA PÁTA
KUHELIKÁ CIIRE
ÁJ MANE PAŔE

SHRÁVAŃII PURŃIMÁR KATHÁ
ÁJ MANE PAŔE