“The expansion of the individual into the universal is possible only when God-thought rules your mind,
when God-love fills your heart and God’s will governs your actions. Whenever you see anybody,
you must see not only the external form but also the indwelling Reality. This is the true vision.”
— Swami Ramdas
Anandashram’s daily routine, as designed by Pujya Mataji Krishnabai is such that it aids at ‘the expansion of the individual into the universal.’
As the devotees visiting Anandashram have varying spiritual inclinations, to ensure that there is something for everyone who visits, besides chanting Ram Nam, which is the mainstay of Ashram, various other devotional programmes like Flower Offering, Bhajans, Arati, Satsang etc. are also included. Of course, in line with the teaching of the Masters, Nama plays the most crucial role in the spiritual practices. The object of repeating the Name of God is to purify the mind and thereby get the awareness of Him within. The Name is the link between the devotee and God.
To make it more effective. Devotees are encouraged to participate in as many programmes as possible depending upon their spiritual inclinations.
There are several programmes held in the
Routine — For Expansion From Individual To Universal
Anandashram is a school and therefore the daily programmes have been designed in such a way as to help the devotees / Sadhakas to learn the different aspects of Nama, Dhyana, Seva and self-surrender, and practice them in their daily lives to progress steadily on the spiritual path. Daily programmes are broadly as mentioned below
Seva Activities
Seva activities connected with the running of the Ashram as well as reaching out to others go on silently as a part of Sadhana and are meticulously done.
In accordance with the teachings and legacy of Swami Ramdas, emphasising that the Divine provides, spends and receives, Anandashram engages in various Seva activities using voluntary offerings. These activities include providing aid for education, supporting the handicapped and elderly, offering medical assistance, supporting orphanages and palliative care, providing shelter for the homeless, contributing to charitable institutions, promoting self-employment, and aiding in natural calamities and animal welfare (Go-Rakshana).
The funds for these activities are brought in through devotee-donors, who contribute voluntarily. The Ashram then utilises these funds through its dedicated Sevaks to provide assistance and support to those in need. Ultimately, the beneficiaries of these Seva activities are the recipients who receive the aid and support, completing the cycle of giving and receiving in alignment with the Divine principle.
Four Steps In The Spiritual Journey
- until we feel His nearness;
- until we become aware of His presence;
- until we have the vision of Him everywhere about us
- until we realise our oneness with Him.
Steadily we have to practice concentration of thought on God