BABA NAM KEVELAM
To gain insight into the spiritual philosophy of Ananda Marga one should first be familiar with the universal mantra that Shrii Shrii Anandamurti has given to humanity. This mantra encompasses not only the essence of Ananda Marga but the essence of every creature’s existence on this earth.
‘Baba’ means the Beloved One, the Supreme Father or God as we know Him in the West; ‘Nam’ means the name and ‘Kevelam’ means only, so BABA NAM KEVELAM means the Name of my Beloved is the Only One. In other words, all that we see around us, from the breathtaking to the heart rending, all that we feel – every sorrow, every joy, every tear, every disappointment – is all Him in different guises. Our physical world does exist of course, this cannot be denied, but it is a relative truth. The truth, the essence of every created entity, the nucleus through which every one of us is linked by a fine thread of love, is Him. And although the capricious play of the material world may destroy or create its’ players, may give love or withdraw it, bring happiness or plunge in the knife of affliction, This Nucleus remains Ever Unchanging, Ever Blissful, Ever Loving. It is He who binds us all and it is He who is Eternal, the Only One. And it is because every created being in its’ purest form is Him that all is Eternal, all is Him. That is why when, through regular and sustained spiritual practice rather than through reasoning or religious doctrine, we know this with all our heart, only then do we throw up our arms and sing and dance in His Name, His Ever Beautiful Name.
Baba Nam Kevelam. His Name Alone.
‘Baba’ means the Beloved One, the Supreme Father or God as we know Him in the West; ‘Nam’ means the name and ‘Kevelam’ means only, so BABA NAM KEVELAM means the Name of my Beloved is the Only One. In other words, all that we see around us, from the breathtaking to the heart rending, all that we feel – every sorrow, every joy, every tear, every disappointment – is all Him in different guises. Our physical world does exist of course, this cannot be denied, but it is a relative truth. The truth, the essence of every created entity, the nucleus through which every one of us is linked by a fine thread of love, is Him. And although the capricious play of the material world may destroy or create its’ players, may give love or withdraw it, bring happiness or plunge in the knife of affliction, This Nucleus remains Ever Unchanging, Ever Blissful, Ever Loving. It is He who binds us all and it is He who is Eternal, the Only One. And it is because every created being in its’ purest form is Him that all is Eternal, all is Him. That is why when, through regular and sustained spiritual practice rather than through reasoning or religious doctrine, we know this with all our heart, only then do we throw up our arms and sing and dance in His Name, His Ever Beautiful Name.
Baba Nam Kevelam. His Name Alone.