PART TWO of an interview, which Ma gave in 2004.

What are the fruits of the different anusthan practices; for example, doing malas of the Guru mantra versus writing it, reciting the Rama Raksha Stotram or the Hanuman Chalisa?

The basic goal for any of those practices is to achieve a level of purification in order to attain Self-realization. At a very deep level, the practices burn away past karma and samskaras, which are the major blocks. On an external level, the goal is to remove our aspects of ego, fear, and anger that also create blocks. At the same time, you want to attain perfection of the particular mantra or the stotram by completing the basic number that is scripturally required and recommended.

A practice may also be done with the intention to accomplish a specific worldly purpose. For example, you may do an anusthan for someone to be healed or to be more financially stable.

In light of that, what advice do you have for choosing a practice to do for anusthan? Is there a rule of thumb that we should follow?

Ideally, whenever there’s a desire to do an anusthan, it is advised that you always talk to your Guru, because the intuition of the Guru is the best, in terms of what you need for your evolution. If that is not possible, you can do as many Ram mantras as possible. Besides that, see what is predominantly coming to your heart at that time. If there is a strong desire to do a particular practice, then that is what the energy is leading you to follow. So if you cannot physically communicate with your Guru, it is good to listen to your own inner voice.

If we know that Anandi Ma is doing an anusthan, is there a subtle benefit for us to do one at the same time?

The Guru is constantly functioning at the subtle level. During anusthan there is not a change or heightening of that energy. But because the Guru has broken off any external communication during an anusthan, She is more focused, so when a disciple also does anusthan at the same time, the bond between the Guru and disciple can function more profoundly. Still, the Guru could be heavily engaged, and if the disciple is in the situation of an anusthan or just needs something, the subtle connection is always equally powerful, in terms of its intensity. So it could be beneficial, but it’s not necessary that the disciple would gain something more at that time. During the days of Navratri, yes, it might be better, but in a general way, it’s not a fixed rule.

How important is it for a disciple to arrange a time to do an anusthan during the powerful days of the year?

The times that are prescribed are important, and Guruji particularly said that any disciple who was keen on evolving at a good pace should do anusthan during the two Navratri’s for sure. It’s also important to follow, if not all, as many of the anusthan guidelines as possible. But the most important thing is to make the time to do some spiritual practice at those times.

It is wise and ideal to take advantage of these days because when you put in the time and energy, you get double the spiritual benefit for your work. If the timing doesn’t work out, do whatever works for you during the course of the year. Ideally, you should make sure that you always start the anusthan in the shukla paksh (the bright phase of the moon). No anusthan is ever done during the period of Shraddh, right before the start of the Navratri in the month of Ashvin (in October). The second Navratri is in the spring.

* Click here for a list of anusthan guidelines.