Your name is Anandi Baba. Are you a hermit?
I was initiated with the hermits of the cremation grounds of Kashi at the age of 25. When someone is initiated he gets a hermit name. The word 'Anandi' denotes happiness. The word 'Baba' denotes a hermit that worships the Lord Shiv. We then believe the name as a path. The name is given by the Guru. The significance being that the new life as a celibate has started with a new name.
What is the learning one has to do to become a Baba?
Well, I spent 21 years learning till the age of 46. I spent long hours in meditation understanding the nature of the universe and the self. I learnt Tantra, Martial Arts and Yoga from wise hermits. I also read a lot of books on these subjects. Most of these books are rare translations. I have passed initiations at various cremation grounds, hermitages and temples. The time of this penance went by like living in a small heaven in my Ashram.
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