16 points class in Spanish, kiirtan and meditation in Zoom, by Didi Ananda Harimaya.
How 16 Points started
Durin the Jamalpur days, Baba gave Yama and Niyama for the conduct and dealing – for the betterment of all. In that phase, He also gave many other topics which were later compiled into “Elementary Philosophy”, “Idea and Ideology”, “Ananda Sutram”, “Human Society”, “A Guide to Human Conduct”, “Subhasita Samgraha”, and “Caryacarya”. In those days the “do’s and don’ts” in personal life, though essential, were limited to Yama and Niyama.
Around 1971, Baba began systematically give teachings related with conduct, personal dealings and way of living – the most notably 16 Points.
Prior to 1971, some had learned about and implemented certain health and hygiene guidelines and lifestyle practices from Caryacarya, Yogic Treatments, etc. Few were occasionally fasting and some had begun wearing a laungota, etc. But in 1971, those practices of 16 Points and various codes of conduct, were made mandatory, thus became widely practiced.
Many Margiis still remember that before 1971, in order to have Baba’s darshan, then VSS and in-charges would ensure all had perfectly memorized the Supreme Command. One had to repeat it perfectly. Then and only then would they be allowed to enter the darshan hall or room. But in 1971, this changed. Everyone had to perfectly recite 16 Points in their exact order. That time Baba also began delivering many discourses on various aspects of Sixteen Points.