Political vs economic democracy + 3 more

Baba

Political vs economic democracy 

Namaskar,

Nowadays, in most countries of the world, people hold high hopes that the next democratic election will set things right, alleviating economic distress and political confusion. Time and again people get duped into this false belief that political democracy is great. Mostly because they think that the victory of their candidate or party leader will end today's misery.

People continue to live in false paradise by thinking that the answer lies in the next election and the victory of their chosen candidate. But not any election within the realm of political democracy can bring an ounce of relief to the people's woes. Because today's democracy (i.e. political democracy) - and its inherent flaw of economic centralisation - means the rich get richer, and the people get poorer. Plus political democracy brings on so many other ills.
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The needed change to solve all this lies not in the capitalist or communist approach of political democracy, but in Prout's way of economic democracy. Only economic democracy can lead humanity in the proper direction.

Political democracy is prevalent nowadays

These days political democracy, in one form or another, exists in most of the world's nations. And the mere mention of the term 'political democracy' brings a smile to people's faces. Constant booming by the capitalists has brainwashed and sold the population on political democracy.

Prout philosophy says, "In all countries where [political] democracy is in vogue today, people have been deceived into believing that there is no better system than political democracy."  (1)

Thus the myth and false hope about political democracy is just about everywhere, yet it is reaching its soaring peak in some places as people sit with bated breath waiting for their chosen candidate to come onto the scene. That said, political democracy is quite prevalent now on this earth.

Specifically, as Baba tells us, democracy (i.e. political democracy) has two distinct branches: liberal democracy where capitalists have all the money like in the US, and socialist democracy where the state has all the money like in China. And one or another nation follows one of these two pathways.
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Prout philosophy states, "Liberal democracy has been established in such countries as the USA, Great Britain, France and Canada, while in China, Vietnam and Eastern Europe socialist democracy is the dominant system." (2)

So political democracy is all over and only spreading. Tragically, the gullible people gleefully embrace it, thinking that it is great, not knowing that political democracy will bring their demise.


The pitfalls of political democracy

With their tall talks of freedom, their backwards policy that all (even uninformed people) can vote, and so many other so-called progressive proclamations, political democracy promotes itself as being the grand solution. Yet, political democracy means economic centralisation and political centralisation-- both of which spell disaster for the people.

Prout says, "In all the democratic countries of the world, economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals and groups. In liberal democracies economic power is controlled by a handful of capitalists, while in socialist countries economic power is concentrated in a small group of party leaders. In each case a handful of people – the number can be easily counted on one’s fingertips – manipulate the economic welfare of the entire society." (3)

From an economic perspective, political democracy consolidates the wealth, ruins the purchasing capacity of the people, turns most people into mere tools for the ruling capitalists, and ultimately causes a world-wide financial depression. And from the political side, political democracy is equally harmful.
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Prout teaches us, "Today in most democracies, people of dubious character and those with vested interests are elected to power. Even bandits and murderers stand for election and form the government." (4)

Thus from both an economic and political perspective political democracy is a mess, yet people all over, especially in election years, embrace the myth that political democracy is the ideal solution.

Prout philosophy says, "Political democracy has become a great hoax for the people of the world. It promises the advent of an era of peace, prosperity and equality, but in reality it creates criminals, encourages exploitation and throws common people into an abyss of sorrow and suffering." (5)

Candidates are eternally promising "an era of peace, prosperity and equality" yet the people will not taste one ounce of these things once any candidate is elected. That will never happen. Because capitalists, political scammers, and special interest groups have the whole affair skewed in their favour. And those manipulators, including the candidates themselves, hide behind the facade of political democracy.

So it is our duty to break down the aura of political democracy and lead the people into a new era of economic and political justice by raising their social consciousness. The current democratic structures will only lead the people deeper into hell. Even then, people foolishly dream that the next democratic election will bring all the solutions. That is the prevalent myth of the day.

Key difference between economic & political democracy

In an economic democracy, all financial power rests with the people, not with an elite class of capitalists as happens in a political democracy. In political democracy one has voting rights, but forfeits any power over economic decision-making. The masses fully hand over those rights to political leaders. The common people are befooled into thinking that since they have the power to vote then that is everything, and they lose sight of getting economic power.
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Why economic democracy is better

Prout philosophy says, "Political democracy cannot fulfil the hopes and aspiration of people or provide the basis for constructing a strong and healthy human society. The only way to achieve this is to establish economic democracy." (6)

The question then is why our Proutistic vision of economic democracy is so much better. Here is a comparative analysis:

1. In Prout's approach of economic decentralisation, the economic power lies with the people. That means job stability, increased purchasing capacity, and so many other financial benefits for the general citizens because the money is not being hoarded by a few capitalists.

2. Prout also advances the guarantee of minimum requirements to all. Democratic capitalism never preaches this and certainly cannot fulfill it as the only goal is to make more and more money at the expense of the common people.

3. Prout puts political power in the hands of moral leaders who watch for the welfare of the people, while political democracy gives rise to political leaders who are but stooges of capitalism and suck the blood of the people.

4. Prout also advances the idea of a local economy where resources stay within that region and get manufactured there as well bringing in money to the local people, as opposed to those same resources getting dragged to other places so big capitalists can earn money from those very raw materials.
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5. Prout is sensitive to the earth's ecological and environmental balance as each and every samaj gets developed in a sustainable manner that takes into consideration the well-being of animals, plants, and inanimate resources, whereas today's political democracy allows all those corporate giants to wreak havoc on this earth in every way imaginable so that they can make a bigger profit.

6. Finally, Prout ensures that every citizen gets ample opportunity for psychic and spiritual pursuits.

For more information about Prout's view of economic democracy, please review the section, 'Requirements for Economic Democracy' from the discourse "Economic Democracy" of June 1986, Kolkata.


Conclusion

The very practical methods of Prout will soon be implemented, bringing economic justice, political dignity, and social equality to each and every land.

Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar says, "Prout's slogan is: 'To end exploitation we demand economic democracy, not political democracy'." (7)

Namaskar,
in Him,
Niirava Deva

~ In-depth study ~

Capitalist money pouring onto the political scene

Every year greedy capitalists are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into the various political conventions because such capitalists are anxious to perpetuate the current era of exploitation under the mask of political democracy. Such corporations and capitalists have a huge interest in this, and it is for this reason that they are giving truck loads of cash in support of these political parties, not because they want to cure the ills of the people. Those corporations are not being generous in giving away millions, rather they are only doing so in order to bankroll billions within the favoured system of exploitation known as political democracy.
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More of Prout’s teachings on this topic

In His below teachings from His discourse, 'Economic Democracy', Baba perfectly points out the ills of today's democracy and also shows how Prout alone has the answer and solution for humanity. Anyone interested in this topic should read Baba's entire discourse.

Prout says, "Political democracy has...snatched away the right of economic equality. Consequently, there is gross economic disparity between the rich and the poor, immense inequality in people’s purchasing capacity, unemployment, chronic food shortages, poverty and insecurity in society." (8)

Prout says, "The prerequisites for the success of [political] democracy are morality, education and socio-economico-political consciousness. Leaders especially must be people of high moral character, otherwise the welfare of society will be jeopardized. But today in most democracies, people of dubious character and those with vested interests are elected to power. Even bandits and murderers stand for election and form the government." (9)

Prout says, "The farce of [political] democracy has been likened to a puppet show where a handful of power hungry politicians pull the strings from behind the scene. In liberal democracies, capitalists manipulate the mass media such as the radio, television and newspapers, while in socialist democracies the bureaucrats lead the country to the brink of destruction. In both forms of democracy, there is little scope for honest, competent leaders to emerge in society, and virtually no possibility for the economic liberation of the people." (10)

Prout says, "In economic democracy, economic and political power are bifurcated. That is, PROUT advocates political centralization and economic decentralization. Political power is vested with the moralists, but economic power is vested with the local people. The principal goal of the administration is to remove all the impediments and obstacles which prevent the economic needs of the people being met. The universal aim of economic democracy is to guarantee the minimum requirements of life to all members of society." (11)

References
1. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
2. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
3. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
4. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
5. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
6. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
7. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
8. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
9. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
10. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy
11. Prout Economics, Economic Democracy

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Floating towards infinity

"Tumi kándiye keno sukh páo, khushi jhará hási bhará ..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1989)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, what sort of bliss do You get by seeing me weep? I am crying in yearning and longing for You. I have so much bhakti for You and want Your close proximity. Yet, You are not paying heed to my call. Do You feel happy by seeing me in tears? Don't You like to see my face that is beaming with happiness and filled with joy. Why are You playing Your liila’ this way? 

O’ my Eternal Companion, You are my most intimate One and that relation did not begin only one or two ages ago; it has been going on since before time began. You constantly keep me in Your affectionate shelter. Since the very bosom of eternity, You have gently been taking me floating towards infinity. From the early dawn, You have remained along with me throughout the entire journey - up to its culmination, the ultimate abode. Baba, You are always keeping me at Your lotus feet. It is Your grace.

O' Parama Purusa, O' Dayamay, O' Merciful One, by Your blessing I understand You. In the grand play and expression of Your endless liila, You are inexhaustible. You are always creating newer and more new forms and shapes. You go on evolving Your plan in countless ways. This eternal drama that You are making with me is a mix of two things. Sometimes You make me laugh, and sometimes You make me cry. You do this intentionally. By this way You bring me closer and closer to You. Please be gracious and come very near to me. O' Supreme Being, Baba, You are karun’a’ Personified...

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Talent vs genius

Here is an English summary of Baba’s original Bengali teaching from His morning general darshan on 31 Dec 1981. Specifically, Baba is unveiling the science behind why some children are very intelligent, and some may be less so, or even fools. This is a very important science to know about - so come and have a look.  

We see in this world that sometimes a person is very intelligent by birth. Some have special qualities that other people do not have. Some are geniuses in music; some are geniuses in speech; some have very sharp memories - why is this so? The kind of action that a person does in each and every part-life, that is, the way a person uses that part-life, as a result of that action, he acquires an ability, a qualitative ability. Ability here means "potentiality". So, after death, when he comes to the next part-life, the previous quality, the previous ability to work, then emerges. Therefore, that quality is manifested from childhood. That is what we call genius. 

In contrast, the works that a person does in their present life through effort are his accumulated quality of that life itself; he is acquiring that quality within that life - not from a prior part-life. And in this way, what do we call everything that a person gets in one life, everything that he learns? Technique. And we call that person a technician.

In conclusion, that technique of the previous life which remained in potential form, became manifest in the next life, became manifest in the next part-life, that is what we call genius. So, genius is an inborn faculty. And, what is a technician? The man who has developed his ordinary talents up to an extraordinary degree of efficiency. So, what we get by effort in one life, that is technique. And that is what becomes genius in the next part-life. (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 22 (Hindi), chapter 1 (section B), Khan'd'a Jiivana aor Pu'rn'a Jiivana - 2, MGD, 31 Dec 1981

== Section: Important Teaching ==

New & unique food guideline

Ananda Marga ideology says, "Pramitáhárah: to maintain the physical body, you require physical food, air, water, light. But physical food is not simply for the physical body. It has got its effect on the spiritual body. The cells of your physical body are created from the cells that you receive from your physical food, and your psychic body is also influenced by these cells. So while taking food, you should be very careful. You should always try to take sentient food, and on rare occasions you may take mutative food. You should never take static food. Not only that, but your diet should be balanced. You must not take too much or too little. The food should be substantial. When it is balanced or measured, and, at the same time, substantial, that type of food is called Pramitáhára in Sanskrit. The sixth factor is Pramitáhárah. The sixth requisite factor is balanced and substantial, sentient food." (1)

Note: The  above point of pramitáhára is the sixth factor of the seven secrets of success. This is a revolutionary teaching given only by Sadguru Baba Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji and is not known to others, neither in the east nor in the west. As Ananda Margiis, it is our duty to practice and propagate this special science about food to people the world over.

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 14, Seven Secrets

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings on Democracy

In the next few weeks and months, many minor and major elections will be held in numerous democratic states and nations across the globe. As Ananda Margiis, we should be cent-per-cent clear about Prout's critique of democracy so we can best educate others and raise awareness about the inherent weaknesses and deficiencies, as well as the positive points, of the various types of democracies that exist today. 

Economic democracy is the solution

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/mock-democracy-4-more.html

A few weaknesses in democracy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/occasionally-democracy-is-dangerous-2-2.html

Postings to Read

For all sadhakas 

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/why-to-control-lower-cakras-first.html

Utility of body after death

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/02/organ-donation-ananda-marga.html

Pervasive ailment nowadays

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/why-unhappy-life-2-more.html

Story: ista mantra is all-powerful

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/story-encounter-with-avidya-tantrika.html

Today refugee, tomorrow terrorist

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/08/refugee-danger-prout-3-more.html

Language reflective of mindset

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/11/why-plug-socket-turned-into-male-female.html

For all sadhakas + 5 more

Baba

For all sadhakas

Namaskar,

This letter focuses on the practice of sadhana and our dhyana practice; various guidelines for dhyana are outlined below.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "The man who is intelligent should from his very childhood move along this path of psycho-spirituality. The sooner a man starts or moves along this path of psycho-spirituality, the better it is. He is the blessed one." (1)

Sadhana: courage & memory power increases

For sadhakas, the practice of sadhana is a very significant event in their life. In day-to-day existence, sadhana is a mainstay. The following is directly related with our practice of sadhana-- what to do and what not to do etc.
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Here following are three English summaries from Baba’s original Hindi discourse given on MGD, 26 July 1980, Udaipur, printed in Ananda Vacanamrtam - 46 (Pure), chapter 13, परमा शान्ति, केवलाभक्ति / Paramá Shánti, Kevalá Bhakti.

• With the practice of dhyana, the memory power of a sadhaka increases immensely and their courage also multiplies. (English summary, MGD, 26 July 1980, Udaipur, printed in Ananda Vacanamrtam - 46 (Pure), chapter 13, परमा शान्ति, केवलाभक्ति / Paramá Shánti, Kevalá Bhakti)

• If all of one’s propensities become concentrated on a singular point and merge into the ‘I’-feeling, then that very human becomes a devata (god) in human form. This is not an impossible task. This is easily achieved with the practice of dhyana yoga. (English summary, MGD, 26 July 1980, Udaipur, printed in Ananda Vacanamrtam - 46 (Pure), chapter 13, परमा शान्ति, केवलाभक्ति / Paramá Shánti, Kevalá Bhakti)

• You boys and you girls who have not yet learned dhyana yoga should learn this practice as soon as possible from your acarya. The reason is that dhyana yoga contains many important qualities. By the unique practice of dhyana yoga you can become one with Parama Purusa. (English summary, MGD, 26 July 1980, Udaipur, printed in Ananda Vacanamrtam - 46 (Pure), chapter 13, परमा शान्ति, केवलाभक्ति / Paramá Shánti, Kevalá Bhakti)
  

Confusion "I just do 10 minutes of dhyana"

In the past, I have heard people say, "I do not have time for doing different lessons so I just do 10 minutes of dhyana. Because dhyana is the top most lesson. That is the best one. So I only do that lesson with what little time I have."
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But we should all be aware that in our Ananda Marga system of meditation graciously given by Sadguru Baba, each and every lesson of sadhana has its own value and significance. In order to do proper dhyana and progress spiritually, it is necessary to strengthen the lower cakras. On this point all sadhakas should be aware of Baba's following direction.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "In order to advance spiritually, one has to first establish control over these lower cakras, then finally over the sahasra'ra cakra." (2)

Wrong way to do

What will happen if someone only practices 6th lesson, dhyana, and neglects doing the other lessons of sadhana.Here we have to remember the various lessons of Ananda Marga sadhana are important building blocks for doing 6th lesson. So if those lessons are neglected then the corresponding cakras remain dirty in which case dhyana will be adversely affected. The point is that if the lower cakras are not properly controlled then dhyana [on sahasra'ra cakra] will be disturbed.

Ananda Marga ideology states, "If one, conversely, tries to control the sahasra'ra first while the other cakras remain uncontrolled, spiritual practice on the sahasra'ra may be hampered." (3)

Meditation must be in motionless

It is important not to underestimate the importance of strengthening the lower cakras by sincerely practising all the lessons of Ananda Marga sadhana. Because even if one can manage dhyana or 6th lesson and bring the mind to the sahasrara cakra, still if the lower cakras are not properly controlled the outcome will not be desirable.
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Ananda Marga ideology states, "Not only that, even if the sahasra'ra cakra can be brought under control, the final result will not be good if the subsidiary cakras are not brought under control." (4)

In the very same discourse Baba discusses the deep link between body and mind - and that it is essential to keep the body tranquil and still during meditation as that enables us to focus the mind to a greater degree.

Ananda Marga spiritual philosophy states, "If the body is restless, the mind will also be restless. That is why during spiritual practice, the body should be kept motionless. One must practise seated in a certain posture, because if the body becomes calm and motionless the mind also tends to become calm and concentrated." (5)

Relation between body & mind

In our Ananda Marga system, sadhakas are taught to do sadhana in postures like padmasana or siddhasana.
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Ananda Marga ideology states, "If someone is constantly thinking that he will have to sit down at a certain time, stand up at a certain time, catch hold of one's nose or ears at a certain time, the mind will automatically tend to become restless. Such is the intimate relation between the body and the mind." (6)

In such types of ritualistic prayers when the body is moving hither and thither, then the mind also gets restless. So altogether the idea is that the body should be motionless while doing sadhana.  And in that condition naturally sadhana will be better. Also bear in mind that there should not be any confusion about our movement in kiirtan. Kiirtan is not sadhana it is sadhanaunga - a helping tool of sadhana. That is why after doing kiirtan we always sit for meditation.


Head hit squarely on the back

During sadhana, some margiis keep their cats or dogs or their pets on their lap when sitting for sadhana. But that should not be treated as real sadhana, but rather as a show of sadhana. I also know of one margii who was even keeping his two little monkeys on both his legs during meditation. But, this also is not proper.

In various units during dharmacakra, when sadhana starts some margiis start yawning, and some in half sleep start waving back and forth. And others are hunched over and then they straighten their backs and then again become hunched over. But all these types of movements are not good.
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There was one incident in dharmacakra when all of a sudden the front side of one Dada's head hit another Dada squarely on the back. Then the Dada whose head hit the other dada woke up and again he sat up and made his back straight.

Conclusion

Baba guides us that human life is for sadhana. So keen attention should be paid to follow all the lessons and guidelines of spiritual life. Failing that one may fall into poor habits and lose their sadhana flow, without even realising it. That is why it is important to routinely review Baba’s teachings and do self-analysis to ensure one is adhering to the path and following Sixteen Points. Then one may experience proper dhyana, by His grace, and reach the goal.

At His lotus feet,
in Him,
Nirlipt

~ In-depth study ~

Intellectuality is utter foolishness, a waste of time

As we all know, sadhana is very important. And in the following teachings Baba is giving tremendous emphasis and value to sadhana, our spiritual practice.
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Ananda Marga ideology states, "When you come in close contact with the Supreme Entity, you will find that you have no wealth superior to devotion. All worldly possessions will prove of no avail. Only devotion enables you to come into close contact with Him. This is the goal of human life. This is true progress. You have been wandering through the labyrinth of a myriad of lives. You have been ever advancing toward this stage. Knowingly or unknowingly, you are being drawn unto Him. This is the summum bonum of life. As long as you have not realized Him, there is no siddhi in your life." (7)

Ananda Marga ideology states,"Those human beings who do not perform spiritual practice are under the influence of Prakrti...I have said before that there can be no progress either in the realm of physicality or in the realm of intellectuality. Those who are hankering for progress in these fields are indulging in a self-cheating business. Whether they admit it or not, they know that they know nothing. Ask them whether they are getting pleasure in the realm of physicality. They will admit that they are not. Ask a good business man whether he is earning good profits. His reply will be, 'What profit? I am incurring losses'. This will be his reply whether you belong to the Income Tax Department or not! To run after progress in the realm of physicality and intellectuality is utter foolishness, a waste of time, as there is no progress in these fields." (8)


Foolish decision: leave sadhana for old age

Here in this next series of quotes Baba guides us that we are to do sadhana in the prime of our life.
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Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Some people consider that one should start intuitional practice in old age when a person has more leisure." (9)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Whoever is born is bound to die and one is constantly approaching death, not knowing when it will come. It is never certain if one will live to grow old. Yet people reserve the most important work of practising sa'dhana' for the time when the body has become completely enfeebled and the fatuous mind of old age." (10)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "There is no value in remembering God in old age, when it is not possible to concentrate the mind due to the weakness and disease of the body and its preoccupation with the reactions (sam'ska'ras) of the deeds of this life. The mind then is caught up in the infirmities of the body, in the diseases of old age, impending death, and most of all, in memories of past incidents, and it is impossible to concentrate the mind. For these reasons one is incapable of intuitional practice." (11)


Reminder

To reiterate, the lower cakras are building blocks and for practising dhyana in the crown cakra. Proper attention has to be paid to those lessons that strengthen the lower cakras.
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Ananda Marga ideology states, "If one, conversely, tries to control the sahasra'ra first while the other cakras remain uncontrolled, spiritual practice on the sahasra'ra may be hampered." (12)

In our Ananda Marga system, sadhakas are taught to do sadhana in postures like padmasana or siddhasana. This very science is not known to common people. That is why in their rituals they move about: Sometimes standing, then kneeling, then sitting, then placing their hands on their head etc. On other occasions they talk the entire time so their jaw and tongue are moving, and other times they move up and down and all around. But all these movements are distracting to the mind. For more about those religions that move about when they pray and workshop, read more about them here.

• http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/06/which-religions-move-in-prayer.html

References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 34, Beyond Temporary Experience
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, 14 Jan 1980
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17: 14 Jan 1980
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, The Meaning of “Krśńa” in Rája Yoga
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, The Meaning of “Krśńa” in Rája Yoga
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, The Meaning of “Krśńa” in Rája Yoga
7. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Mantra Caetanya
8. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Mantra Caetanya
9. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
10. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
11. Ananda Marga Elementary Philosophy, Why Are People Afraid of Intuitional Practice?
12. Ananda Vacanamrtam-17, 14 Jan 1980

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section: Important Teaching ==

AM marriages: do not display Baba’s photo

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "The pratiika [emblem of Ananda Marga] should be placed in an elevated place in the marriage hall." (1)

In His above teaching, Baba gives clear reference that the pratiika should hold a prominent place in the hall during our Ananda Marga marriage ceremonies. At the same time, there is no mention in Caryacarya of having Guru's photo on display. 

The reason is that some non-margiis may be attending the marriage and Baba's photo should not be displayed in front of those who do not have utmost reverence for Him. That is why we should strictly follow Caryacarya and not put His photo on display during our Ananda Marga marriage ceremonies. Whereas, with the pratiika, non-margiis will positively accept it as a tantrika symbol and will have respect for it - just as every religion and organisation has their own symbol. So even if non-margiis do not know the full significance of the pratiika, they will accept it at face value and not degrade it. But that is not the case with the photo. 

To preserve the sanctity of the photo, at our Ananda Marga marriage ceremony we must not put Guru's pratikrti [photo] on display. On this matter, we must strictly abide by the dictates of Caryacarya, and not show the photo. 

Reference
1. Caryacarya - Part I, Marriage Ceremony

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Shame on such types of artists

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Here it must be noted that artists must seek to exhibit to people the simple form of truth, sweetened with the sweetness of their hearts. But it is a matter of great regret that a class of modern artists, in the realms of poetry, novels, cinema, drama, etc., employ all their artistic talents for the sole purpose of kindling people’s crude sensuality, instead of portraying human propensities with the idealistic outlook of a true artist – what to speak of portraying their subtle human feelings. Without supporting conservatism, I would say that this class of artists is truly a blot on society." (1)

Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved -1, The Practice of Art & Literature

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Why capitalists are worse than…

Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "The path of the vipras [cunning intellectuals] is crooked and so is the path of the vaeshyas [greedy capitalists]. The difference between them is that since the vaeshyas' crooked intellect has no trace of spiritual consciousness, it often proves to be suicidal."

"A dreadful calamity will befall society if those who have intellectual capacity squander it by running after mundane pleasures instead of utilizing it to realize spiritual bliss – if they utilize all their intellect to fatten themselves by sucking the vital juice of others. So there can be no social welfare until this type of mentality is eradicated or rendered ineffectual through circumstantial pressure. No political leader or governmental or social system can build a welfare state, a socialistic state or an ideal society if they neglect this fundamental disease. If those who go around looking for opportunities to enlarge their stomachs by sucking the vital force of others continue to control society or the nation through their own group of sinners, what can one expect to see in such a society except a horrid picture of hell!" (1)

Reference
1. Human Society - 2, The Vaeshya Age

== Section: Hindi Quote ==

अगर किसी को गाली दिया

“प्राचीन भारत में नियम था कि कोई अगर किसी को गाली दिया, निन्दा किया, अपभाषा का व्यवहार किया, तो जिनके प्रति किया गया, वे तो अपभाषा का व्यवहार नहीं करेंगे | वे उस वक्त कहते थे---"शिव, शिव, शिव |” माने, “तुम्हारा कल्याण हो, कल्याण हो, कल्याण हो | तुम्हारे मुँह से अपभाषा नहीं निकले |"
[यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई] (1)

Reference
1. नृसिंहतत्त्व रुद्रतत्त्व और शिवतत्त्व, S25, DMC, 1 August, 1967, Raipur

== Section: Prout ==

Three reasons for dowry

Prout philosophy states, "Another glaring instance of social injustice is the custom of dowry. This is a real disgrace in a civilized society. If we go deeply into the reasons for such an injustice it will be clear that there are two main reasons behind it."

"First, dowry occurs where males and females earn disproportionate incomes. The Náyyár and Izave communities of Kerala follow the matrilineal order and hence no dowry is claimed by the males. The Khasia community of Assam follow a similar system. In Burma, though the patrilineal order is in vogue, women are economically independent so they get a dowry."

"Secondly, dowry occurs where there is a disproportionate number of males and females. If the number of males is more, females get dowry and vice-versa. In Punjab, the number of males is more than the number of females so the females get a dowry. The situation is similar for Muslims. The false vanity of the aristocracy also causes dowry. Aristocratic people think, “Our family is a high class family, hence we should get a dowry.” In a Proutistic structure there will be no scope for dowry." (1)

Reference
1. Talks on Prout

== Section 2: Links ==

Postings on Democracy

In the next few weeks and months, many minor and major elections will be held in numerous democratic states and nations across the globe. As Ananda Margiis, we should be cent-per-cent clear about Prout's critique of democracy so we can best educate others and raise awareness about the inherent weaknesses and deficiencies, as well as the positive points, of the various types of democracies that exist today. 

Economic democracy is the solution

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/12/mock-democracy-4-more.html

A few weaknesses in democracy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2014/04/occasionally-democracy-is-dangerous-2-2.html

Postings to Read

Pervasive ailment nowadays

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/why-unhappy-life-2-more.html

Story: ista mantra is all-powerful

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/06/story-encounter-with-avidya-tantrika.html

Today refugee, tomorrow terrorist

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/08/refugee-danger-prout-3-more.html

Language reflective of mindset

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2013/11/why-plug-socket-turned-into-male-female.html