Baba
This entire email is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Should We Remain Strict or Compromise
(2) End Quote: Everyone Should Know & Practice
(3) Prabhat Samgiita #2106;
Namaskar,
One critical point has come to the fore: Should we change our Ananda Marga terminology and cast aside particular terms given by Sadguru Baba simply because those words now hold a negative connotation in the general society?
During Emergency, many margiis were having a hard time starting and carrying out new social service programs because the public had a very poor regard for Ananda Marga. In those days, the name and reputation of Ananda Marga was very bad due to the false propaganda by Mrs. Indira Gandhi's despotic regime. So the margiis made a motion and asked Baba for permission to change the name of Ananda Marga. Baba's reply was very straightforward: "No."
Hence even though the name "Ananda Marga" was misunderstood, controversial and poorly received in the general society, Baba was quite adamant that the name must not be changed.
We must keep Baba's above example in mind in light of a suggestion to change the term "benevolent dictator" - or any other Ananda Marga term for that matter - simply because the public has a poor opinion of the term "dictator".
Here below are further points for everyone to contemplate.
1. JOINING OF TERMS: We have to remember that when two terms are joined together then they create an entirely different word and meaning.
(a) For instance, take the case of "Scotland Yard". "Scotland" is a land area in the United Kingdom, and "yard" refers to a small patch of land in front of or behind a house. Yet when we put those two terms together, i.e. "Scotland Yard" then it refers to the "Metropolitan Police Service of London".
(b) Likewise, when the terms "cup" + "board" are put together the term cupboard takes on a whole new meaning. As we all know cupboard means cabinet and has nothing to do with "cups" and "boards". Similarly, nowadays in the west, the terms "boy" + "friend" when added together take on a whole new meaning. Boyfriend now means sexual partner, which is quite different from the literal meaning of a friend who is a boy.
(c) Same then is the case with the term "benevolent dictator". When those two words are put together, then it takes on a completely new meaning. By itself, the term "dictator" might refer to a tyrannical ruler etc, but when joined together with "benevolent" then it refers to a selfless spiritual revolutionary who works for the welfare of the people.
2. MEANING CHANGES: Ultimately over time, the meaning of any word changes based on the activities and actions associated with that term.
For instance, if a particular group uses a very popular word - like flower - and carries out terrorist activities under that banner, then the people will begin to despise the word "flower". Similarly, at this point in time the world may not like the term "dictator", but when our benevolent dictatorship practically features great works done for the welfare of humanity, then people will naturally change their opinion about that term. They will understand that the old, singular term "dictator" has no bearing on the meaning of our dharmic phrase, "benevolent dictator".
3. MEANING BY ASSOCIATION: Words take on a new meaning based on what they are linked with. For example: The name "King" is a common family name in the west. So if someone's last name is "King" but that person is very poor or homeless, then the people of that area will associate poverty with the name "King". They will not think of someone regal and rich.
The point being that a word takes on a new vibration and meaning based on its association.
Thus, when Baba's Proutistic term, "benevolent dictator", is associated with all kinds of dharmic and righteous works for the well-being of humanity, then the "benevolent dictator" phrase will reflect a very positive meaning even though it contains the term, "dictator".
Here are further terms that changed in meaning due to their social context.
(a) Cult: This was looked upon as a dharmic term in the past but now due to fanatic religious cults in the west, the term cult is looked upon as radical and dangerous.
(b) Ideology: In the past ideology was viewed as a positive or neutral term, but now with the political rhetoric in the USA, ideology is looked upon as one's own self-serving agenda.
(c) Yoga: The term yoga used to be related with Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna and the great Himalayan sages; now it refers to skinny females in tight clothing doing stretching exercises.
(d) Ponzi: This was originally just a person's name and now it has come to mean anyone who commits financial fraud on a grand scale as done by Madoff.
(e) Selfishness: In past centuries, being selfish was looked upon as a very negative personality trait; now however with the ascent of materialism, doing for oneself has become the theme of the day. It is expected that one will be selfish and it is viewed as a good quality.
(f) Religion: In the past religion was looked upon as something noble and worthy; now in most countries, especially in the west, religion is seen as an antiquated institution with narrow-minded views.
(g) Gay: In the past it was looked upon as sinful and criminal to be gay; now being gay and supporting gay rights is seen as progressive and open-minded.
(h) Children out of wedlock: In the past having children out of wedlock was a mortal sin wherein one was totally ostracized from society; today having children outside of marriage is view as "hip", "progressive", and very "stylish" - all the stars do like this.
(i) King: in the past kings were treated as second gods and their every order was followed as law. Today however, the entire sense of the term has changed. People have no interest or desire to follow any particular king. Those days are long gone.
(j) Dictator: With the likes of Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Saddam and others, during the course of the 20th century the term dictator became something very negative.
So in all the above cases the meaning of the term changed with the social conditions or context. Thus when people see how a benevolent dictator can bring all kinds of great changes to the society and lead others onto the path of well-being, then that vibration and meaning of the term "benevolent dictator" will be viewed in a very noble way.
4. BENEVOLENT DICTATOR IN EVERY FAMILY: In each and every family the mother is primarily the one who makes the decisions concerning the well-being, discipline, and growth of the children. It is the mother who loves and cares for everyone's welfare. She in effect is the benevolent dictator of the household and by this way the family flourishes. So this concept of a benevolent dictator is not foreign to us. Rather it is part and parcel of everyone's upbringing.
5. SHOULD WE CHANGE ALL "CONTROVERSIAL" TERMS: If we are going to change our term "benevolent dictator" simply because the general society holds a poor opinion of the term "dictator", then so many other words in our Ananda Marga will have to be changed.
Indeed we will have to change the name of the swastika in the pratik because people have a negative view of the swastika symbol. Plus we will have to change our Supreme Command as people do not like the phrase: "To throw oneself into the tortures of animal life for crores of year." And there are countless aspects of our Ananda Marga philosophy and terminology which we will have to change.
For instance, the term "revolutionary" strikes fear in some people's hearts as they associate revolution with blood and battle, but in Ananda Marga we use revolutionary in a 100% dharmic and positive manner. But since the term revolutionary is controversial in the general society, under this pretext we will have to banish it from our Ananda Marga books and vocabulary as well.
Or take the case of the word dharma. Baba uses the term "dharma" in Ananda Marga to refer to bhagavad dharma, i.e. living in a righteous manner, doing sadhana for one's own liberation and serving the society. Yet the Hindus also refer to their Hindu dharma which means to base one's life on the ritualistic approach of Hinduism, i.e. following the dogmatic caste system etc. Should we therefore remove dharma from our books / vocabulary as well.
If we were to adopt this protocol with each and every word that is potentially controversial, then there would be countless books and discourses given by Baba that would need to be changed and His divine ideas would be lost. Baba's teachings are unparalleled and He uses words and symbols in a new way. We should be ready to strictly stand by His chosen terminology, lest His every discourse be changed.
The central notion is that Baba has given His terms and definitions and we should abide by His teachings and not get swayed by public opinion.
6. MORE CHANGES: Nowadays in materialistic societies, there are some parents who sexually abuse their children. Thus the terms mother and father have come into question. Yet in Caryacarya, Baba guides us that we are to respect both mother and father. Should we therefore change Caryacarya because in some unfortunate circumstances the terms mother and father have taken on a negative connotation.
7. CONDUCT NOT THE NAME: In this day and age, people are more concerned about the product than the name. People like Apple computers because of the product not the name per se. If in Ananda Marga, our leaders embody dharmic codes and we call such leaders as "benevolent dictators", then everything will be fine. In contrast, if in the name of benevolent dictatorship all kinds of nonsense and wrongdoings take place, then the people will not tolerate it. So we should not be concerned about specific terms, rather we should aim to manifest Baba's dharmic ideal associated with those terms. If we embody those ideals then people will naturally grow to greatly respect terms such as benevolent dictator.
8. BABA'S DIVINE EXAMPLE: Then of course we have to keep Baba's aforementioned example in mind. Baba outrightly told the margiis not to change the name of Ananda Marga just because the general public held a poor opinion of Ananda Marga. Hence, by Guru's example alone it is quite clear that we are not to change His given terms simply because the public holds a poor opinion of those words.
9. USE OF BRACKETS: If there remains much concern that people will not understand our term "benevolent dictator" - or other potentially controversial words - then whenever the term appears in our AM books and writings, we can insert explanations in square brackets [ ] to indicate what we mean by the term. Then the public will easily get the idea. But under no circumstances should we do away with or change Baba's designated term, "benevolent dictator".
Here is what one Wt has suggested:
"In my opinion there is no way that anybody will listen to us in the world if we use the term "dictatorship"...The world does not trust dictators." (posted by one WT)
I have deep regard for this WT who is very brave. I do not know the reason why this WT raised this matter. I do not see any other weakness in their character so it is beyond my understanding why such a noble WT would raise this matter.
But now we all know that we must keep Baba's designated term - "benevolent dictator" - as we are not to change His teachings nor His terminology. Plus, by our actions and selfless service, the common people will see that a benevolent dictator is an honourable term.
As Baba's disciples, our duty is to carry forth His message and teachings to the people, not change His terminology and guidelines according to the whims of the masses. We should take up this task with proper determination, then we will get success and the world will come to appreciate terms like benevolent dictator etc. Only cowardly people will wish to change Baba's given terms. If we allow Baba's terminology to be changed then His teachings will be tainted and we open the floodgates for xyz persons to change every word Baba has spoken. That is the very real danger. So we should stick by our principles and keep Baba's original teachings as is. That is our duty.
"If I am too concerned with those who praise or censure me, I will not find time to do my real work. As I have come to this world only for a short period, my only concern should be to keep on doing the duty the Lord has assigned to me. And while doing this allotted duty, I should remember that I belong to Parama Puruśa. I have come form Him, and I will have to return to Him – and to do that, I must complete my allotted duty." (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 12)
As His disciples we are also to safeguard the authenticity and veracity of His discourses. That means we are to keep them as is, and not change even one word. Only cowards - affected by public opinion - will be tempted to change Baba's teachings. We will easily be able to recognise such persons. Whereas true dharmikas will stand firm on Baba's teachings and guidlines.
"The scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless." (NSS, Disc: 14)
Namaskar,
in Him,
Madhava
The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.
Prabhat Samgiita #2106
SHOULD WE REMAIN STRICT OR
COMPROMISE
Namaskar,
One critical point has come to the fore: Should we change our Ananda Marga terminology and cast aside particular terms given by Sadguru Baba simply because those words now hold a negative connotation in the general society?
BABA STORY:
ANANDA MARGA'S REPUTATION DURING EMERGENCY
ANANDA MARGA'S REPUTATION DURING EMERGENCY
During Emergency, many margiis were having a hard time starting and carrying out new social service programs because the public had a very poor regard for Ananda Marga. In those days, the name and reputation of Ananda Marga was very bad due to the false propaganda by Mrs. Indira Gandhi's despotic regime. So the margiis made a motion and asked Baba for permission to change the name of Ananda Marga. Baba's reply was very straightforward: "No."
Hence even though the name "Ananda Marga" was misunderstood, controversial and poorly received in the general society, Baba was quite adamant that the name must not be changed.
We must keep Baba's above example in mind in light of a suggestion to change the term "benevolent dictator" - or any other Ananda Marga term for that matter - simply because the public has a poor opinion of the term "dictator".
Here below are further points for everyone to contemplate.
MORE REASONS WHY WE SHOULD KEEP
OUR TERM BENEVOLENT DICTATOR
OUR TERM BENEVOLENT DICTATOR
1. JOINING OF TERMS: We have to remember that when two terms are joined together then they create an entirely different word and meaning.
(a) For instance, take the case of "Scotland Yard". "Scotland" is a land area in the United Kingdom, and "yard" refers to a small patch of land in front of or behind a house. Yet when we put those two terms together, i.e. "Scotland Yard" then it refers to the "Metropolitan Police Service of London".
(b) Likewise, when the terms "cup" + "board" are put together the term cupboard takes on a whole new meaning. As we all know cupboard means cabinet and has nothing to do with "cups" and "boards". Similarly, nowadays in the west, the terms "boy" + "friend" when added together take on a whole new meaning. Boyfriend now means sexual partner, which is quite different from the literal meaning of a friend who is a boy.
(c) Same then is the case with the term "benevolent dictator". When those two words are put together, then it takes on a completely new meaning. By itself, the term "dictator" might refer to a tyrannical ruler etc, but when joined together with "benevolent" then it refers to a selfless spiritual revolutionary who works for the welfare of the people.
2. MEANING CHANGES: Ultimately over time, the meaning of any word changes based on the activities and actions associated with that term.
For instance, if a particular group uses a very popular word - like flower - and carries out terrorist activities under that banner, then the people will begin to despise the word "flower". Similarly, at this point in time the world may not like the term "dictator", but when our benevolent dictatorship practically features great works done for the welfare of humanity, then people will naturally change their opinion about that term. They will understand that the old, singular term "dictator" has no bearing on the meaning of our dharmic phrase, "benevolent dictator".
3. MEANING BY ASSOCIATION: Words take on a new meaning based on what they are linked with. For example: The name "King" is a common family name in the west. So if someone's last name is "King" but that person is very poor or homeless, then the people of that area will associate poverty with the name "King". They will not think of someone regal and rich.
The point being that a word takes on a new vibration and meaning based on its association.
Thus, when Baba's Proutistic term, "benevolent dictator", is associated with all kinds of dharmic and righteous works for the well-being of humanity, then the "benevolent dictator" phrase will reflect a very positive meaning even though it contains the term, "dictator".
Here are further terms that changed in meaning due to their social context.
(a) Cult: This was looked upon as a dharmic term in the past but now due to fanatic religious cults in the west, the term cult is looked upon as radical and dangerous.
(b) Ideology: In the past ideology was viewed as a positive or neutral term, but now with the political rhetoric in the USA, ideology is looked upon as one's own self-serving agenda.
(c) Yoga: The term yoga used to be related with Lord Shiva, Lord Krsna and the great Himalayan sages; now it refers to skinny females in tight clothing doing stretching exercises.
(d) Ponzi: This was originally just a person's name and now it has come to mean anyone who commits financial fraud on a grand scale as done by Madoff.
(e) Selfishness: In past centuries, being selfish was looked upon as a very negative personality trait; now however with the ascent of materialism, doing for oneself has become the theme of the day. It is expected that one will be selfish and it is viewed as a good quality.
(f) Religion: In the past religion was looked upon as something noble and worthy; now in most countries, especially in the west, religion is seen as an antiquated institution with narrow-minded views.
(g) Gay: In the past it was looked upon as sinful and criminal to be gay; now being gay and supporting gay rights is seen as progressive and open-minded.
(h) Children out of wedlock: In the past having children out of wedlock was a mortal sin wherein one was totally ostracized from society; today having children outside of marriage is view as "hip", "progressive", and very "stylish" - all the stars do like this.
(i) King: in the past kings were treated as second gods and their every order was followed as law. Today however, the entire sense of the term has changed. People have no interest or desire to follow any particular king. Those days are long gone.
(j) Dictator: With the likes of Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Saddam and others, during the course of the 20th century the term dictator became something very negative.
So in all the above cases the meaning of the term changed with the social conditions or context. Thus when people see how a benevolent dictator can bring all kinds of great changes to the society and lead others onto the path of well-being, then that vibration and meaning of the term "benevolent dictator" will be viewed in a very noble way.
4. BENEVOLENT DICTATOR IN EVERY FAMILY: In each and every family the mother is primarily the one who makes the decisions concerning the well-being, discipline, and growth of the children. It is the mother who loves and cares for everyone's welfare. She in effect is the benevolent dictator of the household and by this way the family flourishes. So this concept of a benevolent dictator is not foreign to us. Rather it is part and parcel of everyone's upbringing.
5. SHOULD WE CHANGE ALL "CONTROVERSIAL" TERMS: If we are going to change our term "benevolent dictator" simply because the general society holds a poor opinion of the term "dictator", then so many other words in our Ananda Marga will have to be changed.
Indeed we will have to change the name of the swastika in the pratik because people have a negative view of the swastika symbol. Plus we will have to change our Supreme Command as people do not like the phrase: "To throw oneself into the tortures of animal life for crores of year." And there are countless aspects of our Ananda Marga philosophy and terminology which we will have to change.
For instance, the term "revolutionary" strikes fear in some people's hearts as they associate revolution with blood and battle, but in Ananda Marga we use revolutionary in a 100% dharmic and positive manner. But since the term revolutionary is controversial in the general society, under this pretext we will have to banish it from our Ananda Marga books and vocabulary as well.
Or take the case of the word dharma. Baba uses the term "dharma" in Ananda Marga to refer to bhagavad dharma, i.e. living in a righteous manner, doing sadhana for one's own liberation and serving the society. Yet the Hindus also refer to their Hindu dharma which means to base one's life on the ritualistic approach of Hinduism, i.e. following the dogmatic caste system etc. Should we therefore remove dharma from our books / vocabulary as well.
If we were to adopt this protocol with each and every word that is potentially controversial, then there would be countless books and discourses given by Baba that would need to be changed and His divine ideas would be lost. Baba's teachings are unparalleled and He uses words and symbols in a new way. We should be ready to strictly stand by His chosen terminology, lest His every discourse be changed.
The central notion is that Baba has given His terms and definitions and we should abide by His teachings and not get swayed by public opinion.
6. MORE CHANGES: Nowadays in materialistic societies, there are some parents who sexually abuse their children. Thus the terms mother and father have come into question. Yet in Caryacarya, Baba guides us that we are to respect both mother and father. Should we therefore change Caryacarya because in some unfortunate circumstances the terms mother and father have taken on a negative connotation.
7. CONDUCT NOT THE NAME: In this day and age, people are more concerned about the product than the name. People like Apple computers because of the product not the name per se. If in Ananda Marga, our leaders embody dharmic codes and we call such leaders as "benevolent dictators", then everything will be fine. In contrast, if in the name of benevolent dictatorship all kinds of nonsense and wrongdoings take place, then the people will not tolerate it. So we should not be concerned about specific terms, rather we should aim to manifest Baba's dharmic ideal associated with those terms. If we embody those ideals then people will naturally grow to greatly respect terms such as benevolent dictator.
8. BABA'S DIVINE EXAMPLE: Then of course we have to keep Baba's aforementioned example in mind. Baba outrightly told the margiis not to change the name of Ananda Marga just because the general public held a poor opinion of Ananda Marga. Hence, by Guru's example alone it is quite clear that we are not to change His given terms simply because the public holds a poor opinion of those words.
9. USE OF BRACKETS: If there remains much concern that people will not understand our term "benevolent dictator" - or other potentially controversial words - then whenever the term appears in our AM books and writings, we can insert explanations in square brackets [ ] to indicate what we mean by the term. Then the public will easily get the idea. But under no circumstances should we do away with or change Baba's designated term, "benevolent dictator".
CHANGE BENEVOLENT DICTATOR TERM
Here is what one Wt has suggested:
"In my opinion there is no way that anybody will listen to us in the world if we use the term "dictatorship"...The world does not trust dictators." (posted by one WT)
I have deep regard for this WT who is very brave. I do not know the reason why this WT raised this matter. I do not see any other weakness in their character so it is beyond my understanding why such a noble WT would raise this matter.
But now we all know that we must keep Baba's designated term - "benevolent dictator" - as we are not to change His teachings nor His terminology. Plus, by our actions and selfless service, the common people will see that a benevolent dictator is an honourable term.
SUMMARY
As Baba's disciples, our duty is to carry forth His message and teachings to the people, not change His terminology and guidelines according to the whims of the masses. We should take up this task with proper determination, then we will get success and the world will come to appreciate terms like benevolent dictator etc. Only cowardly people will wish to change Baba's given terms. If we allow Baba's terminology to be changed then His teachings will be tainted and we open the floodgates for xyz persons to change every word Baba has spoken. That is the very real danger. So we should stick by our principles and keep Baba's original teachings as is. That is our duty.
Nindantu niitinipunah yadi va stuvantu
"If I am too concerned with those who praise or censure me, I will not find time to do my real work. As I have come to this world only for a short period, my only concern should be to keep on doing the duty the Lord has assigned to me. And while doing this allotted duty, I should remember that I belong to Parama Puruśa. I have come form Him, and I will have to return to Him – and to do that, I must complete my allotted duty." (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 12)
As His disciples we are also to safeguard the authenticity and veracity of His discourses. That means we are to keep them as is, and not change even one word. Only cowards - affected by public opinion - will be tempted to change Baba's teachings. We will easily be able to recognise such persons. Whereas true dharmikas will stand firm on Baba's teachings and guidlines.
"The scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless." (NSS, Disc: 14)
Namaskar,
in Him,
Madhava
The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.
***********************************
Everyone Should Know & Practice
Here is something to consider, know and practice in day to day
life.Everyone Should Know & Practice
Baba says, “The greatest quality of a person at a
meeting or debate is the capacity to convince others. The highest
quality in the battlefield is ‘yudhi vikramam’, or valor in the
battle. While in danger, one’s great quality is patience.” (Ananda
Vacanamrtam – 4)
***********************************
Prabhat Samgiita #2106
"Toma'ke ceyechi a'mi jiivaner prati pale..." (P.S. 2106)
Purport:
O' Divine Entity, I want You in each and every second of my life - all the time, every moment. Please come in every honey-filled seed vessel of my hundred petal mental lotus. O' my Lord, whatever beautiful things I have, whatever good things I have - I am offering everything unto You. Baba, please grace me by coming with Your most attractive form.
O' my Dearmost, Your everything is so very beautiful. You are that most resplendent divine Entity - perfectly effulgent. Just as the shining moon does not have any black spots; similarly, O' Parama Purusa, You are resplendent and blemishless - perfectly pristine & pure.
Baba, O' Supreme Controller, please shower Your causeless grace on me; please remove my fear and shyness from my unit mind. Please take away all those impurities that are accumulated in my mental plate. Baba, please grace me with the eternal gift of devotion.
Baba, I do not have any worldly desire -just I want Your closeness. That is why I go on searching You while doing all kinds of works, O' my Lord of Lords. Baba, in each and every moment of my life, in all my deeds and in all my thoughts, I want Your Presence - I want Your grace...
Purport:
O' Divine Entity, I want You in each and every second of my life - all the time, every moment. Please come in every honey-filled seed vessel of my hundred petal mental lotus. O' my Lord, whatever beautiful things I have, whatever good things I have - I am offering everything unto You. Baba, please grace me by coming with Your most attractive form.
O' my Dearmost, Your everything is so very beautiful. You are that most resplendent divine Entity - perfectly effulgent. Just as the shining moon does not have any black spots; similarly, O' Parama Purusa, You are resplendent and blemishless - perfectly pristine & pure.
Baba, O' Supreme Controller, please shower Your causeless grace on me; please remove my fear and shyness from my unit mind. Please take away all those impurities that are accumulated in my mental plate. Baba, please grace me with the eternal gift of devotion.
Baba, I do not have any worldly desire -just I want Your closeness. That is why I go on searching You while doing all kinds of works, O' my Lord of Lords. Baba, in each and every moment of my life, in all my deeds and in all my thoughts, I want Your Presence - I want Your grace...
