Baba
Link: materialism & suicide
Namaskar,
Sadly, capitalism spells trouble for the common people. Not just ordinary trouble, but the deep-seeded type of trouble, or sheer desperation, which leads one to the brink of suicide, or even suicide itself. Everyone wants happiness; that is what every human being is seeking. And when a person loses all hope in finding happiness, then thoughts of self-destruction arise. Tragically, this is the phase we are witnessing now in this present era. Because of the inherent defects of capitalism people are falling into an abyss of desperation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
These days, it is regularly reported in the news how such and such billionaire has killed himself or how an ordinary person who lost their home due to foreclosure committed suicide. This is the horrible reality. As Ananda Margiis it is our duty to understand the deeper nature of the problem, avert that dark hole ourselves, and help others come onto safe and stable ground.
Two root causes
Generally, in a materialistic society, there are two overriding causes of suicide: (1) harbouring an improper goal i.e. one based on fleeting, materialistic values like mundane wealth, and (2) living a life of isolation where one feels all alone and alienated from the greater community. Both are signs and symptoms of the inherent defects of capitalism.
In capitalism, people get enslaved into materialism, and they wrongly think that mundane objects, money, and sensual pleasures are the goal. Their entire existence gets painted and shaped in that color. They view that as everything: Their job, their prestige, their house, their car, and their whole way of life. And when that is jeopardised due to losing money, contracting diseases, and suffering other ailments, they think everything is gone and there is no reason to live. That is one of the main causes of extreme desperation and suicide these days.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
The second cause is also due to capitalism. Selfishness is a direct result of capitalism. People are taught to satisfy and indulge themselves, and not worry about the plight of others. This brings isolation such as in matter-centered societies where the family system has broken down and where people live more and more unto themselves and interact with others less. Computer games and social media, and the pursuit of one’s own selfish desires, have taken the place of friendship and community. In that case, when tough times arise, there is no one to turn to for help and support. Desperation then multiplies and suicide can result.
House or car or wife is everything?
Here we should remember that the problem does not only strike those who are rich or those or are poor. The amount of wealth is not the operating factor. There are some poor people who have lost their homes due to a typhoon or unemployment and mentally they are alright; and, there are some poor people who have lost their homes due to economic woes and they are distraught and stricken with thoughts of suicide.
The same variation can occur with the wealthy. Some may lose their wealth or suffer a terrible tragedy and be able to cope, while others lose their wealth or experience some type of difficulty and can only think of ending their lives. So the root cause is not one's economic status or social status. The main cause is harboring a mundane ideal as the goal of life. If one thinks their house or car or wife is everything - no matter the size, cost, or beauty of that thing - then if and when what disappears from their life, one becomes prone to extreme desperation and even suicide.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Crude wealth as the goal of their life?
That is why a person who lost their house in a materialistic region is far more prone to suicide than someone of the same economic means who lost their house in a less materialistic area. Because wherever materialism is greater, those citizens feel that the value of their life is tied up with mundane objects. That is the common way of thinking.
When economic woes and other life tragedies arise, there is so much cause for concern, especially in materialistic communities. Because knowingly or unknowingly, in those regions the mass of people take material wealth as the goal of their life. And when economic hardship emerges, those mundane goals (financial wealth, fancy cars, expensive houses etc) slip away. In that case, people lose their very goal of life, and they become prone towards suicide. So we should all be aware and sincerely ask ourselves how far materialistic interests have crept into our mental framework.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Alienated & all alone
Let's revisit the other side of this equation. As we know, life is systaltic: It goes up and down. Sometimes one is happy and sometimes sad. Often, it is friends and family who help through difficult times. So in a materialistic era, when people view money and material wealth as the crowning jewel or goal of life, and whenever economic woes mount, unfortunately one will be in trouble - devastated. When they have no friends or family to help them mentally and emotionally, they turn to suicide. In other words, in places where extreme materialism is in vogue, like the US, then because of the prevailing self-centered attitude, many persons have become isolated, separated from their social relations. Friends and family have been alienated, and, in result, one may feel alone. And sadly, that is a prime recipe for suicide.
Capitalism is not only a harmful economic model, it is a way of life that pushes people to the brink of disaster. People’s minds become saturated in a materialistic way. They become so selfish that they lose their family and friends. In a phrase, materialism and selfishness destroy the whole human personality. And that is why Baba harshly warns us of the ill effects of materialistic philosophies like capitalism.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Materialism is the most dangerous – indeed, suicidal – philosophy." (1)
Everyone must be alert
All should be vigilant to ensure not to depend on fleeting physical possession and material wealth as the goal of life. Because when those slip away, feelings of sadness and hopelessness arise, and ultimately one feels shelterless and depressed. That is when suicidal feelings begin. Although materialism is everywhere, we must rise above it and keep our spiritual aim in mind. That is the only path of our survival and success. Being a materialist is not based on how much one owns but rather what one values in life.
We should all ensure that the Supreme Goal is what we most treasure and not any fleeting thing of this world like prestige, wealth, etc. This disease of materialism is rampant and those who follow it will not be spared. We should all be alert and help awaken others also.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Only Prout can save the people
Only the God-centered approach of Prout can save the people from the poison of materialism. As Ananda Margiis, we have to propagate Proutistic ideals and show the people that there is more to life than materialistic pursuits. Society is already hungry and thirsty for something more. So this is the ideal time to propagate spirituality and Prout and bring relief to the people, lest they fall prey to the ills of capitalism like suicide.
Prout philosophy says, "Capitalism [has] failed to provide the proper ideological inspiration and desideratum to human beings. In the interests of the welfare of humanity, these systems should be replaced. PROUT is against the exploitation by capitalism and the false dogma of communism as both are detrimental to the all-round progress of human beings...When the crimson sun is reflected on our faces we should understand that the entire day is ours. Victory will be ours." (2)
As Ananda Margiis we know that the goal of life is Parama Purusa - and no second or third entity. Due to the rise of capitalism and materialism, so many are running after money, careers, property, name and fame etc. When a severe economic downturn / depression occurs, such unfortunate persons lose their mental balance and succumb to depression and suicide. We should understand the deeper reason behind this. Baba's teachings clearly depict why Ananda Marga ideology is so adamantly against the pursuit of material wealth as the goal of life (see in-depth study below).
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
Only Parama Purusa can be the aim or goal of life. He is the only Entity Who can lead us on the path of welfare. To harbor any mundane goal is to invite one's destruction. Because at any moment that mundane goal can vanish from this earth, just like money vanishes during economic downturns etc. In which case one will feel lost goalless, desperate and even driven towards suicide. To look towards anything else is to invite one's destruction. We should all bravely march ahead keeping only Parama purusa as our Goal. That is the only recourse.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Sanatan
~ In-depth study ~
If money becomes the goal of life
Here below Baba strictly warns us about what happens to those who accept money as the goal of life.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "When the currency was devalued, a wealthy jute merchant suddenly died because all the aspiration of his life were based on money. He could not face the prospect of having to part with his cherished object of desire." (3)
So just as the above jute merchant was shocked into death due to the devaluation of his money, during most any economic depression, people's wealth drastically decreases. Those who accept wealth as their pride and joy of life - i.e. as their goal - cannot bear the thought of living without it. That dread brings them to the brink of death or even suicide. Such is the tragic fate of those who take money as the goal of life.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Materialism invites awful afflictions
In this below quote, Baba again warns us of the danger of allowing the mind to get wrapped up in the chase for fleeting or material things.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "In the material world human beings must carry out their duties without being bound by the binding fetters. The mind should not get helplessly attached to anything undesirable, otherwise it will have to undergo severe afflictions. The wise person carries out his duties in the world without getting attached to anything." (4)
The afflictions Baba refers to in the above quote may be depression, angst, and even suicide such as with the tragic events that occurs during difficult economic times. This is all the horrifying result of chasing after material things and getting the mind bound up in material greed and lust.
Goal of life should be Parama Purusa not material wealth
Finally, in this below teaching, Baba warns us that our goal of life must not be anything that can slip away, i.e. not anything from this material world. Not cars, not motor boats, not wealth, not a job. All those mundane things can disappear at any moment.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Prout philosophy says, "The pursuit of mundane experiences cannot be the aim of life; if it is, it will definitely vitiate the value of human beings...no changing reality can be accepted as the aim of life...because it falls within the scope of time, space and person. If human beings accept this [Supreme] Entity as their only object of ideation, they can escape the inevitable consequences of degradation." (5)
References
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva in the Light of Philosophy (continued) (Discourse 18)
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, The Existential Value of Ideology
3. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 6, Ekendriya – 3
4. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 6, Ekendriya – 4
5. Prout in a Nutshell - 16, Ism and Human Progress
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Can become full of effulgence
"Ta'r man jadi ca'y sab kichu hoy dhu’limay e dharan'iite..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0207)
Purport:
If Parama Purusa desires, what cannot happen - everything is possible on this dusty earth. If He wants the river to flow in the reverse direction and return back to the mountaintop from the delta leading into the ocean, then who has the right to oppose or say anything.
If He desires, in the blink of an eye, this earth can vanish into nothingness. If He desires the snow-covered mountain will become warm and full of heat. According to His desire, the entire atmosphere can change from cold to hot within a flash. He can do anything and everything.
If Parama Purusa Baba desires then flowers can blossom from the stones. If He desires then the dark night can become full of effulgence. O’ Parama Purusa, O’ my Sakha, please come and sit close, side by side. I want to adore You in my mind and in my heart. Please do not go away, hiding and disappearing in the fog. Kindly remain with me in a very intimate way. You are my everything You are my dearmost One....
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0207:
[1] Sakha: 'Samapranah sakha smrtah'
Ananda Marga ideology says, "In the case of sakha the position is that there are two physical bodies, but the mental body is the same because there is so much love. Such people are called sakha. So nobody other than Parama Purusa can be sakha." (1)
Detailed illustration: How Baba saves
Logic states that the river does not flow back toward the mountain. Yet this song says that such things can happen. So the examples in this Prabhat Samgiita show how Parama Purusa can do anything, if He desires - se yadi cáy.
Parama Purusa has created the laws of nature, so if He desires He can go against those rules. Generally jinaniis state that Parama Purus'a does not go against prakrti. Parama Purus'a stays within those boundaries and does not go against those rules. Philosophy does not say He cannot go against those rules. Just usually as a matter of course He follows the rules of prakrti. But, at the same time, Parama Purusa can change those laws or go against those rules if He wishes. Although fire's nature is to burn, if a bhakta touches that fire, if Parama Purus'a desires, then that bhakta may not get burned. The significance of this is that when doing great work or fighting for dharma, a bhakta may go against some natural principles, in which case Bábá saves them.
That's why the bhakta calls to Parama Purus'a in this song as his Sakhá, the Entity with whom there is no difference of opinion. Because when the heart is the same, like between the bhakta and the Supreme Entity, then naturally their way of thinking will be the same as well. That is why bhaktas always aim to follow dharma; because Parama Purus'a is the Personification of dharma. In response, Parama Purus'a always rescues bhaktas during the fight to establish dharma.
Sometimes we may not be able to find the logical reasoning that supports the idea that our life will be secure. Sometimes people think, “This is too dangerous”, because it goes against the normal principles. But this song demonstrates that in those situations no harm will come. Because everything unfolds according to His wish. The main thing is that if He desires it, anything can be. Se yadi cáya pás'án'akáráya phula phot'áte páre go, If He desires a flower can blossom from stone.
Jinaniis say that, “If you go against prakrti, harm will come to you. If you go in deep water without knowing how to swim then you will drown.” But this Prabhat Samgiita says, “No, if He blesses then no harm will come.” By the causeless grace of Parama Purus'a, anything is possible. The impossible becomes possible. And the possible becomes impossible. Bhaktas should never forget this idea. One should move along the path of dharma and not worry about the consequences or results. When trying to save dharma and working for Him, it is His duty to take care of the situation. That's why this song is so meaningful.
Lord Krs'n'a also did things according to this principle. He pronounced, “Those who go against bhaktas will be My enemy. For bhaktas I can break my oath even.” Before the Mahabharata, Krs'n'a was telling, “I will not fight, I will not take arms in hand.” Then during the battle, Arjuna, Krs'n'a's sakhá, came into great danger. In that dire situation Krs'n'a could not tolerate watching Arjuna suffer. So Krs'n'a began to fight. The enemy started laughing and said, “You took a vow not to fight.” Krs'n'a replied, “That is true, but for My bhaktas I can and will do anything, including breaking My oath and going against the laws of prakrti.”
Those adhering to the code of dharma have no reason to fear anything. If a bhakta reflects on their life, they can see how each and every moment Bábá is saving them. In the most difficult of situations when it looks like nobody is helping, Bábá is always helping. Due to His grace, bhaktas are gaining victory. Yato dharmah tato Is't'ah, yato Is't'ah tato yáya, where there is dharma there is Is't'a and where there is Is't'a there is victory. Those doing for dharma can always feel how Bábá protects them. Because that is His desire, Se yadi cáya.
Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamratm - 4, Your Real Friend
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Secret to becoming a powerful dharmika
These blow tantric teachings guide us how by doing sadhana properly and adhering to the tenants of 16 Points, then by His grace one's mental strength will increase immensely.
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "What is the best way to strengthen the mind? The best and proper way is to strictly observe the 16 Points. The more rigidly you follow the 16 Points, the more your mental strength will increase. It will increase so much that it will be more powerful than the collective mental strength of 100,000 people. In a psychic clash they will have to concede victory to you...So you must endeavour to develop your psychic strength - this is your bounden duty. The more rigidly you follow the 16 Points, the more psychic strength you will acquire. It will not take you long." (1)
Ananda Marga ideology guides us, "If you follow Sixteen Points, your longevity will be greater." (2)
Ananda Marga ideology furthermore states, "Be firm on sixteen points. Unite all the righteous forces. All the tall talks of the evil forces will be silenced." (3)
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 7, An Exemplary Life
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 5, Devotion and the Realm of Intellectuality
3. Ananda Vanii #44
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Marriage ceremony: No photo of Marga Guru
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 Caryacayra, and not show the photo.
Reference
1. Caryacarya - Part I, Marriage Ceremony
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Trait of whistleblowers
Those who fight against injustice should have this quality:
Yadi tor dák shuńe keu ná áse;[If none to my call pays heed, Then alone must I proceed.]
Tave eklá cala re...
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Keeping this refrain in mind, they [writers] must continue in their relentless effort to fight against the seemingly indomitable might of hundreds and thousands of obstacles which are deeply rooted in age-old superstitions that are firmly entrenched in petty selfishness. Their pens may break into pieces, their brushes may be compelled to draw only lines of water on the canvas, and their histrionic flows may end in mute protests, yet their efforts must continue unceasingly. Each of their petty defeats shall be strung together as pearls in the garland of victory." (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Universal rule
Physical clash -> physical development; psychic clash -> psychic development; attraction for the Great -> spiritual development
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Those who want to avoid the cultivation of knowledge hardly get any opportunity for psychic clash, and hence the higher kośas of his mind do not get any scope for development. It is through psychic clash that the psychic field gets properly tilled, thereby increasing its fertility. All living beings evolving in the phase of Pratisaiṋcara benefit from this psychic clash."
"Both physical clash and psychic clash accelerate psychic progress. The rat which escapes from the trap never makes the mistake of getting caught again; the fish which frees itself from the fishermans hook never bites the bait again. Physical clash develops the kámamaya kośa and, as a consequence, the instinct to survive. A city ox walks confidently along a busy street in Calcutta, but if a village ox were made to walk along the same road, it would become crazy." (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life -8, Struggle and Progress
== ==
নিরীহকে রক্ষা করৰার ব্রতের মাধ্যমে
“চলতে হৰে, এগিয়ে যেতেই হৰে | এবং অন্যায়ের বিরুদ্ধে সংগ্রাম করতে-করতে নিজেকে সত্পথে রেখে এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে, চলতে হৰেই | কিন্তু চলতে হৰে ৰুদ্ধি-সম্মত পন্থায়, ধর্ম-সম্মত পন্থায়--অধর্মের বিরুদ্ধে, সংগ্রামের মাধ্যমে | নিরীহকে রক্ষা করৰার ব্রতের মাধ্যমে এগিয়ে যেতে হৰে |” (1)
Reference
1. Egiye Cala'i Ma'nus'er Dharma
मन्दिर बनाना सबसे बड़ी निर्बुद्धिता क्यों ?
“तो, ये जो रुद्र हैं, ये रुद्र, ये जो नियन्ता हैं, ये एक हैं या अनेक हैं ?
[मार्गी—“एक हैं, बाबा |”]
एक हैं | क्यों ? न, जितना मन्दिर देखोगे हज़ार-हज़ार, लाख-लाख; क्या controller उतने हैं ? नहीं | एक ही हैं | और, दुनिया में इस तरह की इतनी विशाल जगह कहीं भी नहीं मिलेगी, जहाँ उनके लिए हम मन्दिर बना सकें | मन्दिर बनाने से देवता बड़ा होता है, न मन्दिर बड़ा होता है ? बोलो, उत्तर दो !
[मार्गी लोग—"मन्दिर |"]
मन्दिर बड़ा हो जाता है | क्योंकि मन्दिर के अन्दर देवता हैं | तो, तब मन्दिर उनसे बड़ा है | तो, परमपुरुष हैं अनन्त | तो, उनका मन्दिर अनन्त से भी कुछ बड़ा होना चाहिए |
[मार्गी लोग—हँसी |]
अनन्त से बड़ा, कुछ नहीं हो सकता है | इसलिए उनके लिए मन्दिर बनाना सबसे बड़ी क्या ? निर्बुद्धिता है | पैसे को पानी में डालना; और कुछ नहीं |”
[यह बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया, बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्द मार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं] (1)
Reference
1. अप्रकाशित, हिन्दी, MGD, September 4, 1978 Patna
“চলতে হৰে, এগিয়ে যেতেই হৰে | এবং অন্যায়ের বিরুদ্ধে সংগ্রাম করতে-করতে নিজেকে সত্পথে রেখে এগিয়ে চলতে হৰে, চলতে হৰেই | কিন্তু চলতে হৰে ৰুদ্ধি-সম্মত পন্থায়, ধর্ম-সম্মত পন্থায়--অধর্মের বিরুদ্ধে, সংগ্রামের মাধ্যমে | নিরীহকে রক্ষা করৰার ব্রতের মাধ্যমে এগিয়ে যেতে হৰে |” (1)
Reference
1. Egiye Cala'i Ma'nus'er Dharma
====
मन्दिर बनाना सबसे बड़ी निर्बुद्धिता क्यों ?
“तो, ये जो रुद्र हैं, ये रुद्र, ये जो नियन्ता हैं, ये एक हैं या अनेक हैं ?
[मार्गी—“एक हैं, बाबा |”]
एक हैं | क्यों ? न, जितना मन्दिर देखोगे हज़ार-हज़ार, लाख-लाख; क्या controller उतने हैं ? नहीं | एक ही हैं | और, दुनिया में इस तरह की इतनी विशाल जगह कहीं भी नहीं मिलेगी, जहाँ उनके लिए हम मन्दिर बना सकें | मन्दिर बनाने से देवता बड़ा होता है, न मन्दिर बड़ा होता है ? बोलो, उत्तर दो !
[मार्गी लोग—"मन्दिर |"]
मन्दिर बड़ा हो जाता है | क्योंकि मन्दिर के अन्दर देवता हैं | तो, तब मन्दिर उनसे बड़ा है | तो, परमपुरुष हैं अनन्त | तो, उनका मन्दिर अनन्त से भी कुछ बड़ा होना चाहिए |
[मार्गी लोग—हँसी |]
अनन्त से बड़ा, कुछ नहीं हो सकता है | इसलिए उनके लिए मन्दिर बनाना सबसे बड़ी क्या ? निर्बुद्धिता है | पैसे को पानी में डालना; और कुछ नहीं |”
[यह बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया, बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्द मार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं] (1)
Reference
1. अप्रकाशित, हिन्दी, MGD, September 4, 1978 Patna
== Section 3: Links ==
Other topics of interest
