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Sunday, December 28, 2025

Prout & today's political landscape + 2 more

Baba

Prout & today's political landscape

Namaskar,

Now that the wealth disparity has become completely untenable where a mere handful of persons control most of the money and property, the cracks of capitalism have come to the fore, and some have taken a sympathetic turn towards the leftists. Terms like “democratic socialists” have captured the imagination of idealistic youths. But everyone should approach this new landscape with their eyes wide open. Although capitalism has fallen from its crest, as Ananda Margiis we should be cent-per-cent clear about the ills, demerits, and pitfalls of the leftist movement, i.e. those socialist flagbearers.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Alert: watch out for leftists


Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Those who are leftists in the world are even more dangerous...they are deliberately seeking out the dark and dirty aspects of life and, like flies, growing fat on the secretions of society's festering sores. It must be remembered that flies do not heal sores-- rather they exacerbate them, because the very pus of these sores provides them with their vital juice. So the filthy aspects of society are the only wealth on which these [leftists] subsist." (1)

Here it should be understood that artists come in all shapes and forms. Essentially, anyone who applies themselves to a particular field is an artist in that arena of life, including politics. Some artists promote universal welfare, and some do for selfish, malevolent purposes. Those politicians, regardless of their party affiliation or the name of their political party, who use their artistry to manipulate and befool the common people are negative artists; indeed, by their action, they are leftists. They talk ill of others for their own personal gain, and never try to solve the problem or lead humanity in the proper direction. In contrast, Baba’s dharmic guideline is to point out the problem and give the solution. By just criticizing and never resolving any issue, they are just like flies festering on society’s wounds. Their advertisements blast the other party solely to confuse and swindle voters. This negative approach is rampant amongst today’s politicians, regardless of their party affiliation or the name of their political party. Baba takes an uncompromising stand against such people.

They only criticize - have no true plan


Moreover, it is commonly known that leftists do not have any constructive ideal. They have only one single item of agenda: abuse capitalists. But we have seen that this type of abuse does not produce results because, by this abuse, capitalists become more alert about their mode of exploitation. And, ultimately, capitalist exploiters invent new techniques to cheat and exploit the general mass. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prout philosophy states: "Those who lack a constructive ideal help the capitalists in their exploitation. Only criticizing capitalism will not do any service to the people, rather it will help the anti-social elements in finding out or inventing more tactics for exploitation." (2)

Here is another way of thinking about this same situation and the defective tactics of leftists. In the political map of the whole globe, wherever capitalism has spread its noose, they employ one special technique. Capitalists influence the prevailing government and capture the political power indirectly. And their rapacious exploitation continues in new and newer form. So, by only criticizing capitalists, the leftists do not produce any yield because these leftist people do not have any practical solution for how to eradicate capitalism and / or implement anything better. Just their sole method is to abuse capitalists, but such abuse is worthless without a constructive plan. Their sole method is to abuse capitalists and capture power.

Prout philosophy further states: "The leftist groups are engaged in criticizing the capitalists, which is bearing no fruitful results, and capitalists have captured power by influencing the ruling party." (3)


Why Proutists must not align with leftists

Hence, there is no sense for Proutists to join hands with such leftists and accept their strategy and propaganda because their whole approach is contrary to ours. For example, these leftist / socialists do not have any proper ideal; whereas we Proutists have an ideal. Moreover, they are materialists, and we are not. These leftists are fighting with capitalists, whereas Prout fights capitalism. So the stand of Prout and that of the leftists are diametrically opposite, i.e. vastly different. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prout philosophy says, "Ours should be a constructive ideal and we should wage a ceaseless and pactless struggle against all anti-human and anti-social factors. We are to fight capitalism and not the capitalists." (4)

Whether we call it socialism, communism, Marxism, or even democratic socialism, they are all one and the same. They are all standing on the leftist platform. Yet, they keep adopting new appellations to escape from their past horrors. When one cunning tactic gets exposed, negative people invent new techniques and brandish themselves with new names in order to continue their same misdeeds. Their sole method is to abuse capitalists and capture power.

For decades, atrocity after atrocity has been committed by different communist countries on their own people. That is why the whole globe treats communists as abhorrent. No intelligent person has any positive opinion about communism. So cunning communist-minded leaders give many new names to their movement, including leftists. But their limited strategy is always the same. Those leftist members time and again criticize capitalists, multinational corporations, globalisation, IMF, etc, but they never, ever raise accusations about the suppression which existed and still may exist in communist countries like China, Vietnam, Russia / USSR, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela etc.


Very important point to know

Some may wonder how socialism, communism, Marxism, or even democratic socialism are all one and the same. The answer is that they are all matter-centered philosophies. In each case, their goal is matter, and when the goal is matter the aim is to try to accumulate money in whatever way possible, right or wrong. In contrast, Prout is a God-centered philosophy. And the goal of the Proutist is to merge themselves with the Supreme Entity. For them, matter is just for adjustment in the world. So when matter is not the goal then Proutists do not fall into the defective approach of embracing the accumulation of material wealth as their goal of life; nor do they try to satisfy their infinite longing by indulging in material, sensual enjoyment etc. Whereas, socialism, communism, Marxism, or even democratic socialism are of the same ilk: They are all grossly matter-centered philosophies where people are sunk in the woes of indulgence and degradation.



Socialism is state capitalism


In His 'Economic Dynamics’ discourse, Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar exposes both capitalists and communists / socialists on how their economy is a centralised economy such that the whole profit goes either to the pockets of a few certain individuals or in the pockets of the communist party leaders. So capitalism and communism are both working under the direction of a centralised economy, i.e. the profit goes to a few individuals. Profit does not go to the common people. Ultimately, the money that is accumulated lands in the hands of a certain few individuals. In stark contrast, in Prout, the profit goes to the common people. Hence, the stand of Prout is completely different— directly opposite.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prout philosophy states, "In capitalist economies, production is for the profit of the capitalist and the profit goes to individuals, groups and the state exchequer. In socialist economies or so-called communism, the profit goes to the state exchequer and a microscopic fraction of the profit goes to the actual producers. In both cases capitalism exists." (5)

It is therefore evident that leftists, or socialists, or communists, whatever they may be, wholly adopt the system of state capitalism by their actions and approach. Such communists, leftists, and socialists aim to have their party heads control all of the mundane wealth. In that sense, they are as bad as the capitalists. Verily, they all are materialists where matter is taken as the be-all and end-all of life. 

Prout philosophy states, “Even if there is abundant production in a country, the common people do not benefit. The rich become richer and get more scope to continue their merciless exploitation. In state capitalism, the exploitative rulers tighten their grip over society even more. State capitalism may call itself capitalism, socialism or communism, but ultimately it stands before the masses as more dangerous and bloodthirsty than bloodsucking ghouls and demons.” (6)

Conclusion


Prout’s approach is entirely different from these materialistic philosophies. Prout's work is to out root capitalism. To establish Prout, we should stand firm on our ideological principles. We should never compromise on our ideological fundamentals by linking up with such materialistic leftists. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prout philosophy guides, "Those of you who ardently believe in PROUT should be vigilant in this regard...Human beings want selfless service. PROUT is dedicated to the service and welfare of one and all. You should immediately build a one and indivisible human society without further delay by popularizing PROUT." (7)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Carry on a ceaseless and pactless fight against dogma. You are sure to be crowned with victory." (8)

in Him,
Shyam deva

False promises

In addition to their incessant criticism of capitalists, leftist promise that they will create a level playing field by the redistribution of wealth: taking from the rich and giving to the poor. But that never happens. Rather in their approach, the state captures all of the wealth. So those leftists are just full of empty promises. Moreover, theirs is a godless approach that negates spirituality. Hence, all practices - sadhana, kiirtana, puja, etc - have to be done underground for fear of being rounded up by the state. 
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Be aware

On and off, over the last few decades, some so-called Prout leaders have been enamoured with groups like the World Social Forums and other leftist-minded approaches, just because they criticize capitalists, but this is wholly against the ethics and ethos of Prout. We should stand firmly on our Prout fundamentals and not align ourselves in any way with those from the leftist paradigm. 

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Do not have any dealings with a party whose policies are opposed to those of the Marga." (9) 

References
1. A Few Problems Solved Part 1, The Practice of Art and Literature
2. Prout in a Nutshell Part 4, Discourses on Prout
3. Prout in a Nutshell Part 4, Discourses on Prout
4. Prout in a Nutshell Part 4, Discourses on Prout
5. A Few Problems Solved Part 9, Economic Dynamics
6. Proutist Economics, Keep Money Rolling
7. Prout in a Nutshell Volume 3 Part 12, Prout in a Nutshell Part 12
8. Neo-Humanism in a Nutshell Part 1, The Liberation of Intellect
9. Caryacarya, Part 2, Society Point 26b


*        *        *

The below section is an entirely different topic, unrelated to the above material.
It stands on its own merit as a point of interest and ideological awareness.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Counting the days

“Mańir dyutite phúler hásite, ese chile mor madhuvane, bhúle jáoá kon phálgune…” (Prabhat Samgiita #0561)

Purport: 

O’ my Dearmost, You came in my madhuvan - You came in the inner recesses of my heart - shining like pearls and with Your soft smile that is just like a bunch of fragrant flowers. This was one incredible moment during that auspicious and unforgettable spring season. I cannot ever forget it. After relinquishing everything, giving up hearth and home, and only ideating on You, for ages upon ages, I had been counting the days, waiting for You.

Since that blissful encounter and unbelievable occasion, so many southern breezes have passed, and the sandalwood tree has exuded and leaked so much of its sap and intoxicating fragrance and heavenly nectar. Countless morning stars have faded away, and so many days have gone by in my listlessness and melancholic longing for You. Alas, so many wonderful opportunities for a tender, loving rendezvous washed away in vain as You did not come.

O’ Parama Purusa, in Your absence the sweetness of the mind has been lost; my mental river of bhakti has dried up. Relying exclusively on Your unending mercy, the viina of my mind tearfully beseeches You, “O’ Prabhu, due to Your own sweet grace and infinite kindness, please come to me”...


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0561: 

(1) Madhuvan: This is the special grove or orchards where lovers meet and where bhaktas go to be with their Lord. 


== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Be careful before asking

Ananda Marga ideology says, “Suppose a man wants to be a king. In the next life he may be born into the household of a poor man whose surname is 'Raja' (king). He wanted to be a raja (king) and he became one! One must be very cautious before wishing for anything. In this regard there is a nice story. Once a certain person asked Shiva to grant him the boon of immortality. Shiva told him, 'It's impossible to become immortal. You should think more intelligently before asking anything.' So the man said, 'Alright, please grant me the boon that I will never die at night or during the day.' He died in the evening! In fact, the best thing is not to ask Parama Purus'a for anything." (1)

Note: First thing is that it is best not to ask mundane things from Parama Purusa because one does not know what is going to happen even after one second - whether one will survive or die. In that case, asking for something will be useless as we ourselves do not know our future needs. That is why one should say, "O' Parama Purusa, please act according to Your wish." Finally, if one has so much desire to ask something from Parama Purusa, then the only thing one should ask for is parabhakti - the highest devotion.

Reference:
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 4, “Ye Yathá Máḿ Prapadyante”


== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Baba's communication style

Mental peace & debt

Baba story: PS vs Rabindra Samgeeta

Moulding our children into margiis


Thursday, December 25, 2025

Baba's communication style + 4 more

Baba
Baba's communication style

Namaskar,

This letter examines Sadguru Baba's diverse and psychological manner in guiding sadhakas and non-sadhakas along the path of welfare.


Why He speaks more directly to A'nanda Ma'rgiis


Baba would speak more directly to bhaktas than others. The closer one was to Him, the more directly He would speak. For instance, to the general populace, Baba would cite Buddha's teaching about "Cakuna samvaro sadhu" in order to indirectly warn people about the ill effects of misusing their indriyas (external organs). From this, people were to infer that Baba was talking about keeping restraint over the motor and sensory organs, such as not eating bad food etc. And many simply took it as a general guideline about refining their conduct. In that circumstance, Baba was speaking very indirectly and people may or may not have understood His exact intention.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Whereas to Ananda Margiis, Sadguru Baba would outrightly say, “Refrain from eating meat”, or “Do not eat any tamasik food.” There was zero scope for misunderstanding. Baba would use explicit, direct language because Ananda Margiis are closer to Him. He knew they would not run away in the face of His loving scolding. So Baba had more freedom to express Himself. The idea being that where there is more love, one can speak in a more forthright and forceful manner. There is a great benefit to this as well. In a shorter span of time Baba could give more teachings, and we could learn from Him more quickly, by His grace.

So there is great value in direct speech, but Baba could not use this with all. Language is based on the closeness of heart.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (1)


Degrees of closeness amongst His disciples


Even within Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, amongst His disciples, Baba would employ degrees of directness. With margiis or dadas with whom Baba was closer, either due to their sadhana or His divine grace, He would be even more direct. To one sadhaka who ate on a fasting day, Baba might lovingly punish, strongly scold, or kindly embarrass them in front or all. By this way, Baba would swiftly rectify that bhakta’s conduct. And all those present would also get the teaching to be very strict in fasting. This direct approach is very efficient and effective. Yet to another sadhaka or Dada who was less close, Baba might say, "So I understand you like chocolate." And, by this way, the sadhaka would know that Baba was aware that he ate a piece of chocolate on ekadashii."

So it all depends on the degree of closeness. Those who were more close would receive His blessing in the form of more direct communication and scolding. It is just like how parents do not chastise or scold all the children of the village or community, but certainly they will rebuke and scold their own kids when they do wrong. Because those parents feel very close with their own children.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

And the benefit is that those whom you scold rectify their behaviour more quickly and refine their behaviour. Scolding creates pressure to change quickly. Naturally, parents want their own kids to change and rectify their bad behaviour quickly. Those parents do not feel that same urgency with their neighbors' children; so they do not scold them. And again, this is all dependent upon the degree of closeness, love, and affection one has.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (2)

What happens when Mr X & Mr Y skip their asanas & sadhana


Here is another way to look at the situation:

(1a) If Mr. X loves Baba very much then Baba has greater scope to scold him.
(1b) So if Mr. X skips his asanas and sadhana then due to that closeness Baba will strongly rebuke Mr. X before all. By this way, Mr. X will be greatly benefited as he will have to rectify his behaviour very swiftly.

(2a) If Mr. Y feels somewhat distant from Baba then Baba does not have as much opportunity to scold Mr Y. Rather Baba will address and talk with Mr Y in a very polite manner. 
(2b) So if Mr. Y was also neglectful in asanas and sadhana, then Baba would not directly rebuke or scold Mr. Y. Rather Baba might say, “I hear that some are not doing their asanas and sadhana. Better they should do their practices.” By this way, Mr. Y will understand Baba’s point, but Mr. Y will not feel pressured to quickly rectify his own behaviour.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

When Sadguru Baba is communicating with someone very directly then you can understand that that person has a greater degree of love for Him. And, in response, Baba has to love a little more than that. If Sadguru Baba is dealing with someone indirectly then you can understand that that person has less love for Him. That is why Baba is more discreet in His approach.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (3)


Conclusion


Undoubtedly, it was all His liila; Baba loves all, and everything He does and says is filled with His sweet grace and divine compassion. Yet there are some whom He can communicate with more directly than others. Those who have more bhakti and feel closer to Him receive His direct teaching. While those who are less close get His guideline in a more general manner, not by His loving scolding or direct address. And this is still going on today. Those who feel close to Him and have more bhakti will receive His direct communication, as opposed to the more general or theoretical approach.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Manjari

~ In-depth study ~

Ananda Marga ideology states, “Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiiyate. One who loves very much, who loves with all their heart, but who meets out strict punishment when he sees impropriety or mindless action, is the true guru.” (4)

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The quantum of punishment must not exceed the quantum of love.” (5)

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, “You must try to arouse the seed of benevolence that lies hidden in the inner recesses of the human mind. How can this seed be aroused? Human beings will have to apply all sorts of measures – persuasion, scolding etc.; and at the same time you will have to continue your efforts so that the dormant seeds of psychic potentialities express themselves. And with their expression, the whole society will be benefited. Today human beings must be inspired and motivated, and thus discipline is essential. To impose discipline is not bad. It has been said in the scriptures: Hitarthe shásanam ityarthe anushásanam. “That discipline which leads to the welfare of all human beings is called anushásanam.” Society requires enforced discipline. In the scriptures it is also said: Nigrahánugrahe shakto gururityabhidhiyate: “One who is capable of punishing or rewarding one’s followers is called a Guru, a true teacher”. Only one who can discipline as well as love a person, can be called a Guru.”
   “One who only punishes a person is not a Guru, and one who only loves is also not a Guru. Rather he or she is an enemy, for excessive love and affection spoils a person. Only one who does both these things is a real Guru. That is why people should be trained with both love and punishment. Where love fails, punishment helps. Medicine is not necessarily always sweet; sometimes bitter medicines are necessary as well. Patients often refuse to swallow bitter medicines; they cry in protest. But the ideal physician will force the patient to swallow the medicine. This is the proper way.”
   “Today the entire body of the human society is riddled with numerous ailments of dogmas – as if the whole social body were stricken with leprosy. Under these circumstances humanity will have to undergo the necessary treatment and then move forward.” (6)

References
1. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39C
2. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39C
3. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39C
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 9, The Primary Causes of Success
5. Ananda Marga Caryácarya Part 2, Society, Point #39C
6. A Few Problems Solved - 5, Shrávańii Púrńimá


*        *        *

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 ==

Both joy & sadness

“Tumi ámár áshár álo, tomár tarei málá gánthá…” (Prabhat Samgiita #1144)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, You are my ray of hope and my glimmer of sunshine. You know how to love. I have threaded a garland only for You, singing the tale of Your eternal liila. You are my Is’t’a’.

O’ Baba, during the silent night and the lonely dawn, I yearn for You in my tiny mind and do sadhana for You. In the aspiration of getting You, there is a strong longing and restlessness in my heart. My pain and pleasures, and whatever agonies I undergo, are all related with You. 

O’ Baba, I play the games of both joy and sadness with You in times of light and shadow. All my engagements revolve around You. My entire existence is ensconced in You. This is the story of my spiritual realisation, by Your grace...


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Right balance in life


Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The common people, let alone the master artists, know that sound is not emitted if the strings are loosened too much and the soft and delicate strings snap if they are tightened too much. Human life is also like this. If one practises too much austerity (in some cases, if one makes a parade of austerity), tender human sensitivities snap and break into smithereens’ the soft, delicate parts of the mind get charred and petrified. On the other hand, if life is made akin to a loose string, the nobler yearnings of life will never be fulfilled. In other words, that kind of life degenerates into the life of an animal characterized only by bathing, eating and sleeping. Hence one must never allow the string of life to be loose. But also the string of life should not be left to snap due to excessive strain. The ideal course of life is neither left-oriented nor right-oriented. This kind of life will be conspicuous by the absence of strife, mayhem or horror of the leftists and of toleration of injustices by the rightists in their loose, careless and sloppy life. It is this ideal course that will usher in a life worth yearning for a super-human existence, divinely exquisite and shining brightly on the banner of gold.” (1)

Reference:
(1) Saḿgiita: Song, Dance and Instrumental Music, Invention of Various Musical Instruments


== Section: Important Teaching ==

How to cure the psychic ailment of capitalists

Prout philosophy states, “The aspiration to become rich by exploiting others is always a kind of psychic ailment. Capitalists argue, “We amass wealth through our intellect and labour. Let others also amass wealth in the same way if they have the intellect or capacity to work. Who will stop them?” They do not want to accept that the number of consumable commodities in the world is limited, but all need their basic necessities. If one person is rolling in wealth this will generally mean that others will be deprived of even their minimum requirements. The failure to recognize the needs of others is itself a disease. But the victims of this ailment are also our brothers and sisters, members of the same human family. Either through human appeals or circumstantial pressure, these people must be cured of their psychic ailment. In order to do this we will have to channelize their obsession with material wealth in a mental and spiritual direction. At the same time as people’s physical hunger and thirst are being satisfied, everyone should be freely taught scientific processes to fulfil their psych[o-spiritual] longings.” (Prout in a Nutshell - 5, The Responsibility of Society)

Note: Here above Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar is pointing out the psychic defect of capitalists. Those capitalists amass a huge amount of material wealth by exploiting others. And they justify their haul by inviting everyone else to do the same. Yet, the materials object of this world are finite. So their justification has no merit. It is not possible for each and every person to accumulate a huge amount of  wealth, i.e. far more than they need. Ultimately these capitalists exploiters have to be cured of their mental disease. The solution is to divert the minds away from material wealth and towards the psycho and spiritual realms.


== Section: Important Teaching ==

This cannot be ignored


Prout philosophy states, “Everywhere in the manifested or unmanifested universe there is a ceaseless fight going on between Vidyá and Avidyá. For running a government we require strong military and police forces, for in society there is also the fight between Vidyá and Avidyá. Even within one’s self such a fight will continue. Those countries which cry for disarmament are also preparing within for war. Even after the establishment of a universal government we will require military and police forces for maintaining peace.” (1)

Reference
1. Talks on Prout


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Baba story: PS vs Rabindra Samgeeta

Moulding our children into margiis
Today's educational standard
Sign of fake bhakta


Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Mental peace & debt + 3 more

Baba
Mental peace & debt

Namaskar,

The present era of materialism preaches "instant gratification": Enjoy the world by buying superfluous things. Credit cards and loans are readily available to the common person. Indeed lending agencies and credit card companies are standing by with astronomical interest rates in order to rip off consumers. It is a deadly cycle; already so many have been victimised.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
 
In Ananda Marga, our view is diametrically opposite. We interact with this physical world solely to help others - not for indulgence - and aim our mind towards psychic and psycho-spiritual pursuits. We seek happiness and peace in those upper realms, not in the instant gratification of worldly pleasures; but, even then some in our Marga have gotten bound by the noose of capitalism.


One who incurs no debt is really happy

Here, everyone should understand there is no winning in capitalism. The common public just borrows and spends money on material allurements hoping to find happiness; but, ultimately, they find themselves upset, frustrated, and in debt. All the while, the impoverished masses around the globe suffer from an extreme dearth of resources, which have been gobbled up by those capitalists. So we should not fall prey to the capitalist cycle of borrowing and spending.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The person who is able to get some vegetables to eat at least once a day, who incurs no debt and who has no need to leave home to earn a living, is really happy." (1)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "A marriage feast is completely optional and depends upon the financial capacity of the people concerned. Arranging the feast by taking a loan or incurring a debt is prohibited." (2)

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "For the celebration of this ceremony the arrangement of a social feast depends entirely on the desire and the financial position of the guardians concerned. Taking a loan or incurring a debt for this purpose is forbidden." (3)


Ananda Margii to keep strict vigilance


Ananda Marga philosophy says,  "To purchase, by incurring debt, serge where tweed will do, or gabardine where serge will do, is surely against the principle of aparigraha. Similarly, people should take food which is nutritious but not rich. They have to give up the practice of feeding others with money taken on loan. That is why social control over the individual's conduct and expenditure is indispensably necessary. Hence, all Ananda Margis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of Yama and Niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong. Henceforth I direct every Ananda Margi to keep strict vigilance on other Ananda Margi to make them practise the principles of Yama and Niyama and also to accept calmly directions of other Margis in this connection." (4)


Conclusion

This era of extreme capitalism has devoured the lives of many - leaving them as desperate beggars unable to regain their footing. We must not let this happen to us or anyone. We should remain out of debt and keep our mind free. That is the only way. By following Baba's guidelines, we can maintain our psychic equilibrium. Going into debt and digging means losing one's mental peace and becoming a lifelong tool of those greedy capitalists. We should all exercise extreme caution in our financial dealings.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
Sastaunga Pranam to Baba,
Divyacaksu Deva

Below please find a grand Baba story that features His detailed guidelines about borrowing and lending money. This is very practical knowledge for us all to have.


~ In-depth study ~

Please read this following Baba story and ensuing teachings about this subject of being bound by the noose of capitalism.


Baba story: never lend but donate

~ Courtesy "My Days with Baba", Ac Sarveshvarananda ~

Baba is against people borrowing or lending money. One day He said, "You must know that lending as well as borrowing is undesirable and detestable."

I had known Baba's attitude and so had always tried not to borrow money. But I still had a question, "Was it so bad to lend money to someone in distress?"

Baba answered with an illustration. "Do you know why it isn't desirable to lend out money? Suppose someone has come to you to borrow some money. Maybe his need is genuine and his appeal is justified. As you listen to his story of distress, you are likely to want to be kind to him. Even if it is beyond your own means to lend a big amount, you become so upset thinking of his dire need that you take pity on him. Your thoughts get interrupted as the gentleman says, 'You need not worry, dear brother. Please help me wriggle out of my crisis. If your generosity can take me out the present crisis, I'll repay the loan within a month. Meanwhile I'm likely to get some money soon, so you may rest assured that you'll get back your money on time.'"

Baba continued, "There may be no reason for you to disbelieve him. Suppose you are soft-hearted, so you collect the money somehow and hand it over to him. And he, too, feels glad and goes away."

"That man may not have any intention of taking you for a ride, but it may turn out that he can't get hold of the money as he thought. It is not so unusual. But you go on nursing the hope that he will repay you at the end of the month."

"A month goes by. He hesitates to see you out of his shame because he has no money to repay to you. Suppose you go to him out of need for the money. In all likelihood he will be ill at ease and may take offense at your uncalled-for-presence. He will think, 'How disgusting! He has come to me straightaway.'  Understandably, he will tell you a long excuse about why he has failed to repay you. You will give a patient hearing to him and coming back home begin to wait for the deadline as promised. There will be times when you come across him on the street. Immediately, he will think 'O, my God! Here he is again, he will certainly remind me of my debt!'"

"Of course it's only natural such thoughts come to mind, interspersed with some inaudible abusive remarks. Maybe you didn't go to him for money, but what is that to him? Your presence will be unpleasant enough."

"So whenever you meet him, he will think, 'I am lost! He has come again to pressure me for that money.' At the same time he will hurl some unsavory remarks at you, albeit silently. Contrary to what is in his mind, he will say, 'Welcome, my dear brother. I am glad to meet you. I am so grateful to you,' and so on and so forth.

"Undoubtedly the moment he sees you, he will heap uncharitable remarks on you, but when you will come within earshot, he will be all praises and parade his respect for you. It goes without saying that you will be put into a dilemma from not getting your money back even at the time of your own dire need. It may happen that your need will drive you to his house and shout from outside, 'Hello, Mr.----, are you there?'

"He will think, 'Oh! he has come again for the money. What will I say to him?'

"Thinking this, he will not only silently curse you, but also try his best to avoid an encounter with you. Instead of coming outside, he will tell his little son to tell you that his father is out. Accordingly, the boy will run to you to inform you that his father is not in.

"Looking askance at him, you will say, 'Go inside and find out for certain whether or not your father is there.'  The simple-minded child will reply, 'Why, I don't need to check because father has himself said that he is out.' In this way your relationship with that friend will sour and you don't know where it will end."

"Well, he certainly would have been offended that first day if you had not lent him money. Not only that, he would possibly have been shocked and have silently heaped some abusive remarks. Nevertheless, the unpleasant situation would not have spilt over onto the rest of your life. If you lend money, you will inevitably invite filthy remarks galore. That is why a person should think many times before lending to others."

I asked, "Sometimes a really good man may fall into trouble and sincerely need help. In that case, what is to be done?"

Baba said, "Instead of lending him money, you should help him according to your capacity. Suppose he is asking for five thousand rupees. Tell him your attitude about lending money and let him know your financial condition. Then help him with an amount that's within your means. It may not be as much as he demands, but he will get consolation that you tried to share his difficulties." (Courtesy "My Days with Baba", Ac Sarveshvarananda)

The above story is quite clear on the point of borrowing and lending. According to Baba, we should not borrow money nor should we lend it. If anyone truly needs financial help, then we should give them money according to our capacity, and not expect anything in return.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Misuse of loans: non-productive investment


 Ananda Marga philosophy says, "You might have noticed that there are many countries which suffer from financial stringency, so they take loans from other countries. These loans are then used for ventures like constructing large dams on their rivers."
  "The science of economics teaches that the rolling of money should never be blocked by any sort of non-productive investment. Sometimes people misuse loans to construct an unnecessary building or a new showroom for their business, and thus prevent the possibility of reinvesting the capital and increasing their wealth. Economics teaches that loans taken for business investment should always be utilized for productive purposes, and should never be utilized in any unproductive venture. Foreign loans, for example, should never be invested in constructing large railway stations instead of railway lines." (5)

Ananda Marga Philosophy says,"In economic exploitation, vested interests deprive people of their minimum requirements. Money lending, charging exorbitant interest rates, compelling poor farmers to sell their produce through distress sales, etc., are examples of economic exploitation. Regardless of the type of exploitation used by the exploiters, when society is moving towards revolution, the role of the exploiters is exposed. The exploiters are unable to disguise their exploitation any longer." (6)


Farmers converted into landless labourers

First Baba warns us that we should seek counsel and permission before (a) spending money on superfluous items and (b) before taking any loan.

Ananda Marga Philosophy says, "If any Margis have to spend on anything in addition to the fixed expenditure (for example, expensive clothing, ornaments, articles of furniture, marriage, building, etc.), they should, before incurring such expenditure, obtain a clear order from their ácárya, unit secretary or district secretary, or any other person of responsible rank. Similarly, permission is to be obtained before taking loan from any businessman or money-lender. Where one’s own ácárya or any person of responsible rank is not easily available, consultation or rather permission is to be obtained from any other ácárya, táttvika or any right-thinking member of the Marga. Every member should follow this instruction strictly." (7)

Secondly, Baba warns us how money lending itself is a filthy profession. We should keep such greedy persons at arms-length.


Their occupations are despicable


Ananda Marga Ideology says, "People should also not earn their livelihood by lending money and taking interest. Such persons want to lend more and more money to gain more and more interest, and they do not want the borrowers to refund the capital. The scriptures stipulate that people should not accept food from such people, because their occupations are despicable." (8)

Over the course of history - in so many lands - money lenders have exploited people and taken all they had. This has happened not only with the farmers of Bengal depicted below but in so many regions and eras, including in the present day US where countless innocent families have incurred debt and are unable to pay back the money they owe.

Prout philosophy says, "Another group of exploiters emerged who took advantage of the poverty of the farmers. These were the moneylenders, who lent money to the farmers at exorbitant rates of interest. The farmers were forced to take loans which they could never repay, so they mortgaged their lands. Eventually the moneylenders became the owners of the farmers’ lands, and the farmers were thus converted into landless labourers... money lending by private capitalists should be banned and provisions must be made to pay loans in advance to the farmers through the banks. This will eradicate the exploitation by moneylenders and political cadres." (9)

Due to their extravagance


Ananda Marga philosophy says,   "It is often noticed that individuals incur debt because of their violating the principles of Yama and Niyama, especially due to their extravagance – and as a result, they approach the society for relief. In this connection I must point out that just as the society is duty-bound to give relief to individuals by combined efforts, so also it must have control over the conduct of individuals, over their practice of the principles of Yama and Niyama, and also over their expenditure. Not to consult anybody at the time of spending money but to ask for help from all when in debt, is not a good practice. Such a mentality cannot be encouraged." (10)


Predatory lending brings ruination


~ Courtesy of Wikipedia ~

  "Predatory lending is the unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of some lenders during the loan origination process. While there are no legal definitions in the United States for predatory lending, an audit report on predatory lending from the office of inspector general of the FDIC broadly defines predatory lending as "imposing unfair and abusive loan terms on borrowers." Though there are laws against many of the specific practices commonly identified as predatory, various federal agencies use the term as a catch-all term for many specific illegal activities in the loan industry. Predatory lending should not be confused with predatory mortgage servicing which is the unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices of lenders and servicing agents during the loan or mortgage servicing process, post loan origination."
  "One less contentious definition of the term is "the practice of a lender deceptively convincing borrowers to agree to unfair and abusive loan terms, or systematically violating those terms in ways that make it difficult for the borrower to defend against." Other types of lending sometimes also referred to as predatory include payday loans, certain types of credit cards, mainly subprime, or other forms of (again, often subprime) consumer debt, and overdraft loans, when the interest rates are considered unreasonably high. Although predatory lenders are most likely to target the less educated, the poor, racial minorities, and the elderly, victims of predatory lending are represented across all demographics."
  "Predatory lending typically occurs on loans backed by some kind of collateral, such as a car or house, so that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender can repossess or foreclose and profit by selling the repossessed or foreclosed property. Lenders may be accused of tricking a borrower into believing that an interest rate is lower than it actually is, or that the borrower's ability to pay is greater than it actually is. The lender, or others as agents of the lender, may well profit from repossession or foreclosure upon the collateral." (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

References
1. Shabda Cayanika - 1, Discourse 1
2. Caryacarya - 1, Marriage Ceremony
3. Caryacarya - 1, Infant's Játakarma: The Naming of and First Feeding of Solid Food to an Infant
4. A Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society
5. Prout in a Nutshell-12, Keep Money Rolling – Excerpt A
6. Prout in a Nutshell - 21, Nuclear Revolution
7. Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society
8. Subhasita Samgraha - 11, The Supreme Desideratum of the Microcosms
9. Prout in a Nutshell - 19, Economic Exploitation of Bengal
10. A Guide to Human Conduct, How to Live in the  Society


*        *        *

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 ==

Divine message

"Gáner tarii bhásiye dilum surer ságare..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0753)

Purport:

Baba, by Your grace, I have floated the boat of songs in the ocean of the tune. I am doing my sadhana and am ensconced in Brahmabhava. It is Your krpa. Today, I feel that no one is alien -- all are my close, everybody is mine.

Up till now, I could not get that Parama Purusa who expresses Himself always and everywhere, in various colours and forms. Today, that very Supreme Entity came close with the resonance of omnkara. He came before me and allowed me to hold Him.

The song which could not ever be practiced and could not ever be played with the strings of the viina, today that same melody told me, "I am living alone in the charming world of cosmic maya. Don't you recognise Me?”...

About Prabhat Samgiita #0753:

[1] Omnkara: In this below quote, Baba is describing how a sadhaka gets pulled headlong towards Him once they hear that divine sound, onmkara. It is all due to the grace of the Supreme.
 
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The spiritual aspirant hears the various sounds of onm'ka'ra or pran'ava At various stages, during deep sa'dhana', during sweet sa'dhana'. The sound is called muraliidhvani. The sa'dhaka becomes mad because of this sound and goes deeper and attains Ra'dha' bha'va more and more, and rushes headlong forward...At that time one does not think at all about what people will say. One knows only that 'I and my Is't'a exist'." (1)

References
1. Discourses Krsna & The Giita, 15 January 1980, Kolkata


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Breathing techniques

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The process of breathing has a great influence on the human mind and self, or soul. Suppose a person is running: his or her breathing immediately becomes heavy. In that condition he or she cannot think properly; the sensory organs such as the tongue, nose, etc., cannot function properly, and as a result one's perception is impaired. Moreover, the process of breathing, depending upon whether the breath is flowing through the right nostril or the left nostril or both nostrils, influences people in various ways..."

"When doing a heavy job while breathing normally, a person might have serious difficulties – perhaps one's limbs might be broken – but in a state of baddha kumbhaka, or púrńa kumbhaka [with the lungs full], one can easily do the same work. While doing some over-strenuous activity in a state of shúnya kumbhaka [with the lungs empty] one might even die."

"Suppose you are climbing to a high place or lifting a very heavy load. If you do not follow the system of breathing while lifting the load, your hands may become painful or your bones dislocated. If you do the same work in a state of shúnya kumbhaka, you will have great difficulty – you may even collapse. If, on the contrary, you perform any strenuous activity in púrńa kumbhaka, taking a deep breath, you can easily do it. All this comes within the scope of that svaravijiṋána. You might have read in the Rámáyańa that Hanuman, by taking a deep breath, made his body swell and lifted a whole mountain. Although it is a mythological story, it refers to the science of svaravijiṋána." (1)

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Shiva – the Focal Point of Everything


== Section: Important Teaching ==

Cunning & degrading ways of filmmakers

   Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Seduced by the bestial instincts hidden in the secret recesses of their minds, people surrender to base propensities. But improvements in education and the social environment can help to bring this beast under control and make it obey their commands. To achieve this the first thing people have to do is to wage war against their animal propensities, which is no easy task. So cunning exploiters, by encouraging animality, are able to bring people under their sway."
   "The cinema industry suffers from this malady. This industry is controlled by a handful of business persons who make films according to popular taste and demand. While ordinary people naturally run after those films which in their ideas, language or visual images cater to their base propensities, such ideas, language or images instantly distort the ideals of the idealist beyond recognition. It is quite in character for purely commercial film producers to exploit these human weaknesses to their own advantage, and this is exactly what is happening." (1)

References
1. Human Society - 1, Education


== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Baba story: PS vs Rabindra Samgeeta

Moulding our children into margiis
Today's educational standard
Sign of fake bhakta

SUBJECTS TOPICS