Namaskár,
Wherever Gandhi went, he would keep three monkey-dolls along with him in his bag. And at his speeches and seminars etc, he would put them on display.
About these three monkeys
M.K. Gandhi used to place these monkeys on the table in front of all to signify:
Monkey #1: “Do not complain or point out anybody’s wrongdoing.”
Monkey #2: “Do not see anybody’s wrongdoings.”
Monkey #3: “Do not hear the cries of the exploited mass.”
Utopia: Exploiters' hearts will melt
M.K. Gandhi says that when people are exploiting you, you should just keep mum like the three monkeys, and in due course the hearts of those exploiters will melt, and they will refrain from doing their nefarious misdeeds and peace will be achieved. Still today, some propagate this ill-conceived Gandhian philosophy.
Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, the Propounder of Prout, wholly condemns this defective notion. According to Prout philosophy, one should boldly raise the call against all exploitation. Whereas, Gandhi ji’s allegorical mute monkey symbolizes keeping mum in the face of wrongdoing. This is an inherently flawed approach.
In Ánanda Marga ideology, there is no room for the passive approach advocated by Gandhi; indeed, keeping mum like the mute monkey only gives greater scope for the exploiters to continue their exploitation. Prout philosophy teaches us that we must speak out and actively fight against exploitation. The only way we can help the economically destitute people or the exploited masses of the world is by fighting against the exploiters who keep them suppressed. So all three of Gandhi’s monkey theories are harmful and bogus.
Prout philosophy states, “In nearly all countries of the world economically privileged or advanced groups are mercilessly exploiting other economically backward groups and sucking their vitality, gagging their voice and closing all the doors of their future progress. To overcome this tyranny and exploitation, movements will have to be launched for those suppressed people so that they can stride boldly forward, fight against all exploitation and attain economic independence. Nobody can deny the need of such an approach, of such movements, because such an approach is truly humanistic. If such an approach is not adopted, it will be something unnatural and anti-human. In fact, to oppose such movements amounts to working as an agent to protect the interests of the exploitative and reactionary forces.” (1)
The teaching of PROUT opposes Gandhism. The Gandhian philosophy of the three monkeys is outdated and misguides society.
Prout philosophy guides us, “The philosophy of Gandhi died before India got independence – it died long before Gandhi died.” (2)
Peace is the outcome of struggle
A narrative that runs in many quarters of modern so-called society is to remain mum or quiet in order to avoid disputes and bear exploitation. This is a highly objectionable way of thinking and goes against the very fabric of Ánanda Márga which is based on the principle of tantric struggle for an all round development of humankind. Struggle is a must to uproot social evil. Even though the path of struggle to uproot social evil may be tumultuous and full of disputes, the end result is peaceful.
A tireless struggle against poverty which is caused by economic exploitation is an example of a fight that is required for establishing peace. Poverty directly affects the existence of people and causes a bondage in the physical sphere which prevents their further progress in the psychic and spiritual spheres. Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar has given the teachings of PROUT to wage a war against economic exploitation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar guides us, “PROUT always stands for the cause of exploited people, irrespective of race, nation, religion etc., and always opposes all types of exploitation. But as poverty is the main problem in the world today, PROUT gives top priority to opposing economic exploitation, as this affects the livelihood and existence of the people.” (3)
The teaching of PROUT opposes Gandhism. The Gandhian philosophy of the three monkeys is outdated and misguides society.
Fight against exploitation
In the following teaching, Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar supports the fight against exploitation for the establishment of peace in the world. He teaches us to launch a global fight against exploitation.
Prout philosophy says, “To solve this problem and other pressing socio-economic problems, popular movements based on anti-exploitation and universal sentiments should be launched throughout the world. Such movements should oppose all forms of economic, psychic, cultural and psycho-economic exploitation. In addition they should undertake appropriate practical programs to enhance the all-round welfare of the people.” (4)
In essence, the guideline is to struggle and fight for the all-round progress of humans and thereby establish peace. Fight is needed for establishing peace. This fight is both essential and justified.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
So the teachings of PROUT fully oppose Gandhism. The defective Gandhian philosophy of the three monkeys is outdated and misguides the society.
Goody-goodies are....
To appear pleasant by being inactive against injustice is certainly not a sign of a good person. If injustice is going on then one has to take a firm stand against the perpetrators regardless of whether one is liked by people or not for taking action against injustice.
Prout philosophy guides us, "The characteristic of good people is to fight against injustice, to firmly adhere to truth and righteousness, to protect the helpless and fight against all evil persons. Those who are merely simple and are of a meek and goody-goody nature are not good people." (5)
The teaching of PROUT opposes Gandhism. The Gandhian philosophy of the three monkeys is outdated and misguides society.
Whether a person is good or not is decided based upon the capability and willingness of the person to unconditionally lead other people towards their welfare or kalyáńa. If a person tries to please others but does not have willingness to guide others then that person cannot be called good. Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar calls such people who act pleasantly, but do not have the welfare of others in their mind as goody-goodies.
Ánanda Márga ideology states, "We cannot call people 'good' if they cannot lead people of all walks of life towards welfare. We can call them 'goody-goodies' but not good people. Those who are truly good people will move bravely forward and provide inspiration and strength to those mute masses to fight against all kinds of obstacles, and give a clarion call to them to march ahead." (6)
Conclusion
Prout’s teaching is that one should fight tooth and nail against injustice. That is the only way to bring true peace and welfare in society. Those cowardly goody-goodies who avoid struggle and conflict can never do anything of value in the world. Under their watch, exploitation will be the rule of the day.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
In Him,
Bhakti
So the teachings of PROUT strongly condemn Gandhism. The defective Gandhian philosophy of the three monkeys is outdated and misguides society.
1. Prout in a Nutshell Part 13, Socio-Economic Movements
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Defects of Communism – Excerpt C
3. Prout in a Nutshell Part 13, Socio-Economic Movements
4. Prout in a Nutshell Part 13, Socio-Economic Movements
5. A Few Problems Solved, Part 5 - Shrávańii Púrńimá
6. Serve the Supreme by Kiirtana, May 17, 1982
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
NMV: tragic demise of our Wts
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Those who were decent human beings and deeply spiritual, and used to collect money for a noble cause, but in the process of fund raising forgot Parama Puruśa and attached greater importance to their fund raising at the cost of Parama Puruśa – that is, they remembered Parama Puruśa as part of dharma sádhaná and collected money for a great cause, and although Parama Puruśa was the goal collecting money became the dominant desire – attain the state of yakśa devayoni after their demise. In feminine gender, yakśa becomes yakśinii...as the dominant spiritual sentiment became secondary, they are negative microvita.” (1)
Note: Some margiis and Wts collect money for various projects. By involving in the project they think about money, money, and money. And they forget Parama Purusa. In consequence, they become negative microvita. That is what is explained above.
To save oneself from this tragedy, money collectors should think, “This project is not my project. I am working for Parama Purusa Baba. It is His project and my duty is to serve Him. That is why I am doing A to Z.” With this type of thinking, the mind will not get degenerated by focusing on money, and they will get salvation.
So one way of thinking makes the Wt turn into negative microvita and another way of thinking helps that sadhaka attain ultimate salvation.
Reference
1. Microvitum in a Nutshell - Disembodied Souls and Microvita – Excerpt B
Chicanery of party politics
Prout philosophy states, “The common people can be temporarily bewildered by the chicanery of party politics, and this is especially so when politicians happen to be good orators. By the power of their oratory, politicians try to escape from the consequences of their misdeeds. It is noticeable that politicians, to further their party interests and to enhance their individual power and position, do not hesitate even to cause suffering to millions of people. Perhaps, out of a sense of duty, the common people should impeach (in a court of justice) culpable politicians. By merely delivering a few fiery lectures before less intelligent common people, the protagonists of party politics tear apart all the hopes and aspirations of the common people and undermine their prosperity. Various bizarre ideas jumble the minds of the common people, and they become dumbstruck.” (1)
Reference
1. Problems of the Day, Point #29
Festival - Niilkantha Divas - 12 Feb 2024
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