(3) 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
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
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.
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Everyone Should Know & Practice
Here is something to consider, know and practice in day to day
life.
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)
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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...