Baba
Both force & persuasion needed
Namaskar,
Baba has given a special approach for curtailing and eliminating sinful activities and advancing a proper code of conduct, i.e. transforming common people into strict moralists.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "You can help someone become good by making him understand [moral values], but no one becomes good through the application of force [punishment]...If the sinner is engaged in sinful acts or keeps moving ahead on a sinful path, you can prevent that person from doing so by the application of force [punishment]. But you cannot transform [create moralists] in this way." (1)
Key points for transforming others
1. The art of persuasion (i.e. logic and reasoning) is the pathway to transform someone into a truly good person. This entails teaching the values of morality, inculcating a feeling of dutifulness and responsibility, and inspiring them in sadhana etc. By persuading, convincing, and encouraging someone in this way, they can become a veritable asset to society, a truly good person.
2. The application of force (i.e. threat, fear of punishment) will never enable one to become good. That means using fear tactics or threatening one with terms of imprisonment, jail sentences, and negative repercussions for misdeeds will not enable one to become a good person.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
3. The application of force is meant as a deterrent to prevent a person from engaging in anti-social activities. If a depraved person understands they will be put in jail for wrongdoing, that may deter them from doing bad deeds. This is the chief benefit of the use of force. But the application of force and the fear of repercussion will not propel one to become a righteous and truly good person.
Balanced use of persuasion & force
Both force and persuasion are needed. First the inner desire needs to be cultivated. One should be instilled with the ways and means for becoming a true human being and an asset to society. That is what is meant by persuasion. Thereafter, when persuasion and education have been instilled to create good citizens, governments can apply fear tactics and force to establish law and order and prevent people from doing harmful things.
Unfortunately, at present, persuasion is not being carried out in an effective manner. That instrumental message of moral conduct, sense of responsibility, dutifulness, and other dharmic teachings is getting wholly drowned out by the negative channels of the mass media and degrading elements in society. That is why the social order is out of balance at present. Only by the proper execution of the two-fold approach - i.e. persuasion and force - can a proper society be formed.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Fear tactics alone are not enough
These days around the world, governments have mostly adopted a one-sided approach to law and order. The administration makes rules and gives the duty to police and military personnel to enforce them. However, as per Baba's teaching, this one-sided approach is not an effective way to create a proper human society. Nor does this style work well in family life, or community life, nor in our AMPS social life. The application of force with the fear of punishment is, by itself, ineffective in building a healthy social order. This is true whether it be 5 persons in a unit family, or a greater collective of people.
When only fear tactics are employed, and when members of the general public are not properly convinced, persuaded, or educated about what should and should not be done, then people can neither be rectified nor become good citizens. When governments resort only to the fear of the police and jail, crime actually increases. When there is a dearth of good people and a growing number of depraved people, it is not possible to apply the requisite amount of force on all persons at all times to keep them from doing harm.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Although people are less likely to commit crimes when they think the police are present or when they think they may get caught, they do resort to criminal activity when they think they can get away with it. This is the negative outcome that results when only force is applied to control the society, and there is an absence of persuasion in helping people become good citizens.
Only injecting the fear of being put in jail is not the proper solution; that will not lead to the development of a proper society, nor will it keep people from doing bad deeds. Nor will the fear of punishment lead to the growth of a healthy family environment, especially with teenagers etc.
Good role models needed to teach morality & dharma
Certainly, the application of force has its inherent value and should be a tool for keeping law and order. And it is the duty of the police and law enforcement officers to use this technique. At the same time, it should be understood that it is not the duty of such law enforcement agents to teach morality and tell inspiring stories etc. There are other associations, service groups, and individuals that must fulfill that role. And verily that role is in vogue, but not to the requisite level. Parents, teachers, community action groups, acaryas, and others are deeply involved - on various levels - in convincing and persuading people to become good. And still there is much work to do. Side by side, parents and school administrators may also use force or the fear of punishment to deter youths from doing harm.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
One of the main hurdles in persuading people to follow moral principles is that pseudo-culture, the mass media, movies, television shows, pop-music, debased websites, and the degrading trends of society have a much greater influence and voice. Those outlets project a very materialistic message filled with violence, indulgence, and lust etc. The prevailing social bodies - companies and corporations - ignite the lower propensities in order to earn money. And they boom their depraving messages far and wide to make a profit. In that case, the sentient voice of good parents, teachers, and community groups is easily drowned out. Tragically, that is what is happening nowadays. And that is why society is in such a tailspin. As more proper channels of education and persuasion are established, slowly we can lift society up from its current status. That is the great challenge nowadays.
How child can be ideal Ananda Margii
The teaching about persuasion and the application of force equally applies to all spheres of life, including family life. One cannot force children to be ideal Ananda Margiis, but children can easily be taught, nurtured, persuaded and psychologically convinced to lead a dharmic life. By inculcating within them points of yama and niyama and teaching them sadhana, as well as the do's and don'ts of social life, those kids will certainly grow up into good people - i.e. ideal sadhakas and sadvipras. And yes, by the application of force, one can deter kids from harming and bullying others, stealing, and other misdeeds etc. But one cannot force a child to become a sadhu. For that, persuasion and proper education, moral teachings, and sadhana are needed.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
In contrast, only forcing a child to do sadhana will not bear any fruit. If they are threatened that they must do sadhana, follow yama and niyama, and become a sadhu then that will never work. Force or punishment can only be used to dissuade and deter them from doing wrong. It will not help or inspire them to do right.
Way to cultivate inner desire
We should teach the logic and reasoning behind why Ananda Marga rules are beneficial, then the inner desire will naturally develop to follow those rules. And then one will best be able to teach and inspire others. This is both an individual method as well as a collective approach. An inner urge should be inculcated where one wishes to follow dharmic principles. Then one can become a true sadhaka. Those inspired in the core of their heart to follow Ananda Marga teachings progress on the path of spirituality and become veritable torch-bearers for the society.
In society, when dealing with thieves and criminals, force is applied; and, when dealing with margiis and Wts, Baba would scold wrongdoers to stop crime. Side by side, Sadguru Baba persuaded and inspired all Ananda Margiis by giving discourses and teachings for how to lead a dharmic life. By this dual approach of persuasion and the application of force, much progress was made, by His grace.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Similarly, with our kids and in particular teenagers, we cannot force them to become moralists and sadhus, just we can force them not to commit crimes. That is why education and persuasion must be used to inspire those teens onto the path of Sixteen Points and bhagavad dharma. Then they will grow a lot. Unfortunately, in the greater society, this element of dharmic persuasion is essentially absent, drowned out by the noise of pseudo-culture and depraving activities.
The courts and the police can only prevent a person from committing crimes etc. Those law enforcement and judicial bodies are unable to transform one into a moralist. Baba's two-fold approach is needed. By force one can prevent others from doing harmful criminal activities, and with persuasion we can transform ordinary people into strict moralists and dharmikas, by His grace. We should follow this method in (a) Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha, (b) family life - especially with our teenagers, and (c) the greater society.
Conclusion
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "You can help someone become good by making him understand [moral values], but no one becomes good through the application of force [punishment]...If the sinner is engaged in sinful acts or keeps moving ahead on a sinful path, you can prevent that person from doing so by the application of force [punishment]. But you cannot transform [create moralists] in this way." (2)
Here are the key points to bear in mind:
1. By the application of force, you can deter people from doing bad.
2. By persuasion you can inspire them to become a better human being.
3. Both aspects are needed; a one-sided approach will not do.
http://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Namaskar,
In Him,
Shiva Kumar
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Witness-ship of Parama Puruśa Is of Supreme Importance, p.190
2. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 10, The Witness-ship of Parama Puruśa Is of Supreme Importance, p.190
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Be merciful on me
"Ogo prabhu tava la'gi ga'ntha' ma'la' shuka'ye ja'y..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1935)
Purport:
O’ my Prabhu, the garland which I prepared for You is gradually becoming dry and wilted. Day by day, my yearning for You is increasing. Neither did You come, nor did You accept my garland. In waiting so long, all my days have gone in vain. O’ Lord, please come.
O’ my Supreme Entity, now even the dawn is unpleasant for me; it does not bring any happiness. My aching heart is restless as I pass the time in Your longing. Everything has lost its lustre and become dry. Even the gentle sweet breeze is no longer refreshing. The mental darkness I had has grown and become more deep and dense. Due to Your absence, the blackness in my mind has only increased. Days and nights are passing exclusively in yearning for You.
O’ Parama Purusa, there is no problem if I cannot get hold of You. And I do not mind if You consider me lowly and do not look towards me with Your sweet, loving smile. Only one thing I ask of You. Please give me a wee-bit of Your ahaetukii-krpa. Baba, in Your absence, my everything has lost its charm and become dry. Be merciful on me and give me Your darshan...
"Ogo prabhu tava la'gi ga'ntha' ma'la' shuka'ye ja'y..." (Prabhat Samgiita #1935)
Purport:
O’ my Prabhu, the garland which I prepared for You is gradually becoming dry and wilted. Day by day, my yearning for You is increasing. Neither did You come, nor did You accept my garland. In waiting so long, all my days have gone in vain. O’ Lord, please come.
O’ my Supreme Entity, now even the dawn is unpleasant for me; it does not bring any happiness. My aching heart is restless as I pass the time in Your longing. Everything has lost its lustre and become dry. Even the gentle sweet breeze is no longer refreshing. The mental darkness I had has grown and become more deep and dense. Due to Your absence, the blackness in my mind has only increased. Days and nights are passing exclusively in yearning for You.
O’ Parama Purusa, there is no problem if I cannot get hold of You. And I do not mind if You consider me lowly and do not look towards me with Your sweet, loving smile. Only one thing I ask of You. Please give me a wee-bit of Your ahaetukii-krpa. Baba, in Your absence, my everything has lost its charm and become dry. Be merciful on me and give me Your darshan...
== Section: Important Teaching ==
What is society
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "What is society, what makes it up? What is Samaj?" 'Samanam ejati iti samajah...'Here 'moving together' does not mean march or double march, here 'moving together' means that all portions of society, all portions of the collective body, should have the spirit to move ahead." (1)
Note: In His above teaching Baba guides us that the term society has a specific meaning. Society is not simply a collection of people like a crowd - each with their own individual aims and motives. Nor is society a group of people moving swiftly in a particular direction. Rather, society is formed when the entire collective moves according to an ideological vision, where none lag behind and all are encouraged to progress.
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 3, Saḿgacchadhvaḿ
== Section: Important Teaching ==
About the first democracy
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The first written constitution was framed by the Licchavi Dynasty of Vaeshali (in northern Bihar) in ancient India over 2500 years ago. Prior to that, the words of the king were law and kings ruled according to the advice of their ministers. The first republican democracy was established by the Licchaviis. The Licchavi Republic comprised some portion of Muzzaffarpur, portions of Begusharai, Samastipur and Hajipur between the Gandaka and Kamala rivers, all in the present state of Bihar. It was the first democratic state and they had their own written constitution." (1)
Reference
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 12, Requirements of an Ideal Constitution
== Section: Ananda Vanii ==
Set yourselves to task
Original Ananda Vanii states: “With the progress of science, the globe has become smaller to the human eye. No place on the earth is now inaccessible, and this is why it is the most opportune moment for building a universal human society. Set yourselves to task without any further delay. Remember, a human society based on ideology must be built with the help of all the moralists and progressive people of the universe. This is the only way for the survival of human civilization. The task will inevitably be fraught with obstacles, and by combatting them you will have to be victorious.” (Ananda Vanii #51)
Note: Sadguru Baba has assigned a number to all His original and true Ananda Vaniis. In contrast, Fake Ananda Vaniis do not have any number. By this simple formula, one can easily recognise which is a true Ananda Vanii and which is fake. For this occasion of January 1st 2017, all Ananda Marga units should use one of Baba’s original and true Ananda Vaniis, not a fake one. By this way, one will surely get His blessing.
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Tandava & kaoshikii discourse in Hindi
बाबा प्रवचन: ताण्डव और कौशिकी
बाबा प्रवचन: ताण्डव और कौशिकी
[Ta’n’d’ava aor Kaos’ikii se Tristariiya Vika’sa, V22-20 ताण्डव और कौशिकी,MGD 5th March 1984 Jammu ]
[मनुष्य का जीवन] जो है, त्रिस्तरीय है | There are three strata in human existence. One physical stratum, second psychic stratum and the third one is spiritual stratum | जहानी, जिस्मानी और रुहानी—तीन पहलू |
तो, ये जो तीन strata हैं, इन तीनों में किसी की अवहेलना नहीं होनी चाहिए | बात सही है कि physical stratum से psychic stratum की क़ीमत ज़्यादे है | मगर physical stratum भी अवहेलनीय नहीं है | ठीक वैसा ही psychic stratum से, रुहानी stratum, spiritual stratum जो है, उसकी क़ीमत अधिक है | मगर, psychic stratum भी अवहेलनीय नहीं है | तो, तीनों की चर्चा होनी चाहिए | जैसे कोई अगर रुहानी चर्चा, अगर spiritual चर्चा, आध्यात्मिक चर्चा नहीं करते हैं—शरीर और मन का करते हैं, तो वे भी आख़िर तक जीव-जन्तु के माफ़िक बन जाएँगे | कोई अगर शरीर की चर्चा करते हैं और रुहानी करते हैं, आध्यात्मिक करते हैं—मानसिक नहीं करते हैं, तो बुद्धि-वृत्ति में जड़ हो जाएँगे | Intellectual progress नहीं होगा देश का, समाज का | कोई अगर physical नहीं करते हैं, तो दुबले लोगों का समाज बन जाएगा | वह भी नहीं चाहिए | तीनों की चर्चा होनी चाहिए | और तीनों में एक balance, एक सन्तुलन रहना चाहिए | जैसे छोटे-से बच्चे, वे भी क्या करेंगे ? खेल-कूद करेंगे, शरीर की चर्चा करेंगे | लिखा-पढ़ी करेंगे, intellectual चर्चा | और कुछ समय के लिए जप, ध्यान, भजन माँ-बाप के साथ बैठ कर कर लेंगे | अर्थात् आध्यात्मिक चर्चा भी हो गई | और, जब बड़े हो जाएँगे कुछ, तो दीक्षा लेंगे, साधना करेंगे | जप, ध्यान, आसन, प्राणायाम करेंगे | लिखा-पढ़ी करेंगे, और शरीर की चर्चा करेंगे, sports करेंगे | तो, ये तीनों का एक सन्तुलन, an adjustment रहना चाहिए | Adjustment नहीं रहने से व्यष्टि की भी क्षति होती है और समाज की भी क्षति होती है |
हम लोग का यह जो ताण्डव नाच है, यह शरीर की पुष्टि में सहायक है, मानसिक उन्नति में भी सहायक है और आध्यात्मिक उन्नति में भी सहायक है | इसलिए हम चाहते हैं कि लोग सीखें | जिनकी अधिक उम्र हो गई, वे थोड़े time के लिए घर में करें, साधना के time में | और जो कम उम्र वाले हैं, वे कसकर करें | आपस में competition भी करें |
यह ताण्डव महिलाओं के लिए ठीक नहीं है, due to biological reasons | किन्तु, उन लोगों के लिए भी तो कुछ चाहिए | इसलिए हम पटना में कौषिकी नाच को invent किए हैं | वह भी क़रीब-क़रीब ताण्डव का काम करेगा | कुछ हद तक तो करेगा अवश्य | और वह हम देखे, कि, वह मर्द के लिए भी है, औरत के लिए भी है—दोनों कर सकते हैं, दोनों के लिए फ़ायदेमंद है |
तो, तुम लोग जो यह ताण्डव competition, कौषिकी competition करते हो, यह बहुत अच्छा है | और मैं पूरा इसका समर्थन करता हूँ | अधिक से अधिक करोगे | जहाँ मार्गी हों, जहाँ मार्गी नहीं हों वहाँ भी इसका competition हो | इससे फ़ायदा ही है | कोई क्षति नहीं है, कोई हानि नहीं है |[1]
Reference
1. MGD 5th March 1984 Jammu
== Section 3: Links ==
Mother's Day Dogma - 12th May
Ananda Purniima - 23rd May
Recent postings
