Baba
Important AM theorem misunderstood
Namaskar,
Baba’s grand tenet of “subject approach through objective adjustment” is a unique and revolutionary teaching, but is sadly often misunderstood - and in some cases even misused. First let’s gain a clearer understanding of this guideline and then investigate how it is being misapplied by some nowadays.
(A) Subjective approach means that the purpose of life is for realising Parama Purusa. That is the chief and only aim: attaining Him. To that end, all one’s thoughts and works throughout the day are for the sole intention of spiritual advancement.
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(B) Objective adjustment means that all one does in the mundane world should be in support of one’s subjective approach. For instance, the food one takes should be 100% sentient as that will aid one on the path of sadhana; it will help one progress along the path of supreme subjectivity. Taking rajasik, and especially tamasik food, will derail one’s movement on the path of God realisation.
(C) The main equation is that one’s objective adjustment should increase one’s speed along the path of subjective approach. It should make one’s journey faster towards the Supreme Entity. That is the proper application of objective adjustment as it leads to one’s final liberation.
(D) In contrast, if one’s objective adjustment decreases or retards one’s speed along the path of subjective approach, then one is involved in negative pratisaincara. That is slowing down one’s journey towards the Cosmic Entity, i.e. going in reverse gear. If one is smoking, stealing, engrossed in sensual lust etc, then that will hamper one’s progress. That is not objective adjustment, rather it is gross indulgence.
(E) One’s adjustment with the world should always be aligned with the Supreme Goal and make the journey faster unto Him. One’s objective adjustment should never undermine one’s movement on the path of subjective approach, i.e. realising Him.
A few case examples
The following case examples are given with the idea in mind that one’s worldly dealings should reflect proper objective adjustment, i.e. actions that hasten one’s journey towards the Supreme.
- If someone engages in pornography then that is not objective adjustment as it degrades the mind and pushes one farther from the goal, i.e. the Cosmic Entity.
- If one resorts to drinking alcohol and opens a wine shop then that is not objective adjustment as this crude intoxication and sinful earning retards one’s movement on the path of supreme subjectivity.
- If one falls into the rut of cronyism or groupism then those dealings are not in concert with objective adjustment as those factional activities divert one away from the Supreme Entity, Parama Purusa.
- If one chases after name and fame then that way of living cannot be called objective adjustment as those selfish and small-minded pursuits undermine one’s ability to go close to Taraka Brahma, rather one drifts endlessly away from Him.
An action only comes within the umbrella of objective adjustment when it hastens one’s journey unto Him. Doing longer sadhana, following Sixteen Points, serving others, preaching the ideology, and engaging in all sorts of pure, selfless, and virtuous deeds are all within the scope of objective adjustment as they lead one closer to the Supreme Entity.
How it is misunderstood or misused nowadays
Nowadays, those who fail to abide by the tenet of subjective approach vs objective adjustment fall in one of two categories:
(#1) Genuinely confused: These naive people simply do not understand Baba’s teaching of “subjective approach through objective adjustment.” Instead of ensuring that their day to day dealings are in concert with and accelerate their journey on the path of supreme subjectivity, they get lost in the mire of the prevailing mundane values etc. For instance, if they go to a relative’s house during the holidays then in the name of objective adjustment they may eat onion and garlic, or partake in the feast while those around them eat turkey etc. Or if one is busy and time is short, then in the name of objective adjustment the first elements one cuts from their routine are sadhana and asanas. Such persons are not well established on the path of Sixteen Points and spirituality. Rather they are just half-sadhakas or half-margiis. They compromise on points of dharma at every turn, naively thinking that that is what is meant by objective adjustment. Due to their naivete and misunderstanding they fall far from the path, sadly enough.
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(#2) Conniving mentality: These persons are cunning to the bone. They know the difference between right and wrong; and, they understand the spirit of “subjective approach through objective adjustment”. But, to satisfy their lustful, greedy desires, they plunge themselves into gross sensuality and materialism, and then cunningly justify that they are only doing this because of “objective adjustment”. A classic example of this is those avadhutas who gossip with, hug, tease, and massage etc members of the opposite sex and then openly proclaim that they are only doing this to “adjust” with the local culture. With their tall talks and haughty demeanor, they befool others in the name of “subjective approach through objective adjustment”. In their heart of hearts they know what they are doing is not objective adjustment, but using their guile and wily manner, they preach their bogus philosophy so they can continue to indulge in their degraded way of life.
Conclusion
Sadguru Baba’s dharmic teaching of “subjective approach through objective adjustment” is the ideal method for leading spiritual life. In the past, seekers were never given the right guidance of how to live on this earth as a sadhaka. And in the end, they fell victim to various dogmas or harmful ways. Whereas, the teachings of Ananda Marga shine a bright light and present the exact way to proceed along the path of supreme fulfillment. First and foremost, there must never be any compromise on spiritual values; that is what is meant by subjective approach. Secondly, those actions are consistent with objective adjustment if they hasten one’s journey towards the final goal, Parama Purusa. With this perfect formula of “subjective approach through objective adjustment”, one is sure to be successful, by His grace.
In Him,
Vibhuti
~ In-depth study ~
Ananda Marga philosophy says, “You are all human beings. You are all dignified human beings. Forget all fissiparous tendencies that sometimes function within human mind. Remember, you are the loving children of the Parama Puruśa, and your goal is the Parama Puruśa. Your goal is the Supreme Entity. Yours is a subjective approach through objective adjustment. Your movement is towards the Supreme Entity. But while moving towards the Supreme Entity, you are to do all your worldly duties in social, economic and all other spheres. That is, your hands should be engaged in worldly duties, and your mind moving towards the Supreme Entity.” (1)
Harmful ways of the past => Why phrase came into existence
Although the aspect of subjective approach was embraced by certain eastern religions, their overall method was filled with dogma as they ignored the world. This is best evidenced by Shankaracarya’s dogmatic teaching of maya vada, or illusion theory. Those followers did not accept the world as something real. And, in result, they were completely impractical, and instead of advancing along the path of spirituality they ended up harming themselves. For instance, they would stand on one leg in the freezing, cold water all night long in hopes of gaining virtue. But during that time of torture in torment, they did not think about the Supreme, just their were focused on their own pain and suffering. And when they emerged from their water in the morning their nerves and muscles were harmed. Nothing was gained; there was only loss.
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References
1. A Few Problems Solved Part 4, Subjective Approach through Objective Adjustment
== Section: Important Teaching ==
Take the fast trackReference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 8, Sádhaná
== Section 2: Links ==
