Baba
Namaskar,
In Ananda Marga, we make clear-cut distinctions between humans and animals. No one thinks that humans are animals.
Ananda
Marga ideology says, “The old idea of logicians that the human is a
rational [animal] is not supported by us. We say the human is not a
rational animal. If we say the human is a rational animal, then the
human comes within the animal category. Yes, the human is a living
being, but the human is not an animal." (1)
However,
in general society, there are many who equate humans with animals, and
vice-versa. This is especially true in the west where some advocate that
animals should have the same rights as humans, or that humans are part
of the animal kingdom. For instance, they will treat their pets like
royalty; or, they will openly state that humans are animals.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
In
AM we respect the life of an animal, but we do not equate human life
with animal life. There are distinct differences. If we are aware about
these differences then we can best convince others of the unique value
of human life.
Failing
that, certain people will continue to think that humans may behave as
animals - "because that is our natural way" - in which case they will
plunge themselves into all kinds of crude activities and ruin their
future. Or they will continue to pamper certain animals with all kinds
of superfluous luxuries while their fellow human beings die of
starvation.
So we should all be clear about the below logic and help elevate the standard of humanity.
Why people confused in the west
At
present in the west, there is a growing sentimental attachment for
animals. For instance, people now keep all kinds of pets such as cats,
dogs, iguanas, birds, llamas, fish, chimpanzees, ferrets, and so much
more. They give special care, expensive medical operations, elegant
spas, special grooming, and sumptuous food to their pets. They treat
their pets like royalty and spend huge money on them. They consider
their pets as members of their own families and think of themselves as
animal lovers. Yet when the vast majority of those pet owners eat meat
(i.e. animal flesh) on a daily basis.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
The
issue gets further compounded when we consider the fact that huge
numbers of humans die due to lack of care, yet so much special attention
is given to these pets. Indeed, in the US, 124 billion dollars a year
is spent on pet care, more than the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of
dozens and dozens of countries. Some of the ultra-rich even leave
millions to their dogs upon their death.
On
the one side, they share their homes with animals and treat them as
family, and on the other side they blindly support animal slaughtering
by eating meat at every meal. On the one side, people spend a huge
amount of money on pampering their pets, and on the other side, gross
numbers of humans go hungry every day. This is happening these days.
Key difference between humans & animals
Amidst
all these shocking scenarios we should keep this key point in mind that
clearly proves that humans and animals are of distinctly separate
categories.
Let's
say an owner teaches their dog 10 tricks. Then that is all the dog will
know. On its own, the dog will not learn an 11th or 12th trick. Dogs do
not have that type of psychic structure. When they are shown, they will
do, but they do not have the creative power or urge to go beyond that.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
In
contrast, within each and every human being is the seed of expansion.
So if a human being is taught something, then that human being will take
that idea and expand upon it. They will make the idea or action their
own and build upon it. Infants, students of all ages, professionals,
retirees, everyone does like this. That is the nature of human beings.
Language
is a great example. Animals can repeat a word (parrots) or respond to a
verbal command (dog) or even use certain words to communicate (monkey),
but no animal has the ability to create sentences on their own. That
pattern or capability of original thought and expression is beyond their
spectrum of knowing.
Here,
the whole point is that animals do not have the quality to do new
things. They can only do the things they have been shown or taught. They
lack the basic quality to discover anything beyond that. Thus when the
psychic faculty of human beings has this unique quality of making new
things and when animals lack it, then who can claim that humans are
animals or animals are humans.
Propensities in animal & human life
Because
animals utterly lack the aforementioned psychic quality, they spend
their days involved in satisfying their basic propensities or primal
urges. When a physical desire comes then they act upon it. That is the
basic quality of animal life. In contrast, human beings are not slaves
to their propensities. Either due to social pressure or by their own
thinking, humans do not merely act upon their base propensities.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
For
instance, if a dog is hungry and sees food then it will eat that food,
not at all considering if that food is for them or not. In contrast,
even when hungry a human being will refrain from eating food that is not
theirs. Either they are concerned they will be punished (social
pressure), or they do not feel comfortable eating what does not belong
to them (moral conscience).
Thus,
physical propensities do not dominate human life, especially not with
sadhakas, whereas animals are totally dominated by material pursuits and
are content with those limited desires. Humans are never satisfied
completely by physical indulgences - always they want something more.
Rarity of human life
With
our innate desire to discover something new, humans invariably turn to
psychic growth and ultimately spirituality. Animals are not capable of
contemplating new things, but humans have an innate urge for the
infinite. And it is this quality of mind that is to guide us in our
quest, not mere material enjoyment.
Unfortunately,
many humans remain engrossed in worldly desires and that leads to their
degradation. In that case, they are on the path back to animal life.
They will get the body appropriate for their desires.
As
sadhakas, we always proceed guided by mind, not matter. Some respond to
social pressure and others by benevolence of mind, but whatever may be,
most humans live by using their mind and then deciding how to proceed.
Animals never do this. As humans though, we are to use the mind to
control our corporeal structure and aim that mind toward Parama Purusa.
That is our unique human dharma.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
Conclusion
We
have been blessed with this human life which is so rare and so
difficult to attain. We must be especially sure to goad the mind toward
the spiritual realm and not get caught up in crude desires. We must
remember we are mind-oriented beings and never classify ourselves as
being animals and following that mode of living. We are to do sadhana
and reach the Supreme Goal.
Ananda
Marga ideology says, "Human life is rare and is very precious.” Even
the devata's, if they want to do something good or great, will have to
come in human frame to work. A devata' as devata' cannot do anything
good; the devata' requires a human framework. So human life is very
precious, very rare; “and such life is still more rare, still more
precious, if it has become successful by dint of bha'gavata dharma, or
by dint of sa'dhana'.”" (2)
in Him,
Hariish
The point of free will
One
other aspect of this discussion is free will. Animals do not have free
will in which case they cannot create new samskaras - bad or good. All
they can do is follow their inborn propensities - period. They cannot
think or consider doing something different. Their desire is limited and
they are content with material life.
Humans
have free will, and with that comes a huge spectrum of choices. Ideally
we make those selections with a balanced mind. By this entire process,
humans can easily go beyond material pursuits and point the mind toward
higher thoughts and realisation.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/
This notion of free will further distinguishes humans from animals.
Why the material west loves pets
Some
may wonder why those in the west and, in particular Americans, are so
enthralled with having pets. The clear-cut answer is that the more
selfish a person becomes, the less they are able to live with others.
Many in the US live alone because they cannot adjust with their family
and friends. Yet they keep animals. Those animals will listen to them
and never talk back. That is the only type of relationship a selfish
person can handle. In that way so many get totally attached to their
pets. They tell their pet all their worries and fears - that is much
easier than having to deal with another human being. So due to
selfishness some bond more with their pets than with other humans.
References
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 30, Ascribe Brahma-hood to All
2. Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bha’gavat Dharma
Restless heart
PS Intro: When the aspirant progresses in sadhana then the mind moves upwards, one stage to the next. The sadhaka in a lower bhava - like sakhya bhava etc - gradually moves upwards, closer to Parama Purusa, and reaches a higher bhava like madhura bhava etc. When one enters into this higher bhava - which is a new, closer relation with the Lord - then at first the sadhaka does not feel comfortable expressing this new feeling to His Lord due to fear and shyness. That mentality is beautifully expressed in the following song.
"Udvela hiya' ka're ca'ya, shayane svapane nide ja'garan'e..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0708)
Purport:
My melancholic, restless heart longs for the Loving One during sleep and dreams, when drowsy, and while awake - always. Who is that unknown, divine, charming Entity calling me - I do not know.
In this peak spring season, the atmosphere is charming and intoxicating. Everything is so sweet. The soothing ocean breeze is gently blowing in all directions. My heart longs for that unknown loved One. The sky is very attractive: The clouds are floating, and the sun's rays peep through in between the clouds. The scene is very alluring; it is so beautiful. Who is that Divine Entity, drenched in the sweet aroma of flower nectar, sitting distant, singing such captivating songs. Listening to these melodic songs, my heart is very restless.
My mind is restless for Him. It rushes towards Him every moment - it is beyond my control. It does not know how to respond to the call of that Loved One. Without smashing the obstacles like shyness and fear etc, how can I tell Him all the accumulated feelings of my heart, I do not know.
O, my Dearmost Lord, please do not remain distant. Come before me and grace me so I can surrender at Your lotus feet...
Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0708:
The sadhaka wants to express the feeling of their heart, but it is difficult due to shyness. With this closer proximity to Ista, everything feels very charming, but also very new. That is why the sadhaka feels shy. This song expresses the feeling of the arrival into that intimate stage when Parama Purusa is the Dearest One.
With a friend, one may not tell everything - but when one is very close then nothing remains concealed or hidden. This song is close to that stage. This song will be realised by those doing regular dhyana and getting Baba's grace. They can understand well.
The very subtle and intimate feelings of love cannot be written directly; that is why this song is given in an indirect manner. To learn more about the various bhavas, please refer to Namami Krsnasundaram discourses 7 & 27.
Mother's Day Dogma
Recent postings
