Baba
Rampant in materialism
Namaskar,
Now in this age of overt materialism, superficiality and kapat'ata' [hypocrisy] is a normal aspect of daily living. This manner of expression is rampant in society. Here following is how the problem has become an epidemic and an everyday affair in this modern era.
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Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Apologizing with 'Oh, sorry!', after knowingly or unknowingly bumping into a person, without inquiring to what extent the person is hurt, is considered enough refinement, and this is the Law of so-called Good Manners. But this does not reflect a really sincere expression of heart." (1)
With the rise of uncontrolled materialism, it is commonplace for people to hypocritically say something that they do not really mean. And that gets accepted also. Unfortunately this is the way things have become normalised nowadays. The entire society is not at fault. Rather, step by step, a few have sown the seeds of hypocrisy and goaded millions into adopting it. Gradually over time innocent, naive, and well-intentioned people have gotten caught in this web. By looking around we can easily see that this "oh sorry" expression is not the only case; so many similar phrases exist such as: "excuse me", "pardon me", “I did not mean to…” etc. All these are regularly used in materialistic society.
Lost capacity of deep thinking
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Generally we see that the human thinking capacity becomes somewhat dull in the wake of a major catastrophe. This accounts for the present psychic state of the human race which, as a result of two major wars which took place within a short period of time, is suffering from various miseries and tribulations. Humanity is at present unable to think, read or comprehend anything serious. Even artists and sáhityikas who are capable of thinking or discussing serious matters do not feel any urge to do so, thinking that if they do, they will not get any encouragement or patronage from the public." (2)
These days most people cannot think deeply on any given subject. Due to a lack of analytical thinking skills, when a fad comes into existence then mindlessly people start following that trend. That is what happens with hypocrisy and other superficial displays in day to day modern life. If you talk with anyone about this they may become irritated and think this is fine. Unfortunately, this shows their shallow way of thinking. Because in reality, no form of hypocrisy should be appreciated.
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This brings up a related matter: In certain geographical areas, people hug and kiss when they see each other. When they have true love and affection for one another - such as how a mother kisses her baby then that is genuine; but doing this hypocritically is not appropriate. Due to a lack of deep thinking, the general population gets latched on to these types of dogmas. We should be careful.
How Baba deals with hypocrites
For Ananda Margiis, spiritual progress is the aim of life. That is the main thing: To reach the Goal - Parama Purusa. In spirituality, simplicity is the key quality. In Ananda Vanii #54, Baba guides us to keep all our dealings in life straight like sastaunga pranam. There should not be an ounce of duplicity or hypocrisy. Yet in today's materialistic era, hypocrisy has become an essential aspect of daily life. There are numerous examples of how hypocrisy works in day to day life in this present era. We should be aware and keep our distance from this dark element of materialism. In the last 5 - 6 decades, advertising and materialism have increased multifold and people in the west / materialistic nations began suffering more on the mental plane.
The tricky part is that hypocrisy spreads like wildfire. To invent it is one thing - but once invented then invariably others start doing it, consciously or unconsciously. That is why we should all be alert because these habits and trends can easily get latched onto one's personae. And that destroys the whole personality. So everyone should be aware as this is spreading all over. And this is just one of the many aspects of pseudo-culture that is getting exported to all corners of this earth.
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Baba deals very strongly with those following the path of hypocrisy. Those present remember how during dharma samiiksa hypocrites were pointed out strongly and cured. In contrast, simple people who committed innocent errors were not dealt with in that way - rather, quite mildly in comparison to those hypocrites.
To ensure that hypocrisy did not take root or thrive in our Marga, the first thing Baba did in any reporting session was to expose any and all hypocrisy. Those who did wrongs but were not hypocrites were often pardoned mentally, while those who were hypocrites were dealt with more fiercely. This was Baba's normal mode of doing. This set the tone that no one should resort to hypocrisy in any form as it erodes the entire human personality.
Bhakti & hypocrisy cannot co-exist
When people become introduced to new fads, right or wrong, quickly they become habituated. In particular, in this era, people have become habituated with hypocrisy. This has become the norm, unfortunately. In this present era, people think hypocrisy is a part of life. Hearing this assertion about hypocrisy, some may feel reacted and contend: "What is the need to raise this point - hypocrisy is OK."
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The main concern is that if we embrace hypocrisy then our spiritual life will be hampered. Simplicity will disappear; yet that quality of simplicity is needed in order to lead a proper spiritual life. In its place, hypocrisy will rear its head; but hypocrisy is poison. If hypocrisy makes its nest, our spiritual life will suffer. Hypocrisy and true spirituality cannot co-habit. Where there is one, the other cannot remain. Hypocrisy means being self-engrossed and only thinking about one's own little existence. This is the well-known fact: Hypocrisy itself entails presenting oneself in a false manner in order to get some "self-glory". In that case God is distant; because then one's own unit mind is only absorbed in one's own selfish thoughts - not Parama Purusa.
Conclusion
We should always encourage straightforwardness and sincerity in life. Hypocrisy of any sort only rots one's mental arena and inner feeling.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Indulging in hypocrisy is not beneficial- rather harmful and negative. To be civilized means to give a refined form to everything, and it is inseparably connected with education. But if refinement takes second place and hypocritical behaviour becomes the primary means of expression, that cannot be called civilization or education. If a man who is invited to a dinner party only nibbles at the savouries, saying, “I am sorry, I cannot eat any more,” then goes home to devour a hearty meal and later brags that he eats very little, an impression of abstemiousness may be created in the minds of others, but there is a complete lack of straightforwardness in his behaviour. In modern society many aspects of civilization and education are of this sort." (3)
Namaskar,
In Him
Anubhuti Verma
~ In-depth study ~
Baba's teachings on hypocrisy
Here Baba explains how the hypocrisy can be controlled from ana'hata cakra.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The ana'hata cakra, situated in the centre of the chest, which controls twelve propensities: [including] kapat'ata' [hypocrisy]." (4)
Ananda Marga Caryacarya says, "Do not forgive [a hypocrite] till his / her nature is reformed." (5)
Here are more of Guru’s teachings and warnings about hypocrisy.
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Some people wear a mask of culture [of civility] in public, but in private pursue personal or class interests. This hypocrisy has no place in the human society." (6)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Hypocrisy in the human mind is also increased as a result of the influence of negative microvita." (7)
Neo-Humanism teaches us, "Such people attempt to cover their harmful or defective sentiments under a veil of hypocrisy. This concealing mentality is one aspect of hypocrisy." (8)
Fake concern a veneer of sympathy
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “If you consciously or unconsciously bump into someone and say, “Oh sorry,” without enquiring whether the person is hurt, that is enough to show one’s refinement. Although this is a sign of what we call courtesy, it does not reflect genuine magnanimity of mind. The person’s education will only be seen if he or she liberally applies a healing balm to the wound of the injured person – if the offender tries his or her utmost to mitigate the troubles of the injured person, even at his or her own expense. Then even the omission of the words “Oh sorry” will not matter.”
“Many things that are done in the name of education and refinement are simply hypocrisy. For example, instead of trying to remove the distress of their neighbours, some people merely ask, “What did you have with your rice today?” When the child replies, “Mummy only cooked spinach,” the enquirer merely replies, “Oh what a pity! Your family must be in great difficulty.” As they say “great difficulty” they emphasize the words to give their fake concern a veneer of sympathy. This is hardly an indication of genuine social concern or magnanimity of mind.” (9)
Hypocrisy: later brags that he eats very little
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The main feature of what, in the modern sense, we call education or civility is that one does not have to take on the burden of others’ troubles; one only has to pay lip-service to them. If people actually do something constructive to alleviate the distress of others, this may hurt their own interests to some small extent; but if people merely take up the cause of others in parliament, they can accomplish two things at one time. First, they will not be put to any trouble themselves, and secondly, they can gain adulation very cheaply. Those who protest against such hypocrisy are extremely vulnerable to accusations of incompetence or of being the agents of vested interests. If hypocrites declare that others are fools, should we accept their pronouncements with bowed heads?”
“To be civilized means to give a refined form to everything, and it is inseparably connected with education. But if refinement takes second place and hypocritical behaviour becomes the primary means of expression, that cannot be called civilization or education. If a man who is invited to a dinner party only nibbles at the savouries, saying, “I am sorry, I cannot eat any more,” then goes home to devour a hearty meal and later brags that he eats very little, an impression of abstemiousness may be created in the minds of others, but there is a complete lack of straightforwardness in his behaviour. In modern society many aspects of civilization and education are of this sort.” (10)
How it all got started
Here is another example to note. Those doing business want to promote and masquerade themselves as the well-wishers of society. Toward that end, they say they are "serving the community", when in fact their each and every action is aimed toward exploiting others for personal profit. So this is another form of unbridled hypocrisy these days.
The basic formula is that once any trend gets started then simple, innocent members of the general public get pulled in that same direction. The general people are not malicious or mal-intended; just they become habituated to that tradition or dogma. So many dogmas get introduced in this way. One person started it, and then it became common.
Smiling for the camera
Senselessly smiling into the camera is not good as that is a superficial display and undermines one's real happiness. Some people, who are habituated to smiling superficially, may get overwhelmed by hearing that we should not follow this type of hypocrisy. About this we should be clear. I do not say if anyone is attending a jovial function and they are smiling and someone takes a picture then that is bad. That is not the point. Smiling in and of itself is not the problem. It has become the custom "to smile for the camera" in order to show others that they are really happy, regardless of how they feel internally. This is all one superficial display - sheer hypocrisy. Yet this became the norm.
Not just in front of the camera, but in standard conversations this started happening as well. People feel the need to smile in order to show their happiness, when in fact they are really feeling empty inside. This is the sad state of affairs.
Regarding the dogma of smiling into the camera, we cannot say that all Europeans / westerners are like that, but most got carried into that flow. Even then, it is not limited up to the Americas and Europe or the USA. As western pseudo-culture spreads more and more, this dogma of smiling in front of the camera is also spreading to various parts of the globe. And not just this trend, but numerous others like it.
So although this "smile at the camera" epidemic is primarily a disease of materialists, this hypocritical approach can and is leap-frogging all around this globe.
Likewise, when you go to the 'customer service desk' of any large or small business, then the attendants there always put on a big smile and "promise" to help you. But their smile and their help is limited up to the extent that they feel it is profitable for their business - nothing more than that. Straightaway, it can be said that hypocrites started this negative trend. It began when individuals, who want to present themselves as something that they are not, adopted this way of dealing.
References
1. Human Society-1, '87 Edition, p.37
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 10, Art and Literature
3. Human Society - 1, Social Justice
4. Yoga Psychology, Glands and Sub-Glands
5. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Pt #6
6. A Few Problems Solved - 6, 'Spirit of Society'
7. Microvita in a Nutshell, Microvita and Their Influence on Micropsychic and Macropsychic Corporal Structures
8. Liberation of Intellect - Neo-Humanism, Awakened Conscience (Discourse 9)
9. Human Society - 1, Social Justice
10. Human Society - 1, Social Justice
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section: Important Teaching ==
How to become superman
Ananda Marga ideology says, "Spiritual thirst is the speciality, or rather the special characteristic of human beings. And there lies the difference between man and the other animals. Where there is no spiritual thirst in a man, physically he may be like a man, but actually, psychologically, he is not a man. So this special determination of human beings should always be encouraged so that a man may develop from an ordinary human being to a superman." (1)
Reference
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam -12, The Four Kinds of Approach
== Section: Hindi Quote ==
नास्तिक?
“सामान्या भक्ति, हर जीव में है | और, कोई जीव जो सत्यवादी हैं, जिसे हम साधु कहते हैं, वे क्या करते हैं ? यह जो उनकी स्वाभाविकी मुहब्बत है परमपुरुष के लिए, वे खुलेआम कहते हैं, कि---"मेरे मन में परमात्मा के प्रति परमपुरुष के प्रति, प्रेम है, गहरी मुहब्बत है | मैं यह मानता हूँ, और मैं यह मानता रहूँगा |" और कुछ लोग हैं, जिसको psychology की भाषा में hypocrite कहते हैं, वे कपटाचारी | वे लोग क्या कहते हैं, वे भी तो इनसान है जी, उनके मन में भी तो परमात्मा परमपुरुष के प्रति मुहब्बत है | किन्तु वह है कपटाचरण | वह दिल का यह जो भाव है, यह जो दिल का सही भाव है, उसे छिपाने की कोशिश करते हैं | कहते हैं---"मैं परमात्मा को नहीं मानता हूँ | परमात्मा के लिए मेरे मन में प्रेम नहीं है |" तो, मुँह में तो ऐसा ही कहते हैं | वह क्या हुई---न, मुँह की भाषा |
और, मन में कहते हैं---"परमात्मा तुम तो जानते हो, मैं तो तुम्हारा हूँ | और, अगर ऐसा बाहर में कहता हूँ, तुम तो क्षमा ज़रूर करोगे |"
[यह प्रवचन-अंश, बाबा के कैसेट से सीधे लिखा गया है । बाबा का यह असली प्रवचन, अमृतोपदेश है। आनन्दमार्ग हिन्दी पुस्तकों में छपे प्रवचन तो नक़ली प्रवचन हैं, असली नहीं हैं -- बंगालीकरण (बँगलाइजेसन) के तहत उनकी बर्बादी की गई]Reference
1. 1 January 1981 DMC Ananda Nagar
== Section: Prout ==
Why minimum requirements
Why minimum requirements
Prout philosophy states, “Diversity is the law of nature. So there cannot be any hard and fast rule about guaranteed minimum requirements. They will vary according to time, space and person. A few persons with extraordinary physical, metaphysical or intellectual ability may demand something more than ordinary people. Special amenities have to be provided for them. Certain items like food, housing, education, clothing and medical facilities are minimum requirements.”
“Nothing is stationary; everything is moving. So the minimum requirements and special amenities will also undergo changes with the changes in time, space and person. What should be the approach of Proutists? There should be a never-ending endeavour to minimize the gap between minimum requirements and special amenities. Minimum requirements will take the place of special amenities and extraordinary persons will get more items as special amenities.”
“The third Five Year Plan prepared by the planning commission of India presents an unwholesome picture – it presents unsystematic and unplanned government activities and the planned exploitation by vested interests. Though there has been inordinately high investment, the purchasing power of labourers has not been sufficient for them to meet the minimum requirements. Hence, while on the one hand labourers received less consumable goods due to less purchasing power, on the other hand entrepreneurs have captured excessive purchasing power and consumable goods causing excessive disparities in wealth. Economic balance has been upset. The major part of the capital investment went to the entrepreneurs and a microscopic fraction went to the labourers. There is therefore no middle class people in India of the type that existed in pre-independence days. Today well-dressed labourers have become the so-called middle class.” (1)
Reference
1. Talks on Prout
== Section 2: Links ==
