Undoing cultural imposition + 4 more

Baba

Undoing cultural imposition

Namaskar,

Are you curious why the general Indian public is abandoning 'namaskar' and instead involved in 'shaking hands', or why 'using water' has been swapped out 'for wiping with toilet paper', or why 'laungotas' have become a thing of the past and 'western underwear' is now the only way to go, or why India is now importing more meat than ever before into its borders.

All these above changes-- as well as others like them by various native communities in other countries-- are fast taking place today, and have been in the making for a long while. That is the sad and unfortunate plight of so many of these previously colonised nations and subjugated peoples.
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Here the point is not to only highlight India. Such transformations are also occurring with Blacks in the US, Middle-Easterners in Europe, Native Indians in Brasil, and so many others. It is happening wherever people have been made to believe that their own culture is 'lowly'. That is the reason why so many communities around the globe are departing from their traditional or cultural heritage and instead adopting lowly ways of another more dominant culture. That is why McDonald's, Levis, martinis, and just about everything western is being embraced in so many lands. Here is more about this most tragic human tale.

Countries demanding return of artifacts

It is well-known that colonial powers took away precious artifacts from various lands and now certain countries like Greece are asking for their artifacts back - as well as many of the African nations etc. This is a big issue nowadays. Plus, it was discussed that those colonial powers took those artifacts not for their monetary value, but rather because those imperialistic nations wanted to exploit those local and native people to the very bone. So those cultural artifacts must be returned to those native lands etc. This is all part of the current conversation.

Tragic effect is lasting

Actually, it is not only that those cultural artifacts should be returned. It is not just a simple case of thievery of an old artifact. Tragically, the common people from the lands of South Africa, India, Greece, Vietnam, Mexico, Nepal, Morocco, and so many places have been stripped of their cultural pride. And we see the ill effect still to this very day. Because the stealing of an artifact is only the very beginning of a long chain of events.
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Just see: The main way to exploit an entire people is to first rob them of their own cultural identity and legacy, and then impose new cultural norms, i.e. those of the dominant country. Take away their history, heroes, habits, language, and customs, and then instead inject the same from the dominant land.

That will shatter the backbone of a people and cause them to fall into an inferiority complex-- such that they will openly renounce everything about their own cultural background and history, even the most positive aspects. Their language, their dress, their history, their music, their everything will be dropped into one dark chasm, and instead those oppressed and embarrassed people will run after everything associated with the more dominant but lowly lifestyle, i.e. they will embrace the ways of their exploiters. Because they have been brainwashed into being totally ashamed of their native ways.

Next step in exploitation process

The next phase is that wherever artifacts have been taken, in that land pseudo-culture has been imposed, and the people suffer from an inferiority complex, such that they are totally ashamed of who they are, and then they end up as prime targets for economic exploitation. So in any land, where people are swapping out their own cultural heritage for a lowly and debauched way of living, or the ways of a more materialistic and crude lifestyle, then it is sure that those people are getting exploited in one way or another. Baba has pointed this out in so many discourses.
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Baba says, "A particular group which is motivated by socio-sentiment to exploit others, tries to destroy the local cultural expressions of other groups. It forcibly imposes its language, dress and ideas on other groups, and thus paves the way for exploitation by paralysing those people psychologically. This is how people guided by socio-sentiment perpetuate exploitation in cultural life." (1)

That is why this whole issue is not just a simple case of thievery wherein artifacts can be returned and then the whole matter is done. It is not like that. Because when certain people do not like to speak their mother tongue even in their own kitchen let alone in public, and when some people do not like the shape of their hair or the colour of their skin, and where people think that all that is good comes from outside their borders, and where people feel that the traditions from their country are of no value, then this all speaks to the point that those peoples have become ashamed of who they are. In that case, inferiority complexes and exploitation must also be nearby.

Such is the devious and harmful effect of pillaging a country of their cultural heritage and artifacts. And that is why all across the globe innocent people are chasing after Euro-American manners and ways. Because they have been brainwashed into thinking that that is the only and best way to live.
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Returning the artifacts is not the only point

So it is not just that the museums of New York, Paris, London, Sydney, San Francisco, and elsewhere need only return thousands of artifacts to nations like Zaire, India, Philippines, Indonesia, Jamaica, Peru, and Greece. Rather, centuries and centuries of cultural oppression and suppression need to be undone.

Innumerable lands were forced to forget about their own cultural heroes and figures as they were wiped clean from the history, and instead they were taught to honour exploiters like Christopher Columbus, Vasco De Gama, US Presidents, Marilyn Monroe, Walt Disney, Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Jane Fonda, and the list goes on and on.

On the surface it all may look innocent, but the undercurrents of such cultural imposition is horrific. As people have been brainwashed into thinking that their own way of living and their own history is negligible or even sub-human. And still today, in their conscious mind they are unaware that this has happened. The scar is that deep.
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Further reflection: whom to blame

So it is a painful and unfortunate twist. And it is not right to think that the current events story begins and ends with the returning of artifacts to a native area. Rather those stolen artifacts were just the starting point of the demolition of entire cultures.

And it should also be known that still today those museum curators in New York, Paris, London, and Chicago have absolutely no intention of even returning the cultural artifacts to those distant lands from where they came.

Another aspect is that as we speak the younger generations in those exploited countries have no idea why they are running after western values and western ways. They are just plunged in the idea that those things are better. From nightclubs to McDonalds, from pants to neck ties, from lipstick to cartoons, from coca-cola to the English language, inside and out, the long-term effect of having their cultural artifacts stolen is stinging the youths in those lands.

The people of India, Vietnam, Mexico, Greece, Philippines, Zaire, etc are not to be blamed. It is not the fault of those colonised nations that they have fallen into this trap.

Rather those western exploiters from the US and Europe shoulder the blame. Those top politicians and executives are the cause-- not even the general public of those wealthy nations. Because this is all due to the tricks of those cunning leaders.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

And one thing is also sure: That each and every member of the human race must be taught, educated, and made to understand the horrors of cultural imposition. The history should be known, the effects should be studied, and everyone should be fully cognizant of what has transpired. Failing that, the people of those lands will never rediscover their cultural heritage and such exploitation is bound to happen again and again.

Let us all remember that the current events topic of stolen artifacts is not just a simple matter of return, but, rather, a starting point for undoing centuries of cultural imposition and exploitation.

Conclusion

We should fortify humanity with the teachings of neo-humanism as this is the only formula for unshackling the world from centuries of cultural imposition and exploitation.

Baba says, "In that supreme neohumanistic status, the universal humanity will attain the consummation of its existence. Then nothing will be impossible for human beings; they will be able to do anything and everything." (2)

Namaskar,
Shrii Devii


References
1. Liberation of Intellect: Neo-Humanism, Disc: 7
2. Liberation of Intellect: Neo-Humanism, Disc: 11

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

All became very close

"Tumi ele cári dik raunge bhare ut́halo, taruń tapan miśt́i hási hásalo..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0316)

Purport:

Parama Purusa, with Your arrival and advent, everything - all the directions - became inundated with resplendent colours of bhagavata dharma. The morning sun smiled sweetly; due to its beaming joy the world forgot all its agony. Because of Your coming as Mahasambhuti the whole universe is charged with spiritual vibrations.

Baba, in jubilation and delight, all became very close as everyone pulled together. It is Your grace. Today, after forgetting all sorrows, now in an exalted state bhaktas no longer feel suffering as suffering, or problems as a problem. Everything has become blissful due to Your august presence. In one tempo of spirituality, in a singular pull of the Cosmic Entity, in one song of His glory, the entire cosmos is ecstatically dancing in exultation.

My Cosmic Boatman, with a smile, receive the mind which is floating in the streams of divine refulgence; please bring that to the shore. With the attraction of the golden flash, today all are dancing rhythmically with exuberance, in euphoric ecstasy, in Your cadence & divine tempo.

Baba, in the past, people were drowned in misery - now with Your auspicious arrival everything has changed - only there is bliss....

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Need of the hour: more people

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "While dharma in the true sense of the term is based on logic and the realizations of great sádhakas [spiritual aspirants], religion, or dharmamata, is based entirely on irrational blind faith. So religions are always sheltered within dogma. While the propagation of dharma goes on spontaneously, for the propagation and establishment of dogma-based religions, the financial power of the vaeshyas [capitalists] and the intellectual prowess of the vipras [intellectuals] is inevitably needed. What we observe from the history of humankind is that the religions which have come so far have, without exception, taken shelter under the wings of capitalism. While money has been spent lavishly for the construction of beautiful places of worship, money has never been arranged for food, clothing, housing, education and medical care for the welfare of the poor. While for four full years all the state revenues of Orissa were spent for the construction of the Konark temple, during that period not a penny was spent for human welfare. Needless to say, the history of all countries is replete with such examples." (1)

In His above teaching, Baba points out how in the past the dogmatic religions spent their money on material pursuits such as the construction of the Konark temple, while the common people languished in utter poverty, half-naked and hungry. A similar state of affairs has befallen our AMPS where all emphasis is on material construction rather than a man-making mission.

#1: AMPS needs human beings. 
#2: So many ashrams and MUs are empty - now AM needs human beings not buildings.
#3: Those donating to those buildings and types of construction etc are all fools.
#4: Essentially, they are preparing those sites for non-margiis.
#5: Due to lack of occupancy by AMPS others will take over those buildings; that is what happened with the ashrams of other religions.
#6: In Bihar, Kabir followers had tens of thousands of MUs, and now everything is occupied by Bhumihar.
#7: So remain alert; we need humans. 

Reference
1. Ráŕh: The Cradle of Civilization, Ráŕh – 6

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Cannot call them humans

Ananda Marga ideology states, "Human beings are animate beings, they are not animals. What is the difference between the two? Animals remain obsessed with the gratification of their crude propensities; they only try to satisfy their cruder kośas. That is why in the minds of animals, what to speak of the supreme question, even questions related to the mundane world do not arise. Human beings, however, are (and herein lies the main difference between them and animals) mind preponderant beings. They possess the capacity of subtle thought which helps them find answers to increasingly complex questions, answers which have helped them to increase their dominance over nature. The same subtle thinking power has helped humans to attain Brahma, the Source of all psychic thought, and the final answer to all queries. It is the characteristic of all animate beings to seek joy and composure. For animals, that means the fulfilment of the crude propensities, but humans, by virtue of their developed thinking power, seek the deeper joys of life through the constant perfection of the subtle branches of relative knowledge. In the process of self-abnegation they take their psychic thinking back to its Supreme Source and get established in eternal bliss. Those for whom the pursuit of the crude pleasures of life is the be-all and end-all of existence should never be categorized as human beings." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology Way of Life - 8, The Supreme Question – 1

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Spiritual ideals should guide humanity

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Without spiritual ideals true morality based on universal love cannot be awakened. Unless God is accepted as the creator of all, human fraternity is impossible since God’s authority as the universal father is denied. Only spiritual ideals and spiritual desires can lead humanity onto the path of well-being. Universalism, cosmic ideation and cosmic bliss, unlike the material objects composed of the five fundamental factors, are not limited. Therefore, humanity should be inspired to move on the path of spirituality, or else nothing worthwhile will be achieved.” (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Philosophy in a Nutshell - 3, Some Questions and Answers on Ananda Marga Philosophy – Excerpt B, Answer #45

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Story: after death experience

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/10/how-dada-k-misconceived-baba-story.html

Be wary of bad jobs

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/why-this-is-sinful-job.html

Prout's answer to global economy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/08/local-vs-global-prout-3-more.html

Yogic method of service & mental shaoca

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/07/way-to-have-his-darshan-3-more.html

Understanding bird-crocodile relation

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/crocodile-bird-and-service-3-more.html

Story: after death experience + 3 more

Baba

Story: after death experience 

Namaskar,

Over the years Keshavananda jii has told this story at a variety of seminars, classes, and trainings. Hence, many of us are well familiar with Dadaji's portrayal. And, of course, he has even printed it in his book, "Mere Rahasyamay Baba" (2010, Hindi). Here following is that story.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

(Note: This is not a direct translation from the original Hindi version, but an accurate summary of that story from the Hindi edition.)

During the jail period, there was a convicted criminal, nay murderer, who was given the duty by the jail officials to serve as Baba's personal caretaker. The convict's name was Ramchij Rajawa'r' of Chhapara' District - as you may recall. And he served Baba well.

In the greater liila, Ramchij was blessed with the opportunity to be with Baba - such are the loving ways of Parama Purusa.

One day while Keshavananda jii was along with Baba then Ramchij Rajawa'r' excitedly came up to them and asked if he could tell the story of one occasion how he (Ramchij Rajawa'r') had experienced his own death.

Baba gave His approval so Ramchij proceeded to give his account.

Ramchij Rajawa'r' said: 'Baba, one day I died - I experienced death. I was suffering from a fever lying there on my cot and two uniformed officials approached and told me in an authoritative voice that my time had come and that I must go along with them. With no other option, I followed their order and, step by step, they led me up to the kingdom of the god of death-- to Yamara'j.'

'I waited there with the guards and when my turn came then those two officials firmly brought me before the grand throne of Yamara'j. And they loudly announced my name to the god of death.'

'They said, 'Here before you we have brought Ramchij Rajawa'r---he is dead.'

'Immediately, Yamara'j became furious and he loudly shouted at his two officials.'

'Yamara'j scolded them, 'You neglectful fellows. I (Yamara'j) did not tell you to bring Ramchij Rajawa'r's soul here. I told you to bring Ramchij Ahir. You have confused the names and brought the wrong person’s soul. You completely misunderstood my command. Now go back and return Rajchij Rajawa's soul to his locale and bring me Ramchij Ahir’s soul. Immediately do as I say'.'

Ramchij Rajawa'r' continued on with his story:
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'The next thing I knew I was now lying on that special type of stretcher used for carrying dead bodies to the cremation ground. And I was surrounded by all my family members and various persons from my village. I saw that they were all crying seeing my death. So when I opened my eyes and spoke to them they were startled and completely overjoyed.'

'And the first thing I said to them is where is Ramchij Ahir. I want to know about Ramchij Ahir. Right away two boys were sent to go get Ramchij Ahir.'

'They ran across the village and saw Ramchij Ahir milching his cows and then Ramchij Ahir looked over at them and then fell over - he died then and there, at that very moment.'

In that way, Ramchij Rajawa'r' recounted his story to Baba one night about how he died by mistake, and after some time had been brought back to life from the dead. And Keshavananda jii heard it all.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Dada K.'s (mis)understanding

Afterwards, when it was quiet, Keshavananda jii looked at Baba and asked if things like this really happen. Baba just smiled.

Seeing Baba's response, Keshavananda jii misunderstood and concluded in his own mind that Ramchij Rajawa'r's story is 100% accurate and stands as a realistic depiction about death. That's to say, Keshavananda jii concluded that such mistakes can happen: Sometimes the wrong person could be mistakenly made to die.

Thus thinking that he had heard a most amazing and incredible story, Dadaji began recounting this story in so many different lectures, seminars, and classes etc - all the while describing how due to an oversight or error in Yamara'j's system, sometimes the wrong person dies.
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And indeed that is how he wrote about it on pages 46 - 48 of his book "Mere Rahasyamay Baba" (2010, Hindi).


Baba unlocks the mystery

However, some years after that initial event, in dharmic fashion Baba corrected and clarified the matter for one and all.

In His discourse "Yamara'j Ki Katha'" in Kolkata on 24 Feb 1980 (Ananda Vacanamrtam - 18 (H) & (B)), Baba makes explicit and detailed reference to Ramchij Rajawa'r's story about the god of death. And the first thing that Baba says is that his helper - Ramchij Rajawa'r' - is not a liar and that he saw everything in a dream. This much Baba says to begin and then Baba goes on to tell the entire story about Ramchij's death-like experience.

And in the culminating section of that discourse, Baba directly states that such mistakes regarding death never happen. Baba tells that Parama Purusa is in control of each and everything in this vast creation, in His divine kingdom, and that one faculty of Parama Purusa is that of Yamara'j - god of death. Hence, since the Divine Controller Himself is the Yamara'j, Baba directly states that such mistakes about the wrong person undergoing death never happen. In the kingdom of Parama Purusa, such oversights never occur.
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Thus, in His clear-cut, precise manner Baba unveils the truth about such types of mistakes, i.e. that they never happen. All this is clearly given in Baba's discourse - "Yamara'j Ki Katha'" in Kolkata on 24 Feb 1980.

Dada Keshavananda misinterprets

By reading and hearing Baba's perfect clarification, we can all understand that from the very beginning Keshavananda jii misunderstood Baba's reaction to the story when it was first told to them by Ramchij Rajawa'r' in the jail.

That time Keshavananda jii thought that since Baba smiled therefore He was insinuating it is true and that such mistakes can and do happen at the time of death. But that was the wrong conclusion entirely. Keshavananda jii was off the mark.

So this is one clear-cut example of how someone was telling a Baba story that was clearly shown to be incorrect. Because it is Baba Himself who corrects the story. Even then, Dadaji's book (2010 Hindi edition) was published 30 years - 3 entire decades - after Baba's discourse on this topic and still Dadaji got it wrong. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Conclusion

The natural question is why did this happen. Why after all these years, after all it was 30 years between Baba's 1980 discourse and the 2010 publishing of Dada's book, did Dada tell the story incorrectly.

We can only conclude that although Dada was Baba's PA still he could not understand Baba's simple gesture. That is one part. And the second aspect is that most Wts wrongly think they know all of Ananda Marga ideology, and therefore do not read Baba's books, and do not understand AM philosophy, so they cannot come up with the right answer.

Sadly, many Dadas suffer from the myth that they know everything about Ananda Marga ideology and Baba's teachings. For this reason, they stop studying Baba's books and unwittingly preach false things for years and years, not realising that they are wrong. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Namaskar,
In Him,
Jayadeva

Common problem

We should all be aware that there are serious mistakes in so many books written and published by Dadas. The above is but one example of many. More are coming. The overall spirit is that Baba's personality and teachings should be properly portrayed and if any book written - by a Dada or anyone at all - goes against this ethic, then the wrong needs to be pointed out and corrected.

Hindi edition still wrong

The printed English edition of this book has been updated properly, but the original Hindi version of this book has yet to be updated and is still wrong. So as it stands now, Dada’s book (Hindi edition) is erroneous, and still today it is misleading readers.

When hearing any dadas recount a Baba story orally or in print, we should always ensure that the story and teachings are in concert with Ananda Marga ideology. And the best way to corroborate this is to confirm with Baba’s books and discourses etc.
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All personal accounts must be ideological

What Baba has told on the public platform and in His discourses is the word of dharma. When others tell us "this" or "that" about their personal experiences with Baba then we have to think in multiple directions how far this is correct or not.

Individual people have their own limited way of understanding and interpreting things. So we cannot always depend on their individual reports as being accurate, perfect, and dharmic.

We can only accept those accounts which are consistent with His divine discourses - i.e. which follow the code of rationality etc. Otherwise, without that, we cannot accept any single individual's report or interpretation as being Baba's actual universal guideline for humanity.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

          
Baba's discourses are dharma, not Dadas' books

At a minimum, we should always evaluate how far any Baba story or account is wholly consistent with Ananda Marga ideology. We should keep this in mind when reading any book written by a Dada. All too often their books are off the mark. This has been and continues to be a problem. Dada Keshavananda's book is a clear-cut example. Please watch for further letters in this series about books by other Dadas that strayed from the path.

Dada Keshavananda's book is not an isolated case. So many books written by Dadas veer off in the wrong direction. If you want to get the right guideline, read Baba's books.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Important Teaching ==

How karmiis behave

Ananda Marga ideology says, “People of action are also not free from vanity: “I did this, I did that – I built this road when I was a minister I constructed this bridge when I was in the Public Works Department” – this is how people become mad for their little “I”. Thus we see that although action is free from lethargy, it is not altogether free from vanity.”

“Pure devotion, parábhakti, is free from both [lethargy & vanity]...Those who ask for parábhakti or shuddhá bhakti will certainly acquire the things they need also. Thus due to their devotion, the devotees are always intelligent. You should be an intelligent devotee like this.” (1) 

Note: Bhaktas know that Parama Purusa is the real Doer and they will engage in all kinds of actions knowing that it is He who has blessed them with the capacity to serve. In contrast, karmiis suffer from vanity and are quick and eager to boast about the works they did. 

Reference
1. Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life - 11, Taking the Opposite Stance in Battle

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Quiz: what teaching is this?

Instructions: Kindly read the below quote from Baba's teachings. At the end of the quote a question has been posed. If your answer to the question is correct then it means you read Baba's books carefully; and, if your answer is wrong or you do not know the answer, then it signifies that you need to pay more attention when reading Guru's teachings. After all, if sadhakas are not diligent in studying Baba's books then who is going to read them - non-margiis?

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “Cunning vipras [religious priests], whom I call intellectual satans, tried to turn the minds of the people from practical reality towards an imaginary void by preaching contrived philosophies. The essence of their voluminous treatises and verbose annotations to lengthy aphorisms was: the world is an illusion; therefore renounce the world and do not be attracted to its illusions. Become desireless, detached and self-abnegating by offering all your wealth at the feet of the vipras [religious priests]. Of course such philosophies did not preach that the world was also illusory for the vipras [religious priests] who received the offerings – clearly because it was through such ploys that they were able to achieve their objectives.” (1)


Question: Who is Baba referring to in the above quote?

Most probably, as an Ananda Margii, you know what the answer is. But if not, or if you want confirmation, read on below for the answer for the answer

Answer: In His above teaching, Baba is talking about the dogmatic, exploitative priests from the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Those Buddhist priests (a) preach the doctrine of nihilism and (b) misguide people to empty the mind and meditate on nothingness. In a similar vein, Hindu priests imposed their faulty view that this entire world is an illusion, mayavada. Thus people were indoctrinated into the idea that they should not protest against exploitation, but rather focus only on the afterlife etc.

References
1. Human Society - 2, The Vipra Age

== Section: Update ==

Re: BP election commission: scam [2019] 

Namaskar,

The role of the the bhukti pradhana holds a significant and meaningful role in our Ananda Marga society.

Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, “The Ánanda Márga Pracáraka Saḿgha (AMPS) secretary of such a bhukti will be known as a bhukti pradhána. [Pradhána means “head” or “principal person”.]” (1)

Since the inception of the BP system, whenever DMC was held in a given bhukti, Sadguru Baba recognised the BP in the following ways:

(a) Sadguru Baba always bestowed a special place and honour to the bhukti pradhan;
(b) The bhukti pradhan would sit on the dais next to PA Dada, quite close to Baba every day of that DMS visit;
(c) Daily, on both occasions when on the dais, Baba always received the garland first from the BP;
(d) Before beginning His DMC address, in His exquisite liila, Baba would ask the bhukti pradhan about the subject of discourse and inquire whether the assembly would be DMC or general darshan;
(e) After varabhaya mudra was given, the bhukti pradhan would personally approach Baba and directly request Him for permission to do Guru puja;
(f) The local DS / Dit S Wts did not have this type of status that the BP had.

Continue reading... BP Election scam

in Him,
Viplava

Reference
1. Caryacarya, Part 1, Bhukti Pradhána

- Here is a link to the entire updated letter on this topic: BP Election scam

== Section 3: Links ==

Postings to Read

Prout's answer to global economy

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/08/local-vs-global-prout-3-more.html

Yogic method of service & mental shaoca

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/07/way-to-have-his-darshan-3-more.html

Understanding bird-crocodile relation

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/crocodile-bird-and-service-3-more.html

Story: He cares for all His children

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/04/incident-babas-grace-that-child-5-more.html

Personal experience: Baba's omnipresence

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/09/mahaprayan-of-mahaprayan-3-more.html

History of marriage: the defeated party

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/01/marriage-those-old-days-3-more.html

Prout’s answer to global economy + 5 more

Baba

Prout’s answer to global economy

Namaskar,

Capitalist puppets beat the drum that people are getting wealthier and wealthier each and every day. When in fact, the truth is that all the gold and riches of capitalism 'benefits' only a few. Never before in the history of the world has the gap between rich and poor been as wide as it is now. And now, finally, more and more are beginning to understand this fact as they bear witness to this widening chasm between haves and have-nots. 
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

The US can boast of its great financial power, but as a nation it has failed to provide the minimum requirements to the working people due to low wages. In result, 42 million Americans are depending on government food handouts, otherwise they will go hungry, and there are millions of people without healthcare. And the disparity is even greater in so-called developing nations like India and across much of Africa. The reason being that capitalism breeds poverty, not financial stability.

There is a Proutist slogan: 'capitalism makes the man a beggar', as it robs people not only of their soul, but their wallet as well. All fall prey to the greed of the wealthy, and all turn into the exploited mass.

It is just a dogma that wealth is created and poverty is diminished by capitalism. This is the false hope of the global economy. Because in such a system, the human brain is geared towards money-making and exploitation and not towards the distribution of wealth. In consequence, the mass of people do not get the minimum requirements in capitalism.

Only a local economy will work

Here Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar, the Propounder of Prout, points out that only a local economy-- not a global one-- will create a suitable way for everyone to live on this earth.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

Prout philosophy says, "In a decentralized economy the commodities produced by a socio-economic unit will be sold in the local market itself. As a result, there will be no uncertainty in the local economy or the economic life of the local population. In addition, money will be circulated within the local market so there will be no outflow of local capital. The possibility of an economic catastrophe in the local economy will be largely eliminated. In such a system, people’s income will have an upward trend and their purchasing capacity will continuously increase. No economic system in the world has been able to continuously increase the purchasing capacity of the people, because economic power is concentrated in the hands of a few." (1)

Thus, we should never fall into the dream now circulating around the earth that a global economy will bring riches to all. That will never, ever happen. Rather, the more the so-called global economic growth, the more destitute and in-debt the people will become, until that financial turmoil breeds utter hopelessness and chaos in the world-wide society.


Conclusion

Prout philosophy says, "There must be close correlation amongst PROUT, Neohumanism and spiritual practices. The balance amongst these three will elevate the structure of human beings to its existential status. We cannot neglect PROUT, Neohumanism or spiritual practices. This balance is to be maintained for all. It will create good will and elevate the standard of human beings." (2)

Only those immersed in the world of sadhana can bring about that new socio-economic era. Thus we should not sit back and think that others are going to do it. Only true sadhakas can lead the world out of the darkness of the capitalistic global economy and into the light of a Proutistic local economy.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/

In Him,
Dayasagara

Spiritual base

Drawing up a new economic system without having the key for knowing how to transform human consciousness will never yield a proper result.

In the past, "progressives" & "luminaries" like Karl Marx and Adam Smith felt they had the solution to the world's problems with their economic theories, but we can see how they misled humanity. So talking up the progressive notions without having a proper spiritual ideology can never quell the waves of social unrest. The two must go hand in hand, otherwise the package is not complete.

So we should never think that various intellectuals boasting of a local economic structure will establish Prout on this globe. Only activist sadhakas can bring about the needed changes to heal humanity's woes, not pseudo-progressives.
https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/


Tragic outcome of global economy

Manufacturing a global economy is inherently problematic, but no one likes to look at it this way. That is why people constantly sing the chorus that the global economy is making the world a richer and richer place. So while the bulk of the population is duped by this false thread, at least as Proutists we should know the truth and be ready to lead and facilitate humanity's changeover to a local economy.

The world is now headed towards big bank accounts for some, and the pangs of starvation for most. Due to the global economy, poverty will abound on this earth, and those destitute souls, with nowhere else to turn, after getting exploited to shambles by greedy vaeshyas, will destroy the peace and tranquility of one and all. That is where this global economy is headed-- tragically. So we should intervene at the earliest.

References
1. Prout in a Nutshell - 21, Decentralized Economy – 1
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 17, Prout and Neohumanism

*        *        *

The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.

*        *        *

== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==

Song of Your reception

Note: Only those bhaktas who feel a spiritual vibration in their heart can understand this song in the depths of their core.

"Khunjiya ber'a'i toma're sada'i...ogo sakhá..." (Prabhat Samgiita #0548)

Purport:

O’ Parama Purusa, my Sakhá, I am desperately searching for You always in my mind, in my mental garden. My eyes are saturated with tears of love in Your longing and waiting. My collyrium eyes long to see You. My eternal Sakhá, in my sadhana I am always trying to get You.

O’ Baba, all the creepers and shrubs are laden with flowers and fruit. Their heavy branches have come down to touch Your feet, in complete surrender. Whatever good things I have in my life, all that sweetness I am offering at Your lotus feet. The flowers of my mind are saturated in their aroma. They are waiting with nectar-filled hearts to surrender that sweetness to You. My ever-present Sakhá, please come.

O’ Parama Purusa, the sandalwood forest is spreading its sweet fragrance all around. The whole atmosphere is charged with Your divine bliss. The nightingale is busy singing the song of Your reception. The beautiful peacock is dancing alone to the melody and rhythm of its ankle bells, spreading its colourful feathers all around.

Baba, my whole existence, my entire being is ready to receive You. I am searching for You with bhakti and yearning in my heart, in my mind to have your darshan...


Note for Prabhat Samgiita #0548:

[1] Sakhá: Ananda Marga philosophy states, "'Samapranah sakha smrtah'. Where love and devotion are so overwhelming that it appears as if there is only one entity in two bodies, such a pair is known as 'sakha'. The bhakta, the devotee, is the sakha of Parama Purusa, because the bhakta can never think of Him as a separate entity from Him. Here he altogether forgets that he is separated from God. That is why Parama Purusa is also a sakha to His bhaktas and the bhakta is the sakha of Parama Purusa...You should also know-- you should remember this truth - that the only well-wisher that you have in this universe...the only sakha is Parama Purusa." (1)

Reference
1. Ananda Vacanartam - 6, Parama Puruśa – the Only Bandhu

== Section 3: Important Teaching ==

Mystery of Hindu dogma explained

Namaskar,

In India, one dogma is quite prevalent with regards to the worship of Lord Shiva. In trying to satisfy Lord Shiva, dogmatic followers first pour holy water on certain stones as if by this way Lord Shiva will get the water that He needs. They think that Lord Shiva will be pleased. And while doing this penance those dogmatic Hindus chant, 'Hara hara, bomb bomb'. All the common people know this slogan well. They have heard it always in such religious practices. Because ritualistic followers call and address Lord Shiva as 'Hara hara, bomb bomb’ when they are involved in this type of penance.

This ritual is especially common in Bihar. Followers from the surrounding states come and wear special saffron cloth from head to toe, irrespective of whether they are male or female, and regardless of what type of clothes they are wearing. On this occasion, everything they wear must be the same color: saffron. In the days leading up to this ritual, the entire railway and all forms of transportation become full of saffron as millions and millions of people are wearing saffron and only saffron.

Do sastaunga pranam, get up, go forward, & repeat

They travel from their pilgrimage in Sultanganj to the banks of the river Gaunga (Ganges) in Deoghar where they take holy water. Some get there by walking; some run 100 km to the temple in which case it takes a few days. And some special followers travel the 100 km by lying down in sastaunga pranam, getting up and advancing forward one body length at a time, and doing satsaunga pranam over and over again. They hope to please Lord Shiva by their strong penance by making the 100 km journey in this arduous manner. It may take them weeks and weeks to reach Lord Shiva's “holy” temple in Deoghar, Bihar. This ritual is done in the beginning of the Indian rainy season and goes on for 1 month. Along the way, all those dogmatic followers repeat the mantra: 'Hara hara, Bomb bomb'. This dogma is quite common and every year several million adherents participate in the ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva. They repeat again and again: 'Hara hara, bomb bomb'.

But the interesting thing is that many do not know what is meant by the term 'bomb'. Centuries ago when this mantra was first started, bombs and sophisticated weapons had not yet been invented. But just in their ritualistic way, they all call out: 'Bomb, bomb'. They do not pronounce, 'Vyom, vyom'. They are not aware about the origins of this ritual.


Riddle solved

Here Baba has made it clear what this mantra is and what is the proper pronunciation. To date, the common people do not understand that “bomb” is not correct, and that “vyom” is correct. Below Baba solves this riddle about bomb bomb.

   Ananda Marga ideology says, "He who takes away all your sins, He who takes away all our umbers and cumbers is Hara. He is Hara, because He takes away all your sins, all your propensities. Now, this Hara. One cannot attain salvation without coming in contact with this Hara. He [the aspirant] will have to pass through the realm of Hara because Hara is the sublimest rank of His Cognitive Self and that's why in ancient times it was a system, rather a usage amongst the spiritual aspirants to chant a mantra, which was a very favourite mantra : Hara Hara Vyom Vyom."  
   "Think of that Hara, think of that Hara, He will take away  all your sins; think of that Hara, Meditate on that Hara. Hara Hara Vyom Vyom. Vyom is the subtlest form of matter. Ether is called Vyoma i.e., your mind should go from crude towards subtle. In the realm of physicality it will think of Vyoma and in the realm of spirituality it will, think of Hara' "Hara Hara Vyom Vyom, Hara Hara Vyom Vyom".”  (1)

In Him,
Sunil

References
1. Subhasita Samgraha -18, The Stance of Salvation and How to Attain It

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Age-old problem: libertine life

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “The Sanskrit equivalent for marriage is viváha (vi – vah + ghaiṋ): it means, after the ceremony, the man and woman can no longer live as libertines or as irresponsible so-called family people. They have to discharge their full obligations as bharttá and kalatra, responsible husband and responsible wife.”

“Another Sanskrit equivalent for “woman” is nárii, which is feminine gender. But Shiva used the term kalatra, in the neuter; for to her husband a woman is a wife, but to her children and other members of the society, she is as dignified as her male counterpart. So by declaring a married lady to be kalatra, Shiva gave her special status, and addressed her in neuter terms.”

“The liberal meaning of the term viváha is “live one’s life in a new way with a special type of responsibility”. This is the underlying significance of the Shaeva system of marriage.”

Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In His life, Shiva Himself married with this commitment. We can say without the least hesitation that Shiva was the first person in this world to marry in the proper sense of the term..” (1)

Note: That which was common 7000 years ago has now again come into vogue: That same disease has become prevalent today. A huge percentage of people around the globe are leading libertine life - especially in the materialistic areas. They produce children and neglect to take any responsibility. They do not like to be bound in conjugal relations and shoulder the responsibility of helping the child. The ones who suffer the most are the children and the mother. Often such children wind up in foster care - mentally and physically scarred. It is a serious crisis - watch out. Where capitalism is growing that disease will spread. Our duty is to propagate this teaching - if we bring even one libertine onto the path of responsibility then at least to some small degree the problem is solved. 

Reference
1. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 9

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Origin of ball

In the following quote Baba reveals the history of the "ball" which is nowadays commonly used in innumerable games and sports. The ball is originally invented in India.
The following Baba's teaching reveals this fact.

Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The meaning of the root verb kand is 'to wallow'. We get the word kanduka (ball) by adding 'uk' to 'kand' or adding 'u' + 'ka' to kand. Its etymological meaning is 'that which rolls'; colloquially it refers to 'ball'-- a ball rolls. It should be remembered that the kanduka (ball) originated in this country. Originally, balls used to be made from cloth, but since cloth balls did not last very long people in ancient Bengal started making balls from the shoots of young bamboo." (1) 

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 3, Kakubh to Kavaśńa (Discourse 17)

== Section: Important Teaching ==

Origin of the Vedas

Ananda Marga philosophy says, "The meaning of the verbal root rc is “to glorify” (through song or through ordinary language). Rk means “hymn”. In ancient times, with the beginning of civilization, the sages used to look upon the various manifestations of nature as the play of one God and they composed hymns for that god. When they used to sing in the name of Úśa, Indra, Parjanya, Mátarishvá, Varuńa, that singing was called sáma. At that time script had not yet been invented, so the disciples used to learn by listening to the verbal teachings of the guru. These were all words of truth, words of knowledge and since they were words of knowledge, since they elevated the uncultured human beings towards the light of culture, they were called veda, or knowledge." (1)

Reference
1. Shabda Cayanika - 2, Discourse: 11

== Section 4: Links ==

Postings to Read

Yogic method of service & mental shaoca

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/07/way-to-have-his-darshan-3-more.html

Understanding bird-crocodile relation

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2016/02/crocodile-bird-and-service-3-more.html

Story: He cares for all His children

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2017/04/incident-babas-grace-that-child-5-more.html

Personal experience: Baba's omnipresence

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2019/09/mahaprayan-of-mahaprayan-3-more.html

History of marriage: the defeated party

• https://anandamargauniversal.blogspot.com/2018/01/marriage-those-old-days-3-more.html