== FOR THE BETTERMENT OF ALL ==
(This letter is part of a series of letters on our practice of satya. To
receive past postings from this series, please write us. -Eds)
Namaskar,
In our Marga, each and every thing is done for the healthy growth and
sentient development of everyone-- for the welfare of all. As every Ananda
Margii is aware, this approach to life is known as satya.
Baba says, "The right application of thought and words for the welfare of
humanity is called satya. That which one thinks or says with a view to
harming others may be a fact or a factual statement [i.e. rta], but it is
not satya." (AV-4)
Thus it is only satya which can promote well-being to the world in all
circumstances. Mere mundane facts and figures-- i.e. rta-- alone will not do.
Unfortunately a few people in our AM feel that only rta is proper
and that satya is a 'distortion of the facts'. This is the deluded
perspective of some.
While most are certainly understanding the eternal value and special
quality of satya-- benevolent truthfulness.
OURS IS THE PATH OF SATYA NOT RTA
However to follow satya it does demand having a somewhat developed state of
mind. Devoid of that, one will be stuck in the realm of rta.
As Baba explains below, less evolved beings like animals and plants are
confined to the ways of rta-- and even some humans are limited to this more
static approach as well.
Baba says, "That which is a fact, which has really taken place, we call
rta. The spirit of rta can be found in the plant world. Even among simple,
undeveloped people one can easily find the idea of rta as the motivating
force for society." (NSS: Disc 10, 'Shivokti 8')
By His above teaching it is evident that rta is the guiding factor in the
life of undeveloped creatures, including some human beings. Due to their
lower state, they are only aware about this simple and limited way of
living: Following rta.
Whereas the broad-based view of Ananda Marga is totally different. Guided
by benevolence, Ananda Margiis will adhere to satya.
Baba says, "But the followers of dharma improve upon rta and utilize it in
a reformed way for the welfare of the world. When rta leads to harm, or
when it carries the possibility of falsehood, in that case people improve
upon rta and make it a fit instrument for promoting welfare. Rta when it
leads to welfare is called satya." (NSS: Disc 10, 'Shivokti 8')
Thus when the ways of rta are outdated and unable to follow the dynamic
laws of dharma, then rta must be tossed aside in place of satya.
IDEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RTA AND SATYA
That is why Baba is very careful to point out the very pointed and clear
difference between rta and satya. It is not that they are the same. Rather
there is a fundamental difference between the two.
Baba says, "In the opinion of the yogic scriptures there is an ideological
difference between rta and satya. That which is a fact, which has happened
or happens, is called rta. And the ideation used for the welfare of the
people is called satya."
Parahita'rtham' va'unmanaso yatha'rthatvam' satyam.
"Using one's mind or speech out of a spirit of welfare for others is
satya'. It is said that one should take the shelter of satya, not rta.."
(SC-2, Disc:11)
THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF SATYA
Here in this below example, Baba clearly shows how satya is employed to
promote justice and welfare.
Baba says, "If a person takes shelter in your house out of fear of a wicked
person and afterwards that wicked person comes up to you and asks: 'Is that
fellow here?', in that case, an innocent person's life is endangered. Here,
if one is to follow satya then one will have to say: 'No, he is not here.'
In this way an innocent person will be saved from being murdered or
tortured at the hands of a wicked person." (SC-2, Disc:11)
In the above example if one were to resort to rta then that would do
irreparable damage; it would cause irreversible harm. That is why it is
satya which has incorporates the dynamism and vivek to bring wellness all
of the time.
FOLLOW RTA UNTIL IT GOES AGAINST WELFARE
However that is not to say that rta itself is totally useless.
Another way of looking at this entire equation is that each and every
moment of our lives we are to follow rta-- unless rta contravenes the
spirit of welfare. Where rta reaches its limit and when rta causes harm to
others, that is when we depart from the path of rta and stand firm on the
principles of satya.
Thus, so long as rta is moving evenly and consistently with satya, then rta
can be followed-- and indeed it is to be followed. But the moment rta
swerves from universal well-being, then the only option is satya.
Because only satya promotes the benevolence and welfare of others 100% of
the time. And since we have come to this world to serve others, then satya
is our greatest tool-- out greatest friend.
SADHANA IS THE PATHWAY
The question then becomes what is the best way to follow satya. How can one
develop the intuitive understanding of what is satya. This is the method we
all need to know. And by Baba's grace He has given the answer.
Baba says, "Sa'dhana' is the only way to remove the shadow of asatya and
reach satya." (APH-3)
Thus it is only by our spiritual practices and meditation lessons that the
mind develops the softness and compassion to know where satya lies.
Here we should always remember that where there is an ounce of selfishness
there cannot be satya. Thus all those who in the name of groupism tell
their various stories about dharma, they are just a bunch of cheats
spoiling the good name of satya. But for this none should blame satya.
Rather it is those groupist parties that should be blamed and pointed out--
and ultimately rectified. Otherwise they will only invite their own
destruction.
So the only way to keep the mind above selfish tendencies is by ideating on
the Great. By adhering to the path of sadhana the mind will grow and
blossom and emanate the sweet fragrance of satya all the time.
SATYA IS ETERNAL
Where as rta or relative truth is limtied and only of value in a particular
set of circumstances, the path of satya has eternal value across all time
and space.
"Question: What is Truth or satya?"
"Ans. Truth is that which never changes: it always remains in the same
condition throughout eternity. Satya is not only unchangeable throughout
eternity but it is also unlimited: there is nothing beyond it. Satya also
does not change from place to place: it remains the same whether in one
place or another. Thus Satya is not affected by time, place and person; it
is Ka'la'tiita, Desha'tiita and Pa'tratiita." (APH-3, "Some Q & A...', #10)
BABA'S BLESSING
Here Baba guides us that those followers of satya-- those Ananda Margiis--
will gain victory in each and every moment of life.
Satyameva jayate na´nrtam´
Baba says, "Finally satya becomes victorious in each and every fight, in
each and every clash and in each and every work. Satya comes our
successful. 'Satyameva jayate na'nrtam'.'That is, the falsehood won't be
victorious."
'Satyena pantha' vitato devaya'nah'
"Your path to godhood becomes widened with the help of this satya, that is,
this satya makes the path wide so that progress towards godhood is
achieved." (AV-2)
Namaskar,
Gagan
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