== MISINFORMATION IN OUR OFFICIAL BOOK ==
Namaskar,
We have all come across certain books which provide us with a distinct
glimpse or insight into a particular area of life. With their composed form
and expert guidelines, such texts, or reference materials, grant us a
deeper look, greater breadth, and a unique angle. Certainly the "A'nanda
Ma'rga Dictionary" (2005) aimed to be such a tool. How far it has achieved
this however is for everyone to decide. Here following are some key terms
that can serve as a measuring rod in this regard.
BABA'S SPECIAL DEFINITION OF SANSKRIT (SAM'SKRTA)
Each and every Ananda Margii has experienced to some or more degree the
unique and special role that the Sanskrit language has. Indeed Baba has
described and outlined the important use of Sanskrit-- both now and in the
future.
Indeed without any doubt, Baba has ceremoniously told how Sam'skrta has a
distinct purpose and use in the present-day world and beyond.
Baba says, "India is one and indivisible...Let Sam'skrta be the national
language, as this will provide equal opportunity to all." (PNS-17)
Thus according to Baba, Sam'skrta is a "live" language-- a language that
carries special utility.
GURU'S DEFINITION IS TOP-MOST
And being the Sadguru and Founder of AM, Baba's opinion is the Ananda Marga
perspective of the term. His description is the defining point; it is the
true Ananda Marga definition-- period.
And by looking around we can easily find numerous examples in our Ananda
Marga way of life as well as in Baba's discourses that all point to the
deep significance and use of Sanskrit.
Yet, for one reason or another, the editors of the new AM Dictionary go
against Baba's guidelines and instead describe 'Samskrta' in a totally
different way-- as if Sanskrit is a thing of the past.
Because in their reference publication the editors & "experts" involved
with the AM Dictionary have basically defined Sanskrit as being a dead
language (p.115).
SANSKRIT'S GREAT USE IN THE PRESENT DAY WORLD
Why or how those editors did like this we should think, but here is further
proof of Samskrta's clear-cut importance and use in the world.
(A) Baba has given approximately 10,000 pages worth of discourses solely
dedicated to the technical aspects and innuendos of Sanskrit grammar. These
writings are captured in the various books and series: Varna Vijiana, Varna
Vicitra, Laghu Nirukta, Shabda Cayanika, P.R. Sarkar Grammar & more. And
when as the Dharma Guru His each and every word carries special
significance for the growth and development of the society, then how can
anyone lay claim that Sanskrit is a dead language when Baba Himself devotes
thousands of pages of material on Sanskrit.
(B) Baba has appointed Sanskrit as one of the mandatory languages to be
studied in our acarya / WT training centres. So Baba has included the
Sanskrit language as required learning for guiding the society. It is an
integral part of developing human understanding and spiritual knowledge.
(C) Plus in our Marga, each and every activity in life from morning till
night is characterized by Sanskrit terminology. From paincajanya to
dharmacakra, from kiirtan to sadhana, from satsaunga to svadhyaya to samyak
ajiiva, our each and every motion in life is beautifully named and
described in the Sanskrit language-- including all our mantras also.
(D) And of course in each and every Ananda Margii has given up their
worldly or laokik names and instead been given a name from the Sanskrit
language. Indeed we need not look any further than how we call one another
as proof of the vibrancy of the Sanskrit language in the present-day world.
(E) In addition in India and around the globe there are thousands of
Sanskrit universities and colleges where they speak exclusively in Sanskrit.
(F) Even worldly dictionaries highlight and define Sanskrit as still being
in use. So it is unfortunate that the recently created AM Dictionary
defined Sanskrit as 'a thing of the past'.
SOME LANGUAGES HAVE DIED-- BUT NOT SANSKRIT
(G) Surely enough there are innumerable languages which have died away from
this earth such as Pra'krta, Vedic, and Pali, etc.
Baba says, "One thousand years after its birth, Magadhii Pra'krta also died
a natural death."
However Sanskrit is not one of those expired languages. Rather it is
commonly known-- and growing.
Baba says, "I am using Sam'skrta slokas and not Pa'li because Pa'li may not
be intelligible to you. Sam'skrta is better understood. That is why I am
using Sam'skrta slokas." (Prout 10)
BABA'S UNIQUE DIRECTIVES ABOUT SANSKRIT
(H) And here are more of Baba's famous teachings on the grand utility and
beauty of Sanskrit.
Baba says "If Sam'skrta is used human unity will be encouraged and human
beings will move closer together... So you should encourage the study of
Sam'skrta." (PNS-17)
Baba says, "At the time of initiation or shortly afterwards, those who do
not have a Sanskrit name should be given one by the A'carya." (CC I, p.6,
1995 Ed.)
Baba says, "The Sanskrit name should be used in all worldly dealings." (CC
I p. 7, 1995 Ed.)
Baba says, "India is one and indivisible...Let Sam'skrta be the national
language, as this will provide equal opportunity to all." (PNS-17)
By His above guidelines, it is crystal clear that Baba directs us that we
are to use and propagate Sanskrit more and more; but those "experts" behind
the AM Dictionary are directly or indirectly discouraging it-- by that way
they are only ruining their own credibility. Because which margii will pay
heed to the way these editors are making their dictionary.
SANSKRIT NOT THE ONLY CASE
Unfortunately not just Sanskrit, but the editors have ill-defined or poorly
defined various other key terms in AM life such as Vrinda'van (p.147),
prakrtaliina (p.96), vivaha (p.147) etc, as well as included some terms and
names which just do not belong such as Ac. Shraddhananda Avt, (p.8) etc.
For instance, the editors dogmatically define Vrindavan as "an important
pilgrimmage spot for the Hindus" when Baba uniquely guides us that
Vrindavan is that 'special devotional place in the devotee's heart.' (NKS)
In a separate example, there is the term Prakrtaliina which Baba describes
as follows.
Baba says, "Those who wrongly worship Parama Purus'a in the form of clay,
iron or other material substances, are ultimately transformed into
prakrtiliina." (YP, p.79)
By this definition it is quite clear that prakrtaliina is a type of
negative microvita. Yet in the AM Dictionary the editors wrongly define
prakrtaliina as "positive microvita".
Thus like swapping over day to night, the editors mix up nearly every
word-- overturning common and basic terms from our Ananda Marga way of life.
Tragically, those Dictionary writers make more mistakes on nearly every
page, thus how can I include them all here. Some further are noted below.
REFLECTION & RECTIFICATION
The culminating idea is that Baba has beautifully provided us with new
terms and definitions by which to spiritualize and revolutionize the entire
society. He has given us the all the tools to propel the society in the a
positive direction. So any dictionary of AM terms properly should carry the
spirit and accuracy of Baba's use of words. Unfortunately those inventors
of the first AM Dictionary could not properly hold up the AM Banner. So
those black spots should be corrected and / or others who are more up to
the task should be given opportunity to be part of the next edition of the
AM Dictionary. Because those with shallow knowledge always create problems.
BABA'S BLESSING
By His grace and through the proper understanding of Baba's teachings we
are sure create that great human society.
Baba says, "Build an ideal human society based on dharma. Let this be the
sole mission in your life." (NKS '81 Edn, p.155)
Namaskar,
Manomohan
Note 1: ABOUT THOSE INVOLVED
Who knows who has really written this AM Dictionary. Although
Shambhushivanandaji is listed & treated a key figure in all of this, I do
not believe he really could have done such a thing. So although
Shambhushivanandaji name is printed there who knows how far it is true
because these days articles are regularly written by one person yet someone
else's name is listed in the "by" line etc. Because to make their bosses
happy writers have to list the names of their supervisors as being the main
people. In this way when everything is proper, the bosses get all the name
and fame but when something is negative then those same bosses should also
be ready to face other remarks. Anyway, whatever the trend, I still do not
believe that Shambhushivanandaji was involved in such publication. Because
being a Gurukul chief, how can it be that he does not know the simple and
basic truth about many points related with our AM ideology. So surely other
people are involved and they just stuck his name there. But those others
who are involved and whose names are listed are so insignificant then what
can be said about them. Overall this book will mislead innocent readers
whereas those who are more experienced and alert have already thrown this
book away in the garbage.
Note 2: PRECISION NEEDED
It is well known and commonly accepted that any proper Grammar book
dictionary should be pristine, clear, conclusive, and flawless. That is why
Baba has given utmost importance of purity and sanctity to our scriptures.
Because of the wrong interpretations of their scripture Buddhism got
divided. On that point we are fortunate because up till now at least on
ideological points even various narrow and dogmatic groupist people do not
have a difference of opinion about Ista & Adarsha. All have faith. Because
Baba has given everything in a clear and conclusive manner. But if we allow
this trend of publishing negative books then the situation will not be in
favour.
Note 3: HOW THEY PUT SHRADDHANANDAJI IN THE DICTIONARY
Ac Shraddhananda Avt.- the one who diverts all his energies
towards the ultimate truth is filled with bliss... (p. 8)
By seeing this type of definition then all sorts of things strike in the
mind.
First point being that everybody knows that Shraddhanandaji himself stopped
following Sixteen Points when he took over the top chair. Means since 1990
Shraddhanandaji is (a) not singing kiirtan, (b) not doing guru puja, (c)
not singing Prabhat Samgiita, (d) not attending dharmacakra, (e) not
attending paincajanya, and (f) not raising the Jai slogan for Baba. Plus he
started watching all sorts of crude TV programs and he kept himself aloof
from the margiis. Like this in so many regards he was off the mark
entirely-- not following Baba's guidelines of 16 Points and Bhagavata Dharma.
Thus who can believe that by this way they have included and defined
Shraddhanandaji in the AM Dictionary. This may have pleased Rudranandaji
but it has not done anything good done for the society. By this way people
think that the editors are worthless. By seeing them licking the feet of
Rudranandaji, other fanatic H group people might get some temporary
happiness and the person who wrote this will save their post. But in the
readers' minds it will create a very ugly impression; and on the point of
dharma this is just gross sinful deed.
B group was more crafty but now margiis have condor eyes on them that is
why B group factional leaders have become alert-- to some degree. But here
in the case of the Dictionary something different is going on that is why I
have brought the point to the notice of my AM family members.
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If We Follow
Baba says, "You must continue doing good to society, and at the same time
must fight against the bad...On the path of dharma, one is not only to do
noble deeds; one must also fight against the dishonest people both are
virtuous actions. There are many good people in the society - noble people
engaged in noble deeds - who are not ready to fight against wrongs and
injustices. This sort of passive benevolence does not really promote the
cause of human progress in the world. What is desirable is to acquire
virtue by doing noble deeds and fighting against all sins and crimes. Both
are mandatory, both an integral part of dharma." (AV-8, p. 50-51)
Note: If we follow Baba's above mandate our organisation will be free from
all kinds of negativity. Stagnant minded people will not get the
opportunity to pollute Baba's ideology by imposing their dogma.
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