== THEY CAN'T DO NEW THINGS ==
Namaskar,
In Ananda Marga, we make clear-cut distinctions between humans and
animals. No one thinks that humans are animals.
Baba 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." (AV-30)
However, in the 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 animals kingdom.
No doubt 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 GOT CONFUSED IN THE WEST
At present in the west, there is a growing sentimental attachment for
animals. Some of this is appropriate but most is just pure hypocrisy.
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, 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 on a daily
basis, then we can see how misguided their approach is.
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, 41 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 dog 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 huge money on
pampering their pets and on the other side, gross numbers of humans go
hungry every day.
This is the shocking hypocrisy and disparity going on these days.
KEY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HUMANS AND 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, they do not have the creative power or urge to go beyond that.
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 ANIMALS AND HUMAN LIFE
Because animals utterly lack the aforementioned psychic quality, they
spend their days just 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 propensities.
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 materials
pursuits and are content with those limited those. 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 like 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.
By Baba's grace He has blessed us 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 beings animals and following that mode of living. We are to do
sadhana and reach the Supreme Goal.
Baba 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'.”" (SS-21)
Namaskar,
Hariish
Note 1: 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 the 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 has 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 materials pursuits and point the
mind toward higher thought and realisation.
This notion of free will further distinguishes humans from animals.
Note 2: 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 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.
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Japa on Enemy
Baba says, "If anyone's name is to be chanted in japa, it is the name of
Parama Purus'a. What is japa? A word has a particular meaning; repeating
the word inwardly again and again, after having understood its meaning,
is what is termed japa. As a result of the prolonged repetition of a
word, whose inner meaning is clearly understood, its ideation becomes
permanently imprinted in one's mind, and consequently there occurs a
radical change in one's mental arena. The extroversial tendencies of the
mind gradually become introverted. This is the benefit of japa. And if
anyone's name is to be repeated, it is the name of the Lord."
"Usually worldly people constantly repeat-- do the japa of-- their
earthly joys and comforts, or do japa on the names of their enemies. But
that is all useless. Only the name of Parama Purus'a should be repeated
in the form of japa, for ultimately one will have to reach Him, to merge
in Him. Ultimately one will have to reach Him. There is no other way.
Hence wise persons take only the name of-- do the japa of-- the One and
Supreme Lord, and never the name of any other entity." (12 November 1978
DMC, Kolkata)
Note: Usually people do not realise that they are doing japa of
something which is meaningless, silly, or sometimes even harmful. But it
happens because the general tendency of the mind is to degenerate
towards crude thoughts. For example, if someone is plunged in worldly
problems or court case or enemy, then in that case they are unknowingly
doing japa of that problem or enemy etc.
Another feature of the mind is that when the mind is empty then it is
the usual characteristic of the mind to start thinking of something
which is meaningless, stupid, or harmful etc. Or it will think of
something that will bring degeneration.
Hence, without even their own awareness, countless people are getting
adversely affected and getting poisoned by doing the japa of crude
things. In His above teaching Baba says that at any cost this should be
avoided-- averted. Repeated thinking or japa should only be done on the
name of the Lord. That will bring ultimate salvation and bliss.
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