== HOW TO DEAL WITH CAPITALISTS AND THEIR DISEASE ==
Namaskar,
Now that governements are trying to cure the ills of capitalism by
granting stimulus packages of 800 billion dollars and bailing
out captialists from their cataclysmic fall, we should refresh
ourselves on Baba's guidelines for dealing with capitalists.
Here we should know and understand exactly how to deal with both
capitalists and capitalism-since this greedy way of life is on its last legs.
In all the realms Baba's teachings are clear and conclusive. Likewise
Baba's policy about the followers of capitalism is equally straightforward.
Unfortunately a few in seem to have a slightly hazy vision of this. Here
following are some key points for everyone's review and comment. And also
think if you can recognise such persons in our Marga-- or not.
BABA IS AGAINST THE HOARDING OF WEALTH
We all know that the hoarding wealth is the practice of capitalism. And
that those who do like that are known as capitalists. Here following Baba
directs us to take a strong stand against such capitalist exploiters.
Baba says, "I have discussed above that each of the crude things that we
endure or enjoy is limited and so it is not desirable that any of them
should be stockpiled in any of the individuals' possession...Individual
hoarding of mundane resources and wealth must be stopped, even by force if
need be." (Universal Humanism)
Further, it is a known fact-- as Baba describes above-- that material
wealth is limited. And nowadays the globe is becoming even smaller. So if
anyone is hoarding huge wealth then surely they are depriving others of
their due and pushing them towards the brink of starvation etc.
Baba says, "Human hunger is limitless. If it is channelised in the
direction of worldly objects, conflicts between one human being and another
are bound to persist because mundane wealth is limited. Excessive hoarding
of wealth within one group implies scarcity in another." (POD #37)
Hence by these above mandates, it is clear that Baba is adamantly against
the capitalist practice of hoarding wealth and that those capitalists who
do like this must be opposed. Indeed such capitalists are enemies of the
society.
SOME ARE CONFUSED
But in their silly way, some are thinking that all capitalists should be
pardoned-- irregardless of what way they are behaving, even if they are
still exploiting others. Obviously though this is not correct.
Because Baba opposes both exploitation as well as those immoral forces that
are doing the exploiting. Exploitation does not exist in a vacuum. Someone
is doing those nasty things. And those misguided people must be opposed.
Similarly those very greedy capitalists who are exploiting others and
involved in the over-accumulation of wealth, such persons are the
worshippers of capitalism. Thus we cannot pardon them or allow them to
continue in their negative ways.
But some simple people are getting confused and thinking that:
'Alright he is a capitalist-- no problem; we should oppose capitalism, not
capitalists. If a capitalist is moving here and there and doing big
business that is fine. We oppose capitalism.'
But this is just one mirage which innocent people suffer from.
PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF BABA'S THEORY
Now here comes the straight-forward point. Means for those with just a
little bit of a pointed mind it is clear-cut and easy to understand.
Whereas for those whose mind is more scattered and disconnected, only they
get confused.
Baba's basic theory is that we do oppose capitalism, not capitalists. And
the unique meaning of this is as follows.
Namely that we are not against capitalists so long as they refrain from
following the avaricious & exploitative tendencies of capitalism. If anyone
gives up their wealth and adopts a harmonious way of living then we will
not wage a campaign against that person. But if any capitalist continues to
pursue the path of capitalism and goes against the collective interest by
hoarding huge wealth, then that is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.
Hence when it says that we are not against capitalists, that only refers to
those capitalists who have entirely given up the ways of capitalism and are
no longer hoarding wealth. Means they have come down to a common level of
socio-economic dealing.
Think of it this way. The greedy US capitalist, Donald Trump, cannot
separate his existence from his capitalist ways of living. As it stands now
he is the embodiment of capitalism. Thus under such conditions he cannot be
pardoned. But if he donates all his excess wealth & properties etc, and if
he does social service and comes down from his economic mountain top, then
his standing will be okay. But if not-- if he does not abide by these
regulations-- then he should be vehemently opposed.
Likewise Bill Gates-- the Microsoft entrepeneur-- is loaded with billions
of dollars yet side by side nowadays he is getting the praise of admiration
or many for his "fight on poverty". But his helping the poor in Africa is
just one slimy ploy while side by side his Microsoft empire exploits
innocent people all around the globe. That is why Baba call such
double-faced people like the greedy Mr Gates as demonic capitalist cheaters
who must be tackled down by the moralists.
And same is the case with those infamous capitalists from here in India
like the Birla and Tata families. So long as they do not give up their
wealth then they are not to be trusted and not to be pardoned.
Here following is Baba's special dharmic guideline on this key point.
Baba says, "Can't rich people who are moral and virtuous be sadvipras? In
reply I would say: Yes they can, but...they should not relax comfortably
with their immense wealth and eat idly. In order to observe and abide by
the rules of Prout (Progressive Utilisation Theory) they have got to fight
against sin and injustice, and in order to continue this fight properly
they must give up their wealth. A sadvipra is a strict moralist and
ever-virtuous person ready to fight against immorality. Earning money
sinfully or hoarding inordinate wealth runs counter to the fundamental
principles of Prout." (HS-2, ed. 1987, p. 100)
So no one should get befooled that we are not opposing capitalists but
rather capitalism. Because those hoarding the wealth and still exploiting
others and increasing their wealth are not merely capitalists but the
worshippers of capitalism.
However if any capitalist openly rejects the ways of capitalism and gives
up their wealth, then they will be a welcome member of Prout society. But
those not giving up their wealth and not coming down, they are the
worshippers of capitalism. In which case their mode of living cannot be
tolerated.
SOME RELATED EXAMPLES
Overall it is just like how in our Marga we oppose the negative dealings of
those dogmatic religions. Yet if someone wholeheartedly gives up those
dogmas and desires to join AM, then that is fine. But if one clings on to
those dark beliefs and engages in all sorts of casteism, genocide, elitism,
or communal hatred, then we will oppose that individual. We cannot defend
the matter and proclaim that this dogmatic fellow should be pardoned
without his mending his ways.
Because if someone still embracing negative isms like casteism or
capitalism then it is our dharmic duty that we should oppose them-- until
they are not rectified.
Here is another example related with this entire issue.
As we all know, a few tell that it is just the practice of stealing that is
bad-- not the person who is doing the stealing. They claim that the person
is good. But Baba does not appreciate such faulty justifications. Because
how can a person be good when he is stealing and leading sinful life.
Rather he should be treated as a thief. And thieves cannot be pardoned on
the logic that stealing is bad and the thief is alright. Rather the thief
and his stealing are mixed together-- the two cannot be divorced from one
another. Indeed so long as that thief embraces stealing then he is not to
be exonerated. But if he gives up his nasty ways of stealing, then fine.
Likewise those capitalists who stick to the ways of capitalism will have to
face the consequences.
BABA'S WARNINGS
Here, in conclusion, Baba points out the extreme negativity of those greedy
capitalists who indulge in the degrading tendencies of capitalism.
Baba says, "The person who cannot cheat others, cannot become a millionaire
overnight. You know as I told many times, the goddess of wealth is
established in sin. Only the person who is a terrible sinner and knows how
to cheat others as quickly as possible, only they can become a millionaire.
The goddess of wealth is the goddess of sin." (Discourse: 'Introduction of
Various local Gods and Goddesses', AV-11 [H] p. 7)
And here below is Baba's next warning:
Baba says, "Those who only use their intellect for the purpose of hoarding
wealth ...humanism gradually fades from their minds as they turn into blood
sucking leeches. Not even a spot of humanism remains in them as a residue."
(HS)
By all this it is clear that those capitalists who have not given up the
ways of capitalism are the enemies of the humanity. And their dealings
should not be tolerated-- let alone be allowed to become one leader.
BABA'S BLESSING
Baba's divine blessing is with us in this noble endeavour to build up one
great human society.
Baba says, "Human beings have to march forward to victory on the path of
all-round fulfillment in life." (Ananda Sutram)
Namaskar,
Divyacaksu
Note 1: SHORT CLARIFICATION
Here is the quote which a few people are terribly confused on:
Baba says "We are to fight capitalism and not capitalists." (PNS-4, p.6)
By now everyone understands the matter. Namely if those capitalists are
still wedded to capitalism then their actions cannot be tolerated; rather
they should be dealt with using a strong hand. Because so long as they are
cheating others and advocating the greedy methods of capitalism then they
are an enemy of humanity and should therefore be opposed. But if they give
up their wealth and renounce the ways of capitalism then those
former-capitalists are welcome members of society.
Note 2: SOME MARGA LEADERS NOT FOLLOWING
These days a few in our Marga are not living in accordance with Baba's
aforementioned guidelines. Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm they deeply engross
themselves in living the capitalist ideal-- hoarding and collecting huge
amounts of mundane wealth. And they happily indulge in that enjoying all
the respect given to top capitalists in this crude era. And then during DMS
or dharmacakra they humbly dress up as sadhu and temporarily show
themselves as great Marga devotees. And some are even trying to use their
money and nudge their way into top leadership positions or trying to direct
their own movements. This is not the case with all margiis-- indeed not
even close. Only we are talking about 2 or 3 margiis. Perhaps you know
them. Needless to say, this approach is not at all proper and indeed Baba
Himself condemns anyone following such a pattern. Those with excess or
inordinate wealth cannot be considered Proutists nor true margiis. That is
Baba's guideline.
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Divine Social Duty // Pracara Tips
Baba says, "Whatever you have done with reasons thereof. Also, make it
clear to them what you want to do and why you want to do. The result of
this highly useful (helpful) preaching is that the inferiority complex
disappears from the mind of the common men. They are encouraged when they
see that a common man like themselves is inspired with such a high ideal.
The second result of this is as follows. The common result of this is as
follows. The common people are not generally aware of your usefully high
ideas. In every work, big or small, they cling to selfishness. So, learning
everything pure and high through your easy and simple language they will
co-operate with you, with a mind free from wrong notions. The third outcome
of this is that they will be shorn off the wrong notions that may have
crept into them by the propaganda made by the selfish persons with vested
interests."
"Win over their heart by propagating Satya but without abusing anyone.
When, they will feel the ideal of Satya and come to know of your untiring
Karma Sa'dhana', naturally, they will abandon their wrong notions about
you; they will even start respecting you."
"Even in private life when a person behaves with you badly or uses
harsh words, don't behave with him in the same manner. You shall explain
to him his duties gently. In case, anyone has a wrong impression, you
shall show him the right path without scolding (abusing) him. Make it
clear to him if possible with practical demonstration how harmful may be
the effect of such habits. But always keep this in mind that in such cases
your behavior must be like that of a friend, and never like that of an
instructor. Your only object will be to get your advice accepted by him.
the idea that he is fool and you are wise is not desirable in any party."
(Ta'ttvika Diipika': Dvitiiya Parva)
NOTE:
1) Those suffering from a superiority complex are unable to properly guide
or teach others. For them, doing AM pracar is basically impossible.
2) However, in the Supreme Command, Baba has allotted us the special duty
"to bring all to the path of bliss"-- to bring all to the divine path of
AM. So this is a very sacred task which our Guru has given. Indeed it is
the greatest social duty of human life.
3) Plus, we know that when Parama Purusa advents on this dusty earth then
He does not waste His time in becoming a millionaire or a billionaire;
rather, He dedicates His each and every for the all-round development &
emancipation of human beings.
4) The conclusion is that the most virtuous aspect of human life is serving
others. And the best service-- the most lasting service-- is doing dharma
pracar. For this reason we should sincerely follow Baba's above guideline.
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