Don't Trust

Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:05:27 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Nagendra Deva
Subject: Don't Trust

Baba

"Ga'nera jharn'a' baye ya'ya, bela' abela' na'hi ma'ne..." (P.S.#4868)

Purport:

Baba, by Your divine grace the fountain of Prabhat Samgiita songs is flowing eternally, completely independent of the normal cycle of time. Your blissful songs flow according to their own schedule, according to their own routine-- irregardless of day or night, summer or winter. The divine flow and sweet melody of Your Prabhat Samgiita songs are dancing on the jagged path. They lead one towards that vast Cosmic Ocean-- towards the fountain of effulgence, towards You Baba...

                              == "DON'T TRUST" ==

Namaskar,
In today's materialistic "society", people basically do not trust one another. They do not answer the door without knowing who it is; children are taught not to talk to strangers; the wealthy employ bodyguards and security personnel; there are alarm systems everywhere; and, even metal detectors at the entrances of schools.

All this portrays a fundamental lack of trust. Tragically, this lack of trust is growing day by day and has led to so many other societal ills: isolation, depression, loneliness and other diseases. And this basic lack of trust is not just limited to our social life, but our personal lives as well. Spouses keep separate bank accounts; clashes occur dividing up inheritances and ancestral properties; even on the point of food, people lack basic trust. They feel I should eat more otherwise the next person will take it all.

So this basic lack of trust is an issue in both individual and collective life.

In the past police viewed all as innocent, until they proven guilty. But now they think that all are thieves. That is their fundamental outlook. Such is the basic loss of faith in humanity that has occurred under the watch of materialism. Now the authorities frisk, scan, and fingerprint all; plus police want everyone's DNA data; and they revoke civil liberties. In their eyes, everyone has become a suspect.

Verily, the message of today's so-called civilised world is: "Don't Trust".

That is the underlying theme of modernity. Devoid of a common ethic of trust and brotherly love, strategies like fingerprinting, background checks, surveillance cameras, security alerts, and neighborhood crime watches are the norm. Indeed things have deteriorated to such a degree, that "sting" operations (i.e. undercover police & intelligence tactics) have become commonplace.

The questions arise: How did modernity humanity arrive at such a place? And, why do government leaders and local authorities feel that undercover operations are so critically essential for the well-being of society? These are some of the questions we need to explore. As Ananda Margiis we should clearly understand the situation so we can identify the problem and present the solution. We should also evaluate how far we suffer from this syndrome as well.

                 HEALTHY SOCIETY HAS TO BE BASED ON TRUST

For any society to subsist, there has to be trust amongst its members. That is absolutely vital. Without trust, society cannot survive. Thus from the earliest forms of civilisation, there has always been a certain level of trust. That means, there has been a shared ethic or common code of morality that people follow. That brings stability and enables people to live together in a harmonious way.

From the prehistoric era up till quite recently, the main ethic - or trust - was based on some type of supernatural force. Either out of fear or dutifulness, out of dogmatic faith or belief, people followed a certain code of living, thinking that there is some greater force watching over them. Whether they called it God, nature, fire, heaven, hell, or some other term, people thought that they were being watched and that they should not displease that supernatural power, lest they face the consequences. This was part of the basic mind-set.

For this reason, there were shared values. Even during wars, they would not attack women or children; in day to day life a person would not steal from their neighbor; and so many other codes. That is not to say that nobody ever did anything wrong but people basically believed that there was a common and agreed upon ethic which one should not transgress.

Here it should be noted that this level of trust only extended to the boundaries of their own group. It did not transcend to all peoples everywhere. Because all followed the dogmatic rituals of their group, there was a sense of understanding and trust.

Historically, such beliefs and values cultivated a sense of trust within a given community. Hence there was a social order or a society. And the overall proof of this is that there were far less police and security personnel. This was true even in the US.

In the early 1900's when Teddy Roosevelt was president then he had hardly any security agents around him. One hundred years later, Bush and now Obama are protected 24 / 7 by hoards and hoards of agents using all kinds of equipment and weaponry.

In prior eras, society was literally regulated by individual restraint - either due to fear or a good conscience. There was a prevailing ethic that kept people at peace with each other within a given social structure.


                                    ENTER MATERIALISM

All that changed dramatically with the onslaught of materialism. The ensuing loss of trust has created a drastic shift in society. The question is how did trust disappear?

In essence, in materialism, matter is god, i.e. everything. And with that, the witness-ship of a true god or supernatural force basically vanishes. People suddenly become "free" to chase after all kinds of material pleasures without any impending repercussion. There is no greater force watching them, just a few governmental rules and regulations that are easy to change or side-step.

Furthermore, in materialism, selfishness is king so people become guided more and more by individual interest. In addition, in materialism the chase is for worldly possessions. As these worldly objects are limited in number, people begin to resort to conniving and underhanded methods to get what they want.

Finally, in materialism, individualism becomes the rule of the day. People leave their groups, clan, communities and families and subsist in their own selfish manner. They become their own group, i.e. a group of one. Hence there is not a shred of trust for anyone else. People may superficially trust someone based on a business deal mentality by holding something in collateral, but their is no real trust. For instance, a person may lend their car to a neighbor only because they want to be able to borrow their neighbor's car in the future, or because their neighbor knows that if he does not return it in proper condition, then his prestige will be ruined. So in materialism, what we often understand to be "trust" is really a "trade" or some other crude transaction.

For all these reasons and more, that is why is often a blatant lack of trust even between family members and close friends. Have you not heard of siblings fighting over an inheritance, or how a husband and wife keep separate bank accounts as they think that any day their spouse may divorce them. And there are so many examples. Even in our Marga and Wt cadre, some have no trust that the next person will save them some food, so they take huge portions. Plus there are so many scenarios in personal life that reflect a blatant lack of trust. That happens due to the selfishness of materialism where one only watches for their own well-being, and not that of those around them.

This state of affairs has led to a serious lack of trust in fellow human beings. And where there is no trust, there is no cordiality, love, or code of honour etc. Rather people become alienated, suspicious, and psychically agitated. In short, they become antagonistic towards one another.


                                 WHY THE LOSS OF TRUST: Part 1

Indeed this is what we find in today's materialistic "society". And again the cause behind this loss of trust is at minimum two-fold:

1. People are competing with one another and chasing after finite material possessions; people think that if they do not grab worldly riches for themselves, then the next person will grab them. This breeds tremendous suspicion.

2. Those who are poor, hungry and exploited and losing the aforesaid competition in the race for crude wealth resort to criminal activities and steal from those who have.

Note: Further down in "Why the Loss of Trust: Part 2" we identify two more critical issues behind the loss of trust.


                             ATTEMPT TO KEEP LAW & ORDER

The authorities realised they needed a tool to keep the people in check - otherwise there would be absolute chaos everywhere. Hence, in the past few decades in the "modern" world, there has been a tremendous increase in police, surveillance, security, fingerprinting, raids DNA databases, retina photo databases, face photo databases, and so much more like sting operations.

Sting operations are undercover, secretive maneuvers designed to keep people "in-line". Some may think that "sting" operations are meant to entrap wrongdoers, but more than that the authorities have resorted to sting operations to ensure everyone follows the rules of law. They invented these procedures with this positive idea in mind. And sting operations have become quite pervasive. Yet, the problem has not been resolved. To some degree there is law and order, but suspicion and distrust within society have reached an all-time high. No one knows if the person they are talking to is a spy or not, is an undercover agent or not. And the worst part is that crime has not been curtailed, but rather it has increased.


                             WHY THE LOSS OF TRUST: Part 2

Considering the above, there is another set of reasons behind the terrible loss of trust in materialistic countries.

1. When you see and hear about criminal activities going on all around you, then you think that nowhere is safe. You never know if the person next to you will harm you are not. In that case, everyone becomes suspect.

2. When countries dominated by materialism employ so many undercover and sting operations in an attempt to control widespread criminal activity, then one has no idea if the next person is a spy or not.

Hence, there exists massive distrust.


                        THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEN AND NOW

In today's materialistic societies, the belief and fear that a supernatural force is watching over people has been replaced with the idea that there are undercover agents and surveillance devices watching them. In both cases, in the past and today also, the general public becomes forced to adhere to the rules of the society.

Let me first say that I am not supporter of the dogmatic beliefs of those outdated religions.

But the main difference between then and now is that earlier people felt that a supernatural force is watching everything & everywhere whereas today people feel that there are select police operations and surveillance cameras in particular locations. The vision of God is limitless whereas the reach of police and security personnel are fairly limited. That is one distinct difference. And that also explains why crime has multiplied enormously in materialistic nations.

In spite of having much more material possessions, people feel more insecure as everyone thinks that he is alone and helpless. All feel the need to have more and get more and the result is increased cheating, theft, and crime.

The other chief difference between then and now is that in the past people were guided by an inner feeling or conscience, and that led to little or no crime in their groups, and in result a basic feeling of trust from one person to the next. Whereas now people are governed by a purely superficial approach - i.e. fear of surveillance cameras and suspicion that the next person is a spy - that only increases distrust between people. And all along crime is also increasing day by day.

Again, I am not a proponent of the dogmatic religions, only I mean to say that the groupist sentiment found in religious communities led to a lower crime rate within their group; whereas in materialism, with a lack of trust everywhere, crime is rampant.

Finally, in the past people felt that if they did wrong then God would certainly know about it so they should not transgress any laws etc; whereas today people think that if they do wrong, then the authorities may or may not find out. These are some of the basic differences. That furthermore explains why crime today is at an all-time high.


                                            SUMMARY

Through underground police maneuvers and surveillance strategies, the authorities have been able to instill a sense of fear that gives the semblance of law and order in social life. On the outside - at first glance - everything looks alright. But without any greater ethic, and with crime continually on the rise, the authorities felt they had no other options than covert initiatives.

In conclusion, in the past people were controlled by an inner fear of some supernatural force and true love towards others; the stop-valve was their own conscience and this brought peace and service, not crime. Hence there was a deep sense of trust. Today that is gone. The mass of people lack an inner voice or conscience or true love for all and instead respond to external pressure like security measures and sting operations. That is the only thing keeping them from wreaking havoc. Everything looks like it is under control in the modern world, when in fact it is really not.


                   BABA'S TEACHINGS ON THIS VERY SITUATION

Here below in a pointed manner Baba clearly identifies and outlines how materialism invites distrust and ruins the social fabric of society.

The main problem is that when the goal is matter then everyone is chasing after limited worldly resources. So people become suspicious of one another and fearful that the next person will get the "gems and jewels" and they will not. This breeds distrust.

Baba says, "Philosophies such as this [materialism] ultimately encourage hostility between people: they disturb not only the collective peace, but also individual peace. Separated by the iron walls of suspicion, people cannot trust each other. The present-day materialism has brought humanity to this predicament. Its consequences are dreadful." (Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10, Shivokti 5)

Thus Baba says that the ills of materialism are horrific and lead to the splintering of society where no one trusts anyone else.

To counteract this situation, the authorities implement all kinds of spying and surveillance operations to promote public welfare. Because when all want to become rich by cheating others, then covert operations are needed. Such is the materialistic solution to widespread crime. Yet, ultimately this creates even more distrust, suspicion and more psychic tension. And all the while, criminal activities are not stopped, rather they are on the rise.

Once again in materialistic societies, all are rushing after crude object. Those in the upper crest manipulate the laws and rules and employ dishonest means to hoard huge wealth. In response, the hungry masses of society resort to criminal activities in order to get what they need to survive. In this way the whole atmosphere becomes polluted and there is a blatant lack of trust everywhere.

Baba says, "People have lost faith in their fellow human beings; one state [country] has lost faith in other states. In all spheres of life these days, people think one thing, say another thing, and do something entirely different. That is, hypocrisy is now at its peak. Now the question is: What is the motivation behind this? It is the tendency to assimilate ideas without the spirit of welfare – and, still more than this, the tendency to acquire the objects of material enjoyment in ever-increasing quantities." (Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10, Shivokti 5)

The thin thread authorities are using to keep law and order in materialistic societies is not working. Their "thread" - of course - is a wide array of security measures. But in so doing, moral principles and brotherly love have basically disappeared and distrust and crime have multiplied. In result, so many more ills take root: alienation, disillusionment, tension, frustration, and much, much more.


                                 ANANDA MARGA SOLUTION

In today's materialistic order, the common people are not comfortable, but they do not know the root cause. And they do not know how to remedy the situation. Because when they do not realise that materialism itself is the problem, they can only think that the remedy is more and more security forces, more and more surveillance cameras, and more and more covert operations. Such is the materialistic response; yet that only breeds more and more crime which leads to more and more spies. And the end result is heightened distrust.

In our Ananda Marga, Baba has given the perfect solution.

First and foremost, Baba has laid down the principles of yama and niyama. This brings a sense or morality; there is a common ethic. In addition, there is the shared belief that Parama Purusa is watching everything. In that case, no true Ananda Margii can knowingly commit a wrong as they do not wish to displease Baba and incur negative samskaras. Rather each and every Ananda Margii wants to please Baba by serving the society. Even if a margii gets the opportunity to do wrong without getting caught, they will not do so as it is against their inner code of morality.

We can say that the only way to bring real trust is through neo-humanism. One must feel in their heart of hearts that all are part of their own family. When everyone is a family member there is no question of crime or fighting.

When this ideal is embraced then all selfish and group boundaries vanish and a true bond of love develops. Then there is real trust, in which case crime will vanish. In a nutshell that is the equation.

Right now society is at a cross-roads. Materialism has reached its height and Baba has graciously created the vibration where people are looking for something more. Now is the time for us to preach the gospel of neo-humanistic principles. This is our duty and by Baba's grace the people will respond.

Baba says, "We have to divert physical longings to psychic and spiritual longings to avoid a fratricidal war, and thereby safeguard human rights." (PNS-15)

Namaskar,
Nagendra

                 

                   Note 1: BREED MORE AND MORE SUSPICION

Here below Baba is talking about how all the various dogmas like capitalism breed suspicion from one person to the next. When the preachers or leaders want to control the people they put forth myths and stories to support their crude political agenda. By this way they misguide the masses and implement their narrow-minded views. Today, many have swallowed the bait of capitalism and materialism.

Baba says, "Out of cowardice, selfishness or sinful propensities, humans and other creatures may resort to a crooked path, not only in the material world, but also in the mental world. That is, cowardliness, selfishness and sinful tendencies bring about curvatures in the world of thoughts. These curvatures breed mutual suspicion. Even innocent people are taught to think wrongly." (Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10)

                               Note 2: UNJUSTIFIED SUSPICION

In the past police viewed all as innocent until proven guilty, but now they think that all are criminals and thieves. This basic loss of faith in humanity has occurred under the watch of materialism. Now they fingerprint all, spy on all, run DNA checks on all, and curtail the freedoms of all. In sum, everyone has become a suspect.

Baba says, "Individuals or groups or communities guided by this sinner’s psychology, become involved in various inhuman activities out of unjustified suspicion. Ultimately there comes a time when they no longer repent. Those doctrines and philosophies which teach people to suspect their fellow citizens, which teach people to treat their fellow humans as enemies, have done enormous harm to the world in the past, and if not restrained and controlled, will do so in the future also." (Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10)

Actually all the religions, factions, or groups adhere to this baseline message: Do not trust those not in our group. Capitalism is worse because in capitalism, every person is their own separate group. Sinner's psychology is rampant: (a) Suspect those in the other group; (b) do anything, even anti-social tactics, to protect members of one's own group.

                          Note 3: ALL MATERIALISTIC SOCIETIES SUFFER

People often think of communist and capitalist societies as being poles apart. But in truth they both are materialistic in nature and both lead to rampant suspicion between haves and have-nots, and indeed between each and every person. Spying becomes the theme of the day. In the communist nations, people were forced to leave; let us see what happens with capitalism.

Baba says, "The situation may come to such a pass that detectives may be employed against every person. Again, another set of detective personnel may be employed to watch whether each detective is functioning properly or not. Thus a vicious atmosphere of intelligence and counter-intelligence will be rampant in the society. And the dangerous consequence is this – that all human treasures having been poisoned, human existence itself will become meaningless. People will grow cynical, or will be forced to leave their country or their society to escape this venomous atmosphere." (Namah Shiváya Shántáya, Disc: 10, Shivokti 10)

       *************************************************
                                Good Sadhaka

Baba says, "The mind of the man whose consciousness or discriminating judgement is awakened-- whose power of judgment is intense, always remains wedded to the 'Buddhi'. That is to say, his rein (mind) remains constantly under the control of the charioteer (Buddhi or discriminating intellect), and so, quite naturally, his organs remain loyal to the Buddhi. Random rambles of the organ-like horses (organs) will cut no ice with him. But in a case like this if the horses (organs) be bad and untrained, i.e. the organs are faulty, it becomes impossible for the charioteer (discriminating intellect) to get the desired result. Hence for the right functioning of the chariot (body), well-trained horses (organs) are indispensable. A sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) also should train himself likewise. His mind, body, intellect, and organs should be directed towards the Blissful Spirit (Shreya)." (SS-4, p.9)
       *************************************************

Current Events: "Large-Heartedness" of the West

Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:10:08 -0400
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Paramatma Deva
Subject: Current Events: "Large-Heartedness" of the West

Baba

              == CURRENT EVENTS: "LARGE-HEARTEDNESS" OF THE WEST ==

Namaskar,
At present, many are impressed and pleased by the western intervention in Libya. They feel that the US led NATO forces have come to support the cause of the common people. In the past, the western imperialists were mainly interested in colonising various lands, but now they are more concerned about the welfare of the people. Many are grateful for what a grand transformation has taken place. They feel it is wonderful that the western powers are asserting their might to help the rebel forces in Libya. This is the common outlook of many.


                      OTHER REGIONS TORN BY HUMANITARIAN CRIMES

In the case of Libya, people appreciate that western powers have stood up to save the repressed masses, but they are curious why those same powers have not intervened in other lands scarred by terrible humanitarian tragedies.

To date, the world has witnessed much worse crimes against humanity wherein the western powers did not intervene. For example, recently there have been terrible humanitarian disasters in places like Sri Lanka, North Korea, Myanmar (Burma) and Ivory Coast. But the US and its western allies did not intervene in those regions to stop the senseless spilling of blood.

Why then has the US overlooked the injustices in all those lands yet taken direct intervention methods in Libya? While some might arrive at so many fanciful theories, the answer, of course, is quite simple: Oil.

Without the lure of abundant oil, the western nations would not have come "to the rescue of the people" in Libya. The US is bound by special interest, not higher values.

Here the point is that we should see the US led involvement in Libya - and Iraq for that matter - for what it is: A campaign for large amounts of oil.

At the same time we should recognise there is a humanitarian crises in Libya and there should be intervention. But that intervention should be based on moral responsibility, not the need or greed for oil. More about this is noted below.


                                     INTERVENTION IS NEEDED

In the case of Libya, it is the duty of all good people to come forward and save the populace from further tortures. That is Baba's teaching and that is the dharmic approach. And that intervention should be done only with the motive to serve.

But the US led coalition has its own independent motive: They will only intervene if oil or other riches are at stake. Beyond that they do not truly care about humanitarian crises. Otherwise why have such western powers overlooked the tragedies in North Korea, Ivory Coast, Sri Lanka and Myanmar etc. What is the explanation?

In this modern era, the US has embarked on numerous missions to "save the people" in oil-rich nations, yet side by side the US overlooks tragedies in destitute regions. The US has been involved in Iraq for years because this is an oil-rich nation. And now the western coalition has just started an offensive in Libya, i.e. another oil-rich nation.


                                MULTIPLE REASONS FOR MILITARY ATTACK

While oil is the primary factor in choosing where to intervene. One other very closely related factor is money, or war reparations.

So the US-led interest in Libya is basically two fold: First, the western powers want huge oil reserves; second, the US & NATO want financial compensation for the expense incurred for their military operation, or reparations. This feeds directly into the US economy as a big part of the US economy is based on the sale of arms and ammunition. If there is no war and if there is no military action, then arms are not sold and battle planes are not used etc. And where there is military action, the US is sure to set claims for reparations.
 
Indeed the US is collecting large sums of money (i.e. reparations) today from Iraq for military intervention in the Gulf War and the latter offensive to remove Saddam. With this same end in mine, the US is ready and willing to apply its might to remove Gadhafi and then get reimbursed by Libya.

There may be outlying political reasons as well. But in terms the intervention in Libya, oil is the chief motivating factor, followed by reparations.


                                                  AND IF NO OIL...

The above formula becomes only more clear when we look at the US track record.

Where there is no oil, such as in in North Korea, Ivory Coast, Myanmar and Sri Lanka etc, then there has been no US or western intervention despite terrible crimes against humanity. And in places like Yemen, where the oil supply is quite limited, the US has chosen not to take action. And in Bahrain, where the US has a large military presence, once again we see that the US did not take action when the people were attacked.

Hence, where US interest is not met and where large oil reserves are not available, then humanitarian tragedies do not warrant actions by US led forces. Those people just suffer. That is the sad reality.


                                       BABA'S SPECIAL TEACHING:

                    MUST INTERVENE TO HELP INNOCENT PEOPLE

Here below is Baba's special teaching that we must not sit idle and allow anyone to inflict harm on innocent people.

Baba says, "Now, suppose a man seems to have good relations with his neighbours, but it becomes apparent that he is about to murder his wife, what should be the duty of the neighbours? Will they remain tight-lipped, sit quietly with their arms folded, and dismiss the situation as purely a domestic affair, thereby making the murder of the woman easier, and thus assist in establishing static peace? No, that is not the dictum of human dharma. On the contrary they should rush to the house, break down the door, save the woman, take suitable action against the male tyrant, and in this way come forward to establish sentient peace." (Problems of the Day #15)

In His above teaching, Baba directs us to intervene wherever and whenever people are suffering unduly and / or their lives are at risk. Hence in the above example we are to come forward and save the woman, without asking anything in return. That is our moral duty.

It is not that we should intervene and then say to the wife, "I saved you so now you must give me all your jewelry and riches." Nor should we only come forward to save wealthy neighbors who have money and jewels, and ignore atrocities being inflicted upon poorer families because they will not be able to pay anything.

Baba's teaching is that we are to save all who are in problem - irrespective of their financial status - and we should not expect or demand anything in return. We are to help out of a genuine concern to serve others and watch for their welfare.


                             THE US AND THE WORLD ARENA

By applying Baba's above formula to the situation in Libya, it is quite clear that intervention is needed. We cannot just sit idle and claim that the spilling of blood in Libya is merely a domestic affair. So intervention is a must.

And, to some onlookers, the US looks to be very generous and noble in coming forward to save its global neighbour(s). But in truth, the US is taking measures only with an eye toward securing oil and charging those fallen regimes huge money.

Indeed if one is not oil rich then the US is not going to help. Such is the rampant hypocrisy of the west. On the outside it looks like the US is acting out of humanitarian concern, but is instead motivated by self-interest.

If the police brigade or justice department in any land or country followed such tactics then it would not be a human society but rather an animal society. Then that society cannot claim to be grounded in morals but rather in gross self-interest. Then there is not genuine concern for others.

For years now the US has had numerous missions to "save the people" in oil-rich nations, and all too often the US overlooks tragedies in destitute regions. The US has been involved in Iraq for years on end because this is an oil-rich nation. And now the western coalition has just started an offensive in Libya, i.e. another oil-rich nation.

While an intervention is needed to help the suffering people of Libya, it is quite evident that the US involvement has nothing to do with humanitarian concern. Where there is oil they "help"; where there is no oil they do not. This is their hypocrisy.


                                                 OUR DHARMIC DUTY

In the case of Libya, it is the duty of all good people to come forward and save the populace from further tortures. That is the dharmic approach. So an intervention should be done, but only with the motive to serve, not to gain command over large oil reserves.

Unfortunately, the US led coalition in Libya is acting only out of self-interest. And this is their track record as well. Western powers only intervene if oil or other riches are at stake. Beyond that they do not care about humanitarian disasters.

As sadhakas, we  know that it is the duty of all leaders and moralists is to come to the defense of victims who are being tortured and killed. The aim should and must always be to save humanity from any and all suffering.

With greedy eyes, we must not pick and choose whom we "help" based on how much oil they have. Tragically, that is what has been happening in Iraq, and now we see the same starting in Libya. No one should watch and think that the US is being generous or sympathetic to the plight of the suffering. The US led intervention is all about oil, not any greater feeling for humanity. 

Namaskar,
Paramatma