From: "Marc Pele"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Refined Form of Hypocrisy
Date: Mon, 28 May 2012 19:57:32 +0000
Baba
== REFINED FORM OF HYPOCRISY ==
Namaskar,
For Ananda Margiis, spiritual progress is the aim of life. That is the main thing: To reach the Goal - Parama Purusa.
In spirituality, simplicity is the key quality. In Ananda Vanii #54, Baba guides us to keep all our dealings in life straight like sastaunga pranam. There must not be an ounce of duplicity or hypocrisy.
Yet in today's materialistic era, hypocrisy has become an essential aspect of daily life.
Here are some examples of how hypocrisy works in day to day life in this present era. We should be aware and keep our distance from this dark element of materialism.
Nowadays - in the last 5- 6 decades - when advertising etc has increased multi-fold and people in the west began
suffering more on the mental plane, it has become the custom "to smile for the camera" in order to show others that they are really happy, regardless of how they feel internally. This is all one superficial display - sheer hypocrisy. Yet this became the norm.
Not just in front of the camera, but in standard conversations this started happening as well. People feel the need to smile in order to show their happiness, when in fact they are really feeling empty inside. This is the sad state of affairs.
Here is another example to note.
Those doing business want to promote & masquerade themselves as the well-wishers of society. Toward that end they say they are "serving the community", when in fact their each and every action is aimed toward satisfying their private business interests - i.e. personal profit. So this is another form of unbridled hypocrisy these days.
Likewise, when you go to the 'customer service desk' of any large or small business, then the attendants there always put on a big smile and "promise" to help you. But their smile and their help is limited up to the extent that they feel it is profitable for their business - nothing more than that.
Straightaway, it can be said that hypocrites started this negative trend. It began when individuals, who want to present themselves as something that they are not, adopted this way of dealing. They were the first ones.
As we know, when any trend gets started then simple, innocent members of the general public get pulled in that same direction. The general people are not malicious or mal-intended; just they become habituated to that tradition or dogma.
So many dogmas get introduced in this way. One person started the matter and then it becomes common.
Regarding the dogma of smiling into the camera, we cannot say that all Europeans / westerners are like that, but most got carried into that flow. Even then, it is not limited up to the Americas and Europe or the USA. As western pseudo-culture spreads more and more, this dogma of smiling in front of the camera is also spreading to various parts of the globe. And not just this trend, but numerous others like it. So alertness and smartness is needed.
Baba Himself deals very strongly with those following the path of hypocrisy. Everyone surely remembers how during dharma samiiksa hypocrites were pointed out strongly and cured by Baba. In contrast, simple people who committed innocent errors were not dealt with in that way - rather, quite mildly in comparison to those hypocrites.
To ensure that hypocrisy did not take root or thrive in our Marga, from 1955-90, the first thing Baba did in any reporting session was to expose any and all hypocrisy. Those who did wrongs but were not hypocrites were often pardoned mentally, while those who were hypocrites were dealt with more fiercely. This was Baba's normal mode of doing. This set the tone that no one should resort to hypocrisy in any form as it erodes the entire human personality.
The tricky part is that hypocrisy spreads like wildfire. To invent it is one thing - but once invented then invariably others start doing it, consciously or unconsciously. That is why we should all be alert because these habits and trends can easily get latched onto one's personae. And that destroys the whole personality.
So although this "smile at the camera" epidemic is primarily a disease of our west, this hypocritical approach can and is leap-frogging all around this globe. So everyone should be aware as this is spreading all over. And this is but one of many aspects of pseudo-culture that is getting exported to all corners of this earth.
When people become introduced to new fads, right or wrong, quickly they become habituated. They like that new fad. This happens in each and every era. In particular, in this era, people have become habituated with hypocrisy. This has become the norm, unfortunately.
In contrast, a few hundred years ago in the US, it was different. In that era, the slavery was well accepted. People became habituated with slavery. This was a terrible crime against humanity, yet even good people accepted it as a normal part of everyday life.
Also in that era, only males could get top jobs and earn money and only males could vote. Even though that was unjust and wrong, the general society was comfortable with those standards.
Now people think quite differently.
In this present era, people think hypocrisy is a part of life. Hearing this assertion about hypocrisy, some may feel reacted and contend: "What is the need to raise this point - hypocrisy is OK."
The main concern is that if we embrace hypocrisy then our spiritual life will be hampered. Simplicity will disappear; yet that quality of simplicity is needed in order to lead a proper spiritual life. In its place, hypocrisy will rear its head; but hypocrisy is poison. If hypocrisy makes its nest, our spiritual life will suffer. That is Baba's teaching.
DEVOTION AND HYPOCRISY CANNOT CO-EXIST
Hypocrisy and true spirituality cannot co-habitat. Where there is one, the other cannot remain. Hypocrisy means being self-engrossed and only thinking about one's own little existence. This is the well-known fact: Hypocrisy itself entails presenting oneself in a false manner in order to get some "self-glory". In that case God is distant; because then one's own unit mind is only absorbed in one's own selfish thoughts - not Parama Purusa.
Here are more of Baba's teachings & warnings about hypocrisy.
Baba says, "Some people wear a mask of culture [of civility] in public, but in private pursue personal or class interests. This hypocrisy has no place in the human society." (A Few Problems Solved - 6, 'Spirit of Society')
Baba says, "Hypocrisy in the human mind is also increased as a result of the influence of negative microvita." (Microvita in a Nutshell)
Baba says, "Such people attempt to cover their harmful or defective sentiments under a veil of hypocrisy. This concealing mentality is one aspect of hypocrisy." (Neo-Humanism: Liberation of Intellect, 'Awakened Conscience')
So indulging in hypocrisy is not at all good - rather harmful and negative.
By Baba's grace, our Ananda Marga society will again get going on the right path - free from all defects and contradictions etc. We will not get caught in the widening net of hypocrisy - like senselessly smiling into the camera - that is spreading around the world.
Baba says, "...This Goal provides inspiration, supplies the means for forward movement and makes the little lamps infinitely effulgent...it will make the earth ever full of sweetness..." (Ananda Vanii #67)
Namaskar,
Mahendra Deva
Now in this age of blatant capitalism, superficiality and kapat'ata' [hypocrisy] is a normal aspect of daily living. Indeed such
expression is rampant in society. Here following Baba Himself comments how the problem has become epidemic & an everyday affair in this crude modern era.
Baba says, "Apologizing with 'Oh, sorry!', after knowingly or unknowingly bumping into a person, without inquiring to what extent the person is hurt, is considered enough refinement, and this is the Law of so-called Good Manners. But this does not reflect a really sincere expression of heart." (Human Society-1, '87, p. 37)
The point being that with the onset of uncontrolled capitalism, it is commonplace for people to hypocritically say something that they do not really mean. And that gets accepted also. Unfortunately this is the way things have "developed".
Here the situation is not that the entire society is at fault. But step by step a few have sown the seeds of hypocrisy and goaded millions into adopting it. Gradually over time innocent, naive, and well-intentioned people have gotten caught in this web.
By looking around we can easily see that this "oh sorry" expression is not the only case; so many such common phrases exist such as: "excuse me", "pardon me", etc and even non-verbal trends like "smiling for the camera". All these are regularly used in materialistic society.
Baba says, "Generally we see that the human thinking capacity becomes somewhat dull in the wake of a major catastrophe. This accounts for the present psychic state of the human race which, as a result of two major wars which took place within a short period of time, is suffering from various miseries and tribulations. Humanity is at present unable to think, read or comprehend anything serious. Even artists and sáhityikas who are capable of thinking or discussing serious matters do not feel any urge to do so, thinking that if they do, they will not get any encouragement or patronage from the public." (Prout in a Nutshell - 10, Art and Literature)
These days most people cannot think deeply on any given subject. Due to a lack of critical thinking skills, when a fad comes into existence then mindlessly people start following that fad. That is what happened with hypocrisy and other superficial displays in day to day modern life, including smiling in the camera. If you talk with anyone about this they may become irritated and think this is fine. That shows their shallow way of thinking. Because in reality mindlessly smiling into the camera is not fine; no form of hypocrisy should be tolerated.
So some people, who are habituated to smiling superficially, may get overwhelmed by hearing that we should not follow this type of hypocrisy. About this we should be clear. I do not say if anyone is attending a jovial function and they are smiling and someone takes a picture then that is bad. That is not the point. Smiling in and of itself is not the problem. Rather senselessly smiling into the camera is not good as that is a superficial display and undermines one's real happiness.
This brings up a related matter: In certain geographical areas, people hug and kiss when they see each other. That is fine if they have true affection for one another - such as how a mother kisses her baby; but doing this hypocritically - just for show - is repulsive.
Due to a lack of critical thinking, the general population gets latched on to these types of dogmas. We should be careful.
Note 3: HYPOCRISY: DEFECT IN THE GLANDS / CAKRAS
Here Baba explains how weakness & imbalance in the ana'hata cakra is the cause of hypocrisy.
Baba says, "The ana'hata cakra, situated in the centre of the chest, which controls twelve propensities: [including] kapat'ata' [hypocrisy]." (Yoga Psychology)
Baba says, "Do not forgive [a hypocrite] till his / her nature is reformed." (Caryacarya-2, Society, Pt #6)
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Refined Form of Hypocrisy
Date: Mon, 28 May 2012 19:57:32 +0000
Baba
== REFINED FORM OF HYPOCRISY ==
Namaskar,
For Ananda Margiis, spiritual progress is the aim of life. That is the main thing: To reach the Goal - Parama Purusa.
In spirituality, simplicity is the key quality. In Ananda Vanii #54, Baba guides us to keep all our dealings in life straight like sastaunga pranam. There must not be an ounce of duplicity or hypocrisy.
Yet in today's materialistic era, hypocrisy has become an essential aspect of daily life.
Here are some examples of how hypocrisy works in day to day life in this present era. We should be aware and keep our distance from this dark element of materialism.
HYPOCRISY #1:
"SMILE FOR THE CAMERA"
"SMILE FOR THE CAMERA"
Nowadays - in the last 5- 6 decades - when advertising etc has increased multi-fold and people in the west began
suffering more on the mental plane, it has become the custom "to smile for the camera" in order to show others that they are really happy, regardless of how they feel internally. This is all one superficial display - sheer hypocrisy. Yet this became the norm.
Not just in front of the camera, but in standard conversations this started happening as well. People feel the need to smile in order to show their happiness, when in fact they are really feeling empty inside. This is the sad state of affairs.
HYPOCRISY #2:
JUST LIKE BUSINESS PEOPLE DO
JUST LIKE BUSINESS PEOPLE DO
Here is another example to note.
Those doing business want to promote & masquerade themselves as the well-wishers of society. Toward that end they say they are "serving the community", when in fact their each and every action is aimed toward satisfying their private business interests - i.e. personal profit. So this is another form of unbridled hypocrisy these days.
Likewise, when you go to the 'customer service desk' of any large or small business, then the attendants there always put on a big smile and "promise" to help you. But their smile and their help is limited up to the extent that they feel it is profitable for their business - nothing more than that.
HOW IT ALL GOT STARTED
Straightaway, it can be said that hypocrites started this negative trend. It began when individuals, who want to present themselves as something that they are not, adopted this way of dealing. They were the first ones.
As we know, when any trend gets started then simple, innocent members of the general public get pulled in that same direction. The general people are not malicious or mal-intended; just they become habituated to that tradition or dogma.
So many dogmas get introduced in this way. One person started the matter and then it becomes common.
Regarding the dogma of smiling into the camera, we cannot say that all Europeans / westerners are like that, but most got carried into that flow. Even then, it is not limited up to the Americas and Europe or the USA. As western pseudo-culture spreads more and more, this dogma of smiling in front of the camera is also spreading to various parts of the globe. And not just this trend, but numerous others like it. So alertness and smartness is needed.
HOW BABA DEALS WITH HYPOCRISY
Baba Himself deals very strongly with those following the path of hypocrisy. Everyone surely remembers how during dharma samiiksa hypocrites were pointed out strongly and cured by Baba. In contrast, simple people who committed innocent errors were not dealt with in that way - rather, quite mildly in comparison to those hypocrites.
To ensure that hypocrisy did not take root or thrive in our Marga, from 1955-90, the first thing Baba did in any reporting session was to expose any and all hypocrisy. Those who did wrongs but were not hypocrites were often pardoned mentally, while those who were hypocrites were dealt with more fiercely. This was Baba's normal mode of doing. This set the tone that no one should resort to hypocrisy in any form as it erodes the entire human personality.
SPREADS LIKE WILDFIRE
The tricky part is that hypocrisy spreads like wildfire. To invent it is one thing - but once invented then invariably others start doing it, consciously or unconsciously. That is why we should all be alert because these habits and trends can easily get latched onto one's personae. And that destroys the whole personality.
So although this "smile at the camera" epidemic is primarily a disease of our west, this hypocritical approach can and is leap-frogging all around this globe. So everyone should be aware as this is spreading all over. And this is but one of many aspects of pseudo-culture that is getting exported to all corners of this earth.
CHANGES ERA TO ERA
When people become introduced to new fads, right or wrong, quickly they become habituated. They like that new fad. This happens in each and every era. In particular, in this era, people have become habituated with hypocrisy. This has become the norm, unfortunately.
In contrast, a few hundred years ago in the US, it was different. In that era, the slavery was well accepted. People became habituated with slavery. This was a terrible crime against humanity, yet even good people accepted it as a normal part of everyday life.
Also in that era, only males could get top jobs and earn money and only males could vote. Even though that was unjust and wrong, the general society was comfortable with those standards.
Now people think quite differently.
PRESENT AGE
In this present era, people think hypocrisy is a part of life. Hearing this assertion about hypocrisy, some may feel reacted and contend: "What is the need to raise this point - hypocrisy is OK."
The main concern is that if we embrace hypocrisy then our spiritual life will be hampered. Simplicity will disappear; yet that quality of simplicity is needed in order to lead a proper spiritual life. In its place, hypocrisy will rear its head; but hypocrisy is poison. If hypocrisy makes its nest, our spiritual life will suffer. That is Baba's teaching.
DEVOTION AND HYPOCRISY CANNOT CO-EXIST
Hypocrisy and true spirituality cannot co-habitat. Where there is one, the other cannot remain. Hypocrisy means being self-engrossed and only thinking about one's own little existence. This is the well-known fact: Hypocrisy itself entails presenting oneself in a false manner in order to get some "self-glory". In that case God is distant; because then one's own unit mind is only absorbed in one's own selfish thoughts - not Parama Purusa.
MORE OF BABA'S TEACHINGS
Here are more of Baba's teachings & warnings about hypocrisy.
Baba says, "Some people wear a mask of culture [of civility] in public, but in private pursue personal or class interests. This hypocrisy has no place in the human society." (A Few Problems Solved - 6, 'Spirit of Society')
Baba says, "Hypocrisy in the human mind is also increased as a result of the influence of negative microvita." (Microvita in a Nutshell)
Baba says, "Such people attempt to cover their harmful or defective sentiments under a veil of hypocrisy. This concealing mentality is one aspect of hypocrisy." (Neo-Humanism: Liberation of Intellect, 'Awakened Conscience')
So indulging in hypocrisy is not at all good - rather harmful and negative.
BABA'S BLESSING
By Baba's grace, our Ananda Marga society will again get going on the right path - free from all defects and contradictions etc. We will not get caught in the widening net of hypocrisy - like senselessly smiling into the camera - that is spreading around the world.
Baba says, "...This Goal provides inspiration, supplies the means for forward movement and makes the little lamps infinitely effulgent...it will make the earth ever full of sweetness..." (Ananda Vanii #67)
Namaskar,
Mahendra Deva
Note 1: ERA OF HYPOCRISY
Now in this age of blatant capitalism, superficiality and kapat'ata' [hypocrisy] is a normal aspect of daily living. Indeed such
expression is rampant in society. Here following Baba Himself comments how the problem has become epidemic & an everyday affair in this crude modern era.
Baba says, "Apologizing with 'Oh, sorry!', after knowingly or unknowingly bumping into a person, without inquiring to what extent the person is hurt, is considered enough refinement, and this is the Law of so-called Good Manners. But this does not reflect a really sincere expression of heart." (Human Society-1, '87, p. 37)
The point being that with the onset of uncontrolled capitalism, it is commonplace for people to hypocritically say something that they do not really mean. And that gets accepted also. Unfortunately this is the way things have "developed".
Here the situation is not that the entire society is at fault. But step by step a few have sown the seeds of hypocrisy and goaded millions into adopting it. Gradually over time innocent, naive, and well-intentioned people have gotten caught in this web.
By looking around we can easily see that this "oh sorry" expression is not the only case; so many such common phrases exist such as: "excuse me", "pardon me", etc and even non-verbal trends like "smiling for the camera". All these are regularly used in materialistic society.
Note 2: LOSING CAPACITY OF DEEP THINKING
Baba says, "Generally we see that the human thinking capacity becomes somewhat dull in the wake of a major catastrophe. This accounts for the present psychic state of the human race which, as a result of two major wars which took place within a short period of time, is suffering from various miseries and tribulations. Humanity is at present unable to think, read or comprehend anything serious. Even artists and sáhityikas who are capable of thinking or discussing serious matters do not feel any urge to do so, thinking that if they do, they will not get any encouragement or patronage from the public." (Prout in a Nutshell - 10, Art and Literature)
These days most people cannot think deeply on any given subject. Due to a lack of critical thinking skills, when a fad comes into existence then mindlessly people start following that fad. That is what happened with hypocrisy and other superficial displays in day to day modern life, including smiling in the camera. If you talk with anyone about this they may become irritated and think this is fine. That shows their shallow way of thinking. Because in reality mindlessly smiling into the camera is not fine; no form of hypocrisy should be tolerated.
So some people, who are habituated to smiling superficially, may get overwhelmed by hearing that we should not follow this type of hypocrisy. About this we should be clear. I do not say if anyone is attending a jovial function and they are smiling and someone takes a picture then that is bad. That is not the point. Smiling in and of itself is not the problem. Rather senselessly smiling into the camera is not good as that is a superficial display and undermines one's real happiness.
This brings up a related matter: In certain geographical areas, people hug and kiss when they see each other. That is fine if they have true affection for one another - such as how a mother kisses her baby; but doing this hypocritically - just for show - is repulsive.
Due to a lack of critical thinking, the general population gets latched on to these types of dogmas. We should be careful.
Note 3: HYPOCRISY: DEFECT IN THE GLANDS / CAKRAS
Here Baba explains how weakness & imbalance in the ana'hata cakra is the cause of hypocrisy.
Baba says, "The ana'hata cakra, situated in the centre of the chest, which controls twelve propensities: [including] kapat'ata' [hypocrisy]." (Yoga Psychology)
Note 4: MUST NOT TRUST HYPOCRITES
Baba says, "Do not forgive [a hypocrite] till his / her nature is reformed." (Caryacarya-2, Society, Pt #6)
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
"Bha'loba'si toma'y a'mi, keno ta' ja'ni na'..." P.S. 2329
Purport:
Baba, O' Supreme One, I love You; but, I do not know why I love You. You go on pulling my heart - but what is the mystery behind this, how and why You are attracting me, that I cannot say. Baba, all I know is that You are the divine effulgence of my dark heart. By Your grace, I will never allow that effulgence to get extinguished. Baba, I will always keep Your love in my heart. By Your grace, I will always hold Your divine image in my mind.
Baba, O' Divine Entity, all the love I have in the deep core of my heart, and all the hopes and longings I have in my mind, all these desires and aspirations of mine are revolving around You. By Your grace, they get expressed through Your songs, dance, melody, and rhythms. Baba, You are the focal point of my life; You are my everything.
Baba, by Your divine grace, I feel that You are guiding each and every aspect of my existence. There is not even a single ounce of confusion in my mind. Everything is totally clear. Where am I, where will I go, and from where have I come: All these types of useless questions never creep into my mind. Baba, by Your grace, I do not even want to know these things. Just I am fully depending upon You: You know everything and that everything is in Your control. For me that is enough. Baba, You are my shelter, You are my anchor, and You are the Supreme Controller of this vast universe.
Baba, You are always ever gracious on me. I love You with all my heart; my whole existence is Yours...
Purport:
Baba, O' Supreme One, I love You; but, I do not know why I love You. You go on pulling my heart - but what is the mystery behind this, how and why You are attracting me, that I cannot say. Baba, all I know is that You are the divine effulgence of my dark heart. By Your grace, I will never allow that effulgence to get extinguished. Baba, I will always keep Your love in my heart. By Your grace, I will always hold Your divine image in my mind.
Baba, O' Divine Entity, all the love I have in the deep core of my heart, and all the hopes and longings I have in my mind, all these desires and aspirations of mine are revolving around You. By Your grace, they get expressed through Your songs, dance, melody, and rhythms. Baba, You are the focal point of my life; You are my everything.
Baba, by Your divine grace, I feel that You are guiding each and every aspect of my existence. There is not even a single ounce of confusion in my mind. Everything is totally clear. Where am I, where will I go, and from where have I come: All these types of useless questions never creep into my mind. Baba, by Your grace, I do not even want to know these things. Just I am fully depending upon You: You know everything and that everything is in Your control. For me that is enough. Baba, You are my shelter, You are my anchor, and You are the Supreme Controller of this vast universe.
Baba, You are always ever gracious on me. I love You with all my heart; my whole existence is Yours...
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