From: "Sanjay Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Curse of Materialism: Not Having Joint Family
Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2012 22:17:36 -0000
Baba
Namaskar,
It is important to review this case incident that depicts how any materialistic society becomes fundamentally broken. The case studies highlighted in this mailing are from the US, but such types of incidents can and will occur wherever materialism is in vogue - in any land or place or country, eastern or western. No one is exempt from the trappings of materialism.
As you read and learn what happened, think how Ananda Marga can prevent and solve such problems. Why did such a tragedy occur, and how can it be prevented in the future.
Here is the the article.
Just minutes after she drowned her 4-year-old autistic son in the family bathtub, Patricia Corby drove to the neighborhood police station in San Diego with his lifeless body wrapped in a blanket and admitted what she had done, police said.
On Thursday, sobbing uncontrollably, the 37-year-old Corby pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Corby was so overwhelmed by the task of caring for her son that she decided to kill him and then commit suicide, prosecutors said.
"She felt like she had no life," a district attorney's investigator said.
Her attempt to drown herself in the tub failed, according to prosecutors.
Corby faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison when sentenced Jan. 28 in San Diego County Superior Court. Under that sentence, she will not be eligible for a reduction due to "good time" conduct credits.
In a plea bargain, a second charge of assault on a child under age 8 causing death was dismissed.
The victim's father, Duane Corby, was in the court when his wife pleaded guilty. He was working on March 31 when his wife killed their son, Daniel. He told investigators that he had seen no sign of mental illness from his wife and that the couple had spent $70,000 in diagnosis and treatment for their son. (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/mother-drowns-autistic-son.html)
The above tragedy is not an isolated incident in the US, nor in other grossly materialistic societies. It stands as a horrific representation of the ills of materialism. While there are many good people in the US, they are in the minority as the society becomes more disparate and self-centered - disconnected from one another. Neighbors do not know one another, often living side by side for 10 or 20 years, yet still they do not know each other's name. This mentality breeds a sense of alienation and distrust from one human being to the next.
As we know, materialism itself is a grossly individualistic approach where selfishness reigns. So long as one is healthy, employed, and encounters no grave problems, a person can survive ok. But once a serious problem arrives, and people are forced into dire circumstances, they are apt to take extreme measures, as happened in the above incident. Why? Because there is no one to help them overcome their problems and help shoulder the burden of responsibility. In materialism, everyone must fend for himself / herself, even new moms. In this way, some end up destroying themselves and those around them. This is the common and tragic outcome.
Essentially - in a materialistic society - people feel isolated and alienated. Due to the greed and self-centeredness of individualism and materialism, they earn for themselves when they are healthy and refrain from helping others. It is their ingrained habit and even nature to only care for themselves, and no one else. Bear in mind, that there are many kind-hearted, compassionate people living in the US, but the trend amongst the population-at-large is towards extreme selfishness, as is happening in other nations and lands dominated by materialism.
Naturally then, when they themselves face difficulties, they are forced to confront them alone. And that is too much for them to handle, so they often respond in outlandish and destructive ways.
That is the curse of materialism, where everyone lives alone, devoid of the support of a joint family and greater society. This trend is step by step becoming more rampant or fully prevalent all around the globe, wherever materialism is rearing its ugly head.
This is an analytical approach to life where everything revolves around one's own "I" - and nobody does anything to help others, or if they do help it is done out of their own self-interest or for their own self-satisfaction. This is the very real and unfortunate end of materialism. Everyone lives alone, devoid of the support, trust, and help of others.
In the past when society was not civilised then crimes were founded on various motivations: Racial, religious, gender, land dispute, dogma, or hatred etc. Over time, society changed and progressed a lot; many of those motivations became outdated. People began to accept each other, or at least would not attack another for such reasons. Now, in this present era, society is quite civilised, but with the onset of extreme materialism violent attacks and crimes have again come to the fore. In the past, violence was carried out for all different types of narrow sentiments. Now the problem is chiefly due to the selfishness of materialism. That is the cause behind these case studies.
Here below are a few of Baba's teachings on this societal ailment from His discourse, The Spirit of Society.
"What is society like? It is like a group of people going on a pilgrimage. Try to imagine the scene! Suppose one of the pilgrims is struck down by cholera. Will the rest of them continue on their way, leaving the sick man behind? No, that would be inconceivable for them. Rather, they will break their journey for a day or two, and cure him of his disease. If he is still too weak to walk they will carry him on their shoulders. If some people run short of food, others share what they have with them. Together they share their possessions, and together they march ahead, singing in unison. In their eagerness to move ahead with others they forget their trifling differences which might have led to angry exchanges and court cases in their families, even down to three generations. It is because of the petitions of the complainant in a land dispute that some people go so far as to spend ten or twenty times more than the piece of land is worth. The essence of cooperation resulting from this collective movement aims at expanding a person’s mind by striking down the barriers of meanness. I repeat that a true society is like such a group of pilgrims who attain a deep psychic affinity while travelling together which helps them solve all the problems in their individual and social lives."
"To what state has society effectively been reduced? I reaffirm the fact that human beings have still not been able to form a human society, and have still not learned to move with the spirit of a pilgrim. Although many small groups, motivated by self interest, work together in particular situations, not even a small fraction of their work is done with a broader social motive. By strict definition, shall we have to declare that each small family unit is a society in itself? If going ahead in mutual adjustment only out of narrow self interest or momentary self-seeking is called society, then in such a society, no provision can be made for the disabled, the diseased or the helpless, because in most cases nobody can benefit from them in any way. Hence it will not suffice to say that all people marching ahead is only a collective form of segregated psychic phenomena; for in that case there always remains the possibility of some people getting isolated from the collective. All human beings must attach themselves to others by the common bond of love, and march forward hand in hand, then only will I proclaim it a society."
"You will hear many a vain and assuming person say, “I don’t need anyone’s help, I’m doing very well by myself. I don’t want to concern myself with anyone else’s affairs and I don’t expect anyone else to bother about mine.” Nothing could be more foolish than this statement. Medicine and nursing are necessary to cure diseases; the neighbours’ help is needed to cremate a dead body; and for the regular supply of food and cloth the cooperation of farmers and spinners is essential. Remember, no created being in this universe is independent. No one can exist alone, everyone has a supra-cosmic relationship with the whole, at times prominent, at times indistinguishable. In this scheme of mutual relationships, even the slightest mistake or discord will raise a furious furore in the universe. In this mighty creation, the brilliantly luminous sun and the tiny ant have the same existential value, having combined together to make the universal family. Similarly, in human society, the importance of a powerful and eminent person is no less than that of a disabled and dying patient. None can be ignored. The least injustice done to anyone will cause the break down of the entire social framework."
"Society must ensure that proper care is taken of human babies who are totally dependent on the care and protection of their parents for their existence. These helpless children can only convey their pain and discomfort through tears. To raise children from infancy to maturity is an immensely important task. I have said before that the members of society must advance in unison. The newborn babe is another traveller on the path. To adopt a child as our companion, as one included in the society, is called the “Játakarma” of the child."
"Living beings may be divided into two main groups based on intellect: those who want to share their wisdom, and those who do not. Those who favour the exchange of wisdom have a greater social awareness. But those who oppose it cannot develop a collective social mind due to a lack of mutual understanding. Human beings are basically beings of social inclination. They must always remember that those possessing little strength and ability, and those not provided with the means to survive the struggle for life by Nature, must be led along in companionship. Those who take great pains to assist the helpless are more civilized and endowed with greater awareness. They are the socially-minded beings who readily embrace the underprivileged, the downtrodden and the rejected people of society."
"Ananda Marga keeps its gates open so that each and every man and woman may enter. Anybody may join, anybody may sing in chorus with the rest. The united march of the people is a march of victory. Ananda Marga states this in unequivocal language."
Here is a link for the entire discourse, The Spirit of Society, for those who wish to read more but do not have access to the text.
The above is not an isolated occurrence. There are innumerable tragedies of this nature where people feel so alone, alienated, and disconnected, that they revert to extreme measures, such as drowning an autistic 4-years old son in the bathtub. The mother feels so isolated, unsupported, and desperate that she commits a heinous act.
In the following case, the mother goes against all maternal instincts and abandons her new-born to die outside just after giving birth. All because she feels there is no one to help her.
An Oxnard, California woman who allegedly gave birth in a strawberry field and left the newborn to die has been booked on suspicion of murder, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.
Authorities believe Rosalba Moran, 20, of Oxnard delivered the child on May 21, in a Camarillo-area field in the 3200 block of Central Avenue.
The infant's body was later discovered by a farm worker, Gabriel Ortiz, 43, who told the Ventura County Star he found the body while checking a hose line near a row of poppies bordering the field. Ortiz told a supervisor, who called police.
Ortiz, the father of a 6-month-old daughter, told the newspaper he was shaken by the discovery.
Police took DNA samples from more than 100 fieldworkers in the area, and a swab eventually led to Moran, officials said. She was arrested Dec. 21 and is being held on $1-million bail at Todd Road Jail, according to a Sheriff's Department release.
Detectives are still working to identify the baby's father. Anyone with information about the case can contact Det. Lopez or Det. Worthy at (805) 383-8786.
(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/oxnard-mother-arrested-charged-with-murder-of-baby-found-in-strawberry-field.html)
In this next incident, the youth did not want to help anyone. Just he is enmeshed in his own pleasure-seeking and overlooked that his grandparents came forward to rescue and raise him. Yet he responded by killing in a gruesome manner. That was his extreme selfishness. His grandparents sacrificed to help him - to do what the child's own parents could not do. But the grandson had no ability to appreciate his grandparents. To them, they were just a burden that should be eliminated.
Police are trying to determine a motive after a 22-year-old man allegedly killed his grandmother Sunday using a barbecue fork.
Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Paul Vernon called the incident in Mission Hills "especially sad and tragic."
The suspect, identified as Joe Calderon, was raised by his grandparents and stabbed his grandmother at their Mission Hills home Sunday morning, police said.
Investigators believe Calderon fought with his grandparents Saturday night and, after his grandfather went to work Sunday, again argued with his grandmother, Vernon said. This time, the suspect allegedly began beating his grandmother, who called her daughter for help.
When the daughter arrived at the home in the 11100 block of Rincon Avenue, Calderon "confronted her" outside the home "with a long metal stick," Vernon said. She went around the corner and called police about 9 a.m.
Responding officers detained Calderon, whom Vernon said had blood on his hands.
The grandmother was found dead in the kitchen, Vernon said. Her name has not been released, though authorities described her as a woman in her 70s. It was unclear what relationship her daughter is to the suspect.
Vernon said investigators found several possible weapons at the scene, including the barbecue fork that "appeared to have blood on the prongs." Forensic tests will be conducted to determine if the utensil was in fact the murder weapon, he added.
(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/grandmother-killed-bbq-fork.html)
This next case study shockingly portrays how one man becomes so absorbed in his own personal desire that he could not at all understand the pain he was causing to an innocent human being.
A homeless woman known to many as Flo remained in critical condition Friday after being doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze on a bus bench on Van Nuys Boulevard.
Times Staff Writers Richard Winton and Ashley Powers will join us at 9 a.m. to discuss Thursday's horrific crime and how the community is reacting.
LAPD Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese official said it was unclear whether the suspect, Dennis Petillo, 24, even talked to the woman before he allegedly set her ablaze.
"There was no incident or dispute or clear motivation for this horrific attack. He did not know his victim. It defies explanation," Albanese said. "He is not of sound mind. ... The motive is mental illness."
Police have not released the victim's name, but area residents said she is Flo Parker. She was also known as Violet: a 5-foot-tall woman in her 60s with dirty blond hair and a time-worn face. But for much of Thursday, her identity was secondary. Violet had become a symbol to some residents of both the dangers that face the homeless and the depths of human cruelty.
(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/la-now-live-a-daily-conversation-with-the-times-newsroom-8-dto.html)
Here is a link for the entire discourse, The Spirit of Society, for those who wish to read more but do not have access to the text.
Materialism does not hold any answers, just it breeds a desperate, harsh, and impersonal society where people are utterly dominated by selfishness and despair - wholly unable to connect with others. Such incidents as the ones above occur daily wherever materialism is in vogue, whether that be west or east. Such tragedies are so common that many go unreported - they are not even newsworthy. That is the gift of materialism.
Prout Philosophy says, "Materialism is the most dangerous – indeed, suicidal – philosophy...materialism is both defective and devoid of morality." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya: Discourse 18)
Namaskar,
At His feet,
Sanjay
"A'ma'y cha'r'iya' kotha' ja'o e nirajane..." (PS 665)
Purport:
Baba, You are my closest One. O' my Beloved, where are You going on this isolated, lonely dark night - leaving me all alone. O' my dearmost Baba, please do not go away from me. Baba, why are You making me cry so profusely & letting me float in the tears of my devotional longing for You. Baba, please smile always in my mind, constantly radiating Your sweet, divine love.
Baba, by Your grace I have loved You so intimately in dhyana; You know it well. Baba, You are my dearest One. But if You were really a good person You would not play this heart-breaking liila with me each and every moment; You would not leave me in this dark hour. Baba, please be merciful; please remain here along with me.
Baba, there are countless devotees with great qualities & talents who love You very much. Indeed there are numerous persons with top-notch merits & virtues who have deep longing for You. Because of this, it seems there is no place for me in Your mind - neither during daytime nor nighttime, neither in dream nor in awake state: Never.
O' Baba, please do not leave me alone. Please shower Your causeless grace on me by keeping me eternally in Your divine shelter...
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Curse of Materialism: Not Having Joint Family
Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2012 22:17:36 -0000
Baba
== CURSE OF MATERIALISM: NOT HAVING JOINT FAMILY ==
INDIVIDUALISTIC THINKING:
HAPPY THEN DO FOR ONESELF; UNHAPPY SUFFER BY ONESELF
INDIVIDUALISTIC THINKING:
HAPPY THEN DO FOR ONESELF; UNHAPPY SUFFER BY ONESELF
Namaskar,
It is important to review this case incident that depicts how any materialistic society becomes fundamentally broken. The case studies highlighted in this mailing are from the US, but such types of incidents can and will occur wherever materialism is in vogue - in any land or place or country, eastern or western. No one is exempt from the trappings of materialism.
As you read and learn what happened, think how Ananda Marga can prevent and solve such problems. Why did such a tragedy occur, and how can it be prevented in the future.
Here is the the article.
CASE STUDY #1:
MOTHER DROWNS OWN SON IN BATHTUB AND ADMITS MURDER TO POLICE
MOTHER DROWNS OWN SON IN BATHTUB AND ADMITS MURDER TO POLICE
San Diego Mother Pleads Guilty to
Drowning Autistic Son
December 28, 2012
December 28, 2012
Just minutes after she drowned her 4-year-old autistic son in the family bathtub, Patricia Corby drove to the neighborhood police station in San Diego with his lifeless body wrapped in a blanket and admitted what she had done, police said.
On Thursday, sobbing uncontrollably, the 37-year-old Corby pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Corby was so overwhelmed by the task of caring for her son that she decided to kill him and then commit suicide, prosecutors said.
"She felt like she had no life," a district attorney's investigator said.
Her attempt to drown herself in the tub failed, according to prosecutors.
Corby faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison when sentenced Jan. 28 in San Diego County Superior Court. Under that sentence, she will not be eligible for a reduction due to "good time" conduct credits.
In a plea bargain, a second charge of assault on a child under age 8 causing death was dismissed.
The victim's father, Duane Corby, was in the court when his wife pleaded guilty. He was working on March 31 when his wife killed their son, Daniel. He told investigators that he had seen no sign of mental illness from his wife and that the couple had spent $70,000 in diagnosis and treatment for their son. (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/mother-drowns-autistic-son.html)
ALIENATION & SELFISHNESS ABOUND IN
MATERIALISM
The above tragedy is not an isolated incident in the US, nor in other grossly materialistic societies. It stands as a horrific representation of the ills of materialism. While there are many good people in the US, they are in the minority as the society becomes more disparate and self-centered - disconnected from one another. Neighbors do not know one another, often living side by side for 10 or 20 years, yet still they do not know each other's name. This mentality breeds a sense of alienation and distrust from one human being to the next.
As we know, materialism itself is a grossly individualistic approach where selfishness reigns. So long as one is healthy, employed, and encounters no grave problems, a person can survive ok. But once a serious problem arrives, and people are forced into dire circumstances, they are apt to take extreme measures, as happened in the above incident. Why? Because there is no one to help them overcome their problems and help shoulder the burden of responsibility. In materialism, everyone must fend for himself / herself, even new moms. In this way, some end up destroying themselves and those around them. This is the common and tragic outcome.
Essentially - in a materialistic society - people feel isolated and alienated. Due to the greed and self-centeredness of individualism and materialism, they earn for themselves when they are healthy and refrain from helping others. It is their ingrained habit and even nature to only care for themselves, and no one else. Bear in mind, that there are many kind-hearted, compassionate people living in the US, but the trend amongst the population-at-large is towards extreme selfishness, as is happening in other nations and lands dominated by materialism.
Naturally then, when they themselves face difficulties, they are forced to confront them alone. And that is too much for them to handle, so they often respond in outlandish and destructive ways.
That is the curse of materialism, where everyone lives alone, devoid of the support of a joint family and greater society. This trend is step by step becoming more rampant or fully prevalent all around the globe, wherever materialism is rearing its ugly head.
This is an analytical approach to life where everything revolves around one's own "I" - and nobody does anything to help others, or if they do help it is done out of their own self-interest or for their own self-satisfaction. This is the very real and unfortunate end of materialism. Everyone lives alone, devoid of the support, trust, and help of others.
In the past when society was not civilised then crimes were founded on various motivations: Racial, religious, gender, land dispute, dogma, or hatred etc. Over time, society changed and progressed a lot; many of those motivations became outdated. People began to accept each other, or at least would not attack another for such reasons. Now, in this present era, society is quite civilised, but with the onset of extreme materialism violent attacks and crimes have again come to the fore. In the past, violence was carried out for all different types of narrow sentiments. Now the problem is chiefly due to the selfishness of materialism. That is the cause behind these case studies.
A PICTURE OF WHAT SOCIETY SHOULD BE LIKE
Here below are a few of Baba's teachings on this societal ailment from His discourse, The Spirit of Society.
"What is society like? It is like a group of people going on a pilgrimage. Try to imagine the scene! Suppose one of the pilgrims is struck down by cholera. Will the rest of them continue on their way, leaving the sick man behind? No, that would be inconceivable for them. Rather, they will break their journey for a day or two, and cure him of his disease. If he is still too weak to walk they will carry him on their shoulders. If some people run short of food, others share what they have with them. Together they share their possessions, and together they march ahead, singing in unison. In their eagerness to move ahead with others they forget their trifling differences which might have led to angry exchanges and court cases in their families, even down to three generations. It is because of the petitions of the complainant in a land dispute that some people go so far as to spend ten or twenty times more than the piece of land is worth. The essence of cooperation resulting from this collective movement aims at expanding a person’s mind by striking down the barriers of meanness. I repeat that a true society is like such a group of pilgrims who attain a deep psychic affinity while travelling together which helps them solve all the problems in their individual and social lives."
"To what state has society effectively been reduced? I reaffirm the fact that human beings have still not been able to form a human society, and have still not learned to move with the spirit of a pilgrim. Although many small groups, motivated by self interest, work together in particular situations, not even a small fraction of their work is done with a broader social motive. By strict definition, shall we have to declare that each small family unit is a society in itself? If going ahead in mutual adjustment only out of narrow self interest or momentary self-seeking is called society, then in such a society, no provision can be made for the disabled, the diseased or the helpless, because in most cases nobody can benefit from them in any way. Hence it will not suffice to say that all people marching ahead is only a collective form of segregated psychic phenomena; for in that case there always remains the possibility of some people getting isolated from the collective. All human beings must attach themselves to others by the common bond of love, and march forward hand in hand, then only will I proclaim it a society."
"You will hear many a vain and assuming person say, “I don’t need anyone’s help, I’m doing very well by myself. I don’t want to concern myself with anyone else’s affairs and I don’t expect anyone else to bother about mine.” Nothing could be more foolish than this statement. Medicine and nursing are necessary to cure diseases; the neighbours’ help is needed to cremate a dead body; and for the regular supply of food and cloth the cooperation of farmers and spinners is essential. Remember, no created being in this universe is independent. No one can exist alone, everyone has a supra-cosmic relationship with the whole, at times prominent, at times indistinguishable. In this scheme of mutual relationships, even the slightest mistake or discord will raise a furious furore in the universe. In this mighty creation, the brilliantly luminous sun and the tiny ant have the same existential value, having combined together to make the universal family. Similarly, in human society, the importance of a powerful and eminent person is no less than that of a disabled and dying patient. None can be ignored. The least injustice done to anyone will cause the break down of the entire social framework."
"Society must ensure that proper care is taken of human babies who are totally dependent on the care and protection of their parents for their existence. These helpless children can only convey their pain and discomfort through tears. To raise children from infancy to maturity is an immensely important task. I have said before that the members of society must advance in unison. The newborn babe is another traveller on the path. To adopt a child as our companion, as one included in the society, is called the “Játakarma” of the child."
"Living beings may be divided into two main groups based on intellect: those who want to share their wisdom, and those who do not. Those who favour the exchange of wisdom have a greater social awareness. But those who oppose it cannot develop a collective social mind due to a lack of mutual understanding. Human beings are basically beings of social inclination. They must always remember that those possessing little strength and ability, and those not provided with the means to survive the struggle for life by Nature, must be led along in companionship. Those who take great pains to assist the helpless are more civilized and endowed with greater awareness. They are the socially-minded beings who readily embrace the underprivileged, the downtrodden and the rejected people of society."
"Ananda Marga keeps its gates open so that each and every man and woman may enter. Anybody may join, anybody may sing in chorus with the rest. The united march of the people is a march of victory. Ananda Marga states this in unequivocal language."
LINK TO ENTIRE DISCOURSE
Here is a link for the entire discourse, The Spirit of Society, for those who wish to read more but do not have access to the text.
CASE STUDY #2:
MOTHER ABANDONS NEW BORN BABE OUTSIDE IN THE FIELD
MOTHER ABANDONS NEW BORN BABE OUTSIDE IN THE FIELD
The above is not an isolated occurrence. There are innumerable tragedies of this nature where people feel so alone, alienated, and disconnected, that they revert to extreme measures, such as drowning an autistic 4-years old son in the bathtub. The mother feels so isolated, unsupported, and desperate that she commits a heinous act.
In the following case, the mother goes against all maternal instincts and abandons her new-born to die outside just after giving birth. All because she feels there is no one to help her.
Oxnard Mother Suspected Of Leaving
Newborn In Strawberry Field
December 27, 2012
December 27, 2012
An Oxnard, California woman who allegedly gave birth in a strawberry field and left the newborn to die has been booked on suspicion of murder, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.
Authorities believe Rosalba Moran, 20, of Oxnard delivered the child on May 21, in a Camarillo-area field in the 3200 block of Central Avenue.
The infant's body was later discovered by a farm worker, Gabriel Ortiz, 43, who told the Ventura County Star he found the body while checking a hose line near a row of poppies bordering the field. Ortiz told a supervisor, who called police.
Ortiz, the father of a 6-month-old daughter, told the newspaper he was shaken by the discovery.
Police took DNA samples from more than 100 fieldworkers in the area, and a swab eventually led to Moran, officials said. She was arrested Dec. 21 and is being held on $1-million bail at Todd Road Jail, according to a Sheriff's Department release.
Detectives are still working to identify the baby's father. Anyone with information about the case can contact Det. Lopez or Det. Worthy at (805) 383-8786.
(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/oxnard-mother-arrested-charged-with-murder-of-baby-found-in-strawberry-field.html)
CASE STUDY #3:
YOUNG MAN'S BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS GRANDMOTHER WITH HAND TOOLS
YOUNG MAN'S BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS GRANDMOTHER WITH HAND TOOLS
In this next incident, the youth did not want to help anyone. Just he is enmeshed in his own pleasure-seeking and overlooked that his grandparents came forward to rescue and raise him. Yet he responded by killing in a gruesome manner. That was his extreme selfishness. His grandparents sacrificed to help him - to do what the child's own parents could not do. But the grandson had no ability to appreciate his grandparents. To them, they were just a burden that should be eliminated.
Grandmother Apparently Killed With
Barbecue Fork; Motive Sought
December 17, 2012
December 17, 2012
Police are trying to determine a motive after a 22-year-old man allegedly killed his grandmother Sunday using a barbecue fork.
Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Paul Vernon called the incident in Mission Hills "especially sad and tragic."
The suspect, identified as Joe Calderon, was raised by his grandparents and stabbed his grandmother at their Mission Hills home Sunday morning, police said.
Investigators believe Calderon fought with his grandparents Saturday night and, after his grandfather went to work Sunday, again argued with his grandmother, Vernon said. This time, the suspect allegedly began beating his grandmother, who called her daughter for help.
When the daughter arrived at the home in the 11100 block of Rincon Avenue, Calderon "confronted her" outside the home "with a long metal stick," Vernon said. She went around the corner and called police about 9 a.m.
Responding officers detained Calderon, whom Vernon said had blood on his hands.
The grandmother was found dead in the kitchen, Vernon said. Her name has not been released, though authorities described her as a woman in her 70s. It was unclear what relationship her daughter is to the suspect.
Vernon said investigators found several possible weapons at the scene, including the barbecue fork that "appeared to have blood on the prongs." Forensic tests will be conducted to determine if the utensil was in fact the murder weapon, he added.
(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/grandmother-killed-bbq-fork.html)
CASE STUDY #4:
ONE MAN'S SAVAGE ATTACK ON INNOCENT, SLEEPING VICTIM
ONE MAN'S SAVAGE ATTACK ON INNOCENT, SLEEPING VICTIM
This next case study shockingly portrays how one man becomes so absorbed in his own personal desire that he could not at all understand the pain he was causing to an innocent human being.
L.A. Now Live: A Homeless Woman Is Set
Ablaze In Van Nuys
December 28, 2012
December 28, 2012
A homeless woman known to many as Flo remained in critical condition Friday after being doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze on a bus bench on Van Nuys Boulevard.
Times Staff Writers Richard Winton and Ashley Powers will join us at 9 a.m. to discuss Thursday's horrific crime and how the community is reacting.
LAPD Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese official said it was unclear whether the suspect, Dennis Petillo, 24, even talked to the woman before he allegedly set her ablaze.
"There was no incident or dispute or clear motivation for this horrific attack. He did not know his victim. It defies explanation," Albanese said. "He is not of sound mind. ... The motive is mental illness."
Police have not released the victim's name, but area residents said she is Flo Parker. She was also known as Violet: a 5-foot-tall woman in her 60s with dirty blond hair and a time-worn face. But for much of Thursday, her identity was secondary. Violet had become a symbol to some residents of both the dangers that face the homeless and the depths of human cruelty.
(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/la-now-live-a-daily-conversation-with-the-times-newsroom-8-dto.html)
LINK TO ENTIRE DISCOURSE
Here is a link for the entire discourse, The Spirit of Society, for those who wish to read more but do not have access to the text.
SUMMARY
Materialism does not hold any answers, just it breeds a desperate, harsh, and impersonal society where people are utterly dominated by selfishness and despair - wholly unable to connect with others. Such incidents as the ones above occur daily wherever materialism is in vogue, whether that be west or east. Such tragedies are so common that many go unreported - they are not even newsworthy. That is the gift of materialism.
Prout Philosophy says, "Materialism is the most dangerous – indeed, suicidal – philosophy...materialism is both defective and devoid of morality." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya: Discourse 18)
Namaskar,
At His feet,
Sanjay
PRABHAT SAMGIITA
"A'ma'y cha'r'iya' kotha' ja'o e nirajane..." (PS 665)
Purport:
Baba, You are my closest One. O' my Beloved, where are You going on this isolated, lonely dark night - leaving me all alone. O' my dearmost Baba, please do not go away from me. Baba, why are You making me cry so profusely & letting me float in the tears of my devotional longing for You. Baba, please smile always in my mind, constantly radiating Your sweet, divine love.
Baba, by Your grace I have loved You so intimately in dhyana; You know it well. Baba, You are my dearest One. But if You were really a good person You would not play this heart-breaking liila with me each and every moment; You would not leave me in this dark hour. Baba, please be merciful; please remain here along with me.
Baba, there are countless devotees with great qualities & talents who love You very much. Indeed there are numerous persons with top-notch merits & virtues who have deep longing for You. Because of this, it seems there is no place for me in Your mind - neither during daytime nor nighttime, neither in dream nor in awake state: Never.
O' Baba, please do not leave me alone. Please shower Your causeless grace on me by keeping me eternally in Your divine shelter...
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