Growing Crisis & Prout's Solution

Date: Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:51:33 -0000
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From:
Subject: Growing Crisis & Prout's Solution

Baba

          == GROWING CRISIS & PROUT'S SOLUTION ==

Namaskar,
Around the globe, and certainly in AM, everyone knows the term
'democracy'. It is such a commonly used word in today's world and
political climate. But what exactly is meant by 'democracy'. Using
Baba's guideline, we will explore this. That is one of the themes of
this letter.

Furthermore, even though democracy is routinely championed as being the
system of choice, why are today's democratic systems not solving the
ongoing problems in our present-day society. Rather, things only seem to
be getting worse and worse. That is the second aspect.

Lastly, what is the Proutistic solution to the current crisis caused by
democracy. What is Baba's given solution. That is the third point.


          DEMOCRACY TODAY MEANS POLITICAL DEMOCRACY

In a phrase, in today's world, democracy refers to any state wherein the
officials are elected by some type of election. And verily, so many
countries around the globe follow this democratic system:  Germany, US,
Argentina, Romania, China, Canada, etc. As surprising as it might sound,
these are all democracies, of one form or another, according to our AM
perspective.

Baba terms all these above systems as political democracies because the
political leaders are elected by a vote: A vote either by the people or
a vote by the party officials.

So under the greater umbrella of political democracy, there are two
basic types: (1) liberal democracy and (2) socialist democracy. That is
also Baba's explanation.

In liberal democracies like the United States, India Great Britain, and
France, etc, the common citizens exercise their voting right to elect
their leaders.

And in social democracies, like the former Soviet Union, China, and
Vietnam, etc, the party officials vote to elect their leader.

No doubt, liberal democracies offer greater freedom and civil liberties
etc, yet both these systems fall within the category of political
democracy, as both are based on political centralisation and economic
centralisation. That is Baba's definition.

So in common dialogues around the globe, when people mention the term
'democracy', they are nearly always-- just about 100% of the time--
talking about political democracy. A system which is not supported by
our Prout movement.


        NEITHER TYPE OF POLITICAL DEMOCRACY IS WORKING

Unfortunately, nowhere in the world is political democracy working. That
is to say, in no country is the condition of the common people
improving-- rather it is getting worse.

Why? Because in every type of political democracy, in exchange of
getting the right to vote, the people frofeit their economic might and
right. That means, the common people have no control over their
purchasing capacity, jobs, local industry, basic requirements, food
costs, the price of gasoline, nothing. Their entire economic condition
is ruled by someone else.

In liberal democracies like the US, the economy is run by leading
capitalists, i.e. corporate giants. And in socialist democracies like
China etc, the economy is run by the state. Regardless, in both cases,
the common people totally forgo all economic power. They are mere pawns
in the big game, while those who hold onto the economic power benefit
tremendously.

For example, despite the fact that the US economy is doing so terribly,
there are more billionaires and millionaires than ever before. The elite
capitalists are getting wealthier and wealthier, while the middle class
continues to shrink, and tens of millions or innocent people are thrust
into poverty, living hand to mouth, paycheck to paycheck.

And similar is the case in every other country where democracy, i.e.
political democracy is in vogue. The common people are virtually
penniless-- toiling day and night to scrape by. In that condition, the
common people have no opportunity to pursue the fine arts or spiritual
practices. Rather their each and every second is spent trying to earn
enough money to pay their bills and put bread on the table, lest they
lose their hearth and home.

So although, day and night, the people talk about the greatness of
democracy, this type of democracy, i.e. political democracy, is verily
crippling the people. They have the right to vote, but have zero
economic power. So they get exploited all day long by those few with all
the economic power.

As long as political democracy is in vogue, there will always be
poverty; and that poverty will spread as the top capitalists and state
officials suck up all the money.


                        Q: WHAT IS THE WAY OUT?
                    A: ECONOMIC DEMOCRACY

Baba's Proutistic solution to this awful mess of political democracy is
an entirely different brand of democracy known as economic democracy.

As discussed above, in political democracy, the economy is centralised--
just run by a few people such as Bill Gates, Google, the Federal
Reserve, the Chinese govt, or the ruling economic body in that land,
whether that be in the private sector or public sector.

In contrast, in economic democracy, the people in every locale are in
full control of the economy. Economic democracy is a totally
decentralised system, where every block or district has complete
economic autonomy.

So in an economic democracy, the economy is not at all centralised or
controlled by a few people, rather the common people have full control
of the economy. They are able to decide their own economic fate and
prosper.

They can decide which industries to develop, where the factories will
be, how to use natural resources, what the minimum wage will be, how
much money an individual may accumulate, the number of hours in a work
week, and so many other aspects of their economic structure.

Gone will be the days when big capitalists like Exxon/Mobil or Nike come
into an area, take all the natural resources, manufacture those
resources in another place, and then sell those finished goods at
astronomical prices to people in the very place from where those
resources came.

Instead, in an economic democracy, the people will be empowered in each
and every area to make all their own economic policies and be able to
withstand outside exploiters.


                         SUMMARY

Thus, there is a heaven and hell difference between a political
democracy where the people only have the power to vote and are reduced
to mere ants in the economic sphere, and an economic democracy where
people also have the power to vote but, most importantly, are fully in
control of their economic fate. They will be financially empowered to
deliver economic justice in their region and encourage one and all to
engage in higher pursuits, like sadhana.

So, as Ananda Margiis, we should have a clear-cut understanding of the
marked distinction between the capitalist or communist style of
political democracy versus the Proutistic approach of economic democracy.

Because it is just a myth that the present-day system of democracy--
i.e. political democracy-- can bring justice to the land. Only economic
democracy can bring the soothing balm of peace and economic empowerment
to the people.

For a full review of this topic of economic democracy, refer to the
discourse, 'Economic Democracy' in PNS-21.


                      BABA'S BLESSING

As the gap between rich and poor increases, we get closer and
closer to the implementation of an economic democracy. Because
the people will rise up and look for a practical solution. And
we will show the Prout.

Baba says, "For the success of economic democracy, PROUT must be
implemented and the economic welfare of all people must be enhanced step
by step. This in turn will lead to greater opportunities for the
spiritual emancipation of human beings." (PNS-21)

Namaskar,
Mukunda Deva


Note 1:               BABA'S UNIQUE WAY

In AM philosophy, Baba takes a unique and pointed view of the world. For
example, generally speaking, people think that capitalism and communism
are worlds apart and on opposite ends of the spectrum. But Baba says no,
they both fall in the same category as both capitalism and communism are
materialistic philosophies.

Similarly, generally speaking, people think that the US government and
the Chinese government are on opposite ends of the political spectrum,
yet Baba has shown that they both fall in the same category, that of
political democracy.

Hence Baba's view of the world is unique, and it is only His Proutistic
vision-- with its economic democracy-- that can lead humanity onto the
golden road of tomorrow.


                           PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Ga'n geye ja'bo..."     P.S. 2305

Purport:

 Baba, I will go on singing Your song-- Your glory. It's up to You
whether You will grace me by listening to these songs or not. But with
these songs, in my deep contemplation, I will generate divine vibrations,
by Your grace-- and go on serving You.

 Baba with my deep yearning I am calling You again and again without
getting any response-- You are not paying heed to my call. By avoiding me maybe
You are thinking that I will not sing Your song anymore and that I will remain
quiet. And that in frustration, I will give up the hope of getting You. And
that I will no longer engage in the flow of those divine tunes and melodies,
which is inundating the vast sky, by Your grace. And that I will not utilize
these melodious treasures in my practical life to go closer to You.

Baba, with the strength of knowledge, wisdom, intellect, and worldly
attributions, Your depth cannot be measured-- nobody can realise You. But
by surrendering that very unit "I" which already belongs to You, and with
the divine sweetness of singing Your name I will surely get You by Your grace.

Baba, I sing my songs only for You. Please listen to these heart-felt
loving melodies-- and be gracious...


Note: In the above song, the sadhaka has deep love and a strong yearning
for Parama Purusa. So when Parama Purusa does not respond to his call in
the way that he desires, then the sadhaka makes one loving accusation
towards Parama Purusa. So actually that is not an accusation per se, but
rather an intimate type of loving expression. And Baba is approving that
devotees have the right to do like this and that this loving way of
communication is quite natural.


  ***********************************************
            Dogma about Shabda Cayanika

AM Publications wrote: "Ostensibly, Shabda Cayanika is a series devoted
to the linguistics and philology of the Bengali laguage."

Note: Just like in the past, religious priests-- with their selfish
motives-- altered numerous spiritual teachings & texts in order to
misguide their followers and gain more power. Lord Shiva's and Krsna's
teachings were also distorted by dogmatic Hindu religious priests
who had the same narrow-minded motive.

In similar fashion, after 1990 our AM scriptures also got altered.
And the above quoted line about Shabda Cayanika is clear-cut is proof
of that.

Because in true sense, the Shabda Cayanika series is primarily devoted
to the explanation of Sanskrit grammar and includes discussion and
stories on diverse subjects in order to make the Sanskrit grammar lucid.

The discourses themselves have been given in Bengali but certainly the
subject matter is Sanskrit. And since Sanskrit does not have its own
script that is why it was first written in Bengali script. At the same
time, though, it is well known that Sanskrit itself has been written
in many of the Indian languages; but recently, in the last 100 years,
it has been standardized and now Devana'garii has been accepted as
the official script of Sanskrit.

The point here however is that the Shabda Cayanika series focuses on the
Sanskrit language. Yet certain dogmatic priests have altered things
in such a way that they are misleading margii readers by claiming that
the Shabda Cayanika series is about Bengali grammar.
  ***********************************************

Farce of Freedom

Date: Nov 26 2010 19:34:09 -0000 (GMT)
From: Pradiip Bauer
Subject: Farce of Freedom
To: am-global@earthlink.net

Baba

"Tandra na've ankhite manda'loke jadio..."  (1728)

Purport:

Baba, drowsiness falls on my eyes at the time of darkness and I lose the
path-- surrounded only by dogma. So when I cannot see my Goal properly,
when I forget You, then by Your grace please wake me and bring me on the
proper path. O' Baba, o' my lord, please wake me with the call of Your
divine flute; please remove my slumber. You are my God of gods. I do not
have any other entity except you upon whom I have any hope. You are my
only hope. Please remove all the Cimmerian darkness which surrounds me.
Baba, by Your grace my bondage of attraction with these worldly things
is shattered. Now You have graced me the song of liberation-- that is
the only tune I hear. Baba, when I feel drowsy and remain lethargic on
the path of movement, then please grace me and bring me back on right
track-- bring me close to You...


               == FARCE OF FREEDOM ==

Namaskar
We all know that democracy is not optimal, but until something better
comes along-- that is, until Proutistic society is formed-- the
democratic system stands as the best option thus far. This fact every
A'nanda Ma'rgii knows.

Nowadays in the present world there is one ruling democracy that claims
itself as the top, above all others. Even with their recent economic fallout,
this land thinks of itself as the most just and the embodiment human welfare.

Hence not only do they think democracy is the best system of all time,
but they also think that theirs is the greatest representation of a
democratic state.

In an attempt to put things into perspective, let us take a look and see
how far their claims are correct, or not.


                    ARROGANCE OF THE US

On many points the USA thinks itself to be better than other nations.
From economics to Hollywood, and from sports to medicine, the US thinks
itself to be far higher than others.

But there is one sphere of life in which the USA especially claims
itself to be head and shoulders above the rest-- towering high, high
above. Namely, the US considers itself to be the ultimate democracy, or
the 'Father of Modern Democracy'. With this egoistic concept in mind,
they brag that in their land the great principles of democracy shine
through in a unique way. This is the height of their audacity.

Note: Here the "they" & "their" refer not to the common people &
certainly not to the margiis but to those tall-talking US politicians
and political animals-- and anyone else who is riding their "high horse"
about the so-called greatness of US democracy.


                 OTHERS INTIMIDATED (USUALLY)

And often is the case, that other countries & peoples cower down in
front of the "mighty" US, thinking themselves to be inferior. Although
this has become less of late - still it is a major trend. While
there are still others who silently or noisily oppose. But even then,
the common feeling around the globe is that on the point of democratic
freedom, the US is the golden land. Because this is what the US
propagates and this is what the other countries are led to believe.

Hence, side by side, with unflinching pride, the US tries to impose its
system on all other countries-- as if their democratic way is the best &
unbeatable.


                 US DEMOCRACY: NOT UP TO PAR

But upon closer examination on any number of points & issues the US
approach to democracy is way off the mark.

For example if anyone commits a crime in the US-- even a more or less
harmless crime where they made a mistake but did not necessarily hurt
anyone else-- then that person automatically becomes scarred and even
stigmatized for life.

Even after completing the prescribed atonement and allotted punishment
for that crime, still that dark mark gets carried with them year after
year-- all the way up to their death.

Of course rich persons or politically connected individuals who have no
feeling of repentance for their wrongdoing often can "buy" their back
their freedom. So this stands as yet another blatant loophole of US
democracy. That is another scenario.

But here the point is that in that "great democratic land" of the USA
where everyone is supposed to get social and economic justice, a
rectified person cannot even come close re-entering society. They cannot
get a proper job nor become a trusted member of society. Because their
record has become permanently stained. So living a normal humane life is
basically out of their reach. As they are denied so many basic rights
and opportunities. This is the common trial for those outcasted persons:
They are forever looked upon as being criminals.

Under such conditions, when their own country has turned their back on
them and they have no where else to go, then those struggling souls
inevitably then revert back to their life of crime. This is the regular
injustice that goes on night and day in the US. Where having been
deprived of good opportunities, those ex-cons lose hope and jump back
into their old habits just so they can survive. And in that way, with no
other direction to turn, they fall again in their downward spiral.

Hence there is a flagrant duplicity in US democratic life. Because
instead of being a land for all people, the "powers-that-be" that run
this democracy mercilessly turn their backs on those who erred in the
past. Such persons are deprived of the  little help & encouragement they
need. This is the inhumane way in which the US democracy works inside
its borders.

What hell they have done in Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless other
places in the name of promoting democracy-- that everyone already knows.
Yet within the US borders this democracy is also just a namesake. That
is the point of this letter.

In contrast many other countries around the globe do a wonderful job of
rehabilitating ex-cons and criminals. Those who have truly rectified
their behaviour really do get a proper opportunity to re-enter mainline
society and become contributing members.

But in the so-called great democracy of the US, this is rarely ever the
case. Rather those past criminals are left to sink on their own.


                    BABA'S WARNING

Here below Baba warns us about such awful outcomes where people become
crushed by crude systems like US democracy.

Baba says, "Having been subjected to much social injustice and
criticism, some people think, 'Now that I have stepped onto the path of
vice, now that I have fallen down, I will not stop until I reach the
deepest hell'." (AV-7)

So in His above teaching, Baba shows how even well-intentioned people
lose all hope and revert back to their "old ways" when they do not get
proper scope to become participating members of the society.

Hence in their anti-humanistic manner, the US recklessly pushes so many
back onto the path of crime and misfortune-- until they reach the
deepest depths.


                    THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE

                 BABA'S NEO-HUMANISTIC APPROACH
In our Marga, Baba guides us to take a totally different approach-- one
that is reflective of neo-humanism and encourages the positive
development of the individual-- no matter who they are.

Baba says, "Social pressure does not mean declaring anyone an outcast or
ostracizing anyone or stopping the supply of anyone's basic needs. This
is not proper social pressure; rather it is a useless approach, having
no positive effect on people. On the contrary, it merely strengthens the
determination of the sinner to sin. What is proper social pressure? It
is to find the good side, the noble aspects, of a person's character,
and help bring about a change in his life." (NHNS-1, p.20)

So Baba's guideline is that we should always seek out the bright spots
of any individual and help them to cultivate those qualities more and
more. By this way even depraved persons can become totally transformed.
This is the neo-humanistic way of AM.

In contrast the US democratic system pushes people in the opposite
direction by permanently labeling them as being "unfit" for the society.
And that produces a horrible result-- both for the individual and the
society.

Whereas Baba's neo-humanistic perspective serves to uplift the people
whereby they can become not just normal citizens but even wonderful
assets of the society.


                       MOVING TOGETHER

The main point being that in Baba's holistic approach all get the scope
to move ahead. None are left behind. Everyone remains part of the
collective flow.

                  'Samanam ejati iti sama'jah'

Baba says, "'Moving together' means that all portions of society, all
portions of the collective body, should have the spirit to move ahead."
(AV-3)

Thus Baba's ideal is to always encourage and help one and all to partake
in the collective flow whereby all can realise their potential.

And while Prout has yet to be established in any country, there are a
variety of nations which do quite good work of rectifying persons who
committed a wrong and help them to get back on their feet and advance.
So this is quite admirable.

Far below that is the US approach which gives up on its prisoners and
wrongdoers and permanently marks their fate keeps them on the fringe and
ostracized. And on so many other point US democracy utterly fails to
live up to its name.


                        BABA'S BLESSING
By His infinite grace & compassion Baba guides us to help everyone to
continually grow & develop.

Baba says, "Encourage everyone to build their career in a nice way. Let
none get the opportunity to think that their life has become useless."
(Ananda Vanii #19)

Namaskar,
Pradiip


Note 1:         AM JUSTICE FAR SURPASSES US DEMOCRACY

By Baba's below guideline anyone can see how benevolent and rational our
AM system of justice is.

Baba says, "In our A'nanda Ma'rga capital punishment, whether social or
physical, is not permitted anywhere. The only punishment in our Ma'rga
is disallowing offenders from taking part in social functions for a
fixed period. After the period is over the person starts taking in all
social functions as usual." (PNS-3, p.45)

So everyone gets scope to re-enter society and become full-fledged
participants once they have undergone their punishment and rectified
themselves. But in the beleaguered and dusty ways of US democracy,
countless people are left to rot and are pushed back onto the path of
destruction. All because they are not given a chance nor encouraged to
show their goodness.


         ********************************************
                          Good Teaching

Baba says, "Those who wrongly worship Parama Purus'a in the form of
clay, iron, or other material substances, are ultimately transformed in
Prakrtiliina*. And those who run around externally in hopes of finding
Parama Purusa outside, they also be come Prakrtiliina." (15 May 1982,
Hindi Section)

Note: Those who are searching Baba in one or another holy land, they
should be especially careful about this above teaching.

*Prakrtiliina= This is one type of microvita which is under punishment
of reaping of reaping its own negative samskaras.
           ********************************************

The Landscape of Party Politics

Date: Mon, 20 Sep 2010 22:52:28 -0400 To: am-global@earthlink.net From: dharma@eco-net... Subject: The Landscape of Party Politics Baba "Kare ja'tra' halo shuru, bhule gechi se katha'..." (699) Purport: Baba, when exactly my journey started I do not know; it is not in my mind. I have completely forgotten the day when my journey towards You started. Since many lives, by Your grace You have been attracting me-- step by step. By Your causeless compassion I am moving in that divine liila-- reducing the radius gradually and coming closer & closer to You. How much I suffered on the way and, how many thorns pierced my feet and hindered my forward movement on the path-- that I do not remember. Those memories are not in my mind. On the journey towards You by Your grace I crossed the torturous fiery blaze of the burning desert. A nd other times I got totally drenched from the pouring rains of the thunderstorms. But, no matter what the obstacle, by Your grace You always gave me the strength and perseverance to move on. Baba, by Your grace You are always bringing me close to You. So many spring seasons and their beauty have come and I got intoxicated by that attraction. And in Your longing, in Your divine attraction, You filled my heart with devotion. And by Your grace I sang Prabhat Samgiita songs and kiirtan with heartfelt yearning and longing. In this way my life has passed-- sometimes in dark moments and sometimes in effulgent ones. But through it is, by Your grace gradually I have reached close to You, under Your shelter. Baba You are so gracious. Baba, You are my everything...

== THE LANDSCAPE OF PARTY POLITICS ==

Namaskar, As the candidates in the USA make their noise and load up their political war chests for these mid-term elections, we can see how the entire field is being painted in party politics. This stands as yet another reminder how this party system fails to represent the finer aspects of humanity. In the current social milieu, the political landscape is dominated by the existence of 'oh-so-many' political parties. Each and every country is full of one party or another. That is the present reality as well as the way things work in today's crude political arena. In Prout, our stand is entirely different. Baba guides us that the party system is not at all good. Throughout His Prout philosophy Baba has exposed the defects of the party system and also provided us with the answer for what should be done instead.

EXISTENCE OF ANY POLITICAL PARTY IS HARMFUL

In political parlance, the term 'party' is just a euphemism for 'groupism' where mighty party politicians rigidly cling to their narrow interests, i.e. their own political power. Baba says, "The problem of how to remain in power is the most important issue of every political party that comes to power in an election." (PE) So political parties are not concerned with human interests or the public good. That is not their primary aim, not even close. Their raison-d'etre (reason for being) is just to retain their tight-fisted grip over the masses. Here below Baba further condemns how in the party system, politicians ruthlessly push for their own personal prestige and the agenda & stature of the party-- blatantly disregarding the welfare of the common citizens. Baba says, "It is noticeable that politicians, to further their party interests and to enhance their individual power and position, do not hesitate even to cause suffering to millions of people." (POD, point #29) Thus from top to bottom the political parties are infested with extreme selfishness and the lust for power-- completely devoid of any benevolent motive. Here are a few more of the many reasons why Baba warns us about the inherent dangers & crooked dealings of political parties. (a) In the party oriented system, due to extreme political propaganda, the common people get befooled into voting 'the party line'-- & not for the quality of the individual. In result all sorts on nonsense characters get placed into office. (b) Party leaders do not stand on their own individual merit & abilities; instead they just rely on the political muscle and reputation of the party, thus enabling greedy rascals to come into the fore. (c) As the world has witnessed, from democracies to socialist & communist regimes, all such political groupings have committed countless wrongs and inflicted untold injustices using the party system. (d) And so many more reasons are there. On and on we can go.

POLITICAL PARTIES STEAMROLL GOOD PEOPLE THE PARTY SYSTEM DEVOURS HONEST CANDIDATES

In truth, throughout the society, many good people abound who are interested in working for the well-being of the people, but in the party system such independent candidates or deserving individuals never even get the opportunity to contest elections. Instead the party just bulls their own member into the chair. Baba says, "Rich and influential people can compel other candidates, by financial inducements or intimidation, to withdraw their nomination papers." (POD, point #33) In such a dark political climate, the party system shuts down any attempt by individuals to run for office. Such independent candidates cannot compete against massive economico-political machinery of the top, ruling parties.

SEE-SAW NATURE OF CRUDE POLITICAL PARTY SYSTEM

Whether near or far, it is blatantly evident how the party system just manipulates the field of politics and stands in the way of social progress. As the political antics of the USA spread around this earth we can take a peek into how the political party system unfolds there. As we see, in that exploitative democracy of the US party system, the naive & common people have no choice but to elect the party, not person. Because in each and every local or national election the people have no practical choice but to vote either: 'Republican' or 'Democrat'. One leader is propped up by each party and by hook or by crook the party works to get that fellow into the office. And now in this mid-term election, the Tea Party has also sprung into action as a subset of the Republican party. Basically it is just a negative see-saw battle between one party and the other-- the republicans and the democrats. Truly qualified people outside the party system cannot enter onto the stage. So the party just props up and masquerades their own unseemly candidate. This we all know. In that way certain political animals come into the limelight as someone great, even though they are propped up by others, only to get yanked down on the seat of their pants when their underhanded dealings and blatant lies get exposed. Then, like a broken record turning round and round, in reaction the public gets fed up and with nowhere else to turn they blindly resort to the other political party to bring some relief. Like this the ball bounces back and forth in the famed US democracy. Each party, whether republican or democrat, looks to capitalise on the other's black spots, simultaneously keeping the political runway clear of any other candidates. Though it has to be noted the Repubicans are more devious in this way. Now Obama is in the doghouse so the Republicans are smiling wide waiting to encash on the situation. Even then they have to deal with the Tea Party. So the R's and Dem's are like two gigantic hippos and independent candidates are just like ants. The ants get easily crushed and the hippos just wrestle in the muddy waters amongst themselves. This is the dirty sea-saw battle of party politics in the US-- and around the globe the same or worse is happening in each and every party system. Never can a proper candidate reach to the chair in with the party system dominating the scene.

DEMOCRACY JUST A NAMESAKE FAKE SLOGAN OF DEMOCRACY

By all this none should still think that democracy is still the saving grace because democracies invariably get bound up in the party system. On the surface they claim to be something else but we should examine how far this is accurate or not. With their own chicanery, party leaders try to convince the electorate that democracy is run and guided by the people. Baba says, "According to the definition in vogue today, democracy is defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people." (PNS-14) As Baba points out, 'rule of the people' is the stated slogan of the top democracies. But upon closer look we see something else going on. Because in the present world each and every democracy is overrun by the existence of political parties-- democrats, republicans etc. This we can all see. So the people-- the denizens-- never really get the opportunity to elect an individual leader to represent them, but rather get stuck with a party puppet-- a mere political tool of the ruling party etc. Baba says, "In the name of forming a democratic government, different political and communal parties throw their hats into the election ring..[ultimately] parties are installed in power which go against the interests of the people." (PNS-14) Thus the political parties just burst onto the scene and crush the hopes and aspirations of the general populace. So with the existence of the party system, there is no relief in sight-- not in any direction. Democracy is supposedly 'of the people, by the people, for the people'; but in actuality it is 'of the party, by the party, for the party'. That is the hard reality of the day.

PROUT'S STAND

In response to all this political chaos and failures of the party system Baba's Prout offers the ultimate solution. Prout's main point is to create the environment where individual candidates, not parties, abound in the political scene. And the best person-- the one carrying the banner of neo-humanism-- should be supported. Baba says, "People should cast their votes for deserving human beings-- not for the lamppost [i.e. political tool] holding the party ticket." (POD, point #27) In such an open atmosphere not choked by the party system, the people are to elect a person based on their formidable credentials and worthy qualifications. This is Baba's teaching. Plus since the party system itself is the root cause of so much socio-political angst and manipulation then according to Prout there should not be any party system. It should be totally eradicated. So Prout does not at all support the existence of any political party. And when there are no political parties, and that day is not far off, then the qualities and characteristics of the individual candidates become more visible. In that case the educated voters will be able to discern who is who and what is what. That means candidates will have to stand on their own merit-- unable to rest on the laurels of the party. Thus in our Prout system, devoid of political parties and under the watchful eye of moralists and an increasingly educated public, more and more qualified candidates will get opportunity in the political field. And the best one should be selected.

BABA'S FINAL GUIDELINE

Here again Baba issues His stern warning regarding political parties. Baba says, "You will have to propagate this mission from door to door. No political party...can bring salvation." (PNS-18) Hence just as dinosaurs disappeared from this earth, same will be the fate of these outdated political parties. And in the new era of Prout, we will see the rise of qualified candidates-- i.e. sadvipras-- to lead the people.

BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, under the banner of neo-humanism & Prout our human society will be enabled to flourish. By His grace the day is fast approaching. Baba says, "Today or tomorrow the entire world will accept PROUT as the only panacea for all of the world's mundane and supramundane ailments. There is no alternative." (PNS-17, p.30) Namaskar, Dharma Note: All are encouraged to write in with their thoughts, experiences, and insights. With our collective knowledge and understanding we will more quickly be able to usher in that grand, new era of Prout. The world is changing fast-- ready to hear our words. Looking forward to hearing your views.

*************************************************** Remedy

Baba says, "On imbibing cosmic ideation all kinds of ailments will be cured." (PNS-8, p.19)

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