Prout: Antidote to Today's Economics

From: "Vinay Deva"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Prout: Antidote to Today's Economics
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:16:13 +1000

Baba

== PROUT: ANTIDOTE TO TODAY'S ECONOMICS ==

Namaskar,
As we enter into the culminating phase of the vaeshyan era, there are many issues that abound. One is that the capitalist exploitation is becoming more & more intense; and a second matter is that capitalism has spread its web across the 7 seas such that now the strings of those top-level vaeshyas wrap around nearly each and every community across the globe.

Then of course there is the use of the immigrant work-force as well as corporations which outsource all their work to China and the third-world nations etc.

So many tricks and imbalances are in vogue. Everything has been hitched and stitched together. A problem in one place leads to a problem in another. That is in part why today's economy is in such a precarious position.

Here is a Proutistic look to a variety of these key issues.

CAPITALIST EXPLOITATION: WORKERS SUFFER

As we all see, capitalists are infamous for creating industry wherever they can get the facilities. This is one black trait of their exploitative ways. Because in their avarice they are only concerned with cheap labor and low costs in order to maximize their own profit-- regardless of what kind of effect this has on the rest of the region. One of the negative off-shoots is that capitalists mercilessly force innocent and hungry workers to go where the industry is, thus leaving particular areas desolate and creating unrest all around.

Hence in their imbalanced and opportunistic methods capitalist exploitation paints a bleak picture in multiple ways. Here is one such example as it relates to our topic of immigration.

Baba says, "Where there is no proper economic development, surplus labour develops. In fact all undeveloped economic regions suffer from surplus labour, and when the surplus labour migrates to other regions the region remains undeveloped forever." (PE, p.17)

And this is what we see happening today. A few such examples are the undeveloped economies of Central America (i.e. El Salvador & Honduras where unemployment abounds and surplus labour /workers head to the US for work. Once there, they get receive low wages & (naturally) capitalists delight in their arrival. Plus, worker migration is at an all-time high throughout Asia.

Greedy capitalists, intoxicated with the prospect of making money, should not get scope to disrupt the whole economy and railroad all the profits and resources into their own bank accounts. All the while pressuring workers to migrate from place to place for their daily bread.

All in all, amongst other reasons, in capitalism big business swallows up smaller ones and things are cheap but the money is tied up in the hands of a few; so the common people cannot afford the commodities. Thus money gets centralised in one area and the gap between rich and poor is huge, almost insurmountable. This we see heightening each and every day.

In contrast, Prout creates an active economy with money rolling in local areas. So that workers need not be subject to all sorts of tortures and trials by having to move all around in search of work, leaving their families behind. Rather a strong economy should be created in each and every samaj and the various samajas should have relationships characterized by coordinated cooperation. In that way, Prout is concerned with the holistic development of the entire community.

SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROTECTS THE PEOPLE & INVITES GROWTH

Thus in grand fashion Baba has introduced His samaj theory based on self-sufficient socio-economic units. In this system, industry gets developed where there are raw materials and an existing labour force. Where those living in an area get ample scope to work in that area, at the same time keeping an open door policy to others interested in residing in that samaj.

Hence in the Prout system raw materials are not wrongfully sent out from the samaj so that other more powerful regions can get rich off those resources. And secondly workers are not dragged out from their homes and forced to travel hundreds of miles away. Rather the buildup of the samaj system guarantees that people will get jobs locally close to home and that others may freely immigrate to that very samaj-- or any other area according to their liking, so long as they have become linked with the socio-economic ways of that place. That is our policy.

Hence Prout is concerned with the needs of an area and is geared towards making communities self-sufficient and the whole Prout philosophy is working in the favour of the exploited mass-- so that the common people can rise up and develop themselves.

About these above points Baba has given the following guideline.

Baba says, "Local people are those who have merged their individual socio-economic interests with the socio-economic interests of the socio-economic unit they live in...Those who have not done so should be branded as outsiders."

"No outsider should be allowed to interfere in local economic affairs or in the system of production and distribution, otherwise a floating population will develop, causing outflow of economic wealth from the area. If this occurs the area will become vulnerable to outside economic exploitation and decentralized economy will be undermined." (PE, p.214-15)

THE PROTECTION OF LOCAL RESOURCES

Prout further advocates that goods should be produced and sold locally. What is produced is for the local public to utilise.

However if export businesses do develop, then only finished products can be sold directly in those markets. It is not that local raw materials should get sucked up by an exploiting state or country such that they can reap the benefit of that.

That means that natural resources should not be shipped out. The refinement process should be handled in the locale. They should benefit from their own local resources. All these things should be cared for. In that way, with a healthy economic base, people will be able to freely choose where they wish to work and be provided opportunity to stay in their home area.

Hence side by side the problems of immigration due to capitalist exploitation which is now so common not only between countries but within each and every state, province, and township-- all such negative effects will be eliminated.

Baba says, "Howrah district, for example, produces sufficient crops in a season to feed the local people for seventeen months, but due to immigrant labour the produce is consumed in six and a half months. The elimination of the floating population will also protect the social life of the cooperative from the possibility of adverse social influences." (PNS-14, p.49)

ECONOMIC FREEDOM PROVIDED TO ALL

Taken altogether then, everything should be provided within. In that way there will be guaranteed employment for all. Laborers and workers should not have to scour the earth in order to find employment. Hungry, starving workers should not be pushed out from their own homes-- separated from their loved ones-- and forced to go far away in search of a measly paying job.

Nor should laborers have to take extreme trouble to drive hours and hours in order to get to work.

Jobs should be available locally so that people can live with their families and make a proper income. And of course if anyone has an honest desire to move to another area then they are welcome to do so. Prout supports all these things.

However if greedy persons are trying to fill their own wallets by going outside their area in order to exploit another samaj then that will not be permitted.

Because Baba's Prout philosophy is for the welfare of all, especially the common people, who for centuries have been exploited.

Baba says, "Local people must be given preference in employment, and all local people should be locally employed. If this policy is followed, there will be no surplus or deficit labour among the local people, and if many people do come from outside areas, they will not find a place in the local economy. Where a floating population exists in a particular region, the outflow of capital remains unchecked and the economic development of the area is undermined." (PE, p.221)

CONCLUSION

Hence Baba has given beautiful solutions to all sorts of socio-economic problems in the form of self-sufficient samajas. Where production is geared towards local consumption and where people get scope to live and work in the comfort of their own area as well as have the option to move to a new place should they so desire. These are all important aspects of Prout's policy on the point of immigration.

Overall, Baba has given numerous clear-cut policies on this significant matter of immigration. Which Baba has explained beautifully in so many discourses. Please reference: 'Some Specialities of Prout's Economic System', 'Decentralized Economy 1 & 2', 'Principles of Balanced Economy', 'Economic Dynamics', 'Cooperatives', 'Agrarian Revolution' and more. All these discourses are filled with Baba's golden Prout policies for building up a great human society.

BABA'S BLESSING

Here following Baba guides us that Prout is the way of forward movement.

Baba says, "PROUT is dedicated to the service and welfare of one and all. You should immediately build a one and indivisible human society without further delay by popularising PROUT." (AFPS-8, p.50)

Baba says, "PROUT equips human beings with their own Prana Dharma and thereby reinforces and strengthens their march along the path of progress." (PNS-18, p.30)

Baba says, "PROUT is the panacea." (PNS-18, p.53)

Namaskar,
Vinay

Note 1: WHO CAN MOVE

It should also be understood that in the Prout system, people are entirely free to move from one country to the next, from one samaj to another. In this regard, personal freedom and individual choice stand at the forefront; people may travel & live where they desire. Indeed, so long as one has merged their socio-economic interest with a particular samaj, then that is enough to take up residence in that locale. In that way people may live and work where they like.

Note 2: GUIDANCE FOR ALL REALMS OF LIFE

We know that Baba is the dharma Guru and that in each and every sphere of life He has graciously bestowed upon us clear-cut guidelines for how to proceed. And in our social life those guidelines have taken shape in the form of Prout philosophy. Hence not just on the point of immigration and labor issues, but from birth to death, from village life to global government, from unit to collective, and from start to finish, Baba has beautifully given us the way how to advance and move ahead. Hence there is no question that Prout does not have any policies. Rather Baba's precise, diamond-like strategies and pin-pointed teachings are our polices. Indeed, it is by these very crystal clear policies that Prout will be established and the entire humanity will grow and prosper.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Tumi eso, tumi eso a'ma'r ghare..." - P.S. 3190

Purport:

Baba, please grace me by coming to my abode. I go on waiting for You on and on, constantly-- all the while keeping the lamp of hope lit in my heart. Baba, You are always gracious. I get You in my dreams. By Your grace, I get You in those blissful dreams. And when I wake up then I go on thinking of Your sweet tales and divine presence. On my each and everything, the sketch of Your love is painted. Baba, I always remember You; even if I want to forget I cannot. By Your grace, always each and every second I remember You. When I yearn for You so strongly, then in my heart I feel pain in longing for You. It is then that the thought comes that I should forget You-- because by that way at least life will be peaceful. But it is difficult for me; I cannot forget You. Baba, in the deep core of my heart You are always residing there. The whole universe is saturated with Your divine love. You shower Your causeless grace on everyone. Baba, please come in my mental abode; You are my everything...

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Suda'ma' and Arjuna

Baba says, "Arjuna and Suda'ma' were great devotees. But while comparing their devotion by this yardstick, we have got to say that Suda'ma' was a greater devotee than was Arjuna. You know the story in the Maha'bha'rata – Arjuna refused to fight when Shrii Krs'n'a asked him to do so. This shows that Arjuna did not have full faith in and complete surrender to Shrii Krs'n'a. Had there been complete surrender, Arjuna would have done as directed by Shrii Krs'n'a. On the other hand, we notice a complete surrender by Suda'ma'. He never desired anything from Krs'n'a, his sakha' [friend], who could have given him anything and everything. Howsoever he was, he remained content. Even when his wife forced him to go to Shrii Krs'n'a to request Him to remove his poverty, he went to him but didn’t ask for a thing. Suda'ma' was a greater devotee than was Arjuna." (AV-31)
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Re: Current Events: "Large-Heartedness" of the West

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: Current Events: "Large-Heartedness" of the West
Date: Fri 25 Mar 2011 01:57:38 +0530 (IST)
From: Madhusudan

Baba

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

Namaskar,
I appreciate the points expressed raised in the below letter. It is the duty of moralists to intervene in Libya. But the west's current strategy of pursuing selfish business and economic interests in the name of quelling a humanitarian crises is pure hypocrisy.

Here is Baba's further teaching that - in the case of Libya wherein the Gadhafi regime is ruthlessly attacking its own citizens - an intervention is absolutely necessary by the global community. And again, that intervention should be based purely on the earnest desire to help the common people of Libya, not out of any greedy strategy to procure oil.

Baba says, "If any country perpetrates atrocities on its minorities or attacks a weak neighbouring country, then the other neighbouring countries should, if necessary, resist the oppressor with the force of arms, and thereby come forward to establish sentient peace." (Problems of the Day, #15)

Namaskar,
Madhusudan

Easy To Understand When Story is Ripe

Date: Tue, 01 Mar 2011 06:22:43 -0700
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Reynolds_HT
Subject: Easy To Understand When Story is Ripe

Baba

                == EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHEN STORY IS RIPE ==

Namaskar,
Baba's following teaching is highly indicative of what today's tyrants are going through. As we watch one leader after another topple in the Middle East, it is very easy to apply Baba's mandate - as these events are unfolding before our very eyes.


               NOWHERE TO HIDE - MUST UNDERGO THE CONSEQUENCES

                         Na antalikkhe na samuddamajjhe
                         Na pabbatanam vivaram pavissa
                         Na vijjati so jagatippadeso
                         Yatthatthitam nappasaheyya maccu.

Baba says, "Suppose a person commits a wrong by accepting a bribe. While receiving the bribe he thinks that no one is watching, but that is impossible. A third entity is watching everything. No one can do anything secretly in this universe. But the bribe-taker thinks the opposite because avidyá shakti has placed a veil between him and the Supreme Being. This is a very dangerous situation. It is just like a hare being chased by a hunter: the hare sits down and covers its eyes with its ears and, thinks, “I cannot see anything, so the hunter cannot see anything either. Hence he won’t be able to kill me.” This is a deadly mistake! Wherever one commits a wrong, be it in the depths of the ocean or in a high mountain cave, one cannot escape the consequences: one will certainly be detected one day or another." (Subhasita Samgraha - 18)

In His above teaching Baba guides us that no deed goes unseen in this universe. Some people mistakenly think that they can commit wrongful crimes and atrocities and keep those ills hidden. But, as Baba says, that is impossible. Parama Purusa sees everything. One will have to face the consequences - there is no way out, nowhere to hide. For every misdeed, there is a corresponding consequence. It is inevitable; there is no escape. That is Baba's explicit warning.


                                CHAIN OF EVENTS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Now today in the Middle East we see a rapid fire chain of events taking place. Rulers who have been in the seat of power for decades and decades are being yanked from their throne. The very public, which those ruthless despots exploited to the bone, is rising up and forcing these leaders out. For years and years such rulers thought their position was impregnable. They felt they could commit any crime they wanted to bolster their own prestige and power and that no harm could befall them. Now we see how wrong their calculation was. As Baba describes in His above teaching, such leaders were like that hare (i.e. rabbit) - just wallowing in their ignorance - totally unaware of the impending danger.

Here are but a few case examples which we have all witnessed within the last month.

Ben Ali ruled Tunisia for 24 years in a regime riddled with corruption, rampant exploitation, and countless injustices. He ruled as if nothing and no one could touch him - that he was beyond. He stole billions of dollars from the state and acted as if his stature was unchallengeable. Then, as we have all witnessed, in a short instant of time, the common people revolted. A swift uprising buoyed by the youths sealed Ben Ali's fate. Those youths rebelled against the horrible economic conditions and untold ills. After 24 years of despotic rule, Ben Ali's regime was torn down to the ground. A man who once was at the height of power was forced to flee for his life, and now he is in exile and lies in a coma - totally debilitated.

Likewise, in Egypt, Mubarak thought of himself as beyond all rebuke. He stole everything from the people, and poured billions into his personal bank account while the average Egyptian scratched for survival on a $2 a day budget. Mubarak had his hand in everything and he and his exploitative machine ruled Egypt with an iron fist for 30 years. Then, as we all saw, on the heels of Tunisia's uprising, the Egyptian people poured into Tahrir square and called for his resignation. Their protests swelled, tensions mounted, and ultimately, within a few weeks, their demands were met. Mubarak's rule, once seen as invincible, was torn down. He met his fate and now sits in seclusion awaiting judgment- his assets frozen and banned from all travel. The tables have turned and he too must face the consequences of his torturous rule.

Then of course there is the imminent fall of Momar Gaddafi in Libya. As we speak, a violent clash is taking place. Gaddafi tried to strong arm the people to accept his rule, but alas times have changed. His misdeeds have caught up with him. And now he is isolated - submerged in his own delusions. In the next day or so we will witness the end of his heinous 42 year rule. The day he never dreamed of is before him. He too will find no escape from his misdeeds. His end is very near.

What these three tryants all have in common is that in the not-too-distant past they thought their rule would last forever. They never thought that they would have to face the consequences. With their sky-kissing arrogance, they thought they could cheat, kill, suppress, and exploit the people without facing any backlash. But now their time has come. There is not escape. That is Baba's stated teaching.

And not just these three, but all those despots steeped in sin will meet a similar fate. This chain of events will continue onward. That is the natural law. There is nowhere to hide in this universe. One must undergo the consequences of their misdeeds, sooner or later. That is the universal truth - that is Baba's teaching.


                                      PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCE

While the events in the Middle East are quite dramatic, and depict how even the most powerful tyrant is bound to face the reactions of their criminal activities. Baba's teaching is not limited to such despots alone.

In each and every place, big or small, wherever people reside there are some who misuse their power. Blinded by ego they think, "nothing can harm me, I may do as I please." In that way they cheat and harm others. It may be between husband and wife, boss and employee, neighbor to neighbor, group to group, or whomever. Wherever one person or group grabs the upper hand then they generally fall under the false notion that they are unbeatable.

But in all such circumstances, they will one day meet their fate and undergo the consequences of their misdeeds. There is nowhere to run or hide. Everyone must be accountable to their each and every action. That is divine law.

So none should think that only crooked and crude leaders like Mubarak and Gaddafi are subject to this principle. No one should think, "This does not apply to me."

As Baba guides us, this rule applies universally for everyone. Where there is sin - where there is injustice - where there is corruption etc, there will be consequences to follow. The funny thing is that one's ego does not allow them to think that they too will meet their fate.

All should be alert and know that there is no place to hide - all one's actions are seen by Parama Purusa.


                                              BABA'S TEACHING

By Baba's grace, we should all live by the tenets of yama and niyama and inspire others to do that same. In that way we can march forward onto the path of spirituality and leave behind the trappings of egoistic exploitation. Then our reactions will just be sweet and blissful.

We should be cent-per-cent vigilant that our actions are just. Then we will never be forced to suffer the consequences. When, cent per cent of the time we can remember that Parama Purusa is watching us - and that there is no place to hide - then we will save ourselves from all kinds of troubles and hardship. Then we will be strict in 16 Points, inspired by His loving countenance, and lead a dharmic life.

Baba says, "In an attempt to escape from one’s sins and misdeeds you may retire to the Himalayas from Kanpur, but you cannot go beyond that. So the question arises, where will you escape to? Suppose you commit some wrong, and to escape the evil outcome of those misdeeds and avoid punishment you try to hide yourself in the sky or in an unknown place or at the bottom of the sea or in a mountain cave. But can you really hide yourself anywhere? In fact in this universe there is not an inch of space where one can conceal oneself." (Subháśita Saḿgraha Part 11)

Namaskar,
Harideva


Note 1:                       HERE AGAIN IS BABA'S TEACHING

Baba says, "Nothing is hidden from Him. Humans cannot conceal anything they do from Him. If you say to somebody, “Don’t tell anyone about this,” Parama Puruśa hears you saying privately not to tell anyone. Therefore it is said that He has a separate face for each unit being, with which He sees everyone. Na antariikśe na samudramajjhe – “Neither in the sky, nor in the ocean,” nor in a cave, can you hide yourself. Nowhere in the Cosmos can you hide from Him." (Subhasita Samgraha - 21)

Important Point Today's Economy

Date: 08 Feb 2011 06:04:30 -0000
From: "Bhavanath  Rajpal"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Important Point Today's Economy

Baba

      == IMPORTANT POINT FOR TODAY'S ECONOMY ==

Note: This topic is an important reminder to all. With all the financial
troubles swirling around today, we should all keep this teaching
close to heart, lest we fall into serious problem.

Namaskar,
In this time of global economic uncertainty, we must once again lean on
Baba's guidelines as only it is His teachings that could have prevented
this problem and it is only His teachings that can get us out of it.

These below guidelines will help us all manage through the present turmoil.


                   THE THREE AFFLICTIONS

According to Baba, human beings usually suffer from one or more of the three
types of afflictions: (1) a'dhibhaotika, (2) a'dhidaevika, and (3) a'dhya'tmika.

For instance, if a person is undergoing hardship in the mundane sphere and not
getting their minimum requirements met, that is a'dhibhaotika suffering. Or
one is suffering from mental tension and psychic stress, that is the case
with a'dhidaevika suffering. Or, lastly, in the realm of a'dhya'tmika
suffering, the sadhaka is in despair because of feeling separate or distant
from Parama Purusa.

So these are the common afflictions-- and each have their solution.

Baba says, "The jiiva experiences three types of suffering-- a'dhibhaotika,
a'dhidaevika, and a'dhya'tmika. A'dhibhaotika suffering is mundane, that
is, it derives from shortages of food, clothing, medicine, education,
shelter, etc. If we change the structure of society this misery will be
ended. So we must do this, we should do this. Regarding a'dhidaevika
suffering -- if we prepare our minds through sa'dhana', all the mental
cares and worries that result from a defective mental structure will come
to an end. The feeling of separation [from Parama Purusa] is a'dhya'tmika
suffering. This can be eliminated by spiritual sa'dhana', that is, by
dhya'na, dha'ran'a', pra'n'a'ya'ma, pratya'ha'ra, etc." (DKG, p. 25)

However, some are thinking that those living in wealthy countries are not
suffering from any problems;, but that is not the case. Rather, everyone is
facing problems. And in the case of the so-called rich nations, psychic
suffering is rampant. Lastly, while each of these three afflictions can be
resolved and treated, we should strive to have prama' in the life-- thus not
incurring any such suffering.


              LOSS OF PRAMA IN TODAY'S WORLD

Baba has given prama theory, and He has explained that imbalance-- or not
following the prama in all the spheres-- causes serious problems and,
ultimately, catastrophe.

Some countries are lagging behind due to the lack of prama in the physical
realm whereas other countries are highly engrossed in physicality. They do
not have any higher goals. Result is that in both the cases, a serious
problem is there. Altogether though the whole globe is extremely affected
by materialism. Surely, balance is needed in all the spheres-- physical,
mental, and spiritual,-- but the general flow of present day society is to
give more emphasis to physicality. That is the outcome of materialism.

So materialism has reached in all the countries around the globe,
irrespective of so-called affluent or poor. Everyone's mentality is
quickly getting changed or degenerated. Whatever spirituality they have,
that they are losing. This is the general flow. And the reason behind this
negative environment is the onslaught of materialism.

In addition this is the age of advertisements. People are highly affected by
external things. And without thinking deeply they multiply their physical
desires and needs more and more. However they do not have that same amount
of energy and time to direct towards and give emphasis to the psychic and
spiritual realms.

Here psychic realm means proper study that is beyond the grip of dogma. And
in spiritual field people hardly have time to nourish themselves and that
brings dissatisfaction and emptiness in the mind. The proof being that even
after getting all sorts of the material things the mind feels: "I am
hungry". As if it does not have any end.

People are working and earning 12 hours a day and without thinking deeply,
under the influence of advertisements their needs multiply and they spend
more and more money.

On this point Baba has given so many teachings.  And again those are needed
to recount as certainly such teachings are helpful in bringing peace, or
rather perfect peace in our life.

First of all on this whole point of outlook toward money and materialistic
desires, Baba has given one very significant story.


         BABA STORY ABOUT THE GREAT SADHAKA RAMANATH

Baba says: "A story flashes across My mind. The great sadhaka-- Pandit
Ramanath of Navadvipa-- was a highly elevated man. He was always engaged in
cosmic ideation."

"One day, the King of Nadia, with a view toward giving Ramanath some
financial help, once asked him, 'Are you in want of anything?'."

"The Pandit [Ramanath] had then been absorbed in the world of ideas. He
took the word 'want' for his want of knowledge and replied, 'Yes, I did
feel the want of an explanation of a sloka (aphorism) but now it is clear
to me'."

"The Maharaja [King of Nadia] then said, 'No I am talking about want of
money'."

"Ramanatha replied, 'Look, you had better ask my wife about domestic
affairs'."

"Then the Maharaja inquired the wife about their monetary needs etc."

"[But] as is the husband, so is his wife. She informed the King point
blank, 'Look, there is rice in the house and there are plenty of leaves on
the tamarind tree. My husband relishes the stew of those leaves immensely.
I don't know of any other necessity'."  - (SS part II, Hindi, p.57, 'Ved Me
Brahma Vijiana- 3')

So by this above story we can easily understand that when the mind is
engaged in the thought of Parama Purusa, then worldly attractions are
gradually eliminated. By goading the mind towards God, the mind
remains free of degenerating thoughts and one does not get trapped in the
vicious net of materialism.

This is the best training to channelize the mind and thereby get rid from
worldly desires. So this is one important teaching, especially for this
current era of extreme materialism.


                     BABA'S SPECIAL GUIDELINE:

               HOW TO AVOID FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES

Furthermore Baba gives many pointed guidelines about money, expenditure, debt
and loan. Because if one can exercise proper control and understanding on
these points then this will also help the mind escape the deadly noose of
materialism.

Specifically, in the chapter Aparigraha, Guide To Human Conduct, Baba
condemns the practice of taking loans, and remaining in debt. And Baba
blames that those who are seekers of luxury, they fall in the mud of debt.
That is a totally negative thing. We should refrain from this negativity,
as well as guide others also.

And for those who have the strong desire and they cannot control their
thirst to have x-tra things from the external world, then they should be
careful and they should not take loan. Because taking loan leads to the
long spiral downward of a mind sucked into the whirlpool of materialistic
mentality-- i.e. spend beyond your means by taking loan. But this is
totally negative because then the mind is not capable of or even interested
in higher pursuits.

And further Baba has told that such people who are extravagant in
their expenditure, they incurred debt. Baba further guides, that this is
the collective responsibility of society, to control such people. And those
who are doing unnecessary expenditure, they should not be allowed to do.
That's why before purchasing any costly things etc, it is suggested that
sadhakas should get permission from their acaryas.


          INDIVIDUAL FAULT...AND COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

In GTHC chapter "How To Live In The Society", Baba further has written,
that the whole society is one integral entity. All members are one joint
family. So if one is in trouble, then others should come forward to help.
But Baba is very strict. Those margiis and WTs who are doing extravagant
expenditure and at the time of expending money they don't ask their acarya,
bhukti pradhan, or top level authorities. That is, at the time of spending
they don't take permission but later when they are in debt and problem they
cry for help -- this type of mentality, Baba condemns.

Baba says, "Not to consult anybody at the time of spending money but to ask
for help from all when in debt, is not a good practice. Such a mentality
cannot be encouraged. To purchase, by incurring debt...is surely against
the principle of aparigraha." (GTHC)

So we should be very careful that if any of our margii brothers and
sisters, those who are in our unit, if they are doing unnecessary
expenditure we should warn them. And not allow them to fall in unnecessary
crisis.


                THE DEFECTS OF CARVAK

And one closing idea related with this entire discussion is this. Baba has
pointed out & condemned the atheistic philosopher Carvak because he was
preaching the gospel of materialism. Carvak was telling 'Enjoy the crude
material life by taking loans & indulging in crude worldly desires.
Spend what you like because you need not have to pay back anything'.

So the idea is that Baba condemns this preaching of Carvak because
remaining in debt is very bad. Often those who are taking loan don't think
about the consequences. And the consequences are that this very mentality
of acquiring material objects more and more, that invites all types of sin,
crime, lawlessness, various negativities. And when people have a desire, or
they don't know how else to manage, then they fall into debt.

The central idea is that by hook or by crook one should not fall into the
dark depths of materialism. Because human life is not for satisfying crude
worldly desires. Living a life of materialism is completely useless, and a
sheer waste of human potential. Rather as human beings we have come here to
move along the spiritual path and enjoy permanent peace because the worldly
approach of materialism has not any redeeming quality or lasting value.


               BABA'S IMPORTANT GUIDELINE

We should all take seriously this following Baba's teaching:

Baba says, "You should make your life worthwhile through your sadhana. How
much can your worldly friends and relations do for you? After your death
your relatives may perhaps ask, 'How much money has he left behind?'. Your
friends may go to the crematorium and indulge in flattering reminiscences
about you. Your husband or wife may cry out for you for  about ten or
twelve days and then regain their normal composure. Your lot will be only a
profound sigh-- a record of the futility and frustration of your life. So
do not waste your time lest you later have to repent." (SS-3, p.63)

Namaskar,
Bhavanath


Note: Please write your own thoughts and experiences on this topic. That
will be beneficial for one and all.

                                         PRABHAT SAMGIITA





"Toma'ke ceyechi ceyechi sab ka'je..."  (P.S. #187)

Purport:

Baba, I desire to see You in all my works. Baba, please grace me so that
no matter what I am doing, always Your image of varabhaya mudra is
reflecting in my mind. I long for Your close proximity in all my actions:
physical, psychic and spiritual. Baba, by Your divine grace Your sweet,
charming, & attractive form is always floating in my heart.

O' my innermost, I have come onto this earth to remain engaged in
serving You. Day after day, I will go on moving towards You-- blissfully
floating in Your divine ideation. 
           
Baba, by Your grace whenever I propagate even a wee-bit of Your glory
then always Your blissful presence appears in my mind and Your divine tune
resonates in my heart. Baba You are so gracious.

Baba, when doing dhyan in the lonely night under the moon and the stars,
then You always grace me. And the peacock of my mind spreads its colorful
feathers and dances in inexplicable joy. Baba, by getting You my mind
dances in bliss.

O' my dearmost Baba, whenever I do anything You always bless me by
coming in my mental temple. Always You remain along with me. It is Your
causeless grace. Baba, You are the most loving One...


         ***************************************
                    Who is blessed one?

Baba says, "The man who is intelligent should, from his very childhood,
move along the path of proto-spirituality. The sooner a man starts and
moves along this path of psycho-spirituality, the better it is. He is the
blessed one." (AV-12, p.75)

Note: With the start of this spring season we should once again reflect
how Baba has graced us by providing us all the tools and teachings for
moving along the path of spirituality. So again with renewed vigor we
should be more firm and more sincere in our adherence to Sixteen Points.
         ***************************************

Which One Is Better

Date: Wed, 10 Nov 2010 08:29:41
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Which One Is Better
From: "Ishvara"

Baba

PS Intro: In this song, an above-average devotee is expressing his feeling
towards Parama Purus'a.

"Badhir theko na'ko priyo, shun'ate habe a'ma'r katha'..."  (Prabhata Samgiita 2310)

Purport:

  Baba, please look towards me. Keeping the yearning for You in my heart,
I am crying. Please do not be deaf. You have to listen to my tale of the
heart. Please understand the pain of the core of my heart. And please
understand the longing and yearning that I have to get You. I want to hold
You.   Off and on I go on listening to the sound of silence-- the divine flute
which You play. I feel that by that way You attract me. And it is there
that I see Your effulgence.  

   Baba, I feel that Your sweetness and Your love is present in that
effulgence and the sound of the flute. Baba, You are the a'lor & prana and
of my life. You are my hope; You are my Goal; You are my everything.     
If I forget you I will lose everything-- my life will be ruined. Baba,
You are the nucleus of my existence. That is why again and again I
surrender myself at Your lotus feet. Please understand the longing of my
heart. Please do not avoid me. Baba please come close...

== WHICH ONE IS BETTER ==

Namaskar,
A young innocent boys grows up to be a grown man feeling hatred, fear, or
animosity towards someone just because they have different color skin. Why
like this?

A tiny infant reaches up to adulthood harboring feelings of superiority,
inferiority, or disdain towards someone just because they are of another
so-called caste. Why like this?

There are so many institutions, customs, and codes across the globe which
only serve to undermine the very fabric of our human society. From religion
to education, from racism to casteism, from rich to poor-- there are so
many ways that differences are made. And that causes huge tension and
problems all around.

By Baba's grace, He has given the perfect remedy to dispel those myths and
correct those inequalities, permanently. All we need to do is apply the
grand ideas of Prout to the specific social ills of the day.

And sure enough, with regards to racial tension and communal hatred, a
practical solution is right at hand.


                       WHY TENSIONS OCCUR

One of the chief reasons behind the existence of racial and ethnic tensions
is having the various races and ethnic groupings grow up and live in
separate communities.

A young white girl who has never seen a person with black skin before has
been known to cry out of fear the first time she lays eyes on a black man.
It happens-- and vice versa as well. But that fear is not at all based on
rationality, just unfamiliarity and the dogmatic belief that the person
next to me is something different. And that social dogma, that
unfamiliarity, creates a gap that leads to racial and ethnic tensions. This
we all know.

Of course in our Marga, such differences are basically nil-- non-existent.

Because in AM everything is totally mixed. Due to (a) revolutionary
marriages, (b) our wt system where acaryas work in a country different from
their birth, (c) our children's homes and schools where kids of all
backgrounds play and live together, and (d) due to so many other life
practices, racial differences have been obliterated in our Marga and
replaced with the universal feeling, 'manav, manav ek hai', meaning all
humans are one.

However, in the stark absence of such an integrated way of living, various
peoples in communities around the globe develop social stigmas about other
social groups.

Here the point is that when people grow up in racially separate and
ethnically isolated communities, then, irregardless of the community, the
tendency is for there to be ill feelings towards those outside of their
group.

Some classic examples of this are white-black relations in the US or the
brahmin-harijan communities in India. In both circumstances, there is
moderate to extreme distrust or disdain for the other party. And this is
primarily due to having grown up in completely separate environments, in
'different pockets', even though they may have been living in the very same
city, town, or village.
                                

                         WHICH WAY IS BETTER
So in our Marga, we advocate mixing everything up until differences between
any perceived social groups become lost in the great sea of humanity. And
then with the help of sadhana, we cultivate common ideal that all are
brothers and sisters-- all are children of Parama Purusa. And this creates
a wonderful bond of love. That is our basic approach in Ananda Marga.

Baba says, "The multi-coloured garland of humanity will be enriched to the
extent diverse human groups blend together from a position of strength and
independence out of a genuine love for each other, and are not forced
together through fear or compulsion." (AFPS-9)

So that is one way of living on this earth. The other way is what various
capitalist nations like the US have done. And that we are going to briefly
revisit now.


                    SITUATION IN USA: PRESENT DAY CRISIS

As many may know, in the last 75 years, the US constitution has preached
the likes of (1) 'separate but equal', (2) then dismantled 'separate but
equal', and (3) then finally accepted-- albeit indirectly-- 'separate but
so-called equal'.

So initially 'separate but equal' was in vogue: White schools, black
schools, white buses, black buses, white bathrooms, black bathrooms, etc.
But this created huge chaos and hatred, and indeed there were huge
disparities between the quality of what the whites got versus what the
blacks got. So the phrase 'separate but equal' got rejected and was
declared "unconstitutional".

And in that vacuum, in the aftermath, everything was hurriedly integrated.
Black children were bused far distances to go to school with whites. And
there was forced mixing on all levels. That went on for several decades
where the 'blacks' were forced to mold themselves to the rules that whites
imposed on them. Because the integration occurred due to the mandates of
the white leaders.

So it went from segregation to integration and now the US has 'blossomed'
into a new stage. Now the policies of integration have been more or less
abolished. No longer is it policy to bus black children to white schools;
and instead, the phony ideal has been put forth that 'we are all one'. But
secretly capitalists harbor the idea that 'let there be differences in the
economic sphere'.

Thus the US capitalist ideal that everyone is free and all are part of the
same whole is just a euphemism for distinctly separate communities. Because
on the basis of economics the US remains quite divided. The poorer blacks
live primarily amongst themselves and manage with lesser institutions etc,
whereas the richer whites primarily live amongst themselves in
comparatively better environments. This is the practical expression of the
crude capitalist theory that-- we are all one, all are Americans etc.

                           
                WHICH WAY IS BETTER (PART II)

By the above review and, more clearly, from our own living experiences we
can easily see which one is better. Baba's Proutistic vision of forming one
human society by making a "multi-coloured garland of humanity" or the
capitalist model of eliminating integration and creating a so-called
oneness where economic disparities run rampant.

                                 
                     COMING TO A SOLUTION

While it takes a certain spiritual vision to really see all as brothers and
sisters, side by side Baba has given a rock-solid, practical way to wash
away the mess of capitalism, that preaches oneness yet privately promotes
that the dollar is king.

And that Proutistic response is to give strong economic support to all the
underprivileged groupings of society so they get the opportunity to live
and educate themselves where they like.

Capitalists proclaim that, 'Let the blacks live in their shanty-towns; they
like it like that'. Yet Proutists understand that those blacks are humans
like everybody else, given the economic power, they will surely like to
live in more comfortable surroundings.

That is why Prout preaches economic justice and backs up that slogan with
practical programs that give economic might to all the downtrodden
communities. In that case, invariably the separatism that exists in society
will wither away-- and racism will also be gone.

Because where people are not forced into segregation due to economic
disparity then they will move in thousands of directions and live in a
place according to their own choice. And in that process, the soup will be
invariably be stirred and the communities will become totally integrated
and ultimately one, in the real sense of the term.


              GROWING UP TOGETHER FOSTER UNITY AND GOOD WILL
                          
Because when children of all backgrounds and races grow up together then
that brings a feeling of closeness with each other. And for the rest of
their life they will not see 'white' or 'black' or any other shade thereof.
Rather they will naturally think that we are all part of the same human
family. This feeling will come spontaneously. That is why our Proutistic
approach is to knock down the walls between people and bring everyone
together in all sorts of ways, shapes, & forms. And in our Marga, verily
this has happened as Baba has put all the tools in place like RM's and
neo-humanism etc. The outcome is the systematic elimination of racism and
the creation of a singular human society.


                       OUR APPROACH IN AM

Here below Baba mocks and points out the duplicity of such capitalists and
exploiters who declare that 'we are all one', yet secretly create class or
caste distinctions.

Baba says, "You may have observed many people in the world who delivered
long lectures against caste discrimination and untouchability, saying, "No,
all are equal. I will take food touched by any caste. If you give me
filtered water in a clean glass I will not hesitate to swallow it - just
watch me drink!" And the audience applauded, "Very good! Very good!" These
people are called reformists; but their inner intention was to maintain the
caste system. Had they really wanted to remove caste discrimination, they
would have declared, "The cause of this untouchability is the caste system.
Because of the caste system, discriminations have emerged between high and
low, touchable and untouchable, one caste and another. So let us first of
all break the bondage of caste!"(2) If they had had the courage to proclaim
this directly, they would have become revolutionaries. But they lacked such
boldness." (NH-LOI, Disc:7)

So in our Marga, we courageously declare that all are indeed one and we
back that up with our RM's, schools, children's homes, and in various
avenues. And on the top Prout calls for economic justice for all. By that
way everyone will get the opportunity to advance-- together.

That is why there is a heaven and hell differnce between universal humanism
in AM versus the 'integrated-cum-separatist' approach secretly advocated by
various capitalists.


                      BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace, the days is not far when our Marga will make its mark in
this world and shatter the man-made boundaries that block human progress.

Baba says, "Thus only neohumanism can save the universe, only neohumanism
can save human existence. So now, we are to sing the songs of
neohumanism....Let all the hearts of the entire created universe, dance in
ecstasy. This is the goal of the day. We are for all." (PNS-9)

Namaskar,
Ishvara

*********************************************
Chemical Fertilisers Dangerous

Baba says, "The best manure for green vegetables is rotten vegetables. Cow
dung manure may also serve the same purpose. In the case of gourd, oil
cakes and mustard cakes mixed equally with soil will increase
production...it is noticeable that whenever chemical fertilisers are used
intensively, the land becomes infertile and useless after some time. This
is because chemical fertilisers destroy the vital energy of the land so
that it becomes lifeless, just like cement." (PNS-16, p.39)

*********************************************