Re: 'I do not Belong to and Group'

From: "Girish Nath Biswas"
To: am-global@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: 'I do not Belong to and Group'
Date: Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:51:22 +0530

Baba

              == 'I DO NOT BELONG TO ANY GROUP' ==

                                 ~ PART 2 ~

Namaskar,
In light of the swirling events taking place in our organisation this
letter addresses those dedicated WTs who are trying hard to remain clear
of all the groups.

It certainly is noble for Dadas to proclaim, 'I do not belong to any
group', yet, as stated in the initial letter on this topic, all too often
we see how such Dadas fall prey to groupist activities - often unintentionally.
That is the unfortunate reality.


                               GROUPIST AGENDA:

         'ALL SHOULD BE SWALLOWED INTO MY CAMP'

One of the inherent flaws of groupism is that for their own survival and
growth, all the groups are committed full-time to the propaganda of
their groupist agenda. They want that maximum people should attend their
groupist activities like the dogmatic Mahaprayan program, the crude
Jamalpur tiirtha program, and their own celebrations etc, etc; plus they
want that their chosen Fake Ananda Vanii should be recited, and not the
other group's Fake Ananda Vanii. Indeed each group has so many dogmatic
proposals and propositions that directly contravene Baba's teachings,
and all the while they want to drag maximum followers into their camp's
ritualistic approach.

That is the way groupism works - we have all seen it.

Their basic premise is: 'Anyone not pulled into my group will get pulled
into the competing camp'. Knowing this, such groupists anxiously 'go
fishing' after anyone not directly labeled as being a member of their
group. To this end they apply extreme pressure, coercion, financial
incentives, and victimisation tactics.


             WHAT THOSE DADAS & THEIR DIIKSA BHAIS FACE

So if any Dada announces, 'I do not belong to any group', then they will
be immediately subjected to huge pressure by the various groups. And not
only will that Dada be pressured, but his diiksa bhais as well. Because
every Dada comes complete with an entire string of initiated margiis.
And naturally the competing groups would like to swallow up those
margiis as well.

Thus enormous pressure is applied to those sincere Dadas who declare, 'I do not
belong to any group'. And it is not easy for such Dadas to withstand
such pressure.


                 END UP FOLLOWING ALL THE DOGMAS

Tragically, what happens most often is that those Dadas who proclaim, 'I
do not belong to any group', they end up following some or all of the dogmas,
because they need to survive. They need money, they need food, they need
their support, they need a place to sleep, they need so many things.
And with not enough sadhana or ideological spirit to keep them strong,
they may invariably participate in so many groupist activitiesm, even when
in their inner heart they wish to stick to Baba's ideals.

Such Dadas might attend the dogmatic Mahaprayan program, read Fake Ananda
Vaniis, or help taint BP elections according to groupist policies.
At other times they become proponents of scriptural distortion, and they
participate in dogmatic Jamalpur tiirtha activities etc.

So in the end, those Dadas-- who valiantly claim 'I do not belong to any
group'-- get absorbed into so many groupist dogmas. Indeed, they do not
just participate in one faction's programs, but rather they follow the
agenda of every group to some or more degree. All done in the name of not
belonging to any camp. They are trying to keep neutral but in that attempt
they get caught up in various activities.

This is the tragic state of some of those Dadas who say, 'I do not
belong to any group'.

However, each and every day more and more are able to stand strong. This
is one good development.


                WE DO FALL PREY TO RELIGIOUS DOGMAS

In Ananda Marga, we follow dharma and we do not belong to any of the
dogmatic religions. The proof of this is that we participate in all
kinds of universal programs and never attend any dogmatic religious
function.

But what if we were to become regular attendees of Christmas mass, Durga
Puja, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Easter, Eid, Visakah Puja, Rosh Hasanah etc. If
in the name of not belonging to any religion, we attended ALL those
dogmatic religious holidays could we still proclaim, 'We do not belong
to any religion'. Certainly not.

Because the reason why we do not belong to any religion is because our
way of life is totally independent of those dogmatic religious
ceremonies, beliefs, and programs. We only follow the path of true
spirituality and dharma as given by Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji.


                THEY FOLLOW ALL THE GROUPIST DOGMAS

Naturally then, when any Dada says, 'I do not belong to any group', then
it should mean that they are not part of any groupist activities. None
at all.

Yet, the unfortunate and common outcome is that some Dadas participate
in many of the dogmatic groupist functions. To "prove" the fact that
they are not partial to any group, they: (1) Read all the Fake Ananda
Vaniis, (2) Attend various group sponsored events, (3) Accept money from
all the groups, (4) and so many other nonsense things.

Indeed, they are constantly exploited, used, and abused by all the
leading factions.

In that case, can we really say that Dadas 'do not belong to any group'.
In their heart of hearts they may wish to keep away from groupism, but
in the current organisational climate, it is not easy. So we have to
help such Dadas as much as possible as they wish to stand on the
ideological principles of Ananda Marga.

Rather the claim can be easily made that they are involved more so because
they follow all the dogmas of all the groups, not just the dogmas of one
particular group. Again, this happens not because it is their heart's
desire but due to circumstance.


               BABA POINTS OUT THE NATURE OF GROUPISM

Here below Baba points out the inherent defects of groupism.

Baba says, "Motivated by socio-sentiment, one group harms and exploits
another group in the social, economic, cultural and religious spheres."
(NH-LOI, Disc: 7)

And this is exactly what we see happening in our Marga. The various groups
along with their affiliations are constantly hammering on each other and on
general margiis.

And those Dadas who proclaim, 'I do not belong to any group', they are
most often in the middle of all of this. They want to be free from all
groupist activities - but it is not easy. In they end, they begin
dragging margiis to one group's dogma, and sometimes dragging their diiksa
bhais to group sponsored Prout meetings, or to one or another faction's
seminar program etc.

This, sadly enough, is the way it works. Again such Dadas want to follow
dharma and implement Baba's teachings, but in this present climate it is not
easy for Wts to survive without some type of community or structure.

Thus when any Dada pronounces, 'I do not belong to any group',
then we should watch carefully to see whether they are following the
dharma of AM or some groupist policy agenda. And we should aim to help
them be strong in their values.

Here the point is not to condemn anyone per se, but rather ensure that
we ourselves do not get lulled and yanked into any groupist program by
someone who says, 'I do not belong to any group'.

All in all this is a big topic, and I certainly hope others will come
forward to discuss this most important issue. Because it seems to be
going on in all the sectors.


                        BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace we will bravely overcome today's groupist struggles and
follow the dharma of AM. In our own individual lives, we must be adamant
to only adhere to Baba and not any groupist agenda. Then by His grace,
step by step, our entire AMPS society will become pure and clean once
again.

Baba says, "The dharma of all human beings is one and indivisible, and
that dharma is bha'gavata dharma. Establish yourself in that dharma and
your victory is assured." (AMIWL-10)

Namaskar,
Girish


                           PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"Priyatama ama'r ghare eso a'loy purn' kare..."    - P.S. 3776

Purport:

 O' my dearmost Baba, please come to me and fulfill my ago-old longing.
Please grace me and satiate my desire. Please come with Your sweet smile
and with Your heart-rending most attractive lips. Pleas grace me and
fill my heart.
 Baba, I do not want anything from You; I want to surrender everything
unto You. I only want to offer You. I want to ensconce in Your tune and
melody. I want to move on that path which is the most pleasing for You.
  I want to involve in Your shravan, manan, japa, niddhidhyasana, japa
and dhyana. In the past I wasted a lot of time running after imaginary
things-- mirages. I was chasing after & following many dogmas--
temporary and ephemeral things, thinking that they are permanent shelter.
  In the past I was involved in spreading various dogmas: Thinking that
someone is low and someone is high, creating disparities &
differentiations, giving unnecessary importance to temporary and worldly
things etc. By this way so much time and money went in vain. My whole
life went in this way.
 Now by Your grace I have understood that only You are the eternal
truth. Baba, please come to me; I want to surrender...



           ******************************************
                       Animals or Humans

Baba says, "Those who have established themselves in their spiritual
being through the practice of spiritual cult are the real human beings.
Others, who do not move on the subtler and sublime path of spirituality,
and behave like animals, are humans only in name. Human beings alone
have the privilege to do sa'dhana'. Animals, because of their
intellectual deficiencies, are unable to adhere to the spiritual cult..."
 "Human beings, on the other hand, have the capacity to develop even in
the spiritual realm. Those who do not pay heed to this special gift are
animals, nay, even worse than animals. Animals are unable to make
efforts for their spiritual development, whereas humans do have this
ability." (SS-24)

Note: Modern medical science classifies everyone with a human body as
being human, but according to Baba's above teaching all are not human.
In the above guideline Baba differentiates how and why.
           ******************************************

'I do not Belong to any Group'

Date: Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:51:34 -0000
Subject: 'I do not Belong to any Group'
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Satiish K Deva"

Baba

           == 'I DO NOT BELONG TO ANY GROUP' ==

                                       Part 1 of 4

Namaskar,
Many Dadas openly declare, 'I do not belong to any group'. This is not
an uncommon proclamation these days. And indeed, in most cases, such a
declaration is to be appreciated; since, as we all know, groupism is
negative to the very bone. Groupism has no redeeming quality or value--
none at all.

Thus when any Dada says, 'I do not belong to any group', then that is
essentially commendable. Their stand is a positive stand.

At the same time we should be aware of two common pitfalls that occur
with some of these Dadas. A few fall into the chasm of Rajput's Folly
while some others get stuck in creating fake unity. So we should all be
able to easily recognise these two detrimental syndromes.


              DADAS WHO FALL PREY TO RAJPUT'S FOLLY

Some, though certainly not all, of those Dadas who declare, 'I do not
belong to any group', often find themselves in the unfortunate position
of Rajput's Folly.

This happens because those simple Dadas valiantly state their position
without realising or understanding the power of those groupist forces.
Hence, in their nativity, those Dadas boldly state, 'I am not part of
any group, I am against all factional parties, etc etc', but such Dadas
are not aware about their own inherent vulnerability, and in the end
they succumb to those very groupist forces and factional pressures.

Hence, what Baba describes here as Rajput's folly is the same type of
syndrome that affects some of our Dadas.

Baba says, "Weak people must assess their strength before indulging in
violent conflict with a powerful aggressor; otherwise, if a fight is
started without acquiring proper strength injustice may temporarily
triumph. In history such an error has been called “Rajput folly”. The
Rajputs always went forward with courage to resist Mughal invasion. No
doubt, they fought valiantly, but they faced the enemy without assessing
their own strength. They suffered from intrigues and internal
dissensions and hence they always lost battles and died a heroic death.
It is, therefore necessary to acquire adequate strength before declaring
a war against an aggressor." (GHC)

Regarding AM and groupism, those Dadas who are not mentally strong or
who do not have sufficient allies should not openly wage a war against
groupism by publicly declaring, 'I do not belong to any group'. Better
they should temporarily keep quiet and maintain a basic truce with those
groupist elements until they themselves have garnered adequate strength
to maintain their dharmic position.

Failing that, some Dadas-- no need to mention names here-- have bravely,
yet naively' declared their position against groupism, only later to
find themselves cornered, and unwittingly or not, they end up becoming
the agents of one or another faction.

Tragically we have all seen such things occur to some Dadas who
previously stated, 'I do not belong to any group'.


              DADAS WHO SINK INTO FAKE UNITY

Then there is another ailment that affects a few of our Dadas who state,
'I do not belong to any group'. They fall into the dogma of fake unity.

As we all know unity can only be created through following AM ideology.
That is the only way.

Baba says, "Human unity is purely an ideological unity." (PNS-15)

But what some Dadas do is try to create unity by bringing together
various groupist elements. They think by tying H, B, EC, NIA etc into
one flower garland, then a wonderful unity will result. But that is
total nonsense. Because ideological unity can never result by blending
various dogmas together.

And here, in this below question and answer sequence, Baba describes
this point very clearly.

Baba says, "How far is the unification of all religions possible?"
"Ans.: – To seek infinite bliss is the only dharma of humanity. Humanity
has but one dharma. Thus, the question of the unification of religions
does not arise. The apparent dissimilarity between various religions
arising due to differences in their ritualistic practices is not a
spiritual difference. Whenever rituals dominate and efforts to attain
bliss are feeble, whatever that may be, it is not spirituality." (TK-1,
'Q & A #49')

Thus, no matter how hard one tries to create unity by gluing together
various groupist factions, they can never be successful. Because just as
it is impossible to create dharma by merging the various dogmatic
religions, similarly it is impossible to create unity by sticking all
the groupist forces in one hall. That is one doomed proposition.

Unfortunately, on the email, a few Dadas write, 'I do not belong to any
group', and then side by side they begin describing how they are
creating unity in their area by bringing all the groupist parties
together under one roof. But this is not at all unity. In that case,
only those groups are vying for supremacy and scouting out the
opposition. Whereas unity can only result when all those party members
renounce groupism entirely. And that they are not going.

So the plan of bringing B, EC, H, and other factions together and
stating that unity has been achieved is just one fake show of unity--
nothing more. That is exactly what Baba has stated in the above teaching
when He says that the unity of the dogmatic religions is not at all
possible.


                     ONE OTHER POINT

Mahatma Gandhi once declared, 'I do not belong to any religion, I honor
all religions', and in that way he created temples where all the
dogmatic religions could pray. But the result was not at all unity.
Rather more and more animosity was created as Muslim and Hindu tensions
escalated, as they were both encouraged to follow their dogmatic ways.
And in the end, Gandhi himself was gunned down by a radical Hindu. Thus
his faulty dream of unity just shattered and drowned in the spilling of
his own blood.

Similarly, those who declare, 'I do not belong to any group, I honor all
the groups', then their way is going to create trouble as they are
validating the existence of those very groups. If one invites various
groupist leaders to a conference or table talk-- without first ensuring
that those elements have truly renounced groupism-- they that conference
or that table talk will just validate the existence of those very
groups. In a phrase one is saying, 'It is ok for you to be groupist'.
When in fact groupism is a disease and should never be tolerated or
honored, neither implicitly nor explicitly.

One other way of thinking about it is if one says, 'I am a vegetarian,
but I honor and respect all meat-eaters and they are allowed to come and
cook in my kitchen'. In that case, who can think that that person is
keeping a vegetarian kitchen.

Likewise, those Dadas who say, 'I am not groupist', yet invite
recognised groupist elements into their meetings or living rooms, then
who can think that that person is really a proponent of unity. When
unity itself does not allow the existence of any group.


                            RECAP

So these above are some of the recognised flaws and pitfalls of those
who declare, 'I do not belong to any group'. Of course this is not the
case with all Dadas, but some. And we should all be aware so that we
also do not fall prey to any faulty plan that actually gives more power
to groupist elements.


                         BABA'S GRACE

We all want true unity in our Marga, and by His grace it is going to
happen soon. The more we strictly adhere to His ideological tenets, the
more we do not feed the fire of groupism, then the faster our march to
unity will reach its sacred home. Victory, victory to Ananda Marga.

Baba says, "To live in peace and harmony, there must be a supreme
ideology accepted by all, because whenever there are ideological
differences, physical conflicts between individuals and groups are bound
to occur, and peaceful social life becomes impossible." (NSS, Disc: 2)

Namaskar,
Satiish



Note 1:         ONE OTHER FAKE WAY OF UNITY

So we must be careful. Because in the name of unity, various factional
leaders may try so many ploys, or stunts, and in one way or another this
or that margii might get roped in-- some might fall prey to those
groupist schemes of fake unity. That is why Baba says we must be wary of
such an unwanted scenario.

Baba says, "They will try to unite the people forcibly through the
pressure of governmental [or groupist] machinery....by the steamroller
of governmental [groupist] machinery, but such unity is not at all
desirable." (TTP)

Thus one must never succumb or give way to groupist pressure thinking
that by this way unity will be found.


                        PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'jake sa'njhe madhur sa'jhe ke else go, ke ele..." (P.S. 5006)

Purport:

In this sweet and intoxicated evening, Who has come, Who has come? Who
is that Entity Who has created this new wave in everyone's life and in
everyone's heart. Those who are sitting with their doors and windows
closed, please come out and forget about the differences of own and
other. That divine Entity Who is always sitting in the mind, He has come
in front of us. We should enjoy His august arrival all together...


           *********************************
            Food Problems and Their Solution

Baba says, "In the event of shortages in the food and accommodation of
the population of the world, people will convert uncultivated land into
new arable land, increase the productivity of the soil by scientific
methods, produce food by chemical processes with earth, water and air,
and if this earth decreases in its productivity, then land seeking human
beings will migrate to different planets and satellites and settle
there." (PNS-13, p.45)
          *********************************

Baba's Forewarning On NY Court Case

To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Carson Tyler
Subject: Baba's Forewarning On NY Court Case
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:08:01 -0400

BABA

"Shun'echi tumi dayalu, ka'je keno anya dekhi..."  (P.S. 2125)

Purport:

  O' Parama Purusa, I have heard that You are the merciful One-- why then
by Your work and by Your action do I see something different. For You my
eyes are showering tears; my days are passing in calling and longing for
You. Then why are You not coming close.
  Baba, You know that I love You. Although I am meagre but even then I am
Your atom. The pain of the unit is the pain of the Universal; the pain of
the atom is the pain of the Cosmic. Don't You understand this simple truth.
  O' Dearmost, please go on doing according to Your desire. Only my
request is that You keep me along with You. The pain and grief of my heart
cannot be covered. The suffering of my heart will not listen to Your
various justifications and excuses; it cannot be appeased by the mere
jugglery of words. Baba, I want Your proximity and closeness.
  Baba, in the scriptures and by seeing Your glory, I heard from other
devotees that You are love personified and merciful. And that You are
caring for others. So many supreme attributions You have. But when dealing
with me I see something totally different. Here I am crying in longing, and
You do not care. Why like this? Baba, please grace me and come close...  


                       == BABA'S FOREWARNING ON NY COURT CASE ==

Namaskar,
As most everyone knows, unfortunately there is a court case in NY sector between Tiirthananda and his EC group versus Vimalananda backed by the Ranchi faction of India. It is going to trial in May of 2011.

These persons - our Dadas - have dedicated their life for spreading the gospel of neo-humanism so it is very unfortunate what they are doing. They have forgotten their ideal and are now totally busy in their group fight. Their entire energy, time, money, resources and margii interactions are getting consumed in this way. It is very bad.

At the same time, the whole society at-large is suffering terribly. The common people need Baba's ideology and teachings to fortify themselves in the struggle against capitalist exploitation, religious dogma, and the many other negative forces in society.

As Baba says this is the transitional period. Human society needs His divine guidelines. Baba made these people - these Dadas - the harbingers for spreading the ideals of AM, but due to their intoxication of power and post, these people started infighting. And along the way they dragged other wts &  margiis into their group clash.

This entire situation is most unfortunate - even tragic. Society needs our help and Baba has trained these people (i.e. our avadhutas) in our philosophy, but instead of propagating Baba's teachings they are doing the exact opposite.

In this situation, only our duty is to remind these people about Baba's following guideline. At least now they should ponder Guru's teaching and warning.

Here in this below teaching - which was delivered as an RU discourse - Baba is describing how long, long ago the leaders of Buddhism got consumed in infighting. For this reason, they did not have time to do good to the society. They could not serve humanity. That is Baba's distinct warning.


                                          BABA'S FOREWARNING:

           SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE BUDDHIST MONKS OF OLD

                            DO NOT REPEAT SUCH INFIGHTING

Now please read the following quote. It is very clear. Baba has forewarned us not to fall in this very trap of infighting as occurred with those Buddhist monks 2500 years ago, but now some Dadas are committing this same blunder.

Baba says, "Great differences in opinion developed among the bhikkus (monks) some time after his death. Two groups of bhikkus emerged – Sthaviravádii, the southern school of Buddhist doctrine, and Mahásáḿghika (the northern school), which later on became known as “Hiinayána” and “Maháyána” respectively. But that was not the end of it. Innumerable branches and sub-branches emerged, countless philosophies of Sthaviraváda, Vijiṋánaváda, Shúnyaváda, Mahásukhaváda, and Atisukaváda. Each one of these groups became so engrossed in their own so-called ideologies, doctrines and subdoctrines that they did not have any time to do any constructive work." (AFPS-4)

In His above teaching Baba is describing how the Buddhist monks divided into factions and spent all their days in infighting. For this reason they could not do any real service to the society. That is very real history and therein lies Baba's distinct warning.

Tragically, nowadays in AM, all our top Dada have separated into various groups - B, H, EC etc - and they are consumed in battling one another for supremacy. That is the unfortunate scene that has developed in the Marga. A classic example of this is the legal battle going on in NY. The two groups involved are committing all their energy, time, and resourceds etc into this group conflict, and hence they are unable to serve the general society. Is it not a mirror image of what transpired long ago?

Here below is Baba's furthermore teaching on this matter.

Baba says, "They were always engaged in vindicating their own doctrines and maligning others’. In other words, they strayed far from their original ethics and objectives. This state of affairs which began to develop in the Buddhist age is still occurring – and not only in the Buddhist sects. It is also continuing in all respects, in all spheres of life." (AFPS-4)

In His above guideline, Baba is forewarning that in that old Buddhist era, those monks pushed their own narrow agendas and totally forgot Buddha's original teachings. Likewise in AM, since 1990, top Dadas have splintered into factions and created their own separate factional agendas, totally forgetting Baba's divine neo-humanistic teachings. That is why in in AM, infighting has become the theme of the day and that is why in NY the court case has come to the fore.

Baba continues His guideline on this important topic.

Baba says, "Wherever there are two individuals there emerge two parties. Conflicts between so-called ideologies have become unavoidable, and have become the order of the day. The reason for this is that human beings have progressed in the mental sphere but not in the spiritual sphere. The spiritual goal is one. But in the absence of this unitary goal, factionalism emerged. Factionalism does not mean only groupism; it is also a conflict of doctrines. And it will prevail until human beings accept a singular goal in the process of synthesis." (AFPS-4)

In His above teaching Baba points out the cause behind all these group conflicts. In the past those Buddhist monks quarreled and fought because they totally lost sight of their spiritual goal. And instead they just rallied around their own factional agendas.

Similarly, all the battles, court cases and power plays going on these days in our Marga  are happening for the same reason: These groupist have forgotten their spiritual goal.

Up above, Baba has clearly warned us what results when people forget their spiritual goal and chase after narrow-minded interests. Even then, sadly, many of our top Dadas have lost the course. Tragically they forgot Ista and started in-house battles for power. All this bickering and all these court cases - like the one unfolding in NY - will continue so long as people stick to their group agenda. When they remember the Divine Goal, then both peace and unity is easily attained.

Baba says, “Stop, stop – do not quarrel – there is no use of fighting – peace, peace” – uttering all these good words will not do; it will stop no one. Peace may come for the time being, but it will not be permanent; like an ash-covered spark, unrest will again flair up. If human beings want to save themselves from this catastrophe, the only way is to march forward towards a single goal. Humanity must be guided to follow the path of synthesis [spirituality] and not the path of analysis [groupism]." (AFPS-4)

In His above guideline, Baba warns us that words alone are not enough. The only way to create a true environment of peace is to strictly adhere to the spiritual path and follow His tenets.

Note: Here we should all be totally clear on the difference between synthesis and analysis.

Synthesis means that there is one Goal in life. My goal is Parama Purusa and I have come onto this earth to serve Parama Purusa in the form of all jiivas. Everyone has come from Parama Purusa and they are my kith and kin and ultimately I have to become one with Him.

Analysis means, "I belong to this group and the followers of this group are my brothers and sisters, others are alien and they are my enemies. My goal is to defeat and conquer others by hook or by crook and spread my glory all around. That is my goal of life. My approach may be soft or very polite, diplomatic or harsh or even deadly but ultimately I have to achieve my goal: To spread my glory and my group's glory everywhere."


                              MORE ABOUT BABA'S ABOVE TEACHINGS

Baba's aforesaid teachings are quite clear: When one forgets the goal and chases after selfish ends then infighting is inevitable. What Baba diagrammed about the Buddhists of old is now going on in our Marga. Certain Dadas could not learn the lesson - they could not pay heed to Baba's warning.

Here are further parallels that can be drawn between the Buddhist infighting of old and the ongoing groupist battles in our Marga today:

1. Buddha did did not forewarn his disciples about infighting nor did he give them a scientific meditation practice, hence they had no tool to clean the mind. In that sense those monks were almost destined towards infighting.

Whereas in AM the situation is totally different. Being the Sadguru, Baba has warned us about groupism; Baba has given a perfect system of meditation; and Baba has graced us with all the tools to keep the mind pure and above divisive tendencies - even then our Dadas have fallen into groupism. Does it not seem then that they are worse than those Buddhist monks of old?

2. During the time of Buddha, 2500 years ago, the society was quite primitive and the general populace fought all kinds of clannish battles. The society was very divided those days.

Since that time, the general society has developed a lot and has become far more inclusive. Racism and other crude isms are on the wane. Even then, some of our top Dadas remain plunged in battles over power and prestige. In that sense there has not been any growth. The general society has grown a lot, while certain Dadas have not. Does it not seem then that such Dadas are worse than those Buddhist monks of old?

3. Because of their infighting , neither the Buddhist monks of old had zero time to do any concrete work. Likewise our groupist Dadas today have no time for concrete work. In both cases, those monks are sunk in personal battles and factional feuds - hence there is no time or resources to help others.

4. By His grace Baba issued countless warnings to keep away from groupism, but some of our Dadas could not mange this. Instead they become one with their groupist agenda.

It is just like how a mother warns her children of going close to the fire, but at the soonest opportunity the children disregarded their mother's warnings and ended up burning themselves.

Tragically the same thing has happened in the Marga. The whole situation is shocking and very sad to see.

5.  Although it is sad to think this, in my mind what is going on today in AM is worse than what happened in the past between those Buddhist monks. Why? Because warnings, in the present circumstance warnings were issued by Guru, a system of meditation was given, and the general society has improved a lot in the past 2500 years. Yet, despite all of these dharmic teachings and social enhancements, some of our very own monks remain indulged in groupist feuds. For this reason it seems that what is going on now in AM is worse (more tragic) then what happened with those Buddhist monks 2500 years ago. But ultimately, it is up to you to decide the answer to this query. Only then will it be final.


                                                      OUR DUTY

Given the current situation going on now in our Marga, the duty of sincere margiis is three-fold:
1. Try to stop this infighting;
2. If we cannot stop this infighting then at the very least do not participate in these groupist battles and do not contribute to their token causes, like the NY lawsuit etc;
3. Instead, we should ulitise our individual and collective strength and resources in doing selfless service to the needy and suffering humanity - as Baba explains in the above guideline.

Baba says, "march ahead vigorously with firm steps, keeping a synthetic goal ever before them. “Caraeveti, caraeveti” – “March forward, march forward”. This should be the slogan of today’s humanity." (AFPS-4)

Namaskar,
Cinmay


Note 1:                                      REFLECTION

It is very simple and obvious how is it that those who are infighting could not understand. Those who do not understand, they must be intoxicated by the post otherwise it is very simple.

Analogy: it is well known that nicotine is very but even then millions and millions are still indulging. Similarly, Baba has forewarned but these people are intoxicated that is why they cannot understand this simple simple point which anyone can grasp and understand.

Baba is also telling why people cannot understand. those who goal is other than PP they cannot get it. Suppose someone has some ulterior motive of power post political gain and motive to exploit others and mundane achievement, then for them this above teaching is they cannot understand.


        ******************************************
                     Fake Devotion

Baba says, "Oh Lord, I am your devotee, help me to pass my examination; Oh
Lord, my daughter has attained marriageable age--- help me to find a worthy
suitor; Let the bridegroom be ideal, let me not spend much on the wedding.
This type of showy devotion that simply asks for mundane objects, is no
devotion at all. Because such persons always say, "I want this, I want that."

"What news can you report to a person who already knows all the intimate
details of your life? Is it not ludicrous to retell the stories of your
grandfather's house to your mother, for certainly she knows them better
than you!"

"Parama Purus'a knows more than you whether you are a sinner or not, so
what is the necessity of telling Him?" (AMIWL p. 820 & 824)
        ******************************************

Infighting In NY Sector: Margiis Are Not Fools

Date: Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:56:00 -0700
To: am-global@earthlink.net
From: Reynolds_HT
Subject: Infighting In NY Sector: Margiis Are Not Fools

Baba

           == INFIGHTING IN NY SECTOR: MARGIIS ARE NOT FOOLS ==

Namaskar,
Here is an update, review, and course of action regarding the fight for power in NY sector. Those in other sectors should also read the below and avert such disasters in their areas.


                                 BASIC REVIEW: COURT CASE DEBACLE

There are two main groups battling for control of NY Sector: Ranchi represented by Vimalananda and EC led by Tiirthananda. B group has only a minor role at the moment in NY.

In a day to day manner, Tiirthananda & crew control most of the resources of NY sector; this of course is not pleasing to the Ranchi team.

Some months ago, Ranchi began taking legal action purporting themselves as the real controllers of the sector. They told they have reconstituted the current board of NY sector and laid claim to all assets and resources.

Tiirthananda's group took this as a direct affront and started a counter case against Vimalananda & Co.

Some say that at present there are as many as three lawsuits / court cases between these two warring parties and the first one comes to trial in the first half of 2011.

As we all know, court cases are extremely costly, especially in the USA. So naturally these group leaders are appealing to "you know who" (i.e. the general margiis and workers) for financial support.


                                      CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE SCENE

Given the aforementioned situation, all sincere margiis & wts have to think and evaluate what to do. Here are some points for consideration:

1. This fight between EC and Ranchi has nothing to do with saving Baba's divine ideology, nor is this a form of social service.

2. This fight has been created by a few power hungry Dadas - period. Many workers have nothing to do with this power clash. Only a few mongers started this infighting.

3. It is similar to how a few greedy US capitalists wanted oil from Iraq so they attacked the country and needlessly killed large numbers of innocent Iraqi citizens. In addition, many US solders lost their lives while countless more returned home maimed. This entire offensive was launched under the slogan of patriotism. Yet, in truth it was all about money, resources, and power.

4. Margiis are not fools. Fighting this petty court case has nothing to do with bhagavad dharma. So helping either party economically and undergoing financial hardship is a dogmatic idea and the height of stupidity. With each groupist regime appealing for money, it is is just like two gangs taxing the neighborhood in order to pay for their own partying and drinking.

5. In this situation of total infighting, new margiis will leave the Marga and old ones will keep distance. It is all very unfortunate.

6. Nowhere in any of His discourses does Baba encourage infighting by giving money for a  divisive court case.

7. Remember this fight is not ideological: It is not about saving Baba's scripture, nor is it about margii rights, nor any other genuine cause. This fighting is all about the lust of power.

8. Baba has warned not to let such tragedies take place in our Marga. For this reason He has given the teaching about the Yadava dynasty where they fought and massacred one another at Prabhash tiirtha.

Baba says, "During the time of the Mahabharata the same thing happened in the Jadu [Yadava] dynasty. ...[They] started taking increasing amounts of alcohol. The resulting drunkenness caused people to quarrel amongst themselves. Eventually they killed each other at Prabhash Tiirtha and the Jadu dynasty was destroyed." (Disc MHB)

In the past, the Yadava / Jadu dynasty was drunk on liquor. Today these group clans are intoxicated by power. They are rushing to the courts and indulged in infighting in their quest for more power and control.

We should not fuel the fire of this infighting by adding oil - i.e. giving money for their court case. Those donating for this "cause" will have to face the consequences. So be aware: Giving donations means fueling infighting.

9. Best is to individually give 2% for those in real need in your area: the poor, the hungry, the sick, the suffering. Parama Purusa resides in all, in various shapes and forms. We should serve His creation and never give money for infighting.

10. We must remember that this power struggle was not created by general margiis and this court case drama has nothing to do with philanthropy. So why should margiis pay for it.

11. Baba warns us again and again to keep ideological unity. That is why He has ordered that we chant samgacchadavam daily during collective meditation, or at minimum once in a week at dharmacakra. Why did he do so? Why did He not select another mantra? Because He was well aware that infighting was going to happen. So at least by not giving donations for this court case, you can restrict infighting - so don't give any money, not even one penny.

12. This letter is not on the behalf of any group; this is for every margii.

13. By any angle of vision there is no veracity or reason to give a donation for infighting.

14. The entire situation is similar to two thugs who entered into your living room and started punching each other and destroying the furniture. To settle this fight one must not give in to their demands and offer them what they want. Rather get them out of the house entirely. That is the only way. Likewise - with regards to theses two belligerent parties involved in this court case - we should keep distance from them and use our money for a proper cause.

15. By no means should we support today's group conflict and their divisive court case by giving donating money for their power struggle.


                                                      BABA'S BLESSING

By Baba's grace He has bestowed upon us enough sense to easily recognise the difference between the dogma of groupist infighting and the pure essence of bhagavad dharma. Our efforts and resources should always be used in support of dharma - never for dogma.

Namaskar,
Harideva