Global Repercussions of Crisis in Japan & Proutistic Solutions

To: am-global@earthlink.net
Date: Fri 25 Mar 2011 18:11:29
From: "Hitendra Deva"
Subject: Global Repercussions of Crisis in Japan & Proutistic Solutions

Baba

           == CURRENT CRISIS IN JAPAN AND PROUTISTIC SOLUTIONS ==

Namaskar,
Nowadays, it is very enticing and exotic to gather resources from a far distant land and manufacture a product in a region on the other side of the earth. This is the way the global economy and marketplace has developed. Seeing this, many marvel at the greatness and glamour of this global business landscape

What they do not know is that this approach is inherently defective. It is only "good" for a short period; therefter all kinds of problems result.

Indeed around the globe, there are classic, textbook examples of how the capitalistic, global economy is prone to failure - if not collapse. In each instance, Baba's teachings on Prout clearly identify the problem and provide the solution.

Here we are going to analyse a few case studies that demonstrate how using non-local resources can undermine, if not cripple, an industry and create a multitude of severe problems in society.


                                         THE SITUATION WITH JAPAN:

                        ECONOMIC FALLOUT AROUND THE GLOBE

Note: As we all know, due to the natural disaster in Japan there has been a terrible loss of life and the human suffering continues. With our deepest sympathies, kindly know that in this letter we are focusing on the the economic repercussions around the globe.

In the aftermath of the recent earthquake-tsunami disaster in Japan, many Japanese companies and factories, like Toyota, have had to close. Hence they have been unable to export materials and goods to other countries.

In result, the auto industry in the US is struggling terribly. Many car dealerships (Toyota, General Motors and others) in the US have had to lay off workers and even shut down. Because is there is an extreme shortage of vehicles to sell. Even worse is that Japan accounts for a large percentage of all car parts that are produced worldwide. So the entire auto parts industry in the US is also suffering.

Because of this the US economy is shaking: There is growing unemployment, economic uncertainty, default on loans etc. And entire ripple effect is going on. All because of the reliance on non-local resources with regards to the automobile industry.

The same is happening in the fishing, battery and software industries. In all such cases Japan is a major player producing materials for companies all over the globe, and now companies in the US, Europe and China are in turmoil because they are totally dependent on outside resources from Japan. They do not have the local resources to continue production.

So here the point is that when any business or industry relies on outside resources then that industry is not at all stable. That is Baba's explicit warning and a key aspect of Prout.

Baba says, "In a healthy economy raw materials should come from the local area. Industries which are based on imported raw materials are always weak industries, sick industries. A sick economy depends upon raw materials from outside – it depends upon inputs. For example, the Barauni Oil Refinery in Bihar is a sick industry because it depends upon crude oil from Assam. If there is any disturbance in Assam or if India is balkanized, then the refinery will have to close down. The establishment of this refinery was a foolish act. It does not represent a healthy economic structure. It is a sick industry, a foolish industry, a stupid industry!" (Proutist Economics, 'Bihar')


                                              OIL ISSUE IN THE US

And indeed in this global economy, there are numerous examples of a country undergoing hardship or problem due to the reliance on external resources.

As soon as the upheaval started in the Middle East and in particular Libya , then immediately oil prices began to rise sharply, especially in the USA. Because the US is so dependent on foreign oil, then when any of the Middle Eastern nations undergo any difficulty and are unable to produce or supply oil as usual, then the US goes into crisis mode. Because the US does not have its own supply of oil - at least not enough to sustain the country.

Indeed this recent episode might have been much worse had it not been for the Japanese tsunami. Because of the tsunami, various factories closed in Japan so their need for oil reduced dramatically. And the US was able to gain access to that oil. If it weren't for this, the problem in the US would have been much worse.

But here again the main issue is that when any country or economy is grossly dependent on outside (i.e. non-local) resources, then it will fall into crisis whenever that supply of resources is interrupted. The results of this are widespread: The industry closes, people lose their jobs, and the whole economic sector drops. Those dependent on finished goods also suffer. The pain, economic struggle, and shortage of supply reaches the common people.

So if a war erupts in the Middle East, or a natural calamity strikes Japan etc, then any nation depending on resources from the Middle East or Japan will fall into problem, if not crisis.


                           FIRES IN RUSSIA LEAD TO GLOBAL WHEAT CRISIS

Just last year there was a wheat shortage in Russia due to terrible wild fires across their farmland. So the Russian leaders banned all exports of wheat. Because Russia is one of the world's main suppliers, that had a ripple effect all over the world. Food prices went up drastically; there were food shortages; plus there were food riots.

Here again the point comes to light: Any region or country dependent on outside resources for their livelihood and well-being will suffer terribly when those resources are denied, for whatever reason.

That is why Baba's teaching in Prout is that every economy must be self-sufficient in the basic necessities of life (food, clothing, shelter medical care, education) and not at all dependent on any other region of the world for supplies or resources.

The aforementioned examples of crisis in the automobile, wheat and oil industries had a drastic effect on the supply of the basic necessities of life in other lands.


                                                BABA'S TEACHINGS

Here are more of Baba's teachings about the problems associated with relying on outside resources.

Below Baba describes how geo-economic sentiment gets expressed in such conditions.

Baba says, "“Although there is no iron ore or cheap electricity, we must have a steel plant in our area.” This is nothing but an expression of geo-economic sentiment. “Although crude oil and cheap electricity are not available, we must have oil refineries in our area!” – another expression of geo-economic sentiment." (Neo-Humanism: Liberation of Intellect, Disc 3)

Then Baba discusses further about the ills of shipping out local resources as well as depending on non-local resources.

Baba says, "Let me give another example in this connection. The jute industry of Dundee [in Great Britain] flourished because a supply of jute came from Bengal and, again, the finished products were sold in the markets of Bengal. What a peculiar situation! This was a case of non-utilization of Bengal’s potentialities and resources; and for Dundee it was an irrational industrial plan with every possibility of failure. If the jute had not been supplied from Bengal, the factories of Dundee would have closed. If finished jute products had not been sold in the markets of Bengal, the industry in Dundee would have failed." (Neo-Humanism: Liberation of Intellect, Disc 3)

Next Baba describes how any industry must have its needed resources nearby - any other type of plan is senseless.

Baba says, "Due to the lack of a well-defined principle of economic planning and the dominance of various narrow sentiments, India’s economy has been paralysed by inertia. Steel plants have been built where there is no supply of cheap power, and huge oil refineries like those in Mathura and Barauni have been constructed where there are no raw materials within 1,000 miles. Such a policy is not only a great waste and misuse of resources, it also illustrates the lack of foresight and ignorance of India’s planners." (Prout Nutshell, part 13, 'Some Specialities of Prout's Economic System')

Baba says, "This situation is reminiscent of the British period when raw jute from Bengal was sent to Dundee in Great Britain to develop the British jute industry. When the supply of raw jute from Bengal was stopped, all the jute factories in Dundee were closed down. If the finished jute products made in Dundee had not been sold in Bengal, the Dundee jute industry would not have survived." (Prout Nutshell, part 13, 'Some Specialities of Prout's Economic System')


                                                     CONCLUSION

So we see that the way capitalism is shaping up around the globe is quite precarious. When industries in so many countries are depending upon materials made in a far distant place then it is highly possible that that industry can be crippled. Even more dangerous is that that single problem leads to a wide array of deep-seeded repercussions that reverberate around the globe to the level of the common people. Yet the root cause is essentially one: Depending on non-local resources to drive an industry.

Unfortunately it looks like the only way people are going to learn is by falling into problem. Even then as Ananda Margiis we should propagate the gospel of Prout wherever and whenever possible. Because Prout has all the solutions of the ills of today's global economy.

Baba says, "PROUT is the panacea for the integrated progress of human society. It aims to bring about equilibrium and equipoise in all aspects of socio-economic life through totally restructuring economics. Without PROUT, socio-economic emancipation will remain a utopian dream. Only PROUT can save the world from depression." (A Few Problems Solved Part 9)

Namaskar,
Hitendra


                         PRABHAT SAMGIITA

PS Intro: In the life of each and every sadhaka, at one time or another,
it invariably happens that when they have a deep desire to receive
Parama Purusa, in the grand play of His divine liila He is remaining
distant. The sadhaka may be doing a lot of kiirtan and sadhana or they
may be constantly repeating their Ista mantra and calling Him again and
again with all their heart, but it sometimes happens that still He is
not coming close. Despite so many cries and pleas to receive Him, Parama
Purusa is remaining far. And then suddenly one day when the devotee is
not at all ready for His divine arrival then unexpectedly Parama Purusa
graces him by coming. At one unannounced moment He reveals His divine
Self in the depths of the devotee's heart. This is nothing but His
divine liila of hide and seek and that is the devotional scene which is
represented in this following Prabhat Samgiita.

"Tumi path bhule mor ghare ele..." (PS 1988)

Purport:

Baba, I love You so much and I have been waiting for You for so long. In
the upsurge of my devotional attraction for You I have cried profusely
and shed innumerable tears waiting for You. Baba, I have called You
countless times, even then You remained oblivious and did not come. Then
today with no prior warning at all, as if by accident You came to my house--
You graced me by taking advent in my heart, in my mental abode. Baba, it is so
beautiful to receive You; it is Your grace. Baba, I love You so much. By
Your grace the devotional longing of my heart was resonating in the far
distant breeze and throughout the great blue sky. Baba, my deep longing
for You could be felt throughout each and every pulsation of this vast
universe. Even then Your deep sleep was not broken by the devotional
call of my heart. Baba, the longing of my heart was resonating all
around, but You remained completely deaf. You did not respond at all. O'
my dearmost, please tell me why You remained far.

Baba, whether You choose to listen to me or not, is entirely Your
option: Paying a deaf ear to my constant calling and pleas is one of
Your roles in this divine liila. Baba, when I was thinking that You
would surely come then I decorated my house in a magnificent way for
Your ceremonial reception; but that time You did not come. Baba, when I
was desperately calling You with all the devotion of my heart, You did
not show up. Yet now when my heart is dry and I am involved in so many
worldly duties, You have come. Baba, now when I have so many works and
responsibilities to manage, You have arrived at my door-- unannounced.
Baba, today I was not anticipating Your arrival, but by Your grace You
have come. Your accidental arrival at my house-- in my heart-- is never
a mistake. O' my dearmost Baba, my heart is always longing for You. It
is so blissful that You have finally come and completely satiated my
internal yearning for You. Baba, You are the dearest One of my heart.
Baba today You have graciously come and made my whole being resplendent.
Baba, You are my everything...



        ***************************************
            Practical Aspect of Mysticism

Baba says, "Mysticism is a never-ending endeavour to find a link between
finite and infinite." (AV-23, p.101)

Note: Here Baba is indirectly giving the guideline that in the realm of
devotion one should have a particular personal relation with Parama
Purusa. And these relations are known as "bhava"-- whether they be
sakhya bhava, dasya bhava, madhura bhava etc. So these various bhavas
are that very "link between finite and infinite". Because with the help
of these relations devotees gradually come in closer and closer
proximity with Parama Purusa. Until finally by linking up in this way
the sadhaka becomes one with Him.
          ***************************************

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

Current Events: "Large-Heartedness" of the West

Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2011 07:10:08 -0400
To: AM-GLOBAL
From: Paramatma Deva
Subject: Current Events: "Large-Heartedness" of the West

Baba

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

Namaskar,
At present, many are impressed and pleased by the western intervention in Libya. They feel that the US led NATO forces have come to support the cause of the common people. In the past, the western imperialists were mainly interested in colonising various lands, but now they are more concerned about the welfare of the people. Many are grateful for what a grand transformation has taken place. They feel it is wonderful that the western powers are asserting their might to help the rebel forces in Libya. This is the common outlook of many.


                      OTHER REGIONS TORN BY HUMANITARIAN CRIMES

In the case of Libya, people appreciate that western powers have stood up to save the repressed masses, but they are curious why those same powers have not intervened in other lands scarred by terrible humanitarian tragedies.

To date, the world has witnessed much worse crimes against humanity wherein the western powers did not intervene. For example, recently there have been terrible humanitarian disasters in places like Sri Lanka, North Korea, Myanmar (Burma) and Ivory Coast. But the US and its western allies did not intervene in those regions to stop the senseless spilling of blood.

Why then has the US overlooked the injustices in all those lands yet taken direct intervention methods in Libya? While some might arrive at so many fanciful theories, the answer, of course, is quite simple: Oil.

Without the lure of abundant oil, the western nations would not have come "to the rescue of the people" in Libya. The US is bound by special interest, not higher values.

Here the point is that we should see the US led involvement in Libya - and Iraq for that matter - for what it is: A campaign for large amounts of oil.

At the same time we should recognise there is a humanitarian crises in Libya and there should be intervention. But that intervention should be based on moral responsibility, not the need or greed for oil. More about this is noted below.


                                     INTERVENTION IS NEEDED

In the case of Libya, it is the duty of all good people to come forward and save the populace from further tortures. That is Baba's teaching and that is the dharmic approach. And that intervention should be done only with the motive to serve.

But the US led coalition has its own independent motive: They will only intervene if oil or other riches are at stake. Beyond that they do not truly care about humanitarian crises. Otherwise why have such western powers overlooked the tragedies in North Korea, Ivory Coast, Sri Lanka and Myanmar etc. What is the explanation?

In this modern era, the US has embarked on numerous missions to "save the people" in oil-rich nations, yet side by side the US overlooks tragedies in destitute regions. The US has been involved in Iraq for years because this is an oil-rich nation. And now the western coalition has just started an offensive in Libya, i.e. another oil-rich nation.


                                MULTIPLE REASONS FOR MILITARY ATTACK

While oil is the primary factor in choosing where to intervene. One other very closely related factor is money, or war reparations.

So the US-led interest in Libya is basically two fold: First, the western powers want huge oil reserves; second, the US & NATO want financial compensation for the expense incurred for their military operation, or reparations. This feeds directly into the US economy as a big part of the US economy is based on the sale of arms and ammunition. If there is no war and if there is no military action, then arms are not sold and battle planes are not used etc. And where there is military action, the US is sure to set claims for reparations.
 
Indeed the US is collecting large sums of money (i.e. reparations) today from Iraq for military intervention in the Gulf War and the latter offensive to remove Saddam. With this same end in mine, the US is ready and willing to apply its might to remove Gadhafi and then get reimbursed by Libya.

There may be outlying political reasons as well. But in terms the intervention in Libya, oil is the chief motivating factor, followed by reparations.


                                                  AND IF NO OIL...

The above formula becomes only more clear when we look at the US track record.

Where there is no oil, such as in in North Korea, Ivory Coast, Myanmar and Sri Lanka etc, then there has been no US or western intervention despite terrible crimes against humanity. And in places like Yemen, where the oil supply is quite limited, the US has chosen not to take action. And in Bahrain, where the US has a large military presence, once again we see that the US did not take action when the people were attacked.

Hence, where US interest is not met and where large oil reserves are not available, then humanitarian tragedies do not warrant actions by US led forces. Those people just suffer. That is the sad reality.


                                       BABA'S SPECIAL TEACHING:

                    MUST INTERVENE TO HELP INNOCENT PEOPLE

Here below is Baba's special teaching that we must not sit idle and allow anyone to inflict harm on innocent people.

Baba says, "Now, suppose a man seems to have good relations with his neighbours, but it becomes apparent that he is about to murder his wife, what should be the duty of the neighbours? Will they remain tight-lipped, sit quietly with their arms folded, and dismiss the situation as purely a domestic affair, thereby making the murder of the woman easier, and thus assist in establishing static peace? No, that is not the dictum of human dharma. On the contrary they should rush to the house, break down the door, save the woman, take suitable action against the male tyrant, and in this way come forward to establish sentient peace." (Problems of the Day #15)

In His above teaching, Baba directs us to intervene wherever and whenever people are suffering unduly and / or their lives are at risk. Hence in the above example we are to come forward and save the woman, without asking anything in return. That is our moral duty.

It is not that we should intervene and then say to the wife, "I saved you so now you must give me all your jewelry and riches." Nor should we only come forward to save wealthy neighbors who have money and jewels, and ignore atrocities being inflicted upon poorer families because they will not be able to pay anything.

Baba's teaching is that we are to save all who are in problem - irrespective of their financial status - and we should not expect or demand anything in return. We are to help out of a genuine concern to serve others and watch for their welfare.


                             THE US AND THE WORLD ARENA

By applying Baba's above formula to the situation in Libya, it is quite clear that intervention is needed. We cannot just sit idle and claim that the spilling of blood in Libya is merely a domestic affair. So intervention is a must.

And, to some onlookers, the US looks to be very generous and noble in coming forward to save its global neighbour(s). But in truth, the US is taking measures only with an eye toward securing oil and charging those fallen regimes huge money.

Indeed if one is not oil rich then the US is not going to help. Such is the rampant hypocrisy of the west. On the outside it looks like the US is acting out of humanitarian concern, but is instead motivated by self-interest.

If the police brigade or justice department in any land or country followed such tactics then it would not be a human society but rather an animal society. Then that society cannot claim to be grounded in morals but rather in gross self-interest. Then there is not genuine concern for others.

For years now the US has had numerous missions to "save the people" in oil-rich nations, and all too often the US overlooks tragedies in destitute regions. The US has been involved in Iraq for years on end because this is an oil-rich nation. And now the western coalition has just started an offensive in Libya, i.e. another oil-rich nation.

While an intervention is needed to help the suffering people of Libya, it is quite evident that the US involvement has nothing to do with humanitarian concern. Where there is oil they "help"; where there is no oil they do not. This is their hypocrisy.


                                                 OUR DHARMIC DUTY

In the case of Libya, it is the duty of all good people to come forward and save the populace from further tortures. That is the dharmic approach. So an intervention should be done, but only with the motive to serve, not to gain command over large oil reserves.

Unfortunately, the US led coalition in Libya is acting only out of self-interest. And this is their track record as well. Western powers only intervene if oil or other riches are at stake. Beyond that they do not care about humanitarian disasters.

As sadhakas, we  know that it is the duty of all leaders and moralists is to come to the defense of victims who are being tortured and killed. The aim should and must always be to save humanity from any and all suffering.

With greedy eyes, we must not pick and choose whom we "help" based on how much oil they have. Tragically, that is what has been happening in Iraq, and now we see the same starting in Libya. No one should watch and think that the US is being generous or sympathetic to the plight of the suffering. The US led intervention is all about oil, not any greater feeling for humanity. 

Namaskar,
Paramatma