== STAND OF AM ON BURNING KORAN, BIBLE & DESTROYING IDOLS ==
~ Part 2 ~
Note: The link to part 1 is at the bottom of this email.
Namaskar,
As we reflect further on the scene created by the threat to burn the
Koran (Quran), here are more of Baba's teachings and citations on this
critical matter.
QUICK REVIEW
As a brief review of the initial letter on this topic, there are a few
main points:
1) We should not hurt anyone's religious sentiments;
2) We should not suppress, repress, taunt or terrorise any religious
body as that leads to a greater backlash by their followers;
3) We should harbor a sense of love for all - we are all kith and kin,
we all come from the same Source, all are the children of Parama Purusa
- and engage respectfully in any difference that might arise, with the
idea not to condemn, but to bridge the gap in understanding.
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji Baba's below teachings perfectly complement
these aforementioned ideas.
ALL ROUND RESPECT NEEDED
As the chief aim of Ananda Marga is to create one human society, then we
espouse, that margiis and non-margiis alike, must engage in respectful
and dignified interactions with people of all castes, creeds, and
nationalities etc.
When talking about or referencing any religion, there must not be the
slightest hint of condescension nor should one joke in a manner that
hurts another's sentiments. This will only create animosity, revenge,
hatred and violence. Such an outcome will undermine our aim of social
harmony and spiritual growth.
Here Baba outlines our approach in His books, Human Society - Part 1.
Baba says, "Read any so-called religious book: one will seldom find
anything resembling tolerance of the religious beliefs of others. I am
not saying that one should accept whatever people say, but surely
non-acceptance and intolerance are not the same. Why is there a mania
for refuting the views of others anyway? If necessary, different views
can be compared and presented in philosophical books. The philosophical
and psychological loopholes in an argument may be pointed out without
being disrespectful. But is the attempt to insult others indicative of
magnanimity? In so-called religious books there is a greater tendency to
refute the religious doctrines of others than to propagate one’s own
ideas. Observing all these machinations, genuine theologists cannot hold
religion in high esteem." (HS-1; i.e. Human Society - 1, "Moralism")
In review there are two further issues that come to bear. Firstly, we
should fall into the trap that plagues the religions wherein they just
resort to criticizing one another. Secondly, in a respectful manner, it
is important to discuss and review the philosophical defects so as to
bring one and all onto the proper path.
If we adhere to the above tenets, then no one will threaten to burn the
Koran, or Bible, or Talmud and no one will smash any religious idol. Nor
will gigantic statues of the Buddha be destroyed as the Taliban did
years ago in Afghanistan.
RELIGIOUS ARTIFACTS PRESERVED IN MUSEUMS
At present, society is developing fast and if in that process people
lose interest in things like idol worship - due to their heightened
state of mind - such that those statues, idols and religious memorabilia
has no use for them, then should not be crushed into dust but rather
preserved in a museum.
"It is worth noting that even if in any country all the people without
exception give up idolatry, the spiritual aspirants, who follow the
principles of brahmacarya, will preserve images carefully in museums out
of appreciation for sculpture and aesthetic taste. They will not destroy
these beautiful works in any circumstances. Destroying a work of art
also results in the destruction of the sense of subtle appreciation, and
this is in no way proper." (Guide to Human Conduct, Chapter: Ahimsa)
We must not destroy idols at any cost rather we are to always preserve
them and not attack anyone's religious sentiment.
Baba says, "A perusal of history shows that the antagonists of idolatry
have, on many occasions, destroyed beautiful temples which were unique
examples of architecture. They destroyed the beautiful images which
represented the expressions of sculptural art. All these acts are
extremely violent, because they cause severe pain to the idolaters, and
consequently the idol-worshippers adopt an obstinate attitude towards
idols even though they are fully convinced that idol-worship is futile.
As a result, not only is the spiritual progress of the idol-worshippers
hampered, but the progress of the whole human society is retarded."
(Guide to Human Conduct, Chapter: Ahimsa)
THE MAIN PROBLEM: DISUNITY
One of the greatest hurdles we face now is a lack of unity - and it is
unfortunate that till now the religions have been a major contributing
factor to this problem, as Baba outlines below.
Baba says, "Dogmas have taken root in the human mind. People cannot get
rid of these false ideas because they have been injected into their
minds since childhood. As a result, one human society is divided into
different nations, and one nation is divided into different religions;
religions also have different castes, and caste also have different
sub-castes – what kind of situation is this? We have only learned how to
divide and subdivide humanity, and we never learned how to unite the
people. This is all due to the defective teachings of dogmas." (AFPS-9)
Baba says, "There are a variety of religions in the world formulated by
different propounders. But instead of enhancing the spirit of unity in
the human society, these religions have actually increased disunity and
mutual conflict. How many wars have been fought in the name of religion?
So, far from being a unifying force, religion should be seen as a cause
of disharmony." (A Few Problems Solved - 2)
Baba says, "Those who indulged in vain criticism and slandering instead
of trying to remove the factors dividing the human race, created even
more problems for society. That’s why there is more disunity than unity
in the human society today." (AFPS-2)
BABA'S BLESSING
By following Baba's precepts, there will be peace, respect and harmony
among all.
Baba says, "Remaining together is natural for you, and to remain
disunited is something unnatural. You know well that unnaturality is not
tolerated by Prakrti. Unnaturality is ultimately destroyed. So it is
natural for human beings to live together and to make a great Universe.
By not doing so, and by mutual fight, all will be destroyed. This is the
law of Prakrti. Hence, united you will have to remain, this is your
duty. So that the people of the world may remain united, it is your duty
to bring the Mahavishva as soon as possible. There will be peace and
happiness in the Universe, and, established in one indivisible ideology,
humanity will march ahead toward the Supreme Goal. Victory be with you!"
(Discourses on the Mahabharata (AMPS Publications)
Namaskar,
Vinay
Note 1: UNDERSTANDING DEMOCRACY:
PLOY OF POLITICAL PARTY & OPPOSITION TO MOSQUE AT GROUND ZERO
Here is one critical aspect for us to know - it explains why heated
debates like the Mosque being built near ground zero has come to the fore.
In every democracy, the party not in power wants to gain the power.
If any party not in power has a better policy to attract the common
people in their favor, i.e. if they have a benevolent plan to resolve
their miserable situation, then they will propagate their plan to
attract the public and get their vote.
Whereas any party not in power that does not have any positive plans or
programs then they will resort to negative and dirty sentiments to bring
the public in their favour. That is why this Islamic mosque and Koran
issues were brought forth.
Why did they use this particular sentiment? Because Christians are in
the majority in the US, so if you rally people around the Christian
sentiment then they may forget their economic anxiety. With unbridled
emotion they will support their ploy. And that is what we see happening.
And when the President's name itself is Barack Hussein Obama, then they
can escalate the issue by saying that party is dominated my a Muslim
leader.
The republicans raise the banner: "Terrorists are Islamic; the President
is Islamic; all the problems are related with Islam. Get rid of this
president by voting in our favour and the problem will be solved."
Terrorists did not just attack the Twin Towers yesterday. The Twin
Towers tragedy happened nearly a decade ago. In these nine years, the
mosque issue (i.e. proposal to build a mosque near ground zero) was not
such a wild and nasty affair. Because earlier the Republicans were
ruling. Since the Twin Towers attack, 2010 represents the first time an
election is going to happen when those Republicans are not in power. So
this negative sentiment was used to stir the people.
But in creating this negative sentiment now with the Democrats in power,
the Republicans gained political clout and rattled the present
administration. However such a hate campaign spilled over into one
pastor threatening to burn the Koran. It went beyond the boundaries of
Republican control and riled people, like this pastor, to take harmful
action.
That is why Baba warns us that we should never rally people around a
negative sentiment as it does not bode well for society. Even then, the
Republicans are pleased with their recent ploy. Those in power never
wish to disturb the peace, but the party not in power always tries to
wreak havoc on the country - especially during an election year. In that
sense the Republicans got what they wanted.
And of course, top capitalists are involved and giving financial support
in order to help rile the masses and arouse their sentiment against the
present US administration.
So here what is the teaching of Prout?
1. In a democracy, the common public can be misguided by any sentiment.
The above situation is the proof. That is why any democracy supported by
adult franchise is foolocaracy. Because age alone does not give a person
the requisite viveka to vote properly. Democracy, however, is OK if the
voters have a socio-political consciousness.
2. Capitalists manipulate the common masses by shaking hands with
religious leaders to create problems in their favour.
3. In His discourse Nuclear Revolution, Baba says to never raise any
negative sentiment. It is harmful and destroys all peace and
tranquility. It can tear apart communities and invite bloodshed. This is
a very dangerous path for one's petty gain. But manipulators resort to
such tactics without a care.
HERE IS THE FIRST LETTER OF THIS SERIES:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment here