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All the letters on this blog are directly related with the teachings of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti ji Baba.To communicate with the editors of this forum or receive postings of this blog, email us at: anandamargauniversal@earthlink.net

Baba


Namaskar,


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In Him,

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Showing posts with label materialism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label materialism. Show all posts

Fear Of Old Age + 3 More

Baba


Paranoia of old age & AM

Namaskar,


Traditionally in the West and wherever materialism reigns, old-age is looked upon as something bad; whereas in the various Eastern traditions, old-age is seen as something venerable. Often we see this as a stark dichotomy; even then, the distinction is not so clear-cut.

  
For instance, in the Western nations, in many fields, the experience that comes with being a senior person is highly valued. In various arenas, age and the accompanying life experience are embraced as great qualities and characteristics. In those arenas, the wisdom, experience, decision-making, and contemplative abilities of seasoned veterans and aged professionals are respected.
  
For the most part, it is primarily the pseudo-culture film and beauty industries that place such a tremendous emphasis on skin, youthfulness, and superficial beauty. In those enterprises, experience and mental capabilities are not valued. So this is the dichotomy that exists in many places: Some arenas of life value old-age and others not.
  
In Ananda Marga, those who have lived into their senior years and old-age have much to offer to society. Their values, manner of thinking, and life experiences bring forth a wealth of knowledge and insight. That is why Baba has directed that the senior persons should oversee collective functions and play a leading role in various aspects of our social life.


Besieged by allurement of superficial beauty:
shine their face, paint their nails, and pretty themselves

One of the key reasons for addressing this topic—i.e. value of old age—is because so many are living the lie of materialism. In materialism, superficial beauty is everything. With this message being sounded throughout the commercial avenues, the common people have succumbed to this outlook.

Knowingly or unknowingly, common citizens want to look young and verily older adults are trying to compete with teenagers in this regard. This has led young adults, middle-aged adults, and older adults to get cosmetic / plastic surgery. They change their shape and form, and use so many cosmetic products to shine their face, paint their nails, and pretty themselves. They are sunk in the notion that their superficial beauty defines who they are.

In that way, they overlook their inherent psychic strengths and life experiences and waste their money and time in cosmetic beauty. Alas, they become depressed realising they will never be 18 again. This is the sad state of affairs wherever materialism has come into play.


Some Wts are involved in dyeing their hair
  
Shockingly, this same debased outlook has spilled over into our Ananda Marga as some of our very own wholetimer Dadas and Didis have made the mad dash towards cosmetic charm. Instead of honing their practice and engagement in Sixteen Points, some of our Wts are involved in dyeing their hair, colouring themselves, and participating in all kinds of beauty parlor treatments.

Baba clearly guides us to shape the mind in a spiritual manner, yet certain wholetimers are plunged in materialistic beauty pursuits. These workers are supposed to be the guiding light of humanity—yet see how they have become trolls of materialism. This gives a sense of the outrageous allurement of materialism and superficial beauty—even our monks and nuns have gotten affected. For more about this WT beauty competition, read the letter (link) appended at the bottom of this email.
  
We should not underestimate the force of materialism that it even had the power to swallow many of our Wts. In that case, how will general members of society withstand the onslaught of materialism.
  
That is why it is our duty to rise above keeping the mind fixed on Him and be an example to others—otherwise how will they ever be able to escape the rough seas of materialism.


Old age: see world as temporary
  
As one ages, they realise that this life is transient and that a person will not live forever. They see their friends pass, money come and go, and so many changes. By this way, their feeling that this world is impermanent multiplies as they age. Naturally that brings forth a more spiritual vision because the only option left is to seek out that which is permanent.
  
In their youth, most could not conceive of the idea that they will one day die; they did not consider their own mortality. Rather as youths, one took great risks and did daredevil things, thinking that they are indestructible etc.
  
But as one ages the psychology changes and people are forced to think about the ephemeral nature of this created world. Everything is temporary. One is forced to more deeply consider what is beyond their own unit existence. So that is another benefit of aging.
  
And this sort of psycho-spiritual approach is heightened when one is suffering from a grave disease. Then, they are faced with the prospect of their own death in a more direct manner. This leads them to consider and / or strengthen their connection with the divine world.

A distinct quality that arises within aged people is a more spiritual outlook. That does not mean that all older people are more spiritual than younger ones. Rather, within the context of one's own life, their spiritual outlook often heightens with age.
  

The value of experience
  
Here we can say that one of the main benefits of having lived on this earth for a longer period is experience. Experience is that great teacher. People learn from their own life interactions, as well as from the stories and tales of those around them. This builds a mature and valuable outlook.
  
Although in old age the body may have started its path of moderate degeneration or worse, one's brain and thinking capacity, in many cases, can remain extremely sharp and pointed far into the later years. So in those arenas where success depends more upon the psychic realm, then aged persons are better equipped for the job.
  
That is why we see in many fields people taking on huge responsibilities in their later years—and they are respected and honoured for their work and contributions.

Nobody looks forward to growing old, and often people think that aging just means futility. But in Ananda Marga—and in various communities where one's mental prowess is respected—one's advanced age brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. By this way, they are in proper position to guide others as well as adopt a holistic spiritual outlook.
  

Victims of the shallow thinking of materialism

We can say that experience is one key characteristic that accompanies aging. Such experience is invaluable. Those who are born will one day die; yet in that process of aging, people gain many positive attributions and useful qualities.
  
Typically speaking, people are very scared of growing old. But one need not be scared or worried. Old age is not just wrought with diminishing abilities and deteriorating faculties etc. Rather, as one gradually ages, they continue to grow and develop—their outlook becomes more mature based on their accumulated life experiences.
  
So those who think that people become decrepit and useless in old age are naive; such persons are victims of the shallow thinking of materialism.

       
Importance of elderly in Ananda Marga
  
In our Ananda Marga, great importance and tremendous respect is given to senior persons based on their life experiences and long-term endeavour. Here are a few of the many ways in which this occurs:
  
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "In absence of the ácárya the ceremonies can be conducted by the senior man present. The presence of the ácárya is desirable since he enjoys considerable esteem. Ácárya is also more conversant. He combines esteem with efficiency." (1)
  
Ananda Marga philosophy teaches us, "Plant the tree while mentally reciting guru mantra. Then while pouring some water on the tree, everyone will recite the following with the ácárya/á or a senior person leading." (2)
  
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "All the social festivities are parts of Brahma sádhaná. It is meaningless to wait in expectation of the ácárya. For this reason alone, it has been laid down that an elderly man can conduct the function in absence of the ácárya. The potentialities of vested interest persist if things are reserved in the hands of a particular group." (3)
  
Here following are further important teachings from Sadguru Baba.
Namaskar,
In Him,
Brahmananda


Let people live for a hundred years or more
  
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "Many people are under the wrong impression that perhaps the people in ancient times lived long lives. In my opinion this idea is not very correct. Had it been so, then why is it maintained in the shloka, “you should aspire to live a hundred years”. It is not true that many people lived a hundred years. Then only the lifespan of a hundred years was considered to be something covetable. In fact the people would not lived very long years. Life in those days was full of struggles. A gorilla in a wild environment lives about 22 years. If it is brought to a zoo and provided with good food and if it is kept free from any worries and anxieties then the gorilla may live about 28-29 years. Life in a zoo is comparatively safe – free from worries of wild life. Life in ancient days was not in the least carefree. It was full of struggles and dangers. There were struggles amongst human beings, between human beings and animals, and between animals. So human life was rather short-lived. Now the average longevity of human being is on the increase. People of those days would bless the juniors – “Shata sharadaḿ jiiva” – Live a hundred autumns. That shows that the lifespan of a hundred years was not usually the longevity of an average person. “Shata sharadaḿ jiiva,” “Shatáyurbhava” [“Live a hundred years”]."
  
"Let people live for a hundred years or more and engage themselves in noble deeds."
  
Nányathe tehasti na karma lipyate nare.
  
"If a person wishes to live a hundred years for the promotion of human welfare his life will really be a meaningful existence. Such a person will never fall into the bondages of reaction, because all of his actions are intended for public welfare."
  
"Thus if people continue to perform deeds for public welfare then they will be able to avert the bondages of action. They will not be required to be reborn in a world to reap the consequences of their actions. Good deeds produce good reactions and bad deeds produce bad reactions. To reap the good reaction and bad reaction they will not be required to come to this world, if they perform deeds with the sole intention of public welfare and not any other intention. Then they can avoid being trapped into bondages of actions. Then the welfare of others brought about by his deeds will be considered a reward for his deeds. This is the life of a real person – a righteous person. This is the reason for which human beings have come to this world." (4)
  

Story: "only cobblers in your assembly"    
must see deeper value not just superficial image

~ Courtesy of Yahoo Question & Answers ~
  
Looking to Ashtavakra's deformed body, the guards of King Janaka were amused.    Ashtavakra retorted, “Do not judge a person by his appearance and age, judge him by what he knows. Inform your king that there is a person ready to challenge the great minister Bandhi.”    The king came and was surprised to see a small deformed boy. He asked a few questions and was greatly impressed by his knowledge. King Janak soon arranged for the debate with Bandhi.    The Pundits and philosophers, all burst into laughter on seeing the queer form of “Ashtavakra”.    The boy (Ashtavakra) too reciprocated with a burst of laughter but in a loud way. Everybody got enraged.    King Janaka asked the boy “Why you are laughing young man?.    To this “Ashta vakra” said, “Oh King! I thought you called Vidwans and Pundits to assemble here but I find only “cobblers” in your assembly. "    They roared, “How dare you call us ‘cobblers”.    Then the boy Ashtavakra calmly replied, “You all laughed at the twisted form of my body which is akin to leather. Only those who work with leather is conversant and they evaluate leather. Hence, there is nothing wrong in my calling you all as ‘cobblers”.    Janaka saw reason in the argument of the boy. Everybody who assembled there hung their head in shame.    Hence we should never criticise any based on their outer form.    To everyone’s surprise Ashtavakara defeated Bandhi in no time and secured his father and others.    This is the message as i already showed in my answer: ””Do not judge a person by his appearance and age, judge him by what he knows””  
Courtesy of http ://in.answers.yahoodotcom/question/index?d= 20120524205446AATo24s


Like a waiting room of a railway station

Ananda Marga philosophy states, You should remember always that you have come here for a short span. You won't remain in this world for a long period. You may remain here, say, for ninety or a hundred years, or say for 150 years. Some saints like Traelauṋga Svámii lived here for 350 years. He lived in Varanasi in India and died in this twentieth century. But you are to live under certain limitations – limitations of time, space and person."

"So you should always remember that you have come here for a very short span. It is just like a waiting room of a railway station. You remain there for a short period and when the train comes, you leave the waiting room. This world is just like that waiting room. You are to remain here for a very short span."

"You should always remember this fact – “I have come here for a short span and I won't remain here for a very long period. My home is elsewhere. I am just like a tourist.” You should always remember this fact. And as a universal tourist, you, while leaving for your permanent home, will not require a passport." (5)


As long as I exist I will live a glorious life
  
Sadguru Baba guides us, There is a common notion that people in ancient times lived longer than the people of today; but this is incorrect. Rather due to scientific progress and advances in medical science, as well as spiritual progress in Tantra Yoga, modern humans are living longer lives than the ancients. People in the olden days hardly lived longer than forty-five years; but today people live much longer. To live a life of one hundred years was a rare accomplishment in those days. And thus the sage said, “Human beings may pray to God for a long life of one hundred years – in order to perform noble deeds” (otherwise why should they drag on their existences unnecessarily?). In the present-day world, there are a few people who have passed the age of one hundred, but not very many..."
  
"But although the human beings of today may live even longer than that, mere survival is not enough; what is important is to live a dignified life. The excellence of human life lies in action; it is through action that human beings survive. They should aspire to live long while performing noble deeds; it is futile to live just like an earthworm. Indeed, each and every human being should vow, “I do not know how long I will survive; but as long as I exist I will live a glorious life, not an ignominious existence like that of an earthworm.”"
  
"Human beings have to earn their livelihood and perform their assigned duties. The degree of physical labour they have to perform depends on the economic condition of their land. The citizens of those countries which are socio-economically developed have to perform less physical labour; instead their intellectual labour has increased. This is the natural law. The human beings who lived one hundred years ago used to perform much more manual labour than do those of today. Those who washed clothes used to stand in knee-deep water. This type of life for years on end markedly reduced their longevity, and thus washermen and women did not live longer than forty to forty-five years; their excessive physical labour would shatter their health. Due to their lack of knowledge of hygiene and absence of spiritual practice, their life-spans were shortened."
  
"Spiritual practice makes the mind calm and quiet, and maintains the nerves in a state of equipoise; and thus spiritual practice increases longevity. Those Vaishnavites who are vegetarians, who regularly sing spiritual songs, do meditation, perform virtuous deeds and think pure thoughts, live longer than ninety years."
  
"Now, one may say that some people like Vivekananda did not live long; but the cause of their early death was excessive labour. Extreme physical labour definitely reduces one's longevity. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu lived [less than fifty] years; he could perhaps have lived longer, but due to excessive labour, he could not survive. He undertook long tours throughout India on foot. Shankaracharya did not live long, either, because he also toured India on foot; he walked from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas. This extreme physical labour told upon his health; otherwise he could perhaps have lived longer."
  
"I want you all to live long – but you must live glorious lives, not like those of earthworms. Your lives should be bustling with activity."
  
Ananda Marga ideology says, "Human beings always yearn for the destruction of the evil forces, for the removal of darkness and the flooding of effulgent light. Let your dynamic forward movement make your lives ever joyful – see that you never lag behind, or slump down dejected. No human being wants this. Rather let your slogan always be, Caraeveti, caraeveti [“Move on, move on”]. Let the chant of your forward movement be ever on your lips." (6)
  
  
Work even while dying
  
  Ananda Marga ideology states, "Why do you want to live for a hundred years? To do more and more work. You want to live long because you hope to do more and more work in this life – being goaded by this desire, you wish to live a long life. So in the psychic sphere one must always remember that one has a mission in life, and just to materialize that life, for proper practication of that mission, one is to remain in this world; otherwise one must not remain here, one should retire from life as early as possible."
  "Once I said, “It is good to die working, but still better to work even while dying.” So one should always bear in mind, “I am alive in this world for the fulfilment of my mission. This is the reason I am eating, dressing, sleeping. Apart from this, I have no worth.” And if one ever lives a life without a mission, then in that case, no endeavour in the psychic sphere will bring success. If you do not want to work, if you do not want to serve the world, you will become a burden on the world. It would be better to leave the world than to live as a burden on it. Human life should be enriched with intense activity...."
  "Why do you undertake a mission? Átmamokśarthaḿ jagaddhitáya ca [“For Self-realization and for the welfare of the universe”]. You certainly undertake it in order to promote the welfare of the world. Along with this you have to take up another mission, and that is to bring about your own spiritual salvation. If one does not try for one's own salvation, if one does not do spiritual practice, one can never serve society. It will be totally impossible. When you take a vow to work for your mission, just remembering that vow will not make it possible for you to win salvation, though through that vow you can serve the world." (7)
  
  
Only here for a very short span
  
Ananda Marga ideology guides us , "Human life, you know, is a measured one. Human beings come here for a very short span. If during this short span one tries to go through all the scriptures it will take more than one thousand years? And one is only here for approximately one hundred years. So, going along the path of jinána is a mere waste of existence. And karma is infinite and the human structure is a finite one, with limited stamina and limited capacity. So the path of bhakti is not only harmless, but the wisest one and is the approach of the most blessed people. So my advice to you all is to move along the path of bhakti. It is the best route." (8)
  
  
Death is imminent—work sincerely & vigorously
  
Grhiitvaeva kesheśu mrtyurńá Dharmácaret
  
Ananda Marga ideology states, "That is, during dharma'caran, i.e. dharmic pursuits [following yama and niyama, service, svadhyaya etc] one should think that the god of death has already started pulling one’s hair – that one’s death is imminent. And accordingly one should work sincerely and vigorously; one will have to do a great many noble deeds within a short period." (9)
  
  
References
1. Tattvika Diipika, part 5
2. Caryacarya - 1, Tree-Planting Ceremony
3. Tattvika Diipika, part 5
4. Ananda Marga Karma Yoga, “Kurvanneveha Karmmáńi”
5. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 12, Puńya All Twenty-Four Hours
6. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 33, You Must Live Glorious Lives
7. Subhasita Samgraha - 24 Incantation and Human Progress
8. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 6, Bhakti Is the Best

9. Subhasita Samgraha, part 11



== Section 2 ==

The sections below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above material. It stands on its own as a point of interest.

******************************************
One Man Is Equal To The Intellect Of Three Women?

“There are some people who have the opinion that men are especially favoured by Parama Puruśa and that women are not; or that one man is equal to three women. This is dogma. These absurd ideas all originated in dogma. Any intelligent person can easily understand that these propositions are totally hollow and irrational. “The intellect of one man is equal to the intellect of three women” – it is a ridiculous statement. In reality, there may be some cases in which the intellect of one man may be equal only to that of two women. But then there may be other cases where the intellect of one woman may be equal to the intellect of twenty men. Such intelligent women can be found in the world. Or if we speak only of physical weight, then we may find some woman who weighs more than two men. Theoretical statements should not be accepted here.” (i)

This following comment is somewhat related with the above issue.


Imagine a world where being beaten by bats

or stoned to death at a moment's notice

courtesy of Amazon.com

Let's face it. Very few non-Muslims have read the Quran. We're told in the West that Islam means peace. Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who grew up in Somalia, Saudi Arabia and Kenya within the Muslim faith, begs to differ. It means, she says, surrender. Surrender to the will of Allah. In reality, she says, it means submission - submission to willful ignorance and untold suffering of muslims everywhere the religion is practiced.

Ayaan did her best to become a good submissive muslim, but she refused to shut down her mind. She refused to submit her faculty of reason - the very thing that makes us human - to the written words of the Quran and the the trap of ignorance and destruction that she argues is the inevitable result.

She eventually stretched thin the chains of tribe and family and escaped to Holland, where she applied for and received refugee status. She educated herself, became a voice against the suffering of muslim women, and was elected to the Dutch parliament. Her courage and fire to help women escape the brutality imposed on them by Islamic tradition backed by the words of Allah forced her into years of hiding and security protection against threats on her life. The threats were real. When film-maker Theo van Gogh was murdered while riding his bicycle in the middle of the day, a note was found on his body, affixed with a knife, threatening her life, in the name of, and in honour of, Allah and Islam.

While reading this book, I couldn't but think of Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange. But imagine that instead of living in a world of brutally sadistic and violent thugs and gangs that you may encounter if you are at the wrong place at the wrong time, that those sadistic thugs are your mother, father, brother, neighbours, teachers, and Imams. Imagine a world where being beaten by bats or stoned to death at a moment's notice and where you were supposed to submit and accept your beating was the norm. Imagine that to be a woman and to speak out against this outrageous behaviour is to commit a crime against Allah and the will of the Prophet Mohammad, dead for 1,500 years, to be avenged by the devout. This is a world where individual rights, reason, and justice are forbidden. All there is is the Quran, and if you are female, the assurance of a lifetime of submission, pain, suffering, and violence.

That is the story the Ayaan Hirsi Ali tells. It's her story as she lived it. It is the story, she says, of hundreds of millions of Muslim women, not only in Africa, but even in Holland and other Western countries.

Having suffered, escaped, and lifted herself out of the mental and cultural trap imposed by tribal culture, Ayaan describes her mission and responsibility as follows:

"Perhaps I could start by telling people that values matter. The values of my parents' world generate and preserve poverty and tyranny, for example, in their oppression of women. A clear look at this would be tremendously beneficial. In simple terms, for those of us who were brought up with Islam, if we face up to the terrible reality we are in, we can change our destiny."

This is change we can all help bring about by reading this book and supporting Ayaan in her fight to end the brutality Islam through reason and the injection of human values into the interpretation of the Quran. What Islam desperately needs is a cultural renaissance and a recognition of the concept of individual rights. If you are a lover of personal freedom and political liberty, and thereby a foe of human slavery and totalitarian brutality, Ayaan Hursi Ali's fight is a fight worth fighting. (ii)


REFERENCE
i. Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 15, “Buddha o Aśt́áḿga Márga”
ii. Barry Linetsky (Ontario, Canada) This review is from: Infidel (Hardcover)
******************************************


== Section 3 ==

~ O' My Parama Purusa, If You Really Love Me Then Please ~"Bha'loba'so jadi tabe eso priyatam diiner e kut'iire..."  (P.S. 2619)

Purport:

O' my dearmost Parama Purusa, if You really love me then please come to the hut of this lowly person. I want to make You listen to my love songs up to Your full heart's content; that's why in my mental viina I have practiced many tunes and melodies for You. 

O my Lord, I do not have any knowledge or intellect. Nor do I have any virtue, name & fame, or the weight of those things. I have only one thing: Love for You in my mind. My whole heart is completely filled with love for You. And by offering that love I will satisfy You, by Your grace. 

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, I do not have any prestige, nor do I get any respect or honour. None of these do I have. Nor do I have such devotion that I feel my ego getting wounded by Your not coming.     Baba, I have only gratitude in my heart for all those things which You have graciously bestowed upon me. Please shower me in Your ahetuki krpa - causeless grace.

Baba, I know in my heart that You love me, but if You really love me then please come close in my heart. For You I have prepared and decorated my mind in Guru cakra. Baba, please grace me by coming in my meditation...


== Section 4 ==


Links

Here is the letter how some Wts are using beauty cosmetics to look young etc



This email contains four sections:1. PS #2619: O' My Parama Purusa, If You Really Love Me Then Please
2. Posting: Fear Of Old Age
3. End Quote: One Man Is Equal To The Intellect Of Three Women?
4. Links

Curse of Materialism: Not Having Joint Family

From: "Sanjay Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Curse of Materialism: Not Having Joint Family
Date: Sat, 29 Dec 2012 22:17:36 -0000

Baba


== CURSE OF MATERIALISM: NOT HAVING JOINT FAMILY ==

INDIVIDUALISTIC THINKING:

HAPPY THEN DO FOR ONESELF; UNHAPPY SUFFER BY ONESELF

Namaskar,
It is important to review this case incident that depicts how any materialistic society becomes fundamentally broken. The case studies highlighted in this mailing are from the US, but such types of incidents can and will occur wherever materialism is in vogue - in any land or place or country, eastern or western. No one is exempt from the trappings of materialism.

As you read and learn what happened, think how Ananda Marga can prevent and solve such problems. Why did such a tragedy occur, and how can it be prevented in the future.

Here is the the article.



CASE STUDY #1:

MOTHER DROWNS OWN SON IN BATHTUB AND ADMITS MURDER TO POLICE

San Diego Mother Pleads Guilty to Drowning Autistic Son
December 28, 2012

Just minutes after she drowned her 4-year-old autistic son in the family bathtub, Patricia Corby drove to the neighborhood police station in San Diego with his lifeless body wrapped in a blanket and admitted what she had done, police said.

On Thursday, sobbing uncontrollably, the 37-year-old Corby pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

Corby was so overwhelmed by the task of caring for her son that she decided to kill him and then commit suicide, prosecutors said.

"She felt like she had no life," a district attorney's investigator said.

Her attempt to drown herself in the tub failed, according to prosecutors.

Corby faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison when sentenced Jan. 28 in San Diego County Superior Court. Under that sentence, she will not be eligible for a reduction due to "good time" conduct credits.

In a plea bargain, a second charge of assault on a child under age 8 causing death was dismissed.

The victim's father, Duane Corby, was in the court when his wife pleaded guilty. He was working on March 31 when his wife killed their son, Daniel. He told investigators that he had seen no sign of mental illness from his wife and that the couple had spent $70,000 in diagnosis and treatment for their son. (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/mother-drowns-autistic-son.html)


ALIENATION & SELFISHNESS ABOUND IN MATERIALISM

The above tragedy is not an isolated incident in the US, nor in other grossly materialistic societies. It stands as a horrific representation of the ills of materialism. While there are many good people in the US, they are in the minority as the society becomes more disparate and self-centered - disconnected from one another. Neighbors do not know one another, often living side by side for 10 or 20 years, yet still they do not know each other's name. This mentality breeds a sense of alienation and distrust from one human being to the next.

As we know, materialism itself is a grossly individualistic approach where selfishness reigns. So long as one is healthy, employed, and encounters no grave problems, a person can survive ok. But once a serious problem arrives, and people are forced into dire circumstances, they are apt to take extreme measures, as happened in the above incident. Why? Because there is no one to help them overcome their problems and help shoulder the burden of responsibility. In materialism, everyone must fend for himself / herself, even new moms. In this way, some end up destroying themselves and those around them. This is the common and tragic outcome.

Essentially - in a materialistic society - people feel isolated and alienated. Due to the greed and self-centeredness of individualism and materialism, they earn for themselves when they are healthy and refrain from helping others. It is their ingrained habit and even nature to only care for themselves, and no one else. Bear in mind, that there are many kind-hearted, compassionate people living in the US, but the trend amongst the population-at-large is towards extreme selfishness, as is happening in other nations and lands dominated by materialism.

Naturally then, when they themselves face difficulties, they are forced to confront them alone. And that is too much for them to handle, so they often respond in outlandish and destructive ways.

That is the curse of materialism, where everyone lives alone, devoid of the support of a joint family and greater society. This trend is step by step becoming more rampant or fully prevalent all around the globe, wherever materialism is rearing its ugly head.

This is an analytical approach to life where everything revolves around one's own "I" - and nobody does anything to help others, or if they do help it is done out of their own self-interest or for their own self-satisfaction. This is the very real and unfortunate end of materialism. Everyone lives alone, devoid of the support, trust, and help of others.

In the past when society was not civilised then crimes were founded on various motivations: Racial, religious, gender, land dispute, dogma, or hatred etc. Over time, society changed and progressed a lot; many of those motivations became outdated. People began to accept each other, or at least would not attack another for such reasons. Now, in this present era, society is quite civilised, but with the onset of extreme materialism violent attacks and crimes have again come to the fore. In the past, violence was carried out for all different types of narrow sentiments. Now the problem is chiefly due to the selfishness of materialism. That is the cause behind these case studies.


A PICTURE OF WHAT SOCIETY SHOULD BE LIKE

Here below are a few of Baba's teachings on this societal ailment from His discourse, The Spirit of Society.

"What is society like? It is like a group of people going on a pilgrimage. Try to imagine the scene! Suppose one of the pilgrims is struck down by cholera. Will the rest of them continue on their way, leaving the sick man behind? No, that would be inconceivable for them. Rather, they will break their journey for a day or two, and cure him of his disease. If he is still too weak to walk they will carry him on their shoulders. If some people run short of food, others share what they have with them. Together they share their possessions, and together they march ahead, singing in unison. In their eagerness to move ahead with others they forget their trifling differences which might have led to angry exchanges and court cases in their families, even down to three generations. It is because of the petitions of the complainant in a land dispute that some people go so far as to spend ten or twenty times more than the piece of land is worth. The essence of cooperation resulting from this collective movement aims at expanding a person’s mind by striking down the barriers of meanness. I repeat that a true society is like such a group of pilgrims who attain a deep psychic affinity while travelling together which helps them solve all the problems in their individual and social lives."

"To what state has society effectively been reduced? I reaffirm the fact that human beings have still not been able to form a human society, and have still not learned to move with the spirit of a pilgrim. Although many small groups, motivated by self interest, work together in particular situations, not even a small fraction of their work is done with a broader social motive. By strict definition, shall we have to declare that each small family unit is a society in itself? If going ahead in mutual adjustment only out of narrow self interest or momentary self-seeking is called society, then in such a society, no provision can be made for the disabled, the diseased or the helpless, because in most cases nobody can benefit from them in any way. Hence it will not suffice to say that all people marching ahead is only a collective form of segregated psychic phenomena; for in that case there always remains the possibility of some people getting isolated from the collective. All human beings must attach themselves to others by the common bond of love, and march forward hand in hand, then only will I proclaim it a society."

"You will hear many a vain and assuming person say, “I don’t need anyone’s help, I’m doing very well by myself. I don’t want to concern myself with anyone else’s affairs and I don’t expect anyone else to bother about mine.” Nothing could be more foolish than this statement. Medicine and nursing are necessary to cure diseases; the neighbours’ help is needed to cremate a dead body; and for the regular supply of food and cloth the cooperation of farmers and spinners is essential. Remember, no created being in this universe is independent. No one can exist alone, everyone has a supra-cosmic relationship with the whole, at times prominent, at times indistinguishable. In this scheme of mutual relationships, even the slightest mistake or discord will raise a furious furore in the universe. In this mighty creation, the brilliantly luminous sun and the tiny ant have the same existential value, having combined together to make the universal family. Similarly, in human society, the importance of a powerful and eminent person is no less than that of a disabled and dying patient. None can be ignored. The least injustice done to anyone will cause the break down of the entire social framework."

"Society must ensure that proper care is taken of human babies who are totally dependent on the care and protection of their parents for their existence. These helpless children can only convey their pain and discomfort through tears. To raise children from infancy to maturity is an immensely important task. I have said before that the members of society must advance in unison. The newborn babe is another traveller on the path. To adopt a child as our companion, as one included in the society, is called the “Játakarma” of the child."

"Living beings may be divided into two main groups based on intellect: those who want to share their wisdom, and those who do not. Those who favour the exchange of wisdom have a greater social awareness. But those who oppose it cannot develop a collective social mind due to a lack of mutual understanding. Human beings are basically beings of social inclination. They must always remember that those possessing little strength and ability, and those not provided with the means to survive the struggle for life by Nature, must be led along in companionship. Those who take great pains to assist the helpless are more civilized and endowed with greater awareness. They are the socially-minded beings who readily embrace the underprivileged, the downtrodden and the rejected people of society."

"Ananda Marga keeps its gates open so that each and every man and woman may enter. Anybody may join, anybody may sing in chorus with the rest. The united march of the people is a march of victory. Ananda Marga states this in unequivocal language."


LINK TO ENTIRE DISCOURSE

Here is a link for the entire discourse, The Spirit of Society, for those who wish to read more but do not have access to the text.



CASE STUDY #2:

MOTHER ABANDONS NEW BORN BABE OUTSIDE IN THE FIELD

The above is not an isolated occurrence. There are innumerable tragedies of this nature where people feel so alone, alienated, and disconnected, that they revert to extreme measures, such as drowning an autistic 4-years old son in the bathtub. The mother feels so isolated, unsupported, and desperate that she commits a heinous act.

In the following case, the mother goes against all maternal instincts and abandons her new-born to die outside just after giving birth. All because she feels there is no one to help her.


Oxnard Mother Suspected Of Leaving Newborn In Strawberry Field
December 27, 2012

An Oxnard, California woman who allegedly gave birth in a strawberry field and left the newborn to die has been booked on suspicion of murder, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

Authorities believe Rosalba Moran, 20, of Oxnard delivered the child on May 21, in a Camarillo-area field in the 3200 block of Central Avenue.

The infant's body was later discovered by a farm worker, Gabriel Ortiz, 43, who told the Ventura County Star he found the body while checking a hose line near a row of poppies bordering the field. Ortiz told a supervisor, who called police.

Ortiz, the father of a 6-month-old daughter, told the newspaper he was shaken by the discovery.

Police took DNA samples from more than 100 fieldworkers in the area, and a swab eventually led to Moran, officials said. She was arrested Dec. 21 and is being held on $1-million bail at Todd Road Jail, according to a Sheriff's Department release.

Detectives are still working to identify the baby's father. Anyone with information about the case can contact Det. Lopez or Det. Worthy at (805) 383-8786.

(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/oxnard-mother-arrested-charged-with-murder-of-baby-found-in-strawberry-field.html)


CASE STUDY #3:

YOUNG MAN'S BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS GRANDMOTHER WITH HAND TOOLS

In this next incident, the youth did not want to help anyone. Just he is enmeshed in his own pleasure-seeking and overlooked that his grandparents came forward to rescue and raise him. Yet he responded by killing in a gruesome manner. That was his extreme selfishness. His grandparents sacrificed to help him - to do what the child's own parents could not do. But the grandson had no ability to appreciate his grandparents. To them, they were just a burden that should be eliminated.


Grandmother Apparently Killed With Barbecue Fork; Motive Sought
December 17, 2012

Police are trying to determine a motive after a 22-year-old man allegedly killed his grandmother Sunday using a barbecue fork.

Los Angeles Police Department Lt. Paul Vernon called the incident in Mission Hills "especially sad and tragic."
The suspect, identified as Joe Calderon, was raised by his grandparents and stabbed his grandmother at their Mission Hills home Sunday morning, police said.

Investigators believe Calderon fought with his grandparents Saturday night and, after his grandfather went to work Sunday, again argued with his grandmother, Vernon said. This time, the suspect allegedly began beating his grandmother, who called her daughter for help.
When the daughter arrived at the home in the 11100 block of Rincon Avenue, Calderon "confronted her" outside the home "with a long metal stick," Vernon said. She went around the corner and called police about 9 a.m.

Responding officers detained Calderon, whom Vernon said had blood on his hands.

The grandmother was found dead in the kitchen, Vernon said. Her name has not been released, though authorities described her as a woman in her 70s. It was unclear what relationship her daughter is to the suspect.

Vernon said investigators found several possible weapons at the scene, including the barbecue fork that "appeared to have blood on the prongs." Forensic tests will be conducted to determine if the utensil was in fact the murder weapon, he added.

(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/grandmother-killed-bbq-fork.html)


CASE STUDY #4:

ONE MAN'S SAVAGE ATTACK ON INNOCENT, SLEEPING VICTIM

This next case study shockingly portrays how one man becomes so absorbed in his own personal desire that he could not at all understand the pain he was causing to an innocent human being.


L.A. Now Live: A Homeless Woman Is Set Ablaze In Van Nuys
December 28, 2012

A homeless woman known to many as Flo remained in critical condition Friday after being doused with a flammable liquid and set ablaze on a bus bench on Van Nuys Boulevard.

Times Staff Writers Richard Winton and Ashley Powers will join us at 9 a.m. to discuss Thursday's horrific crime and how the community is reacting.

LAPD Deputy Chief Kirk Albanese official said it was unclear whether the suspect, Dennis Petillo, 24, even talked to the woman before he allegedly set her ablaze.

"There was no incident or dispute or clear motivation for this horrific attack. He did not know his victim. It defies explanation," Albanese said. "He is not of sound mind. ... The motive is mental illness."

Police have not released the victim's name, but area residents said she is Flo Parker. She was also known as Violet: a 5-foot-tall woman in her 60s with dirty blond hair and a time-worn face. But for much of Thursday, her identity was secondary. Violet had become a symbol to some residents of both the dangers that face the homeless and the depths of human cruelty.

(http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/12/la-now-live-a-daily-conversation-with-the-times-newsroom-8-dto.html)


LINK TO ENTIRE DISCOURSE

Here is a link for the entire discourse, The Spirit of Society, for those who wish to read more but do not have access to the text.



SUMMARY

Materialism does not hold any answers, just it breeds a desperate, harsh, and impersonal society where people are utterly dominated by selfishness and despair - wholly unable to connect with others. Such incidents  as the ones above occur daily wherever materialism is in vogue, whether that be west or east. Such tragedies are so common that many go unreported - they are not even newsworthy. That is the gift of materialism.

Prout Philosophy says, "Materialism is the most dangerous – indeed, suicidal – philosophy...materialism is both defective and devoid of morality." (Namah Shivaya Shantaya: Discourse 18)

Namaskar,
At His feet,
Sanjay


PRABHAT SAMGIITA

"A'ma'y cha'r'iya' kotha' ja'o e nirajane..." (PS 665)

Purport:

Baba, You are my closest One. O' my Beloved, where are You going on this isolated, lonely dark night - leaving me all alone. O' my dearmost Baba, please do not go away from me. Baba, why are You making me cry so profusely & letting me float in the tears of my devotional longing for You. Baba, please smile always in my mind, constantly radiating Your sweet, divine love. 

Baba, by Your grace I have loved You so intimately in dhyana; You know it well. Baba, You are my dearest One. But if You were really a good person You would not play this heart-breaking liila with me each and every moment; You would not leave me in this dark hour. Baba, please be merciful; please remain here along with me. 

Baba, there are countless devotees with great qualities & talents who love You very much. Indeed there are numerous persons with top-notch merits & virtues who have deep longing for You. Because of this, it seems there is no place for me in Your mind - neither during daytime nor nighttime, neither in dream nor in awake state: Never. 

O' Baba, please do not leave me alone. Please shower Your causeless grace on me by keeping me eternally in Your divine shelter...

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