Date: 05 Jun 2013 22:47:29 -0000
Baba
This entire posting is composed of 3 parts:
(1) Posting: Reflection on How & Why Baba Taught in So Many Ways;
(2) Closing Thought: Like Swallowing Poison.(3) Prabhat Samgiita #3304
Each section is demarcated by asterisks (***).
== REFLECTION ON HOW & WHY BABA TAUGHT IN SO MANY WAYS ==
Namaskar,
This letter examines Baba’s diverse and psychological manner in guiding sadhakas and non-sadhakas along the path of welfare.
SPEAKS MORE DIRECTLY TO A’NANDA MA’RGIIS
Baba would speak more directly to devotees than others. The closer one was to Him, the more directly He would speak.
For instance, to the general populace, Baba would cite Buddha’s teaching about “Cakuna samvaro sadhu” in order to warn people about the misuse of their indriyas (external organs). From this, people were to infer that Baba was talking about keeping restraint over the motor and sensory organs, bad food etc, whereas many just took it as a general guideline. So Baba was speaking very indirectly and people may or may not understand, depending on the nature of their intellect.
Whereas to Ananda Margiis, Baba would outrightly say, refrain from eating meat or do not go against 16 Points. There was zero scope for misunderstanding. Baba would use direct language because Ananda Margiis are closer to Him. In that case, Baba had more freedom to express Himself. The idea being that where there is more love, then one’s talk can be more direct. There is a great benefit to this as well, then in a shorter span of time He could give more teachings, and we could learn from Him more quickly, by His grace.
So there is great value in direct speech, but Baba could not use this with all. Language is based on the closeness of heart.
Even within Ananda Marga, Baba would employ degrees of directness. With margiis or dadas with whom Baba was closer, either due to their sadhana or His divine grace, He would be even more direct.
To one sadhaka, Baba might say, “So I understand you like chocolate”, and by this way the margii would know that Baba was aware that on ekadashii the margii ate a piece of chocolate.”
Yet to another sadhaka or Dada, Baba might lovingly punish, strongly scold, or embarrass them in front of all in order to guide them and all those present to adhere to all conduct rules, like not eating on fasting day. This latter approach is more direct and swift.
So it all depends on the degree of closeness. Those who were more close would receive His blessing in the form of more direct communication. It is just like how parents do not chastise or scold all the children of the village or community, but certainly they will rebuke and scold their own kids when they do wrong because those parents feel very close with their own children.
Those whom you scold rectify their behaviour more quickly and get the benefit of refining their behaviour. Scolding creates pressure to change the behaviour quickly. Naturally, parents want their own kids to change and rectify their bad behaviour quickly. And those same parent do not feel that same urgency with their neighbors’ children – so they do not scold them. Plus it is also related with the degree of love and affection one has.
Undoubtedly, it was all His liila, Baba loves all, and everything He does and says is filled with His sweet grace and divine compassion, yet in the relative schema of this there were some whom He could communicate with more directly than others.
STYLE OF GUIDING OTHERS
In His public discourses, in order to be psychological and best teach the general populace, Baba would point out the defects of a particular person or group without naming them specifically. That way the general population could get the overall guideline in the most palatable way possible, and those sadhakas with a slightly sharper intellect would always know about whom Baba was speaking. This latter assembly could then benefit most from Baba’s discourse.
Here are a few examples of Baba’s teaching via His indirect voice.
(#1) “Suppose an evil force says, “I, the lord of a certain country, will destroy Ananda Marga from the very root.” A dha’rmika should maintain patience, should be patient. Because the day is soon to come when that evil force is going to be destroyed. Its weapon will serve as a boomerang for its own death. And this happened in the near past, as you all know.” (1)
To innocent people, the above guideline may just be about keeping patience in the face of evil, etc or they may have some other notion. Whereas a proper sadhaka clearly realises that in the above teaching Baba is pointedly referring to the audacious talk and quick demise of Mrs Indira Gandhi. She is the “lord of a certain country” who vowed to “root out” Ananda Marga. So Baba is guiding such sadhakas that just as in the recent past, in the future also no enemy will ever be able to take down Ananda Marga ideology.
And this next guideline is working in a similar manner.
“You have seen with your own eyes that in the past certain powerful persons thought, in their extreme vanity, that they could make or break anything. They perpetrated indescribable tortures and atrocities on Ananda Marga. But even in the face of such torments, Ananda Marga held its head high. There is no power in the universe, in the heaven or in the underworld, which can annihilate Ananda Marga, because Ananda Marga is established on the solid foundation of rationality and righteousness. If those wicked forces engage in fight with Ananda Marga, they will themselves be pulverized: they will be crushed like ants.” (2)
In this above guideline also Baba is indirectly talking about Mrs Indira Gandhi as well as other malevolent forces that attempt to undermine or wipe out Ananda Marga.
(#2) Here is another indirect teaching which Baba has given:
“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.” (3)
In His above teaching Baba is not merely denouncing sexist perspectives but is clearly critiquing the dogmatic ways of Islam. Only in Islam is it thought that three women are equal to one male. So here, without stating it outrightly, Baba is denouncing this point about the Muslim faith. Those in the know clearly understand this, whereas those with a less pointed intellect will not.
(#3) Here is another indirect teaching which Baba has given:
“Yet another religion says, “Know ye, my son, thy God is the only God. All other gods are false gods.” (4)
Without naming the above religion, Baba is making clear-cut reference to the defects of Christianity. If Baba were to mention the name of the religion it would have been more unpsychological, so Baba employed this indirect manner when putting forth His discourse. By this way, His teaching is presented in a very psychological manner.
(#4) Here is another indirect teaching which Baba has given:
“Who are responsible for the distress of these millions of refugees? Those demons in human framework, whom those poor fellows trusted; to give ovations to whom those people rushed to meetings with thousands of garlands; for whose satisfaction people used to don special kinds of [white] caps to cover up their sins.” (5)
By reading the above, some may wonder who are these people in white caps, whereas others may think that Baba is merely talking in general about those who do wrong to the people. But those with greater insight understand that Baba is directly condemning the hypocrisy of the Congress party of India. It was this political group led by Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru which accepted the praises of the people yet divided the country – thereby leading to the displacement and death of millions of innocent citizens. And still today they use white caps.
(#5) Here is another indirect teaching which Baba has given:
“I cannot support the attitude of those who denounce capitalism at every opportunity, because this allows capitalists to become alert and invent more scientific and devious ways to exploit the people. Those who lack a constructive ideology will never be capable of destroying capitalism.” (6)
At first glance, some may just conclude that Baba is against capitalism or the enemies thereof, but that is not the main essence of His guideline. The unnamed ism that Baba is denouncing is socialism / communism. Such leftists always criticise the status quo of capitalism but have no proper teaching of their own. So that is what Baba is clearly teaching in His guideline.
(#6) Here is another indirect teaching which Baba has given:
“Once a certain mahápuruśa who happened to be an orthodox Máyávádin was walking along the road in Kashi [adjacent to Varanasi]…one morning a wild bull suddenly started to charge that mahápuruśa, so he ran away as fast as his legs could carry him. A logician who happened to be standing nearby asked the mahápuruśa, “Well sir, if you say that this world is unreal, then the bull is also unreal, so why are you running in fear?” That mahápuruśa would not accept any defeat in logic and replied, “My running away is also unreal.” This is the way things went on for many centuries.” (7)
In the above story, Baba is talking specifically about a particular philosopher and his teaching. Some may just think this is a humorous tale or some random anecdote. However, here Baba is referring to the Shrii Shankaracarya ji and his teaching of mayavada, or illusion theory. So Baba is clearly telling us, in a psychological and humorous manner, that mayavada is 100% impractical – just a bogus theory that is impossible to follow in day to day life – and that Shankaracayara was incapable of following his own philosophy.
(#7) Here is another indirect teaching which Baba has given:
“When people’s ideas are so fixed that they will not entertain any discussion or argument it is called “fanaticism”. It is said that religion is a question of faith, not logic. In India, there are many religious fanatics. Due to religious fanaticism and bigotry, there have been innumerable violent clashes in the past. How repugnant that thousands of people were killed on the pretext of a single strand of hair! These fanatics never bothered to listen to the beliefs of others, and moreover, for them it is a sin to listen to others. In one sense they are worse than animals, because animals do not harbour any communal feeling. Physical sentiments are predominant in such religious expressions. People should keep aloof from the bondages of religion. Behind all religious dogma, physical considerations are dominant. One community considers it a sin to eat beef but not goats or deer. The custom of wearing a vermilion mark on the head and forehead by Indian women is an expression of religious sentiment. The women of other countries do not follow this practice. It does not matter at all if Indian women stop using vermilion. All religions exploit people by appealing to religious sentiments.” (8)
In His above guideline, Baba is pointing out some of the inherent dogmas of Hinduism like the brahmin caste sentiment and sacred thread, as well as the hypocrisy that only the cow is holy while other animals may be slaughtered. By not stating the name of the religion, Baba resorts solely to logic and reasoning, as well as practical examples to uncover and question these existing dogmas including the vermillion mark etc.
And there are countless other instances in His discourses where Baba is indirectly speaking about a particular person such as Karl Marx, Carvaka, Sigmund Freud, Mahatma Gandhi, Franklin Deleanor Roosevelt, or group such as Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, or any other type of political party or ism.
The main idea is that in His public discourses, Baba would use indirect language so His teachings and guidelines were presented in a very psychological manner.
TELLING PA DADA NOT TO RECORD
It is also important to note that Baba would deliver many of His political or anti-dogma oriented discourses in the company of Ananda Margiis, yet that discourse was going to be printed for all to see. In that case, when Baba just wanted to clarify something about a particular political leader or speak directly about the hypocrisy of a so-called religious prophets, then Baba would tell PA Dada to “turn off the microphone”. Then Baba would candidly speak very directly and openly to those bhaktas present. And then when He wished, He would continue the recording of the discourse using indirect language. This was a common phenomenon.
BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
There is another angle to this matter as well.
As Ananda Margiis, we must have excellent grasp of Baba’s indirect use of language. That way we can confidently apply His teachings to every issue.
For instance, Baba has said very little directly about some highly controversial issues like abortion etc. In His printed discourses, this term is hardly even mentioned.
Yet Baba’s guideline on this issues is crystal clear. In so many discourses Baba has talked about the importance of yama and niyama and the meaning of ahimsa, ie. not inflicting harm on others. Plus He has placed great emphasis on reverence for life, and told that life starts inside the womb when a human mind is attached with the fertilised egg. From these various teachings, it is quite clear that Baba has given us a pointed approach on this issue of abortion. Any sadhaka can easily infer that Ananda Marga is cent-per-cent against abortion.
Hence, by being more familiar with Baba’s teachings, even seemingly controversial or complex issues become crystal clear. Then we can better understand His indirect language and easily apply His teachings to otherwise tricky topics.
EXAMPLE OF DIRECT TEACHING
In contrast to all of the indirect teachings outlined above, here is an example of one of Baba’s direct teachings where He specifically names Shankaracharya.
“Another example: According to Shankaracharya’s school of philosophy, everything is Máyá – that is, there is illusion in the beginning, illusion in the middle and illusion in the end. This is called pramáda in Sanskrit. But then, that same Shankaracharya composed hymns to the River Ganges: Devii Sureshvarii Bhagavatii Gaunge [“O Divine Gaungá, goddess who has descended from the heavenly abode of the gods”]. According to him, the entire universe is false; so in this false universe, the River Ganges is also false! So what was the necessity of eulogizing such a false river? This is a case of somersaulting to save oneself from a very embarrassing position, just like a harmless snake pretending to be poisonous. This is a very fine example of a metamorphosed sentimental strategy. There may be some people who will consider this change of sentimental strategy to be a natural process of evolution, but in fact it is not evolution but a metamorphosis of strategy. Evolution does not take place so quickly nor so easily.” (9)
So in His above teaching, Baba points out the inherent hypocrisy of Shankaracharya’s illusion theory. Anyone who reads this paragraph will easily understand that Baba is criticizing Shankaracharya’s philosophy and approach. This is unlike His indirect teachings where the name of the person or religion is not given.
WE SHOULD FOLLOW THIS APPROACH
As sadhakas we are to propagate His teachings to one and all. So we have much to learn from Baba’s style of communication. Our approach must be both psychological and palatable. We should perfectly follow Baba’s example.
We should always evaluate with whom we are speaking and then apply the proper voice. With those whom we are more close we can avoid lengthy talks and descriptions and use very direct language such as “Do this…” or “Don’t do that…”.
And with those who are less close, we will have to take a more measured and calculated approach. By this way, step by step, we will be able to share Baba’s teachings with all, in the best way possible.
So understanding Baba’s indirect use of language offers two distinct benefits:
1) We can better understand and apply Ananda Marga ideology to daily life circumstances.
2) We can better present His teachings to the various types of people that live in society.
BABA’S BLESSING
“The potentialities of your intellect are extremely limited. What can a small brain in a small cranium do? Therefore the best thing to do is to request Him for proper guidance.”
Sa no buddhya’ shubhaya’ sam’yunaktu.
“So that He may guide our intellect, and keep our intellect connected with shubha [blessedness].” (10)
Our Beloved Baba has an especially dynamic way of teaching. He changes His language based on His audience.
With those who are more close, i.e. His devotees, He uses direct language, and with those who less close, i.e. the general public, Baba speaks in indirect language.
We should carefully and clearly study Baba’s manner both so that we may better understand His teachings as well as employ this same technique to guide others.
Namaskar,
In Him,
Acintya
REFERENCES
1. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 6
2. A Few Problems Solved – 4, Forward Movement Is the Essence of Life
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam – 15
4. Human Society – 1
5. NH-LOI, Disc: 10
6. Problems of the Day, #3
7. Namámi Krśńasundaram, Disc: 10
8. Prout in a Nutshell – 21, How to Unite Human Society
9. Liberation of Intellect: Neo-Humanism, Disc: 10
10. Ananda Vacanamrtam-5
The section 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.
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Like Swallowing Poison
“Suppose you rear hens, you feed them rice and of course you love them also. If someone takes one of your hens, you will fall out with him, and even come to blows. But it is that out of selfless love? Love must be untarnished and free from the least bit of selfishness. You feed the hens for your benefit; you are motivated by the thought that one day the hen will lay eggs and you will earn money by selling them. “Nija sukha la’gi ye kare pirite se ja’ni garala kha’ye” — One who loves others for self-interest, swallows poison.” (Tattva Koumudi)
Note: Everyone knows that this above teaching from Baba is the idea of 2nd lesson. But whether one follows or not one should ask oneself, and try to perfect it.
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Prabhat Samgiita #3304
Baba
“(Tumi) ga’ne esecho, pra’n’e chonya’ da’o…” (PS 3304)
Purport:
O’ Parama Purusa, by Your cosmic grace You have come to me in my song. By Your sweet grace You came in my mind while I was singing Prabhat Samgiita. Your blissful arrival has stirred my entire existence. O’ Divine Entity, now please shower me with a wee-bit more of your grace, giving a soothing touch to my aching heart. Please come very close with Your smiling face and blossom Your effulgent Self deep inside my mind. O’ my dearmost, please grace me by coming closer and still more close in my dhyana.
O’ Supreme One, You are so charming and enchanting. The entire day has passed in Your ideation – thinking of You. Now the effulgence of the evening sky is glittering. All the 24hrs are moving in Your sweet flow. O’ Parama Purusa Baba, since You have come to me then why not remain with me forever and make me Yours. Baba, please keep me as Your very own – up to eternity.
O’ Divine Entity, You are bliss personified. By Your august presence this illuminating evening, which thrills my whole being with goosebumps, should remain up to eternity. By Your grace let this blissful occasion of Your divine arrival last forever. O’ Parama Purusa, please be gracious and let all my devotional longing and loving memories float endlessly in Your tune by Your grace. With Your divine compassion You have come and showered me in Your bliss.
Baba, O’ Parama Purusa, Your presence is beyond comparison. Baba, You are mine…