Baba
Worthless disciple
Namaskar,
When publishing the book series, Prout in a Nutshell, Baba checked all
the photos in Central Office for hours and hours looking for a suitable
picture. At that time He chose a photo of when He was young for the
Prout books. That way youths can identify with Him as a social leader.
But again, even then Baba used a formal picture and it was not placed on
the cover of the book for all to see. Rather that picture is displayed
on the inside pages. But the "JY" book does not follow this ethic;
rather Donald Acosta contravenes Baba's entire approach.
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Reverence for Sadguru
We have utmost regard for Baba and His photos.
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "You shall protect, in all respects and
at all costs, the dignity of your treasures and the sanctity of
your...pratikrti [photo] of Márga Guru." (1)
Thus we are to keep the sanctity of His photo. Indeed it is for this
reason we do not display varabhaya mudra in public. No true bhakta will
carelessly display any Baba photo in public. Yet with this book we are
going against all social norms of Ananda Marga and the sanctity of
Baba's photo. It is just a book after all and booksellers may place it
on the sidewalk, railway platform and in all kinds of places in order to
attract buyers. Hence, Baba's divine photo will be compromised in all
kinds of ways since this photo is on the cover itself.
When other religions or spiritual groups publish their books they never
use a casual photo of their revered leader on the book's cover. They
always display an official photo. But we have a different system: Baba's
photo is never on the cover. The idea is this: We should not to use any
photo at all on the cover and instead use an official photo on the
inside pages. Just like Baba did with His Prout Nutshell and other
series.
All in all this is a sad event. It was not good to use that photo. It ruins the whole feeling of the book.
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Presenting Baba to the public
This is the era of external superficial beauty - so no need to put
Baba's photo. In comparison to glossy movie stars and fake gurus, those
with no bhakti will think this book cover is useless. Secondly, to
present a more substantive story, we do not need to use glossy photos
just a proper written account. Not putting any photo at all gives a
better impression and greater attraction for the reader.
Baba is very strict that margiis and Wts be clean, neat and in proper
dress when in public otherwise people will formulate a poor opinion of
us. Should we not apply this same principle when presenting our revered
Guru Baba to the general public. It is Baba's rule that if any
publication is wrong then that will be withdrawn from the market and
corrected. It is the same as how poisonous food must not be sold, even
if you have spent money getting that food.
All the above stands as sufficient logic that the aforementioned photo
should be removed from the cover of the book. It is going against Baba's
own teachings. On all the above points the "JY" book writer took a
directly oppositional stance to Baba. Only traitors to Guru can do like
this. This is a very casual and informal photo. It is not meant to be
used in any formal setting - certainly not on the cover of any book.
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "You shall protect, in all respects and
at all costs, the dignity of your...of the pratikrti [photo] of Márga
Guru." (2)
Conclusion
Caryacarya guides us, "Do not sit in a “zamindary posture” and dance your feet in a silly manner." (3)
Namaskar,
in Him,
Moksa
~ In-depth study ~
As sadhakas and disciples of Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, we know
that whatever is written in the name of Baba must be 100% dharmic and
true - not dogmatic. In the past, so many people have told wrong things
in the name of Guru. There is no shortage of examples. No biographer of
Sadguru Baba should fall in this same dark hole. Yet look what has
happened here - see what he has done. Although the "JY" book is not
scripture per se, but the writer is telling many things in the name of
Baba. Naturally, such statements must be true and dharmic, and not false
and dogmatic. Baba's below warnings must be followed.
As you may have seen, the cover photo depicts Baba sitting on a wall
with a lake in the background. Baba has one leg towards the ground and
the other leg bent with His foot propped up on the wall. The bottom of
Baba's foot is in full view, directly facing the reader. Baba is not
wearing any shoes or socks. The picture was taken in a remote area away
from town - no one else is around. The whole scene is quite casual.
It should also be noted that this photo was taken in Barackpur (West
Bengal) on 26th December 1960. This photo was not taken in Jamalpur nor
in the surrounding area.
We all have to think if this photo should be placed on a book cover or
not. After all, "a picture speaks a thousand words", and this photo is
the way we are presenting Baba to the general public - via the Internet,
book stalls etc. Anyone and everyone can see Baba in this pose. So we
have to think if this is proper.
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Sanctity of Guru's photo
Before discussing this matter in greater detail, we should remind ourselves of Baba's following teaching.
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "You shall protect, in all respects and
at all costs, the dignity of your treasures and the sanctity of...the
pratikrti [photo] of Márga Guru." (4)
Sadguru Baba places tremendous importance on keeping the sanctity of the photo. We must adhere strictly to Baba's guideline.
Appropriate cover of a book sold in general market!
Now let's step by step analyse the placement of Baba's photo on the cover of this book.
1. First and foremost, this photo of Baba is too informal for a book
cover. Baba is in a relaxed pose. His feet are not covered and His dress
is very casual. This photo is completely personal and not for general
social use in a formal setting like a book cover that will be displayed
across the globe.
2. In Caryacarya Part 2, in His chapter "Social Norms", Baba has given
the following teaching: "Do not sit in a “zamindary posture” and dance
your feet in a silly manner." (5)
As we know, Baba has given social norms for formal, public occasions.
When one is alone, one need not follow these social norms. A person may
sit in any position they wish, but in a social setting, one should
adhere to all the social norms, including not sitting in a zamindary
posture etc. The said photo was taken in a family setting; it is a
personal photo of Baba and was never intended to be used as a book
cover.
But by seeing this very photo as the cover for a published book, any
member of the public can say that the Guru of Ananda Marga is doing what
He Himself tells should NOT be done in public - He is sitting in
zamindary posture. Such is the confusion and misrepresentation caused by
placing a personal and informal photo on the cover. What the "JY" book
writer has done is against all common sense and against all ethics.
Baba always perfectly represents all of His teachings. In this
particular situation when Baba is by Himself in private then He can sit
as He wishes. Whereas in a social setting, He would never sit like this.
However, now that this photo has been used as a book cover for all to
see, members of the general public will question the matter. They will
wonder why Baba is in such a pose in public, when He says not to sit
like this.
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3. The above photo is way too informal and casual to use for a book
cover that will appear in bookstores in countries all over the globe -
as well as on-line where millions can view it as they surf the internet.
Baba is in a casual pose not meant for public view. His intention was
never that this would be a public photo. He did not permit this photo to
be sold to the general public or during DMC etc. Indeed, everyone knows
that this photo was never openly available for sale by our Public
Relations Dept etc. This was a rare photo meant only for bhaktas. That
is why Baba is in such a casual and informal pose. In public He would
never present Himself in this manner. Those who have attended DMC know
Baba would never have sat on stage like this in the pandal.
It is just like when in His room Baba would just wear a short-sleeve
shirt and lungi. But when going onto the dais for DMC, Baba would dress
very meticulously because this was a public event.
The best recourse is not to place Baba's photo on the cover of the book
at all. What was done in this case is not appropriate. Members of the
general public will form a poor opinion of Baba because of His dress.
And by displaying this photo publicly, we are going against Baba's
wishes.
Baba's special guideline during DMC
4. Shortly after Baba first gave His kaoshikii dance then He had to
explain to margiis how to practice it properly. Everyone had to know
which portion of the foot should touch the ground. At one DMC in Gwalior
(Nov 25, 1979) when Baba was reviewing kaoshikii, He told the audience
that as a general rule: "As a point of decency, one should not show the
bottom of their feet in public as it is disrespectful."
This itself is sufficient logic that the aforementioned photo should be
removed from the cover of the book. It is going against Baba's own
teachings. Any non-margii will make jokes about this. That is sad.
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More points about the book cover
5. This book has been written for margiis and non-margiis, i.e. the
general public. In such circumstances, Baba would present Himself in
formal dress. But this photo goes against this mandate.
6. We must also remember that on points of presentation and
professionalism, the standard of the public is quite high. In this
high-gloss, dazzling internet era, everyone is accustomed to fancy
graphics and slick packaging. Whereas the cover of this book is quite
informal, even casual. By this photo, they will naturally form a poor
opinion of Baba. That is most unfortunate and that itself goes against
the purpose of this book by Donald Acosta.
7. The only type of person who could select such an informal photo for
the cover of a book is one who does not have any sense or is ignorant
and not aware of Baba's teachings of Caryacarya, and related discourses.
Ananda Marga Caryacarya states, "Do not sit in a “zamindary posture” and dance your feet in a silly manner." (6)
Even then they put this photo on the cover of the book for all to see.
For clarity's sake, the above guideline is a social norm. If anyone is
alone, then one can sit this way in the privacy of their own home or in a
remote place. And that is what Baba is doing in this photo. His
intention was that this photo would never be used in a public manner.
But that is what the book publishers have done - they put it on display
for all to see.
When sadhakas see the cover of this "JY" book and the informal photo it
displays, they will also emulate that posture. They will sit like this
in public. And some will even question the veracity of Caryacarya and
insist that this social norm point was not given by Baba.
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8. As we know, each and every book related with Baba and Ananda Marga is
for the propagation of Ananda Marga ideology. But the very cover of
this book is doing something else. Some will look at this photo and
conclude that Baba is rude or that He is not aware how to express
Himself in public. All of this is very painful for any true Ananda
Margii.
9. Members of the general public do not have the requisite regard or
reverence for Baba that we have. So when seeing this photo they will
make jokes about Baba and think poorly of Him.
10. Baba did not use such photos for His books. Because His photos are
personal and His books are meant to be purchased by the general public.
There is no Ananda Marga book where such an intimate photo of Baba is on
the cover.
Certificate of erudition?
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless." (7)
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "The scriptures should always be
interpreted by qualified scholars, competent philosophers, and
penetrating thinkers. If one tries to interpret a profound scripture
with superficial knowledge, the interpreter appears ridiculous and the
audience is confused."
"There are some people who are neither scholars, nor philosophers,
nor penetrating thinkers, but merely wander about interpreting
scriptures as a means of livelihood. They utterly fail to present the
proper matter in the correct perspective before the audience...[and] do
more harm than good to the society."
"[They] interpret the scriptures just to exhibit their intellect - to
procure for themselves a certificate of erudition. They remain far from
the living spirit of the scriptures." (8)
If you do not have the photo or are unaware of which photo we are talking about, kindly let us know.
The name of the "JY" book is "The Jamalpur Years", written by Devashish
(Deva'shiis'a / Devashish / Devashiisa) a.k.a. Donald Acosta, originally
of NY sector.
References
1. Caryacarya Part 1, Treasures of Ananda Marga
2. Caryacarya - 1, Treasures of Ananda Marga
3. Caryacarya - 2, Social Norms, point #21
4. Caryacarya Part 1, Treasures of Ananda Marga
5. Caryacarya - 2, Social Norms, point #21
6. Caryacarya - 2, Social Norms, point #21
7. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14
8. Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
Important message for social harmony
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “In Europe Latin scholars tried their
best to suppress other languages. The Arabic scholars of the Middle East
wanted to suppress Persian. And in recent years the people of Wales and
Quebec in Canada have protested against the imposition of the English
language. They preferred to use their own languages as the medium of
expression. In modern India, too, due to selfish political influences,
important languages such as Bhojpurii, Maethilii, Mágadhii,
Chattrisgaŕhii, Avadhii, Bunddkháńd́ii and Marwarii are being
suppressed. Their speakers will certainly not accept this silently, but
will surely protect against this unjust domination. Recently there was
an open revolt against the imposition of Hindi as the national language
of India. That’s why, it is better to brings people speaking different
languages closer to one another than to suppress their languages. As a
result, people will feel inspired to speak other languages. The
arbitrary imposition of any language invites trouble.” (1)
Religions are the cause of mayhem
Ananda Marga philosophy states, “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.”
“One thing should be remembered: Dharma and religion – or “Imán” and
“majhab” in Arabic – are not synonymous. Throughout the ages, Dharma or
Imán has been propagating teachings to unite humanity. Religions are
many, but Dharma is one, and that Dharma is Manava [[Human]] Dharma – a
system for the attainment of the Supreme. Based on practical wisdom and
logical faith, Dharma is a rational approach for the realization of
Absolute Truth. External paraphernalia are not required for the practice
of Dharma: the only prerequisite is a unit mind. Within Dharma there is
no room for exploiting people entrapped in the snare of blind faith,
and no scope for self-aggrandisement or the pursuit of group interests.
Love, freedom and equality are its foundation stones. As Dharma is
beyond time, space and person, there is no scope for Svajátiiya
[[differences within a species]], Vijátiiya [[differences between
species]] or Svagata [[differences within the same unit being]]. Dharma
is inchangeable.”
“Eka eva suhrd dharma nidhane’pyanuyáti yah.”
[Dharma is the only real friend; it follows one even after death]
“Religion is the exact opposite. It is based on the following three factors:
(1) Psycho-sentiment
(2) Physico-ritualistic observance
(3) Tradition” (1)
Reference
1. A Few Problems Solved - 2, Human Society Is One and Indivisible – 2
== Section 3: Links ==
Recent postings
Other topics of interest
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This email contains three sections:
1. Posting: Worthless disciple
2. IT: Important message for social harmony
3. Links
