Baba
Bribe in AMPS
Namaskar,
Baba does not want extra money given to anyone performing a job as this leads to the degeneration of the individual and the disintegration of society. In that sense, a tip and a bribe are essentially the same exact thing. The one receiving the tip becomes personally degenerated because all day long he is thinking about money instead of doing his job; and the problem in collective life is that tips lead to partiality. Those who give big tips receive preferential treatment, while those who do not have money to give a grand tip are forgotten and labeled as "cheap" or "penniless" or "worthless".
That is why the common acronym for tips is: To Insure Prompt Service. Those who tip big get treated with high respect and their every need and wish is satisfied. Those common people who do not have the funds to tip are overlooked and neglected.
Just think how terrible it will be if the police or fire department do not respond to your emergency call since they do not consider you to be a big tipper. That is the reality which even exists today in many countries. Or imagine if you went to the doctor and they refused to see you because you were not a big tipper. When we think of the matter in this light, does it not create an unsettling feeling in the mind.
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Viewing the situation in this manner, it is very evident that tips will bring injustice and stagnancy in the society, just like bribes. Preferential treatment becomes the rule of the day, not honesty. Here I would like to share a story by one of my close friends who was there that time.
Story of rich family tipping
All along it has been my regular habit to give "healthy tips" to labourers and related personnel. But I cannot forget one incident that took place in Ananda Nagar in the early 1990's. Those days certain wealthy families used to stay in the new Ananda Marga Institute of Technology (AMIT) building during DMS. Accordingly, Dada Kalyaneshvarananda ji used to arrange a special cook to prepare food for those staying at AMIT (Ananda Marga Institute of Technology).
For three days, during DMS, the cook was putting forth his entire effort to please one of the main wealthy families, to the exclusion of everyone else. The cook would not listen to or give attention to the other residents, i.e. those not giving large amounts of money for those three days. This created problems for many during the DMS time. And some simple people were wondering why the cook would not even look their way. Then the answer became known to all.
The reason the cook would not help anyone else was that he was receiving Rs 400 as "Tip" from one of the wealthy families at the end of DMS. Therefore, the cook was doing nothing else except trying to please that family. Yet, the cook had been employed to cook for all, as everyone staying at AMIT had paid a fee to the in-charge for meals etc. But the cook was only attending to rich family since they were giving the "tip".
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So, due to a "tip", the cook did not attend to his allotted duty in an impartial manner. Rather he was giving exclusive attention and preference to those giving big tips and he would do nil (nothing) for those giving smaller tips or not giving at all. Because of the big tip, the cook was partial to one rich man's family and he (the cook) blatantly disregarded others. This striking example clearly shows the negative effect that tips have on society - even our Ananda Marga society.
At that time, I started thinking that a tip is like a bribe to get a special favour. I have since decided to permanently stop this ill-conceived convention of tipping others. It is not good, rather harmful. Baba does not approve of it and it is not good for society.
I hope that every genuine Ananda Margii will follow Baba on this point. We should refrain from giving tips, and, side by side, exert energy and time to fighting for higher wages and better working conditions for those employees working for tips / low wages.
Tip and bribe are the same
As clearly depicted in the above story, both tips and bribes are bad. Essentially tips and bribes are one and the same. Both have a deleterious effect on society where the wealthy get goods and services and the common person is left out. That is the basic outcome.
Now let's examine some related scenario. What is a gift? A gift is when someone gives freely out of the goodness of their own heart. There is no mutual exchange; there is no consideration of post or privilege. The giving is based purely on one person's heart-felt feeling for another. That type of feeling is a gift. Here Baba explains more about it. Baba says that if with the sweetness of their heart someone offers you something, then we should gladly accept it.
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Ananda Marga philosophy states, "If a person wants to feed you out of genuine intimacy, you should take that food happily, even if it is just grains and vegetables." (1)
Gifts are given only to those
In the case of a gift, the person is giving purely out of affection without any ulterior agenda or motive in mind. Actually to determine if you are giving someone a gift or not, tremendous honesty is needed. One has to look at one's own motives and intentions very carefully.
One has to ask, "Why am I doing this?". And the person should be cent-per-cent sure that there is no underlying motive to gain an advantage in any way, neither professionally, nor personally, nor socially, nor economically. Once there is an iota of feeling in the mind that a gift is given for such purposes, then that is no longer a gift. It is a tip or a bribe - or at the very least a business deal. So one should be very strict and honest about their intention.
Generally speaking, one gives gifts to friends and family members - not to anyone else. Gifts are given only to those with whom you have a loving relation.
Note: Nowadays, in certain countries, various politicians receive "gifts" via special interest groups. These special interest groups represent professionals, business leaders, and corporations such as drug companies, doctors, oil companies etc. So "gifts" are given to encourage politicians to attend to the agenda of the various special interest groups. This happens in democracies where capitalism is in vogue, as well as in totalitarian regimes etc. In all such cases the term "gift" is a euphemism. The reality is that a bribe is being given as the donor expects something in return. And if that donor or corporate entity does not get special privileges, then they will never give that "gift" again. That is why we can say that all such political gifts are bribes.
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Degraded people
Unfortunately, practically speaking, bribes have become a way of life for certain central workers and some other wholetime workers in Ananda Marga Pracaraka Samgha. Here are a few ways tipping / offering bribes has come to the fore in AMPS organisational life.
(a) To become a tattvika or family acarya, one must give a tip;
(b) To get a high posting, one must give a tip;
(c) To get a so-called marriage blessing from PP dada, one must give a tip;
(d) To get a "spiritual boon" from dadas, then one must give a tip;
(e) To be received honourably at a gathering or event, one must give a tip etc.
These tips must be condemned.
Conclusion
We should refrain from giving tips, and, side by side, spend energy and time fighting for higher wages and better working conditions for those employees working for tips / low wages.
Namaskar,
In Him,
Kapil Deva
~ In-depth study ~
Having reviewed the points of (a) bribe, (b) tip, (c) gifts, we now reach the point of seva or service. What is service or seva? When someone gives something to someone in need, without wanting anything in return, then that is service.
Seva vs. business
For instance, suppose you see someone on the roadside suffering from malnutrition and you give them food to eat - and you do not want any payment or prestige in return - then that is seva.
Ananda Marga ideology states, "Sevá [service] is always unilateral; you give something in sevá but take nothing in return. This is sevá." (2)
Seva is a big part of our Ananda Marga way of life. The noted difference between seva and a gift is that seva is performed for those are in need of help - one may or may not know the individual personally; in contrast, a gift is given to a close relation, whether they be a friend or family member, who is not in need of any help at the time.
As we know, Baba's teachings are practical and meant to be applied in daily life. Theoretical understanding of His guidelines alone is not enough. On the points of tips, bribes, neighborly favours, gifts, and service, we should be cent-per-cent strict. Then we can be a proper example for society.
In certain countries one cannot get the basic necessities of life (such as electricity, water, heat etc) without bribing local officials and administrators. Or if your house is robbed, the police will not do anything unless you offer a bribe - then they will start their investigation, otherwise not. In such situations - due to pressure of circumstances - one will have to pay a bribe. At the same time it is imperative to take a strong stand.
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Caryacarya states, "If someone through pressure of circumstances forces you to offer a bribe, do not forgive that person till he/she is reformed." (3)
Here we conclude this letter with these words from Sadguru Baba.
Ananada Marga philosophy states, "To turn people into real human beings is the burning issue today, the greatest challenge. There are very few people who can take the lead in this undertaking, this sacred endeavour. Today tormented souls look to the purodhás [spiritual vanguard] of society with great expectations."
"Politicians cannot provide what is needed. During the last six thousand years of human history, they have failed at every step. Hence, it would be wise for them to resist the temptation to try and take the lead in any sphere of society." (4)
How tips ruin hospitals
Here below Baba points out further examples of how tips lead to the degradation of society where the common people are denied basic goods and services.
(A) In this following example, Baba reveals how even hospitals where patient care is supposed to be top priority are riddled with problems surrounding tips, bribes, and preferential treatment, or even worse - no treatment at all.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "On the one hand there are good doctors sincerely serving poor patients on their own initiative, and on the other hand we may observe immature young doctors proudly boasting to each other about their career prospects. Regrettable though these things may be, I do not feel that there is any reason to lose hope."
Ananda Marga philosophy guides us, "Countless complaints can be made against doctors and the medical profession. Although it would take a lot of space to list them all, let me briefly mention a few: patients have to settle for adulterated medicines unless they bribe the pharmacist; sweepers, orderlies and nurses do not take proper care of a patient's needs unless they are tipped; a patient writhing in pain may be rebuked instead of being given medicine; if one does not call the doctor at least once for a personal consultation so that that doctor can earn some extra money, one may be unable to secure a bed on one's next visit to the hospital; a medicine that is supposedly out of stock in the hospital can be illegally purchased in a nearby shop at an exorbitant price; without bribing the doctor a sick patient will not be admitted to the hospital; during the compulsory medical examination for a new job, all the medical staff put out their hand for a bribe; the doctor in collusion with the optician fails many people in their eye tests so that they will have to buy glasses; hospital patients are served food which is cheaper and of poorer quality than what they are entitled to; milk and fruits reserved for patients are consumed by the hospital staff; spurious drugs and injections are administered to patients. Such grievances are endless. Some are extremely serious, involving accusations of such irresponsibility that it is difficult to believe that people actually have these experiences." (5)
Thus in all such medical institutions, there must not be any scope for tipping - zero. And not just in hospitals, but but the same should be the case for dharmasalas (hostels), and other organisations. Tips merely give way to employees and workers, even doctors, failing to do their jobs. Tips also invite problems for the common members of society who cannot get goods and services due to not being able to give a large enough tip.
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Why the educated don't oppose corruption
(B) Here below Baba points out the awful conditions in those countries where the educated stratum of society gives way to bribes and tips, and accept gifts in exchange for professional favours.
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "One may ask, “Why does the public not do something to rectify the situation?” Some maintain that these problems only occur in underdeveloped countries and that the people there tolerate evil because they are unaware of their rights. But is this correct? In underdeveloped countries there are educated people who staunchly support the different political parties and who can provide the people with leadership. Although they cannot inspire the whole society, they are certainly able to solve some of the problems. So why do they not do so? The reason is perfectly simple. A large section of the upper stratum of society is involved in corrupt practices. That is why uneducated people do not have the courage to raise their voices in protest, prevent immorality and take corrective measures against the corrupt elements active in every sphere of society."
Ananda Marga philosophy states, "A large number of clerks, teachers, engineers, government officials and business people who comprise the so-called educated section of society indulge in immorality and corruption in their respective professions. Their weak minds indirectly criticize injustice but cannot directly confront it. Thieves can criticize other thieves in a society of thieves, but they cannot offer suggestions in a society of honest people because their lips will quiver and their hearts will palpitate; the condition of corrupt educated people in the upper stratum of society in underdeveloped countries is similar. The Second World War has further complicated the situation."
"The characters of such people have to be transformed and they will have to become honest, otherwise none of the evils in society will be eliminated, none of the problems will be solved."
"So it is madness to hope that the efforts of the government alone will eliminate the problems in the medical profession, as if by magic." (6)
"By paying a bribe of a thousand rupees!"
(C) In this following section Baba points out that the public not the government is at fault in such circumstances.
Ananda Marga philosophy says, “Usually the public blames the government for such lapses, but in my opinion, if anyone is to blame, it is the public itself. The government is not an individual who accepts bribes or encourages immorality. The government does not support the distribution of spurious drugs. If the distribution of spurious drugs ever does get sanctioned by the government, it is due to the mistakes of immoral officials. They surrender their humanity to the rich out of greed for money. Dishonest business people are aware of their own guilt and are constantly troubled by it, but they receive encouragement from greedy and mentally-weak police and anti-corruption officials. Why not earn a hundred thousand rupees by paying a bribe of a thousand rupees! Most business people wait for the right opportunity with this type of outlook. For these reasons I do not blame the government for such immorality. Now, let us return to our topic. The key to solving the medical problem is in the hands of the public. This is the actual truth of the matter." (7)
Neighborhood favours
Suppose your neighbor is going away for a few days and they need someone to watch over their property, feed their animals, or water their plants etc. You know they need help and you come forward and offer to help, without wanting or expecting anything in return. That is the right spirit. That is a neighborly favour.
All neighborly favours should be done with a service motive - purely to help them. It is unilateral. You help and desire nothing in return. The moment a neighborly favour is don in the hope of receiving in return or with the hope that when you go away then they will watch over your house. Then, according to the tenets of Ananda Marga, it is no longer a neighborly favour but rather a form of business. Whenever something is given to someone in exchange for work performed or anything else, then that is a transaction or a form of business. There is a giving and a receiving involved; it is not unilateral.
Ananda Marga ideology teaches us, “Business is always mutual. If you want one kilo of sugar you will have to pay for it: you give something and they will give you sugar. So business is mutual, not unilateral." (8)
Neighborly favours must always be done in the spirit of service - i.e. offering help. The moment something is desired, received, or given in return, then it is a business relation, not a neighborly favour.
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References
1. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Pt #37
2. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
3. Caryacarya - 2, Society, Point #24c
4. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
5. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
6. Human Society - 1, Various Occupation
7. Human Society - 1, Various Occupation
8. Subhasita Samgraha - 21, Jaeva Dharma and Bhágavata Dharma
* * *
The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
* * *
== Section 2: Prabhat Samgiita ==
Who else is mine - no one
"A'ma'r manero gopa'l eso ka'che..." (Prabhat Samgiita #4509)
Purport:
O’ Parama Purusa, my dearmost, You are the Gopal, the controller of my mind; please grace me and come close. I have been searching Your divine presence again and again through my manan, shravan, and nididhyasana. Baba, You are the be-all and end-all of my life. Except You there is nothing; who else is mine - no one. My Hari, I remember You always. You are my dearest One.
O’ Parama Purusa, You reside everywhere. You are the eternal universal Entity and remain wherever You like. But please be gracious and always stay eternally in my mental vrindaban. Kindly make my mind colourful, always decorated by Your august presence. Hari, if I see You in my mind, in my Guru cakra, then there is no need for me to look around searching for You in the external world, or in any other so-called heavenly abode, or in any loka or kosa. Because, by Your grace I have You right there in my mind.
Baba, Your glory is unfathomable: You are ever-new as well as the most ancient One. You are hidden in my mind. O’ Patitpavan, Saviour of the sinners, on this earth nobody cares about those suffering, downtrodden, and neglected people. They do not have anything in their life, not any hope. Baba, but You are there graciously watching over and caring for their well-being. You love them; that is why You are Narayan. O' Parama Purusa, this atom, this little unit being, is requesting Your karuna, Your divine compassion.
Baba, please grace me and keep me eternally under Your shelter...
Note for Prabhat Samgiita:
[1] Patitpa'van: One of the infinite attributes of Parama Purusa is that of Patitpa'van, where He is the benevolent saviour of the fallen. He boldly rescues and lovingly purifies those who become degenerated and lifts them back up onto the path of beatitude.
Ananda Marga ideology says, “The omniscient purus'a, the Pratyagatma', is the Lord of both heaven and hell. He is the father of both developed sa'dhakas and sdura'cha'ris or maha'pa'takis. There is, therefore, no question of [His] hating the sudura'ca'rii and loving the good sa'dhakas: All are one to Him. He can't ostracize the former and embrace the latter. There is no place outside Him where He can throw off the sudura'ca'riis. He also can't disown them, for in that case He would not remain 'Patitapa'vana'.” (1)
Reference
1. Subhasita Samgraha - 19, Mysticism and Spirituality
== Section 3: Links ==
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