Baba
Real problem in AMPS
Namaskar,
These days with our shrinking organisation and pracara efforts faltering, some say that exposing hypocrisy hurts our AMPS. In a simple, logical, stepwise manner, let’s investigate if such a premise is true or not.
Real problem in AMPS
As we look at the scene in our AMPS, we have to examine the real cause for our stagnancy and shrinkage.
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Here we have to remember that AMPS is based on the lofty ideals of AM ideology. And there are countless people across the globe interested in those ideals: vegetarianism, fasting, health, social change, and spiritual practices etc. There are verily millions of seekers who are keen to learn about those practices and join an organisation that adheres to those ideals. Naturally, our overall numbers would skyrocket as well. So then why isn’t this happening. Why are our numbers not rising?
The answer lies in our conduct. We have high ideals, but as an organisation we are not living up to those stated tenets. So many of our Wts preach great tales, but sadly their own behaviour tells a vastly different story, which need not be detailed here. Suffice to say, they walk this earth in sadhu garb, but their own behaviour is not up to the mark. And verily, this duplicity and poor conduct is the root cause of our downfall. People see that our AMPS is not what it professes to be. That is the main problem.
The operative factor is that we are not living up to our ideals. Had we been a shining example of AM teachings, people would be busting down our doors in an effort to join, and our numbers would be sky high.
AMPS solution: how to reverse course
In this unfortunate period for our AMPS, when those at the helm are failing to live by Sadguru Baba’s teachings, the only solution is to point out those wrongdoings. That is the medicine, and that is what Baba guides us to do.
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Ananda Marga philosophy says, "All A'nanda Ma'rgis, when they see other Margis acting against the principles of yama and niyama, must make them shun this habit either by sweet or harsh words or by dealing even more strictly. Thus they will have to make the society strong." (1)
Those who abducted and hijacked the seats of power find it convenient to blame whistleblowers and writers for the shrinking of AMPS these days. But such blame does not hold any water. They only indulge in this blame game because it is easier than rectifying their own conduct. Yet, it is their repulsive conduct that is at the root of the stagnancy of our AMPS.
Hypocrites and poor leadership: cause of demise
Ananda Marga philosophy, “The solidarity and unity of a group depends on the strength and determination of the leadership. If the leadership is not strong the entire structure – social, economic and political – becomes weak and ultimately crumbles down.” (2)
Sadguru Baba states, “There is no place for hypocrites in our organization.” (3)
Conclusion
Sadguru Baba guides us that if our conduct is proper then hoards of people will line up behind us. They will be eager to learn and follow all that we do. There is a tremendous thirst to learn dharmic practices, and if we truly personify AM teachings, our numbers will be huge, with a wave of massive support. That is our recipe for success. And in the bright era there will not be any hypocrisy, so there will be no cause to expose duplicitous behaviour etc.
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It is only when those Wts at the helm lead lives that are contrary to AM ideals that disaster looms, and everything goes off the rails. Then people will not want to have anything to do with AMPS, as they will see and feel from up close and afar that our AMPS is not what it claims to be. And that is the real problem. That is the root cause of the stagnancy hounding our organisation today.
In Him,
Siddhatma
Ananda Marga ideology states, “On the path of dharma, one is not only to do noble deeds; one must also fight against the dishonest people – both are virtuous actions.” (4)
Ananda Marga philosophy says, "Those who strictly adhere to the principles of morality, are ensconced in sacrificing service (Tapah) and are ready to wage war against immoralists are sadvipras." (5)
Proper conduct is the solution
Ananda Vanii states, “Your ideal is represented by your conduct.” (6)
References
1. A Guide to Human Conduct, 'How to Live in the Society'
2. Prout in a Nutshell - 15, Leadership – Excerpt B
3. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 23, Silent Action
4. Ananda Vacanamrtam - 8, What Should Human Beings Do?
5. "The Future of Civilization," Cosmic Society, 1967
6. Ananda Vanii #13
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The below sections are entirely different topics, unrelated to the above material.
They stand on their own as points of interest.
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== Section 2: Important Teaching ==
Forgetting Your path
"Tumi path bhúle yadi ele jene shune,nái bá ele, nái ba ele,
sámarthya nái kari nimantrańa,tabu yadi ele avahele..." (Prabhat Samgiita #2246)
Purport:
O’ Parama Purusa, even if You come by mistake or forgetting Your path, that will be wonderful. Because until now You don’t have a plant to come over here. I will consider that Your fathomless grace. Because I can see that up till this moment, by Your own choice, You have not come. Baba, please be merciful and come to me. By my own merit I do not have any capacity or strength to invite You to come to me. You are my everything - my whole life is revolving around You. My Divine Entity, it is my great hope that You will come, even if by chance, or in disdain, or to discipline me for my bad conduct.
O’ My Supreme One, I want to receive You in a most ceremonial and unique manner. But I do not have a golden throne for Your majestic arrival. Nor do I have a beautiful, charming, silken dais for You. O’ my nearest One, I have not decorated Your path of arrival with alpana. My heart longs to receive and have You. Baba, I have only one hope: That You will come - even if it was not Your intention. I will consider that to be Your endless compassion.
O’ Parama Purusa Baba, You know well that in this thatched hut of mine there is not an abundant amount of wealth. For show I do not have costly gems and jewels to display at the time of Your august visit - nor do I have A-grade bhakti. My dearest, with my heartfelt longing and love, I hope that at least You will bless me and come, even if that was not Your plan.
Baba, You are ever-gracious. I long for Your foot-dust. Please shower me in Your love...
Notes for Prabhat Samgiita #2246:
[1] A'lpana': These are the colourful motifs, sacred art, or decorative painting done on a horizontal surface (walkway, patio etc) on auspicious occasions. Those who have attended DMC might have witnessed how on the walking path across the stage leading up towards Baba's dais there are some very decorative, colourful, attractive designs. In an artistic manner there is a brilliant array of flower pollen, flower petals, or any colorful scented fragrance which are soft and upon which someone can walk comfortably. This beautiful and colourful decoration is known as a'lpana' and it is meant to pay high respect and adoration to the Divine Entity. In our Marga this is used for Baba's holy and auspicious arrival. In common social settings and religious life the general population makes such decorations for the respected Deity. It is also employed in the temples.
[2] In this above song, all the references to worldly riches and wealth such as the "golden throne" and "costly gems and jewels" represent the qualities or merits that a person achieves in life: High education, various skills & good deeds, top-level job, noble character, track record of social service etc. Those “gems and jewels” also refer to great spiritual wealth, i.e. highest devotion or parabhakti. But the sadhaka in this song does not possess any of those worldly attributions - nor does he have high spiritual longing and realisation. Hence he cannot rely upon such attributions to call Parama Purusa. So instead the sadhaka is calling Him with whatever degree of heart-felt devotion he has. This is the special scene which has been expressed in this Prabhat Samgiita.
== Section 3: Important Teaching ==
Ananda Marga Shabda Cayanika states “One night a certain inveterate drunkard who had finished off an enormous kutú [bottle] fell in the gutter and was rolling around until he became senseless, exactly when no one knows. This memorable event of that night is not today a part of recorded history. Then dawn broke. The touch of the cold morning breeze and the cold water of the gutter sobered him. He opened his eyes and saw a large gathering of people around him. Someone was saying, “Oh, the fellow is dead!” Someone else was saying, “He drank so heavily that he passed out.” Yet another person was saying, “The fellow may not be drunk at all; it might be some other malady.” The drunkard was listening to everything, but out of shame he kept his eyes closed. Still, how long can one remain like that? One has to shake it off and get up. And so he had to open his eyes. As chance would have it, the moment he opened his eyes and looked at the crowd, he saw his son’s father-in-law standing directly in front of him. Then without any embarrassment at all, he said [to son’s father-in-law]: “Brother, it is not that what you think. It is my epilepsy.” (1)
Note: Due to being drunk by the vanity of their post some purodhas lose their senses and say and do outlandish things like the drunkard in the above tale.
Reference
1. Shabda Cayaniká Part 5, Disc: 30
== Section 4: Links ==
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