This page contains the posts from UPSF.org prior to March, 2013.
1. Professor Ravi Batra in news
03/11/2013
Ravi Batra’s new story
2. BBC: Concerned academics set up ‘free’ university in Lincoln
4/21/2012
Concerned academics set up ‘free’ university in Lincoln
Prof Keeble said a lot of university courses are “profit-oriented”
Continue reading the main story
Related Stories
University tuition fees list
University to lose 700 students
University to charge maximum fees
Academics concerned about high tuition fees are setting up a university where students can learn for free.
The group, which includes lecturers from the University of Lincoln, argues higher education has become “highly commercialised and profit-oriented”.
Calling themselves the Social Science Centre, the 40 academics will teach students to the equivalent of BA, MA and PhD levels.
An open day for prospective students is being held in Lincoln later.
One of the lecturers, Professor Richard Keeble, said: “All of us are very concerned about the burden being put on students of up to £9,000 a year and we want to show that there are alternative ways of running higher education.
“Colleagues will give their time freely and instead of being profit-oriented and commercially-oriented as so many courses are today, the principles will be essentially democratic, participatory, non-hierarchical.”
The university will open in September.
Prof Keeble, who is acting head of the School of Journalism at the University of Lincoln, said students will be taught in venues such as community centres.
All students will be part-time, and will be taught in evenings and weekends.
‘Everyone as scholars’
To cover costs, students who have jobs will be asked to pay a voluntary monthly subscription fee, which will be equivalent to how much they earn in an hour.
Official degrees will not be awarded on completion of the courses, but all courses will be taught and assessed at the same level as similar courses in mainstream universities.
Prof Keeble added: “I should say that we are questioning the notion of lecturers and students.
“We are actually treating everyone as scholars because all sides in the educational process can learn from each other.
“There will be very much a participatory element for learners on the various programmes.”
‘Spontaneous university’
Prof Keeble said he is aware of other free universities “sprouting up”.
“Some of my colleagues went to a conference in Birmingham recently where a number of people from these initiatives spoke,” he said.
“Most famously, of course, the Occupy London people did throw up a spontaneous university.
“So all kinds of things like this are happening, not just in Britain but in Europe generally.”
The open day is at The Collection, in Danes Terrace, from 14:00 to 18:00 BST.
Reprinted from
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-17789049
3. Prout News
02/11/2012
http://www.youtube.com/v/hvC7lbNmFLQ&hl=en. UPSF conference held in Patna, India
02/11/2012
UPSF conference held at Patna on 9th & 10th Nov 2008.more than 300 students and youths attended the coference.on 9th evening a symposium was held at Vidyapathi Bhavan
5.Media’s impact on the American Red Cross
01/24/2011
http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/79260240?access_key=key-hffrv3zbz0clslwuuii
6. UPSF convention in Patna India
09/10/2011
7. Will a Display Screen Assist Me To Recharge My Mobile Phone?
04/04/2011
Will a Display Screen Assist Me To Recharge My Mobile Phone?
by Sofia Sheppard
contributing writer
French corporation Wysips is implementing a brand new technique which may cause cell phone touch screens to accomplish double duty as pv power panels to recharge cell phones.
The thought is pretty interesting [1] mainly because it consists of laying an extremely thin transparent pv film layer along with the cellular phone display. The film might take energy not just from the sun, but any nearby source of light.
Believed recharge times could be about six hours from sunlight and some time longer from leaching electricity from in house lights. Wysips is at work for the 2nd new release of the technology, which seems to offer half an hour of talk-time after just one hour in the sunshine.
The issue with a solar battery charger could be that the sun moves always, and my practical experience continues to be that you must move the solar charger every couple of minutes to let it in the sunshine.
Actually most solar chargers for mobiles could be great for individuals who spend lots of time out-of-doors, and should not readily utilize a car or wall charger for his or her devices. Backpackers, fishermen, etc, may possibly like this.
Otherwise, you are probably more satisfied using something different. The most effective solar cellular phone chargers available on the market take a long time to charge – a 1 hour charge will give you just enough to make a 5-10 minutes telephone call. It requires something similar to 8-10 hours to obtain a full charge.
Another big disadvantage of these chargers is the unit could only be charged approximately 500 times. This may equate to about 12 months in the event you used it everyday. You will never go green with this particular thing, since you’d ought to change it out every 12-18 months.
With more individuals getting mobiles and ipads etc…., the drain on electrical power grids is increasing. So, incorporating the capacity for the cellular phone to independently re-charge from the light signifies they might help pull their own weight, and you also wouldn’t must take with you another battery charger or move it around.
Another interesting truth is the opportunity to employ this system to charge the mobile phone while using indoor light… it is a real advantage. The device will be continuously charging as light falls on display screen, meaning it might be topping off it’s power as the mobile phone just sits inactive.
This evolution is a bit more encouraging than previous initiatives to generate solar battery chargers for mobile phones, including Samsung’s Blue Earth mobile phone [2], which included a solar charger on its back. A few months ago Apple was awarded a patent [3] for a method to charge small units using solar powered energy, an indication how the company considers solar powered energy worth exploring.
The solar efficiency from Wysips’ charger is now only 9 %, when compared to most effective solar panels used elsewhere. But that is a lot better than the 0 % mobile phones offer now. The additional electricity gained from the solar charger including Wysips’ could allow smartphone designers to formulate slimmer batteries for their devices, or empower faster, stronger devices with satisfactory battery lives.
Footnotes:
[1] <a href=”http://www.wysips.com/en-savoir-plusgb.php”>Wysips Official Website</a> explains in more detail how the new solar charger works
[2] <a href=”http://www.samsung.com/us/aboutsamsung/news/newsIrRead.do?news_ctgry=irnewsrelease&news_seq=14986″>Official Samsung web page</a> where it’s printed the info about the Blue Earth Phone
[3] <a href=”http://techcrunch.com/2011/01/13/apple-obtains-patent-for-solar-powered-devices/”>Techcrunch</a> writes on the Apple’s patent on photovoltaic powered devices.
The author: Sofia Sheppard writes for the <a href=”http://solarcharger.org.uk”>solar battery chargers</a> blog, her non profits hobby weblog she uses to discuss the latest technology information about solar chargers for small gadgets.
8. Mark Friedman’s research paper on Prout
02/16/2011
Click to access MFMyROSEarticle.pdf
9. Ravi Batra’s story published on considerations
02/16/2011
http://www.samueljscott.com/2011/02/07/productivity-wages-middle-class/
http://online.southcentral.edu/students/instructors/friedmanm.html
10. Global Prout Convention
10/20/2011
GLOBAL PROUT CONVENTION
You are cordially invited to attend the Global Prout Convention going to be held in New Delhi (India) from 20th to 22nd November, 2009.
Theme: Global Economic Crisis and Prout.
Contact: Proutist Universal, JC-48, Khirki Extension, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi- 110017.
Tel: 0091-11-29543260; Mob: 0091-9211857618.
Brotherly yours,
SGPU
Venue: MCD Community Centre, Behind Malviya Nagar Market, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi.
11. Students Aren’t Customers; Education Is Not a Commodity
06/08/2009
<strong><em>Students Aren’t Customers; Education Is Not a Commodity</em></strong>
By William Astore, Tomdispatch.com. Posted June 1, 2009.
By only viewing education as a way to a higher-paying job we’re giving a free pass to the prevailing machinery of power.
Hardly a week goes by without dire headlines about the failure of the American education system. Our students don’t perform well in math and science. The high-school dropout rate is too high. Minority students are falling behind. Teachers are depicted as either overpaid drones protected by tenure or underpaid saints at the mercy of deskbound administrators and pushy parents.
Unfortunately, all such headlines collectively fail to address a fundamental question: What is education for? At so many of today’s so-called institutions of higher learning, students are offered a straightforward answer: For a better job, higher salary, more marketable skills, and more impressive credentials. All the more so in today’s collapsing job market.
Based on a decidedly non-bohemian life — 20 years’ service in the military and 10 years teaching at the college level — I’m convinced that American education, even in the worst of times, even recognizing the desperate need of most college students to land jobs, is far too utilitarian, vocational, and narrow. It’s simply not enough to prepare students for a job: We need to prepare them for life, while challenging them to think beyond the confines of their often parochial and provincial upbringings. (As a child of the working class from a provincial background, I speak from experience.)
And here’s one compelling lesson all of us, students and teachers alike, need to relearn constantly: If you view education in purely instrumental terms as a way to a higher-paying job — if it’s merely a mechanism for mass customization within a marketplace of ephemeral consumer goods — you’ve effectively given a free pass to the prevailing machinery of power and those who run it.
<em>Three Myths of Higher Ed</em>
Three myths serve to restrict our education to the narrowly utilitarian and practical. The first, particularly pervasive among conservative-minded critics, is that our system of higher education is way too liberal, as well as thoroughly dominated by anti-free-market radicals and refugee Marxists from the 1960s who, like so many Ward Churchills, are indoctrinating our youth in how to hate America.
Nonsense.
Today’s college students are being indoctrinated in the idea that they need to earn “degrees that work” (the official motto of the technically-oriented college where I teach). They’re being taught to measure their self-worth by their post-college paycheck. They’re being urged to be lifelong learners, not because learning is transformative or even enjoyable, but because to “keep current” is to “stay competitive in the global marketplace.” (Never mind that keeping current is hardly a guarantee that your job won’t be outsourced to the lowest bidder.)
And here’s a second, more pervasive myth from the world of technology: technical skills are the key to success as well as life itself, and those who find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide are doomed to lives of misery. From this it necessarily follows that computers are a panacea, that putting the right technology into the classroom and into the hands of students and faculty solves all problems. The keys to success, in other words, are interactive SMART boards, not smart teachers interacting with curious students. Instead, canned lessons are offered with PowerPoint efficiency, and students respond robotically, trying to copy everything on the slides, or clamoring for all presentations to be posted on the local server.
One “bonus” from this approach is that colleges can more easily measure (or “assess,” as they like to say) how many networked classrooms they have, how many on-line classes they teach, even how much money their professors bring in for their institutions. With these and similar metrics in hand, parents and students can be recruited or retained with authoritative-looking data: job placement rates, average starting salaries of graduates, even alumni satisfaction rates (usually best measured when the football team is winning).
A third pervasive myth — one that’s found its way from the military and business worlds into higher education — is: If it’s not quantifiable, it’s not important. With this mindset, the old-fashioned idea that education is about molding character, forming a moral and ethical identity, or even becoming a more self-aware person, heads down the drain. After all, how could you quantify such elusive traits as assessable goals, or showcase such non-measurements in the glossy marketing brochures, glowing press releases, and gushing DVDs that compete to entice prospective students and their anxiety-ridden parents to hand over ever larger sums of money to ensure a lucrative future?
<em>Three Realities of Higher Ed</em>
What do torture, a major recession, and two debilitating wars have to do with our educational system? My guess: plenty. These are the three most immediate realities of a system that fails to challenge, or even critique, authority in any meaningful way. They are bills that are now long overdue thanks, in part, to that system’s technocratic bias and pedagogical shortfalls — thanks, that is, to what we are taught to see and not see, regard and disregard, value and dismiss.
Over the last two decades, higher education, like the housing market, enjoyed its own growth bubble, characterized by rising enrollments, fancier high-tech facilities, and ballooning endowments. Americans invested heavily in these derivative products as part of an educational surge that may prove at least as expensive and one-dimensional as our military surges in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As usual, the humanities were allowed to wither. Don’t know much about history? Go ahead and authorize waterboarding, even though the U.S. prosecuted it as a war crime after World War II. Don’t know much about geography? Go ahead and send our troops into mountainous Afghanistan, that “graveyard of empires,” and allow them to be swallowed up by the terrain as they fight a seemingly endless war.
Perhaps I’m biased because I teach history, but here’s a fact to consider: Unless a cadet at the Air Force Academy (where I once taught) decides to major in the subject, he or she is never required to take a U.S. history course. Cadets are, however, required to take a mind-boggling array of required courses in various engineering and scientific disciplines as well as calculus. Or civilians, chew on this: At the Pennsylvania College of Technology, where I currently teach, of the roughly 6,600 students currently enrolled, only 30 took a course this semester on U.S. history since the Civil War, and only three were programmatically required to do so.
We don’t have to worry about our college graduates forgetting the lessons of history — not when they never learned them to begin with.
<em>Donning New Sunglasses</em>
One attitude pervading higher education today is: students are customers who need to be kept happy by service-oriented professors and administrators. That’s a big reason why, at my college at least, the hottest topics debated by the Student Council are not government wars, torture, or bail-outs but a lack of parking and the quality of cafeteria food.
It’s a large claim to make, but as long as we continue to treat students as customers and education as a commodity, our hopes for truly substantive changes in our country’s direction are likely to be dashed. As long as education is driven by technocratic imperatives and the tyranny of the practical, our students will fail to acknowledge that precious goal of Socrates: To know thyself — and so your own limits and those of your country as well.
To know how to get by or get ahead is one thing, but to know yourself is to struggle to recognize your own limitations as well as illusions. Such knowledge is disorienting, even dangerous — kind of like those sunglasses donned by Roddy Piper in the slyly subversive “B” movie They Live (1988). In Piper’s case, they revealed a black-and-white nightmare, a world in which a rapacious alien elite pulls the levers of power while sheep-like humans graze passively, shackled by slogans to conform, consume, watch, marry, and reproduce.
Like those sunglasses, education should help us to see ourselves and our world in fresh, even disturbing, ways. If we were properly educated as a nation, the only torturing going on might be in our own hearts and minds — a struggle against accepting the world as it’s being packaged and sold to us by the pragmatists, the technocrats, and those who think education is nothing but a potential passport to material success.
William J. Astore, a retired lieutenant colonel (USAF), now teaches at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. His books and articles focus primarily on military history and include Hindenburg: Icon of German Militarism (Potomac Press, 2005). He may be reached at wastore@pct.edu.
See more stories tagged with: education and check the comments or write your own at the original link:
http://www.alternet.org/story/140318/students_aren%27t_customers%3B_education_is_not_a_commodity/?page=entire
12. Complete PROUT Study Guide
03/11/2009
A link to Complete PROUT Study Guide.
It is a very good resource for people who want to study Prout’s deep and proufound theory and philosophy.
http://www.prout.org/TableofContents.html
13. PROUT Seminar in Haiti, February of 2009
03/07/2009
Namaskar dear Proutists!
We wish to share with you many good news from a 3-day PROUT Seminar in Haiti. It was an incredible utilization of everyone’s carnival time!
From February 23 to 25th, 27 participants fully attended the seminar and introductory training on PROUT, whereas 10 more people came to the last day for a public presentation on PROUT and a debate on “Which is the best socio-economic system — capitalism, communism, PROUT or what?”
PROUTist Spirituality
The seminar was intensive since early morning including individual and collective time for spiritual practices throughout the day. The spiritual base of PROUT was very much emphasized. 4 brothers got spiritual initiation and 3 had their meditation lessons reviewed and upgraded. A full-day seminar on Biopsychology and Yogic Practices has also taken place after the PROUT seminar to train Yoga instructors and pracarakas.
1st day, Introduction to PROUT Fundaments and Public Speaking
In the first morning we had 2 classes on PROUT: Introduction to PROUT and Neo-Humanism and The 5 Fundamental Principles of PROUT. Following these we had a workshop on the theme of Sentiments and Unity, with games and group interactions to realize the binding and liberating qualities of sentiments such as geo-, socio-, human, anti-exploitation, universal and devotional. The participants were then divided into 3 groups and prepared for a TV interview to introduce PROUT. We shared techniques on public speaking to improve our presentation of PROUT through broadcasting media.
2nd day, The Comprehensive view of PROUT
On the second day we touched upon the vision of PROUT for different sectors of society, such as Education, Culture, Economy, Politics, Arts, Sciences and Media. The presentation on the Proutist view of those themes catalyzed an interesting discussion on local cultural identity, samaj, social pranah dharma, true cooperativism, etc. The participants expressed their immense thirst to develop practical PROUT solutions and to present those views to the public and thus realize many Proutist projects in Haiti. We then distributed a questionary to all participants to assess the main problems of Haiti in their view and the priorities for the propagation and application of PROUT. We then discussed which are the main qualities and obstacles in the creation of an ideal and full-fledged leader, the sadvipra. The last activity of the day was to define the activities we need to work on, take individual responsibilities, describe tasks, select the committee members for each working section and finalize the action plan to develop those programs systematically starting from now.
Ground Work, Action Plan and Haitian PROUT Convention on September, 2009
We outlined 30 programs together (see attached file) as our initial agenda for the coming months, culminating with a PROUT Convention in Haiti on 18th to 20th of September. We will not only commemorate the 50 years of PROUT amongst us but also invite Proutists from the whole world to come to Haiti, visit various progressive social initiatives and meet together to inspire each other, develop strategies and reinforce projects which demonstrate the practicality of PROUT.
3rd day, Dramatic Test, Collective Research and Dancing
In the last day of the seminar we had an exciting theatrical debate between three groups with three speakers each: the “status quo”, “the Proutists” and “the people”. Through a role-playing experiment we engaged everyone in a discussion to find out the weaknesses and strengths of all socio-economic systems available. The people had the role to judge which system is the best and the audience would put questions and comments through their representatives. We had the participants exchange seats and roles amongst them to experience the different psychologies personified in each group. Public visitors previously invited came to hear about PROUT for the first time and joined the debate. The general conclusion of the people was that PROUT was definitely the best system to be encouraged, but yet with one weakness: “Where is it established? We can’t see where are the practical models!” In the next phase we went though a brainstorming session on the main social problems of Haiti and the solutions we can work on through a PROUTistic platform. It helped us trace the initial scratch for us to develop and present a comprehensive PROUTistic program for Haiti. When we were closing the seminar with kiirtana and meditation, a few participants spontaneously stood up to dance and sing and all followed to create a strong positive vibration which permeated the whole atmosphere.
The blissful social art of Nandaniika
Lastly but not least, the seminar evenings were decorated by the Nandaniika cultural performances. Nandaniika is the cultural and artistic branch within PROUTist Universal which touches the hearts of all through themes such as anti-exploitation, social consciousness and universal ideology. We had yogic asanas choreography, political jokes, music composed on the spot and freestyle collective performances based on the themes discussed throughout the seminar.
Utilization and Coordinated Cooperation
I must emphasize that this seminar would not be possible if there was not such an urge amongst the Proutists in Haiti to participate. It was all organized in less than a week with a total budget of less than US$ 100! With a few resources and everyone’s cooperation and coordination we could receive almost 30 people for 3 days, including guests and children from the streets who found their way in during our meal time. Some participants brought vegetables, fruits and other local products from their own gardens as an exchange for their inscriptions and we had delicious vegetarian meals a la Haitian cuisine.
14. National Conference on Spirituality and The New Economy by Dr. Ravi Batra of SMU
03/02/2009
This conference is on April 4-5, 2009 at Richardson, TX.
Topics Covered:
• Is Capitalism dead? What’s next?
• How to get out of present financial crisis
• How to create ethical leadership
• Spiritual upliftment and peace of mind
through yoga asanas and meditation
• How to build an economy that supports
human values
• Live experiences of American speakers included
with Cultural program.
Program:
9:00am – 3:00 pm, April 4-5, 2009
Sentient vegetarian meal included with registration
Call (214) 315-0869 or email csny@prout.org for
pre-registration information or register on-site.
Location: Funasia, 1210 E. Beltline Rd., Richardson, TX
Sponsored by: Proutist Universal
Richardson ,TX; Washington, DC; Copenhagen, Denmark
www.prout.org
Exclusive media partner Fun Asia Radio
15. Sadvipras
02/27/2009
Sadvipras are those whose all efforts are directed towards the attainment of Bliss. They are strong in morality and always ready to wage war against immoral activities. Those who strictly adhere to the principles of morality, are ensconced in sacrificing service (Tapah) and are ready to wage war against immoralists are sadviprs. Only those sadvipras are safe from destruction and extinction who can work for the welfare of the human society. Therefore, it becomes the prime duty of everyone to make themselves and others sadvipras (“The Future of Civilization” Cosmic Socitey, 1967)
16. Yoga club students organized vegetarian dinner
02/27/2009
http://www.rajadhirajayoga.net/node/199
Yoga club students organized vegetarian dinner at Brookhaven college, Dallas, TX on Feb. 25, 2009.
17. Vegetarian dinner at Brookhaven college, Dallas, TX
02/19/2009
BHC Thu 2/19/09 23:10
On behalf of the Brookhaven Yoga Club, I’d like to invite you to the Club’s Spring Vegetarian Dinner Party.
Day: Wednesday, February 25, 2009.
Time: 4:00 to 5:00 pm (Please be on time – the room must be vacated at around 5:00 pm for a regular class)
Location: S220 Dining room (inside the Brookhaven cafeteria)
Type of food: Vegetarian food (Asian Indian, Chinese etc.)
All the food will be vegetarian with no onions/garlic/mushroom/caffeine but some may contain dairy products, nuts or gluten. We try not to make it hot and spicy to satisfy everyone’s taste. It’s not professionally prepared but hope you would like it anyway.
Most important of all, we’d love to see you there regardless of whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
This is not an open invitation but if you receive this email, it means you are invited. And if you’d like to bring someone else with you, please let us know ahead of time so we don’t have unexpected surprises.
Thank you and we look forward to your attendance.
Sincerely,
Glen Sovian
Brookhaven Yoga Club
18. University of People- Free education for All
02/23/2009
University of the People www.uopeople.com
Our vision
The University of the People promises to open the gates of higher education to anyone in the world interested in attending college. We believe that education at a very minimal cost is a basic right for all suitable applicants, not just for a privileged few.
The University of the People is based on the premise that education is crucial to the advancement of individuals and of society at large. There are millions of people around the world, especially in developing countries, who are excluded from higher education for various reasons: some live far away from academic institutions, others cannot afford the admission fee and tuition for the local university.
19. UN earth summit video
02/19/2009
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20. Money as debt video
02/17/2009
http://vodpod.com/watch/41284-money-as-debt
21. Dr. Ravi Batra’s view on economic crisis
02/10/2009
http://ravibatra.com/globalfinancialcrisis.htm
22. Good News from Haiti
02/27/2009
ABOUT PU and UPSF:
1. After Dharmacakra in 01/02 we established a P.U. provisory committee with 3 margiis: (i) secretary of Nandaniika; (ii) secretary for Students Federation; (iii) secretary for PU Legal Status in Haiti. This team will start to meet from tomorrow to establish regular and specific weekly meetings to get training and train the margiis in PROUT and prepare programs for the public, at universities and to prepare for the legal registration of PU in Haiti. Some legal advisors will be coming as well from USA as volunteers and they can guide us with the legal matters; 2. In the first week of January there was a PROUT introductory class with 10 margiis organized by our currently designated UPSF secretary. He has been running a weekly PROUT study group with the general public in different schools and institutions in the capital of Haiti and other cities as well. He said he is ready to upgrade the groups to more advanced training and invited me to guide and train them.
ABOUT AMURT (as it relates to PROUT):
1. The SALT Cooperative project is progressing at the NW of the country and more technical advisors have joined the team to establish a strong foundation for the beginning of the salt harvest and consequent marketing, administration, cooperative training, etc. 2. Brother Mahesh and sister Dharmapriya have given the first training on Microfinance and Business Entrepreneurship to 35 members of the committee of AEPA (Association of Popular Educators of Anse Rouge), the local district-wise association which we trained and helped to found and which now co-manages some of our projects in the villages of the NW of the province of Artibonite. They will be given this training monthly so that this certified group can give the same training to the network of about 1,000 local leaders which they have organized in groups of youth, women and adults throughout 45 villages. More news will be coming soon. This week will be busy with meetings and preparations for this PROUT year. Tomorrow we will discuss about the Master Unit, the Conference in September and other important issues. I will be staying at the school in Port-au-Prince for probably a month until I return to the NW of the country and follow up on the initiates there. At the same time, there are more people asking for initiation here and we will start the pracar in universities and at radios and TV’s.
In Him,
Ac. Pranesha Brc.
20. Casino Capitalism and fall of American Economy by Susmit Kumar
01/29/2009
http://www.iipmthinktank.com/publications/India-economy-Review.html
Click to access Susmit%20Kumar%20published%20article.pdf
21. Sadvipra Leadership Project
01/22/2009
Young Sadvipra Project
Introduction
We are living in a society in rapid transformation. Young adults and children live this changing world differently from adults. The busy family may not be able to provide all the emotional support they need. Naturally they take refuge in their own world that is separate from the world of the adults. The experience of the adults is not passed along the young generation with a considerable loss. The aim of the Young Sadvipra project is to create an environment where children and adults share more time and space together.
The mission of a Sadvipra
Change and transformation are powerful forces. We can meet then with fear or with hope. We can embrace change or we can resist it. Sadvipra learn how to use change for creating welfare. They are determined to promote change as a way of joyful expression. They mobilize energy and use for something good and noble.
Young Sadvipras are just young in age but not in endeavor, they live fully their heroic time. They learn leadership by example. They are bound to succeed in any circumstances.
The methodology for creating Sadvipras
Establishing a common goal is the first step for creating the condition of unity and the inter-generational communication that is associated with the common good. We want a goal that allows the maximum utilization of all resources that the group has individually and collectively. We also want to guarantee that the chosen goal allows maximizing happiness for all. The methodology for creating Sadvipras starts from a collective agreement on a common goal and the determination to achieve it during the camp time.
The environment that we choose is a rural setting where animals and plants are available to be approached loved and cared. This type of environment allows having the physical and mental space necessary for creating new patterns of communication and more satisfying living experiences. For some kids just patting a horse can be a very rewarding and liberating experience. It is a start for a deeper journey of awareness and fulfillment.
The myth is another instrument that is used to bond the group. Here we use the Sadvipra concept of society leadership. A Sadvipra is endowed with all the qualities of different personalities: the warrior with its courage, the advisor or the wizard with its intellectual acuity, the merchant with its practical knowledge about money and transaction and finally the servant who works without consideration for pain or pleasure. The Sadvipra is actually a need for a society in need of leadership by example. Forming Sadvipra is a way to unite society and solve all its problems.
Once we have defined who is a Sadvipra we are faced with the task to create it with a well-planned series of activities. The age group we wish to work with is very relevant for the definition of the activities. There are two age groups that we wish to consider – pre-adolescent (age 10 to 13) and adolescent (age 14 to 17). We start with the pre-adolescent group as an early stage of development characterized by the search for models and heroes.
We define a set of qualities that we wish to develop through specific activities:
1. Initiative
2. Problem solving
3. Character
4. Creativity
5. Intuition
6. Introspection
7. Adaptability
8. Discipline
9. Team solidarity
10. Service mentality
11. Optimism
12. Loving and caring nature
13. Balance
Each of this quality can be identified better thinking to its opposite or main obstacle that restraint its natural expression. What prevent a child from taking initiative for example? What is the mental block that freezes a child at the time of action? Considering shyness the main obstacle we now have a further guideline for finding those activities and also physical exercises, which allow removing shyness and letting initiative spring forward. This process of analysis can be extended to the other qualities and provide a good material for a deeper interaction in the age group.
1. Shyness
2. Complaining
3. Giving up
4. Boredom
5. Mechanical behavior
6. Attention deficit
7. Rigidity
8. Anarchy
9. Individualism
10. Egoism
11. Depression
12. Destructive behavior
13. Complexes
Each activity is designed to cover one or more of these positive qualities.
1. Meditation – we start with the innovative activity for children of this age group. Meditation is an inner method of concentration that discipline the mind and allows the development of inner qualities like creativity, intuition, calm, deep thinking, love for nature and respect for others. It is our experience that children can meditate although they tend to sit only for relatively short time. Never less the positive effects reveals themselves almost immediately creating a sense of confidence that pervades all other activities. There is not a single quality that remains unaffected. The entire child personality improves in all aspects.
2. Yoga – yoga exercises for children are a fun activity that increases the flexibility of their body influencing their mental adaptability to different circumstances. The natural disposition of children to movement is tamed and disciplined by the slow posture of yoga where attention is brought to breathing and self-control. In yoga for children we don’t look for the perfection of the forms. More important for them is to create a space for awareness and conscious behavior through a controlled use of the sensory and motor organs.
3. Horse riding – the physical contact with these quiet giants is equivalent to the discovery of a new world or a new dimension in relationships. For children this experience is extremely beneficial. In general horse riding has therapeutic properties on disturbed children or adults.
4. Shelter construction – this outdoor activity is very engaging for children. Psychologically it allow to express an unconscious urge for building a living space in agreement with the size and the need of the children. The natural creativity of the children is expressed in artful and original ways. A sense of security and safety is also part of the learning acquisition related to this useful activity.
5. Obstacle course – “Life is an obstacle course designed for our development” This is a analogy that we use for creating a positive social outlook. Obstacles and problems are seen as those helping forces that allow us to focus and be established in the target. The physical obstacle course allows transferring this internal perspective into the external challenge. Working in teams and using cooperative problem solving children gain confidence and optimism.
6. Self-defense – It is a forming activity besides being a useful skill in everyday life. We emphasize the collective force that helps children to overcome shyness and fear. Children are invited to shout during the martial arts drills liberating from complexes and mobilizing their vital energy. A sense of discipline and respect is naturally aroused.
7. Food preparation – It is part of the spirit of Sadvipra to be self-sufficient. There are several lessons that we learn in the kitchen during collective food preparation: More appreciation for the parents who normally cook our meals. Not to waste the food that we cook. The capacity to preserve food for emergency. Sharing duties and participating to collective life.
8. Seeding and planting – any gardening activity is very beneficial for our mind and body. If you live in the countryside it is a normal aspect of everyday life. The chain of life starts with seeding and once plants become big they create so many beneficial conditions for our life on this planet. Seeding and planting is the most natural way to teach ecology in a practical way.
9. Team challenges – normally it is designed as a daylong outdoor activity. Children walk in the wild and have to solve different challenges along a course that is drawn on a map. This is an activity where qualities like initiative and problem solving become a vital skill for the success of the team. For children it is an unforgettable memory of a big time event.
10. Night owls – these are night activities and they range from flashlight tag to the great escape. In darkness everybody is equal without distinction. The night becomes a mythical world where complexes are removed and light can shine from within.
11. Making masks – the hero game comes in full play when children make their own masks and personify the hero of their choice. Through a mask they become superhuman, able to solve the problems of the world. They get a chance to be actors and speak what in normal circumstance they would not dare to tell. It is a useful activity for enhancing intergenerational communication.
12. Scavenger hunt – it is always a fun and engaging activity. Children are brought in contact with different social environments in a rural area. The farm, the pottery factory, the quarry, the firehouse and the forest. In the course of the activity children come to appreciate rural life and interact with those adults who are used to it. By doing service to them in the course of the activity they complete they team tasks and learn something entirely new for most of them.
13. The mandala – it is an art project that allows the children to express creativity and recognize beauty. Children draw and paint on the same canvas helping each other under the direction of an art expert. The result is always outstanding proving that the collective is always more capable of any individual alone. It is a nice introduction to higher lessons of love and care for the entire creation.
14. Heart Circle – sitting around in a circle children explore sentiments related to their experiences. It is an activity that leads to a sense of love and care for themselves, for the family, for animals, for plants and for the creation in general. Songs, chanting, music, dramatization and sheer expression of joy and happiness becomes the heart of any learning experience.
15. Physical exercises – Performed in the morning they increase attention and alertness through the day activities. Children are encouraged to use their time since early morning by following the natural cycle of day and night. It helps restoring balance particularly for children over exposed to computer and television.
16. Character enhancing videos – we wish our children to access good videos able to nurture their desire for exploration, learning and acquisition of positive models. Children are encouraged to make conscious choices and select those videos that have value for them. Such a positive approach is an antidote to the usual images of violence and allusive sex so pervading on the commercial media.
17. Circuit learning – It is an innovative activity designed to create an intense learning experience. Both physical and mental activities are distributed on an area in stations. The children will transit from one station to the other after completing a specified activity in a given time. Circuit learning allows enhancing the learning experience through speed, repetition and alternation.
In several of our activities we aim expanding the frontiers of children education. The ideal environment is a rural setting with ample outdoor space and safe indoor accommodation. We prefer the camp modality with overnight residence because it allows creating a full engagement and lasting experience. We have listed a number of activities that can be adapted to different age groups or specific groups. We believe in experiential learning associated with sound moral principles and spiritual values.
Quest Center
The Quest Center is a project that offers a space for growth and quests to inner fulfillment, harmony and love. We offer programs as well as we rent the facility for other groups.
In our quest for inner peace and fulfillment we cultivate various disciplines that help to develop our innermost potentials and human values such as Tai-Chi, Kung-Fu, Yoga and Meditation.
By serving individuals and groups to “quest” for these inner goals through these practices, collective games, workshops and outdoor activities, we learn and grow together.
The outdoor space is a north face of an ancient mountain with old maple trees and a meadow with a sizeable vegetable garden. It has proven to be ideal for the typical camp games such as hide-and-seek, capture-the-flag and others.
Students and children have the perfect place where to express their youthful energy in a safe environment. The Student Yoga Retreat has been running with full attendance gathering Yoga beginners and enthusiasts from the University of Binghamton, Albany, U-Mass, Washington DC and New York City.
The Quest Center organizes its own programs and also rents the place to groups. An adjacent property of 120 acres of dense woods is available for use in recreational activities.
The location is in Northern Pennsylvania – Susquehanna County near Hop Bottom between Scranton,PA and Binghamton,NY off Hwy 81 close to the panoramic Route 11.
Call 570-289-4021 for booking a program or come for a visit.
Quest Center
RR 1 Box 1366
Hop Bottom,PA 18824
Tel (570) 289-4021
Email: questcenter@epix.net
www.questcenterpa.com
21.
The people needs more!
As you can see in the file attached, one of our current programs is to organize many more seminars like this throughout Haiti. As the team of Proutists in Haiti builds cohesion, we wish to connect with Proutists in the whole world to create a synergic movement to fill up the ideological vacuum permeating society today. Your support in all different forms for these seminars to take place despite and because of the economic crisis will be greatly appreciated. As you can see, cooperatively managing a few bucks we can create many smiling faces, hopeful hearts and benevolent minds to unveil the leadership which we need so urgently.
You will be able to follow up on the ongoing developments of PROUT in Haiti through the new blog: www.proutayiti.wordpress.com.
We would like to thank our venue hosts in Haiti for their support and wish all a blissful PROUT Jubilee.
22. Yoga Classes news in UTD Newspaper
01/13/2009
http://media.www.utdmercury.com/media/storage/paper691/news/2009/01/12/LifeArts/Yoga-Fans.Claim.Classes.Could.Calm.Comets-3583198.shtml
23. Sustainable Living by Animals
12/11/2008
Here’s a link of sustainable living films by animals, lots of Fun, Enjoy!!
http://www.animalssavetheplanet.com/media/swf/design_video.swf?vidNumber=1
24. Productivity and Earning by Mayatiita
11/30/2008
I am attaching a graph I’ve prepared for my classes. It shows productivity
growth (output per hour), average earnings, and total compensation for the
U.S. The difference between average earnings and total compensation is that
total compensation includes benefits, notably health insurance. The diagram
gives evidence that in recent years an important drag on earnings in the U.S.
has been the high cost of providing medical benefits.
Economic theory tells us that productivity and earnings will grow together.
Businesses will maximize profits by hiring labor to the point where their
productivity matches the additional revenue the worker brings to the firm. If
the worker becomes more productive (producing more per hour), either because
of improved technology or an improved skill set, the worker can command a
higher salary. In any case, it will not be possible to pay the worker more
than the revenue he/she will cause to be brought to the firm. But this will
include total compensation, wages and benefits.
The graph shows that for decades productivity growth has been positive in the
U.S. Only during the 1970s did productivity growth slow for an extended period
of time, and even declined (when the yellow line dipped below zero). Until the
1970s, and previously for most of our history, there was a very close
correlation between productivity growth and earnings. Then in the 1970s the
two started to disconnect. Average earnings growth dropped steeply in real
terms (corrected for inflation) due to high inflation and the economy’s
maladjustment to the new specter of globalization. The decline in real
earnings continued through the 1980s. Only in the late 1990s did workers see
real earnings increases due to the widespread productivity gains from the
information technology boom. We see since the turn of the century (about when
Bush took over) there has been a renewed disconnect between productivity
growth and real earnings growth.
Now notice the red line, total compensation. Total compensation has maintained
a much closer association with productivity growth, as economic theory would
predict. The wide gap between total compensation and real earnings growth,
particularly in recent years (notice the big spike about 1998), most likely is
caused by increasing health insurance costs, which has traditionally been part
of compensation packages for full-time workers in the U.S. The failure of the
U.S. political system to come to terms with rising health care costs, and the
lack of medical security in general, has cost U.S. workers dearly. If Obama
does finally take on this problem, he will do much to raise earnings for U.S.
workers. Proutists can be vocal on this, as this is an issue that fits well
into our ideology — guaranteeing basic necessities.
The other problem of globalization, which causes U.S. workers to compete with
workers who cannot form unions and who live where dysfunctional economies
create excessive unemployment. Those problems also create excessive
immigration. It remains to be seen to what extent Obama will take these on,
even though he promised he would during the campaign. Prout can provide
answers to this also with our promotion of localized economies, although we
have much work to do to demonstrate theoretically and practically that people
will see benefits from it in their living standards.
Re: cooperatives, Jaroslav Vanek has proven (the argument is quite technical)
that there must be a close correlation between productivity gains and incomes
in labor managed economies, more so than in a capitalist economy. That in
itself is likely not enough in itself to sell cooperatives in popular media.
I think the big advantage in Obama’s victory is a new climate for political –
social thought. I believe he is honest, capable, and well-intentioned.
However, we cannot expect him to endorse the kind of sweeping reforms Prout
calls for. Since the Reagan-Thatcher era the range of political discourse has
been extremely narrow. Progressives have self-censored, being on the defensive
and afraid of having their ideas immediately dismissed. I think that will
change now, and what we will see will be much better than the flourishing of
new thought in the 60s and 70s. That era was polluted with useless
intergenerational warfare which we do not see now. Survivors of the 60s are
joining with young people. And now capitalists are on the defensive and are
begging the people to bail them out from the consequences of their greed (that
they have also imposed on the rest of us).
Re: predictions of a depression rather than a deep recession. Let’s not go
through that again. I for one appreciate Ravi’s restraint on that point. There
simply is no reason to think that we will go through something like the Great
Depression imminently. Most observers believe that that calamity was spurred
on by downright perverse economic monetary and fiscal policies. Since then
macroeconomic policy has become considerably more sophisticated, and there is
not much doubt the government can keep the the economy churning if it has the
will. When push comes to shove capitalists will reluctantly support efforts
for government intervention, and even regulation, to save them from
themselves. Like Roosevelt, Obama will implement reforms not to overthrow
capitalism, but to save it. But the suffering of ordinary people will be
reduced.
Proutists must use this opportunity as peoples’ minds are opening to inject
ideas of universalism, basic necessities as human rights, and economic
democracy into public discourse. As the economy gradually improves and people
are mentally more relaxed, in a more open intellectual environment they will
be more willing to consider these ideas and make demands based on them.
Mayatiita
25. Dr. Ravi Batra’s talk on Air America radio
11/10/2008
Dr. Ravi Batra would talk on Air America Radio with Thom Hartmann Friday, Nov. 14, 2008 12:00 pm.
26. Talk by Dr. Ravi Batra
10/26/2008
<table border=”1″>
<thead>
<tr>
<td><B>Location</B></td>
<td><B>Date</B></td>
<td><B>Time</B></td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tr>
<td>Richland College Performance Hall room F-102</td>
<td>Tuesday, 28th October 2008</td>
<td>9:30am-10:50am. Reception with questions and answers 11:am – 12:20 pm</td>
</tr>
</table>
26. Taiwan: One million vow to reduce carbon by being vegetarian
06/13/2008
More than one million people in Taiwan have pledged to help cut carbon emissions by being a vegetarian. Taiwan’s population is about 23 million, and the one million vegetarians would reduce at least 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions in Taiwan in one year.
The Union of NoMeatNoHeat made the announcement during its anti-global warming drive. Many prominent politicians, such as the legislative speaker, the environment minister, and Taipei and Kaohsiung Mayors all pledged to become vegetarians.
The Union said 20 percent of the world’s carbon emissions are created by the livestock industry, which is higher than the 15 to 18 percent produced by all the world’s transportation vehicles.
The Union said if a person eats only vegetables for a whole year, roughly 1.5 tons of carbon emissions can be cut.
27. Relief activities by Proutists
06/12/2008
http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=bc69862b97&view=att&th=11a160653e811155&disp=imgs
28. Earthquake Survival Tips
06/05/2008
EXTRACT FROM DOUG COPP’S ARTICLE ON THE: ‘TRIANGLE OF LIFE’
My name is Doug Copp. I am the Rescue Chief and Disaster Manager of the
American Rescue Team International (ARTI), the world’s most experienced
rescue team. The information in this article will save lives in an earthquake.
I have crawled inside 875 collapsed buildings, worked with rescue teams
from 60 countries, founded rescue teams in several countries, and I am a
member of many rescue teams from many countries.
I was the United Nations expert in Disaster Mitigation for two years. I
have worked at every major disaster in the world since 1985, except for
simultaneous disasters.
The first building I ever crawled inside of was a school in Mexico City
during the 1985 earthquake. Every child was under its desk. Every child
was crushed to the thickness of their bones. They could have survived by
lying down next to their desks in the aisles. It was obscene, unnecessary and
I wondered why the children were not in the aisles. I didn’t at the time
know that the children were told to hide under something.
Simply stated, when buildings collapse, the weight of the ceilings
falling upon the objects or furniture inside crushes these objects, leaving a
space or void next to them. This space is what I call the ‘triangle of life’.
The larger the object, the stronger, the less it will compact. The less the
object compacts, the larger the void, the greater the probability that
the person who is using this void for safety will not be injured. The next
time you watch collapsed buildings, on television, count the ‘triangles’ you
see formed. They are everywhere. It is the most common shape, you will see,
in a collapsed building.
TIPS FOR EARTHQUAKE SAFETY
1) Most everyone who simply ‘ducks and covers’ WHEN BUILDINGS COLLAPSE are crushed to death People who get under objects, like desks or cars, are crushed.
2) Cats, dogs and babies often naturally curl up in the fetal position.
You should too in an earthquake. It is a natural safety/survival instinct. You can survive in a smaller void. Get next to an object, next to a sofa, next to a large bulky object that will compress slightly but leave avoid next to it.
3) Wooden buildings are the safest type of construction to be in during
an earthquake. Wood is flexible and moves with the force of the earthquake.
If the wooden building does collapse, large survival voids are created.
Also, the wooden building has less concentrated, crushing weight. Brick
buildings will break into individual bricks. Bricks will cause many injuries but
less squashed bodies than concrete slabs.
4) If you are in bed during the night and an earthquake occurs, simply
roll off the bed. A safe void will exist around the bed. Hotels can achieve a
much greater survival rate in earthquakes, simply by posting a sign on The back of the door of every room telling occupants to lie down on the floor, next to the bottom of the bed during an earthquake.
5) If an earthquake happens and you cannot easily escape by getting out
the door or window, then lie down and curl up in the fetal position next to
a sofa, or large chair.
6) Most everyone who gets under a doorway when buildings collapse is
killed. How? If you stand under a doorway and the doorjamb falls forward or
backward you will be crushed by the ceiling above. If the door jam falls sideways you will be cut in half by the doorway. In either case, you will be killed!
7) Never go to the stairs. The stairs have a different ‘moment of
frequency’ (they swing separately from the main part of the building).
The stairs and remainder of the building continuously bump into each
other until structural failure of the stairs takes place. The people who get
on stairs before they fail are chopped up by the stair treads – horribly
mutilated. Even if the building doesn’t collapse, stay away from the
stairs. The stairs are a likely part of the building to be damaged. Even if the
stairs are not collapsed by the earthquake, they may collapse later when
overloaded by fleeing people. They should always be checked for safety,
even when the rest of the building is not damaged.
8) Get Near the Outer Walls Of Buildings Or Outside Of Them If Possible
– It is much better to be near the outside of the building rather than
the interior. The farther inside you are from the outside perimeter of the
building the greater the probability that your escape route will be
blocked.
9) People inside of their vehicles are crushed when the road above falls
in an earthquake and crushes their vehicles; which is exactly what happened
with the slabs between the decks of the Nimitz Freeway. The victims of
the San Francisco earthquake all stayed inside of their vehicles. They were
all killed. They could have easily survived by getting out and sitting or
lying next to their vehicles. Everyone killed would have survived if they had
been able to get out of their cars and sit or lie next to them. All the
crushed cars had voids 3 feet high next to them, except for the cars that had
columns fall directly across them.
10) I discovered, while crawling inside of collapsed newspaper offices
and other offices with a lot of paper, that paper does not compact.
Large voids are found surrounding stacks of paper.
In 1996 we made a film, which proved my survival methodology to be
correct The Turkish Federal Government, City of Istanbul , University of
Istanbul Case Productions and ARTI cooperated to film this practical, scientific
test. We collapsed a school and a home with 20 mannequins inside. Ten
mannequins did ‘duck and cover,’ and ten mannequins I used in my
‘triangle of life’ survival method. After the simulated earthquake collapse we
crawled through the rubble and entered the building to film and document the
results. The film, in which I practiced my survival techniques under
directly observable, scientific conditions , relevant to building collapse, showed there would have been zero percent survival for those doing duck
and cover.
There would likely have been 100 percent survivability for people using
my method of the ‘triangle of life.’ This film has been seen by millions
of viewers on television in Turkey and the rest of Europe , and it was seen
in the USA , Canada and Latin America on the TV program Real TV.
Dorenda Nygren
Office Manager
28. Ananda Purnima Dharma Maha Sammelan at Ananda Nagar
06/04/2008
Ananda Purnima Dharma Maha Sammelan at Ananda Nagar 2008
See video clip
29. PROUT Utilization Training Camp 2008 Summer
05/29/2008
PROUT UTC 2008
Utilization Training Camp
June 26, 27, 28 Ananda Kanan
3157 Cty Rd.6170, Willow Springs, MO 65793
TheTime to Spread PROUT is Now!
Three days of practical coordinated work, developing tools to promote PROUT!
• Conduct and share research on Proutist solutions on pressing issues of the day.
• Prepare materials and strategies for local PROUT organizing.
• In-depth study of PROUT ideology.
• PROUT on
o Global Food Crisis
o Growing Inequality
o Housing Crisis
o Clean energy, climate change
o More
Come with your own research to share, or topics of interest. This will be a focused time for collaboration, study, and movement development. We will begin by sharing our work, then assign individual areas of research. We will then return as a group to discuss our findings and use the results to prepare informational materials that can be used for local organizing.
Begin: 7 pm, June 26 (arrival day) Depart: Morning, June 29
Participants may stay for the Ananda Marga summer retreat. Registration is separate.
Cost: $130, $120 with preregistration by June 21.
50% requested with preregistration.
Students: $110, $100 with preregistration.
Per day: $50
Some need-based scholarships available, please contact the organizer.
Checks payable to Proutist Universal.
For information, contact Mayatiita (Mark Friedman), 507-625-5092
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Registration Form
Name__________________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
Phone_______________________________Email_______________________________
Mail to: Mark Friedman, 37 Capri Drive, Mankato, MN 56001, or email to mark.friedman@colostate.edu
30. Poem by a 10 year-old
05/23/2008
— By Cameron P. Hellerman
People are
Floating
Around.
In
Different
Bubbles
Around the world.
I want to
Pop
All the
Bubbles.
And
Blow
a GIGANTIC
Bubble,
So everyone
Can
Float Around
Together.
31. Things to Say by Nndinii
05/18/2008
Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and don’t say anything and the other half of people who have nothing to say and keep on saying it.
32. Problems by Nndinii
05/18/2008
If we all threw our problems into a pile and saw everyone elses, we’d grab ours back.
33. The Cookie Crumbles – Part Two by Nndinii
05/18/2008
The Cookie Crumbles – Part Two
The members own Co-ops. They share the profit of the co-op. The co-op is there to provide for the welfare of the customers or the member owners. In Venezuela, there is a strong cooperative and PROUT movement supported by President Chavez. A group of Proutists went to Venezuela to help with the cooperative movement. Steve Phillips observed, “Wherever we went we encountered a warm and enthusiastic reception. It is beautiful to see such a strong cooperative movement that is supported at all levels: government, community, and individuals” (press release 2). Mr. Forden said, “The whole world is watching Venezuela. More co-ops are starting here than anywhere in the world, 60,000 of all types since the year 2001. We are here to share the principles and strategies of PROUT’s economic model. With Proutists from Venezuela, other Latin American countries, Africa, Asia and the rest of the world, we hope to assist the Bolivarian revolution to eliminate poverty and achieve a high quality of life for everyone, particularly by strengthening cooperatives” (press release 2).
In PROUT it is important to have local sustainability. That means every region can survive on its own and every business in the region is locally owned. No region is relying on another. No business is owned by a far away region. If a region cannot make or grow certain things, it can trade with other regions. It is also possible to buy and sell, but if a region buys from another region, money will be taken out of that region and transferred to the other region. The region that bought will not be as strong anymore. Therefore, it is better to trade. A region that grows avocados, but cannot grow peaches could trade with a region that can grow peaches but not avocados. That way people could have a better selection of food and other materials. Before trading, however, each region should be locally sustainable.
If the main food supply is owned by someone far away and they decide to close it because it is not doing as well as it could in another place then people will be left without food. The owners don’t care. If a large business is employing half the town and the owner decides to close it, half the people in that town will be out of a job. The owners don’t care. Economies are doing really well for a while then not doing so well. When they start to go downhill, businesses move out and people lose their jobs. Businesses that are owned far away pull the money out of the economy. But if the economy is locally sustainable and the businesses are owned by the people in the town the money will stay in the economy to strengthen it and they will make sure the businesses that are employing a lot of people or supply essential goods stay open. The people in the town really care. In addition, they will not produce things that are harmful for them. They are not all for profit, like corporations, they are mainly for their own welfare.
In a time of crises, regions should be able to support themselves without depending on other regions for food or other materials. P.R. Sarkar stated, “The cooperative system is the best system of agricultural and industrial production. It will help a country to become self sufficient in food production and other commercial crops and free from shortages in the supply of food” (Dada 117).
Conversely, some people like capitalism because of the so called global assembly line. It allows companies to make the most profit possible, for example, companies in the US will have their things made in Asian or African countries where labor is cheaper. They pay their workers sub-minimum wage and because people in Asian countries are so desperate for work, the are willing to work in tough conditions for low wages more than people in the US are. In addition, the companies dodge the responsibility for treating its work force (Term-Paper.Us 1). People also like all the freedoms. Like the freedom to have ones own enterprise and make all the profit one wants.
The global assembly line is cruel to people all over the world that have to work in those horrible conditions with not enough food to eat and no education. The freedom to own one’s own enterprise is good only for the people who own enterprises and make a lot of profit from them. It also produces a lot of greed, people want more and more money, and they don’t care for the people who don’t have enough to survive (Mathews 1).
Thus in conclusion PROUT is the best form of government. It allows everyone to have equal rights and to have their basic needs met. It will do away with corporations and keep every economy strong. PROUT is a vision for all living beings. Viva las cooperativas!
“I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. Corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow. The money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working on the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed.”
Abraham Lincoln 1864
34. The Downfall of Communism
05/16/2008
The Downfall of Communism
By Dr. Aditya Kumar Mohanty
Communism, a social-economic-political system is based on the tenets of Marxism. Marxism is essentially a reactionary movement, which came as an antidote against the extreme exploitation of the tiling mass by the capitalist, in the post-industrial revolution era. It is based on certain fundamental postulates about Man and Society. Marx construed Matter, as the ultimate reality and economic factors, as the sole determinants of social change. According to him, social change follows the pattern of Dialectic. The inherent contradictions in the basic economic structure, manifest in form of class struggle giving rise to antithesis. It is followed by a state of synthesis (a higher social order) where the preceding contradictions are resolved. But this order again, precisely for the foregone reasons, give rise to its antithesis. The process of class contradictions continue until it reaches a point of absolute synthesis, marked by the complete withering away of class. Economy, being the sub-structure, any change in it, is bound to have its repercussions in the super-structures, i.e. political system, ethics, religion, etc. According the Marx, a class is constituted by individuals with homogenous economic interests. In economic sphere, Communism advocates State-ownership, whereof production and distribution is controlled by the state. The commune system becomes the dominant feature in the economic scenario. In politics, it subscribes to a totalitarian form of administration and envisions the dictatorship of the Proletariat which would, eventually, pave the way for a classless society. In social domain, it promotes the cause of collective interests.
The fall of Communism is a foregone fact and therefore the cause of its collapse is of historical interest. Marx sounded prophetic in saying that Capitalism will die a natural death because of its inherent contradictions. Through Marxism was supposed to salvage the suppressed and oppressed from the clutches of the exploiters, it came to nourish a new class of exploiters, that thrived on state power. The communistic regimes in different countries witnessed concentration of power in hands of few, at the helm of affairs; forcible suppression of the dissenting voice and action, reign of material values and norms, and degeneration of human- psyche.
History testifies that a movement which comes as a reaction, to obliterate a corrupt or decadent system bound to have its hey day. But it hardly outlive its utility because its vitality and momentum depends on the anomalies and limitations, it seeks to repudiate. Without being based on holistic vision of reality, it fails to adapt itself to changes in time, place and person. Communism could not be an exception to it. It is certainly myopic to construe Matter as the ultimate reality. The concept of matter is in question by the recent breakthroughs in Science and social experience. The materialistic promptings perhaps led its propounder to think of economic conditions to be the sole factors that initiate and regulate social change. It is too obvious to contend that, Man does not live by bread alone and Economic contradictions are no the only contradictions. Besides the homogeneous economic groups, there could be groups constituted on ethic, religious, linguistic feuds. Even, conceding that economic contradictions are reolved, it would not guarantee resolution of conflicts in all fronts. By riveting attention of the mass, only on the economic considerations, Marxism leaves no room for cultivation of higher values. It degenerates human mind. If Capitalism makes a man beggar, Communism degrades him to the state of beast, where one is conscious, only of one’s vegetative needs. Even if the Classless Society prevails, that would need a holistic value system for its existence and growth. But a holistic values system or social outlook can be built up, only on a holistic vision of reality. Human existence is trifarious, Physical, Psychic and Spiritual. All the Matter-centered philosophies turn the Psyche, outward. The extroversial flow of human psyche brings staticity and degeneration not only in the individual but also in collective living. In the commune system, where the individual is merely a cog in the wheel, there is hardly any incentive on the part of individual. Both in economic and political sphere, Marxism seeks to promote collective interest at the cost of the individual. This is again a fundamental anomaly that proved Communism to be suicidal. Collective interest cannont be ensured by ignoring the interest of the individual. The corporate body cannot be stable without enriching quality of individual life. Suppression of free thought and action, forestalls expression of creative potential of the individual. It thrives on muscle force rather than on moral force, advocates Internationalism rather than Universalism. It is theoretically unsound, unrealistic, un-psycholigical, anti-human, exploitative, non- progressive. Therefore, it had to have its inevitable doom.
35. Denver Region Pracar News
05/06/2008
We are very grateful to have Dada Vimaleshnanda visit the Denver region from April 26th to 29th. Dada, with his inspiring talk and joyful kiirtan, has brought Baba’s sweet presence to us in this early sunny spring season. Some margis organized workshops and radio talk for Dada to do pracar work here. Although the attendance rate was not as expected, many old and new margis were highly inspired by Dada’s kiirtan and talk.
Our senior margi sister Mahajyotii has been teaching a yoga class for more than 10 years, there were about 15 students in the class with mixed ages from young to old. Mahajyotii with her unique and humorous style lets the class filled with peace and joy. Dada was invited to the class and gave a presentation on Yoga, asana and meditation. Many were inspired by Dada and enjoyed the relaxing yoga class followed up.
Several margis helped Dada recorded a series of short video introducing basic ideas of Ananda Marga including spiritual philosophy, Prout, Neo-humanism, education and ecology. Brother Paresh and sister Cetana played as students in college and were curious about the yogi monk and asked questions about Ananda Marga. Brother Arun helped with the most challenging part of interviewing – recording and editing. The video will be shown on the web site of Universal Prout Student Federation (http://www.upsf.us) as well as the pop media, YouTube.
There is a car-sharing company in Boulder that assist people to use car without owning it. The structure is that there will be around five to six people sharing one car and the car will be located in one particular area that one can get the key from a locker to drive the car and then drive it back to the lot. It is very ecological to limit the usage of car for the environment at the same time save large amount of money in paying the gas, insurance and etc. Dada alone with brother Paresh went to the car-sharing company to do pracar about Prout. This is very inspiring that many different organizations around the world are doing their best to save the limited resources in earth.
Dada also gave an inspiring workshop on “Life as a Project” featuring discussion, activities and chanting. Many people attended the workshop. The class started by a small group discussion answering some interesting questions such as “If you have twenty minutes to change a person, what would you say?” and “If you are going to die in two days, what will you leave for your beloved ones?” People had different kinds of response, but the answers were similar in one respect that all were rooted from love, the universal love of cosmic consciousness. The class ended with an amazingly beautiful chanting of universal mantra – Baba Nam Kevalam. The chanting of the mantra filled with lots of joy and love vibrated its bondless energy in the whole room and in each of our hearts and minds. This is an unforgettable session that will always shine lights in our memory.
Last, we deeply appreciate Dada Vimaleshnanda’s visit to Denver and bring Baba’s love and joy for humanity to us.
Article by Cetana
Photo by Paresh
http://upsf.org/files/Life_as_a_project_sm.jpg
36. The Cookie Crumbles -Part I by Nandinii
05/01/2008
THE COOKIE CRUMBLES – Part One
What happens when Capitalism crashes? What comes next? Read on to find a fascinating solution to a worldwide problem. The problem is that people all over the world are suffering because the wealth is not distributed evenly, causing a lot of poverty. Corporations all over the US are sucking money out of the local economy and using slave labor from other countries. For that reason, many people in the US are out of jobs. Oil is running out and in order to survive that crisis local sustainability must be established. The next step is PROUT, Progressive Utilization Theory. PROUT is a “socio-economic philosophy that synthesizes the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of human society”. A PROUT economy is needed so the wealth in the world will be divided more evenly, there will not be any more corporations, and people will be able to live sufficiently with what is produced in the local area.
The goal of PROUT is to establish a truly progressive human society in which everyone can have their basic necessities, and to provide an alternative to the outmoded Capitalist and Communist societies. Neither of these approaches has adequately met the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of human society. Seeking a balance between economic growth, social development, environmental sustainability, and between individual and collective interests, PROUTists are working to make a better world for the next generation.
Now why do all these things matter? These days some people have too much money, while others hardly have enough food to eat. The wealth of the world’s 200 richest people more than doubled in the last four years to over one trillion dollars total. That is more than half the population of the world’s income. The five basic necessities should be guaranteed to all. They are food, shelter, clothing, education, and health care. As the economy’s productive capacity grows stronger, the standard of minimum necessities will increase. Through PROUT, people will be ensured these basic necessities. How? Because PROUT is run mainly by cooperatives. The key industries are run by the government, the main stores are cooperatives, and any one can have their own business, family or individually owned. This way the money will stay in the local area and will be distributed more evenly. Some people will get paid more than others depending on the job they have but the economy will support everyone and there won’t be such a big gap in the distribution of the wealth.
Why should we get rid of corporations if we are getting all we need at low prices from them? Because of corporations, men and women all over the world are being exploited knowingly and unknowingly. Corporations like Wal-Mart and Coca Cola are using child labor in China and other Asian countries and paying them a few cents an hour. Here in the US people working for Wal-Mart or McDonalds or other corporations are paid minimum wage and don’t get very good working conditions. The people that buy from corporations are not getting their money’s worth because corporations only think for profit. They don’t care for the customer’s welfare. They buy the cheapest things possible, even if it is not good quality or good for ones health.
Coca Cola, the largest producer of soft drinks in the world spends billions of dollars for advertising. Coke is clearly unhealthy, containing tons of sugar, caffeine and phosphoric acid. Coca Cola has convinced most of the population that it quenches thirst better than water and makes one happy. This obviously is not true. Coke is one of the major causes for illnesses and bad behavior. It is addicting and hard to stop drinking. It makes one happy while one is drinking it and then sad until one has it again. During this process, health is being destroyed. In this way, Coca Cola only thinks for profit and not for the benefit of the people.
Corporations have given jobs. However, how many jobs have they taken away? They destroy almost all the small businesses in the area because they have so many locations they can buy in big quantities for lower prices. They also use slave labor from other countries to make stuff at cheap prices. People who do that kind of work in the US don’t get hired because they require higher pay. If they work for less they won’t be able to make a living. Then corporations hire many young people at minimum wage. There is no way other businesses can compete with prices, so people choose corporations because they are not educated on how corporations destroy the economy. An American business man said this about corporations, “I’m a business man. I believe in free enterprise. But this is destroying our society. Somehow they have to be stopped”.
Corporations make trillions of dollars every year and all this money gets sent far from the affected area to stockholders in all parts of the country. It does not stay in the community to strengthen it. Corporations are beginning to dominate the world. The more this happens, the more the money will concentrate and the weaker our economies will get.
If PROUT is established there will be no more corporations. The only businesses will be the government owned key industries, the cooperatives, and the individual or family owned small businesses. If corporations continue as the primary business type, eventually the money will be so concentrated that most people will not have money to buy anything anymore. The corporations will not be able to survive and Capitalism will crash. Or there could be a depression. Not because of scarcity, but because people won’t have money to buy what they need. Or there could be a rebellion, the poor against the rich. One of these things will happen before capitalism crashes.
37. Dallas College activities
04/29/2008
Yoga demonstration by yoga club
Ac. Vimaleshananda Avadhuta
Ac Shubhacetananda Avt. is a yoga instructor and student at the Richland Community College at Dallas. While taking different courses of journalism he has started 4 yoga clubs and introduced many students and faculty members to yoga, meditation and vegetarianism. Jinanesh (Glen Sovian) as president of the Yoga Clubs and student of the Community College has the plan to open more Yoga Clubs also at the University of Dallas as he sees so much benefit for so many people. Jay Wooldridge as the Richland Yoga Club advisor and Students Prgrams and Resources activities coordinator of the College participates to the yoga classes and he is ever present in all the initiatives like the Sierra Club who organized the Earth Day on the campus and planted 2000 trees around the campus itself.
In just a week, together with the margi of the Ananda Marga unit in Dallas they organized two vegetarian parties, participated to the Intercultural Festival, participated to the Earth day, propitiated two radio interviews and one open conference on the topic ” Life as a project”. Lot of attention was drawn for the visit of the Ananda Marga yogic monk Ac. Vimaleshananda Avt. that had the opportunity to be on the stage of the College several times together with Dada Shubhacetanananda demonstrating yoga postures and singing live. Several students got interested and came on the stage joining Dada and his friend in some cultural dances. During one of the vegetarian parties a student from Bangladesh found Dada performing a song in her Bengali language accompanied by the harmonium – a traditional Indian instrument. She could not believe it! At Brookhaven College as in the other colleges in Dallas students comes from all over the world and represent the most beautiful example of a universal society. After the vegetarian dinner the Yoga Club was invited to join another dinner organized by the Indonesian students. It is so wonderful to live in communion sharing so much diversity and culture and it is so nice that Ananda Marga is an integral part of it.
38. PROUT vs. Capitalism
04/26/2008
The Downfall of Capitalism in physical stratum by Dr. Aditya Kumar Mohanty
Capitalism is a system of economy in which the means of production remain the hands of individual or a privileged few, with profit as the sole motto. It is based on Laissez-faire (principle of economic non-interference)
Capitalism grows from the psychology of accumulation, psychology of self-appropriation. It is due to the propensity to accumulate accounts for the existence and growth of capitalistic institutions and practices.
The principle of Laissez-faire makes room for free competition leading to the exploitation of majority by minority. Extreme concentration of wealth in the hands of a few widens economic disparities. Hoarding stalls velocity of money circulation, leading to stagnancy of capital, stagnancy in industry, agriculture and witnesses rising unemployment.
In political sphere, it promotes Individualism. The capitalists control the ruling elites. They pull the strings from behind the screen. The legislature, executive, and often the judiciary dance to their tune. They leave no stone unturned to instill inferiority complex in minds of the exploited by creating the impression that the race, language and the tradition of the ruled are inferior.
Besides, dogmas are propagated to keep the subjects in darkness and confusion. The spread of pornography, is also a part of the cunning strategy to divert the attention of youth-force and keep them enervated. Thus, exploitations in psychic sphere, pace the way for politico-economic imperialism. The colonial regimes in past show how the colonies are made to supply the raw materials, cheap labor and serve as the ready market for finished goods of the imperial nations.
In social sphere, one finds decadence of value, extreme poverty, leading to high rate of crime, prostitution, frustration, drug addiction, rampant corruption, nepotism, child labor, child crime and immoral practices, Thus, peace and harmony appears as distant goals in the receding horizon.
Proutist solution to Capitalism maintains that money has the velocity of circulation. The more it rolls, more affluence it brings. The circulation of money leads to the increase of purchasing capacity. The value of money is determined by amount of commodity it fetches. With increase of purchasing capacity, there is a true progressive increase in the standard of minimum requirement.
Prout rightly construes purchasing capacity, to be the nucleus of a stable economy. It enjoins that economy must not be profit-oriented but consumption-oriented. There should be maximum production of consumer goods rather than luxury goods. Hence, the Proutistic injunction, Keep money rolling, with the increase of purchasing capacity, there is the increased demand leading to the increased supply, followed by increased production.
The effect is that there is no room for economic recession or depression. There is beam in economy. The man-power does not run after jobs but boom in production provides extensive job opportunities and jobs fetch man power. There is ample leisure so that unutilized human energy is channelised in higher pursuits. There is socio-economic security all around. The basic essentials, having been ensured, the individuals engage themselves in subtler and nobler pursuits.
37. What is PROUT?
Sat, 04/26/2008 – 16:03 — cetana311
PROUT (the PROgressive Utilization Theory) is a developed socio-economic paradigm proposed by the Indian philosopher Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar in 1959. It is a positive alternative to the excessive material inequalities of capitalism and the forced artificial equality of communism.
The goal of economic activity is seen as the liberation of human energy from mundane problems and survival concerns, and its expansion into cultural, intellectual, artistic and spiritual pursuits.
PROUT advocates that the economy should be founded on Neo-humanist ethics, which honor the existential value of all life. Neo-humanism respects the rights of not just human, but also animals, plants and all Creation. Unfortunately in the world different negative and divisive sentiments such as nationalism, religious fundamentalism, racism, sexism, social classism, are used to manipulate people through psycho-economic exploitation, causing intense suffering. Neo-humanism directly confronts this by promoting a universal sentiment for all beings.
38. Vegetarian Dinner at Richland College
4/21/2008
On behalf of the Richland Yoga Club, I’d like to invite you to the Club’s Spring Vegetarian DinnerParty:
Day: Thursday, April 24
Time: 5:00 to 6:00 pm (Location: E076 El passo Hall by the Richland cafeteria)
Type of food: Vegetarian food (Asian Indian/Chinese etc.)
All the food will be vegetarian with no onions/garlic/mushroom/caffeine but some may containdairy products, nuts or gluten. We try not to make it hot and spicy to satisfy everyone’s taste. It’s notprofessionally prepared but hope you would like itanyway.
Most important of all, we’d love to see you there regardless of whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
This is not an open invitation but if you receive this email, it means you are invited. And if you’d like to
bring someone else with you, please let us know ahead of time so we can prepare food.
Thank you and we look forward to your attendance.
Sincerely,
Acarya Shubhacetanananda Avadhuta
Acarya Advayananda Avadhuta
Glen Sovian
Brookhaven Yoga Club
Ph-972-699-3838
www.rajadhirajayoga.net
39. Vegetarian Dinner at Brookhaven College Dallas
04/21/2008
BHC monday 4/21/08 13:45
On behalf of the Brookhaven Yoga Club, I’d like to invite you to the Club’s Spring Vegetarian Dinner Party:
Day: Thursday, April 24
Time: 3:30 to 4:30 pm (Please be on time – the room must be vacated at 5:00 pm)
Location: S220 Dining room (by the Brookhaven cafeteria)
Type of food: Vegetarian food (Asian Indian/Chinese etc.)
All the food will be vegetarian with no onions/garlic/mushroom/caffeine but some may contain dairy products, nuts or gluten. We try not to make it hot and spicy to satisfy everyone’s taste. It’s not professionally prepared but hope you would like it anyway.
Most important of all, we’d love to see you there regardless of whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
This is not an open invitation but if you receive this email, it means you are invited. And if you’d like to bring someone else with you, please let us know ahead of time so we don’t have unexpected surprises.
Thank you and we look forward to your attendance.
Sincerely,
Glen Sovian
Brookhaven Yoga Club
40. Environmental awareness news published in the newspaper
04/21/2008
Yoga guru’s 32-year world tour to promote environmental awareness
Teneshia Naidoo Published:Apr 20, 2008
——————————————————————————-
A leading spiritual teacher is in South Africa as part of a 32-year global tour to promote environmental awareness.
Dada Shiilabhadrananda, 64, a yoga instructor and social worker of the Ananda Marga, an international spiritual and social-service body, has toured the world since 1976 giving talks on the spiritual secrets of suc- cess and the benefits of positive environmental habits. He is visiting 35 countries and is the global co-ordi- nator for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Plants.
He has led several emergency relief operations dur- ing his 15-year tenure in sub-Saharan Africa, inclu- ding Ethiopian famine relief in 1984, and has also help- ed Indonesians affected by the 2004 earthquake and tsunami.
He said that his aim was to serve humanity and make people self-reliant. “We help them as best as possible, but only in the short term so that we don’t create a sense of dependency .”
Shiilabhadrananda leaves South Africa this week for Mozambique and later North Africa.
http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/News/Article.aspx?id=751755
41. Meditation Article
04/13/2008
http://www.northlakecollege.edu/newsregister/2004/04_26_04/yoga.htm
42. A Yoga Article Published in the Newspaper
04/13/2008
The North Lake College, Irving has published the yoga article. Visit http://www.northlakecollege.edu/newsregister/2008/03_31_08/yoga.html
43. Asia News: Animal Rights by Cetana
04/10/2008
Animal rights groups from South Korea and Taiwan Tuesday called on the Asia Society to stop South Korea from legalizing dog meat consumption.
They also launched a one-person-one-letter campaign to South Korea’s new president Lee Myung-bak and the Mayor of Seoul Oh Se-hoon to stop men’s best friend -dogs, from being consumed in South Korea’s dog market.
“Time is running out. We need help from the international community. We have to gather strength from the international society to save dogs in South Korea and get the South Korean government to reverse its direction,” said Park Seo-yun, chief executive officer of Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth from South Korea during a press conference yesterday.
The Environment and Animal Society of Taiwan, the press conference’s main organizer, also made public video clips from South Korea showing dogs being cruelly raised, sold, and butchered in local dog markets. The video clips were a sharp contrast to yesterday’s press conference, when several Labrador Retrievers and poodles freely ran across the conference hall.
Legislator Wang Sing-nan, who had successfully pushed for legally prohibited dog meat consumption in Taiwan, said at the press conference that he will launch a signature campaign in the Legislature and will send the petition to the South Korean President and Seoul City Mayor to dissuade them from passing related dog meat consumption legislations.
On March 24, Park said that the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a “Dog Meat Hygiene Management Policy,” which listed dogs as “livestock.” She said it is expected that after South Korea’s parliamentary elections end in April, and after a related hearing is held in May, a proposal will be made immediately to the central government to amend the “Livestock Products Processing Act.
44. One person one letter to Korea’s new president to Stop Dog Meat Consumption in Korea
04/10/2008
Korean President Lee Myung-bak
webmaster@president.go.kr
Cheongwadae: 1 Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea
Cheongwadae hotline: ?82 2 730-5800
Dear President Lee Myung-bak:
Greetings, and first of all congratulations on becoming the new president of Korea! While people all around the world have been paying close attention to the political and economic reforms you are promoting and to your political performance and achievements, we have heard a worrying, shocking piece of news – on the 24th of March this year Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a “Dog Meat Hygiene Management Policy”, which lists dogs as “livestock”! And it is also expected that, that after Korea’s parliamentary elections end in April, and after holding a related hearing in May, a proposal will be made immediately to the Central Government to amend the “Livestock Products Processing Act”, officially legislating that dog meat be listed as a livestock product. Therefore, animal protection groups from your country gathered in front of Seoul City Hall on March 25th and 26th to protest.
Korea’s hi-tech and electronic products are sold throughout the world, and the so-called “Korean Wave”, which includes all kinds of entertainment, food and tourism industries, has also greatly increased the interest of people all across Asia, helping characterize Korea as a country of great culture and creativity. However, many people in Asia and the rest of the world see dogs as companions, and if you do indeed legislate that dogs are to be listed as “livestock”, this will make Korea the first country in the world to legalize dog meat consumption, and will make you the first national leader in the history of civilization to list dogs as “animals for consumption”! This will not only harm your country, it will also hurt all the people in the world who care about animal rights and civilized development. Our perception of the status and value of Korean culture and creativity, and of all Korean products, tourism and entertainment programs will suffer a great negative impact, and this may even lead to an “Anti-Korean Wave”!
Dogs are simply dogs, and no matter whether in biological theory or in real life, they are not divided into pet dogs, companion dogs and edible dogs. Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Thailand have all already legally banned the consumption of dog meat. Although there are still a few countries and people in Asia who still consume dog meat, their living standards are, on average, far lower than those of Korea, and until now there has never been a country which has, through national law, legalized the act of eating dog meat!
People have raised dogs and cats as companions for at least twelve thousand years, and in the last 20 or 30 years, “anthrozoology” has gradually brought about a consensus: companion animals bring psychological and physical benefits to humans. They can give humans intimacy and support, alleviate the negative health impacts of stress, and also provide protection against some illnesses. Modern day Criminal Sociology is also drawing the conclusion that there is a high degree of correlation between cruelty to animals and domestic violence and child abuse. Once dogs become animals that can be freely butchered for their meat, there will be unimaginable negative social and educational impacts on public psychology.
In the course of civilization, humans always reflect upon the many cruelties of nature. Amongst the issues of environmental protection, “meat” has already been labeled a high-carbon food, and livestock farming is a major source of greenhouse gases. In order to create a more humane society, and for the sake of the sustainability of human civilization, we as co-citizens of this planet hope with all sincerity that your government will under no circumstances make this mistaken decision, causing humanity take a step backwards on the road to civilized development, and at the same time impacting on Korea’s foreign trade development. In addition, we hope that your government can, as soon as possible, prohibit the consumption of dog meat, in order to enhance animal welfare in Korea.
Signature: Country: E-mail:
45. Naropa University Prout Event by Cetana
04/09/2008
Click to access Prout%20event%204-11-08.pdf
46. Capitalism vs. Communism by Nandinii
04/08/2008
Ron: What is Capitalism?
Nick: Capitalism is the exploitation of man by man.
Ron: What is Communism?
Nick: Communism is the other way around.
47. Boulder PROUT Unit Newsletter
04/08/2008
Please see the newsletter sent by Cetana.
April Prout Boulder Unit Newsletter.pdf
Click to access April%20Prout%20Boulder%20Unit%20Newsletter.pdf
48. Dr. Ravi Batra’s Interview
04/05/2008
Dada
Please Go to www.theyoungturks.com
and you will see my program done today.
Ravi
49. Yoga Program for Students in India
04/03/2008
The yoga program was held on 16th Oct. 2007 at SJ government polytechnic in Bangalore 01.
There were around 600 student participant along with all the teaching & non teaching staff including the principal himself, HOD (Head of all the Departments), Vice-principal, Lecturers, Professors. This is the first time of it’s kind program being held in any Technical collage (Government) in the Country. It was a huge Success. Dada I am always looking forward for such events in many collages in future.
News reported by Dwaipayan Saha
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50. Participation of Prout Boulder Unit in Naropa University
04/01/2008
Boulder Prout Unit is going to present in Naropa cultural fair on 4/9.
We will talk about spirituality from Tantra tradition, kiirtan, and Prout
with good music and food. Come and join us in this event, to learn about different cultures
and broaden your world view.
We are also looking for volunteers for the booth,
please e-mail or call Cetana @720-218-5828if you are able to help, we are sincerly thankful for this!!
See follow for details on location and time.
Location: Naropa University, 2130 Arapahoe Aven., Boulder
Time: 4/9, 12- 1:30 pm
Any Qs call Cetana or reply this e-mail.
Cetana
51. Raw Luck in Colorado organized by Cetana
03/27/2008
Namaskar everyone,
Boulder Prout Unit and the Boulder Raw Group are holding a Raw Luck on April 5th (Sat.)
We warmly wellcome everyone to come and meet new people.
Bring a raw dish and you are set to go~
There will be an introduction to meditation, kiirtan and yoga class before the dinner.
We invite new and old people to this energizing and relaxing session.
Please see the schedule, and location details followed.
5:30- 6:20 Meditation/Kiirtan/Yoga
6:30 Dinner
8:45 Finish
Location: University of Colorado, Community Room, 1855 Athens Street, Boulder
(You can mapquest the location)
If you have any questions, please reply to this e-mail or contact Cetana @720-218-5828
Baba Nam Kevalam
Cetana
52. Paradise
By Doug Larson
03/25/2008
Utility is when you have one telephone,
luxury is when you have two,
opulence is when you have three
—- and paradise is when you have none.
53. U.S. Economy and PROUT
By Rishi Teckchandani
03/24/2008
In the last week we have witnesssed one of the biggest Federal Reserve interventions in US economic history. The intervention resembles how drought areas are positively charged when flood gates are opened. Last weeks action flushed the economic system with almost unlimited dollars to be borrowed through the discount window. At any costs the Federal Reserves motive was to prevent a 24 hour liquidity crisis from spreading. It administered the bail-out or in my opinion robbery of one of the oldest Wall Street Investment Banks “Bear Sterns” through its strongly capitalised relationship with JP Morgan. The deal itself was a one-of-a-kind in wall street. Nevertheless it sent panic across wall street faster then a lightning. This was more deadly then a contagious flu for the financial system. I personally feel this action was the only solution. Unfortunetly the action has its ultimate defects. And it looks like a strategy to prevent a dying economic system from collapsing anytime soon. For now the move looks like a short term aid for the highly levered investment banks and could potentially add more damage in the long run. Today the savior or last resort bailer of the US economy is in action. The reason for its actions was simply due to the lack of foreign participation in bailing out the US paper due to already being burned over the last few months. Nobody really has confidence anymore and the Feds have to boast their muscles.
For Proutists, this is very good news. It signifies that we are close to a major economic change. Because in my opinion, the pyschology of investors, consumers, governments and other beings besides traders have not changed. Its not easy to see your house in foreclosure then the stock market rally to 20,000 or as an investors to lose out on Bear Sterns then see JP Morgan shares rise. Or as a foriegn government to stabilise your own inflation when the US is reducing rates and igniting inflation. Traders are the only people enjoying this cosmic drama as it unfolds. The good news for PROUT is that beyond today’s intervention there is really no other capitalist-free market protector out there. This weeks action will lead to a long term decline in the US dollar and what used to be a safe haven currency is now looking like ordinary plain white paper. For intelligent persons, they will analyse this situation and bail out on the currency instantly. And whilst countries in South America like Brazil used to be a “gamble” in the past, its looking more like a safe haven investment. Take a look at the US dollar Vs. the Brazilian Real over the last 5 years. This pattern will continue. I don’t think there is anymore interest in investing in the US for a long term. The truth is why buy something for 10 cents on the dollar when you can probably get it for 1 cent on the converted dollar in a few years assuming a Zimbawe style inflation. Which I sometimes wonder why it hasn’t happened yet? But its coming. The law of Karma will prevail in this situation. I don’t see anymore cowardly leaders in emerging countries. India’s finance minister is not concerned to a great extent about the sub-prime crisis, neither is Brazil, Hong Kong or Dubai. Even HSBC has closed its US operations and is focusing on international growth markets. The truth is capitalism has bailed its motherland. Investment bankers prefer to work for soveriegn funds in the middle east that pay twice as much in a safer currency.
I really feel the the US will one day look at PROUT as a savior and implement it first because the rest of the world is engaged in positive relations with each other as there economies face a short term difficulty from a US crisis. And domestically, the US faces a long term crisis from a short term resolution. Its painfull to see but I’m not convinced that the problem will be solved. One day the Chinese Yuan will infact trade $1 for 1 Yuan but slowly. They haven’t re-valued at the pace the US is pressuring them to do so. But they are doing it slowly. I respect that move because China is not interested in killing its economy and will not obey orders. They rather ignore a crying mature economy from its woes focusing on its own growth and stability. Locking natural resource assets for its own future benefit. They learned the capitilist game very well and are now utilising it against its teachers. Similarly, the US stock markets are being abused by short specialist Hedge Funds creating an unfair investing environment. But this was the same abuse Asia had in its Financial Crisis, Russia had in 1998 and South America. The only difference today is the US markets are being treated as a trade. Its pure Karma.
As for the timing of PROUT, I will leave that to natures force (Prakriti) but it is coming soon. The revolution will come from the ground level. How much longer can we all suffer for? When gas prices hit $8 a gallon? or a Banana costs $11? Give it some time. Its coming. This week a well reputable wall street firm (Goldman Sachs) initiated a $200 target for Oil. Dick Cheney spent time in Saudi Arabia pressing for Oil output increases. Refiners are facing problems dometically with the crack spread! Its really a fact that the cartels are broken. There is no more control and markets will realise that. People must act now before prices reach a point that capitalists ruin the economy for the basis of there system’s existence. They are too proud of their system. This pride is falling and will collapse faster then Bear Sterns did in one weekend. How much blood can a human body absorb? The Feds are injecting too much money into this system.
This is my last piece for now. I am moving with the flow towards the middle east region to work for a better empire. An empire that is beginning to respect economic growth and prosperity without losing its culture. And in time its culture will also improve when the ideology of humanity becomes Love All, Serve All, Help Ever and Hurt Never. People must realise we are from the same family and seek the same universal goal. Just like Capitalism is leaving America, I am also leaving. For the time being I see it working in the middle east but over a long duration of time even they will absorb a better economic system if the US is the first to accept PROUT. America can still set an example and be a leader. But it must act otherwise my opinions may become a fact.
54. Collective Welfare
By P.R. Sakar
03/23/2008
When university graduates make use of their degrees to earn their livelihood, they tend to forget that physically- strong but illiterate people are making a similar use of such assets they have, that is, their capacity for manual labor. These educated people deprive so-called illiterates of their rights, human dignity and self-respect, and thereby develop a sense of superiority.
Similarly, the rich, who inherit huge ancestral properties, accumulate vast amounts of wealth by deceiving others or amass great fortunes whether they invest capital or not, forget that, just like light, air and water, all the mundane resources of the universe are the common property of everyone, and that no property is the personal or parental property of anyone.
All natural resources are meant to be used for collective welfare. No one has a monopoly over these resources. It must always be remembered that the value of money lies in its proper use. If more money is accumulated than necessary, it loses its value due to lack of use. To the extent that you keep money idle and valueless, you become responsible for the injustices done to ragged, hungry people.
Every individual must have equal rights concerning things such as food, clothing, housing education and medical care, which are absolutely essential for existence. For the sake of humanism, for the sake of social justice, equitable distribution of all the wealth of the universe is indispensable, and co-ownership of the world’s resources is the birthright of every individual.
55. Proutistic Solution for Present Economic Crisis
03/10/2008
Economic crisis and proutistic solution
by Rishi Teckchandani M.B.A UCLA
Here is my continuation to last weeks article.
In my earlier discussion I explained a current crisis unfolding. I also mentioned that PROUT will be the solution but I do not see PROUT coming into activity until the current capitalistic solutions are not fully utilised.
For the time being the US Federal Reserve is experimenting with interest rate reductions and boosting liquidity to the banking system via short term loans. Most of the current illiquid debt ranging from sub-prime loans to LBO loans are sitting in major pools of debt under major US banking institutions. Their balance sheets have accumulated what many may consider ‘toxic debt’ Anything that cannot be sold and ceases to hold its original value in markets are now seen and commented by major newspapers as ‘toxic’. The unwinding of this toxic portfolio has sent margin calls across international markets. As this debt continues to find no buyer, it ends up as a writedown. Unfortunetly these writedowns have created fear amongst many investors and is turning into an outright freeze in the overall credit system. Fear has led investors to believe that even worthy borrowers or prime loans and AAA rated corporate loans deserve more risk adjustments. Thus we have seen institutional investors lose hundreds of millions holding even municipal bonds. I believe this unwinding seems to be deteriorating on a daily basis. Whilst debt holders are trying to calm investors and the public it only creates more panic. And some hedge funds are taking advantage of this panic by betting against any resolution to the current credit crisis. Whilst I fully agree with this group of traders, I don’t wish to speculate against it because of what I see happening next.
I earlier mentioned that commodity prices have spiked and speculators are betting on more spikes. This has sent weak signals about the US dollar across the world and in today’s electronic trading environment, speculators have used every potential strength in the dollar to sell it harder. Nobody believes that the dollar can actually recover when an individual, household, city, state and country is facing a credit crisis and international investors (bailout funds) don’t trust the re-orginization plan and thus demand a higher rate of interest. This crisis hasn’t hit the safe haven US treasury market but I honestly would not be surprised to read a headline one day saying interest rates on the 30 year bond spike to 1985 highs or even higher. This is something that I would not consider impossible based on a trend I see happening. I would have personally prefferred converting my savings into Euro’s last year and seeing a 16% return. and this year converting to the Brazilian currency for its commodity safetyness or the Indian Rupee for its potential economic growth in the next 10 years. Whilst this is just my opinion many others see it differently. I’m not here to write about how to make money. I consider that very easy in today’s economic system if you can understand how this casino operates but I’m here to point of the defects. One defect today is many US dollar denominated investments have seen their values drop signifincantly and thus has led to a dollar credit crisis. It maybe that cheap interest dollars is more scarce to obtain then $1000 gold. We’re in such a situation that the US federal reserve is scared of speculators attacking its main purpose to create financial stability solely because it makes profitable sense. The system cannot eliminate these speculators unless controls are placed into the financial system and thus government intervention will happen if staple food prices like Wheat, Corn and Soy Beans continue to double at already record rates. Its only a matter of time before headlines cross on famine and food shortages. How long will we all be able to tolerate rising gas, food and basic necessity item prices going higher? The speculators will sell you into a theory that the world is growing and China and India have rising demands that cannot be met. In China they will tell them that the US is still the number one consumer and so prices will continue to go higher. Overall rumours are best made by those with inherit financial interests. The game is about making money so until the going is good, the rumours will continue. At some point the government will not tolerate such activity and intervene. This intervention will send panic to traders and ultimately put rational in commodity prices. Rising famine for profits? I rather be on the side of PROUT then see commodity prices spike higher leading to hunger across those who live for under $1 a day (This will be what many individuals will think). I think we are near a point that this crisis will unfold and humanity will command greater scrutiny into the rising prices. For now it is only contributing to people wasting less food but over the next few years it will lead to government reforms. Do we all really want to amass hundreds of thousands of dollars? Will this amassing that leads to hundreds of millions of deaths do any good for you? I think capitalists need a class on PROUT 101 and then Ananda Marga Basic philosophy. Excess wealth leads to nothing but the degeneration of the mind.
PROUT should intervene when the global governments intervene on commodity prices. We cannot take any of the previous economic routes and PROUT will be the most common sense approach to solving humanity’s economic crisis. Are you allowed to add a discusion section here? I would be interested to know what most of you think? I have a lot of trader insights and see a mega eclipse in the making from many sides. The current Federal Reserve chairman is under too much stress and the traders are taking advantage of his weakness. There is a trade for every outcome. They’ve bet on the most likely outcome which is inflationary but I think everybody will be hammered out as a trader when they realise what they have done to the suffering humanity. I feel bad seeing food prices rise. Many people cannot afford to feed their families in poor countries. Infact, even the US many die of hunger. This capitalist system is being exploited because its lost its usefulness and it is soon coming to a time for change. This change will be trigggered when we see record commodity prices that cannot be sustained due to humanities cries. As long as we pay and not complain to our government we will see speculators accumulate their wealth betting on higher prices. Lets see how long this happens. They are bluffing the Chinese government selling high priced commodities and sending rumours about demand in China through US media outlets. And weak growth in the US allows them to sell the dollar against it all and make money. We live in a horrible system that is controlled by Greed and Fear. Nobody is allowed to do Sadhana in peace witohout worrying about basic necessities. I wish one day all of us can do Sadhana- Our birthright- without any worry or any concerns. The current system concerns me. And the solution will come when all of us cannot tolerate this situation. The approach must be Proutistic and the timing must be accurate. PR Sarkar came to this world at the right timing and left us with a philosophy at the right timing. He will guide us to PROUT also at the right timing. and one day we will all see the essence of a Dharma.
56. National Conference on Spirituality and The New Economy
03/08/2008
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57. Dr. Ravi Batra’s Radio Interview by Thom Hartmann on Friday 3/7/08
03/06/2008
Listen Air America Radio Interview of Dr. Ravi Batra, Sothern Methodist University (SMU) Dallas professor by Thom Hartmann. See the letter below:
Dada
My next show on air America is at 12 noon, central time, Friday, as you can see below.
Ravi
Hi Dr. Batra…
I just received your e-mail. I hope it won’t be too inconvenient if we reschedule you for this Friday? With yesterday’s primaries, and their outcomes, we have decided to go in that direction today and allow our listeners to vent about what happened. Would you be available at 1pm Eastern (noon Central) on Friday 3/7?
Please let me know and thank you so much. We are looking forward to having you back on the program before Thom’s trip to Darfur next week.
Best,
Shawn
58. PROUT: A Solution for the Present Economic Crisis
03/02/2008
PROUT Awakening
by Rishi Teckchandani
Every Economic system is sustained by its own pulse. As human beings need blood to survive, an economy needs credit. Capitalism thrives when economies have access to credit. Over the last decade global economies have experienced record amounts of credit generation fueled by historically low interest rates (Monetary Policy) and relaxed Fiscal Policy. I will not focus my discussion on the current state of the global economy because every country is experiencing its own growth dynamics, I will briefly discuss the potential failures that can arise from the current trends. My outlook is based on when, how and why PROUT may be the solution adopted to solve a crisis unfolding of greater magnitude. And before we see PROUT, I believe the current system that has been fully exploited will lead to a serious degeneration of human society. After this period economic leaders will ask for anyone to come with a solution and one day P.R. Sarkar’s PROUT will lead the leaders seeking a solution for a human crisis that is in the making.
Global economies are currently experiencing a rapid increase in potential inflation. This has been mainly driven by rising energy and agriculture prices. Overall countries that produce and export commodities such as Brazil and Australia are having their best economic periods in decades and the threat of famine and supply shortages are only adding to pricing pressures for all commodities. On the other hand consuming nations like India and China are also hungry for energy and food and thus their governments are net importers. Unfortunetly, we live in a system of free-market pricing and speculators living in core financial cities (New York, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Mumbai) consistently trade futures for all products with one goal- Profit making. It has been very common over the last few years to see spikes in any commodity that China is interested in amassing for there growing needs. Whilst I will attribute up to 50 percent of the prices linked to speculation, I will not rule out the basic supply/demand equation. Nevertheless I would like to focus on a the fact that speculators are in more control of pricing hikes then the latter. For those in the USA, the sudden spikes in gasoline and food prices may seem to make government statistics on inflation feel incorrect. And many maybe wondering whether a recession will occur with increasing commodity prices in the coming months. Based on the global economic growth I would continue to be very optimistic on commodity prices and see a bubble growing even bigger. I don’t see growth slowing fast enough to depress commodity prices and I think China can very well out-perform its own expectations as it has over the last 20 years. I also see positives in India that will overcome inflationary pressures as business can pass on costs. But where I do see a problem is in the US economy. And what I feel can potentially stunt global growth may have already sent intial waves globally via structured investment products sold. These were packaged as loans invested in US housing, Credit Card Debt, Corporate buy-outs. The structured products have fueled the most recent years of artificial wealth in the US that now is setting back to reality or real wealth. Unfortunetly the costs is being felt by each and every tax paying household.
The key to PROUT today is not any emerging market but the United States of America in my opinion. There is only one country that is facing the most struggle to survive from its own domestic economic crisis and that is the USA. The US system is being rejected by capitalism as it cannot participate in a global economic growth without interfering in other financial markets via the selling of its structured debt. As countries reject these previously demanded debt obligations the US economy isn’t able to function on a normal course and thus it has sent signals of a financial collapse via its bond markets. Investors are fleeing towards safe haven investments like Gold and Treasury’s (both of which are equally risky in today’s times to hold). As other economies create a market of trade and commodity prices continue to spike, the US economy is faced with a declining housing market as liquidity that was created by Securitised debt is now ‘dead’ and US banking institutions are afraid to lend to consumers that all seem to be possible bankruptcy candidates. From East to West states are beginning to see a rise in foreclosures leading to their own state budget fiscal crisis and further escalating to expenditure cuts for schooling and healthcare. Overall the vicious cycle of tight credit, tight government budgets and tight consumers combined with easing Feds Funds Interest rates is leading to a Global Economic boom and a Domestic Economic gloom. The Cuts are fueling commodity prices vs. the US dollar and aiding dollar based economies and trade globally whilst the real cheaper credit is not being given to the US consumer due to increased banking safety controls. No bank wants to lend money to someone that can foreclose on their home and walk away from debt for 7 years of bad credit! A similar situation is occuring in the corporate arena. I will not broaden my discussion because I don’t want to write a 100 page essay.
The essence of my discussion is a system failure. The system adopted previously of relaxing interest rates and increasing expediture is not working. And it is only leading to a bigger crisis. Something that combines 1929,1979,1989 and 1999 bubbles/crisis to form a mega eclipse. The current crisis makes the himalyas (largest mountains) look small. And yet, it only exists dominantly in the US economy because its a dollar crisis. What I find humourus amongst my collegues is that many are seeking an opportunity to buy cheap real estate or stock in this crisis. As many previous capitalists have become millionaires from previous cycles there is a sense of confidence amongst believers in capitalism. Nevertheless only time will tell if they are right for a trade or wrong for a century! This is not a quick fix solution and time will eat away every invested cent in today’s economic environment. The system needs money to pay its previous debts. I don’t trust it. It makes you think if a global banking giant like Citigroup which has shares down over 50 percent this year is really cheap or not? In my opinion the bank is desperately raising money from the foriegn soverign funds simply to survive an immediate failure.
All European, Asian and Middle eastern banks are facing a US dollar crisis. That is why many are discusing divesture from US dollar reserves. Nervertheless that is not the solution. The problem has already been exported and like the flu, this financial virus is not yet fully curable. It has only been experimented with monetary and fiscal economic doses. Until this flu does not get heavy doses of economic stimulus, I don’t see a capitalist system as completely failing. Signs of life will propel financial markets momentarily but this will most likely be short lived assuming banks don’t giver free credit to consumers/businesses as easily again. When interest rates have hit rock bottom and the government fully exploits its potential spending stimulus the only result will be hyper inflation. And that may create an even bigger crisis. The reaction in Bond markets indicate a coming crisis and there is no real sense of direction from banks or the leading economy planners. Insurance contracts that hedge credit portfolios is also showing signs of failure thus leading to the question that “Can we really believe in the safetyness of our economic system?” In my opinion, I believe that the individual in today’s economy is more confused about his or her’s economic future then they have ever been. And that is because the capitalist system has always made us believe that we are relatively wealthy or our insurance will protect our family from the event of disaster or our job is relatively safe for the time being. Capitalism doesn’t provide human beings with safe jobs or bank balances, it exploits the tendancy of greed and fear amongst individuals and leads to economic crisis that have been continually patched. We become slaves of the system. I think this coming crisis is one that is in-curable without a global coiltion. And if Global leaders do not approve then the United States of America may be facing the greatest depression ever. Because rising energy and a weakening economy will only lead to dissatisfication amongst households and mental insanity for those that have lost their job, wealth, or anything that they previously accumulated in an economic system of artificial wealth. It is hard to bet on a global coilition because many countries are not pleased with the US foriegn policy for decades. Thus politics prevents economic solutions. And by not allowing Foriegn Soverign funds to stake in core US assets or opposing due to nationalistic pride then there will be no agreement amongst global investors for the US economy. This is another defect-capitilistic pride.
I am not a believer in depressions but I feel that the only way PROUT will be accepted is when the current system fails. The current system in my opinion has no solution except for widening the credit bubble that can only lead to another banking crisis whereby regulations will prevent most borrowers in getting loans and the crisis becomes ever lasting. This system has lived its usefulness and any more injections will only bring harm via inflation. If you can think of a solution besides PROUT your advice will be worth billions of dollars. But your solution must be able to solve the crisis and not potentially grow it another 10 fold! My view is a bit more pessimistic then most but I feel that it is right for me to explain what I feel. I am an active trader specialising in stock options, commodity futures and fixed income with an educational background in business/economics and international development studies. For the time being I am a witnessing entity of the crisis and believe that this is the best state of mind to be in as this market befools the most greedy and fearful individuals. We have billionaires trying to protect there Real Estate Assets and Prop. traders trying to win trades without losing hundreds of millions on a daily basis. The market is a full blown casino that has made the government look like a gambling institution (If they continue to react to the stock market woes then I don’t see a difference between a regulatory gambling institutions and the government. Just as recently as a few weeks ago the government stepped in the markets on a day that international markets staged panic after a French trader lost billions in unwinding trades. That is a sign of weakness and free market intervention or capitalism failing).
I will continue with PROUT’s intervention on my next article next week. Please comment on what you feel about the current crisis that I have briefly tried to discuss. I could have written a lot more but feel there is too much to read then. Its mind-boggling to understand the current crisis. There’s a whole different subject about Wall Street Fraud but I rather not discuss that now. I’m a positive individual with a hope in a better world for humanity not slaves of the current economic system.
Rishi Teckchandani passed his M.B.A from the University of California Los Angeles. He is the secretary of Universal Proutist Students Federation (UPSF) in Los Angeles.
59. PROUT News in the Newspaper
02/24/2008
http://torontosun.com/Money/2008/02/24/4872237-sun.html
60. The Radio Interview Schedule of Dr. Susmit Kumar
02/21/2008
Please check website for the Radio interview Sceduale:
http://modernizationofislambook.com/
http://modernizationofislambook.com/%3Cbr%20/%3Ehttp://modernizationofislambook.com/index.php?q=node/8
Tonight there is one hour long interview at 11:00 PM ET which will be simultaneously broadcasted on internet also:
http://www.talkstarradio.com/
It will be my FIRST MEDIA interview – also it will be 60 minutes – most probably I will have to give answer to callers’ questions also.
Susmit
61. Why American Troops Won’t Affect the Outcome in Iraq
02/21/2008
Available for Immediate Interview
Contact: Dr. Susmit Kumar 513-754-0547
Why American Troops Won’t Affect the Outcome in Iraq
Middle East Expert Details the Final Outcome of Islamic Militancy
Discussion Topic
The handling of the war in Iraq is the single most divisive issue in America today. Whether or not the U.S. Government should withdraw, surge or stay the course is debated in barbershops, at kitchen tables and in Pentagon offices. Middle East Expert Dr. Susmit Kumar lays out in his new book “The Modernization of Islam” why American troops can no longer serve a purpose in Iraq and how America’s current presence is just delaying the inevitable: Islamic Extremists taking over the Iraqi Government. However, Dr. Kumar uses history to reveal why this is actually a necessary step for Iraq to become a Democracy.
Talking Points
• Is it time for the United States to withdraw from Iraq?
• American presence or not, why do you believe it is inevitable that Islamic Extremists will succeed in overrunning the Iraqi Government?
• How is the current Islamic civilization similar to early 20th century Europe?
• Do you believe war is required to affect major change?
• What exactly is a modernized Islam?
• What about the country of Turkey provides you with so much hope?
• Why Muslims attracted to what Islamic Extremists are offering?
• Why do you predict Muslims will eventually reject Islamic Extremists?
Topic Overview
With all that has been committed and allocated to fighting the war in Iraq, it is easy to see why this has become the most debated issue in America. “But we have to leave,” Dr. Susmit Kumar powerfully contends. “We cannot do anything more there and it is costing us money, resources and, most of all, our people.”
In his new book “The Modernization of Islam” Dr. Kumar explains how the United States is merely delaying the unavoidable outcome of Islamic Extremists seizing control of the Iraqi Government, “Believe it or not, this is actually a needed step for Islamic civilization to eventually become fully democratic.”
Dr. Kumar, Founding President of the Prout Institute of United States, draws parallels between early 20th century Europe and present day Islamic society, “Had Europe not endured the labor pains of World Wars I and II, it might still be ruled by Monarchs.” Dr. Kumar further explains after Islamic nations succumb to the grips of extremists, the people will eventually rise up against fundamentalism.
“It’s at that point the majority of Islamic nations will become secular and democratic, like Turkey,” continues Dr. Kumar, who once served on the India Administrative Service implementing and influencing government policy.
Once Turkey gained it’s independence in 1923, nationalists introduced several radical political, cultural and social reforms including closing the Islamic courts. It has remained free ever since shedding its fundamentalists rule.
“Turkey is a shining example of 21st century or ‘Modern’ Islam; not the 7th century version being served up in other nations,” Dr. Kumar points out. “But before that rebirth can occur in Iraq or any other Islamic nation, the labor pains have to take place. That’s why America no longer serves a purpose in the metaphorical Islamic civilization’s ‘delivery room’!”
About Dr. Susmit Kumar
Dr. Susmit Kumar is the author of “The Modernization of Islam” and obtained his Ph.D. in only two and a half years from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Kumar is a previous member of the India Administrative Service, which influences and implements government policy. He is also Founding President of the Prout Institute of United States. Dr. Kumar has been published internationally with numerous articles on topics like international politics, history and economics. He currently lives in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Kumar’s website is www.ModernizationOfIslamBook.com.
To interview Dr. Susmit Kumar contact him at (513) 754-0547 or email susmitk1@gmail.com
62. A Sadhaka’s practical experience on meditation
02/21/2008
A Sadhaka’s practical experience on meditation
By Rishi Teckchandani
Most human beings have an inherit goal of achieving success in their mission. Many dedicate their entire lives focusing on their mission. Regardless of whether they achieve their mission or not I personally believe every human can rejoice every step of their own respective mission if they realise the divine presence working through them. And that realisation will cause them success in their ultimate mission in life. This realisation only comes by dint of one’s sadhana (Spiritual practice). That is a sincere desire to self-realise one’s true state of mind. By dint of sincere sadhana one can conquer all human weaknesses and achieve a divine state of mind and accomplish all righteous missions. Whilst it is easily said, I believe it can be easily achievable if you know the secrets. The most important secret to doing proper sadhana is devotion. Its is difficult to withdraw the mind from this world without the proper guidance from the Guru and thus with devotion one is able to visualise the Guru and allow his presence to guide you into self-realisation. The guru is weakened by the disciple’s devotion because it is generally a state of mind that eliminates one’s ego. During the highest state of devotion a spiritual aspirants mind is fully absorbed in the cosmic consciousness and thus has no ego. I will say without the highest devotional feeling, it is very hard to overcome the mind. We perform kiirtana prior to sadhana to create this devotional feeling. And that is why Dada’s prescribe lots of Kiirtana for those who find difficulty doing Sadhana because one day that devotion will overcome the minds weaknesses and a clear path of sadhana will emerge. You will feel for Baba at that point. You will see his grace. That clarity will bring you closer to your mission. And once you can associate yourself with that mission, consider all missions accomplishable. I personally realised that when we practice sadhana sincerly, our lives are at peace. When we are not sincere, we face a bit of struggle and when we do not practice at all, our lives become hopeless. Sincere Sadhana can develop a human being into a perfected human being if one follows Yama and Niyama. If anyone wants to remain in an elevated state of mind in a practical world they should abide by Yama and Niyama. Nobody should feel hopeless when getting initiated the first time. It is rare to achieve bliss at first. But when you practice according to the 16 points (Ananda Marga 16 points) then you will see the difference overtime. There will be a point in your life that “love is all there is” these are the words that will emerge from your presence to others. And that is when you will know that Baba exists in you. Sadhana is a process that eliminates the difference between you and God. Practice with sincerity and don’t build an ego. Keep your teaching a secret and absorb his grace. Others will be inspired and you will have done your most important mission. Imagine a life of constant devotion. Sadhana can lead you to a happier mundane life because you feel positively charged to work, sing, dream, laugh and spread the word of joy. After all “Love is all there is” experience Ananda Marga sadhana and build your foundation of support. Sadhana can support your mind and give you the balance and true happiness that no one can. It is your own personal mission that will liberate you from all your weaknesses and give you your birthright Self-realisation. This is the essence of what I realised from my meditation. May you all enjoy his grace.
Sincerely,
Rishi Teckchandani- his humble devotee
63. Boulder PROUT Study Session by Cetana
02/17/2008
Namaskar everyone,
We would like to invite you to join our spiritual practice session followed by our inspirational study group on PROUT. The PROUT Study Group meets on every Friday, in Naropa University Paramita campus, 3295 30ths, Room: Karuna
Cetana
If you have any further questions, please contact Chien at 720-218-5828.
Boulder PROUT Session Schedule
6:15 Arrive
6:20 ¡V 6:40 Prabhat Samgiita
6:40 ¡V 7:00 Kiirtan
7:00 ¡V 7:20 Meditation
7:20 ¡V 7:40 Book reading & Sharing
7:40 ¡V 8:20 Dinner
8:20 ¡V 9:20 Study group
* Please come on time. Thank you!
64. A poem by Ruby
01/03/2008
my first poem is
STEPS WE GO TOGETHER
We are all god’s daughters and sons
We are brother and sisters thst make one
We are a diverse group
Marching to the same goal in a troop
Never wanting to retreat
Our mind is raising pure as water and faster than a drum beat
We’re almost there, few steps more
It’s not far away where we can see Baba’s door
There we go and merge into him
Opening the door and seeing Baba’s loving and welcoming grin!
my second poem is
ANAND MARGA
Anand Marga has dadas and didis
Don’t forget acharyas and margis
We are meditating to get one person
We together are more than a dozen
Have you thought where you are?
You’re not on Earth or the stars
We are tied together like a bonnet
We are on an universal planet
We can see our goal from far away
Didn’t know it will take many days
To reach Parampursa our mind has to be pure as the ocean waves!
Baba’s diciple,
Radha (Ruby) from Dallas
ps
i hoped you liked my poems!
65. Vegetarian Dinner at Richland College
12/20/2008
A Vegetarian Dinner took place at Richland College, Dallas on Dec. 12. Richland College Yoga Club organized the event. There were 40 students including Professors, Service Learnining Coordinators, and other Faculty Staffs attended the dinner. Food was cooked by Local Proutists sister Vandana, Jinanesh (Glen Sovian), Vishvatman, Dada Advayananda, and Dada Shubhacetanananda. Jinanesh gave introductory speech about the Vegetarian Dinner and gave thanks to all for joining it. People were very inspired to taste vegettarian food. This was the largest gathering for the vegetarian dinner.
66. Vegetarian Dinner by Richland College Yoga Club
12/09/2007
RLC 12/7/07 11:46 am.
On behalf of the Richland Yoga Club, I’d like to invite you to the Club’s Vegetarian Dinner Party:
Day: Wednesday, Dec. 12
Time: 4:30 to 6:00 pm.
Location: El Paso E-076 (near the Richland cafeteria)
Type of food: Vegetarian food (Asian Indian/Chinese).
All the food will be vegetarian with no onions/garlic/mushroom/caffeine but some may contain dairy products, nuts or gluten. We try not to make it hot and spicy to satisfy everyone’s taste. It’s not professionally prepared but hope you would like it anyway.
Most important of all, we’d love to see you there regardless of whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
This is not an open invitation to anybody. But if you’d like to bring someone else with you, please let us know ahead of time so we don’t have unexpected surprises. Thank you and we look forward to your attendance.
Sincerely,
Glen Sovian
Richland Yoga Club
67. PROUT news from Boulder, Colorado
12/08/2008
Under the leadership of senior Margii Suprabhata, the Boulder PROUT Study Group was created during the last Denver Regional Retreat. Its purpose is not to only draw margiis nearer to this fundamental part of P. R. Sarkar’s philosophy, devised for the improvement of our human society, but also, since it is an open group that welcomes everybody, to spread the word among all kinds of activists and progressive thinkers in the Denver-Boulder area.
Boulder is well-known for being a progressive city in the United States, featuring several activist groups and on-going activities regarding environmental, local trading, cooperatives development, and community diversity issues. In fact, Boulder spear-heads a “return to the local” movement in this country. Two months ago, Ananda Marga was present in the “A Renaissance of Local!” event, which is a Boulder festival aimed at divulging the importance of local trading, where our purpose was to spread the word about PROUT. Now, our efforts are directed to connect with more local people, and get them involved in the PROUT movement, and get ourselves involved in the community projects at the same time, for the benefit of us all. Our sister Cetana came in contact recently with a group of youngsters eager to contribute in the improvement of our world. They have the energy and the motivation, but lacked a model to follow until they heard about PROUT during a conference in Naropa University.
PROUT study sessions are held every week on Friday, in Naropa University, a place that provides the right kind of atmosphere for our socio-spiritual meetings. We start with Prabhat Samgiita, Kiirtan and collective meditation. Everybody is welcome. Please contact Cetana (cetana311@gmail.com) or Paresh (solarium@gmail.com) for more information.
Namaskar.
News Reported by Paresh
68. Students Yoga Retreat
12/02/2007
by Richa from Albany
We gathered in the beautiful landscape of Ananda Vrati for another inspiring and creative Student Yoga Weekend on the weekend of November 9th to the 11th. The retreats have always been enjoyed by the participants since about 10 years ago, when they first started, and this one was no different. However, the one thing that made this retreat different was the feeling of a ‘new generation,’ as Dada Vishvarupananda put it, since the facilitators included not only Dada Vishvarupananda and Dada Viveka, but also a group of new facilitators trained earlier this summer. Everything ran smoothly with a retreat of this size: Ananda Vrati was full with 22 participants and 10 facilitators and Acaryas.
The participants were mostly college students coming from Binghamton, Washington DC, Virginia, Albany, Connecticut, New York City and even from as far as Florida. The retreat program included two morning and one evening yoga classes, meditation and kiirtan before meals, several workshops, an afternoon hike, a creative sharing and drumming circle, and plenty of time to enjoy each others’ company during meals and the spontaneous massage or jamming session. The inspiring and interactive workshops included introducing meditation as a beautiful gift for life by Dada Vishvarupananda, PROUT philosophy as applied to deal with food sustainability by Dinakar and Kalinatha, and using effective communication skills to build a sense of community by Shanti and Richa. We were nurtured with delicious vegetarian food from the kitchen, usually cooked by Dada Gunamaya, Dinakar, Dada Vimaleshananda or Dada Shubhacetananda, with plenty of help from Kailash and other facilitators.
During the closing ceremony, we saw ourselves connected as a web after having shared so much at the retreat, and everyone had a chance to share their experience. With the new group of facilitators, the program that always seems to work, and the accepting environment that is created at these retreats, it is inspiring to think of what can come from this ‘new generation’ of new facilitators as well as participants that have been touched by the retreat.
69. Medical Insurance through local solidarity chains
Medical Insurance through local solidarity chains
Thu, 11/29/2007 – 12:15 — dadavima
The experience of living in a rural area i the Northeastern Pennsylvania have brought me to envision a cooperative solution to the lack of affordable medical insurance. This is not a small problem and solutions may be different according to locations and situations. Nerveless there is the need to strength the solidarity present in the local community that manifest himself systematically at the time of emergency or dire need. Solidarity chains are materialized quickly when a member of the community need a special medical care. I have observed that they are effective and bring vitality to those who organize and participate in them.
Condition for a solidarity chain to be effective is that the members are in a close relationship. They feel the participation and they identify locally with the need that is going to be fulfilled. On the opposite certain types of solidarity chain that develop over the internet for example calling for help without the possibility of verification of the destination of financial resources collected are bound to failure. The strength of a local solidarity chain is given by the roots of the people in the community. As local people are normally related to the land for their live hood, they tend to be honest and trustworthy. In a local community where people know each other there is no chance for cheating, it is just not possible or you will have to pay the consequences of it that in most cases are meant to be the exclusion from the community.
The idea of a Medical Insurance based on a local solidarity chain is just a merge and integration of something that is already in place. It means that there is a need to rationalize and make efficient that chain of solidarity that happens to be created at the time of emergency. To explain further the way to establish a solidarity chain is to simulate the medical emergency and set up the system able to guarantee the fulfillment of the need independently from the time factor.
At this point let s the idea germinate and find its own ways to express and become reality.
Ac. Vimaleshananda Avt.
Medical Secretary – New York Sector
70. A new book by Dr. Susmit Kumar- The Modernization of Islam
11/21/2007
Introduction
On September 11, 2001, Islamic fundamentalists intentionally crashed two airliners into the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon, killing about 3,000 people. That day, U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice was scheduled to outline a Bush administration policy that would address “the threats and problems of today and the day after, not the world of yesterday.” The focus was largely on missile defense, not terrorism from Islamic radicals. The address was designed to promote a missile system as the cornerstone of a new national security strategy, and contained no mention of al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, or Islamic extremist groups according to former U.S. officials who saw the text. The speech was postponed in the chaos of the day. It mentioned terrorism, but did so as one of the dangers from rogue nations, such as Iraq, that might use weapons of terror, rather than from the extremist cells now considered America’s main security threat.1
Similarly, until 1900 no one was predicting that democracy would replace kingdoms in most European countries, or that Asian and African countries would gain independence within five to six decades. But because of World Wars I and II, most European kingdoms were replaced by vibrant democracies, and colonial rulers had to leave most of Asia and Africa due to the destruction wrought on their economies during the world wars.
The 2001 attack on the United States and subsequent Western-led attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq have led political scientists to believe in Samuel Huntington’s theory of a “clash of civilizations.”2 The world’s civilizations—Western, Islamic, Sinic/
Introduction
The Modernization of Islam
Chinese, Japanese, Orthodox/Russian, Hindu, African, and Latin—will, according to this theory, align and engage in war on a civilizational basis. The current conflict between the U.S.-led coalition of Western nations and Islamic nations and groups is only its present and most patent manifestation. Although experts predict that Islamic militancy will last three to four decades, they are unable to predict its final outcome.
What we are in fact witnessing is not the clash of civilizations—but the modernization of Islam. In order to give birth to a beautiful child, a woman has to go through the pains of labor. Europe went through a similar crisis in the first half of the last century. World Wars I and II were necessary in order to change the global socio-economic and political environments of those times, in Europe in particular. Had those wars not occurred, much of Europe might still be ruled as kingdoms, and most Asian and African countries might still be awaiting independence from their colonial masters.
Islam is the only major religion being imposed by government fiat anywhere in the world, and as such is a throwback to medieval values. Following the dissolution of the Islam-centered Ottoman Empire after World War I, colonial powers Britain and France carved up the Middle East and North Africa, creating most of the nations we know there today, now about 40 in number, for administrative reasons, and installed client rulers. Later on, a number of these rulers were ousted in coups, and almost all the countries in these regions are now unstable and facing Islamic militancy. The combination of religious medievalism and socio-political instability indicates a transitional period is underway.
Today Islamic civilization is going through what Europe went through between WWI and WWII. The creation, first, of Israel in 1948 and now the invasion of Iraq in 2003 have catalyzed deep changes that will result in its modernization. At the end of this crisis, Islam will cease to be the guiding force where it now leads, and the majority of Islamic nations will become secular and democratic, like Turkey. Until WWI, Turkey, whose population is 99 percent Muslim, had been the seat of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1922) and the Islamic caliphate. It is now a secular, democratic nation and has been since 1923.
The Ottomans fought with Germany against Britain and France during WWI. After their defeat, Muslim leaders as far away as the Indian subcontinent launched movements to influence the British government to protect the caliphate, a spiritual and political leadership system that started after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632. Even Mahatma Gandhi and his Congress Party made an alliance with Muslim leaders, who had formed the All India Khilafat Committee, to actively participate with them in the Khilafat Movement (1919-1924) to pressure the British government in this direction. It is an irony that Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who later became instrumental in partitioning India along communal lines into India and Pakistan, dismissed this campaign as “religious frenzy.”
Following WWI, Mustafa Kemal changed Turkey from an Islamic caliphate into a secular, democratic country overnight. He abolished the caliphate in 1924, ending a 13-century-old institution. Women were given equal rights, and the entire educational system up to university level was made co-educational. Islamic courts were banned, and a new legal system was established, based on Swiss, Italian, and German models. He made other profound changes as well, which will be reviewed in chapters 5 and 7. All these changes were made within two to three years.
In 1995-96, I wrote a couple of articles on international politics in Global Times (Denmark) and stated that certain events would occur in the Middle East, predictions that are now being realized. I wrote:
The U.S. has sowed the seeds of the next Cold War by employing the low-cost war strategy in Afghanistan. Although a rise in Islamic fundamentalist movements world-wide was inevitable, U.S. involvement in Afghanistan only hastened the process…
The rise in Islamic fundamentalist movements world-wide is inevitable. Iraq just delayed this rise by waging the eight-year-long war with fundamentalist Iran. Large-scale unemployment and acute poverty in the general population and —-
Dr. Susmit Kumar
71. Yoga Club News
11/24/2007
The Yoga Club attended the United Nations Day Celebration at Brookhaven College. The Yoga Club had a table on the occasion of the celebration. Glen Sovian (jinanesh), dada Advayananda, and dada Shubhacetanananda helped students and faculty staffs by distributing flyers and brochures. Ananda Marga and Prout books were displayed. 20 students signed up for the weekly Yoga Class. Dr. Trish Dodd introduced dadas from the Yoga club to fifty students.
Dada Advayananda has been teaching three yoga classes on every week in Brookhaven, Eastfield, and Richland College. Sister Vandana Dada Shubhacetanananda went to these colleges and gave inspiring talk. New officers for the clubs were elected. Dada Dharmapremananda played Tabla and Dada Shubhacetanananda sang Prabhat Samgiita and Kiirtan at Richland College and people liked it.
Dada Shubhacetanananda gave talk on the benefits of Yoga to Dr. Trish Dodd’s World Literature class at Brookhaven College. 25 students attended the class. Dada also introduced meditation to Amnesty International Club students. Dada attended leadership training camp and met with club leaders, Speakers, Students Programs and Resources Directors from different colleges.
Dada met with a Yoga teacher at Dallas Fortworth Hindu Temple who invited dada to give talk in yoga Studio. Dada Shubhacetanananda and Dada Advayananda gave mass initiation to 8 students and told personal experiences of yoga practice. The owner of the studio wants to organize a yoga workshop for dadas.
On one hand, brother Gopinath has been teaching Yoga class every week at North Lake College. On other hand, sister Vandana has been teaching yoga for kids on every Sunday at Richardson. Dada Advayananda plays Kiirtan with Guitar and brother Vishvatman tells moral and educative stories after the yoga class.
Dada Shubhacetanananda visited the yoga for kids class and talked about the goal of human life.
Diipavalii was celebrated in Dallas Jagrti and Tattvika’ Devinistha’ shared Baba’s stories with the margiis.
Dada Shubhacetanananda volunteered for Community Service Day event at Eastfield College. Dada wrote two stories in the Etcetra, an Eastfield newspaper.
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72. Yoga and Prout Seminar in Miami
10/21/2007
Miami good news
October 9, 2007 Dada Shubhacetananda gave lecture at FIU yoga class, where he
Introduced Baba Nam Kevalam meditation. It was attended by 15 people, including students and staff members.
October 10, 2007
Dada taught meditation at North Miami Library, were yoga students were introduced to meditation and asanas using universal mantra. Prout philosophy was introduced to the students. 15 people attended the class.
October 11, 2007
Dada inspired people at FIU where yoga students learned about meditation and
Philosophy.
October 13, 2007
Dada gave a lecture at a yoga studio in Miami Shores were 30 yoga practitioners
Learned about meditation techniques using universal mantra.
October 14, 2007
Dharmacakra was held at Dr. Ram’s house were 12 margiis attended
And one new person got initiation.
October 15, 2007
Dada visited Elderly Retiring Home we re 25 residents lived, in a non-profit
Organization and yoga classes are held twice a week for them. They learned
Meditation with universal mantra.
A seminar and workshop was held at wellness center at FIU were 25 new people
Were introduced to the yoga philosophy and meditation using universal mantra.
Everyone was very inspired. We finished with a vegetarian dinner. Ananda Marga books was sold.
October 16, 2007
Dada visited another yoga studio where yoga students learned Ananda Marga meditation and also dada talked about the benefits of meditation to 15 people.
October 17, 2007
Dada gave a yoga class and presented a yoga anatomy power point presentation at the North Miami Beach Library where Rainjita teaches weekly yoga class.
The Yoga class Seminar was organized by Bonnie and Rainjita. Thanks to Rainjita, Sudhindra, Bonnie, Samita, Jayanti, Patricia, Missy, Lawrence, Carmena, Tresa, and Gaya for organizing and supporting Dada’s visit.
Reported by Rainjita
73. PROUT Global Convention in Taiwan
10/16/2007
Global PROUT Convention 2007, Taiwan , Hong Kong Sector
Held on 22nd September to 24th September 2007
In beautiful Ananda Surucii Master Unit in southern Taiwan, nearly 250 participants gathered for three days. Representatives came from South Korea, Russia, Japan, Maharlika (Philippines) and Denmark. Overall coordinator was Dada Rasabuddha’nanda CSPU HK Sector, Dada Dyutimaya S-UPSF,Dada Rudranathananda S-UPFF, and with the Co-operation and Co-ordination of all Dadas and Didis and Margiis of Hong Kong Sector Convention was successfully done. , the conference was organized by Tai Chong ?? Margiis in cooperation with margiis in Yu Ching.
Following minutes were resolved in Global PROUT Convention 2007 in Taiwan are:
1. Make Taiwan self-sufficient in sustainable energy.
2. Transform agriculture to be organic, for local consumption.
3. Balance economy by promoting agricultural and industrial cooperatives
4. Set ceiling on salaries, land ownership and wealth
5. Fight pseudo-culture and materialism
6. Propagate PROUT to everyone through lectures, media, books, Internet,
7. Create PROUT Research Institute of Taiwan
The cultural show on Saturday night was stunning, and included among others Taiwanese aboriginal songs, instrument solos on piano and violin and traditional Chinese dance. Prizes for the most interesting performances were awarded to: sisters from Gaoxiong ?? who performed a comedy in Taiwanese language wearing traditional costumes, improvised sword dance accompanied by piano and children performing traditional Tai dance.
On Sunday morning our Global PROUT Convention’s chief guest and SG’PU Dada Siddhayoga’nanda gave a class on the “SPIRITUALITY AND PROUT”.
In the afternoon, Dada Maheshvarananda led a workshop about cooperative games. He explained that he has found these dynamic exercises to be very helpful in training cooperative workers.
The most excitement was generated by the small group discussions on Monday morning. Participants divided into six interest groups: Farmers Federation, Students Federation, Intellectual Federation, Labor Federation, Youth Federation and an international support group. The participants discussed the problems facing their federation and gave ideas of solutions based on PROUT. This was the first time in Taiwan that so many spiritual aspirants became motivated to work together to implement the Progressive Utilization Theory.
UPYF
(UPIF discussing the local based issues)
[other things to write about in the report: kiirtan, Baba video, Sat.
workshops, Dada Rasabuddhanandajii’s name as oveall organizer, perhaps
Dada SS’s cooperation, resolutions from the workshops..]
C
CO-OPERATIVE GAMES by Dada Maheshvaranandajii and assisted by Jiivandev.
SG’PU Dada Siddhayoganandajii gave class on “Spirituality and Prout”
Class on Prout
Collective meal during Global Prout Convention 2007 in Taiwan
There were special program for Children during the convention.
Naming Ceremony during Sectorial conference and Global Prout Convention 2007
Class on PROUT by Dada Maheshvaranandaji
Kaosikii Competition
Tandava competition
Rawa program
RAWA program by Kaosiung Unit
Rawa program by Taipei Unit
Piano by
RAWA
?? 189.jpg
46K View Download
Children’s program
Revolutionary marriage during Convention
Prize distribution
Group photo of Convention
Thanks
74. Women’s Proutist Retreat at Ananda Vrati
10/10/2007
SAVE THE DATE!
Women’s Retreat at Ananda Vratii,
Quest Center, Hop Bottom, PA
April 25th, 26th and 27th, 2008
“Let women be the vanguard of a new revolution which humanity must achieve for a glorious tomorrow”
Prabhat Ranjan Sarker, the founder of PROUT,
Progressive Utilization Theory
Enjoy uplifting company in an all women environment. All Margii sisters are welcome to attend. Workshops include:
Women’s Health with Asiima
Our Yoga Practice with Kalpana
Women’s Spirituality with Tattvika’ Devanishta
PROUT in daily life with Devika
Focus on Samaj with Miirabai
Condition of Women with Nirainjana
Pilates with Kusum
Natural Cooking with Anjali
Arrival Friday, April 25th at noon through lunch on Sunday April 27th
$120 per person. Don’t let finances stop you!
For more information, contact Devika at martinaforden@yahoo.com or by phone at 240-481-8439 or Nirainjana at nirainjana@yahoo.com .
Sponsored by Women Proutists of New York Sector.
74. Proutists Partcipated in green festival
10/10/2007
Our Proutist Raghava had reserved a booth for Food for All, where we had Ananda Marga books, Prout Journal, Prout Retreat flyers, Amurt magazines, and Meditation today. Thousands of people visited our booth. Tattvika Dhruva, Deviika, Ujjwala, Krnatma, Rudrani, Dada Shubhacetanananda, and Dada Vishvarupananda were helping people at the booth. Many people signed up for Prout retreat, Yoga Class, and Prout Study Circle. We met with several margiis who had lost contact with us. One Farmer who used to donate food to us also offered to continue his help to our organization. Some people signed to be volunteers. There were many progressive organizations and speakers who were representing their organization to change the world. People were promoting vegetarianism, efficient energy, sustainable community building to save the Earth.
Children’s program
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75. PROUT Workshop in Denver, Colorado
10/03/2007
Suprabhat, Nikhil Kumar, and Dada Shubhacetanananda presented PROUT to the public in Denver. Suprabhat explained Cooperative, Nikhil talked about the five fundamental principles of PROUT, and Dada Shubhacetanananda presented PROUT in North America and all around the world. Giita, Cetana, Anandi, Nandini, Jyotiisvarii helped to set up booth in the Renaissance festival. PROUT books were sold during the festival. They distributed flyers of PROUT, yoga class, and Meditation retreat. They explained about prout to the public. Many speakers from different parts of the US talked about local economy, peak oil, and Climate change.
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76. Radio Interview of Senior Proutist Dr. Ravi Batra
09/25/2007
77. Dallas News
09/18/2007
http://www.flickr.com/gp/12055440@N06/79csk4
78. Yoga For Kids
09/18/2007
YOGA FOR KIDS
by Vandana
By Ananda Marga an NGO teaching yoga and meditation free throughout the world for the past 52 years.
Kids enjoy Yoga!!! As they twist their body to different shapes of animals . Yoga helps them build better body awareness, balance, self control, flexibility, concentration , co-ordination and more. Come join and celebrate good health and fitness.
Age : 5 -15 years
Place : Club House, Willow Springs, 233 Trellis Pl., Richardson, 75081
Date : Every Sunday, September 23, 2007
Time : 4:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m
Please come five minutes before the class starts. Wear loose clothes to stretch. Eat lunch at least two and half hours before the class starts. Please bring a yoga mat or a blanket . These classes are free, but donations are welcome. We will enroll first 15 kids for the class. For registrations please contact Dada at 972-699-3838, didi at 214-295-6338 or email at yoga_didi@yahoo.com. You can visit our website at www.anandamarga.org .
79. PROUT and World Poverty
09/12/2007
<object width=”425″ height=”350″><param name=”movie” value=”http://www.youtube.com/v/hvC7lbNmFLQ”></param><param name=”wmode” value=”transparent”></param><embed src=”http://www.youtube.com/v/hvC7lbNmFLQ” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash” wmode=”transparent” width=”425″ height=”350″></embed></object><p> Dr. Ravi Batra, known economics professor and author of several books has recorded a short video illustrating the need of a PROUT revolution to end corruption all over the world. He pointed out how corruption is the key factor in the world poverty. He documented his thesis with clear data and analysis. You can <a href=”http://upsf.us/files/batra.wmv”>download the video here</a>. </p>
80. Global PROUT conference
09/09/2007
PROUT GLOBAL CONVENTION
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE “PROUT GLOBAL CONVENTION” GOING TO BE HELD IN TAIWAN FROM 22nd SEP TO 24th SEP 2007.
THEME:- BEYOND CAPITALISM-PROUT
VENUE:- 56-4, SHATIEN VILLAGE ,TAINAN COUNTY
DIST: YU-CHING (TAIWAN)
PHONE : 00886-2-23021167 ,MOBILE: 00886-955904504
BROTHERLY YOURS,
S.G.P.U
81. Proutist Universal, Inc. has been attending 60th General Assembly Meeting of the United Nations
09/06/2007
It is said that we do not own this earth, we borrow it for our children. Whether you may be rich or poor, global warming is a challenge for our life. Floods, hurricane, and earthquake have made people suffer. People’s death have increased. There are 6.5 billion population in the world. Climate change can imacts everybody’s life. It is big threat of humanity. Business leaders, Governments, and NGOs can make difference to save the world. Deforestation, clean fuel system, and clean electicity can reduce pollution. Today water crisis is also a problem. We will not change, but we will save this world. Let us make our opportunity humanitarian and soccial issue of the world. The Speakers spoke today on the topic of Climate change and its impacts on people’s lives. Sustainable development, Water security, climate change and mind body spirit connection, climate change and individual responsibility, and Water Crisis were the topic for workshops.
On Behalf of Proutist Universal, Inc. Dada Ik, Gopalji, Jivandeva and Dada Shubhacetanananda has been attending the 60th General Assembly meeting of the United nations. The Theme of the conference is Climate Change: How It Impacts US ALL. It has started on 5th September and will be finished on 7th September, 2007. Opening Session was attended by about 2,500 NGOs representatives and among them 400s are students and youths.
Flyers and card were distributed to people. Many people came and asked about the PU organization and activities. There will be more news tomorrow.
Ac. Shubhacetanananda Avadhuta
CS PU NY Sector
csny@prout.org
Cell-214-315-0869
www.prout.org
http://upsf.org/files/un3.JPG
82. News published in Hindu
08/27/2007
Global financial crisis: ‘A lot more is yet to come’
D. Murali and Goutam Ghosh
Chennai, Aug. 17: The current liquidity crisis that central bankers around the world are battling with is “just the tip of the vast American mortgage iceberg, and is likely to simmer in the coming months,” says Dr Ravi Batra, Head, Department of Economics, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, US.
“It will probably worsen by the end of this year, with the real crisis starting early next year. The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Federal Reserve Bank have injected new funds that seem to have contained the crisis, at least for now. But a lot more is yet to come,” he adds, speaking to Business Line.
Excerpts from an interview.
How would you explain the current global financial crisis?
If I recall correctly, it was in the month of March when you last interviewed me about my new book, ‘The New Golden Age: The Coming Revolution against Political Corruption and Economic Chaos’ (Palgrave Macmillan, January 2007). I remember telling you that a global financial crisis would erupt from the US around the middle of the year and that it would begin with the bursting of the American housing bubble. Precisely that has happened towards the end of July and continues to this day.
And the markets have been hit hard…The Dow Jones Index peaked on July 19 at 14,000 and has been moving negatively ever since. The world stock indexes also peaked around that time and followed the Dow’s decline. Sensex, for instance, crested on July 24 at 15,742 and is now hovering around 15,000. (On August 17, the index plunged below 14,000). To be sure, global share markets are still lofty, but I believe they have seen their highs for this year.
What is at the root of the problem?
The real problem is that investors now view some types of housing bonds as very risky, because record numbers of homeowners in the US have been defaulting on their loans. Many of these loans were sold to private investors and financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs, Bear Stearns, Morgan Stanley. Even European banks invested in risky American mortgages, although India’s hedge funds mostly avoided these securities.
Is there a chronology of the crisis?I am sure there exists a chronology of this crisis, but it would be hard to pin down. The crisis has been simmering since May 2007 when Bear Stearns divulged problems with two hedge funds, but it came to a head in the final week of July when stock market was hit by great volatility that continues to this day. I would put the starting point of this crisis at July 20, when the Dow began to fall and has been trending down ever since.
Is the US crisis spilling over to other countries too?Apart from Europe, another country that was heavily involved in the US housing market was Japan, where the interest rates were and still are rock bottom. Investors borrowed money from Japanese banks at low interest rates and bought American mortgages that paid substantially higher rates. This practice is known as carry trade. As a result, a number of unforeseen events followed.
Such as?First, the Japanese currency, the yen, depreciated while the dollar appreciated. Second, Japanese exports surged and so did the Tokyo stock exchange. The Nikkei index jumped along with the Dow. But now the reverse cycle is happening.
What are the consequences?As a result of heavy losses in US mortgages, the carry trade has almost ground to a halt, the yen has risen, but the Nikkei has sunk. Even though Indian investors are not into American hedge funds, the Mumbai share prices have also fallen. This is because we now live in a global market where local markets are essentially linked to the New York Stock Exchange. So the decline of the Sensex is in sympathy with the decline of the Dow.
**
Dr Batra had sent the following answers during the first quarter of 2007 in response to questions from Business Line:
Now that Wall Street has taken a plunge, and you feel the phenomenon corroborates your hypothesis in your book, ‘The New Golden Age’, where do you think India will stand in the world hierarchy in 2022?
First, February ended with uniformly bad economic news; durable goods orders and new home sales plunged in the US while inflation and oil prices shot up. The share markets duly reacted to the news around the world and the Dow Jones Index (DJI) dropped 416 points on February 27. The sell off began in China and quickly spread to Europe and the US. The markets may have stabilised, but fear and uncertainty remain.
This is precisely what is predicted in my new book, which was released just three weeks before the plunge in China. The book foresees that by mid-year there will be economic chaos around the globe, which will snowball into a major economic debacle over the next three years, culminating in a revolution against the rule of money in society, which in turn will lead to a wonderful free market system and a golden age. The age of money will also end in India by 2016 or, at the latest, the end of the next decade.
By 2022, or 15 years from now, India will be a prosperous economy and a major political player in the world. Its ideas and intellectuals will have a significant say in global affairs.
You insisted, as a teacher, that what matters is the ability of a researcher to keep pushing the frontier and not stop with one’s net addition to the stock of knowledge. Do you still stick to that view or has it changed somewhat in the last 30 years?
This view will never change. The stock of knowledge is like an ocean, inexhaustible and unfathomable. All we can do is to add a little to what is known, do our best and hopefully discover ideas that help society.
How do you rate the quality of research papers published from India and other developing countries (not the research done by expatriate Indians)?
India has a deep spiritual background that goes back to ancient times. True spirituality creates great intellect, and that is why in spite of hunger and malnutrition prevailing until 1980, India has been producing great intellectuals. The nation’s engineers, professors and doctors are in demand all over the world. India’s writers are great researchers.
What is the direction Indian macro policy should take to make its presence felt quickly? The country should encourage competition at home; mergers among big domestic firms should not be permitted, and those companies that keep raising prices should be broken up. This is the only way to make sure that the fruit of India’s high growth reaches its masses in the form of rising salaries and wages.
Do you think India’s quest for a Permanent Seat in the UN will be fulfilled if India were to become an economic giant?
Most likely, yes. But the UN itself might be restructured after the coming global revolution against the rule of money.
Will the spillover of massive economic growth pull the dispossessed and the voiceless in India out of the hellhole they are in now? Or will it lead to a heavily skewed distribution of resources (including purchasing power) again?
Destitution will end only when large domestic firms are broken up to increase the level of competition. Until then, income and wealth disparity will be on the rise.
83. Short article on PU’s Sectorial Seminar by Tattvika Dhruva
08/19/2008
A number of senior and junior Proutists, including
myself, attended the recent Proutist Universal Sectorial
Seminar, Aug 10, 11 and 12, in Pennsylvania, USA. The
setting was the Master Unit of Ananda Vratii. Not only
was the location beautiful, naturally uplifting and
hospitable but the event was a great launch for the next
round of local seminars around the sector for remaining
2007. The group of participants was small, roughly a
dozen, split between adult and youth members. Rainjana,
the youngest present, spent more than a day to get to
the program from Detroit. One family made the trek from
North Carolina. My family came from Washington, DC. I
was inspired to see the youngsters in the programs.
They were there voluntarily and very eager to learn
about PROUT, a tiny representation of the enormous youth
movement with interest in progressive social change
through the Proutist organizations.
Since so many of us were travelling late into the night
on Friday, the seminar began the next morning, after
breakfast, with Trainer Dada Shubhacetanananda leading
with an introductory class on PROUT with a well crafted
presentation from his PC. Later a presentation on the
history in brief of Proutist Universal in the sector
was outlined. At noon, following quiet time for
reflection and meditation, a gourmet vegetarian lunch was
served and enjoyed by all. Jyoti, the food-in-charge served
up another exquisite meal.
The Saturday afternoon program was a mix of high level
discussions and learning, including “coming out of the
closet as Proutists” and then, later, free-time for
hiking the mountains, exploring the nearby tree house, and
playing volleyball. The evening program was a
presentation by Madhusudan and Dada on Samaj, socio-economic
groupifications. Later, a few of the youngsters said
they thought the presentation was good, that the
conversation that followed got a little tense for them but that
they learned a lot, very quickly, about this important
and complex subject. Amazingly, everyone was so
captivated that they realized it was past 11:30 and time to
do avarta kiirtan before going to sleep for the night.
The final program on Sunday morning was used primarily
to focus on where, how and when to plants the seeds of
knowledge and action gained in the seminar. Future
seminar dates were set for locations around the area.
Dada Shubhacetanananda, the trainer, gave his final
farewell presentation, encouraging us to continue to learn
about PROUT and to have the courage to bring our program
to the world around us.
Thanks go to the seminar organizers, Devika, Nirainjana
and Madhusudan, and to Dada Vimaleshananda for hosting
us at Ananda Vratii. Personally, I let the event
rejuvenated and with renewed commitment, resolve and
inspiration to carry forward this essential and important
Mission. I highly recommend each and every Proutist, and
otherwise interested person, to attend a seminar in
your area in the near future. I am sure you too will
carry away seeds of knowledge, action, courage, and hope to
serve our struggling and suffering world.
http://upsf.org/files/prout%20seminar%204.jpg
84. Sectoral PROUT Conference in New York Sector
08/01/2007
Namaskar,
Here is the flyer in text form below. It is on the web at www.prout.org/ ny. PDF can be viewed and downloaded from there too.
Let’s continue to get it done.
Ba’ba’ Na’m Kevalam,
dhruva
UPCOMING SEMINAR — August 10-12, 2007
FIND PRINTABLE EVENT FLYER HERE (PDF)
Implementing PROUT … Locally and Beyond
Seminar — the time and place to plant seeds
— Taking PROUT from theory to practice, with love and a spiritual base
— Local economy and local movements
— Cooperatives, issue based actions, community building and networking
WHEN – Friday August 10th evening to Sunday 12th noon
WHERE – Ananda Vratii – Quest Center, Hop Bottom, Pennsylvania USA – Tel: 570-289-4021
DIRECTIONS – go to www.questcenterpa. com
$$$ – $110 / $80 students / $55 under 15
Pre-registration is recommended by August 1st for a 10% discount and due to limited space.
It is our intention that all who want to attend this program should do so regardless of financial ability. Special arrangements can be made for those in need.
Tenting spaces and dorm rooms are available.
Send check or money order payable to Proutist Universal along with Name(s) & Coordinates (full address, email and telephone) to:
Proutist Universal Sectorial Seminar
2355 Trellis Place
Richardson, TX 75081
Telephone 972-699-3838
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Dada Shubhacetanananda csny at prout.org 214-315-0869, or,
Madhusudana madhusudana at carolina.rr. com, or,
Nirainjana nirainjana at yahoo.com
BROUGHT TO YOU BY Proutist Universal, New York Sector. FYI, New York Sector is comprised of North and Central Americas, and the Hawaiian and Caribbean Islands.
www.prout.org
85. Global PROUT convention in Taiwan
08/01/2007
Dear brothers and sisters, Namaskar.
It gives me immense pleasure to invite you and all the Proutists to attend the PU global convention going to be held at Yu- Ching ( Ananda Surucii ), Taiwan from 22nd Sept, to 24th Sept. 2007.
Please inform and encourage maximum brothers and sisters to attend the convention.
For details contact the local organizers.
Ac. Rasabuddhananda Avt. ( CS PU HK )
< dadarasa@gmail.com >
Phone. 00886 2 23021167
Also you can contact PU global office Copenhagen
Ac. Udayananda Avt. ( office Secy. )
< dadaamb@yahoo.com >
0045 33241244
Brotherly Yours.
n Him
Ac. Siddhayogananda Avt.
SG PU.
86. TEACHERS AND STUDENTS by Shrii P.R. Sarkar
What is the duty of teachers? What is the duty of students? In the Vedic language, “shiksa” means “to make others understand”. You know something but you may or may not be in a position to make others understand what you know. The psychological interpretation is to assimilate objectivity by internal subjectivisation. Now, suppose there is a dialogue between a teacher and a student.
Student: “Sir, what is the meaning of nationality?”
Teacher: “Nat means ‘a collection within a geographical range, on a particular land.’ This collection in Latin is ‘nata’. What is the result of nata? When the suffix ‘ion’ is added it is ‘nation’. Nation is incorrectly pronounced as ‘nashon’ in English. In French it is ‘nation’.
“Now, the abstract form for nation is nationalism. Nationalism is not something material. You can see the nation, but not the sentimental unity known as nationalism.
“Do you know the difference between a material noun and an abstract noun? When an entity comes within the jurisdiction of the sensory and the motor organs it is a ‘material’ or ‘proper’ or ‘common noun’. But when it does not come within the range of the sensory or the motor organs but is a fact mentally, it is called ‘an abstract noun’. Thus physical presence is common, but the idea is abstract.”
Student: “Sir, another question. What is the meaning of mysticism?”
Teacher: “There are so many trifling entities and objects in this world. This is a pillow, this is a bolster. They are limited. They are units. They function within certain limitations. They are finite. You see, the universal entity is there, the vast cosmos is there. Do you follow?”
Student: “Yes sir.”
Teacher: “Try to find a link between this finite and that infinite. That endeavour of yours is known as ‘mysticism’.”
Student: “Sir, there is another question. What is the correct pronunciation of the term ‘education’ – ‘ejucation’ or ‘adukation’?”
Teacher: “You know, my boy, English is a blending of Latin and Scandinavian – Anglo-Saxon terms and the Norman tongue. The Norman tongue follows Latinic intonation and the Scandinavian tongues follow the Nordic or Anglo-Saxon style. As per Scandinavian intonation, the pronunciation is ‘ejucation’. The Latin pronunciation is ‘adukation’. The French pronunciation of education is ‘éducation’. ‘T’ is pronounced as ‘s’ in French.”
Now, education means assimilation, conversion or transmutation of external physicalities. Knowledge regarding this collection has been transformed into your mental realm. This transformation of the
external objectivity into internal subjectivity is education. So education is the transformation of external objectivity into internal subjectivity.
What is the duty of a student? The major tapasya of a student is to study. The duty of a student is to study, to go through, to assimilate, that imparted knowledge.
What is the duty of a teacher? The schedule of a teacher is, say, five hours a day, but teachers have other duties also. Do you go marketing? Do you do cleaning? When you are marketing you are not doing the job of a teacher. You cannot neglect your other duties. Society is in a catastrophe. Should you restrict your duties to teaching, or should you help the society? When a society, nation or human world is in catastrophe or calamity, you have to do your duty to the entire human world. Sometimes this duty becomes the major duty. Sometimes it happens that people do their major duty but neglect their social duty. If they neglect their social duty when the society is in a calamity, are they not committing a social crime? No, because sometimes the minor duties become the major duties and substitute as the major duties for the time being.
The proper knowledge of teachers will help much in removing dogma from the dogma-stricken human order. The social order is defective and is in a lopsided condition. It is to be brought in proper order first. Everything should be done accordingly.
3 January 1989, Anandanagar
Published in:
Prout in a Nutshell Part 18 [a compilation]
87. SOME EDUCATIONAL POLICIES by Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar
According to PROUT, the aim of education is:
Sa? vidya? ya? vimuktaye
“Education is that which liberates.”
The real meaning of education is trilateral development – simultaneous development in the physical, mental and spiritual realms of human existence. This development should enhance the integration of the human personality. By this, dormant human potentialities will be awakened and put to proper use. Educated are those who have learnt much, remembered much and made use of their learning in practical life.
In PROUT’s educational system, emphasis should be given to moral education and the inculcation of idealism – not only philosophy and traditions. The practice of morality should be the most important subject in the syllabus at all levels.
The sense of universalism should also be awakened in the child. Etiquette and refined behaviour are not enough. Real education leads to a pervasive sense of love and compassion for all creation.
As I have mentioned before, the word E-D-U-C-A-T-I-O-N itself has special significance:
E – Enlargement of mind
D – DESMEP (D Discipline, E Etiquette, S Smartness, M Memory, E English, P Pronunciation)
U – Universal Outlook
C – Character
A – Active habits
T – Trustworthiness
I – Ideation of the Great
O – Omniscient grace
N – Nice temperament
Special importance should be attached to children’s education because todays child is tomorrows citizen. The receptive capacity of a child is great, but to enhance the receptivity the method of education should be thoroughly psychological.
From the beginning, children in India can be taught three languages – their mother tongue or natural language, basic Sam?skrta or the appropriate classical language, and the world language. Students should be encouraged to learn the history of their respective mother tongues. By learning the world language, students will develop a feeling of world citizenship in their minds.
According to the policy of PROUT, besides the mother tongue, students can also learn as many languages as possible. Let people know as many languages as they can. But in the practical field – government and non-government work and court work – the mother tongue should be used.
During secondary education, (in Indian this is years 8, 9 and 10), vocational education should be introduced according to the natural tendency and spontaneous aptitude of the students. Talented students should be provided with special facilities if they are poor. After higher education, students with talent should get the opportunity to do research work with the financial aid of the government.
The examination system should undergo a radical change so that the knowledge of the student both in the applied and theoretical sides can be properly assessed. Students should be encouraged to involve themselves in social welfare and other constructive activities within their school or campus. After completing their education, students should be guaranteed appropriate employment.
Proper care should be taken in the selection of teachers. Academic certificates are not the only criteria for selecting teachers. Qualities like a strong character, righteousness, social service, selflessness, an inspirational personality, and leadership ability should be evident in teachers. Teachers should get the highest respect in society and their economic needs should be properly looked after.
The framing of educational policies, the control of the educational system, and all other activities concerned with education should be managed by a board comprised of efficient teachers. This board should enjoy full freedom and authority to carry out its duties. Education must be free from all political interference. Education should be free at all levels.
Should PROUT support the participation by students in the administration of educational institutions? Grown-up students, that is, adults, may take part in the non-academic side of administration. The academic side should be controlled and managed by educationists with the help and cooperation of grown-up students, just as grown-up children may help their parents a lot in managing family duties. The relation between students and teachers should be sweet.
Radio, television, films and other media must be free from exploitation and vested interests. Qualified professionals should utilize such media for the benefit of students to ensure high quality education.
The teaching of science must always be encouraged. The study and application of science will assist in the spread of knowledge and help to ensure that the right to knowledge in every sphere of life – social, economic, psychic and spiritual – is attained by all. Knowledge and science must be free like the light, the air and the unhindered wealth of nature. They must serve all and supply the vital juice of life.
April 1981, Calcutta
88. Regionalism, Universalism, and Samaj Movement
Ac siddhayogananda Avt
06/24/2007
REGIONALISM, UNIVERSALISM AND THE SAMAJ MOVEMENT
(based on the concept of PROUT philosophy)
Human society is movement in unison of those person who have decided to bridge the gap between the first expression of moralism and the establishment of cosmic fraternity . the feeling of cosmic fraternity can only develop when there is an effort to foster cosmic sentiment. Without morality as the base of human society, cosmic sentiment or cosmic fraternity is impossibility.
Morality is that set of ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ which guide, inspire and lead the mind to the universal outlook of Neo-Humanism. As a result, human beings work collectively for the welfare of all, maintaining harmony and progressive adjustment among plant world, animal world and human world- an all engulfing endeavor truly
reflects the spirit of universalism. This is the vision of Prout.
To achieve this social vision of universalism Prout suggests the formation of world government: and for the success of world govt. following factors are needed:-
a) common philosophy of life
b) same constitutional structure
c) common penal code
d) availability of the minimum essentials of life
World govt. must have its own militia. This political structure of world govt. will help develop the social outlook of cosmic fraternity: and then only a true human society can be established.
Other factors which can contribute to the universalism are –
a) World literature
b) Global cultural synthesis
c) Global trade zone
d) One world language as Lingua- Franca
e) Global fiscal policy
But Regionalism is the greatest hindrances in the formation of world govt. and establishment of Universalism. What is Regionalism?
It is love for a particular region or state in preference to the entire world as a whole. Regionalism finds its ground very fast if a country suffers from the following ills and evils-
a) Excessive concentration of administrative power
b) Excessive concentration of political power
c) Imposition of a particular language and cultural pattern on all the people and group
d) Regional imbalances in the growth of economy
e) Absence of common ideology
f) All sorts of narrow sentiments such as geo-sentiments and socio-sentiments
Regionalism is a narrow divisive and disintegrating forces which causes harm and downfall of human society. It is responsible for perpetuating poverty, racial discord, socio-political tension, economic backwardness, communal disturbances, cultural degeneration, psycho-economic exploitation, secession etc.
The applied side of Prout (i.e Samaj Movement) will bridge the gap step by step and will break the barriers of all narrow ‘isms’ including regionalism and finally establish cosmic fraternity and universalism. Though Samaj movement’s approach is regional but the spirit is universal.
Samaj movement is a socio-economic movement based on anti exploitation sentiment aiming at comprehensive unbarred expression of every individual and collective human society with its universal spirit and regional application. By forming Smajas(socio-economic units) throughout the world on the following factors-
· Same ethnic group
· Same sentimental legacy ( tradition, culture, language etc.)
· Similar economic problems
· Similar economic potentialities
Prout aims to,
· To develop self-sufficient socio-economic units in all parts of the world
· To liberate mankind from the psycho-economic exploitation
· To encourage unbarred and all round expression of every indivisual of the society.
· To promote cultural regeneration, elevation and synthesis
So the Samaj movement on one hand insures the guaranteed provision of minimum essentials of life and progressive increase of physical amenities by making the self sufficient economic zones. It thus, help maintain dynamic equilibrium and equipoise (Prama) in physical stratum. At the same time, protecting the sentimental legacy and promoting cultural regeneration, elevation and synthesis, the movement will liberate humanity the shackles of all psychic complexes, narrow sentiments, dogmas. This will restore balance in psychic stratum.
At the first stage, different popular Samaj movements will be launched throughout the world which is of ever-expanding nature. The smaller units will merge into bigger units; and a day may come when entire south-east Asia will become one socio-economic zone based on the following four factors:
1) Diminishing economic disparities
2) Development of science and communication
3) Administrative efficiency
4) Cultural mixing
This will gradually bring the whole world under one administrative structure.
At the next stage, ideological movement will be launched which will establish us in universalism because its approach is universal as well as its spirit will also be universal.
Finally, the process of merger of smaller socio-economic units into bigger units and launching of ideological movements based on Proutistic principles will set the world govt.to usher in the era of universalism.
89. Dada Nigamanandaji’s visit to BostonView Edit Outline
Sun, 06/17/2007 – 21:02 — shubha
Dada Nigamananda visited Boston from June 7th to June 9th. Dc was held on Thursday evening at Westborough. Kiirtan was full of Vibrations. Dada told Baba’s stories and his experience with Baba.
Timir and his family came to Chelmsford on Friday evening. After collective dinner, Dada told some more stories of Baba and emphasized on everyday Meditation and Asanas.
Saturday morning started with Panchjanya. Balakrishna could make it on time @5:00 AM after 1 hour drive to Chelmsford. Margiis had discussion about various topics with Dada Nigamananda, followed by breakfast.
Seminar on “Spirituality and Neo-humanism” was conducted on Saturday morning at Chelmsford. Fifteen(15) people (margiis and non-margii) attended the seminar. Everyone in the seminar was highly inspired with Dada’s talk and relating it to real life examples. Dada explained the importance of spirituality and its practical aspects. It was followed with a question answer session. Dada explained different aspects and answered the questions in very simple wording. Dada went back
to New York on Saturday afternoon.
Dada’s overall visit to Boston was very inspirational. Margiis got an opportunity to have open discussion with Dada and listen to Baba’s stories.
Piiyush
90. Pracar work in Miami and Puerto Rico
06/15/2007
Prachar in Miami from May 30, 2007 to June 14, 2007
Dada Shubhacetananda visited Miami 2nd time and had a lecture and meditation on May 30th at FIU wellness center with attendance of 15 people. Dada also taught asanas and introduction to Baba Nam Kevalam meditation to students and faculty members. He also explained the importance of yoga asanas and meditation. Bonnie, the yoga teacher, invited Dada for this lecture and taught the class.
In North Miami Beach Library, on Thursday May 31st, Lawrence , a yoga teacher, invited Dada to teach asanas and meditation to a class of 20 yoga students. Dada taught Baba Nam Kevalam to attendants. He also inspired them by telling his personal experience of the benefit of asanas and meditation.
On Friday, June 1st , Dada initiated the yoga teacher.
On Saturday, June 2nd we had Group meditation at Shamita’s house which was attended by local Margiis and new Margiis. Dada inspired every one with Baba’s stories.
On Sunday morning 10 people attended Dharma Cakra, and Dada initiated one brother. And others were taught Baba Nam Kevalam.
On Sunday evening local Margiis and Dada had Dharma Cakra at Miami Beach for about 2 hours.
It was a beautiful day and there was a lot of pranah.
Monday, June 4- yoga at Wellness Center FIU Biscayne Bay was attended by students and faculty members. Dada taught asanas and beginning meditation and seven new people attended and got inspired.
Tuesday, June 5 – Yoga class at North Miami Library with attendance of 20 people including a lot of
teenagers that were introduced to yoga asanas and meditation for the first time.
Wednesday, June 6 – Yoga and Meditation Lecture at Miami Dade College at Wolfson Centre and Dada taught Prout.
Thursday, June 7 – In North Miami Beach Library yoga class, Dada taught yoga asanas and meditation and explained the benefits of meditation and new people were introduced to Baba Nam Kevalam.
Friday, June 8 – Dada visited a yoga class at Hollywood Community Center in Florida, 12 people were introduced to Baba Nam Kevalam meditation . Flyers were distributed at different vegetarian restaurants, health food store and groceries to advertise upcoming seminar.
Saturday, June 9 – Yoga for Health Seminar at FIU Wellness Center at Biscayne Bay Campus
Dada taught yoga asanas, kaoshiki, and held a group meditation.
He then had a wonderful power point presentation about Yoga – the Anatomy of Life. Dada explained ashtanga yoga, bio-psychology , yoga treatment and natural remedies. All attendants asked personal question for their specific problems. Sudhiindra taught kirtans and everyone sang together. Everyone enjoyed kirtan and meditation which inspired about 25 people. After ending the day with a vegetarian luncheon, we received a surprise visit of the kids from Opa Locka Community Center with their tutors. About 60 people in total were taught Baba Nam Kevalam meditation. Dada also explained about yama and niyama.
Students asked about Indian culture and costumes. It was very inspiring to see kids this young being impressed by Dada. Three FIU students got initiated after meeting with Dada.
On the same day, Dada had Dharma Cakra at one of the initiated brother and 2 new brothers got initiated.
On Sunday, June 10 there was Dharma Cakra in Miami Beach and a new person joined our Dharma Cakra. It also got advertised on local newspaper for future permanent Group Meditation.
Dharma Prachar in Puerto Rico
On Monday, June 11 to June 14 – Dada gave ashtanga yoga lecture at Central Cultural Extension Country Club which was attended by 20 people. There was a vegetarian pot lock dinner and Baba Nam Kevalam meditation was taught for the first time. Sister Mukti, a Puerto Rican Margii yoga teacher sang kiirtan. She also translated the lecture in Spanish for the group. People were very inspired.
Moksa, organized Dharma Cakra at her house and 6 people attended. Tthey promised to start group
meditation every week. This is the first time Dada went to Puerto Rico. An AM Unit was created.
So, overall Dada’s visit was very successful in Miami and Puerto Rico!
90. PROUT good news from the Globe
06/06/2007
Dear brothers and sisters-namaskar
followings are a few prout good news received from different sectors.plesae do send your work done reprt and good news regularly
PROUT GOOD NEWS AROUND THE WORLD
* A UPSF PROUT convention held on 27th January in which more than two hundred students participated in SAGAR, DIST. : SHIMOGA, KARNATAKA. Ac. Amritaksharananda Avt., PLO, Karnataka spoke on “PROUT IS ONLY WAY OUT TO PRESENT DAY CRISIS.” A day long discussion held on different aspects of PROUT to solve Socio-Economic problems.Outcome of the convention is as follows :
1. A UPSF Committee was formed.
2. Decision was taken to hold regular monthly meeting.
3. Study circle was created.
4. All participants whole heartly accepted to organize Prout symposiums, workshops and Prout training camps in future.
* A 3-day PTC four 6 to 8th April’07 was held at Anand-Kalakar- ASAN GAON Near- Mumbai. This was nicely organized by Mumbai proutists & DLO Dada.
* Around 45 proutists cadres took intensive training for how to propagate the Proutists Solution to the present Socio-Economic Crises through open meeting, door to door contact, pamphlating, leafleting, Press Conference etc.
* inspiring classes on economic democracy as an alternative to the the presentday socio-economic crisis of the world.
* The high light of the PTC was a Proutist (Pashu Se Manushya ) Drama presented by B.P. Mr. Lalit Parimu: a well known TV actor.
* Around 500 youths, intellectuals & villagers attended this cultural programme. 10 villages were covered by 500 pamphaleting& through loudspeaker. Also there was wide coverage by press & T.V. Media.
* Two BHOJPURI SAMAJ PROUTISTS Contested U.P. Assembly election-. Mr. Pravin Kr. from Gangapur and Radhe Shyam from Varanasi Cantt. Alongwith these candidates 50 Proutists cadres worked hard to propagate in both constituanties in 500 villeges a intensive pracar works of Proutists solution to the present Socio-Economic Crises like. increasing unemployment, corruption, criminalisation of society etc. It was done through open meetings, door to door contacts & 82300 pamphlating and leafleting.
* There was wide acceptance by local people to impress this proutistic Panacea. for the present Socio-Economic crises, which was widely by press conference. T.V. & other Medias.
* USA Social Form Proutists were invited to conduct workshop on Prout & were given opportunity to participate to the present Prount different forms. The Proutists give very good presentation of Prout Ideology age the only solution for the present Socio-Economic crisis in the world
* In the annual convention of Kisan Majdoor Sangh, Bhabhua SGPU was invited age chief guest who spoke on the important cooperative movement to liberate the farmers from the Socio-Economic Problems.
* Delhi Printing Press has been repaired and brought to Allahabad and four rooms premises has been constructed to accommodate the printing press and PROUT Office costing Rs. 1,50,000.00.
* A new book on Prout in Hindi is under print from Patna Printing Press. It will soon out within a week
* Prout Training Camp in Mumbai was organized very successfully in which 45 Prout cadres were given training and classes. And a drama name “Pasu se Manusya was staged by Mumbai Artists under the guidance of Lalit Parmu, Mumbai. 700 Villegers watched the drama.
* 58 Prout Candidates took parts in the local elections in Utkal Samaaj out of which 8 candidates own the seats of Sarpanch Mukhiya and Zilla Parisad.
* All India Samaaj Convension was held in Ranchi May’07 and Rally was also taken out in which more than 400 people participated.
* 5 Samaaj convention in of Eastern India were held in Katihaar.
* Banglore TRIO Office construction is completed costing 16,00,000.00 Rs.
* In Hong Kong Sector electronic New Letters subscribers has increased to 500 to 1000. Proutists of Taiwan launched a movement to restore the accommodation facilities of leprosy patient.
* Unicef and Japani’s Government has allocated fund for to provide the sanitation facilities for more than 20 schools in Muzambique, Africa under the guidance of CSPU Naorobi.
* Prout Research Institute conducted a workshop a cooperative the participants were very inspired with the Prout concept of cooperative 9 persons volunteers themselves to work for the cooperative movement in Venezuala. Prout Activists were invited in the conference organized the defence minister Venezuala in which out Proutists gave address the conference attended the 5,000.00 peoples. The importance of Prout was explained to solve to Socio-Economic problems of Venezuala.
* In Manila Samaj Movement is gathering momentum well organized by Arya Samaj Cadres.
91. Good News by Proutist
06/02/2007
Good News submitted by Mayatiita
Dada Shubhacetananda has done successful pracar in Detroit, Cleveland, Bridgeport, and Washington, D.C. A new Prout unit has been established in Boston. More pracar is planned in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Puerto Rico. Dada has worked with Dada Advaeyananda to address student leaders and to prepare a Prout retreat in Dallas for May 12. Dada Advaeyananda has been teaching classes, working on finances, and assisting Ravi Batra with his book. Mayatiita is continuing to teach yoga classes at the
Buddhist Meditation Center, which were begun as a result of Dada Shubhacetananda’s last visit.
Gave a yoga demonstration and talk at the day-long Veisakhi Purnima (Buddha’s birthday)
celebration. Madhusudan has been engaged with local peace activist groups, and participated in a protest. Has made contact with a yoga teacher who may
make facilities available for Ananda Marga activities.
Good News by Adarsh:
Namasakar,
Dada Shubhachetananda Avdt was in Minneapolis this week. By the grace of BABA we had conducted a talk by him on Spirituality and Society at our Apt Complex. Few interested people joined us for the talk. People even showed enthusiasm for clarifying their doubts and showed interest to conduct again for such events. After the talk around 5 people learned Yogasanas and Meditation from Dada on the next day. People really liked it and even asked us to conduct the same next time in Hindu Temple in MN, where large crowd in 1000s can join such events. By the grace of BABA, it was really a succesful start of Dharma Prachar in Minnesota. Please find the photos of the event.
in HIM
Adarsh
92. Students and Youth Retreat
05/29/2007
The youth are organizing a retreat in Meramec State Park, Missouri to take place June 29 to July 1.
Highlights include:
* Inspiring programs collectively led, centering around the heart of Ananda Marga ideology: cosmic fraternity, universal love and divine inspiration.
* Nature walks and hiking through the beautiful Meramec St Park
* A mini-concert led by Nirmal and his team of RAWA artists, straight off the Kundalinii Express!
* Kiirtan, kiirtan, and more kiirtan!
* SATSAUNG! The opportunity to meet and unite with universally-minded, youthful margiis from all across the world!
Price, including accomodations, food, programs, etc. is $120
But don’t let price stop you. If you have any questions talk to Amal at displacedyogi@gmail.com
93. Is Venezuela heading towards PROUT?
05/07/2007
Is Venezuela Heading Towards PROUT?
Sunday, Apr 29, 2007
By: Andy Malinalco – PROUT Venezuela
Today there are countless movements and struggles which are fighting for the creation of a more just, sustainable, and human society, that guarantees individual safety and freedom. Of all these, many progressive people around the world see the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela as the one with the greatest possibility to transform social reality.
PROUT (Progressive Utilization Theory) is a socio-economic theory with a holistic perspective which seeks to create such a world of social justice and replace capitalism. It was conceived of in 1959 by the Indian philosopher and spiritual leader Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (1921-1990). Prout is not a rigid economic doctrine, like the neoliberal policies, but a collection of principles which can be applied according to the requirements of any given situation. It is a model which opposes all forms of domination and exploitation and rejects capitalist economic growth as an end in itself. Instead, Prout proposes economic democracy, decentralization, participatory democracy, regional autonomy and self-sufficiency and takes the well-being of all living beings as the guiding principle of social and economic life.
While the Bolivarian Revolution proceeds mostly through trial and errors, Prout is a conceptually clear and coherent vision, which until now has only been put into practice by a few local communities in various countries. This article will compare the main goals of the Bolivarian Process with Prout; from this comparison we can conclude that Venezuela is moving towards some of Prout’s key principles.
The path leads through conflicts
The Bolivarian transformation of Venezuela, which began on a national scale with the electoral victory of Hugo Chávez in 1998, does not work with a clearly defined doctrine. In this way it seems similar to some of the current movements standing against the neoliberal world order (e.g. the Zapatistas, the World Social Forum, People’s Global Action, Reclaim the Streets, etc.). Its shape is drawn by the constant clashes with both the bitter Venezuelan elites, and the US government and its allies. It is these conflicts, not some revolutionary doctrine, which make it more and more radical.
For example, during the first years, Chávez – besides his determined anti-imperialism – spoke about some “third way” and “capitalism with a human face”. Now he has changed this for anti-capitalist rhetoric, and since the beginning of 2005 he is propagating “Socialism of the 21st Century” as the direction for Venezuela, although he has not clearly defined what he means by this.
Marxist professor Michael Lebowitz (1), who is one of the ideologues of the Bolivarian process, explains the economic blueprint of the Chávez government in the first phase. This was a strong state rejecting neoliberalism and controlling the key industries, bringing the informal sector into the legal economy by supporting the formation of cooperatives. Yet all the while, the backbone and driving force of the economy remained private capital and large capitalist corporations.
This concept changed due to the impact of the coup and the illegal oil strike in 2002-2003. The viciousness of these two attempts to bring down the government, and the political radicalization of the masses who organized themselves in resistance to these, caused a shift in the government’s rhetoric towards an anti-capitalist stand and calling for an alternative solidarity economy.
Every attempt by the opposition to get rid of Chávez has instead strengthened his position and opened new opportunities for the Bolivarian revolution. The attempted coup in 2002 not only led to a cleanup of the military command, but it made it clear to the supporters of Chávez in the slums that if they want to keep their revolution, then their activity, participation and organized actions are very much needed. The coup attempt turned out to be the most efficient mobilization of the chavistas.
The general strike by company owners aligned with the opposition at the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003 made possible examples of workers’ management in practice, and made the government control of the national oil company PDVSA increase. (2) Since then, PDVSA’s profits are funding the government’s popular “missions”, which were started in 2003. The food crisis experienced during the days of the strike created the realization that safeguarding the nation’s food security was vital. The military opened shops on the main roads of Caracas, selling basic foods under market price. These stores turned out to be so popular, that after the crisis ended, a chain of such stores was broadened to the whole country, within the framework of Mission Mercal.
PROUT principles in the Bolivarian Revolution
So while the Bolivarian Revolution doesn’t have a coherent and detailed vision about the future society, its goals of solidarity and collective welfare, which caused it to turn its back to capitalism, correspond to some of the goals of Prout: to minimize inequality, achieve national self-reliance, and create the conditions for economic democracy where everyone is able to satisfy their basic necessities.
The Bolivarian Revolution has started to apply principles of Prout, for the most part unconsciously, in the following four areas: securing the basic necessities of people, promoting economic independence and self-sufficiency (endogenous development), building an alternative economic model based on cooperatives, and creating participatory democracy.
1. Providing the basic needs
According to Prout it should be guaranteed that everyone is able to afford her five basic necessities: food and drinking water, clothing, housing, education and health care. These are needed for a quality of life that is necessary for the development of the personality and the capacity to make decisions regarding one’s economic future and participatory democracy. As Dada Maheshvarananda wrote: “Providing the basic necessities should be the primary function and duty of any economy. Human beings require these in order to realize their individual potentialities, to develop culturally, to achieve inner fulfilment and self-realization, which many now consider as higher goals of life.… What a wonderful world it will be when no one on the planet will worry about getting enough money to buy the food, clothes, housing, education and medical care needed for his or her family!” (3)
The following articles which appear in the Bolivarian Constitution of 1999 as basic rights and policy directives appear to be in line with the abovementioned Prout perspective on providing basic needs:
• Proper housing – Article 82: “Every person has the right to adequate, safe and comfortable, hygienic housing, with appropriate essential basic services, including a habitat such as to humanize family, neighbourhood and community relations. The progressive meeting of this requirement is the shared responsibility of citizens and the State in all areas.” The Chavez government has established a number of missions to provide the fundamental needs of the people, and one of these, Mission Habitat, builds new residential buildings primarily for homeless families with children and for communities that have organized themselves into construction teams. Housing is a serious problem in Venezuela: a large part of the population lives in shanties or in poorly constructed buildings without plaster.
• Education free of charge – Article 102: “Education is a human right and a fundamental social duty; it is democratic, free of charge and obligatory.” The educational missions were started to combat social exclusion and to foster participatory democracy. Illiteracy and the lack of learning possibilities were factors that sustained enormous social differences. The goal of Mission Robinson was to end illiteracy. When it started in July 2003, one and a half million people, or 6% of the population, were illiterate. On 28 October 2005 Venezuela was declared an illiteracy-free country. After Mission Robinson the government launched Mission Robinson II for those who didn’t finish primary school, and this includes more than one and a half million adults. Mission Ribas has helped, by September 2006, 418,253 adults who previously dropped out of high school to finish their diploma. The State pays approximately 100 dollars each month to every participant of the educational programs so that they can attend the courses.
• Primary health care – Article 83: “Health is a fundamental social right and the responsibility of the State, which shall guarantee it as part of the right to life. The State shall promote and develop policies oriented toward improving the quality of life, common welfare and access to services.” Article 84: “In order to guarantee the right to health, the State creates, exercises guidance over and administers a national public health system that crosses sector boundaries, and is decentralized and participatory in nature, integrated with the social security system and governed by the principles of gratuity, universality, completeness, fairness, social integration and solidarity.” The Mission Barrio Adentro, which is maybe the most famous project in international terms, was started in April 2003 to bring basic health care into the slums and to the isolated countryside, for a huge part of society that were previously excluded from health care. The government spends up 5 billion dollars a year to provide both consultations and medicines free of charge. The doctors and staff live in the slums to really serve the community. Presently 14,000 doctors and 3000 dentists from Cuba and an increasing number of Venezuelan doctors provide health care to some 17 million Venezuelans.
• Essential food: Mission Mercal, the nutrition project of the government, sells basic foods in poor areas at 28-50% less than the market price. In the first wave in 2004, they established 4,052 such shops, and this number increased to 15,721 by September 2006. The Mercals sell nearly half of the total food sold in the country. In addition free canteens appeared in the slums, named Comedores Bolivarianos, which provide hot meals to 600,000 people every day.
2. Endogenous development
PROUT proposes that the current centralized economy be decentralized into economically self-reliant regions. The regions would be defined by geographic conditions, and by the inhabitants’ cultural legacy, language, economic problems and interests. These regions would decide their economic future from below, with planning emerging from the communities and supported by the central government policies.
These regions would be divided into blocks, which would provide the basic level of economic planning. As Sarkar wrote: “There are many benefits to block-level planning. The area of planning is small enough for the planners to understand all the problems of the area; local leadership will be able to solve the problems according to local priorities; planning will be more practical and effective and will give quick, positive results.” (4)
With the term “endogenous development”, Chávez marks his rejection of the neoliberal economic rules and the developed countries’ economic models. Instead he is trying to develop an economic model which suits Venezuela, is for Venezuela, and satisfies the needs of Venezuela. The goal is to create national economic sovereignty. According to Chávez, while in the time of Bolivar the fight was for political independence, this generation should achieve economic independence. (5)
In concrete terms this means breaking the dependence on oil, diversifying the income sources of the national economy, rejuvenating agriculture which withered after the discovery of oil, and achieving food security. (Venezuela imports the majority of the food it consumes, although they have reduced this rate from 72% in 1998 to 64% in 2006.) They defined five fronts for endogenous development: agriculture, industry, infrastructure, tourism and services.
Strengthening agriculture is a crucial factor in achieving economic independence. The goal of the food security is written into the constitution (Article 305: “A secure food supply must be achieved by developing and prioritizing internal agricultural and livestock production.”), as well as the support of rural development by the State (Article 306: “The State shall promote conditions for overall rural development, for the purpose of generating employment and ensuring the rural population an adequate level of well-being, as well as their inclusion in national development.”)
The reorganization of the Venezuelan economy is taking a Proutist direction through common sense thinking about how to reduce the gross inequalities of the global capitalist system and strengthen the local economy. The importance of rural employment and an adequate standard of living to reduce internal and external migrations is an essential economic factor.
3. Cooperatives
“PROUT proposes a dynamic economy of the people, by the people and for the people. Rejecting profit-making as the goal of the economy, Prout bases its economic policy on consumption; that is, on meeting the actual needs of people.” (6) Prout proposes a three-tiered economic system to realize this. To preserve the open, innovative spirit of capitalism, but to avoid the destructive, exploiting impact of capital which disregards social costs and environmental degradation, Prout keeps the private enterprises small-scale and sets a ceiling for the maximum growth of a private business.
Those industries which have strategic importance and which are too big or too complex to be efficiently managed by a cooperative, for example energy, mining, petrochemicals, etc., remain state-owned or managed by elected boards in the public interest at state, regional, and local levels.
The Bolivarian Revolution from its beginning committed itself to keeping the key industries state-owned, thereby rejecting the neoliberal doctrine demanding privatization, and added this in Article 302 of the new constitution: “The State reserves to itself, through the pertinent organic law, and for reasons of national expediency, the petroleum industry and other industries, operations and goods and services which are in the public interest and of a strategic nature.”
PROUT proposes that these industries be run on the principle of “no-profit-no-loss”. “As these enterprises are not privately owned, surplus income will not paid out as dividends to stockholders or private investors.” (7) By spending the state-owned enterprises’ profits in social missions, the government realizes this principle of Prout using national resources to benefit the whole society while focusing on the most neglected.
The largest part of the Prout economy is formed by the cooperatives. This guarantees economic democracy, a decrease in alienation, a more just distribution of wealth, and it makes possible changing the logic of profit to satisfying the real necessities and achieving everyone’s well-being.
When Chávez took power in 1999, there were only 762 cooperatives in the country. One of the most important aims of the Bolivarian Revolution has been to make this tiny sector an important part of the economy.
The Bolivarian Constitution asserts that the State should promote and protect cooperatives as a popular economic alternative. (Article 118: “The right of workers and the community to develop associations of social and participative nature such as cooperatives, saving funds, mutual funds and other forms of association is recognized.… The State shall promote and protect these associations destined to improve the popular economic alternative”.) It also guarantees training, technical assistance and appropriate financing. (Article 308: “The State shall protect and promote small and medium-sized manufacturers, cooperatives, saving funds, family owned business, small business and any other form of community association for purposes of work, savings and consumption, under an arrangement of collective ownership, to strengthen the country’s economic development, based on the initiative of the people. Training, technical assistance and appropriate financing shall be guaranteed.”)
However, no significant change took place until 2001 when the Special Law on Cooperative Associations was passed. In 2003 bank loans were provided by the Ministry of Popular Economy (MINEP). With these developments, the number of newly registered cooperatives has drastically increased, passing 150,000 in 2006, the largest number in any country.
To encourage and strengthen cooperatives and to create a base for endogenous development, in January 2004 the government launched Mission Vuelvan Caras, a one-year-long job training program. The participants, who usually come from other educational missions, receive practical skills training, and the majority form cooperatives when they graduate.
4. Participatory democracy
One of the most important achievements of the Chávez regime has been the inclusion of people into the political decision-making process. It began with the new constitution in 1999. A national referendum was held to decide whether there should be a new constitution, and then there was an election for the constitutional assembly. The writing of the constitution included wide-ranging consultation, and then the final text went to another national referendum for acceptance.
Since then Chávez has constantly called on the people to take power which sounds bizarre when the Bolivarian Revolution is based on a very charismatic leader. But heeding his call, local government and citizens initiated closer collaboration. Citizens form committees, express their opinion about the budget, decide which tasks must be done, etc. Another part of the process is the formulation of new communal councils (based upon 200-400 families in cities and 20-50 in rural areas), which deal with local affairs. They flourish in both the slums of Caracas as well as in the upper-class district Altamira.
This model requires grassroots organizing by the citizens. Although currently participation is surprisingly strong, sceptics warn that the same ardour could be seen in the first days of the Iranian, Cuban and Spanish Revolutions, only to have it later disappear. In contrast, Prout focuses more on making representational democracy accountable. In order to do this, Prout proposes that the election manifestos of the candidates should be considered as legal contracts. The candidates should sign these and if, once elected, they break their promises, they should answer for their actions in a court of law. The judicial process could end with their removal from office.
The Bolivarian Constitution does not contain such a formal accounting process for elected officials, but it makes possible their revocation in Article 72. This can be launched only once and only during the second half of their term. If the same or greater number of voters that elected the official vote in favor of recall, the official is removed from office. This possibility makes elected officials more accountable, indirectly forcing them to be more faithful to their voters. The most well-known use of this new provision of Venezuelan democracy was the referendum against President Chávez himself in 2004, which actually strengthened his popular mandate.
And anticipating the ebbs and flows of enthusiasm, Prout encourages people to participate in decision making primarily through cooperatives and by determining their community’s economic future according to their economic interests.
The seeds of this transformation have also appeared in Venezuela. Workers encouraged by Chávez occupied approximately 1,200 factories and other businesses after the owners decided to close them. In the days of the general strike in 2002, workers locked out by their bosses in many places broke into their workplaces and were able to run them without the management. In certain state-owned enterprises, worker co-management also appeared, such as in the Alcasa aluminium company where the workers are able to freely elect their own managers and participate in the decision making. However, these cases are still exceptions even in the state-owned sector, and more like experiments that generate great expectations, rather than part of a broad realignment.
Perspectives
What’s taking place in Venezuela, in spite of the term “revolution” used by the chavistas, is a slow rearrangement of resources and the opening of new spaces for economic and political participation.
At the beginning of the Bolivarian Revolution, 42.8% of the households lived under the poverty line. By the second half of 2005 this rate had decreased to 37.9%. These numbers were calculated by Venezuela’s National Statistics Institute on cash incomes and, therefore, do not show the effect of the missions which have increased the general quality of life of the poor. But for all these achievements, the Venezuelan society is still marked by the presence of wide-spread poverty and shocking inequality.
In spite of the cooperative boom, only 6% of the Venezuelan labour force works in cooperatives. Moreover some of the new cooperatives are not active, and some were established just to get the government’s bank loan. This, and the shortage of cooperative experience in the country, indicates that cooperatives are still far from taking over the Venezuelan economy. Instead of watching the creation of a new Socialism of the 21st Century or the economic democracy of PROUT, what we have seen so far is more like an experimental laboratory of an alternative economic system.
Furthermore the capitalist structures haven’t been touched in Venezuela. Chávez, unlike his Cuban friend Fidel Castro, has not taken anything away from the bourgeois, and Venezuela is still a capitalist country, although not neoliberal. Walking on the streets of Caracas you see the presence of the same multinational corporations, the same US fast food restaurants, the same shopping malls like elsewhere. The country’s economy is still run by private capital.
While PROUT thinks in terms of self-sufficient regions, Venezuela strives to reduce its economic dependency and make itself self-sufficient.
On the whole Venezuela started its transformation in a very bad situation from the viewpoint of PROUT: enormous inequality, dependence on the price of oil and food imports, the concentration of 88% of the population in cities, lack of education, etc. From this state Venezuela is slowly advancing towards an undefined goal, but the steps which have already been taken are surprisingly in harmony with an Indian thinker’s vision made a half century ago, a vision called Prout.
Andy Malinalco is an activist from Hungary with the PROUT Research Institute of Venezuela www.ve.prout.org
Is Venezuela Heading Towards Prout?
Sunday, Apr 29, 2007 Print format
Send by email
By: Andy Malinalco – PROUT Venezuela
Today there are countless movements and struggles which are fighting for the creation of a more just, sustainable, and human society, that guarantees individual safety and freedom. Of all these, many progressive people around the world see the Bolivarian Revolution in Venezuela as the one with the greatest possibility to transform social reality.
PROUT (Progressive Utilization Theory) is a socio-economic theory with a holistic perspective which seeks to create such a world of social justice and replace capitalism. It was conceived of in 1959 by the Indian philosopher and spiritual leader Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (1921-1990). Prout is not a rigid economic doctrine, like the neoliberal policies, but a collection of principles which can be applied according to the requirements of any given situation. It is a model which opposes all forms of domination and exploitation and rejects capitalist economic growth as an end in itself. Instead, Prout proposes economic democracy, decentralization, participatory democracy, regional autonomy and self-sufficiency and takes the well-being of all living beings as the guiding principle of social and economic life.
While the Bolivarian Revolution proceeds mostly through trial and errors, Prout is a conceptually clear and coherent vision, which until now has only been put into practice by a few local communities in various countries. This article will compare the main goals of the Bolivarian Process with Prout; from this comparison we can conclude that Venezuela is moving towards some of Prout’s key principles.
The path leads through conflicts
The Bolivarian transformation of Venezuela, which began on a national scale with the electoral victory of Hugo Chávez in 1998, does not work with a clearly defined doctrine. In this way it seems similar to some of the current movements standing against the neoliberal world order (e.g. the Zapatistas, the World Social Forum, People’s Global Action, Reclaim the Streets, etc.). Its shape is drawn by the constant clashes with both the bitter Venezuelan elites, and the US government and its allies. It is these conflicts, not some revolutionary doctrine, which make it more and more radical.
For example, during the first years, Chávez – besides his determined anti-imperialism – spoke about some “third way” and “capitalism with a human face”. Now he has changed this for anti-capitalist rhetoric, and since the beginning of 2005 he is propagating “Socialism of the 21st Century” as the direction for Venezuela, although he has not clearly defined what he means by this.
Marxist professor Michael Lebowitz (1), who is one of the ideologues of the Bolivarian process, explains the economic blueprint of the Chávez government in the first phase. This was a strong state rejecting neoliberalism and controlling the key industries, bringing the informal sector into the legal economy by supporting the formation of cooperatives. Yet all the while, the backbone and driving force of the economy remained private capital and large capitalist corporations.
This concept changed due to the impact of the coup and the illegal oil strike in 2002-2003. The viciousness of these two attempts to bring down the government, and the political radicalization of the masses who organized themselves in resistance to these, caused a shift in the government’s rhetoric towards an anti-capitalist stand and calling for an alternative solidarity economy.
Every attempt by the opposition to get rid of Chávez has instead strengthened his position and opened new opportunities for the Bolivarian revolution. The attempted coup in 2002 not only led to a cleanup of the military command, but it made it clear to the supporters of Chávez in the slums that if they want to keep their revolution, then their activity, participation and organized actions are very much needed. The coup attempt turned out to be the most efficient mobilization of the chavistas.
The general strike by company owners aligned with the opposition at the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003 made possible examples of workers’ management in practice, and made the government control of the national oil company PDVSA increase. (2) Since then, PDVSA’s profits are funding the government’s popular “missions”, which were started in 2003. The food crisis experienced during the days of the strike created the realization that safeguarding the nation’s food security was vital. The military opened shops on the main roads of Caracas, selling basic foods under market price. These stores turned out to be so popular, that after the crisis ended, a chain of such stores was broadened to the whole country, within the framework of Mission Mercal.
PROUT principles in the Bolivarian Revolution
So while the Bolivarian Revolution doesn’t have a coherent and detailed vision about the future society, its goals of solidarity and collective welfare, which caused it to turn its back to capitalism, correspond to some of the goals of Prout: to minimize inequality, achieve national self-reliance, and create the conditions for economic democracy where everyone is able to satisfy their basic necessities.
The Bolivarian Revolution has started to apply principles of PROUT, for the most part unconsciously, in the following four areas: securing the basic necessities of people, promoting economic independence and self-sufficiency (endogenous development), building an alternative economic model based on cooperatives, and creating participatory democracy.
1. Providing the basic needs
According to Prout it should be guaranteed that everyone is able to afford her five basic necessities: food and drinking water, clothing, housing, education and health care. These are needed for a quality of life that is necessary for the development of the personality and the capacity to make decisions regarding one’s economic future and participatory democracy. As Dada Maheshvarananda wrote: “Providing the basic necessities should be the primary function and duty of any economy. Human beings require these in order to realize their individual potentialities, to develop culturally, to achieve inner fulfilment and self-realization, which many now consider as higher goals of life.… What a wonderful world it will be when no one on the planet will worry about getting enough money to buy the food, clothes, housing, education and medical care needed for his or her family!” (3)
The following articles which appear in the Bolivarian Constitution of 1999 as basic rights and policy directives appear to be in line with the abovementioned Prout perspective on providing basic needs:
• Proper housing – Article 82: “Every person has the right to adequate, safe and comfortable, hygienic housing, with appropriate essential basic services, including a habitat such as to humanize family, neighbourhood and community relations. The progressive meeting of this requirement is the shared responsibility of citizens and the State in all areas.” The Chavez government has established a number of missions to provide the fundamental needs of the people, and one of these, Mission Habitat, builds new residential buildings primarily for homeless families with children and for communities that have organized themselves into construction teams. Housing is a serious problem in Venezuela: a large part of the population lives in shanties or in poorly constructed buildings without plaster.
• Education free of charge – Article 102: “Education is a human right and a fundamental social duty; it is democratic, free of charge and obligatory.” The educational missions were started to combat social exclusion and to foster participatory democracy. Illiteracy and the lack of learning possibilities were factors that sustained enormous social differences. The goal of Mission Robinson was to end illiteracy. When it started in July 2003, one and a half million people, or 6% of the population, were illiterate. On 28 October 2005 Venezuela was declared an illiteracy-free country. After Mission Robinson the government launched Mission Robinson II for those who didn’t finish primary school, and this includes more than one and a half million adults. Mission Ribas has helped, by September 2006, 418,253 adults who previously dropped out of high school to finish their diploma. The State pays approximately 100 dollars each month to every participant of the educational programs so that they can attend the courses.
• Primary health care – Article 83: “Health is a fundamental social right and the responsibility of the State, which shall guarantee it as part of the right to life. The State shall promote and develop policies oriented toward improving the quality of life, common welfare and access to services.” Article 84: “In order to guarantee the right to health, the State creates, exercises guidance over and administers a national public health system that crosses sector boundaries, and is decentralized and participatory in nature, integrated with the social security system and governed by the principles of gratuity, universality, completeness, fairness, social integration and solidarity.” The Mission Barrio Adentro, which is maybe the most famous project in international terms, was started in April 2003 to bring basic health care into the slums and to the isolated countryside, for a huge part of society that were previously excluded from health care. The government spends up 5 billion dollars a year to provide both consultations and medicines free of charge. The doctors and staff live in the slums to really serve the community. Presently 14,000 doctors and 3000 dentists from Cuba and an increasing number of Venezuelan doctors provide health care to some 17 million Venezuelans.
• Essential food: Mission Mercal, the nutrition project of the government, sells basic foods in poor areas at 28-50% less than the market price. In the first wave in 2004, they established 4,052 such shops, and this number increased to 15,721 by September 2006. The Mercals sell nearly half of the total food sold in the country. In addition free canteens appeared in the slums, named Comedores Bolivarianos, which provide hot meals to 600,000 people every day.
2. Endogenous development
PROUT proposes that the current centralized economy be decentralized into economically self-reliant regions. The regions would be defined by geographic conditions, and by the inhabitants’ cultural legacy, language, economic problems and interests. These regions would decide their economic future from below, with planning emerging from the communities and supported by the central government policies.
These regions would be divided into blocks, which would provide the basic level of economic planning. As Sarkar wrote: “There are many benefits to block-level planning. The area of planning is small enough for the planners to understand all the problems of the area; local leadership will be able to solve the problems according to local priorities; planning will be more practical and effective and will give quick, positive results.” (4)
With the term “endogenous development”, Chávez marks his rejection of the neoliberal economic rules and the developed countries’ economic models. Instead he is trying to develop an economic model which suits Venezuela, is for Venezuela, and satisfies the needs of Venezuela. The goal is to create national economic sovereignty. According to Chávez, while in the time of Bolivar the fight was for political independence, this generation should achieve economic independence. (5)
In concrete terms this means breaking the dependence on oil, diversifying the income sources of the national economy, rejuvenating agriculture which withered after the discovery of oil, and achieving food security. (Venezuela imports the majority of the food it consumes, although they have reduced this rate from 72% in 1998 to 64% in 2006.) They defined five fronts for endogenous development: agriculture, industry, infrastructure, tourism and services.
Strengthening agriculture is a crucial factor in achieving economic independence. The goal of the food security is written into the constitution (Article 305: “A secure food supply must be achieved by developing and prioritizing internal agricultural and livestock production.”), as well as the support of rural development by the State (Article 306: “The State shall promote conditions for overall rural development, for the purpose of generating employment and ensuring the rural population an adequate level of well-being, as well as their inclusion in national development.”)
The reorganization of the Venezuelan economy is taking a Proutist direction through common sense thinking about how to reduce the gross inequalities of the global capitalist system and strengthen the local economy. The importance of rural employment and an adequate standard of living to reduce internal and external migrations is an essential economic factor.
3. Cooperatives
“PROUT proposes a dynamic economy of the people, by the people and for the people. Rejecting profit-making as the goal of the economy, Prout bases its economic policy on consumption; that is, on meeting the actual needs of people.” (6) Prout proposes a three-tiered economic system to realize this. To preserve the open, innovative spirit of capitalism, but to avoid the destructive, exploiting impact of capital which disregards social costs and environmental degradation, Prout keeps the private enterprises small-scale and sets a ceiling for the maximum growth of a private business.
Those industries which have strategic importance and which are too big or too complex to be efficiently managed by a cooperative, for example energy, mining, petrochemicals, etc., remain state-owned or managed by elected boards in the public interest at state, regional, and local levels.
The Bolivarian Revolution from its beginning committed itself to keeping the key industries state-owned, thereby rejecting the neoliberal doctrine demanding privatization, and added this in Article 302 of the new constitution: “The State reserves to itself, through the pertinent organic law, and for reasons of national expediency, the petroleum industry and other industries, operations and goods and services which are in the public interest and of a strategic nature.”
PROUT proposes that these industries be run on the principle of “no-profit-no-loss”. “As these enterprises are not privately owned, surplus income will not paid out as dividends to stockholders or private investors.” (7) By spending the state-owned enterprises’ profits in social missions, the government realizes this principle of Prout using national resources to benefit the whole society while focusing on the most neglected.
The largest part of the PROUT economy is formed by the cooperatives. This guarantees economic democracy, a decrease in alienation, a more just distribution of wealth, and it makes possible changing the logic of profit to satisfying the real necessities and achieving everyone’s well-being.
When Chávez took power in 1999, there were only 762 cooperatives in the country. One of the most important aims of the Bolivarian Revolution has been to make this tiny sector an important part of the economy.
The Bolivarian Constitution asserts that the State should promote and protect cooperatives as a popular economic alternative. (Article 118: “The right of workers and the community to develop associations of social and participative nature such as cooperatives, saving funds, mutual funds and other forms of association is recognized.… The State shall promote and protect these associations destined to improve the popular economic alternative”.) It also guarantees training, technical assistance and appropriate financing. (Article 308: “The State shall protect and promote small and medium-sized manufacturers, cooperatives, saving funds, family owned business, small business and any other form of community association for purposes of work, savings and consumption, under an arrangement of collective ownership, to strengthen the country’s economic development, based on the initiative of the people. Training, technical assistance and appropriate financing shall be guaranteed.”)
However, no significant change took place until 2001 when the Special Law on Cooperative Associations was passed. In 2003 bank loans were provided by the Ministry of Popular Economy (MINEP). With these developments, the number of newly registered cooperatives has drastically increased, passing 150,000 in 2006, the largest number in any country.
To encourage and strengthen cooperatives and to create a base for endogenous development, in January 2004 the government launched Mission Vuelvan Caras, a one-year-long job training program. The participants, who usually come from other educational missions, receive practical skills training, and the majority form cooperatives when they graduate.
4. Participatory democracy
One of the most important achievements of the Chávez regime has been the inclusion of people into the political decision-making process. It began with the new constitution in 1999. A national referendum was held to decide whether there should be a new constitution, and then there was an election for the constitutional assembly. The writing of the constitution included wide-ranging consultation, and then the final text went to another national referendum for acceptance.
Since then Chávez has constantly called on the people to take power which sounds bizarre when the Bolivarian Revolution is based on a very charismatic leader. But heeding his call, local government and citizens initiated closer collaboration. Citizens form committees, express their opinion about the budget, decide which tasks must be done, etc. Another part of the process is the formulation of new communal councils (based upon 200-400 families in cities and 20-50 in rural areas), which deal with local affairs. They flourish in both the slums of Caracas as well as in the upper-class district Altamira.
This model requires grassroots organizing by the citizens. Although currently participation is surprisingly strong, sceptics warn that the same ardour could be seen in the first days of the Iranian, Cuban and Spanish Revolutions, only to have it later disappear. In contrast, Prout focuses more on making representational democracy accountable. In order to do this, Prout proposes that the election manifestos of the candidates should be considered as legal contracts. The candidates should sign these and if, once elected, they break their promises, they should answer for their actions in a court of law. The judicial process could end with their removal from office.
The Bolivarian Constitution does not contain such a formal accounting process for elected officials, but it makes possible their revocation in Article 72. This can be launched only once and only during the second half of their term. If the same or greater number of voters that elected the official vote in favor of recall, the official is removed from office. This possibility makes elected officials more accountable, indirectly forcing them to be more faithful to their voters. The most well-known use of this new provision of Venezuelan democracy was the referendum against President Chávez himself in 2004, which actually strengthened his popular mandate.
And anticipating the ebbs and flows of enthusiasm, Prout encourages people to participate in decision making primarily through cooperatives and by determining their community’s economic future according to their economic interests.
The seeds of this transformation have also appeared in Venezuela. Workers encouraged by Chávez occupied approximately 1,200 factories and other businesses after the owners decided to close them. In the days of the general strike in 2002, workers locked out by their bosses in many places broke into their workplaces and were able to run them without the management. In certain state-owned enterprises, worker co-management also appeared, such as in the Alcasa aluminium company where the workers are able to freely elect their own managers and participate in the decision making. However, these cases are still exceptions even in the state-owned sector, and more like experiments that generate great expectations, rather than part of a broad realignment.
Perspectives
What’s taking place in Venezuela, in spite of the term “revolution” used by the chavistas, is a slow rearrangement of resources and the opening of new spaces for economic and political participation.
At the beginning of the Bolivarian Revolution, 42.8% of the households lived under the poverty line. By the second half of 2005 this rate had decreased to 37.9%. These numbers were calculated by Venezuela’s National Statistics Institute on cash incomes and, therefore, do not show the effect of the missions which have increased the general quality of life of the poor. But for all these achievements, the Venezuelan society is still marked by the presence of wide-spread poverty and shocking inequality.
In spite of the cooperative boom, only 6% of the Venezuelan labour force works in cooperatives. Moreover some of the new cooperatives are not active, and some were established just to get the government’s bank loan. This, and the shortage of cooperative experience in the country, indicates that cooperatives are still far from taking over the Venezuelan economy. Instead of watching the creation of a new Socialism of the 21st Century or the economic democracy of Prout, what we have seen so far is more like an experimental laboratory of an alternative economic system.
Furthermore the capitalist structures haven’t been touched in Venezuela. Chávez, unlike his Cuban friend Fidel Castro, has not taken anything away from the bourgeois, and Venezuela is still a capitalist country, although not neoliberal. Walking on the streets of Caracas you see the presence of the same multinational corporations, the same US fast food restaurants, the same shopping malls like elsewhere. The country’s economy is still run by private capital.
While PROUT thinks in terms of self-sufficient regions, Venezuela strives to reduce its economic dependency and make itself self-sufficient.
On the whole Venezuela started its transformation in a very bad situation from the viewpoint of PROUT: enormous inequality, dependence on the price of oil and food imports, the concentration of 88% of the population in cities, lack of education, etc. From this state Venezuela is slowly advancing towards an undefined goal, but the steps which have already been taken are surprisingly in harmony with an Indian thinker’s vision made a half century ago, a vision called PROUT.
Andy Malinalco is an activist from Hungary with the PROUT Research Institute of Venezuela www.ve.prout.org
published in Ongoing on line News and Analysis from Venezuela
http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=2027
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94. Localized Economy
An experiment in localized economy
“The basic question is how to remove the unhealthy influence of centralized economy. The real issue is, who will bell the cat? If the vested interests fail to be guided by righteous intellect, then people will have to
take matters into their own hands. They will have to create circumstantial pressure from all sides, uniting around the slogan: “Abolish centralized economy to end exploitation; establish decentralized economy.”
Susquehanna County can feed itself. Yes it can, there is the potentiality. There is plenty land and several people with good intention and spirit. Food is a primary necessity. Our experiment can be centered on food as a beginning process and further extended to other primary necessities like clothing, shelter, education and medical assistance.
“The first principle of decentralized economy is that all the resources in a socio-economic unit should be controlled by the local people. In particular, the resources which are required to produce the minimum requirements must be in local hands, and all the industries based
on these resources will have to be controlled entirely by the local people.”
When we advocate that Susquehanna County can feed itself we are considering two necessities, one is food production and the second is food distribution. Both have to be in local hands. Hence the Farmer’s market and other forms of food distributions like C.S.A. or cooperatives will have to be in local hands. To distribute locally produced food through Price Chopper or other similar entities should be discouraged. Even if a local producer has the capacity to produce and sell through a commercial chain like price Chopper, it will weaken the solidarity among those who choose to produce and distribute locally.
“The second principle of decentralized economy is that production should be based on consumption, not profit.”
The whole world is suffering because of a prevailing system of economy that runs on a profit basis principle and not on a consumption basis principle. To revert it on a local basis equals to undermine the foundation of capitalism. That is why it is so vital and so difficult at the same time. To succeed in Susquehanna County, State of Pennsylvania, United States of America … it requires a deep rooted consciousness. An awareness that goes beyond the only purpose of feeding better food to our children or having access to organic produce at a better price.
“The third principle of decentralized economy is that production and distribution should be organized through cooperatives.”
Individual or family based economy cannot compete against the commercial giants of the capitalistic world. Without a coordinated effort on a broad basis individuals will hand up lowering their prices and fighting one another for grabbing the green paper kept dandling over their heads by the mighty ones.
“The cooperative system is a must, and it is only possible through decentralized economy. The cooperative system and decentralized economy are inseparable.”
Are there food cooperatives in Susquehanna County? Are there food distribution cooperatives in Susquehanna County? How many of their members are directly involved in their operation? How many members adhere to coops in Susquehanna County in general? There are just few questions that can point in the direction of creating more cooperatives for food production and distribution.
A Community Supported Agriculture (C.S.A) is a form of cooperation although it is not technically a cooperative. Can we envision other forms of cooperation if not cooperatives altogether that can efficiently transfer the produce from the field to each table in the County?
“The fourth principle of decentralized economy is that the local people must be employed in local economic enterprises.”
It would be good to find out what is the percentage of employment per sector of economy in Susquehanna County. What is the percentage of people employed in the primary sector of economy (agriculture)? Is it increasing or decreasing along the years? In the United States the average people employed in agriculture is less than 5%. A balanced economy rates agricultural employment around 40%.
“The fifth principle of decentralized economy is that commodities which are not locally produced should be removed from the local markets. ”
This is a policy that is applied in the Farmer’s market where only the local produce is allowed to be sold. It is a vital point and markets who don’t abide to this policy should not be considered as viable for the distribution of local products.
“An important characteristic of decentralized economy is that money will always remain in circulation, hence the economy will move with accelerating speed.”
Why to keep the money in the pockets if there is no gain for it? Without profit motivation the money is free to circulated and get more value has it changes from hand to hand. Decentralized economy requires a shift of mind, from greed to share. If this shift does not occur, any system will not work. A predominance of moral and spiritual values is required for a localized economy to succeed. Is Susquehanna County ready for it? Is there enough moral and spiritual fiber to weave a local economy and a better society in Susquehanna County? The answer could be yes and it would be a good start to identify the spiritual and moral resources available in Susquehanna County in order to sustain and nurture such a radical change.
In The end – what type of Food are we talking about? some Food for Thought … we believe.
Quotations are from an article published on “Proutist Economics – Discourses on Economic Liberation” by Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar. The book is available by Ananda Marga Publications or can be requested by email at dadavima@gmail.com
The original discourse was given in Calcutta, India on March 16 – 1982.
Ac. Vimaleshananda Avt.
PRS NY Sector
95. PRI Good News by Ananta
Prout Research Institute of the U.S. has an on going project. At the moment 4 people are working to complete developed Proutist opinions and positions of advocacy for 6 pressing topics facing the U.S.
The topics include:
War in Iraq
Health care crisis
Debt crisis
Currency crisis
Alternative energy
Trade issues
Within the next few days talking points of the issues should be mostly complete. After some deliberation and feedback participants will augment the ideas and go into some detail to highlight important points while aiming to give a Proutist inspired rendition of the issues along with progressive solutions in line with Proutistic aspirations for society. The deadline for initial work to be complete will have passed by the end of the month. Although not all initial work will meet the initial deadlines because of the pressing schedules of several of the participants, the work of developing and researching talking points will be ready shortly for some form of feedback and presentation of the issues amongst the participants. When all the talking points are complete and after initial discussion amongst participants the time will be ripe to present them to a wider body of Proutists such as those on the PRI-USA list and others for further input and feedback before detailing and completing them. It is thought that the finished product of each topic will be discussed and positions of advocacy given in approximately 750 words or less. After completion and another round of review and feedback, perhaps, the finished product may be put in PDF format to be widely circulated for Prout pracar activities and, perhaps for an introductory brochure or pamphlet to be given to the general public and margiis. Who knows, we may be carried away and make a few hundred of the pamphlets in hard copy.
96. Ananda Marga Meditation, Asanas, and PROUT Class at FIU and MDC (Miami, Florida)
Acarya Shubhacetanananda Avadhuta, Chief Secretary of PROUT. Dada visited for the first time Miami, FL. Dada Shubhacetanananda gave lectures on the following topics: The Science of Meditation, Mantra with Cakra Meditation, The Yoga Postures and Their Effects on the Glands/Cakras, The Success in Meditation through Universal Cardinal Principles, Neohumanism, and Socio-Economic Philosophy PROUT: Solution for the current problems. Dada gave lecture in Miami Dade College(MDC) for three hours. Dada taught basic asanas and Kaosikii dance after his lecture. Mass Initiation was given to all of the faculty and students.
Dada gave lecture about Astaunga Yoga in Wellness Center of Florida International university Miami on 20th, 21st, and 26th March. Dada gave mass initiation to 20 people. Dada taught asanas and Kaoshiki. Questions were answered also. In Miami Library yoga lecture was well attended. Dada gave lecture and asana, Kaoshiki, and Tandava class. After the class dada lead meditation class and gave mass initiation to 15 people. Dada explained Ananda marga Meditation system in the North Miami Beach Library which was attended by 25 people. 25 people were taught nama mantra by dada. There was a dharmacakra in Ranjiita and Sudhindra’s house. vegetarian meal was served to new people. Four new people attended dc. Sister samita organized Dharmacakra and vegetarian dinner in her house which was attended by 15 people. A Yoga teacher was initiated.
Dada attended Dharmacakra of Tampa unit on Sunday 25th March and told story which Acarya Chandranath dada said to dada. Margiis gave Shraddhanjali to Acarya Chandranath dada. It was very busy pracar program which was successful in Miami, FL.
97. EDUCATION AND NEOHUMANISM by P.R. Sarkar
You know, it is the inherent nature of all living beings to expand their physical arena, and for this purpose, rather, because of this fundamental characteristic (this trait is nothing but a sort of fundamental characteristic), they exploit others, they forget the interest of other living beings. Just now I said that this is the inherent nature of all living beings, both humans and animals. But human beings have another characteristic, another inborn instinct, and that is to expand their psychic arena also. So unlike other animals, human beings have the opportunity to divert their physical longings into spiritual longings, into spiritual aspirations. Other animals do not have this opportunity. But because of this psychic characteristic human beings exploit others on the psychic level as well as on the physical level, and this exploitation on the psychic level is even more dangerous than on the physical one.
So that there may not be any intellectual extravaganza or any physical subjugation, human beings require proper training both physically and mentally. And this is what is called education — properly training the physical and also the psychic existences. Because of the lack of such a training at the proper time, there is no perfect coordination, no happy adjustment, between one’s inner being and outer being. Sometimes people seem very sincere to hear them talk, but there is not an iota of sincerity in their inner world. And this is what happens in the modern world: both individual and collective existence has become one-sided, it has lost its balance. Thus what we require most is a proper system of education.
Just to show their sincerity of purpose, just to show that they are developed human beings, sometimes people speak of disarmament. They say that there should be a check, a control, over the manufacturing of deadly weapons. They express this idea vocally, but internally they surreptitiously are prepared for even worse weapons, even more deadly weapons, just to keep others under their servitude in the physical sphere. This is nothing but the worst type of brutality. Once a certain leader said, “Keep the prospects of peace alive, but keep your powder dry.” That is what is happening today. This physical longing should be diverted towards psychic longings; but if it is diverted towards psychic longing by proper mundane education, that will not suffice. In that case there still remains the fear of psychic subjugation. So the remedy lies elsewhere.
Yes, people should be motivated by human feelings, human sentiments, human ideas. No doubt it would be good if human feelings could serve as a moral check in this competition of weapons, but don’t take this prospect as the last word: human feelings cannot check the infighting prevalent among human beings. For this purpose we should have a two-fold approach. For the purpose of training this turbulent mind, what should be done? We will have to educate the mind properly, along the lines of Neohumanism. This Neohumanist education will impart proper training to the mind. And at the same time there should be spiritual practice for proper psychic transformation. This is what we require most. There is no alternative.
25 May 1985, Calcutta
98. UPSF Meeting
03/16/2007
There will be U.P.S.F. (Universal Proutist Students Meeting in Ananda Kanan during Summer Retreat 2007. All Students are invited to attend the meeting. We will form a national committee and discuss future plans and programs.
