Outrageous Agenda of Kolkata Group: Placating Strategies

From: "Will Chaucey" <wchaucey@tech-net...>
To: ananda-marga-discourses-1@yogasamsthanam.net
Subject: Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group: Placating Strategies
Date: Thu, 4 Jul 2013 13:48:17

Baba

Outrageous Agenda of Kolkata Group:

Placating Strategies

Namaskar All,

Kolkata Publications Member:

Planned Website for Reporting Discourse Errors

A prominent Kolkata group Publications Member (1) has written:

"You have valid point about the sanctity of the books .. who can disagree on that and errors must be corrected. All you need to do is to point out the error and let me further tell you there are more errors in the books, and there will be even more new errors in the books. We are all humans and we should work together to expediently remove errors from the books.  We are currently working on the web site that will publish all the known errors and readers will be able to tell publication department the errors they find so that they can be corrected."

Kolkata Website A Farce

On the one hand Kolkata Publishing Department is extending invitation to Margiis to point out the errors in the books, and on the other hand the error that has been pointed out i.e. the "traitor group" deletion, they refuse to fix. So in this setting what is the meaning of their invitation? They invite Margiis to point out the errors, but refuse to fix them when pointed out. So it is looking like some meaningless sort of invitation.

What good is the website Kolkata Publishing Department is planning, when they are not willing to take action on the errors which are pointed out? It is like some technique of placation to "appease the masses"; to make it look like something is happening when in reality nothing is going to be done.

Just Like New York Sector Grievance Committee

Falsely Assuages Margiis

Some similar examples come to mind--

In New York Sector, there is one brother Vishvadeva who has been on the Sectorial board for many years, and is a psychologist by profession. Psychologists know how to listen to others' problems and make them feel their issues have been heard. In the end, they give some advice and the patient pays a fee and goes home. And such psychologists' sessions many times go on for years and years, with the patient paying a significant sum for all the "treatment". In a similar way, brother Vishvadeva is expert at conducting sessions at the Sectorial retreats to hear the grievances of Margiis. The outcome is that Margiis feel their concerns have been "heard". But does anything ever come of these meetings in terms of concrete action by which the matters raised get resolved? It is a strategy of placation: Hear the woes to assuage their minds, with meanwhile no intention to do anything concrete. The plan is just to maintain one's post, and keep the status quo.

Political Parties'

Empty Compaign Promises

During election campaigns, political parties carry out similar activities. making grand promises to the electorate that, "If elected, we will fix your roads and buildings, lower your taxes, and make your life better in all ways." Such promises are made not out of a desire to help the people, but to get their votes. The politicians do not intend to fulfill their promises, and if elected they don't fulfill them. The campaign promises are merely a ploy to get common people to vote for them.

These examples show us that there are typical strategies utilized by those in power to maintain their power. The common people are the losers, the exploited group, in all cases.

Kolkata Group Refuses to Fix Traitor Group Distortion

Dada Sarvatmanada ji is looking like another example of the same, as is Kirit ji his representative. They plan to make a website for margis to express their grievances, point out all the mistakes in the books. But there is no intention to do anything about those mistakes. Just see when it is pointed out that the "traitor group" example has been omitted from the discourse "The Lords Feet", then Kolkata Publishing Dept refuses to fix it.

Lack of Results Exposes Empty Plans

Brother Vishvadeva has been carrying on the same campaigns for fifteen years to "listen to the Margiis", but where are the reviews and reports as to what he has done. Prompt reports are needed, otherwise grievance sessions become meaningless. Similarly, political parties never fulfill their campaign promises, and they should be held accountable for this.

For so many years, distortions have been getting regularly pointed out to Kolkata group Publications, but hardly a one has been fixed. There could be an errata page made even within three months, and added to all the books being sold. But it is never done. There should be a mandate for giving a report in three months as to what Kolkata Publications has done about the printing distortions which are raised. In the absence of that, pardon me but their planned website is just like some cheating psychology to assuage the masses.

When a plan is announced to initiate some work-- whether concerning the society at large or Ananda Margis-- there must be clear proof of concrete work done in result. The presence of results proves the plan's sincerity; their absence exposes it's false intentions. Plans having a history of insincerity behind them, can only harm the society. Kolkata group's planned website is a typical example. When a website is created for reporting discourse distortion and no action is taken to fix the distortions, then the organizers are blocking the pathway to make Baba's discourses proper.

Namaskar,
Vinay

(1) It is well known that Kirit ji is a very active member of the Kolkata group Publications Department, and works closely with Dadaji Sarvatmananda. Margii sister Surabhi Mukherji, herself from West Bengal, has written the below when Kirit ji expressed that "As  publishers, we have to maintain a balance...". Surabhi ji wrote:

"When you have written "as publishers, we..." then it is clear you are not the person fully responsible for the policy stated here. Because the "we the publishers" means the publications department, & in particular Publications Dept (B). And the head of the Publications Department (B) is Ac. Sarvatmananda Avt. We margis have seen through time that what you have written here is indeed the policy of AMPS (B) publications department and so Kiritji I have full sympathy for you, you are merely expressing the policy which you have been instructed to give."

(2) Ranchi Group's Negligent Publishing Practices

Kolkata group does all the publishing of Ananda Marga books today, and as such is responsible for the distortions they publish. Because of that Margiis have been writing in expressing their concern and even outrage over Kolkata group's irresponsible publishing practices. Some Margiis get confused because of this, thinking that there is a "bias" in this network against Kolkata group.

But that is not at all the case. Margiis have also written letters about the irresponsible publishing practices of H group. Please see the below excerpt I found from one of the moderators of the network, bro. Ciranútana:

"H/EC group acquired B group's distortion-ridden printed discourses, and took credit for the discourses by reprinting them in their own name...Of note, the current H group Publications Secretary Ác. Mŕtyuinjayánanda Ávt., has not done anything to change this status quo. The books continue to be taken from B group and reprinted point blank, with no editing or proof checking involved. And the 2004 Edition of this Hindi discourse continues to be sold today with the same critical error. If Ác. Mŕtyuinjayánanda Ávt had read the discourse, he could have immediately detected the nonsensical paragraph and created an errata page for the book. But that has not been done."

"We cannot assume to know why Ác. Mŕtyuinjayánanda Ávt behaves the way he does; only he knows the reason. Nonetheless, the result of his work is in view for all to see."

"Nothing is ever changed or fixed; the books he receives from B group he turns around and sends to a printing company for printing, with his name as AMPS Publisher. From longstanding habits such as these it does not seem unfair to conclude that our H group AMPS publications department is verily and unfortunately located in the plastic bag where Ác. Mŕtyuinjayánanda Ávt holds the B group books to bring to the printing company."

"It should be added that the Ánanda Vacanámrtam series is the easiest to read and most popular, and Hindi is the most common language version read and purchased, of all our AMPS publications. Even then as popular and in demand as this series is, still the Hindi edition of this discourse in Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part Three, with its distorted nonsensical paragraph, remains unchanged after all these years both in the B group and H/EC group publications."

Note: To read the full posting about H group's dealings in this matter, on the Network's blog, please click here.

Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group: Lame Excuse for Deletion

From: "K.Singh" <ksingh203@shoretrust-.....>
To: ananda-marga-discourses@googlegroups.com
Subject: Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group: Lame Excuse for Deletion
Date: Wed, 3 Jul 2013 20:49:06

BABA

Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group

Lame Excuse for Deletion

Namaskar

I would like to address a matter brought up by the Kolkata Group Representative in his point number five:

"5. In order for you to understand the difficulties in the translation work, try to translate one of Baba's articles entirely by yourself. Then pass it on to other qualified people and see what they tell you about the mistakes in your translation.  This will tell you real problem faced in the work. It is not some kind of conspiracy and ill intent on our part. The real problems are many varied. To name a few: the material is intuitional in nature, the English language has its limitations in expressing the concepts... And you have valid point about the sanctity of the books .. who can disagree on that and errors must be corrected. All you need to do is to point out the error..."

Subtle Issues in Translation to Be Appreciated

The matters you raise are present to be sure. There are many subtle nuances in translation work, and being able to portray the meaning as well as the feeling (bha'va) conveyed in a discourse needs real skill.

Leaving out Sections of Discourse: Not part of Subtleties of Translation

But the issues being raised here are not of that sort of subtle nature. In the case of the discourse "The Lord's Feet", Baba raised a critical point that the blind ego expressed by Gayasura when he went against his Lord Visnu, was the same as the blind ego expressed by Central dadas of 1971 who went against Baba. And Baba's point was just plain left out by the translators. Here we are not at issue with the style of translation; we are expressing outrage that the three sentences were not translated at all: they were LEFT OUT.

Distinction Between Subtleties & Gross Negligence

I hope the distinction I am making is clear. When particular sentences are translated, then there may be discussion as to the way some phrases were worded in translation. In such cases we should have tolerance and appreciation for the efforts put forth in translation. Because such issues are subtle and require in depth evaluation and skill. But there is a night and day difference between subtle issues as this, and gross negligence in leaving out entire sections of discourses. It is the Publishers duty to include everything Baba said, and if sections and paragraphs are left out, then that constitutes failure to comply with the basic duties of publishing Guru's work.

To put it simply: One cannot justify leaving out sections of a discourse on the excuse that translation is hard work. If a section is left out, it means translation was not even done: you just left out the section. This amounts to basic negligence of duty.

Pointing Out Errors: Only Useful when Action is Taken

You state no one disagrees that errors should be corrected, and "all Margiis need to do is point out the error". That sort of thing can be said when response is being given and action taken in a timely way. But literally hundreds of errors have been pointed out in the last thirteen years, and not a single one has been repaired. Egregious errors of leaving out entire paragraphs, mixing up one half of a discourse with another and printing it as one, translating discourses given in English and Hindi into Bangla and then re-translating into English and Hindi for printing-- rather than printing Baba's original words. So many errors have been brought to Kolkata publishers so many times...and nothing done. How long will we go on hearing this tale that "all you need to do is point out the errors". After the passing of years with no indication of any action, then one loses faith in the sincerity of such invitations to "point out errors". 

At His feet,
Kailash Singh

Re: Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group

Moderators' Note: It should be clear to all that of all the different splinter groups in Ananda Marga today, only the Kolkata group publishes Baba's books. All the sound files of Baba's discourses are at their Tiljala ashram, and no other group has sound files. So only Kolkata group is doing any publishing work; other groups like Ranchi group merely copy the books and reprint them. Because of that, Kolkata group is responsible for what is being published.

For that reason, these letters are being addressed to Kolkata group. Additionally, the Kolkata group has via their representative issued a policy statement which was printed a few days ago on this googlegroups. The whole letter has been published on our blog for any who would like to review it. (1)
 
This forum has no alliance with any group, and actively disapproves of all groups and group sentiments.
 
In His service,
 
Ciranútana
Ánanda Márga Discourse network Editors
 
P.S. Please read below the letter sent in from Márgii brother Jiivesha.

---------------------------

Date: 2 Jul 2013 15:16:08 -0000
From: "JSchultz" <jschultz@e-way...>
To: anandamargauiversal@earthlink.net
Subject: Re: Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group


BABA

Namaskar,

Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group

Discourse Portion Removal Harmful

This letter examines the question of whether Ananda Marga Publishers can remove actual discourse content from Baba's discourses if they so choose. It specifically considers whether Baba's "traitor example" is important to the discourse "The Lord's Feet", and concludes that removal of discourse content such as the "traitor example" is harmful. It leads to both loss of integrity of the discourse, and in many cases such as this, makes the meaning of the discourse unclear.

I have found the matter of Kolkata group Publ Dept's policy statement extremely interesting and important. Because like all Margis, I want to see our Guru Baba's discourses published "as is", and I find it very disturbing that Kolkata group is removing sections of Baba's discourses before publishing them.

Publishers Cannot Remove Discourse Content

Editing Rights Only Pertain To Syntax

I appreciate Ramnathan ji's letter posted yesterday. In it he has expressed,

"Baba's mention of the traitor group during His discourse "The Lord's Feet", is a matter of actual discourse content: This is the subject Baba chose to raise. In matters of content, the question of Kolkata group Publishers applying the principle you describe-- "balance between printed language and spoken language"-- to decide what content to include/exclude, must not arise. Because where subject matter is concerned, everything Baba said has to be included: there is no question of removing certain parts of the subject matter. So if Baba has raised the subject of the "traitor group" in His discourse, then Kolkata group Publishers have to include it."

Kolkata Group Wrongly Claims:

Baba's Traitor Group Example "Unimportant" to Discourse

Kiritji, representative of Kolkata Publishers, has written concerning Baba's discussion of the "traitor group":

"Furthermore, it is an example and
not the part of the point of what Baba is saying."

The blindness of the "traitor group", consisting of most of the Central dadas of 1971 plus a good number of non-Central dadas as well, is the essential point Baba is teaching in the discourse, "The Lord's Feet". Baba is giving the teaching about Gayasura blindly going against Visnu, the very Entity who gave him his power. Baba tells this story for the reason of teaching what the traitor group did is the same thing. For that reason Baba refers to the "traitor group" at the critical part of the Gayasur story.

Remember that this discourse was given during the climax of all the traitorous activity in Ananda Marga. The discourse was given in December 1971, just days before Baba was put in jail. It was in this very year of 1971 that front page articles were being printed in all the Indian newspapers. The events related with the traitor group's negative activities were uppermost in everyone's mind. It was a time of crisis in the Organization, when a huge percentage of persons defected behind the black leadership of the traitors. And of course, in the end it was all the Liila of Parama Purusa. For Baba it was all just His drama, for the purpose of teaching the society. So there is nothing to hide here, no reason to delete this from Baba's discourse. The traitor group's activities were a major event showing how "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely". Baba is using this discourse "The Lord's Feet", to highlight it.

Kolkata Group Claims: "Not Harmful to Remove Part of Discourse"

The Kolkata Group's Representative has further expressed:

"Removing that portion does not harm the discourse"

Removing that portion most certainly harms the discourse: firstly, because Baba is Guru and the Publishers do not have the right to "remove portions"; and second, because that portion about the traitors is the main message Baba is giving in the discourse. As mentioned, the blindness of Central dadas in going against Baba was the main them in the organization in those days of December 1971. It was only days before Baba was put in jail for seven years due to their negative and traitorous behavior. This is the one discourse where Baba has spoken about this matter and given a teaching about it.

In sum, Ananda Marga Publishers cannot remove actual discourse content from Baba's discourses if they so choose. Baba's "traitor example" is the main message in the discourse "The Lord's Feet", as evident by the historical time it was given. Removal of discourse content is harmful; it leads to both loss of integrity of the discourse, and makes the meaning of the discourse unclear.

In Him,
Jiivesha Schultz

(1) To View Kolkata Group Publications Policy Statement, click here

Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group: Re: Traitor's Example

From: "S.Ramnathan" sramnathan@times.in....
To: ananda-marga-discourses-1@yogasamsthanam.net
Subject: Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group
Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2013 10:24:08 +0530 (IST)

BABA

Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group

Re: Traitor's Example

Namaskar,

Thank you Surabhi ji for writing on this vital matter of scriptural integrity. You mentioned in your letter that Kiritji is writing as a representative of the Kolkata group Publications Department:

When you have written "as publishers, we..." then it is clear you are not the person fully responsible for the policy stated here. Because the "we the publishers" means the publications department, & in particular Publications Dept (B). And the head of the Publications Department (B) is Ac. Sarvatmananda Avt. We margis have seen through time that what you have written here is indeed the policy of AMPS (B) publications department and so Kiritji I have full sympathy for you, you are merely expressing the policy which you have been instructed to give.

It is clear from Kiritji's letter that what you have expressed is completely true. Indeed, his whole letter is written from the perspective of one who represents the Kolkata group Publications Department.

Kiritji: I found your below Publisher's Policy to be worthy of comment:

2. Regarding omission of text:

As  publishers, we have to maintain a balance between  the printed language and the spoken language. Printed language is for the whole world who have no idea of the "traitor group". May be even many margiis also do not know about the "traitor group". It would seem confusing and out of place to them.

Baba's mention of the traitor group during His discourse "The Lord's Feet", is a matter of actual discourse content: This is the subject Baba chose to raise. In matters of content, the question of Kolkata group Publishers applying the principle you describe-- "balance between printed language and spoken language"-- to decide what content to include/exclude, must not arise. Because where subject matter is concerned, everything Baba said has to be included: there is no question of removing certain parts of the subject matter. So if Baba has raised the subject of the "traitor group" in His discourse, then Kolkata group Publishers have to include it.

In contrast if Baba has used colloquial language, for example, "that's", and you the Publishers want to print "that is", there you can talk about printed language-spoken language distinction. Because this is a matter of syntax and not content, so here you as Publishers have that freedom to make changes.

In other words, for Baba's discourses, the Publishers have the right to edit regarding matters of syntax-- but not matters of content. If in the name of "balance between printed language and spoken language" the Publishers begin fooling with the actual content of the discourse, then they are taking liberty with this principle. Simple points of grammar can be changed on this basis, yes. But that is all. Baba has decided what should be included in the discourse de facto, by saying what He says during it. It is beyond the realm of a publisher's job to question Baba's decision by tampering with the content.

As representative of the Kolkata group Publications Dept you have written, "Printed language is for the whole world who have no idea of the 'traitor group'": Does the Kolkata group Publications Dept think Baba has not given His discourses for the "whole world"? All margis know that Baba's discourses are meant for the entire world. He has given His discourses so they will be published and maintained for access by all the world. If Baba has given a teaching on the "traitor group" in a discourse, then His giving it in the discourse means it is for all the world.

Kolkata group Publishers state Baba has given the "traitor example" in "The Lord's Feet" discourse, but because some may not be familiar yet with the history of the traitor Central dadas of 1971, so this portion of the discourse is not fit to be printed. This makes it sound like Baba's discourses are intended for only some very small group of people, whose duty it is to become a middle-agent between Baba's discourses and the world. Indeed, your policy statement makes it sound like Kolkata group believes Baba does not know Himself what to include for the "whole world" and what not, and has left it to the Publishers to decide!

All know that when Baba wanted to make a comment or give a teaching that was not meant for the general public, He would specifically instruct to turn off the recording machine. But when Baba has given a discourse before all the Ma'rgiis, and that too with the tape recorder running--as with the discourse "The Lord's Feet"--then it is obvious that what He is telling is meant for all, and for all time to come. To question Baba's decision on discourse content is beyond the scope of the Publisher. It is completely beyond your rights as Publishers.

Your Kolkata Group Publ. Dept policy statement further justifies excluding Baba's teaching about the traitor group, in the following way: "May be even many margiis also do not know about the 'traitor group'. It would seem confusing and out of place to them." There are many things that Ma'rgis and non-Ma'rgiis alike do not know about in Baba's discourses. That is why Baba is giving the discourse: to teach and educate us. (If everyone knew everything in the discourse before reading it, there would be no need for the discourse.) And if there are matters brought up in any discourse which would benefit from some further background information, then it becomes the Publishers' duty to supply that information in the form of a footnote. Indeed, that is what Kolkata group Publishers do-- such notes are given at the end of hundreds of discourses, supplying information which makes it easier to understand what Baba is discussing. Such a Publisher's footnote should be given about the traitor group, to make it easy for all to understand Baba's teaching.

In other words, to remove Baba's teaching about the "traitor group" because Kolkata group Publications thinks people do not know the history, is to do injustice with Baba's discourse. Baba has included this teaching and it is the central teaching of the discourse. The Publications Department approach should be to include everything Baba has said (because you have no right to remove it), and to put simply put a note explaining the background where needed.

As for who knows and does not know about the "traitor group": All senior Ma'rgiis who were around in those days are quite familiar with this iconic event. It was intimately and causally linked with Baba's eventual passing of seven long years in jail. That Baba was in jail is a common point in the history of Ananda Marga. And these traitors in cahoots with the CBI were the direct cause of that jail term. It is all part of one grand teaching Baba is giving the society. Rather than hide such key aspects of our history, we ought to learn and benefit from this discourse on the "traitor group".  Such teachings which Baba has given us both in His practical life and discourses, we should use and highlight to teach the world today. 

Yours Brotherly,
S. Ramnathan

Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group: Deliberate Deletion of Traitor's Example

From: Surabhi Mukherji <s.mukherji21@computech....>
To: ananda-marga-discourses-1@yogasamsthanam.net
Subject: Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group
Sun, 30 Jun 2013 07:34:13 +0530 (IST)

BABA

Outrageous Agenda of Calcutta Group

Deliberate Deletion of Traitor's Example

Namaskar,

I have enjoyed this Baba's quote which you have given last week:

Indeed Baba says, “The scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14) So as Ánanda Márgiis, we must take this very seriously and work together to make the printed version of Bábá's discourses perfect.

Baba is telling that scripture is to be kept in perfect condition. That means as Baba spoke in His discourse, so it should be printed exactly like that. He is Guru, and He decides what He will say and what He will not say. That which Baba has spoken during pravacan, He intends for all the world.

What right does anyone to have to say that "No, although Baba has spoken it but we will not print it." This to me is some sort of outrageous idea. Guru speaks, and it is the duty of the publishers to print. As soon as publishers begin selecting which sentences they will print and which they will not, that brings up the ugly specter of distortion.

Kirit ji has written,

2. Regarding omission of text:

As  publishers, we have to maintain a balance between  the printed language and the spoken language. Printed language is for the whole world who have no idea of the "traitor group". May be even many margiis also do not know about the "traitor group". It would seem confusing and out of place to them. Furthermore, it is an example and not the part of the point of what Baba is saying. Removing that portion does not harm the discourse and makes it clearer. Now having said that, let me tell you that I am NOT in favor of changing or removing the text from original in general. And in fact we have to err on the side of keeping the text rather than removing it. But this particular example illustrates why certain text is best removed. 

When you have written "as publishers, we..." then it is clear you are not the person fully responsible for the policy stated here. Because the "we the publishers" means the publications department, & in particular Publications Dept (B). And the head of the Publications Department (B) is Ac. Sarvatmananda Avt. We margis have seen through time that what you have written here is indeed the policy of AMPS (B) publications department and so Kiritji I have full sympathy for you, you are merely expressing the policy which you have been instructed to give.

Following are my thoughts about Publications Dept's decision to remove the traitor group matter from the discourse: When Baba as Guru has spoken about traitor group in His pravacan, it means He has given one teaching about this. Those days when this pravacan was given in early '70s, the traitorous activity of those dadas was in all the newspapers. It was publicly known and it is public information for margis and nonmargis alike.

If readers do not know about this historical point, then editors can add a footnote at the end, explaining it. That is as far as your right goes as publishers.

On one hand AMPS Publications Dept of Kolkata Group is telling above that they are not in favor of changing or removing text and on other hand they are in favor of removing the text about traitor group. What type of hypocrisy is this? The traitor group is part of the history of Ananda Marga, and in His pravacan Guru Baba has given one teaching about how power corrupts Gayasur. The traitor group is closely related with this story, for that reason Baba has specifically mentioned it there. When Guru has given the point about traitor group, then there is no question of removing it. To do so can only be described as distortion of scripture.

Finally, it has been expressed above that the traitor group matter is "not the part of the point of what Baba is saying." But that is not at all the case. It is the major point-- it is completely at the heart of what Baba is telling about Gayasur, how power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Indeed, Baba has likened the traitors to the case of the dambaru of Lord Shiva; this analogy has been made in the discourse specifically for them.

At His feet,
Surabhi Mukherji

Kolkata Group Policy Statement

From:  kirit dave <kdave_bnk@yahoo.com>
To:  ananda-marga-discourses@googlegroups.com <ananda-marga-discourses@googlegroups.com>
Subject:  Re: [Sadguru Shástra] Lord Shiva's Dambaru is Taken Away
Date:  Fri, 21 Jun 2013 23:59:02 -0700 (PDT) (Sat, 02:59 EDT) 

Sir,

1. You are correct about the errors and Dambru must be used in place of tambura.

2. Regarding omission of text:

As  publishers, we have to maintain a balance between  the printed language and the spoken language. Printed language is for the whole world who have no idea of the "traitor group". May be even many margiis also do not know about the "traitor group". It would seem confusing and out of place to them. Furthermore, it is an example and not the part of the point of what Baba is saying. Removing that portion does not harm the discourse and makes it clearer. Now having said that, let me tell you that I am NOT in favor of changing or removing the text from original in general. And in fact we have to err on the side of keeping the text rather than removing it. But this particular example illustrates why certain text is best removed.

3. Did you tell your reader that the discourse was from the book Baba's Grace? I did not see that very important information. Do you know the history of that book? Do you know it was NOT published by the official publication department but was published in early 70's when the publishing policies and procedures were not strict or clear, while Baba was in jail? Do you also know that this book was "banned" for some time during when dada Pranavananda ji was publication secretary for that reason? Furthermore, to top it all, do you know that this book is one of the MOST popular A.M. book among margiis and nonmargiis, evident by the demand for that book? In my opinion this is the reason this book was revived again.

4. While I congratulate and thank you for your efforts in pointing out the errors in the books, do you think you can serve your own cause more by using more constructive language and try to stop adversarial, conspiratorial tone? Also if you try to understand how the error happened, you can yourself understand the limitations we face... on one hand to publish and bring Baba's message to the world and on the other hand the difficulties inherent to this type of work.

5. In order for you to understand the difficulties in the translation work, try to translate one of Baba's articles entirely by yourself. Then pass it on to other qualified people and see what they tell you about the mistakes in your translation.  This will tell you real problem faced in the work. It is not some kind of conspiracy and ill intent on our part. The real problems are many varied. To name a few: the material is intuitional in nature, the English language has its limitations in expressing the concepts, Baba's language is of very high caliber literature making it difficult to translate, the translators we have available are not highly scholarly (perhaps you can volunteer some time to help with this problem), the funds available are limited and the total load of work is enormous. It is easy to translate one line or paragraph and point out the error. And you have valid point about the sanctity of the books .. who can disagree on that and errors must be corrected. All you need to do is to point out the error and let me further tell you there are more errors in the books, and there will be even more new errors in the books. We are all humans and we should work together to expediently remove errors from the books.

We are currently working on the web site that will publish all the known errors and readers will be able to tell publication department the errors they find so that they can be corrected.

You should be careful in criticism and consider the purpose, motivation, efforts being made, sincerity, matter of judgment call etc. If you are careful, your efforts will become more constructive and scriptures will become more genuine which is what we all want.

6. Please report more errors and we will do our best to correct them within the frame work of the rules of operations. For example the error you pointed out regarding dumbru should be corrected in the next revision. Thank you for that.

Kirit Dave'

Lord Shiva's Dambaru is Taken Away

Bábá

Lord Shiva's Dambaru is Taken Away

Namaskára Respected Márgii Brothers and Sisters,

In the discourse “The Lord's Feet”, our AMPS Publishers have removed the d́ambaru from Lord Shiva's hand and replaced it with a tamboura. Such a description truly appears ridiculous to the millions of people familiar with Lord Shiva and with these two instruments. And yet our AMPS books stand for all future time as the statement of Bábá's teachings. So it is fundamental to our Ánanda Márga shástra that such distortions be rectified.

Indeed Baba says, “The scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14) So as Ánanda Márgiis, we must take this very seriously and work together to make the printed version of Bábá's discourses perfect.

Introduction

A few days back, distortions in this discourse “The Lord's Feet”, were discussed. It was seen that AMPS Publishers left out three critical sentences, in which Bábá was giving a unique teaching on how power corrupts people and makes them blind so they even forget who their true benefactors are. In this connection Bábá made example of the Central dádás of 1971 who committed treason rebelling against Bábá—and our AMPS Publishers removed that very passage.(1)

In that very posting it was also mentioned that in the same paragraph in which AMPS Publishers left out those three critical sentences, they also made an embarrassing change in Lord Shiva's instrument. Bábá explains that Lord Shiva holds a d́ambaru in His hand. This is a small hourglass-shaped drum which fits in the hand, and due to this drum's link with Lord Shiva, the sounds which emanate from it are associated with the creation of the universe. The drum is also, like the conch shell, used for ushering in auspicious events and inspiring followers to move ahead to victory—it is not used for playing classical music.

In the passage in the discourse “The Lord's Feet”, Bábá explains about how Gayásura became intoxicated with his power and went against Lord Viśńu, and how the then Central dádás had done the same (against Bábá). In the discourse, Bábá then goes on to give an analogy of how just as Gayásura and the Central dádás of 1971 became intoxicated with their small “I” and thought they were the holders of great power, in a similar way the d́ambaru drum in Lord Shiva's hand gets blindly intoxicated by Lord Shiva's followers, thinking they are coming to do prańám to the d́ambaru itself and not Lord Shiva. But in the printed discourse, instead of writing “d́ambaru” here, our AMPS Publishers wrote that in Lord Shiva's hand is a tamboura—which is a large long-necked, stringed, plucked instrument used for playing classical songs. (2) It could not be further from the d́ambaru drum held by Lord Shiva. (3) They are totally different instruments, having vastly different purposes and not to be confused one with the other.

How They Printed It

Here is the excerpt from the printed discourse, “The Lord's Feet” published in the 2009 Electronic Edition. The way it is printed:

- - - - - - - - - -
"But as the saying goes, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Gayásura, who had received his power from Lord Viśńu, thought to defeat the Lord Himself. Is not the tamboura [a musical instrument used by Shiva] a fool if it thinks that the persons bowing before the Lord are, in fact, paying respect to it? Gayásura started thinking that the great power he possessed was actually his power. He finally challenged Lord Viśńu, and since Viśńu Himself had granted the boon, how could it fail? Viśńu was defeated by Gayásura. Gayásura bound Viśńu to a tree and then went all over the world with a very bloated ego."
- - - - - - - - - -

Same Passage from Printed Discourse,

with Distortions in Red & Omissions in Purple

The way it is printed in the Electronic Edition. Here we are presenting the passage again. Please pay special attention to the sections in purple, which were omitted entirely from the printed discourse. Also note the words in red, where distortion has occurred.

- - - - - - - - - -
"But as the saying goes, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Gayásura, who had received his power from Lord Viśńu, thought to defeat the Lord Himself. [Márgii laughter.] Just like the traitor group, you know? [Laughing, Bábá continues—] Attack was carried out against the very entity from whom all the power was received. And it happened just like that with Gayásura as well. Is not the tamboura [a musical instrument used by Shiva] a fool if it thinks that the persons bowing before the Lord are, in fact, paying respect to it? Gayásura started thinking that the great power he possessed was actually his power. He finally challenged Lord Viśńu, and since Viśńu Himself had granted the boon, how could it fail? Viśńu was defeated by Gayásura. Gayásura bound Viśńu to a tree and then went all over the world with a very bloated ego."
- - - - - - - - - -

About above passage

Color Key:

1. Serious errors from the published discourse appear in red.
   
2. Sections highlighted in purple are missing entirely from the printed discourse.
   

Explanation

Here in this paragraph, the portion highlighted in red reflects a serious distortion. Here our AMPS Publishers have replaced Lord Shiva's d́ambaru with a tamboura. The d́ambaru is a symbol of Lord Shiva Himself, and the tamboura could not be more unrelated. Any new reader familiar with these two instruments will find it bizarre to see Lord Shiva described as carrying a tamboura.

The sentences highlighted in purple are those in which Bábá has explained about Central dádás inside our own AMPS organization who rebelled and became traitors to Bábá. As mentioned in the previous posting, these sentences were left out by our AMPS Publishers. (1)

“As Is Version” of what Bábá Speaks

This discourse “The Lord's Feet” has been given by Bábá in Hindi, but it was never published in Hindi. Here the relevant section has been translated word-for-word into English to give you a sense of what Bábá actually said that day. The entire discourse was first typed in the original Hindi, and then this section of it translated into English. Here then is a translation of this very section, so you can see the “as is” of what Bábá has spoken:

- - - - - - - - - -
Then, as the saying goes— power corrupts, absolute power absolutely corrupts. After receiving so much power from Lord Viśńu, what happened with Gayásura—what occurred in his mind? He thought, “I will no longer support Lord Viśńu.” [Márgii laughter.] Just like the traitor group, you know? [Laughing, Bábá continues—] Attack was carried out against the very entity from whom all the power was received. And it happened just like that with Gayásura as well. What is the story similar to? Lord Shiva keeps a d́ambaru [a type of drum] in His hand, and the people come to do prańáma to Lord Shiva. [Bábá, smiling] And the d́ambaru thinks the people are coming to do prańáma to it (the d́ambaru). [Márgii laughter.] In the market there are loads of d́ambarus—the people hardly do prańáma to those d́ambarus. [Bábá laughs, and Márgiis laugh] Yes, so it happened just like that with Gayásura as well. He challenged Lord Viśńu. And Lord Viśńu had already granted him the boon that, “With whomsoever battle will be done, Gayásura will be victorious.” So Gayásura challenged Lord Viśńu, and Lord Viśńu had to protect the prestige of His boon! As a result, after tough physical battle between the two, Lord Viśńu was defeated. After all, Lord Viśńu had to protect His boon. Then Gayásura tied Lord Viśńu firmly to a tree. And proceeded to praise [do the stuti of] the defeated Lord Viśńu. After that Gayásura went everywhere on earth, heaven and hell attacking and marauding over everyone with whom he came in contact. And so it is that power corrupts, absolute power absolutely corrupts.
- - - - - - - - - -

Note: The above section in green is typed exactly has Baba has spoken it that day He gave the discourse.

Day and Night Difference: Dambaru & Tamboura

Baba explains that Shiva invented music and about the d́ambaru, Baba says, “[Lord Shiva] felt the need for musical metre – without metre and tempo there could be no song. To maintain the rhythm he invented the horn and the d́ambaru [a small drum shaped like an hourglass].” (3)

Baba explains about the use of the d́ambaru in táńd́ava:

“What are the things that find a place in the dancer’s hands? The dancer, may, for instance, hold a human skull in the left hand and a dagger in the right hand. Or in the daytime one may, if one wishes, hold a snake in the left hand. [At night] one may hold a d́ambaru [a small drum shaped like an hourglass] or a mashál [torch] in the right hand. One can recognize everything by the light of a torch and can understand by the sound of a drum. Otherwise at night, neither a skull nor a snake can be recognized. In the left hand, there is the symbol of destruction and death.” (4)

So by this we can understand well that the d́ambaru is not just some ordinary musical instrument used for making sweet sounds in classical song. It's purpose is quite different and it's use unusual: It was held by Lord Shiva, is regarded as a symbol of creation, and can be held in the right hand in place of a dagger during táńd́ava. (5) Such are not the uses of the tamboura, a large stringed instrument which is used in classical song. (6)

Our Ánanda Márga Shástra Must be Accurate

Here in this discourse “The Lord's Feet”, the AMPS Publishers have removed the d́ambaru from Lord Shiva's hand and replaced it with a tamboura. Such a description truly appears ridiculous to the millions of people familiar with Lord Shiva and with these two instruments. And yet our AMPS books stand for all future time as the statement of Bábá's teachings. So it is fundamental to our Ánanda Márga shástra that such distortions be rectified.

Indeed Baba says, “The scriptures containing spiritual injunctions must be totally flawless.” (Namah Shivaya Shantaya, Disc: 14) So as Ánanda Márgiis, we must take this very seriously and work together to make the printed version of Bábá's discourses perfect.

As always we welcome your thoughts and comments on the vital subject of the preservation of the discourses of Lord Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrtiji. In addition, we would like to make a special request for volunteers to help in this work of producing and reviewing the “as is” discourses. Comparing the “as is” discourses to the discourses published by AMPS is a big job requiring line-by-line review. We would welcome the help of any and all who are inspired and interested to serve in the protection of the discourses of Lord Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrtiji. And that includes an appeal to those whose mother tongue is other than English. These explanations about discourse distortion—as well as all the discourses themselves—need to be translated into all the languages of the world. For that, help is needed from Márgiis around the globe.


In His service,

Divyadarshana
Ánanda Márga Discourse network Editors



(1) Click here to read more on our blog about how our AMPS Publishers removed the very passage in which Bábá made example of the Central dádás of 1971 who committed treason rebelling against Him.

(2) Here you can see the picture of a d́ambaru, and here you can see the picture of a tamboura. They are totally different instruments, having vastly different purposes and not to be confused one with the other.

(3) The Science of Instrumental Music Has Multifarious Expressions , from “Eka to Ekáuṋga” (Discourse 12) Shabda Cayaniká Part 2

(4)Táńd́ava Dance – What and Why? Ánanda Vacanámrtam Part 10

(5) To read more on our blog about the d́ambaru, click here.

(6) To read more on our blog about the tamboura, click here.