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From
his early childhood in Bihar, India, where he was born in
1921, P.R. Sarkar has been attracting others by his deep love
for humanity and guiding them along the path of self-realization.
Adjusting the ancient science of Tantra Yoga to meet the needs
of this age, he developed a scientific and rational philosophy
and a system of practical disciplines for physical, mental
and spiritual development. Recognizing him as a spiritually
realized Master, his followers called him "Shrii Shrii
Anandamurti" (which means "He who attracts others
as the embodiment of bliss") or simply "Baba"
(father).
Those who followed his teachings found their lives transformed
as they overcame the weakness and negative tendencies of the
mind and experienced a deep peace and bliss within. Inspired
by his selfless example, they turned their energies to serving
the society and elevating the oppressed.
In 1955, while still leading a normal family life as a railway
official, P.R. Sarkar formed the organization Ananda Marga
("The Path of Bliss"), and began training missionaries
to spread his teachings of "self-realization and service
to humanity" all over India and later throughout the
world. Reflecting the broadness of his universal vision, Ananda
Marga has become a multi-faceted organization with different
branches dedicated to the upliftment of humanity through education,
relief, welfare, the arts, ecology, intellectual renaissance,
women's emancipation, and humanistic economy.
In the field of ecology and environmental awareness, Sarkar
propounded the philosophy of Neo-Humanism, extending the spirit
of humanism to include love for animals, plants and the inanimate.
He started a global plant exchange program to save and propagate
thousands of plants species around the world. In conjunction
with this he also started sanctuaries for animals in the various
locations around the world.
In the realm of philology and linguistics, P.R. Sarkar wrote
volumes on the Bengali and Sanskrit languages which still
require years of deep scholarly study to be understood. These
volumes trace the evolution of words, phrases and cultural
traditions that comprise today's tapestry of Indian languages
as well as new and important insights to Indo-European and
other languages of the world.
In the field of science, Sarkar introduced the theory of Microvita
in 1986 which subsequently has interested scientists around
the world. In a series of discourses Sarkar has struck at
the heart of conventional physics and biology, as he points
out that the basic buildings blocks of life are microvita
-- emanations of pure consciousness. The microvita theory
provides a link between the worlds of perception and conception
and implies that the distinct disciplines of physics, biology,
and mathematics will merge into one science of understanding
the real nature of the universe.
In the field of music, literature and art, Sarkar urged artists
to do art for service and blessedness and not merely "Art
for art's sake". He wrote guidelines also for accomplishing
this goal. Sarkar not only wrote long philosophical treatises,
he has enriched us as well with children's stories, fiction,
comedy and drama. His most dramatic contribution is the 5018
songs known as Prabhat Samgiit (Songs of the New Dawn) which
he started giving in 1982 until his departure in October 1990.
These beautiful songs express the universality of the human
spiritual heart. Most of the songs were written in Sarkar's
mother tongue, Bengali. Bengali scholars have given the highest
praise to these songs, in terms of their poetic and symbolic
expression.
For the collective welfare of the entire society he propounded
the theory of PROUT (Progressive Utilization Theory), which
stands for the maximum utilization and rational distribution
of all the resources and potentialities of the world -- physical,
mental, and spiritual -- and the creation of a new, humanistic
social order of harmony and justice for all. His uncomprmising
moral stand against corruption and exploitation and his demand
for social justice brought about the opposition of certain
vested interests and the Communist Party of India, and resulted
in the persecution of Ananda Marga and his own arrest in 1971
under false charges. During his seven year incarceration,
he survived a poisoning attempt by jail officials and fasted
on a liquid diet for 5-1/2 years in protest. Ultimately acquitted
of all charges by the High Court, he was released in 1978
and from then until his departure in 1990 he guided the rapid
expansion of his mission all over the world.
Most importantly, he taught his disciples the time tested
science of Tantra and Yoga, and adapted these practices to
the needs of modern day humans. These spiritual practices
along with the vast and deep spiritual philosophy provide
the inspiration and driving energy for Ananda Marga.
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