Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar
|
|
Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar (1921-1990) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer, poet, linguist and spiritual teacher. He is often known by his spiritual name Shrii Shrii Anandamurti.
| Contents |
Life
Sarkar was born in 1921 in Bihar, India. He developed a scientific and rational philosophy and a system of practical disciplines for physical, mental and spiritual development. His followers recognised him as a spiritually realized Master calling him "Shrii Shrii Anandamurti" (which means "He who attracts others as the embodiment of bliss") or simply "Baba" (father).
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.
His uncompromising moral stand against corruption and exploitation and his demand for social justice brought about the opposition of the Communist Party of India. This 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.
Works and beliefs
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 Bengali and Sanskrit. These volumes trace the evolution of words, phrases and cultural traditions that comprise today's tapestry of Indian languages as well as similar volumes on Indo-European and other languages of the world.
In the field of science, Sarkar introduced the theory of Microvita in 1986. In a series of discourses Sarkar has challenged conventional physics and biology, by his conjecture that the basic buildings blocks of life are microvita, or emanations of pure consciousness. He claimed the microvita theory provided a link between the worlds of perception and conception and implied 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 authored as well 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 death in October 1990. These songs express the universality of the human spiritual heart. Most of the songs were written in Sarkar's mother tongue, Bengali and have been praised by Bengali scholars for 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.
He taught his disciples Tantra and Yoga, and adapted these practices to modern needs. His followers claim these spiritual practices along with his spiritual philosophy provide the inspiration and driving energy for Ananda Marga. Followers of his teachings say that their lives are transformed as they overcame the weakness and negative tendencies of the mind and experienced a deep peace and bliss within.
Quotes about Sarkar
It has been said of him:
"Sarkar was one of the greatest modern philosophers of India." Former President of India, Giani Zail Singh
"Sarkar's theory is far superior to Adam Smith's or that of Karl Marx." Johan Galtung, Founder UN Institute of Peace Studies
External links
- A Profile of Ananda Marga's Founder (http://www.anandamarga.org/sarkar.htm) Original text at the Ananda Marga website.