Guru Test

Introduction

This story illustrates the different cultures around the world withing the scenario of Ananda Marga. Its not about food or clothing differences usually seen as culture but the cultural mental behavior of the people. The so-called "frame of mind" or Prana Dharma inherited from our parents. Its an unchangeable frame. The decision making and conclusion how an Australian or Filipino or American or German processes through his/her neurons will always be as per the culture they grew up. Not a weakness but an inborn strength when realizing its potentiality. Never allow to be suppressed or oppressed. One of the four guarantee of fundamental rights of Prout: Indigenous expression.

Story

An announcement was sent to all sectors asking one Margii from each country (or state) to attend a "Guru test". The test is to jump from a high cliff. The Margiis had one month to prepare themselves.

Preparation

Germany
The Germans took the announcement as a test of discipline. They consider when order is maintained, everything is normal; when rules are broken, chaos and anarchy can result. Individuals must, therefore, effectively play their role as per the system for the system to function well for all.

Philippines
The Filipinos organized one big gathering to consult with each another. There is a strong need for all involved in or affected by an action or decision to be consulted. The group orientation is very strong; individuals typically will not do things, say things, or make decisions until they are sure that those who are affected by a program or proposal are ready for it.

Bengal
Among Bengales there was no doubt, its the test of Baba.

Tamil
The Tamils were ready for the test but consulted what the AM slogans and sutras are saying.

In general the Indians is a moderately collectivistic in which an individual's decisions must be in harmony with the family, group, and social structure. Success and failure are often attributed to environmental and cosmological factors. Friendships and kinships are ususally more important than expertise. But when its about Baba, then nothing else matters.

Australia
Australians with their fact oriented approach studied Baba's books. Not because of being unsure, they knew exactly who they are and where they fit in Ananda Marga and don't need to prove anything to anyone. But to have a proper reply if asked.

France
One of the most important aspects among French is the belief in the ability of the rational mind, when correctly applied, to overcome problems and find solutions. The process or way in which they think is often more important than the outcomes or conclusion of their thoughts, for they need not worry about the conclusion if the process is correct. This deductive method results in an enormous emphasis on why things are done, sometimes resulting in a masterful work of art, a beautifully executed speech, or an idea with questionable practical application.

America
American asked themselves if this a rational test. In general the Americans value individualism; that is, the idea that one should separate him- or herself from the group and strike out on one's own. The true hero is someone who achieves his or her own and in his or her own way,

England
The English value the individualist; that is, someone who develops his or her unique identity within the group, within the borders. Practical past empirical success, however achieved, is the reason for doing things a certain way.

Argentina
Argentines gathered themselves together and discussed all the details and formed a committee. In Argentina most individuals will always seek, either formally or informally, the opinions and support of family, friends, and coworkers before venturing off to do or say something on their own. While individuals are responsible for their decisions, the group in all its forms (extended family, work relationships, community) plays a powerful role in the decisions that individuals make.

Italy
The Italians spoke loudly about the importance of the test, though, among themselves difficulties to make a decision when uncertain of success and delayed in bureaucracy. As with other Latin cultures, there is a strong reliance on the deductive process: how things are being done may be more important than the final result. Therefore, in Italy, things must appear as good as they essentially need to be; however, because there is an inherent disbelief in the effectiveness of human action, there is sometimes a greater emphasis placed on the appearance of things than on how they actually are.

Nigeria
In general, Nigerians are prone to taking risks, especially when in positions of authority or to follow orders. Nigeria, like all Africans, have a hierarchical sense of loyalties. The interpretation of the test dependent upon "analogous" reasoning, while the Margiis in West on "argument'" (proving and disproving). Decisions and actions therefore became the result of reasoning not directed at a determination of truth, but rather context-based correctness based on similar experiences with Baba's books.

Japan
All forms of logic are used in a more holistic way in Asia, so that while process and experience are important steps in arriving at a conclusion, the path may not be linear or progressive. Things occur, thought patterns included, not necessarily in a sequential or progressive way, but in a more holistic way.
The Japanese Margiis didn't search for sequences, but all the facts that must be brought forward, as the situation deems it, and then sit back and evaluate the total result. In Japan everyone will wait for more instruction and all the participating members will start to work cooperatively at producing a result. This tendency on the part of Japanese individuals not to do something until they are confident that it meets with the approval of others does not mean that they do not promote their own ideas. But it does mean that until one's way has won the approval and support of others, it will be very difficult to get things done.

Sweden
The Swedes are generally in the middle in this category (“lagom”), but they will see and act on opportunities. However, it will not be without first giving careful thought and consideration to all sides, participants, and details. Everyone involved must be brought into the consultation. New information is not taken at face value: it is usually suspect at first. Once decided, the Margiis were searching who is the best person for the test. It is considered the best personal action is one that provides the most good for all.

At the day of test

The German representative was first to arrive, exactly at the appointed time. The Japanese arrived next because punctuality also reflects other values, such as concern for the other person and humility before someone else's efforts. Then the British, Swede, and American. The Australian didn't considered a problem of being late for 10 minutes.

The morning appointment was convenient for the Italian avoiding the midday heat. For the French this was a social occasion, arrived acceptably late. For the Argentinian it was essential that arrive at least 30 minutes to an hour later than the stated time. For Filipinos a schedule must always be loose, the clock takes a backseat to most other criteria for action. Also the Filipino didn't come alone but as a group.

There is forgiveness for the inevitable delays and unexpected events that define life in Africa, and understanding when things don't go as planned or scheduled: people may or may not show up at invited events, so no one was sure if Nigeria will be represented. But came before the Indians. For the two Indians everyone had to wait one day. In a cosmic plan there is always a forgiveness to be late.

The test

The Bengale shout the name of Baba and jumped the cliff. The Tamil recited one slogan, explained the meaning, and jumped. The Argentinean said the committee told him not to jump.

The German put one air glider on his back and jumped. The American said this test is not rational - if God is irrational and the child is not, then the child has to be followed. The Australian told a joke and jumped.

The Italian walk gracefully to the cliff edge, looked down, took few step back, looked at everyone as this was a big occasion walking back and forth. When he jumped it was not sure if an accident - slipped off the edge. The French gave an excellent short lecture of true meaning of the test and how the Margiis had analyzed everything carefully, and debated all aspects until all was clear and agreed upon. The French didn't jump, everyone just forgot about it.

The Nigerian appeared boldly, to some extent reckless to comfort the uncertainty. Spoke in metaphors, employed analogies and nonverbal behavior to convey true meaning of test. Everybody were patiently waiting. Constantly there was interruptions by other Nigerians or central Workers seemingly more important than the task itself. Not sure if it took one or two hours for the jump.

When the Japanese found herself at the center of attention, did the formal Japanese greeting, the endless apologies for wrongs committed or not. Among the watching Margiis someone misunderstood her intention, felt pity and told not to jump. With no visible offence, she jumped. The Filipinos sang Kiirtan and all of them jumped. The British didn't get time to jump when busy in organising the event. Or more precisely managing his own frustration. This was an important function so things had to be managed by the book - no matter who, no matter what. Mostlikely, in the next test, next year, will be happy to jump first.

At the end of the day all were saved and past the test.