The Prout Handy Booklet

 

PROUT The Alternative to Capitalism and Communism

Prout, The Progressive Utilization Theory is a socio-economic theory propounded by the Indian scientist and spiritual leader, Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar. It stands for the utilization of all the potentialities, crude, subtle and causal in a progressive manner. Material or intellectual achievements do not necessarily mean progress, if they don't also ensure welfare on mental and even on spiritual level.

The Capitalist economy is weakening has been predictable for a long time due to typical signs leading to recession in Capitalism. According P. R Sarkar these signs are: 1. An increasing gap between rich and poor. 2. Accumulation of money in unproductive things, especially in speculative instruments. 3. Weakening of the purchasing power of the common people and the middle class. 4. The fiat currencies not being tied to any actual reserve, such as gold – creating the risk of money losing its value.

Economy is burdened by an all-pervasive exposure to risk, such as; the speculative stock market bubble; foreign investment take over of small businesses; reckless use of credit cards. Sarkar describes the nature of capitalism as being a "self-centered" system.

The aim of Prout is the welfare of all living beings. It is based on universal spiritual values, maintenance of the environmental balance and local economy. Sarkar created an international organization to facilitate service to humanity, personal growth and economic justice. Today Proutist Universal aims to implement this vision together with others aspiring towards the same goal.

The Proutistic economic model offers a comprehensive approach to improve quality of life and remove poverty, by making self-sufficiency achievable all over the world. Its central view is that the Earth's natural resources are the common heritage of humanity. Those resources should be shared in the proper way so that everybody will have the right to utilize, but not the right to misuse them.

Providing the basic necessities of life through employment (by dividing working hours etc) and thus ensuring purchasing power, is one of the first steps in the implementation of Prout in society. Individuals, whose physical and psychological needs are satisfied are better able to develop higher capacities, and act more selflessly.

Need for Balance

Evolution of humanity continues with developing and deepening awareness. A proper balance should be built ecologically, socially and individually. Human beings don't have only physical and psychic needs, but also spiritual. All needs of each and every human being have to be met in order to create a society for global welfare.

Humanity is anxiously waiting for something far better than capitalism and communism, which will give opportunities for all. According to Prout, the rational distribution of surplus wealth on the basis of the needs and merits of workers, sustains satisfaction and ambition to move forward. However, income and wealth inequalities can not be too large, which is why Prout requires property and income ceilings to be set.

Religious, national and social boundaries should not separate people, as all beings are universal, according the concept of Proutistic Universalism. Prout is always on the side of the exploited, regardless of their race, religion, nationality, etc. Because poverty is a major problem in today's world, Prout's main focus is on sharing the welfare in all possible means.

The Five Fundamental Principles of Prout

1. Individuals should not accumulate any physical wealth without the clear permission or approval of the collective body

The minimum requirements of life will be provided to all. Extra, accidental and consequential needs will be provided by the permission of the collective/society and its leadership. Both collective interest and individual needs are to be taken care of. Physical wealth is limited, but the desires of human beings are endless, thus restrictions are needed, but there is no need to restrict psychic and spiritual wealth as they are unlimited. Prout emphasizes channelizing physical needs into psychic ones

2. There should be maximum utilization and rational distribution of mundane, supra-mundane and spiritual potentialities

Maximum utilization (without wastage) of the mundane potentialities of the universe – solid, liquid, aerial, luminous, ethereal – is possible by scientific inventions and technology. Most of the supra-mundane potentialities of the universe – telepathy, clairvoyance, ESP etc – are yet to be explored by potential people. Prout encourages the exploration and utilization of spiritual values for the welfare of individuals and humanity. Rational distribution of mundane potentialities ensures that everyone gets their basic necessities – and also possible extra, as to merit, according time, place and person. This principle develops love for the creation because it discourages wasting and emphasizes sharing.

3. There should be maximum utilization and rational distribution of physical, metaphysical and spiritual potentialities of the individuals and collective human society

Here 'physical potentialities' means bodily or corporeal potential. Metaphysical signifies subtle intellectual potentialities, such as discoveries by scientists. Individually talented or skillful group should be given scope to share their discoveries for the welfare of all. Spiritually evolved yogis should be given the opportunity to teach their wisdom to others. This principle is helpful in resolving over-accumulation by sharing.

– The second concerns the potentialities of the universe, while the third principle concerns the potentialities of human beings and collectives. The second principle offers the benefits of maximum utilization and rational distribution for individual human beings and society, whereas the third principle gives scope for human beings to do service with their potentialities.

4. There should be a proper adjustment amongst these physical, metaphysical, mundane, supra-mundane and spiritual utilizations

The human structure is physical, mental (metaphysical) and spiritual. If a human being is equally developed physically, mentally and spiritually, then his spiritual skills should be appreciated first. If one is equally skilled intellectually and physically, then rather one should be encouraged to do intellectual work. This principle balances and integrates human personalities into a harmonious society.

5. The method of utilization should vary according time, place and person and the utilization should be of progressive nature

With the advancement of science and technology, the method of utilization of potentialities will also change. This principle provides flexibility in the manner of utilization. It encourages for example automatization meaning that time is saved to be used for higher purposes. Progressive nature hear means that physical and psychic inventions and movement should also be guided by spirituality.

Economic Democracy Based on Prout:

Cooperatives

Proutist economy will be run to a great extent by local producers, thus assisting cultural progress and reducing materialism and pollution. Cooperatives develop human beings as sharing and caring beings. These agricultural, environmental and raw material processing etc cooperatives are run by collective ownership and leadership.

Small Scale Private and Family Enterprises

Small enterprises are needed for local production by those who has skills and possibility to do handicrafts, bakery products, tailoring etc. If they become too profitable the benefits should be shared for the welfare of society.

Large Scale Key Industry

Governments and non-private institutions take care of larger needs, provide infrastructure, road, railway and airport maintenance and run mining and energy industry. These production systems function on a no loss no profit basis.

Land Ownership

Gradually most of the land will be eventually brought under utilization by cooperatives. First the unutilized lands will be joined into cooperatives. Personal ownership will still exist for some time. At the end the private ownership will cease to exist.

Prout believes in economic democracy and decentralization – but nationalization of only key industries. Prout doesn't advocate political democracy, in which uneducated, rich, or famous people might cast the votes while more progressive could be left out. Currencies have to be tied to real assets, like gold. Barter trade between two or more countries and societies is couraged. Most of the raw materials and resources should be used locally. A World government will take care of international issues, environmental protection, peace maintenance etc policies.

Prout encourages scientific approach, technological innovations and automatization. When working hours reduce, people will have much more time for uplifting their lives and maintaining spiritual practices. To upkeep the production, educational, financial and material incentives will be provided for meritorious, hard-working and skillful workers, as well as social benefits and medical care according needs.

Balanced Economy Policy

Fifty to sixty percent of people should depend on agriculture or food production. Only twenty to thirty percent working in trade, commerce and office. Heavily industrialized countries should not misutilize the developing countries.

Classes and the Social Cycle Explained by Sarkar

The Social cycle according Sarkar is a process of social movement, which include shudra (laborer), ksatriya (soldier), vipra (intellectual) and vaeshya (trader) age in a cyclic evolutionary order. The earliest shudra laborers engaged in hunting, fishing and forming clans. Later ksattriya soldiers started to control others. However the vipra intellectuals were able to win the physical force by intellectual, religious and political means. Finally the vaeshya traders overruled by money.

It is not difficult to figure out where we are heading at this moment. During the present vaeshyan, trader's age, the value of human life is based in materially-oriented enjoyment. The intellectuals and soldiers are servants for traders. However when the exploitation reaches its peak, they are no more going to serve.

The future leaders, the sadvipras are respected due to their wisdom. They are moral and spiritual soldiers who want to see progressive change: an evolutionary elevation from materialism towards spirituality. A spiritually awakened society will eventually uplift these service minded sadvipras to lead the society. Sadvipras will oversee the movement of the social cycle which will somewhat continue – although less dramatic due to common elevation and increasing righteousness in the society.

Change is on the Way

There have been efforts all over the globe to solve the problems of the world by whistle blowing, holding secret meetings, and by formation of alliances. People also expect to see saviors such as extraterrestrials to appear and make a difference. Some call for change through politics, others by education or religious solutions, and a few expect a revolution to take place in the economy. A comprehensive ideology of life will be introduced to lead humanity on right direction, in order to restore universal human values, so that human being can live in dignity and help each others to do the same. One also needs to develop oneself and cooperate with others.

Prout-theory contains philosophical and service aspects. It is not only theory, as it is already practiced partially by thousands of people. There are also countless other organizations making a difference in one way or the other, and all are coming together. We can say that a silent revolution is creeping into the society all over the globe for the sake of creating a better world, which is more caring for all living beings. One may prepare oneself by learning the qualities of sadvipras in order to accelerate the dawning “golden age” of humanity.

Universal Principles for Righteousness

One should not intentionally cause damage or harm to others. Benevolent truthfulness means to use thoughts, words and deeds with the well being of others in mind. We should refrain from taking anything that belong to others, or preventing others from getting what is rightfully theirs. Everyone is to be respected as manifestations of Consciousness. One should avoid unnecessary luxuries and adopt a simple lifestyle. People should maintain the purity of body, environment and mind, and a sense of satisfaction and peace. We should read spiritual scripts, listen to wise people and cultivate service mindedness and self-sacrifice towards others.

Dealing with Prisoners

The aim of the treatment of prisoners is to develop their personalities. In order to reduce crime, social problems have to be addressed, poverty eradicated and therapies to be arranged. Every human being has the potential for positive change.

Disarmament

Prout doesn't support disarmament of weapons in present society, where the inimical forces have piled up huge loads of deadly weapons of mass destruction. If disarmament is carried out, the righteous forces will remain defenseless under the threat of the evil forces. Human beings have created atomic bombs, but human beings can also create “anti-bombs” to neutralize the nuclear bombs.

Reforming Education and Mother tongue

Sarkar has also developed so-called Neohumanistic education method. Children are taught how to take care of plants, animals and each other – in order to awaken the child's love for all living beings. Children will learn about a healthy lifestyle and they are provided with progressive, alternative classes. Education of universal spiritual values is also part of basic education. Unconditional love and deep wisdom are the sources of limitless inspiration. Every child should be encouraged to speak their mother tongue. At the same time, a universal language is also required; English can be used for global communication.

What to do with Capitalism?

Capitalism has served its life span, and the human race is now worthy of something better. The vacuum created after capitalism can be filled with a new advanced system, otherwise people will resort to any former unsatisfactory structure. To achieve final victory one should seek to establish self-sustaining local economic units.

The Samaj socio-economic movement is based on the anti-exploitation sentiment, aimed at securing justice and all round welfare in each socio-economic unit (Samaj) – built on the bases of culture, similar economic problems and potentialities. Each Samaj will have its own developmental planning. They will be regional in expression, but universal in spirit. A sound universal society can't be established unless the vast socio-economical disparity is gone.

The Prout administrative system consists of the legislative, judicial, executive and auditing structure, which secures the overall well-being of society, balanced economic growth, human rights, basic services, environmental protection and the construction of infrastructure. Perfection is not required for the implementation of the economic system, but rationality. And the economic experts need to have sincere love and concern for humanity. Sarkar believed in the victory of justice and righteousness in the world and the triumph of a progressive, equality-based, welfare-ensured economics for all.

Cosmic Brotherhood

Ever since the beginning of civilization, human beings have been struggling for unity and expansion. Individualism was prevailing in stone age, but later on human beings formed clans and tribal villages. At present, countries are bonding with each other. Due to technological advancement our search for unity is culminating also towards friendship with interplanetary beings, towards cosmic brotherhood. But according to Sarkar this is not possible until some basic factors are achieved: a common philosophy of life, a global constitutional structure, and the fulfillment of basic necessities for all. Most of aliens are ahead of us spiritually and I think they don't want us there messing things up before we have grown up to be responsible and caring brothers and sisters.

A Vision for a New world

The cooperative life might seem a bit boring and old fashioned for those accustomed to a materialistic, entertainment-oriented city life. However about this progressive change – present day people only have a small glimpse of.

What does the term a 'Golden Age' mean? It simply means a spiritual colored future where most people will be somewhat spiritually developed and having some psychic abilities. Everyone will be more aware of others thinking which would make lying and hiding more difficult. People would do everything with the spirit of sharing rather than grabbing for themselves, and would rather inspire than suppress others.

Economically, sharing could make a difference; it would be like in my home village as a child, where I observed that nobody wanted to take anything but everyone wanted to give. The result usually was that when one “forced” the other to take something, the other “revenged” by giving something instead. Bartering and “talkoot” (where farmers and small house owners gathered to help each other in farming, construction etc) were rather joyful occasions, and collective meals with children playing around made the day. Those were the days about 50 years back. Since then things have changed into capitalistic outlook even in the Finnish countryside, while the farms are grown into EU standard size and been tempted into profit making.

These days the majority of people are still obliged to live in poverty, or at the borderline. Anyhow if there would be equal sharing of wealth we all might be rich, but would it make the world much better; polluting and wasting would continue – except if there would be simultaneous elevation of people's minds.

What might hinder the almost free anti-gravity, plasma technology etc inventions and production, might be that countries and companies want to continue making money with oil, coal and water. With these new inventions the world could be different place altogether in no time.

But so, we are Going to Make a New world, as Sarkar describes; “Your future is bright – not only bright, but guaranteed.... A psychic or mental change has occurred, so people will progress more easily and proceed ahead towards spirituality. People in the future shall proceed with more accelerated speed. Therefore, the future of humans is bright. Be the [vanguard of] a bright future and the crimson light that breaks on the eastern horizon. There is no alternative but to welcome it!”

What Others are Saying about Prout? There are many well-known people who has written positive comments about Prout, you may see from book; After Capitalism – Prout Vision for a New World: https://anandamargabooks.com/books/after-capitalism/

Just one example here: “Alternative views are now vital. Prout's cooperative model for economic democracy... deserves serious consideration.” - Noam Chomsky, Author, USA

Didi A Asha

www.prout.org

www.proutglobe.org

 

Scoping with the Coming Earth Changes

Related to each other, there are as well huge physical as well as mental and spiritual changes, taking place in this earth: the structure of earth, climate, ecology, economy, magnetic, interplanetary etc. The nervous system of living beings is changing, DNA, psyche etc, but the biggest change is happening in spiritual level.

Soon people will feel the changes with their own mind, nobody can anymore ignore, but has to adopt different style of life. One can’t anymore just sit in front of their TV-sets and forget this challenging world. One has to awaken and see the reality which TV will never show. Everyone has also their own karma to work out and own lessons to learn. Those who deny the spiritual reality and are not willing to change will suffer most. There is no way that people can carry their old outlook into the New Spiritual World.

Ancient humanity has developed through physical struggle of existence. On the next phase humanity developed by mental or psychic means; through religions, science and arts. Now human development happens mainly on psycho-spiritual and spiritual level, through clashes on physical and mental level. While developing spiritually humans are actually strengthened by the help of economical, ecological, and planetary changes. Many will die, others suffer, some will feel pain for others – nothing is accidental, all is for the best at the end. Karma is at work, but not revenging or condemning, rather helping each of us to grow and go forward.

For the coming changes we need to master our own self first - to have a strong inner foundation. Start preparing yourself to be a pioneer of spiritual revolution. Reading spiritual books, concentrating on silence and searching for guidance will ultimately lead you to find your guide. There are guides for everyone, when you are ready to learn deeper truths, the guide will appear.

Thus you will have strong spiritual base and be able to keep balance internally, no matter what is going on around you. When you prepare yourself, you are able to go through the hardships with ease and be helpful for others as well. Don’t isolate yourself, just by hearing and seeing others pain, you will suffer as well. Join those on the way to same direction and help others to follow. Don’t leave people to panic or turn back - with your strength and tenderness you are able to take the lead.

Although nobody knows exactly what will happen, find out as much as possible how the things are developing - while knowing you will be able to prepare also physically; make garden and storage with necessary items. Important is also to know that you will adopt spiritual security along with your practices. If you have that, you will never suffer evenwith physical needs.

Electro-magnetic changes will bring changes in human brain, nervous system and mind. Change has to happen for better, in each mind, the spiritual wave will not uplift those unprepared and undeserving. Nobody can escape the changes as the soul growth is meant for everyone, whether one is willing to use it for the best or for the worse. Each has to choose. But even death is for the growth of the soul on its way ultimately for perfection.

People are afraid to look at things that are happening. When the earth changes will happen, ie electro-magnetism will increase, and not only nature will react, but it will bring also inner tsunamis and earthquakes to expose the emptiness within.

Simultaneously with gradual spiritual change, the new profound inventions will come eventually in use, such as anti-gravity, plasma equipments, methods for water reservation, environmental cleaning, etc. - those inventions which need ethical, responsible, sincere people, who will not use them for destruction.

Expand your heart to feel that we are all one - that we should help each others. This phase will accelerate greatly your possibility for spiritual growth; use it wisely, it will become gradually easier for you to meditate. Ask for inner guidance, when you don’t know what to do.

Coming crises can be lessened by human will and benevolent deeds, but there might not be enough time to make significant change. Karma can’t wait for ever.

This is not a message of doomsday, but a message of hope, blessing and purification: a bright future is waiting for us with integrity, love and unity. Meditation practices you can learn from local Ananda Marga

Didi A Asha