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INTROSPECTION AND CLARIFICATIONS
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giving thought to this aspect is only a reflection of thoughtlessness. It should certainly be checked.
Question: Under the Communist rule there was control but there was no unrest. With coming in of the openness, problems are becoming serious. What are vour views in this context?
Answer: In seven decades of Communist rule in Russia, the control was so intense and pervasive that people did not have freedom to think whether there was peace or unrest. They were parts of the machine. Now that the control has faded, there is some freedom to think, speak and write. Man is able to think about his problems. There are clear indications that the shortages of articles of primary needs exist there as nowhere else. In that communist country which manufactured aeroplanes, guns and missiles, launched satellites and established experimental stations in space, there were long queues for bread. All these incongruities prevailed. Unlimited amount of money was spent in the manufacture of arms, ammunitions and space-vehicles, while the primary needs of the people were ignored. Now with the removal of the iron curtain, everything is clearly visible that there was neither peace nor non-violence there. They have now started talking about it. This matter of peace and non-violence is understood only after the fulfilment of the primary needs.
Question: The tradition of joint families is breaking down. Families are disintegrating. What is the main reason for this?
Answer: The head of the family is not as much tolerant and balanced today as he should be. This is the first aberration. Respected Gurudev had given a formula conceming the capability of, and the affection for, the head of the family or society. If these two things are there, the family would not disintegrate. The head of the family should possess a sense of equality. His attitude should be inspired by equality. If there are four sors, his treatment should be the same for all. He should also possess competence and tolerance as well.
A family is constituted of people with different likings and different dispositions. All these should be accommodated as far as possible. Affection and feeling of affinity towards all should previl. This is essential for keeping the family united.
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