After the breakup of the Soviet Union, there has been a lot of discussion of how the country might change its social, political, and economic models. Maharaj ji has been especially close to Russia since his childhood, according to his visions and perhaps also past lives. He visited Russia in 1989 just before the Soviet Union began to fall apart and issued a visionary warning to them that it would break up if they did not slow the speed of attempted reforms. From their side, many Russians have turned to him for spiritual and practical guidance.
Gerald and Lena Shagedanov took a message from Maharaj ji to the Deputy Chairman for Science and Technology in the Russian Parliament. They have returned with a videotaped message from that official responding to Maharaj ji’s suggestions. Gerald translates it for Maharaj:
I am very glad that not only in Russia are people thinking about the future of Russia, but also Indian philosophers like Babaji are thinking about this and sending a message to Russia. The ideas in Babaji’s message are very useful and pleasant for us to read. My personal ideas about changes in the country are the same, except for some points.
Maharaj said to open all the churches, all mosques, and let the people choose how they believe in God. There is no need to be afraid of sects, for after some time people will choose the right thing.
In the present situation, I cannot agree that all have equal rights. A lot of work is going on in other countries to destroy our religion, rather than bring integrity.
Maharaj clarifies,
I never said to open all the religious places. I was speaking of Jesus, who had love for all. When religions go there for propaganda, they can create doubt and problems. That has happened in our country also.
I speak about dharma only, not institutionalized religions. What is dharma? Translate exactly what I say. [The Punjabi word “dharam” is often translated as “religion,” which has a different connotation. Dharma is the universal principles of righteousness, order in society, and spiritual connection to the Divine.] In the future, whatever I say should be translated word by word and read back to me. I always speak against religious managements.
You’re right that the same thing happened in America. “Swamis” went there and looted the people of money and created confusion in the name of religion.
Dharma brings progress in all spheres. Lenin said to unite and work together, live together, and share. Guru Nanak likewise said, “work together, progress, share, and help the weak.” But he also said, “You may become proud. We must repeat: ‘There is one God who gives us love, and we must share that love with others.’”
I feel that dharma is most powerful in Russia—for work, teamwork, and conveying to people that we must give, not beg. We should use all our energy for development. But say, “Of God, the work You have given me is all Your blessings.”
There is always a desire for one ruler. Guru Gobind Singh said, “I will give you that King who is in all of us. Feel Him inside. Work and help the downtrodden. Share your thoughts with Him who knows how to serve, to love. The Guru said, “You are two: God is always with you.”
What dharma tells us is very strict laws: Speak truth, love, do not steal, do not take away others’ rights, do not do anything that would hurt others. We cannot say that dharma is free. A person who does not have these qualities can create conflict in the name of religion because his own mind is not under control.
[When I was a boy] sitting in meditation, I had a vision: “Work hard.” I was afraid. “I can’t.” He said, “If you love Me, you will have to follow My orders.” I did love Him, so I agreed. Today, what are the results? Wheat and rice for lakhs of people. Farmland where people couldn’t even go.
I cannot say that a religious person is free to do anything, because he is under strict laws.
How can the poverty of the country be removed, how to acquire everything needed in the country, how to motivate people to work more? I feel that whatever Guru Nanak said—if we start on those principles, I have faith that Russia will become the richest country in the world.
Today we need teamwork. Create a team, put all our energies into work, development, and scientific progress. Those who have knowledge of mineral wealth should advise how to extract it.
When I write to these people, I will give you only that which is my own training. I come from a small village. I used to cut fodder for the cattle. We cut it by hand; there was no electricity. I used to milk the buffaloes. Slowly I kept on working and thanking God.
Today the results of that are worldly respect and worldly development. Many kinds of people have made a team—scientists, politicians, and farmers. It has not remained one department as before. But always in my mind is the awareness that it is God’s blessing. “Good thoughts, great achievements are all Your blessings.”
Gerald then reads out more of the Russian official’s taped message to Maharaj ji:
“Many people in our country are considering that development should go as per your message. But nowadays there are deep divisions in our society. Political people and parties are also divided, such as democrats and state officials. State officials who have concern for society consider democrats temporary figures in the government who are looking only to get enough money and then leave the country. The democrats are saying that they are for freedom, but they are playing with it. With the help of freedom, they are destroying the country and progress. But there are also people who can do the changes for progress as Maharaj says.
The problem is: What ideology to put as the foundation stone? Why? If we shall tell people only about God and religion that won’t work, because these days people are without income, job, or food.”
Maharaj answers,
Actually, this is what we have achieved because of dharma. If your leaders’ minds can be changed, this is dharma. Dharma gives us spiritual and material progress. Dharma means to strengthen the weak spirit. Their idea is to take the money and run. Dharma’s teaching is to develop the country. Dharma means to develop the land, establish law and order, to develop people’s inner strength, and come into one team in which good rulers will be born. Then management that will come from the public will be for the public.
Gerald translates the end of the tape:
“We are very thankful for Maharaj’s message and chance to start this practical exchange of views.”
Maharaj concludes,
Don’t worry. According to what I will say, there will be peace and progress in the country.