Letter from Michael, Ex-Preceptor of SRCM

Letter from Ex-preceptor of Shri Ram Chandra Mission

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I was involved with SRCM for over 10 years. I started in 1979 and became a preceptor in 1988. I chose to leave the organization in 1990, when forced to accept all authority in the organization without question, even if it goes against the principles of the organization itself. Since leaving, I've learned much about the true history of Sahaj Marg including meeting one of Lalaji's last living diciples. I found that Sahaj Marg is actually Sufism, which probably had its roots in ancient Yogic practicies. Lalaji NEVER intended an organization to be formed around his legacy. He chose not to create one in his life and only encouraged those around him to continue their spiritual quest and spark the spiritual quest of others. I've met Babjuji - very impressive and loveable man, but all his proclaimations of authority and exclusivity are based on visions and dreams we can only trust he actually had. Sahaj Marg has several significant flaws, many of which go against the very principles it expounds:

1. They believe that only the highest regions of spiritual attainment are only possible through devotion to the living successor/Mastor of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. They don't acknowledge this to new abhyasis, who are told instead, simply to try the practice and see the benefit. Its the classic bait and switch guru trick and is taught to Preceptors in their "Preceptors Only" books and training sessions.

2. Money runs the organization. Raising money is a constant discussion within preceptor meetings, although the changes in the organization may have moved this responsibility to regional coordinators. I sat in secret meetings discussing how to get recently joined wealthy abhyasis more involved so that they will donate. Sadly many of those people had no idea that they received such favoratism and access to Chari because of their money, not their spiritual purity.

3. The inner circle around Chari is controled and manipulated by their lust for personal power and self importance. My run in with Chari revolved around his assumption that I actually coveted my position as preceptor, which I didn't. He remains upset to this day that he could not control me as he does others using promise of preceptorship, spiritual power, and access to the "inner circle" if only I would just obey him and "The Mission" without question.

4. If Sahaj Marg is to be judged it should be judged by the quality of their abhyasis and their progress, not the principles that it expounds. Many abyasis and preceptors have serious mental illnesses that continue to worsen over the years. Many involved and in positions of power continue to show after 20-30 years, no reduction in selfish, egotistical behavior. This is because, while the philosophy sounds pure, the organization thrives on position, money, power, physical closeness to the "Master", and above all, unquestioning obedience to the Master. I recieved a letter once from Chari that insisted that I was disobedient in matters of the Mission - I guess because I questioned the sanity and integrity of some in positions of authority. Interesting concept, but not published in any Sahaj Marg books. Not even the ones you pre-pay $250 for.

Personally, I have found my last 15+ years away from SRCM far more enriching than my experiences in SRCM. I've had to face my own shadows and have found gentle guidance in the absence of Chari, who insisted privately to those around him that I would surely have a great spiritual fall. I continue on my spiritual quest with inspiration and confidence as you all will as well if you choose to leave. The divine is not so exclusive as to limit access only to such an obscure organization.

... and as for Suyash's comment that , "We all donate out of faith and love of Sahaj Marg, Nothing else"... Well, I guess the concept of "obedience to the mission" is now an official thing. I'd plead with him and others that think alike to question this thinking they've been indoctrinated in. I respectfully suggest Suyash and others re-read Reality At Dawn, especially the part about charging money for spiritual training, that it should be free and is everyone's birthright.

Then there's the part about God not being found in an organization or a sect. Then again, Reality At Dawn used to cost $1.50 and was given away for free to new abhyasis. I certainly hope that abhyasis these days aren't avoiding the older books because they don't cost as much as the new ones!

With honor to the divine in YOU,

Michael