Excerpts from one of two speeches by Chari to the students at CREST... Nov. 9-10, 2009. At the end of the article is a comment by Alexis on Elodie's Blog in Europe: Pour Que Vive le Sahaj Marg
Comments by 4d-don: in "red italics"
Chari Said:
(...)
So we have to learn how to look inside — that is what we are all doing now in meditation. Think that your heart is filled with divine light; just imagine it is there and see where it takes you. I mean this is nothing new. We have said all this so many times before. You have heard it from me. You have heard it from other prefects. You have also heard it long ago from the horse’s mouth (Babuji’s mouth). But it is a sad thing that something which should have been grasped instantly has to be repeated so often and so many times. It only shows that we are not paying attention, or we are questioning what we are listening to or hearing, and trying to find the truth of what we are hearing, ourselves. Which, in essence, means we don’t want to profit by the Master’s experience from which his teaching evolves, but like true modern human beings we want to test everything. That is the curse that Occidental knowledge has bestowed on us — to test everything. In India, we say, “Experience.” Outside India they say, “Test.”
Good!! We as a SPECIES (Homo Sapiens= the Wise Ape) are reaching what Arthur C Clark has called: "Childhood's End".
As Swami Vivekananda would say: to imagine something beside the REALITY is silly and will only bring about the illusion imagined, not the GOAL. To imagined "light in the heart" as if it was DIVINE, is silly.
LIGHT, according to Einstein's E=MC2, is the same as MATTER. So why does Chari or Babuji think that putting LIGHT in one's heart will bring about a realization of SPIRIT? (either "Divine Spirit" or "one's part of Spirit") If one wants to realize REALITY one has to focus on REALITY, not on an illusion such as MAYA, the MATERIAL WORLD, which includes "LIGHT" and MATTER. If one wants to be "SPIRITUAL", on has to focus on SPIRIT (ONE).
It was not what Lalaji or the Sufi Path taught or teaches. Did Babuji "make it up"? Why do other religions call the focus on MATTER, "Idolatry"? Light is used in many so-called: "corrupt" religions (such as Christianity) so as to give and depict a feeling of "GLORY" which is "addictive" (a rush!! ) and will keep the followers in an "emotional" state. But DIVINE?? The Divinity is not LIGHT!! IT may be SPIRIT!! But IT may also be "higher" or more rarified than SPIRIT ... We don't know!!
We are not "children" anymore!! Give us your TRUTH!! Not a silly "children's story" that only ensnares the gullible and the naive with fantasies!!
(...)
You know, science is only testing again and again and again to prove the validity of some assumptions which they call hypotheses. In spirituality, there is no hypothetical knowledge. There is only the experiential knowledge that the gurus and the Masters, our parampara, Sahaj Marg parampara (what we call the hierarchy today), (there is no "hierarchy" in Sahaj Marg: Lalaji has nothing to do with Sahaj Marg, and his name was usurped. And the family of Babuji state that Chari is not his representative. This is a "hierarchy" of CHARI! The beginning of his nationalist and "imperialist" dream!) which they have garnered, both by instruction from their gurus, as well as revelation when they have come to sufficiently high levels to have direct access, which they pass on to us. (The Sahaj Marg Bible is written by an anonymous French Lady MEDIUM who channels messages from the spirits of Chari's mother, his wife, and other elevated souls... This is the Sahaj Marg BIBLE... all made up by a MEDIUM... not by a Saint from the past, and not even by Babuji's! But by a so-called "phantasm"?) The first step in wisdom is to listen to it, absorb it and act by it. Are we doing it? Or are we saying, “No, no, no, that is all right. He was a great Master. It was possible for him. It is not possible for us. We are living in the modern world.” What is the modern world except a world full of experimentation, destruction, lack of love, and forebodings for the future? That is what modern life is all about, isn’t it?(We hear the planes going up and down. We have an airbase near us on the left.)
If the abhyasis want to be like their Masters, they can claim (from a dream) to be a representative of a long-dead Master from the past, or they can go to another country and "re-register" the SRCM in their own name and proclaim themselves MASTER and claim a false "hierarchy". That is the "EXAMPLE" one gets from the Sahaj Marg and SRCM "hierarchy"!! NOT IMPRESSIVE ... We are not amused!!
(...)
Here [the heart], (the heart is a lowly PUMP, not a "thinking" instrument!! READ!!) this is where our centre lies. And really speaking, if you go into it, as the ancient tradition says, and you meditate properly, the first time should be the last time for meditation. You should never meditate again. In fact, you won’t come out of it to meditate again. You are there permanently. That is what people are afraid of. That is why they say, “I went in, Chariji, and then I came out again. I found I was back in this world.” You did not find yourself back in this world. You came back into this world to find out that you are still here and not in the arms of some limbo called death, in whatever region that is.
Let Chari go into his heart and "not come out again" ... Does Babuji now dwell in the "Central Region"? or is he still in a lowly ghostly (plasma) "heaven", and in contact with a lowly anonymous French Lady MEDIUM who can't be a MASTER, according to Chari, as she is a "woman", but who claims to get messages from Babuji (from the "Central Region") that none can access, not even Babuji while he was living. All the while Chari does not get (or "makes up") any messages??
What is wrong with that PICTURE?? Why can a lady allegedly get messages from the alleged (imagined??) "Central Region" and yet not be worthy of being a MASTER of Sahaj Marg??...Oh I know!! It's JUST A STORY for the Children!!
(...)
So, dear brothers and sisters, if you want to make this journey, the first thing you have to pray for is, “Lord, rid me of this fear of freedom.” We are afraid of freedom because we don’t know how to handle it. I have read long ago that what destroys American values in American society is their inability to handle leisure. When they were working six days a week, they were comparatively better off. Five days a week, they don’t know what to do with a two-day weekend. Four days a week…
The rest of these speeches are too silly to comment on ... He must be speaking to un-thinking children. And if they believe that, then they must not read or go on the INTERNET. My GOD!! Grow up!! Look around you and start questioning those who take away FREEDOM (RELIGION), even to war. What is being said here is not the TRUTH nor REALITY!! But it seems to be said to engender a "nationalist" superiority of one culture versus another (the WEST) which is said to be "corrupt" and "materialist"... while the Master and his inner circle are truly nationalists, with their NATURAL METHOD, which like all religions, is led by imperialists (evangelicals, proselytizers), and materialist businessmen ... or developers... who want in on the PROSPERITY of CORRUPTION. The want a place at the "religious trough". They teach the gullible and naive what they know. That is to "imagine" Light (or "matter") in their hearts, thus making them more corrupt and more slaves of "matter", as a pseudo-path that they claim, is a "NATURAL" way of reaching SPIRIT or ONE)!!
NONSENSE!! Not "natural" nor a "path" which will lead to loftier anything but to lower "matter" or LIGHT... not to spirit, but to "ghosts" of plasma, or "spirits" which the anonymous MEDIUM claims to know that the "channeled entities" are "who they say they are" or... who "she" says they are ... A likely story either way!!
Show us the BEEF!! "The MEDIUM"!! THE MEDIUM!! THE MEDIUM!!
According to the lessons of Vivekananda one should focus on the desired "GOAL"...
And this flawed spiritual lesson is from the materialist leadership (businessmen, developers, nationalists, etc...) of SRCM(California-1997). They will make the abhyasis more materialist, more spiritualist, or "SPIRITIST", just like themselves. That is all they can do!! Will the Sahaj Marg "Sittings" now become "seances"! Who next will claim to be another "gifted" but anonymous "new age", Medium?
When is the next Sahaj Marg "seance"? Or is Astrology and Numerology, or even Psycho-Genetics (Blame the ancestors) the next big "realization" for the abhyasis?? That is being exposed in Sahaj Marg in Europe. Will these "alternate therapies" also be in the Sahaj Marg BIBLE in the FUTURE??
Would you lure others (family and friends) into this "SPIRITISM" that Sahaj Marg has become without telling them about what they are being fed? Do you know the meaning of the term: JUDAS GOAT??
Oh YES!! Don't forget to pray for a "favourable egregore"!! You know? That "autonomous psychic entity" that Chari instructs the "serfs" to pray for!! But don't pray for your real family! ...
And if you "obey" Chari, and read the "whispers" seven or eight times, your samskaras will be "erased"!! Your sins will be forgiven!! ... YES!! It's what Chari says! .... And it's the "gospel truth"!!
By the way, do you want to buy a BRIDGE?? ;-))
This is a comment to the previous article, ( left on Elodie's Blog in Europe: Pour Que Vive le Sahaj Marg.
Alexis said:
Rajagopalachari invites us to prolong this reflection in two speeches at Kharagpur November 9-10, 2009 to students at CREST. He has long criticized the world that surrounds us. But nothing changes, nothing improves. So what does he say? That it is thanks to our interior individual evolution that we will participate in the universal cosmic evolution. In short, failing to achieve in changing the world, one must change one's self. Again, Sahaj Marg is the opium of the good population of abhyasis ...
To him, the "emotional" feeling of the experience of meditation in Sahaj Marg has to be well above the work of the experimental scientist. As if it was science that was behind all the ills of our society. As if a technique (meditation) was better than science. While the world is (according to Chari) the result of the technique, not of science, even if the technique is often the result of the encounter between science and men ...
Chari is a poor philosopher, but he is a very good vendor of the New Age gloubiboulga (the favourite (sweet, so addictive) recipe of a French Cartoon Character (Casimir) of today.
Thurs, November 26, 06:10:00 PM
See also:
SRCM Astrology and Therapies of all kinds!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sahaj Marg Groupies! SRCM Defines their "FOLLOWERS"!
Taken and Translated from an article by Alexis on Elodie's Blog in Europe: Pour Que Vive Le Sahaj Marg. The title of the Article is: Les Groupies, Fans de la Star
Comments by 4d-don are in "red italics"
Monday, November 23, 2009
The groupies, Fans of the "Star"!
Ferdinand Wulliemier, preceptor of Sahaj Marg and Swiss psychiatrist, conducted a study that he related at the Symposium on Medicine in the Third Millennium of January 19, 1997 (as Chari and Santosh Khanjee were registering their schism from SRCM (Shahjahanpur), in San Luis Obispo, California, and the SMRTI (Sahaj Marg Research and Training Institute) in Austin, Texas, USA. SRCM (Shahjahanpur) is the society founded in 1945 by Babuji, and now managed by his family and presided by his grandson( Navneet Kumar Saxena) : "It covers a population of 54 persons for a period of 8 years between 1988 and 1996. These 54 persons were patients that I followed personally as a psychotherapist and who either began to meditate or were meditating already under the system of Sahaj Marg Yoga (...)
Who are these people who are involved in a spiritual practice from a sociological perspective? Almost three quarters are women. They are between 18 and 80 years, rarely more, with a maximum between 35 and 50 years. This allows a link with the "mid-life crisis "spoken of by CG Jung, which he placed at approximately 35 years. What are their socio-cultural and professional backgrounds? Almost everyone seems represented, but there is an over-representation of care-givers, and teachers also, but to a lesser extent, and perhaps artists.
What is their evolutionary level, that is to say at what level of psychological functioning can one connect them when they start to meditate? Let me say first that according to that estimate, almost a quarter had psychotherapy before beginning a spiritual practice. A sizable minority of them, about 30% are people called "unstructured". If I take the usual psychiatric classification one will include borderline personality, and borderline-neurotic and borderline pre-psychotic (...)".
Almost three quarters of the followers (of Sahaj Marg) are women, says Wulliemier. After verification, this is the case in Europe. The proportion decreases gradually as one climbs the hierarchy: two thirds of the preceptors and only half of the vice presidents (...of National SRCM societies. The "women vice-presidents" have no political power as the majority of the Boards of Directors of the national SRCM's are "non-residents" men, loyal to Chari. See this article on this blog: SRCM (Canada) and Sahaj Marg Finances... See also: SRCM and the United Nations) are women, a committee of the chairman (President and Master) is 100% male and with a Master President who can never be a woman, according to Rajagopalachari. In contrast, in India, the proportion is reversed and there is no more than a quarter of preceptors who are women.
The divorce between India and the West is evident, the population of Sahaj Marg is clearly divided in two, both socially and psychologically. On one side, a world still very much patriarchal with Indian preceptors attracted by the lights of power and money, where Rajagopalachari's approach is to integrate a network of well placed political and financial circles hitherto inaccessible, in the hope of enjoying personal providential benefits. On the other, a Western world largely dominated by women of middle age, often single, separated or divorced, spinsters or single mothers in a very egocentric quest for emotional balance.
Ferdinand Wulliemier tells us that all professions are represented, although some are more prevalent. There are actually almost no labourers or farmers. Spirituality does not motivate the primary sector of production, but it invades the service sectors or the creative sector, especially the personal services sector. The medical and para-medical world such as education and training, personal development, welfare or artistic creation are swarmed by the followers of Sahaj Marg. A quick explanation, perhaps simplistic, they (the human resources and service sector) are more than the others in direct contact with anything that produces human misery, and therefore are more likely to succumb to the lure of a spiritual well-being.
Ferdinand Wulliemier also tells us that nearly one third of the followers are unstructured personalities, "borderline" in psychiatric language, and have had psychotherapy. So much so that Rajagopalachari already expressed concern in December 1992: "(...) our tutors (preceptors) must be very careful when accepting new abhyasis to ensure they do not have people here who can not be helped. I 'm especially referring to people who have mental problems, and underwent treatment in psychiatric hospitals or offices. Cases like this are becoming more frequent (...)."
In 2008, Ajay Kumar Bhatti also noticed it, and was surprised because "many European tutors have problems with depression." Things were not arranged. And yet, the training manual for preceptors said that "(...) the transmission can exacerbate the mental problems of such persons and in some cases even lead to suicidal tendencies." Indian followers confirm that meditation with Sahaj Marg has caused them hallucinations, manic-depressive problems or even madness.
On May 14, 2009, Ferdinand Wulliemier makes a presentation before the 20th Congress GRAAP (Groupe Romand Home and Psychiatric Action) in Lausanne, saying essentially that depression is an opportunity to transcend the evolutionary stages to merge with the divine .
Clearly, adepts recruited by the Shri Ram Chandra Mission are often psychologically fragile people, meditation can enhance their psychological problems to madness or suicide, but that is seen as an opportunity to better achieve the ultimate goal of Sahaj Marg and thus to cure the depression. In other words, one enters Sahaj Marg depressed, meditation increases the depression, but if you follow the instructions to the letter, it cures the depression.
The countless letters sent to the Master by the adepts, show their incredible personal, family, and social emotional distress. In this sense they are a good sample of the collateral damage caused by the modern world. Rather than seeking solutions to their discomfort in the defects of society itself, fighting to make a change, they turn to inner spiritual solution promised by Rajagopalachari, definitely excluding themselves from the outside world.
Sahaj Marg sets the ultimate goal of merging with the divine, provided one obeys and serves the Master of everything, and for all. That's what they call involutive evolution, the invertendo, where the master becomes the father, mother, etc.. Solely focused on their troubles, the adepts focus exclusively on their relationship with the master. The way to achieve the ultimate goal becomes more important than the merger with the Divine. This helps to forget the worries and frustrations of everyday adult and to find the freshness and insouciance of childhood, a regression to the years of innocence where the practitioner had only to adore her dad . The means have replaced the end.
The proponents have therefore transformed Sahaj Marg into a solution to their egocentric malaise, a delicate balance in which Rajagopalachari serves as their psychological crutch. Sahaj Marg has nothing to do with spirituality, it has become a simple research technique for wellness within, based on total surrender to a Master who asks only that.
The Christian religion promises "Paradise" after death, failing to promise it on earth, thus legitimizing all their abuses. Sahaj Marg helps one to live in a very imperfect society, by replacing the legitimate revolt against the outside world with an "interior" pseudo solution. To change one's self becomes more important than changing or improving the world. Without saying it, Sahaj Marg helps in its own way, to legitimize the abuses of our world. Religion was the opiate of the people. Sahaj Marg and Rajagopalachari are "Opiates" also.
Alexis
See also:
SRCM, Astrology, and Therapies of All Kinds (Same Psychiatrist as above, and his daughter)
Worshipping False Gods (A Testimonial) (Abhasi blames his mental problems on Spiritual group (un-named through fear??)
.
Comments by 4d-don are in "red italics"
Monday, November 23, 2009
The groupies, Fans of the "Star"!
Ferdinand Wulliemier, preceptor of Sahaj Marg and Swiss psychiatrist, conducted a study that he related at the Symposium on Medicine in the Third Millennium of January 19, 1997 (as Chari and Santosh Khanjee were registering their schism from SRCM (Shahjahanpur), in San Luis Obispo, California, and the SMRTI (Sahaj Marg Research and Training Institute) in Austin, Texas, USA. SRCM (Shahjahanpur) is the society founded in 1945 by Babuji, and now managed by his family and presided by his grandson( Navneet Kumar Saxena) : "It covers a population of 54 persons for a period of 8 years between 1988 and 1996. These 54 persons were patients that I followed personally as a psychotherapist and who either began to meditate or were meditating already under the system of Sahaj Marg Yoga (...)
Who are these people who are involved in a spiritual practice from a sociological perspective? Almost three quarters are women. They are between 18 and 80 years, rarely more, with a maximum between 35 and 50 years. This allows a link with the "mid-life crisis "spoken of by CG Jung, which he placed at approximately 35 years. What are their socio-cultural and professional backgrounds? Almost everyone seems represented, but there is an over-representation of care-givers, and teachers also, but to a lesser extent, and perhaps artists.
What is their evolutionary level, that is to say at what level of psychological functioning can one connect them when they start to meditate? Let me say first that according to that estimate, almost a quarter had psychotherapy before beginning a spiritual practice. A sizable minority of them, about 30% are people called "unstructured". If I take the usual psychiatric classification one will include borderline personality, and borderline-neurotic and borderline pre-psychotic (...)".
Almost three quarters of the followers (of Sahaj Marg) are women, says Wulliemier. After verification, this is the case in Europe. The proportion decreases gradually as one climbs the hierarchy: two thirds of the preceptors and only half of the vice presidents (...of National SRCM societies. The "women vice-presidents" have no political power as the majority of the Boards of Directors of the national SRCM's are "non-residents" men, loyal to Chari. See this article on this blog: SRCM (Canada) and Sahaj Marg Finances... See also: SRCM and the United Nations) are women, a committee of the chairman (President and Master) is 100% male and with a Master President who can never be a woman, according to Rajagopalachari. In contrast, in India, the proportion is reversed and there is no more than a quarter of preceptors who are women.
The divorce between India and the West is evident, the population of Sahaj Marg is clearly divided in two, both socially and psychologically. On one side, a world still very much patriarchal with Indian preceptors attracted by the lights of power and money, where Rajagopalachari's approach is to integrate a network of well placed political and financial circles hitherto inaccessible, in the hope of enjoying personal providential benefits. On the other, a Western world largely dominated by women of middle age, often single, separated or divorced, spinsters or single mothers in a very egocentric quest for emotional balance.
Ferdinand Wulliemier tells us that all professions are represented, although some are more prevalent. There are actually almost no labourers or farmers. Spirituality does not motivate the primary sector of production, but it invades the service sectors or the creative sector, especially the personal services sector. The medical and para-medical world such as education and training, personal development, welfare or artistic creation are swarmed by the followers of Sahaj Marg. A quick explanation, perhaps simplistic, they (the human resources and service sector) are more than the others in direct contact with anything that produces human misery, and therefore are more likely to succumb to the lure of a spiritual well-being.
Ferdinand Wulliemier also tells us that nearly one third of the followers are unstructured personalities, "borderline" in psychiatric language, and have had psychotherapy. So much so that Rajagopalachari already expressed concern in December 1992: "(...) our tutors (preceptors) must be very careful when accepting new abhyasis to ensure they do not have people here who can not be helped. I 'm especially referring to people who have mental problems, and underwent treatment in psychiatric hospitals or offices. Cases like this are becoming more frequent (...)."
In 2008, Ajay Kumar Bhatti also noticed it, and was surprised because "many European tutors have problems with depression." Things were not arranged. And yet, the training manual for preceptors said that "(...) the transmission can exacerbate the mental problems of such persons and in some cases even lead to suicidal tendencies." Indian followers confirm that meditation with Sahaj Marg has caused them hallucinations, manic-depressive problems or even madness.
On May 14, 2009, Ferdinand Wulliemier makes a presentation before the 20th Congress GRAAP (Groupe Romand Home and Psychiatric Action) in Lausanne, saying essentially that depression is an opportunity to transcend the evolutionary stages to merge with the divine .
Clearly, adepts recruited by the Shri Ram Chandra Mission are often psychologically fragile people, meditation can enhance their psychological problems to madness or suicide, but that is seen as an opportunity to better achieve the ultimate goal of Sahaj Marg and thus to cure the depression. In other words, one enters Sahaj Marg depressed, meditation increases the depression, but if you follow the instructions to the letter, it cures the depression.
The countless letters sent to the Master by the adepts, show their incredible personal, family, and social emotional distress. In this sense they are a good sample of the collateral damage caused by the modern world. Rather than seeking solutions to their discomfort in the defects of society itself, fighting to make a change, they turn to inner spiritual solution promised by Rajagopalachari, definitely excluding themselves from the outside world.
Sahaj Marg sets the ultimate goal of merging with the divine, provided one obeys and serves the Master of everything, and for all. That's what they call involutive evolution, the invertendo, where the master becomes the father, mother, etc.. Solely focused on their troubles, the adepts focus exclusively on their relationship with the master. The way to achieve the ultimate goal becomes more important than the merger with the Divine. This helps to forget the worries and frustrations of everyday adult and to find the freshness and insouciance of childhood, a regression to the years of innocence where the practitioner had only to adore her dad . The means have replaced the end.
The proponents have therefore transformed Sahaj Marg into a solution to their egocentric malaise, a delicate balance in which Rajagopalachari serves as their psychological crutch. Sahaj Marg has nothing to do with spirituality, it has become a simple research technique for wellness within, based on total surrender to a Master who asks only that.
The Christian religion promises "Paradise" after death, failing to promise it on earth, thus legitimizing all their abuses. Sahaj Marg helps one to live in a very imperfect society, by replacing the legitimate revolt against the outside world with an "interior" pseudo solution. To change one's self becomes more important than changing or improving the world. Without saying it, Sahaj Marg helps in its own way, to legitimize the abuses of our world. Religion was the opiate of the people. Sahaj Marg and Rajagopalachari are "Opiates" also.
Alexis
See also:
SRCM, Astrology, and Therapies of All Kinds (Same Psychiatrist as above, and his daughter)
Worshipping False Gods (A Testimonial) (Abhasi blames his mental problems on Spiritual group (un-named through fear??)
.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
An Insider Speaks Out On Sahaj Marg & SRCM(California-1997)
Excerpts taken from a series of articles by Frank, ex-Preceptor for SRCM(California-1997) and ex-Zonal-in-Charge for SRCM (California-1997), on Frank's Blog: Pitfalls of Spirituality.
The series of articles called "Cognitive Dissonance" are a commentary on a Book called:
Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion
by Marc Gallanter, psychiatrist.
4d-Don's Comments: I suggest you read all of Frank's "Cognitive Dissonance" articles as they all relate more or less to Frank's experience in Sahaj Marg as a preceptor and as the Zonal-in-Charge (ZIC) of the Netherlands.
I have pulled out the parts that relate specifically to Sahaj Marg(tm) and to Chari's group, the SRCM (California-1997), and I have "hyperlinked" the titles of the articles so you may easily have (click on the title) access to the source, and so you may have the context of the individual excerpts ...
In Frank's Article: Cognitive Dissonance 2: Mind and Heart
So, to come back to the pitfall that I perceive in the avoidance of cognitive dissonance, can I find out the divide between learning and development on the one hand, and self-delusion on the other? I'm sorry to say that I believe this to be very difficult for most if not all of us. As an example, I'm quite positive that many practicants of my former spiritual movement Sahaj Marg will consider me self-delusional. I am being led astray by my mind, and -poor soul- have lost contact with my heart. My mind is creating all sorts of ego-fed illusions, and therefore I am blinded from the love of the Master. Something like that. I cannot find a 100% proof that they are wrong. It is just that their view no longer jibes sufficiently with mine, which leads me to holding more the opposite view. So perhaps this is a good moment to explain why this blog is meant mostly for people who are uneasy with their spiritual movement, and cannot put their finger on their unease. This is partly because I do not think that I cán influence people who are happy in their heart-oriented participation in a spiritual movement. But also partly because I'm not sure that I want to influence these people.
In Frank's article: Cognitive Dissonance 4: Former followers and Boundary Mechanisms
(...)
So, it is my personal experience that it is easier for followers to completely avoid talking with me about most things related to the Movement (in my case Sahaj Marg), but especially on the subject of why I decided to stop with it.
Although surprising to me, and initially not pleasant, I found this blanket of silence illuminating. I now think that followers whom I really care for, and who vice versa care for me, see no other way to reconcile the different positions than by adapting the position that I'm an OK person, but am deluded by the foils of my ego. They find it painful to be confronted by the use of my inside knowledge to bring out the discrepancies between the Theory of the Movement and the daily state of affairs. My bringing out the discrepancies causes them to experience cognitive dissonance, precisely because what I have to say in that respect makes too much sense to be easily dismissed.
And so I have learned to see this silence as a sign of their caring for me, which I appreciate. Still, I would of course like more to be able to discuss things out in the open. Perhaps I would learn about my own ego foils then too - no doubt they exist, and are seen sharply by the people who know me best.
(...)
And later, in the same article, Frank writes:
To give an interesting example: in Sahaj Marg participants are encouraged to know all people as thy brethren and treat them as such. This no doubt has helped bring about that participants are used to start talks with words like `dear brothers and sisters'. But also, unconsciously, to bring about that the words `brother(s)' and `sister(s)' are often being used exclusively to indicate other Sahaj Marg participants like in the sentence: `our brothers and sisters in the United States are all very happy that Master is coming to visit'.
Now, to me it seems obviously impossible that all the people in the United States are happy that the Master of Sahaj Marg is coming to visit. So the statement can only be read as to imply that `brothers' and `sisters' are particularly those USA residents who also practice Sahaj Marg. So Sahaj Marg promotes a family feeling among participants (also quite explicitly in speeches and texts), but thereby excluding the rest of humanity, in direct contradiction with their own maxim 6: `Know all people as thy brethren and treat them as such.' In other words: not uniting humanity as is their stated intention, but dividing it. And being blind to the division, I would wager, because it is not out of malice or lack of empathy or lack of concern for others.
This forming of some kind of `family feeling' is very common in spiritual movements, religious groups included. What Marc Galanter describes as boundary issues, concerns the interaction between that `family' and the rest of society.
In Frank's article: Charismatic Groups (Intermezzo)
(...)
For the purpose of this blog, it might once again be helpful to list some characteristics of charismatic spiritual groups that I have seen in many descriptions:
a) Gradual introduction/conversion of new members, usually through personal contact, in a family-like setting. Repeated enhancement of the `family' feeling through spiritual gatherings and other activities, often involving an ashram or other facility where communal living is the norm.
b) One's own physical/spiritual well-being is linked to a higher noble spiritual Goal (`Meditate, and you will feel better. But also you will help uniting Humanity, and bring about a world where love is the predominant guiding principle.')
c) Some special practice, usually involving some state of altered consciousness. Very frequently this includes some form of meditation. The experiences with and results of this `special' practice are discussed among members, and good things are associated with it. The specialty is stressed from time to time: `other movements do not have this Method' (exclusiveness).
d) A Special Leader, who has a direct Divine connection. His Guidance and Helping Hand are mystic and beyond rational understanding. `Surrender' is the way for a follower to achieve spiritual progress. e) A strong behavioural code, together with a lot of `positive' groupthink. Occasional criticism might be possible, but is made relatively light of. Fundamental criticism of the Leader or the Movement is frowned upon. Positive `witnessing' is encouraged and rewarded [witnessing: relating one's experiences with the Method/Leader and one's resulting insights; `So when I was having a real difficult time in my life, the image of the Leader appeared when I was doing my Morning Prayer. He spoke to me and said: `Be strong, and do not listen to your Ego. Let God do His work on you, do your Practice and have Faith'. So I decided to go to satsangh regularly, and my other problems became lighter!'].
f) An Inner Circle of long-practicing members, who are close to the Leader. Positions in this Inner Circle are coveted, as a sure sign of spiritual progress and the elevated opportunity for direct Guidance from the Leader. Management of the Movement's Organization is organized hierarchically, with the Inner Circle at the top of the Pyramid.
In Frank's article: Cognitive Dissonance 6: Boundary Control and Santa Claus
(...)
So new followers are a boost to the rationality of the whole Movement. `See, what we say makes sense, because how would we attract new people otherwise?'. This mechanism is frequently used by the Inner Circle (I have seen this in my own former spiritual movement Sahaj Marg) in the following way: * The number of followers is reported as much higher than it is in reality. * `Senior' followers are exhorted to devote time and energy to spreading the Message * Growth in numbers is seen as very important and duly rewarded * Decline in numbers is frowned upon, and often blamed on inadequate conduct of members - the attractivity of the Theory is not to be questioned. Members are expected to be shining examples, thereby attracting family and friends.
In Franks article: Cognitive Dissonances 7: Boundary Control
(...)
In Sahaj Marg, followers are repeatedly asked by guru P. Rajagopalachari not to create discussion forums on internet, with the reason given that these forums could be targeted by `malicious' individuals (looking to harm SRCM specifically). This of course holds for any discussion forum on the internet. Generally, the pros of a discussion forum outweigh the cons, especially if one takes some simple measures against `trolling'. Therefore, a more likely reason to prohibit these forums is that they are uncontrollable by the Inner Circle, and thus prone to becoming a source of cognitive dissonance. Discussions on whether it is `spiritual' to ask €250 for a book of which the guru says that it is essential for your spiritual progress, for instance... The internet therefore poses a real problem for Inner Circles wishing to exercise boundary control.
(...)
And later, in the same article, Frank writes:
One way for the Inner Circle to deal with this particular `former follower' threat is to blacken their character and motives. (Yes, this occurs in all types of organizations, I know. One just would expect this not to happen in a spiritual organization...). As an example, I have been called an `enemy of spirituality' by my former guru P. Rajagopalachari ;-) And with me, all former followers who blog about their experiences with Sahaj Marg. It's funny enough, but I'm not kidding. Still I can't possibly take it very seriously, for me personally I mean.
Comment on Frank's blog by ex-abhyasi:
Dear Frank,
Thank you again. Your blog has been extremely helpful.
A lot of people are sincere in their search for truth and it's a tough lesson to learn that people might do it for other reasons. (Like Power). Some people are hiding out in that group for other reasons.
A former sahaj-margie/preceptor told me, "It's a game. If you wanna play the sahaj-marg game we can do that."
i chose freedom.
3-D Don will probably have a field day with that comment! I empathize with him too because i've seen it make people cold and self-absorbed.
As i mentioned before, it was not easy to disengage from this practice and everything surrounding it.
i'm so very grateful that you have your blog up here. It takes tremendous courage and strength so thank you.
It also takes courage and strength to leave.
since leaving, i talked with some people who believe Chariji is just a preceptor.
i think you've done an excellent job of covering the points about the pitfalls of spirituality.
So really, you could get that Spiritual Yatra game board out - move yourself a couple points (maybe only one, your condition is really good) and i bet you'd be advanced to the central region. You don't even have to draw a card and answer any questions! Or go see Master.
Did SRCM market that Yatra board game in the Netherlands? Can't help but wonder if the person who came up with it knew in his/her heart of hearts that SRCM was just a game.
Many thanks,
Triple Gem
The series of articles called "Cognitive Dissonance" are a commentary on a Book called:
Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion
by Marc Gallanter, psychiatrist.
4d-Don's Comments: I suggest you read all of Frank's "Cognitive Dissonance" articles as they all relate more or less to Frank's experience in Sahaj Marg as a preceptor and as the Zonal-in-Charge (ZIC) of the Netherlands.
I have pulled out the parts that relate specifically to Sahaj Marg(tm) and to Chari's group, the SRCM (California-1997), and I have "hyperlinked" the titles of the articles so you may easily have (click on the title) access to the source, and so you may have the context of the individual excerpts ...
In Frank's Article: Cognitive Dissonance 2: Mind and Heart
So, to come back to the pitfall that I perceive in the avoidance of cognitive dissonance, can I find out the divide between learning and development on the one hand, and self-delusion on the other? I'm sorry to say that I believe this to be very difficult for most if not all of us. As an example, I'm quite positive that many practicants of my former spiritual movement Sahaj Marg will consider me self-delusional. I am being led astray by my mind, and -poor soul- have lost contact with my heart. My mind is creating all sorts of ego-fed illusions, and therefore I am blinded from the love of the Master. Something like that. I cannot find a 100% proof that they are wrong. It is just that their view no longer jibes sufficiently with mine, which leads me to holding more the opposite view. So perhaps this is a good moment to explain why this blog is meant mostly for people who are uneasy with their spiritual movement, and cannot put their finger on their unease. This is partly because I do not think that I cán influence people who are happy in their heart-oriented participation in a spiritual movement. But also partly because I'm not sure that I want to influence these people.
In Frank's article: Cognitive Dissonance 4: Former followers and Boundary Mechanisms
(...)
So, it is my personal experience that it is easier for followers to completely avoid talking with me about most things related to the Movement (in my case Sahaj Marg), but especially on the subject of why I decided to stop with it.
Although surprising to me, and initially not pleasant, I found this blanket of silence illuminating. I now think that followers whom I really care for, and who vice versa care for me, see no other way to reconcile the different positions than by adapting the position that I'm an OK person, but am deluded by the foils of my ego. They find it painful to be confronted by the use of my inside knowledge to bring out the discrepancies between the Theory of the Movement and the daily state of affairs. My bringing out the discrepancies causes them to experience cognitive dissonance, precisely because what I have to say in that respect makes too much sense to be easily dismissed.
And so I have learned to see this silence as a sign of their caring for me, which I appreciate. Still, I would of course like more to be able to discuss things out in the open. Perhaps I would learn about my own ego foils then too - no doubt they exist, and are seen sharply by the people who know me best.
(...)
And later, in the same article, Frank writes:
To give an interesting example: in Sahaj Marg participants are encouraged to know all people as thy brethren and treat them as such. This no doubt has helped bring about that participants are used to start talks with words like `dear brothers and sisters'. But also, unconsciously, to bring about that the words `brother(s)' and `sister(s)' are often being used exclusively to indicate other Sahaj Marg participants like in the sentence: `our brothers and sisters in the United States are all very happy that Master is coming to visit'.
Now, to me it seems obviously impossible that all the people in the United States are happy that the Master of Sahaj Marg is coming to visit. So the statement can only be read as to imply that `brothers' and `sisters' are particularly those USA residents who also practice Sahaj Marg. So Sahaj Marg promotes a family feeling among participants (also quite explicitly in speeches and texts), but thereby excluding the rest of humanity, in direct contradiction with their own maxim 6: `Know all people as thy brethren and treat them as such.' In other words: not uniting humanity as is their stated intention, but dividing it. And being blind to the division, I would wager, because it is not out of malice or lack of empathy or lack of concern for others.
This forming of some kind of `family feeling' is very common in spiritual movements, religious groups included. What Marc Galanter describes as boundary issues, concerns the interaction between that `family' and the rest of society.
In Frank's article: Charismatic Groups (Intermezzo)
(...)
For the purpose of this blog, it might once again be helpful to list some characteristics of charismatic spiritual groups that I have seen in many descriptions:
a) Gradual introduction/conversion of new members, usually through personal contact, in a family-like setting. Repeated enhancement of the `family' feeling through spiritual gatherings and other activities, often involving an ashram or other facility where communal living is the norm.
b) One's own physical/spiritual well-being is linked to a higher noble spiritual Goal (`Meditate, and you will feel better. But also you will help uniting Humanity, and bring about a world where love is the predominant guiding principle.')
c) Some special practice, usually involving some state of altered consciousness. Very frequently this includes some form of meditation. The experiences with and results of this `special' practice are discussed among members, and good things are associated with it. The specialty is stressed from time to time: `other movements do not have this Method' (exclusiveness).
d) A Special Leader, who has a direct Divine connection. His Guidance and Helping Hand are mystic and beyond rational understanding. `Surrender' is the way for a follower to achieve spiritual progress. e) A strong behavioural code, together with a lot of `positive' groupthink. Occasional criticism might be possible, but is made relatively light of. Fundamental criticism of the Leader or the Movement is frowned upon. Positive `witnessing' is encouraged and rewarded [witnessing: relating one's experiences with the Method/Leader and one's resulting insights; `So when I was having a real difficult time in my life, the image of the Leader appeared when I was doing my Morning Prayer. He spoke to me and said: `Be strong, and do not listen to your Ego. Let God do His work on you, do your Practice and have Faith'. So I decided to go to satsangh regularly, and my other problems became lighter!'].
f) An Inner Circle of long-practicing members, who are close to the Leader. Positions in this Inner Circle are coveted, as a sure sign of spiritual progress and the elevated opportunity for direct Guidance from the Leader. Management of the Movement's Organization is organized hierarchically, with the Inner Circle at the top of the Pyramid.
In Frank's article: Cognitive Dissonance 6: Boundary Control and Santa Claus
(...)
So new followers are a boost to the rationality of the whole Movement. `See, what we say makes sense, because how would we attract new people otherwise?'. This mechanism is frequently used by the Inner Circle (I have seen this in my own former spiritual movement Sahaj Marg) in the following way: * The number of followers is reported as much higher than it is in reality. * `Senior' followers are exhorted to devote time and energy to spreading the Message * Growth in numbers is seen as very important and duly rewarded * Decline in numbers is frowned upon, and often blamed on inadequate conduct of members - the attractivity of the Theory is not to be questioned. Members are expected to be shining examples, thereby attracting family and friends.
In Franks article: Cognitive Dissonances 7: Boundary Control
(...)
In Sahaj Marg, followers are repeatedly asked by guru P. Rajagopalachari not to create discussion forums on internet, with the reason given that these forums could be targeted by `malicious' individuals (looking to harm SRCM specifically). This of course holds for any discussion forum on the internet. Generally, the pros of a discussion forum outweigh the cons, especially if one takes some simple measures against `trolling'. Therefore, a more likely reason to prohibit these forums is that they are uncontrollable by the Inner Circle, and thus prone to becoming a source of cognitive dissonance. Discussions on whether it is `spiritual' to ask €250 for a book of which the guru says that it is essential for your spiritual progress, for instance... The internet therefore poses a real problem for Inner Circles wishing to exercise boundary control.
(...)
And later, in the same article, Frank writes:
One way for the Inner Circle to deal with this particular `former follower' threat is to blacken their character and motives. (Yes, this occurs in all types of organizations, I know. One just would expect this not to happen in a spiritual organization...). As an example, I have been called an `enemy of spirituality' by my former guru P. Rajagopalachari ;-) And with me, all former followers who blog about their experiences with Sahaj Marg. It's funny enough, but I'm not kidding. Still I can't possibly take it very seriously, for me personally I mean.
Comment on Frank's blog by ex-abhyasi:
Dear Frank,
Thank you again. Your blog has been extremely helpful.
A lot of people are sincere in their search for truth and it's a tough lesson to learn that people might do it for other reasons. (Like Power). Some people are hiding out in that group for other reasons.
A former sahaj-margie/preceptor told me, "It's a game. If you wanna play the sahaj-marg game we can do that."
i chose freedom.
3-D Don will probably have a field day with that comment! I empathize with him too because i've seen it make people cold and self-absorbed.
As i mentioned before, it was not easy to disengage from this practice and everything surrounding it.
i'm so very grateful that you have your blog up here. It takes tremendous courage and strength so thank you.
It also takes courage and strength to leave.
since leaving, i talked with some people who believe Chariji is just a preceptor.
i think you've done an excellent job of covering the points about the pitfalls of spirituality.
So really, you could get that Spiritual Yatra game board out - move yourself a couple points (maybe only one, your condition is really good) and i bet you'd be advanced to the central region. You don't even have to draw a card and answer any questions! Or go see Master.
Did SRCM market that Yatra board game in the Netherlands? Can't help but wonder if the person who came up with it knew in his/her heart of hearts that SRCM was just a game.
Many thanks,
Triple Gem
INTERNET: A Problem for SRCM(California-1997) and Sahaj marg
Excerpt of article on Pitfalls of Spirituality blog, called: Cognitive Dissonance 7: Boundary Control, by Frank, Ex-preceptor of SRCM (California-1997) and Ex-Zonal-in-Charge (ZIC) of SRCM(California-1997) for the Netherlands.
4d-Don's Comments: In this conclusion of a series of articles on a Book by psychiatrist Marc Gallanter, called: Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion, Frank cites specific examples from the conditions at the SRCM (California-1997), of which he was "Zonal-In-Charge" (ZIC) for the Netherlands. See also (link below) for a review of Marc Gallanter's book in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
According to Chari in his book: He! The Hookah and I: "The common people (mortals) , they are people who come, judge, and judge again and consider starting blogs on the computer, which is now a curse because everybody has a computer".
So All are encouraged to "SPEAK OUT" on the "curse" that are the blogs that are out there now on the Internet, for Religions and "Cults of Personalities" (according to Chari and SRCM(California-1997)), and/or start a blog of your own ... We are the MEDIA!! We are TIME Magazine's: "PERSON of the YEAR". We are the "Fifth Estate".
From The Blog: Pitfalls of Spirirtuality
Cognitive Dissonance 7: Boundary Conditions
So let's finish with the three yet-undiscussed elements of boundary control that I perceive to be used often in spiritual movements by their Inner Circle:
2) Limiting contact with `outside' world views
3) Blackening of former followers
6) Limiting free discussion between members, that is discussion which is not in some way controlled or influenced by Inner Circle orthodoxy.
(the other elements being:
1) Intensive recruiting of new followers (see previous post)
4) Partial truth & secrets (already discussed intensively in earlier posts)
5) Stressing the need to forego rationality (likewise already discussed))
%%%%%%
ad 2): There are various ways for the Inner Circle of a spiritual movement to limit contact of the followers with the broader societal views. Clearly, physical separation is frequently seen, by creating communes and the like. But Marc Galanter's book gives several examples which are more subtle. From my own experience with Sahaj Marg, I remember that various law suits in which SRCM is involved are being kept largely from the followers. As well as the fact that there are sizable dissenting factions which claim (with more than passing credibility) that the guru-succession in SRCM on the death of its founder has been a vicious power struggle involving decidedly unspiritual manipulation. This is perhaps also a case of 4): Partial truth and secrets.
Anyway, the reason for limiting contact with `outside' world views and conflicting information is obvious, as Marc Galanter points out. For a charismatic group to maintain its group identity and group rationale, cognitive dissonance should not become too big. Certain anomalies and contradictions -between the Theory on the one hand and on the other hand the worldly activities of the Movement plus the possible worldly opposition against the Movement- are most easily managed if the followers are largely unaware of their existence.
$$
The motives behind 3) and 6) are of course completely similar. In Sahaj Marg, followers are repeatedly asked by guru P. Rajagopalachari not to create discussion forums on internet, with the reason given that these forums could be targeted by `malicious' individuals (looking to harm SRCM specifically). This of course holds for any discussion forum on the internet. Generally, the pros of a discussion forum outweigh the cons, especially if one takes some simple measures against `trolling'. Therefore, a more likely reason to prohibit these forums is that they are uncontrollable by the Inner Circle, and thus prone to becoming a source of cognitive dissonance. Discussions on whether it is `spiritual' to ask €250 for a book of which the guru says that it is essential for your spiritual progress, for instance...
The internet therefore poses a real problem for Inner Circles wishing to exercise boundary control.
Because most spiritual movements have their own publisher's media, such as newsletters, quarterly journals, videos, cd's, books etc. These media are in many if not most cases under rigorous guidelines/supervision by the Inner Circle. Typically therefore, one encounters in say a quarterly journal -say Truth at Home or something similar- lots of positive feedback from both Inner Circle and `ordinary' followers. Truth at Home, like the other publications, so likely becomes an active instrument of the Inner Circle to reinforce the Message. Critical letters, `bad' news, accounting figures, property holdings, etc...are simply not published.
But the internet today is easily accessible to all followers. It cannot be controlled by the Inner Circle, yet it also yields results about relatively unimportant and obscure groups - in contrast with the traditional media (books, television, radio, newspapers). So therefore, it can also contain specific criticism against their Movement, small though it may be. Criticism which the Inner Circle cannot edit out or block from reaching followers.
This criticism is often the most threatening -like stated in one of the earlier posts on cognitive dissonance- when it comes from (longtime) former followers. Because they are really in the know, and their arguments are often not so easy to dismiss as the more uninformed criticism coming from general society. Often their arguments point out the fundamental internal inconsistencies in the Movement. (And then, what happens with the child who repeatedly sees different Santas? Who comes across a Santa whose beard accidentally falls off? Who sees Santa drunk, who sees parents sneaking in with presents, ...).
One way for the Inner Circle to deal with this particular `former follower' threat is to blacken their character and motives. (Yes, this occurs in all types of organizations, I know. One just would expect this not to happen in a spiritual organization...). As an example, I have been called an `enemy of spirituality' by my former guru P. Rajagopalachari ;-) And with me, all former followers who blog about their experiences with Sahaj Marg. It's funny enough, but I'm not kidding. Still I can't possibly take it very seriously, for me personally I mean.
It does beg the question what part of the boundary control is conscious and what part un- or subconscious. Personally, I'm inclined to believe in `good' intentions of most people. This would imply that many Inner Circles have a high level of cognitive dissonance and corresponding avoidance. Indeed Marc Galanter describes this to be very often the case, complete with delusional world views and self-aggrandizement / over-importance / self-proclamation of divinity (direct or indirect) etc.
One should not forget that it often takes decades for Inner Circle members to attain their Inner Circle position. Time enough to build up a significant cognitive dissonance avoidance. Also, by the nature of the enormous time & effort investment made, if their position and/or their rationale is threatened one should not be surprised to see them react in what I would deem rather unspiritual ways.
Dear reader, to me it seems none of us are... (For more, see: Cognitive Dissonance 7: Boundary Conditions on Pitfalls of Spirituality Blog, Here)
See also: The Enemies of Spirituality
Chari: The Blogger, Spiritualist, (Bad-mouther of Religions), and "Enemies of Spirituality)
Review of Marc Gallanter's book: Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion, in American Journal of Psychiatry...
4d-Don's Comments: In this conclusion of a series of articles on a Book by psychiatrist Marc Gallanter, called: Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion, Frank cites specific examples from the conditions at the SRCM (California-1997), of which he was "Zonal-In-Charge" (ZIC) for the Netherlands. See also (link below) for a review of Marc Gallanter's book in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
According to Chari in his book: He! The Hookah and I: "The common people (mortals) , they are people who come, judge, and judge again and consider starting blogs on the computer, which is now a curse because everybody has a computer".
So All are encouraged to "SPEAK OUT" on the "curse" that are the blogs that are out there now on the Internet, for Religions and "Cults of Personalities" (according to Chari and SRCM(California-1997)), and/or start a blog of your own ... We are the MEDIA!! We are TIME Magazine's: "PERSON of the YEAR". We are the "Fifth Estate".
From The Blog: Pitfalls of Spirirtuality
Cognitive Dissonance 7: Boundary Conditions
So let's finish with the three yet-undiscussed elements of boundary control that I perceive to be used often in spiritual movements by their Inner Circle:
2) Limiting contact with `outside' world views
3) Blackening of former followers
6) Limiting free discussion between members, that is discussion which is not in some way controlled or influenced by Inner Circle orthodoxy.
(the other elements being:
1) Intensive recruiting of new followers (see previous post)
4) Partial truth & secrets (already discussed intensively in earlier posts)
5) Stressing the need to forego rationality (likewise already discussed))
%%%%%%
ad 2): There are various ways for the Inner Circle of a spiritual movement to limit contact of the followers with the broader societal views. Clearly, physical separation is frequently seen, by creating communes and the like. But Marc Galanter's book gives several examples which are more subtle. From my own experience with Sahaj Marg, I remember that various law suits in which SRCM is involved are being kept largely from the followers. As well as the fact that there are sizable dissenting factions which claim (with more than passing credibility) that the guru-succession in SRCM on the death of its founder has been a vicious power struggle involving decidedly unspiritual manipulation. This is perhaps also a case of 4): Partial truth and secrets.
Anyway, the reason for limiting contact with `outside' world views and conflicting information is obvious, as Marc Galanter points out. For a charismatic group to maintain its group identity and group rationale, cognitive dissonance should not become too big. Certain anomalies and contradictions -between the Theory on the one hand and on the other hand the worldly activities of the Movement plus the possible worldly opposition against the Movement- are most easily managed if the followers are largely unaware of their existence.
$$
The motives behind 3) and 6) are of course completely similar. In Sahaj Marg, followers are repeatedly asked by guru P. Rajagopalachari not to create discussion forums on internet, with the reason given that these forums could be targeted by `malicious' individuals (looking to harm SRCM specifically). This of course holds for any discussion forum on the internet. Generally, the pros of a discussion forum outweigh the cons, especially if one takes some simple measures against `trolling'. Therefore, a more likely reason to prohibit these forums is that they are uncontrollable by the Inner Circle, and thus prone to becoming a source of cognitive dissonance. Discussions on whether it is `spiritual' to ask €250 for a book of which the guru says that it is essential for your spiritual progress, for instance...
The internet therefore poses a real problem for Inner Circles wishing to exercise boundary control.
Because most spiritual movements have their own publisher's media, such as newsletters, quarterly journals, videos, cd's, books etc. These media are in many if not most cases under rigorous guidelines/supervision by the Inner Circle. Typically therefore, one encounters in say a quarterly journal -say Truth at Home or something similar- lots of positive feedback from both Inner Circle and `ordinary' followers. Truth at Home, like the other publications, so likely becomes an active instrument of the Inner Circle to reinforce the Message. Critical letters, `bad' news, accounting figures, property holdings, etc...are simply not published.
But the internet today is easily accessible to all followers. It cannot be controlled by the Inner Circle, yet it also yields results about relatively unimportant and obscure groups - in contrast with the traditional media (books, television, radio, newspapers). So therefore, it can also contain specific criticism against their Movement, small though it may be. Criticism which the Inner Circle cannot edit out or block from reaching followers.
This criticism is often the most threatening -like stated in one of the earlier posts on cognitive dissonance- when it comes from (longtime) former followers. Because they are really in the know, and their arguments are often not so easy to dismiss as the more uninformed criticism coming from general society. Often their arguments point out the fundamental internal inconsistencies in the Movement. (And then, what happens with the child who repeatedly sees different Santas? Who comes across a Santa whose beard accidentally falls off? Who sees Santa drunk, who sees parents sneaking in with presents, ...).
One way for the Inner Circle to deal with this particular `former follower' threat is to blacken their character and motives. (Yes, this occurs in all types of organizations, I know. One just would expect this not to happen in a spiritual organization...). As an example, I have been called an `enemy of spirituality' by my former guru P. Rajagopalachari ;-) And with me, all former followers who blog about their experiences with Sahaj Marg. It's funny enough, but I'm not kidding. Still I can't possibly take it very seriously, for me personally I mean.
It does beg the question what part of the boundary control is conscious and what part un- or subconscious. Personally, I'm inclined to believe in `good' intentions of most people. This would imply that many Inner Circles have a high level of cognitive dissonance and corresponding avoidance. Indeed Marc Galanter describes this to be very often the case, complete with delusional world views and self-aggrandizement / over-importance / self-proclamation of divinity (direct or indirect) etc.
One should not forget that it often takes decades for Inner Circle members to attain their Inner Circle position. Time enough to build up a significant cognitive dissonance avoidance. Also, by the nature of the enormous time & effort investment made, if their position and/or their rationale is threatened one should not be surprised to see them react in what I would deem rather unspiritual ways.
Dear reader, to me it seems none of us are... (For more, see: Cognitive Dissonance 7: Boundary Conditions on Pitfalls of Spirituality Blog, Here)
See also: The Enemies of Spirituality
Chari: The Blogger, Spiritualist, (Bad-mouther of Religions), and "Enemies of Spirituality)
Review of Marc Gallanter's book: Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion, in American Journal of Psychiatry...
The Creation of Shri Ram Chandra Mission
Taken and translated from: La Creation de la Shri Ram Chandra Mission, an article by Alexis on Elodie's Blog in Europe: Pour Que Vive Le Sahaj Marg
Comments by 4d-don are in "red italics"
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Creation of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission
Lalaji apparently had a hundred disciples according to Rajagopalachari, exactly 212 according to his grandson, Dinaysh Kumar Saxena, (Dean of NaqshMuMRa Sufi Order) mainly in the state of Uttar Pradesh and the surrounding areas of northern India. Dinaysh indicates that nine of them were his preceptors, including his son Jagmohan Narain and his nephew Brij Mohan Lal. Eight organizations were born from this group.
Babuji starting from scratch. In his diary, he recounts his interconnections with Lalaji who told him to start the organization on May 30, 1944, and then gives instructions concerning this (organization) on the following June 3. But it is only June 10, 1945 (one year later) that Babuji and twenty-two of his followers gathered at a meeting and decided to create the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. A working committee of nine persons was appointed June 20, 1945. The articles of association are registered in Lucknow on the next July 21 (1945). Its objective is to promote the system of Sahaj Marg founded by his Master, Lalaji, he writes.
The organization is based in Shahjahanpur and chaired by Babuji or his spiritual representative in the direct line of succession. Anyone wishing to participate can join, without obligation to pay any subscription, but subject presidential approval. He appoints a committee of nine persons to assist him. Madan Mohan Lal, senior preceptor of Lalaji at Shahjahanpur (not listed by Dinaysh) (Dinaysh Kumar Saxena of NaqshMuMRa Sufi Order, grandson of Lalaji) becomes the number two of the organization as secretary. Prakash Chandra Saxena, the eldest son of Babuji, is also a member of the working committee.
At the same period, the journal of Babuji tells of a series of intercommunications between Babuji and Swami Vivekananda. On May 20, 1945, Vivekananda relates to him (Babuji) the name of the organization to create and tells him to convene a meeting of his disciples. Several successive intercommunications stress that he is about to creat a new religion, under the authority of Vivekananda. His instructions on the emblem of the mission will come the next August 26, (1945).
In reality, Lalaji is not the founder of Sahaj Marg, contrary to what is written by the founders of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, (and contrary to what is on the site of Chari's organization, the SRCM (California-1997)) except in the dreams of Babuji as is stated so well by Dinaysh. And why does Babuji not speak any more of Vivekananda, if he played such an important role at the inception (of the Mission), as he says in his diary?
Anyway, Babuji has at least twenty-two disciples in 1945. Twenty years later, at the arrival of Rajagopalachari, the number of his followers would be only 42 or 43, if one believes the latter (Chari). Also according to him, it suddenly jumps to 600 in 1972, and Ajay Kumar Bhatti revealed that there were approximately 3, 000 at Babuji's death in 1983. The manipulation of figures has already begun, Rajagopalachari having interest in minimizing the number of followers before his arrival in 1964, and to magnify them after his arrival, and then assign to himself the credit for the growth (of the Mission).
Alexis
Comment by 4d-don: According to Frank, ex-preceptor and ex- Zonal-In-Charge for Chari's SRCM(California-1997) for the Netherlands, in his article: Cognitive Dissionance 6:Boundary Control and Santa Claus:
"So new followers are a boost to the rationality of the whole Movement. `See, what we say makes sense, because how would we attract new people otherwise?'. This mechanism is frequently used by the Inner Circle (I have seen this in my own former spiritual movement Sahaj Marg) in the following way: * The number of followers is reported as much higher than it is in reality. * `Senior' followers are exhorted to devote time and energy to spreading the Message * Growth in numbers is seen as very important and duly rewarded * Decline in numbers is frowned upon, and often blamed on inadequate conduct of members - the attractivity of the Theory is not to be questioned. Members are expected to be shining examples, thereby attracting family and friends."
Chari states in his autobiography that his father "was one of the senior-most preceptors of the Mission" . (One ?) This is the same "father" that after being in the Mission for a few weeks, was traveling around Europe claiming to be MASTER of SRCM (shopping for property or real-estate? Commercial or castles? (at Augerans, France, the Peugeot Castle became the headquarters of SRCM in Europe), thus showing his disrespect for Babuji and the "simple life" as promoted by Babuji and his new organization. Chari, in his autobiography, allegedly asked Babuji to reprimand him.
P S ... (an aside, with "tongue in cheek") In my research, I notice this "Freudian?" typo: in SRCM Singapore Voice, June 2006,"VBSE Conor" by R. Maharaj, 14 yrs old. (the proof reader of this magazine must be a teacher and a preceptor?? It could be "intentional".)
VBSE=Value Based Spirituality Education. Conor=I presume the word should be "corner" but in this form it could be a person who "cons" or gains the "confidence" (as in a "con game"), of a targeted victim so as to defraud them of their money, wealth, possessions, or in this case, "freedom" or ability to "think rationally". (look at "VBSE - Class X" for an example of the Brotherhood of SRCM(California-1997) with all other RELIGIONS. Does the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) know of this?)
Could the Sahaj Marg "favourable egregore" be at work here?
Comments by 4d-don are in "red italics"
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Creation of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission
Lalaji apparently had a hundred disciples according to Rajagopalachari, exactly 212 according to his grandson, Dinaysh Kumar Saxena, (Dean of NaqshMuMRa Sufi Order) mainly in the state of Uttar Pradesh and the surrounding areas of northern India. Dinaysh indicates that nine of them were his preceptors, including his son Jagmohan Narain and his nephew Brij Mohan Lal. Eight organizations were born from this group.
Babuji starting from scratch. In his diary, he recounts his interconnections with Lalaji who told him to start the organization on May 30, 1944, and then gives instructions concerning this (organization) on the following June 3. But it is only June 10, 1945 (one year later) that Babuji and twenty-two of his followers gathered at a meeting and decided to create the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. A working committee of nine persons was appointed June 20, 1945. The articles of association are registered in Lucknow on the next July 21 (1945). Its objective is to promote the system of Sahaj Marg founded by his Master, Lalaji, he writes.
The organization is based in Shahjahanpur and chaired by Babuji or his spiritual representative in the direct line of succession. Anyone wishing to participate can join, without obligation to pay any subscription, but subject presidential approval. He appoints a committee of nine persons to assist him. Madan Mohan Lal, senior preceptor of Lalaji at Shahjahanpur (not listed by Dinaysh) (Dinaysh Kumar Saxena of NaqshMuMRa Sufi Order, grandson of Lalaji) becomes the number two of the organization as secretary. Prakash Chandra Saxena, the eldest son of Babuji, is also a member of the working committee.
At the same period, the journal of Babuji tells of a series of intercommunications between Babuji and Swami Vivekananda. On May 20, 1945, Vivekananda relates to him (Babuji) the name of the organization to create and tells him to convene a meeting of his disciples. Several successive intercommunications stress that he is about to creat a new religion, under the authority of Vivekananda. His instructions on the emblem of the mission will come the next August 26, (1945).
In reality, Lalaji is not the founder of Sahaj Marg, contrary to what is written by the founders of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, (and contrary to what is on the site of Chari's organization, the SRCM (California-1997)) except in the dreams of Babuji as is stated so well by Dinaysh. And why does Babuji not speak any more of Vivekananda, if he played such an important role at the inception (of the Mission), as he says in his diary?
Anyway, Babuji has at least twenty-two disciples in 1945. Twenty years later, at the arrival of Rajagopalachari, the number of his followers would be only 42 or 43, if one believes the latter (Chari). Also according to him, it suddenly jumps to 600 in 1972, and Ajay Kumar Bhatti revealed that there were approximately 3, 000 at Babuji's death in 1983. The manipulation of figures has already begun, Rajagopalachari having interest in minimizing the number of followers before his arrival in 1964, and to magnify them after his arrival, and then assign to himself the credit for the growth (of the Mission).
Alexis
Comment by 4d-don: According to Frank, ex-preceptor and ex- Zonal-In-Charge for Chari's SRCM(California-1997) for the Netherlands, in his article: Cognitive Dissionance 6:Boundary Control and Santa Claus:
"So new followers are a boost to the rationality of the whole Movement. `See, what we say makes sense, because how would we attract new people otherwise?'. This mechanism is frequently used by the Inner Circle (I have seen this in my own former spiritual movement Sahaj Marg) in the following way: * The number of followers is reported as much higher than it is in reality. * `Senior' followers are exhorted to devote time and energy to spreading the Message * Growth in numbers is seen as very important and duly rewarded * Decline in numbers is frowned upon, and often blamed on inadequate conduct of members - the attractivity of the Theory is not to be questioned. Members are expected to be shining examples, thereby attracting family and friends."
Chari states in his autobiography that his father "was one of the senior-most preceptors of the Mission" . (One ?) This is the same "father" that after being in the Mission for a few weeks, was traveling around Europe claiming to be MASTER of SRCM (shopping for property or real-estate? Commercial or castles? (at Augerans, France, the Peugeot Castle became the headquarters of SRCM in Europe), thus showing his disrespect for Babuji and the "simple life" as promoted by Babuji and his new organization. Chari, in his autobiography, allegedly asked Babuji to reprimand him.
P S ... (an aside, with "tongue in cheek") In my research, I notice this "Freudian?" typo: in SRCM Singapore Voice, June 2006,"VBSE Conor" by R. Maharaj, 14 yrs old. (the proof reader of this magazine must be a teacher and a preceptor?? It could be "intentional".)
VBSE=Value Based Spirituality Education. Conor=I presume the word should be "corner" but in this form it could be a person who "cons" or gains the "confidence" (as in a "con game"), of a targeted victim so as to defraud them of their money, wealth, possessions, or in this case, "freedom" or ability to "think rationally". (look at "VBSE - Class X" for an example of the Brotherhood of SRCM(California-1997) with all other RELIGIONS. Does the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) know of this?)
Could the Sahaj Marg "favourable egregore" be at work here?
Monday, November 09, 2009
SRCM (Canada) and Sahaj Marg Finances
Taken and translated from an article by Alexis, on Elodie's Blog in Europe: Pour Que Vive Le Sahaj Marg
For the History of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, see also: Le Projet Sahaj Marg (in French and English)
See also at the on-line Canada Revenue Agency site: CRA Charities Listings:
Enter: "Shri Ram Chandra Mission, North York, Ontario, Canada"
You may notice that the majority of the seven "Board of Directors" are not Canadian, or even residents of Canada. Kim Hansen (V.P. Ont) and Christine Prisland (Director, B.C.) are Canadian (females), and live in Canada.
Monday, November 09, 2009
The 2008 accounts of the SRCM Canada are finally available.
The assets of the association are over $175 000 USD (110, 000 €) for some 450 followers, nearly € 250 per person. It has doubled in nine years, and is partly (80%) made up by investments that bring 1.6%.
The income of the association has also doubled in nine years. It amounts to more than $70, 000 USD (more than € 40 000), or 100 € per person, 80% of which is donations (and probably fees). 15% from sales of publications of the Mission for a inventory estimated at nearly € 20, 000, representing a return on capital inventory of more than 56%.
Expenditure amounted to almost $65, 000 USD (€ 40, 000), 80% of which is occupancy costs (rent?). The profit for the year is nearly $7, 000 USD (more than 4, 000 €), or less than ten (10) euros per person.
How, under the current economic circumstances, have the assets of the SRCM Canada doubled in nine years?
4d-don's comments: The SRCM Canada site lists 17 Communities in Canada (some are suburbs of major cities, some are small villages) where SRCM has a small presence. The Vancouver center has 60 followers.
The $70,000 in Revenues of the SRCM (Canada), of which 80% is shown as "donations" can be easily explained when one realizes that some of the "proselytizing material" is allegedly given "free of charge", in exchange for a "donation" of the "asking price" (for Whispers From the Brighter World - Volume 1, the requested donation was $250.00 USD, for Volume 2, it was $150.00 USD), thus avoiding the sales tax in the country of sale. At SRCM (California-1997) seminars, the food concessions receipts allegedly have "donation" stamped on the tab. It seems that even the sale of food to well-to-do spiritualist "globe trotters" is "tax-exempt" under the SRCM (California-1997) interpretation of "charity".
It seems that Spiritualism or Spiritism is not synonymous with ethics or morality.
For the History of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, see also: Le Projet Sahaj Marg (in French and English)
See also at the on-line Canada Revenue Agency site: CRA Charities Listings:
Enter: "Shri Ram Chandra Mission, North York, Ontario, Canada"
You may notice that the majority of the seven "Board of Directors" are not Canadian, or even residents of Canada. Kim Hansen (V.P. Ont) and Christine Prisland (Director, B.C.) are Canadian (females), and live in Canada.
Monday, November 09, 2009
The 2008 accounts of the SRCM Canada are finally available.
The assets of the association are over $175 000 USD (110, 000 €) for some 450 followers, nearly € 250 per person. It has doubled in nine years, and is partly (80%) made up by investments that bring 1.6%.
The income of the association has also doubled in nine years. It amounts to more than $70, 000 USD (more than € 40 000), or 100 € per person, 80% of which is donations (and probably fees). 15% from sales of publications of the Mission for a inventory estimated at nearly € 20, 000, representing a return on capital inventory of more than 56%.
Expenditure amounted to almost $65, 000 USD (€ 40, 000), 80% of which is occupancy costs (rent?). The profit for the year is nearly $7, 000 USD (more than 4, 000 €), or less than ten (10) euros per person.
How, under the current economic circumstances, have the assets of the SRCM Canada doubled in nine years?
4d-don's comments: The SRCM Canada site lists 17 Communities in Canada (some are suburbs of major cities, some are small villages) where SRCM has a small presence. The Vancouver center has 60 followers.
The $70,000 in Revenues of the SRCM (Canada), of which 80% is shown as "donations" can be easily explained when one realizes that some of the "proselytizing material" is allegedly given "free of charge", in exchange for a "donation" of the "asking price" (for Whispers From the Brighter World - Volume 1, the requested donation was $250.00 USD, for Volume 2, it was $150.00 USD), thus avoiding the sales tax in the country of sale. At SRCM (California-1997) seminars, the food concessions receipts allegedly have "donation" stamped on the tab. It seems that even the sale of food to well-to-do spiritualist "globe trotters" is "tax-exempt" under the SRCM (California-1997) interpretation of "charity".
It seems that Spiritualism or Spiritism is not synonymous with ethics or morality.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Is Sahaj Marg and SRCM (California-1997) A Charismatic Group?
Excerpt from Pitfalls of Spirituality blog by Frank, ex-preceptor of Sahaj Marg, and ex-Zonal-in-Charge for SRCM (California-1997) in the Netherlands. Article: Charismatic Groups (Intermezzo)
But then again, it won't hurt either to look at these things from a personal perspective of a former follower of a `charismatic group'. Marc Galanter starts out his book with a description and very short definition of this term:
A charismatic group is characterized by the following:
1) Members have a shared belief system
2) Members sustain a high level of social cohesion
3) Members are strongly influenced by the group's behavioural norms
4) Members ascribe charismatic (or sometimes divine) power to the group or its leadership
Notice that these traits can hold also for non-spiritually-oriented groups. Also notice that for the large religions, most of these traits are watered down due to the large numbers and the diversity of the followers. Which is why the large religions are usually not considered charismatic groups, although they all count various much smaller submovements/subgroups which can be very charismatic.
########
For the purpose of this blog, it might once again be helpful to list some characteristics of charismatic spiritual groups that I have seen in many descriptions:
a) Gradual introduction/conversion of new members, usually through personal contact, in a family-like setting. Repeated enhancement of the `family' feeling through spiritual gatherings and other activities, often involving an ashram or other facility where communal living is the norm.
b) One's own physical/spiritual well-being is linked to a higher noble spiritual Goal (`Meditate, and you will feel better. But also you will help uniting Humanity, and bring about a world where love is the predominant guiding principle.')
c) Some special practice, usually involving some state of altered consciousness. Very frequently this includes some form of meditation. The experiences with and results of this `special' practice are discussed among members, and good things are associated with it. The specialty is stressed from time to time: `other movements do not have this Method' (exclusiveness).
d) A Special Leader, who has a direct Divine connection. His Guidance and Helping Hand are mystic and beyond rational understanding. `Surrender' is the way for a follower to achieve spiritual progress.
e) A strong behavioural code, together with a lot of `positive' groupthink. Occasional criticism might be possible, but is made relatively light of. Fundamental criticism of the Leader or the Movement is frowned upon. Positive `witnessing' is encouraged and rewarded [witnessing: relating one's experiences with the Method/Leader and one's resulting insights; `So when I was having a real difficult time in my life, the image of the Leader appeared when I was doing my Morning Prayer. He spoke to me and said: `Be strong, and do not listen to your Ego. Let God do His work on you, do your Practice and have Faith'. So I decided to go to satsangh regularly, and my other problems became lighter!'].
f) An Inner Circle of long-practicing members, who are close to the Leader. Positions in this Inner Circle are coveted, as a sure sign of spiritual progress and the elevated opportunity for direct Guidance from the Leader. Management of the Movement's Organization is organized hierarchically, with the Inner Circle at the top of the Pyramid.
Dear reader, if much of the above looks familiar to a movement that you participate(d) in, then it might interest you to know... (for more of this, and many more articles, click HERE)
Marc Gallanter's (Psychiatrist) book:
CULTS
Faith, healing and coercion
Cognitive Dissonance
Charismatic groups (intermezzo)
Once one starts looking for information and studies regarding spiritual movements, there seems to be a vast amount of research and descriptions of experiences. So much so, that I wonder once again if this blog has anything substantial to add.But then again, it won't hurt either to look at these things from a personal perspective of a former follower of a `charismatic group'. Marc Galanter starts out his book with a description and very short definition of this term:
A charismatic group is characterized by the following:
1) Members have a shared belief system
2) Members sustain a high level of social cohesion
3) Members are strongly influenced by the group's behavioural norms
4) Members ascribe charismatic (or sometimes divine) power to the group or its leadership
Notice that these traits can hold also for non-spiritually-oriented groups. Also notice that for the large religions, most of these traits are watered down due to the large numbers and the diversity of the followers. Which is why the large religions are usually not considered charismatic groups, although they all count various much smaller submovements/subgroups which can be very charismatic.
########
For the purpose of this blog, it might once again be helpful to list some characteristics of charismatic spiritual groups that I have seen in many descriptions:
a) Gradual introduction/conversion of new members, usually through personal contact, in a family-like setting. Repeated enhancement of the `family' feeling through spiritual gatherings and other activities, often involving an ashram or other facility where communal living is the norm.
b) One's own physical/spiritual well-being is linked to a higher noble spiritual Goal (`Meditate, and you will feel better. But also you will help uniting Humanity, and bring about a world where love is the predominant guiding principle.')
c) Some special practice, usually involving some state of altered consciousness. Very frequently this includes some form of meditation. The experiences with and results of this `special' practice are discussed among members, and good things are associated with it. The specialty is stressed from time to time: `other movements do not have this Method' (exclusiveness).
d) A Special Leader, who has a direct Divine connection. His Guidance and Helping Hand are mystic and beyond rational understanding. `Surrender' is the way for a follower to achieve spiritual progress.
e) A strong behavioural code, together with a lot of `positive' groupthink. Occasional criticism might be possible, but is made relatively light of. Fundamental criticism of the Leader or the Movement is frowned upon. Positive `witnessing' is encouraged and rewarded [witnessing: relating one's experiences with the Method/Leader and one's resulting insights; `So when I was having a real difficult time in my life, the image of the Leader appeared when I was doing my Morning Prayer. He spoke to me and said: `Be strong, and do not listen to your Ego. Let God do His work on you, do your Practice and have Faith'. So I decided to go to satsangh regularly, and my other problems became lighter!'].
f) An Inner Circle of long-practicing members, who are close to the Leader. Positions in this Inner Circle are coveted, as a sure sign of spiritual progress and the elevated opportunity for direct Guidance from the Leader. Management of the Movement's Organization is organized hierarchically, with the Inner Circle at the top of the Pyramid.
Dear reader, if much of the above looks familiar to a movement that you participate(d) in, then it might interest you to know... (for more of this, and many more articles, click HERE)
Marc Gallanter's (Psychiatrist) book:
CULTS
Faith, healing and coercion
Cognitive Dissonance
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
"Whispers from the Brighter World" becomes the NEW Bible of Sahaj Marg
Translation of an article: 30 Avril, 2005, by Alexis, researcher and Sahaj Marg historian, on Elodie's European Blog: Pour Que Vive le Sahaj Marg.
Comments by 4d-don are in "red italics"
Background Note: Babuji passed away in 1983. After years of court disputes with Babuji's Family for control of SRCM (Shahjahanpur-1945), the SRCM (California-1997) was registered by Chari in San Luis Obispo, California, USA, in 1997. SMRI, the research organization of the SRCM (Shahjahanpur-1945), founded by Dr. Prof. K.C. Varadachari, was re-registered as SMRTI (adding "T" for Training) in 1997, in Austin Texas, home of developer and businessman, and member of Chari's inner circle, Santosh Khanjee. Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation (SMSF), the new funding body of the SRCM (California-1997) was registered to a group from Chari's inner circle.
This article is about the NEW Bible of the SRCM (California-1997), which is a series of "whispers" channeled by an anonymous French Lady Medium from "beyond the grave". The messages allegedly come from Lalaji, Babuji, Chari's wife and Chari's mother and other elevated souls. (see here) . (No virgin birth yet !! ;-))
By giving credence to the spiritualist channeled messages, the Medium and Chari have inadvertently claimed that Babuji and Lalaji have not "merged into the ocean of the Ultimate, or the Central Region" but are still "ghosts", "spirits" with an identity, a personality and who are still involved with the politics and the silly games of this plane of existence. In other words, Chari and the Medium inadvertently claim that Babuji and Lalaji are no more elevated than Chari's mother and/or his wife, and other channeled entities from the lower realms.
I think the Medium and Chari make it all up ... The "whispers" are not from Lalaji or Babuji at all, but they are from the mind of the MEDIUM. Spiritualism is not what Lalaji or Babuji taught as their method of reaching the ULTIMATE. Spiritualism is not SPIRITUALITY! If Lalaji and Babuji still communicate, as the Medium and Chari claim, then they are not "merged into the ULTIMATE" as they were trying to do, and their path leads to SPIRITUALISM, Ghosts, Spirits, and channeled messages by an anonymous French lady Medium.
Call Harry Houdini (1874-1926), the escapologist and Spiritualist debunker, or the "GHOST BUSTERS"!!
Monday, Novembre 02, 2009
Alexis Said:
April 30, 2005 ...
On the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the Mission, and the 106th anniversary of Babuji's birth, while Chari was soon to be 78 years old (when he still was counting on the West), the latter delivered this speech "Securing the Future of the Mission " on April 30, 2005 at Tiruppur to announce the name of his successor and to launch the book Whispers From The Brighter World.
Here is a short paraphrased excerpt of this speech:
In 1974, the Vivekananda Hospital, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh, India) where he was hospitalized, Babuji told apparently Chari that he had decided that he (Chari) would succeed him when he left this earthly life, adding the next day, that he would live to 106 (years old). That is to say, at least until the date of April 30, 2005 when Chari is now giving his speech, so much for the predictions of Babuji ...
Chari continues by saying that the SRCM is present in approximately 80 countries where it is spreading the message of Babuji, thanks to his preceptors who must always do more to develop it (the Mission).
While the organization is required to manage all this little world, the danger is also great to focus too much on the organization. Therefore, the Mission is guided in its work by a single person, being both spiritual representative and President of the Grand Master, Babuji. This person must be chosen carefully to address both the physical work and the spiritual work, as well as his own spiritual growth.
At the SRCM, there are no distinctions, the abhyasis form a family and are all children of the Master, and one of them was chosen by Babuji and confirmed by the hierarchy of Sahaj Marg (signed by sixteen other personalities, an official nomination letter written by Chari the day before, 29/04/2005). Chari just announced it so that the abhyasis should feel reassured and feel secure about their future.
Ajay Kumar Bhatt has been chosen by Babuji, he has been trained for it for some years and will continue to be, throughout Chari's life. This disciple of Chari, a young businessman from West Bengal and Member of Executive Committee and Chairman since 2003, is then to succeed him (Chari) as Babuji's spiritual representative and President of the Mission throughout the world. And Chari prays that Chari AK Bhatter will still be there to celebrate the centenary of the SRCM (California-1997) in 2045. (This (2045) will be the centenary of the SRCM (Shahjahanpur-1945) founded by Babuji, and now chaired by his grandson, Navneet Kumar Saxena. They sure are "stubborn" or "dense". Maybe their new "channeled BIBLE" (Whispers from the Brighter World) will enlighten them as Babuji's books did not.)
In the midst of this appointment speech, and well before he had designated his successor, Chari said that he had just received the biggest gift that was ever made to him, namely of $1, 106,000 USD. Why say that at this moment? This arrives as the hair in the soup ...
No, no! Everything is well thought out and calibrated when Chari expresses himself.
After designating AK Bhatter, Chari says that a great work was underway. It is a book, no secret, but so "sacred" that we could not yet see it. It will be the future Bible of the Mission. We now know that it was "Whispers from the Brighter World".
Only, now there are only 5,000 copies, so they will be distributed free of charge to donors. And of course, he does not specify how. Who will be served first, the biggest donors? This time, no doubt, everyone makes the connection with the announcement of the donation of one million dollars.
And he starts to dip into his stockpile so as to distribute 8 copies of the free of charge book. Donors of all countries, please hurry if you want to get one, soon there will be none.
The first three copies are for politicians, two members of the Indian Parliament (an abhyasis and a Bengali from Calcutta) and a former minister in the BJP government of Uttar Pradesh (and preceptor of Sahaj Marg). The fourth is for one of his earliest disciples, who became an abhyasis in 1966. The fifth is for the son of Babuji, Sarvesh, the traitor to his family who joined Chari against all the others. The sixth and seventh are for his favorite henchmen, U.S. Bajpai, Secretary, and AP Durai Assistant Secretary of the Mission. The eighth and final rewards is for the abhyasis (the anonymous French lady Medium) who produced this famous book, "a new Bible to replace the old" ...
See other related articles:
The Sahaj Marg Bible?...According to Whom??
Whispers from Another World! ... Messages from and For Dummies?
Messages from the Dead (Spiritualism) For Money At Sahaj Marg
Comments by 4d-don are in "red italics"
Background Note: Babuji passed away in 1983. After years of court disputes with Babuji's Family for control of SRCM (Shahjahanpur-1945), the SRCM (California-1997) was registered by Chari in San Luis Obispo, California, USA, in 1997. SMRI, the research organization of the SRCM (Shahjahanpur-1945), founded by Dr. Prof. K.C. Varadachari, was re-registered as SMRTI (adding "T" for Training) in 1997, in Austin Texas, home of developer and businessman, and member of Chari's inner circle, Santosh Khanjee. Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation (SMSF), the new funding body of the SRCM (California-1997) was registered to a group from Chari's inner circle.
This article is about the NEW Bible of the SRCM (California-1997), which is a series of "whispers" channeled by an anonymous French Lady Medium from "beyond the grave". The messages allegedly come from Lalaji, Babuji, Chari's wife and Chari's mother and other elevated souls. (see here) . (No virgin birth yet !! ;-))
By giving credence to the spiritualist channeled messages, the Medium and Chari have inadvertently claimed that Babuji and Lalaji have not "merged into the ocean of the Ultimate, or the Central Region" but are still "ghosts", "spirits" with an identity, a personality and who are still involved with the politics and the silly games of this plane of existence. In other words, Chari and the Medium inadvertently claim that Babuji and Lalaji are no more elevated than Chari's mother and/or his wife, and other channeled entities from the lower realms.
I think the Medium and Chari make it all up ... The "whispers" are not from Lalaji or Babuji at all, but they are from the mind of the MEDIUM. Spiritualism is not what Lalaji or Babuji taught as their method of reaching the ULTIMATE. Spiritualism is not SPIRITUALITY! If Lalaji and Babuji still communicate, as the Medium and Chari claim, then they are not "merged into the ULTIMATE" as they were trying to do, and their path leads to SPIRITUALISM, Ghosts, Spirits, and channeled messages by an anonymous French lady Medium.
Call Harry Houdini (1874-1926), the escapologist and Spiritualist debunker, or the "GHOST BUSTERS"!!
Monday, Novembre 02, 2009
Alexis Said:
April 30, 2005 ...
On the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the Mission, and the 106th anniversary of Babuji's birth, while Chari was soon to be 78 years old (when he still was counting on the West), the latter delivered this speech "Securing the Future of the Mission " on April 30, 2005 at Tiruppur to announce the name of his successor and to launch the book Whispers From The Brighter World.
Here is a short paraphrased excerpt of this speech:
In 1974, the Vivekananda Hospital, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh, India) where he was hospitalized, Babuji told apparently Chari that he had decided that he (Chari) would succeed him when he left this earthly life, adding the next day, that he would live to 106 (years old). That is to say, at least until the date of April 30, 2005 when Chari is now giving his speech, so much for the predictions of Babuji ...
Chari continues by saying that the SRCM is present in approximately 80 countries where it is spreading the message of Babuji, thanks to his preceptors who must always do more to develop it (the Mission).
While the organization is required to manage all this little world, the danger is also great to focus too much on the organization. Therefore, the Mission is guided in its work by a single person, being both spiritual representative and President of the Grand Master, Babuji. This person must be chosen carefully to address both the physical work and the spiritual work, as well as his own spiritual growth.
At the SRCM, there are no distinctions, the abhyasis form a family and are all children of the Master, and one of them was chosen by Babuji and confirmed by the hierarchy of Sahaj Marg (signed by sixteen other personalities, an official nomination letter written by Chari the day before, 29/04/2005). Chari just announced it so that the abhyasis should feel reassured and feel secure about their future.
Ajay Kumar Bhatt has been chosen by Babuji, he has been trained for it for some years and will continue to be, throughout Chari's life. This disciple of Chari, a young businessman from West Bengal and Member of Executive Committee and Chairman since 2003, is then to succeed him (Chari) as Babuji's spiritual representative and President of the Mission throughout the world. And Chari prays that Chari AK Bhatter will still be there to celebrate the centenary of the SRCM (California-1997) in 2045. (This (2045) will be the centenary of the SRCM (Shahjahanpur-1945) founded by Babuji, and now chaired by his grandson, Navneet Kumar Saxena. They sure are "stubborn" or "dense". Maybe their new "channeled BIBLE" (Whispers from the Brighter World) will enlighten them as Babuji's books did not.)
In the midst of this appointment speech, and well before he had designated his successor, Chari said that he had just received the biggest gift that was ever made to him, namely of $1, 106,000 USD. Why say that at this moment? This arrives as the hair in the soup ...
No, no! Everything is well thought out and calibrated when Chari expresses himself.
After designating AK Bhatter, Chari says that a great work was underway. It is a book, no secret, but so "sacred" that we could not yet see it. It will be the future Bible of the Mission. We now know that it was "Whispers from the Brighter World".
Only, now there are only 5,000 copies, so they will be distributed free of charge to donors. And of course, he does not specify how. Who will be served first, the biggest donors? This time, no doubt, everyone makes the connection with the announcement of the donation of one million dollars.
And he starts to dip into his stockpile so as to distribute 8 copies of the free of charge book. Donors of all countries, please hurry if you want to get one, soon there will be none.
The first three copies are for politicians, two members of the Indian Parliament (an abhyasis and a Bengali from Calcutta) and a former minister in the BJP government of Uttar Pradesh (and preceptor of Sahaj Marg). The fourth is for one of his earliest disciples, who became an abhyasis in 1966. The fifth is for the son of Babuji, Sarvesh, the traitor to his family who joined Chari against all the others. The sixth and seventh are for his favorite henchmen, U.S. Bajpai, Secretary, and AP Durai Assistant Secretary of the Mission. The eighth and final rewards is for the abhyasis (the anonymous French lady Medium) who produced this famous book, "a new Bible to replace the old" ...
See other related articles:
The Sahaj Marg Bible?...According to Whom??
Whispers from Another World! ... Messages from and For Dummies?
Messages from the Dead (Spiritualism) For Money At Sahaj Marg
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