MINUTES OF THE SAHAJA YOGA COUNTRY LEADERS MEETING

Saturday 1st October 2011 Navratri Puja Meeting, held at Cabella Town Hall, Cabella, Italy – 11.30am

Alan Pereira; UK - Chaired the Meeting and welcomed everyone –

The meeting started with a Meditation followed by each of the 22 attendees introducing themselves and the country they represented: Italy, Greece, Cabella, France, Ukraine, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Israel, Belgium, Portugal, UK.

There were 6 main agenda items

Agenda Item 1: Wayward Teenage Behaviour in CabellaComments made various attendees at the meeting –

RH: Inauspicious behaviour in the younger generation that have arisen over the year in Cabella. It is an issue that disturbs the collective environment and is A-Sahaja!

It ranges from stealing, having sex, talking about sex openly, smoking, drinking and drug use. This type of behaviour is carried out by some of the older teenager – 15 to 18 year olds, often with older teenagers influencing the younger ones. Predictably, those involved go out of their way to find secret places to participate in some of these activities and move on if caught.

It must be emphasized that we are only talking about SOME of our youngsters and that there are very many Yuvas whose behavior is exemplary.

For instance, upon approaching one such person, a teenager ‘flipped”, displayed violent language, behaviour which actually, wouldn’t be seen in the ‘normal’ world.

If we come to Cabella, we have to accept there is a Sahaja culture which should be respected and acknowledged. Between setting the rule and dealing with the consequences, there is nothing in between, i.e. No policing, no supervision. Consequences, when caught, perhaps individuals should be banned from Cabella.

Generally there are events which cater for older adult yogis whilst there isn’t necessarily any activity for younger people. To help address this Gunter set-up a Volleyball Court this summer. There are other initiatives being considered to specifically cater for younger people.

There have been cases of 13/14 year sent to Cabella on their own, they roam the around Cabella or the camp, freely and unsupervised. Alternatively, parents may attend for instance the ‘Arts Academy’, whilst their children wander free.

Some parents may set poor behaviour standards, or there may be unresolved issues at home, and perhaps they feel that if they come to Cabella and leave their children in the Collective, hoping it helps these teenagers who are struggling with issues, when actually what can happen is that those teenagers end up associating with the wayward kids and end up worsening in their attitude and even become anti Sahaj in their sentiment.

It is difficult to catch or find children misbehaving – as it often ‘goes on’ in secret places. How do we get to a position of dealing with those behaving badly?

AP: There was a request for country leaders to help with such teenagers in their own country?

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PS: It was suggested that a message could be sent to the collective, addressing parents requesting their help in setting standards. Rather than providing an infrastructure to provide activities, we need to address these issues with the parents and teenagers alike.

AP: Robert was requested to draft a letter to parents. MG: It is a question of family, a question for us. It is important to address these

items within the Yuva Shakti also. ‘What is our introspection as Yuva Shakti’? Follow up with Yuva Shakti.

AP: We should also encourage the Yuvas to Self- Regulate. RH: It is an urgent issue, in that we have some people spoiling behaviour for

everyone. SD: Dharma of the collective has not been conveyed enough. We do not

communicate properly to teenagers or express the idea – of not going to Cabella, if there are behavioural issues.

RH: There was a group of younger children , 14 year olds approach me asking for help, as they were being ‘invited’ to participate in these wayward behaviours and found it troubling!

RH: The main link is with and through the parents. ACTION: Robert to draft a communication to raise this issue with parents & Yuvas everywhere.

ACTION: Country Leaders to help Yuvas in their country and find a method of Self Regulation.

Agenda Item 2: Update on International Marriage Committee (IMC) Marco Arciglio (Italian Co-ordinator) provided an update of the situation since the IMC was formed after Navaratri Puja 2010.

MA: We have found on the occasion of the most recent Ganesha Puja A high number of applications from India (from Yogis wishing to marry who

could not travel to Cabella easily). A need to prioritise those who actually are attending the ceremony

weekend. There is an issue with those saying they ‘will attend” and then for

whatever reason, aren’t there on the weekend. This time 60% of matches made, where ultimately of non attendees of either one or both of the applicants.

We need to find a way to be very clear about this – this is a Key issue, otherwise, the event lacks its participants. (This needs to be made more prominent on the forms - the Number one question?)

For those not attending, (i.e. from afar, like India etc) we decided to go ahead with the matching process, whilst knowing that at best, this produces an outcome akin to engagements, even though this should be a last resort, rather than the starting situation.

Engagements are somewhat delicate, in that whilst it does allow for some preparation time, to attend the next ceremony, it should not be seen as a green light or lead to girlfriend/boyfriend relationships.

On the international front, we have seen on Swan on Monday Sept 5th Indian marriages being announced for the Diwali Puja in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which we; the IMC had no prior knowledge. This highlights a delicate situation for us all. The IMC which doesn’t support or get involved in what has occurred in Russia, (and is not aware of how things are done there, or by who) where they unilaterally announced marriages, also recognises many have an issue with travelling internationally for functions not internationally coordinated.

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The recent situation in India is somewhat different, in that, Shri Mataji with the CC had established many systems, which ran along the lines of: SY in India, and SY in the rest of the world. Hence, we have realised that whilst the IMC had no knowledge or the marriage ceremony announced in India, when we tried to connect with that process, it seemed difficult to establish that connection. It may be that there is difficulty on both sides, during these early days of transition and settling.

GK: On a practical level, we have to be aware that IMC needs strengthening with the support of all. It would be good if National Council in position to do so would identify one Yogi/Yogini, whom they know is sensitive to vibrations, loving and having a good family life .So that they could be on a reserve list to be drawn upon as the need arises. So that if. for instance, we have 20 names, we might get 7-8 who can attend on to the matching process, as IMC members, during each Marriage Ceremony Celebration.

AK: It is evident that for everything we do, we need to always communicate to all those who are initiating events, that the only way that we will be successful, is that if, in all we do, we strive to integrate the national Collectives & World Collective, rather than disintegrate and separate.

MG: The new Central Committee could help with advising, and guiding, separatist initiatives towards integration. We all want love, understanding, forgiveness, integration; this can only be done by purity in marriage.

GG: It would be a shame if the connections between brothers and sisters in India & the rest of the world, where reduced, especially at the moment of the marriage ceremony, where Shri Mataji provided a wonderful platform through which dharma, love and surrender could flow, between the different cultures and peoples of the world. Hopefully in the years ahead, the announcing and logistical details of these ceremonies will be integrated internationally, as they often where, when we attended the India Tours.

DC: There is a little confusion still there, between us all perhaps, time is needed for things to settle down, perhaps it is better to allow things to unfold and hopefully in the future better international integration will be retained.

MG: Better clarity of understanding is needed about the IMC and its process of matching. There may be concerns with some people, about how things are done.

DC: the IMC was proposed and requested by the Country Co-ordinators at the Navaratri Puja in 2010, who gave it a mandate to initiate and establish itself, and it benefited from the guidance of uncle Vijay Nalgirkar The IMC is still evolving.

SD: I report that there is some concern amongst young people, as they, are uncertain who is doing what. It is a difficult transition time.

PZ: I agree with Majid, about the importance of the clarity of purity of marriage as an important step in life, for all. It is especially true with the Yuva Shakti. Each country handles their process differently. There is no official orientation.

Could we set up a commission who would look at the marriage system and come up with recommendations for an integrated system over the next 3-6 months to be accepted, agreed and understood by all, One Global System for One body?

MG: It would be desirable to have one system, integrated globally to the same standard and principle, so that no matter where I submit forms etc, it is the same process and understanding.

AP: Maybe we want to discuss this, is this an opportunity to consider the idea. PZ: Aim, could be to raise the awareness amongst the Country Co-ordinators to

set up a commission to define the future standards and protocol of how marriages unfold.

AK: There is a perception of difference between marriages last year and this year. The work carried out was very efficient; the feedback from the IMC indicated a positive improvement. Whilst, connecting ideas between Phillip & Duilio, I wish to emphasize the auspicious momentum we have already started with.

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PZ: The commission would provide inputs and assist in improving the existing work of the IMC.

GG: The IMC have provided a marriage protocol document for all those applying. It covers many of the common concerns, questions and queries, and through reading it, a lot of vague understandings could be cleared up, and better clarity about the matching process could prevail. However, I see that there would be scope for misunderstandings to persist. For example, in the UK, we provide this protocol doc, to those who apply, when they express an interest in applying. Hence, one could go on believing all sorts of rumours, misgivings and uncertainties for many years, even spreading these perspectives, whilst never having the principles and protocols to which the IMC are attempting to establish in your hand, because you never apply, or see the protocol document. I think it’s a 9 or 10 page document prepared just for applicants. A lot of attention and love has gone into preparing it. It expresses the divine wisdom which Shri Mataji has provided and guided us towards over many years. There is also another document to help guide country co-ordinators through the process.

MG: IMC do the job, India does the job, there is a need to better integrate the two. We need to bring this message of integration.

RH: I support the idea of presenting a protocol document, as ‘the global protocol document’, which could then be referred to by all – the IMC, whether marriages are in India, Italy.

ACTION: For the CC to set up a Marriage Commission to make recommendations on a Global Marriage system in order to improve the IMC.

ACTION: National Councils to recommend suitable candidates to be placed on the reserve IMC list.

Agenda Item 3: International Puja Calendar

AP: at the last meeting it was proposed that the UK would like to host an international Puja possibly Adi Shakti Puja 2012. The UK has the facilities in Bloxham Farm in 33 acres of countryside with a hanger large enough to host an international Puja.

GK: Already India has requested to host Birthday Puja 2012 & Diwali Puja 2012, America has indicated they could host a winter Puja, in California or South America.

GG: Whilst we would welcome the opportunity to host a Puja in the UK, we recognise that Cabella is a special place, a place prepared by God, for us all to enjoy and benefit from. With all the vibrations Shri Mataji has planted in the earth here (Cabella), the Maharashtra ‘Ganesha’ mountains surrounding us and the Ganga like river flowing through the valley. We have discussed this in a recent UK Council meeting and were mindful about not undermining the process in Cabella.

GK: Many have discussed this topic and feel it appropriate to maintain the number of Pujas in Cabella in 2012 as in 2011 – 5 or 6 international Pujas mostly in summer. We also talked about globalising Puja joy around the world. In later years, one could possibly look at adding a few Puja celebrations, as Shri Mataji often did; say for Shri Hanuman, or Shri Buddha Puja. Perhaps Duilio could offer some guidance regarding which Pujas to host in Cabella.

MG: When Shri Mataji travelled to some country, we naturally followed. I don’t know if we could sustain the level of vibrations She established when doing this, if we start to travel to new locations. We have to respect the protocol of vibrations and go where She had international pujas.

MK: I propose we should have summer Pujas in Cabella fixed, as this corresponds with many Yogis capacity to travel and join these celebrations.

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VK: It seems logical to maintain the main Pujas in Cabella, whilst the idea of having other Pujas in future years, in other countries also sounds good.

GK: The central committee will keep consulting on this topic.ACTION: To finalise a 2012 Puja Calendar. WF & CC

Agenda Item 4: NIPC - (Nirmal Intellectual Property Corporation) & LLC

AK: On the NIPC & LLC project update; NIPC has established an operational company an LLC to continue the work

of disseminating Shri Mataji’s Nirmala Vidya, in perpetuity, in an open and most accessible manner.

This LLC (Limited Liability Company/Nirmala Vidya) has just been constituted after an Extraordinary general meeting of the Board of Directors of NIPC (Nirmal Intellectual Property Corporation). In this way the Intellectual Property of Shri Mataji is ring-fenced and protected within NIPC, whilst the LLC is interfacing with all those who seek access to Shri Mataji’s knowledge.

The LLC will take strategy decisions and report to NIPC. There will be an operational and communications manager, accountancy and legal teams. The LLC has no executive decision making mandate, it takes its mandate from NIPC.

The project, which is well underway, will harness various technologies, to build the necessary IT platform, a global platform, where various technologies may offer differing approaches, reference to vibrations has helped aid the decision making process.

Legal help will be available, through an international team, including Paul Ellis, Gagan, Eric, Christian and Alex.

There is an initial team of 6, which feels like it will bring nice results. In time it is the wish and desire that additional Yogis will be approached to help strengthen the team internationally

It is good to see some Yuva Shakti taking on these roles and guiding SY into the future, who in turn, will no doubt approach other younger members of the Sangha to take up these roles.

The outcome should bring tremendous things for Sahaj. Many young people are standing ready to join and help with these projects, to bring ACCESS to all, the knowledge of Shri Mataji, for FREE, by going to one ONLINE platform with FREE ACCESS – streaming talks, video’s even HD media.

For physical download of files –there would be a certain amount payable. To have competent people in certain roles, we may have to hire people. We all have to work hard to make the International Collectivity aware by

good communication, so everyone will know, why NIPC exists, why we have set up an LLC, why we fought for it, why we will keep this treasure with the sangha, to diffuse the Knowledge of Shri Mataji to the world and, why we need voluntary financial support to do this, if we are to do it FREE, we need to be aware and embrace the shared financial responsibilities and participate in contributing funds towards this project.

There will be various centres of accounting (e.g. one in Europe, one in the Americas) plus statements of accounts, such that there is CLARITY as to where we can all contribute: Donations (for LLC/Devi Productions) and Royalties.

It is essential that Country Co-ordinators share this with the National collectives and actively spread the information, in the right way. If we distribute the essence of what we know in the Right Way, it should remove

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any mystery. We have to focus on differently communicating, there is nothing to hide. As far as this project goes, everything should be known.

It is the Knowledge of Shri Mataji, a heritage; it is the completeness of the Adi Shakti. We have to be better in communication. Please help us communicate with a totally integrated force.

We thank Vaibhav for the work he and others have already done. Streaming technology is the future worldwide, such that, from a TV, in the

future, you assess Google and receive in HD, a video talk of Shri Mataji.ACTION: Country Leaders to assist in identifying Yogis with operational expertise, accounting, legal and administration help and for producing a information text for the collective with a view to raise the necessary funding to finance Devi Productions from 2012 onwards.

Agenda Item 5: Sahaja Unity Throughout the world and International Communications

BD: Benoit raised the issue: We believe that it is only by surrendering our collective attention to the Divine power of our Holy Mother and Paramachaitanya that we can help the consolidation of Sahaj unity throughout the world. In this perspective, I would like to propose to put our attention on this subject, with some brotherly exchanges and collective meditation, to see how we could strengthen our connection to Paramchaitanya in our collective actions and decisions.

BD posed the question; Are emails to Country Co-ordinators sufficient for communication or is there other way we should to communicate with the collective? Have there been any proposals to improve this?

AK: Communication is dependent on the climate of love and trust between Yogis. Not every country provides clear communications; there is sometimes, too much of a bottleneck.

MK: There are several communication channels, ideally, the best option, is the possibility of talking face to face. Then, the next best, is through the natural networks of email each country has, so all Yogis are touched by the information, in full. In some instances, some of us are still using postal mail, so information spreads slowly.

AP: I wish to pass this topic across to Gregoire as part of the remit of the Central Committee is communications.

GK: Social networks are also playing a part now. Pascal in Thailand has established a Spreading Sahaj Yoga International Facebook site.

BD: There is a ‘friends and family” site, which has 2,500 followers. GG: this was set up by Auriol in Australia, as a platform for sharing stories where

Yogis have been privileged to have shared ‘moments with Mother.’ MG: There are indeed lots of on-line groups, non-official, which in the case of

France, eventually played against our unity. It got to the point that we – asked for external help, from a

communications company, about how to communicate. - We have something to say, we want to say it and yet it was messy.

These experts looked at all our websites – SY has around 400 sites, they reviewed the content…and the response is you have a strong message but it does not come across and no one seems to have a clear understanding of it.

It seems that we must have a clear global vision. Once we have this, we will come out of this communications traffic jam which we have created.

There needs to be an architecture of communication, with the help of the central committee – a global platform.

GK: The Central Committee has been reviewing this, in our first few months and Wolfgang is looking into a project for a communication Master Plan that would take into account the existing situation.

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RH: Just as background, the World Foundation sends out emails, there are 4000 enrolments on our email database.

BD: For me it’s about Sahaja Unity Worldwide. We need open discussion of the topic what would bring unity to all our actions? When an important decision has to be taken how is it done? How is it communicated? How do Yogis receive it? How do they participate? How do they unify? How to improve, such that decisions are guided by us, shared & integrated?

AK: Often with trying to reach outcomes, the key might be ‘I asked Shri Mataji’, which means, I surrendered it, to the source. Which means we are having total humility & enlightened attention in asking how to proceed – one example earlier we mentioned was how two ‘competing’ technological options for the online global platform were considered and the solution was surrendered when in our meditation we asked Shri Mataji to give is the answer.

RS: Vibrations are the perfect solution, whereas when we use different technologies, none of which are perfect, they perhaps just allow you to select and use the one with fewer errors. Our main tool is Ritambrapragya. We have a fully established international communication platform provided by Shri Mataji, we are also looking to find modern day tools to help us in our work, yet sometimes these tools, aren’t transmitting all the essence the message intended.

PS: Country Co-ordinators can’t be armchair co-ordinators, they have to engage in collectivity.

VK: Love, trust, are very important, I feel we need to discuss this more. MG: Unity comes from integration of Sahasrara. This religion created by Shri

Mataji, we must just enjoy it. SD: For me, each time integration increases, is when I go to my brother. BD: Involving people in the Decision Making process, engaging people, makes

the outcome. Have we been promoting exactly what Shri Mataji initiated in 2008, i.e. forming groups, balancing vibrations, examining questions or reaching decisions?

GK: She installed SY as a grass roots movement, with friends, groups, operating teams.

GG: One example of where we have worked in groups is in initiating some Day Retreats in the UK, to invite new people too. This has brought many Sahaja Yogis together, to do Mother’s work. However trust always underpins these initiatives. If we have trust in each other, then love, friendship and collaboration follow on and collectivity is strengthened, in reaching these outcomes.

AP: reiterated that Shri Mataji has redefined our roles in Her very last public talk, Guru Puja 2008 asking to form Sahaja Yoga Groups of 4/5 people to give self realisation. Sahaja Yoga as given to us by Shri Mataji is a grassroots movement, not a top down process; She wants us all to rise to the level of Guru’s that is leaders without Hierarchy. She has firmly placed this responsibility in the hands and it requires the commitment of each and every yogi and yogini. She has entrusted and empowered each and every one of us to carry out Her work and spreading Her message of Sahaja Yoga.

Agenda Item 6: Central Committee (CC) Update

AP: Can Gregoire provide an update of where we are with the Central Committee. (CC)

GK: It was very important to follow Our Guru’s instructions so it was established. It was born in difficult circumstances, trying to be inclusive. Wherever it works, it is because of Trust, Love, and Friendship.

It is important for the CC to get together with a common understanding…which is…. WE ARE NOT IN CHARGE!

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We have been in existence for 3 months, so far we have sent out 3 communications; we see ourselves as acting on the principle of subsidiarity, whenever needed: normally we cannot arbitrate, unless asked to intervene by both parties.

Shri Mataji mentioned 10 people. In Guru Puja, 2011, we arrived at 9. Since then, Rajesh has asked to be released from this role because of emerging new commitments. Therefore in Guru Puja 2012 we will have a process to look at 2 new members, it should be inclusive.

It is very much, day by day, step by step, to be guided by experience and needs. There is a CC protocol to establish, including a Charter, Rules of Procedure to consider including how we reach decisions and a Code of Conduct to draw up.

We see ourselves at the advisory level, being possibly helpful. The dynamic is very much with each country.

AP: Is there any update on Shri Mataji’s Mahasmadhi site. We are still awaiting any formal communication.

SD: Could one person from each hosting country – be nominated to come forward & help with Puja preparation.

PS: We hope to start the Puja around 4.30pm: We have invited Sir CP and Sadhana Didi to attend.

Meeting ended at 2.30pm

We concluded with the three Maha Mantras. Everyone did Namaskar.

Jai Shri Mataji

The initials of speakers included in the text are as follows;Majid Golpour (MG)Shridhar (SD)Gregoire deKalbermatten (GK)Philipp Zeiss (PZ)Pasquale Scialo (PS)Arneau deKalbermatten (AK)Marie Amelia deKalbermatten (MK)Duilio Cartocci (DC)Vaibhav Khopade (VK)Alan Pereira (AP)Geoffrey Godfrey (GG)Robert Hunter (RH)Ravi Saundankar (RS)Marco Arciglio (MA)Benoit Debellefroid (BD)

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