Dec - Ruhani Satsang USA

COMMENTS B NOTICES
T IS WITH a deep sense of gratitude to
I everyone concerned that I mention
the Annual Meeting of the Board of
Directors of Ruhani Satsang-Divine
Science of the Soul (the Master's American
corporation), which took place
last Nov. 24 at the Holiday Inn, Rosslyn
Key Bridge, Arlington, Virginia. The
love and harmony and mutual respect
that the meeting was bathed in must
have pleased Him beyond words, and
served as an excellent example to all
Satsangis everywhere. Directors, officers
and guests alike were humbly receptive
to the Will of the Master, and it was obvious.
Special thanks go to Mr. and Mrs.
T. S. Khanna, who served as hosts for
the entire gathering and made excellent
arrangements for the convenience of the
dear ones. Both Mr. Khanna, as Chairman
of the Board, and Mr. Reno Sirrine,
as Vice President, fulfilled their duties
in a manner entirely consistent with their
high positions. May Master bless and
keep every one of His dear workers,
who work day and night for His sake,
immersed in His love and remembrance
throughout the coming year. Truly it was
a great honor to have taken part.
* * *
One of the many subjects discussed at
the Board mccting was the very large
number of devotees who are now visiting
or planning to visit the Master in
India. The following suggestions are
based on the personal experience of
many people, and while they are not
hard and fast rules, they may be helpful:
1. NO ONE SHOULD PLAN TO VISIT
THE MASTER AND STAY WITH HIM UN-
LESS THEY ARE INITIATED. TO drop in
on Him unannounced and uncommitted
December 1973
and expect to be taken care of is an
crror. and not pleasing to Him. People
who stay at Sawan Ashram are expected
to work hard at their practicc, and if
they are not initiated, how can they?
Here a littlc common sense coupled with
ordinary courtesy goes a long way. Neither
should anyone who wants Initiation
plan to get it from Him over there; He
has said many times that He much prefers
aspirants to apply over here, take
the Initiation, and put in some hard
work on the Path before going to Him
physically. Much more will be gained.
OUT SPECIFIC PERMISSION FROM HIM.
This is of the utmost importance, for
two reasons : ( 1 ) Sometimes people, for
reasons connected with their own growth,
are better off temporarily working something
out over here. Master knows this,
whether we do or not, and advises us
from that level. (2) Master is gone a
great deal at certain times, touring in
India. If people write ahead, He can direct
them to come at a time when He
will be either in Dclhi or at Manav Kendra.
Again, a little common courtesy
counts for much.
3. BE SPECIFIC. When you ask Him
for permission to go, be specific with
dates and length of time you wish to be
there. If you are not, He will usually request
this information before granting
permission, for the reasons mentioned
above. Then, after permission is given
and you know the flight you are arriving
on, cable the specific flight and arrival
time, etc.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES: YOU will save
yourself a lot of heartachc if you make
sure that your trip to India doesn't rep-