Un-Sound Principles of SRCM

I've received many enquiries from current and former disciples of SRCM recently. Many agonize over their predicaments, questioning the hierarchy or are simply spiritually unhappy. Some struggle with difficult decisions to either join a splinter group or leave SRCM all together. I have always offered to assist in what ever way I can, asking nothing in return.  I have found myself repeating a common theme in most of these correspondences. As a result I have decided to summarize some of my statements made privately below:

I believe that the practice of Sahaj Marg, and the entire system established by its Founder, to be based upon spiritually flawed and dangerous principles. Other than completely discarding the core principles and practices of the system, there is no possible outcome other than that which we see unfolding today. 

More specifically:


1. The Prayer is comprised of affirmations which are spiritually harmful and are fundamentally un-natural.  The prayer affirms that the one reciting the prayer is inadequate, having not achieved some unspecified but often mentioned Goal. This Goal, as the prayer states is only achievable through an elusive "Master".  

• The prayer makes a dangerous affirmation of ones separateness from the Divine: While humility is essential in spirituality, this prayer affirms the disciple's spiritual  inadequacy - claiming them to be "slaves of wishes putting bar to advancement". This affirmation is completely counter to spiritual principles which I have come to believe are core spiritual truths. True Spirituality re-affirms ones divinity in order to redirect any thoughts AWAY from  spiritual inadequacy and separateness from Creator. The SRCM prayer is a series affirmations which do the opposite!

• The statement "Thou are the only God and Power to bring us up to that stage" yet again affirms the disciple's spiritual inadequacy.  It states ones dependence EXCLUSIVELY on another living human "Master" to reach some spiritual goal. It establishes a human authority with no peers, no checks and balances. This affirmation causes a disciple to question their own inner spiritual discrimination, and become completely dependent on a a single and exclusive external force. This, in and of itself, puts the disciple at risk of ceasing their own spiritual Journey and giving their power needed for that journey to another person.  

• The SRCM prayer, along with one of the accompanying 10 maxims, insists that the disciple urgently strive to reach some ultimate spiritual goal and "rest not until it has been achieved". This is completely counter to the ancient spiritual truth that, The Journey Is Infinite! This ancient spiritual truth states that the only true goal, is to embark on one's infinite spiritual journey, which can be done by anyone at any time. Likewise one can choose to dis-embark on their Infinite Spiritual Journey and seek a finite goal instead, however, in true Natural Spirituality, THERE IS NO GOAL, THERE IS ONLY THE JOURNEY!

2. Meditation on light or the form of the master in the heart puts the disciple at risk of letting  external and potentially unwanted forces into their inner being. While the standard practice makes a vague suggestion to meditating on divine light in the heart, it is mentioned by preceptors and in the various literatures since the Founder's days,  that meditating on a "true" masters form in the heart is "more effective".

• Heart meditation is powerful. Any intent, consistently established when doing heart meditation can result in its very manifestation if done repeatedly. Any intent that reinforces spiritual inadequacy will only be reinforced and can also be manifested within the disciple with repeated practice. 

• Allowing external influences (light from outside oneself or the form of an external master) into the heart risks inviting in things that are possibly not compatible to ones very existence. It is critical, while on the Spiritual Journey that one establish and maintain protective boundaries. Heart meditation should affirm what is already in the heart, and not indiscriminately allow external and untrustworthy forces in. This damages one's essential spiritual boundaries which must  be upheld in order protect oneself from unwanted external forces. Damage to spiritual boundaries puts the disciple at risk of being spiritually traumatized by external spiritual influences and predators, of which there are many within the SRCM organization.

3. Evening Cleaning meditation further affirms that one is "unclean" and unworthy. True Spirituality reaffirms ones direct connection with the divine. It affirms that one IS divine. Cleaning occurs naturally as a result of ones direct relationship with Creator through the resulting the experiences on the Infinite Journey. Making "cleaning" a conscious practice only further separates one from the divine and the Journey itself.

• While spiritual cleansing is a natural event that occurs in life,  the daily reinforcing of ones "unclean-ness" risks the perpetuation of a disciples inner sense of inadequacy.

• This perpetuation of spiritual inadequacy is further complicated by the belief within the SRCM that one must rely on a preceptor or the "master" to do the real deep cleaning to remove long standing samskaras/grossness. This encourages the formation of a lasting barrier for the disciple's direct relationship with Creator and the natural "cleansing" that occurs from that direct relationship, not to mention making claim that the inner condition of the disciple is gross!

4. The Spiritual Hierarchy established in SRCM encourages Spiritual Materialism. It commoditizes spiritual attainments, achievements and positions in the hierarchy. SRCM from its inception has created both organizational hierarchies and spiritual hierarchies which separate the haves and have nots. This further divides the "masses" from the chosen few in the inner circle.

• Organizational Hierarchy members enjoy physical access to the "Master". Given that the practice reinforces ones dependence on the master, these members appear to the "masses" as having more advantageous  access to spiritual benefits.  

• SRCM identifies members who allegedly have achieved the Brahaman Mandal or Central Region. Some are referred to as "Full Preceptors", receive certificates to attest to their spiritual achievements, others are simply stated to exist in a higher "region" than the masses. Spirituality is further commoditized as disciples request "Sittings" from these preceptors in order to receive cleaning and have divine grace bestowed upon them. 

• While the practice reinforces rank and file disciples inadequacies and creates urgent need to achieve spiritual progress, they are surrounded by members who have been "blessed" with organizational or spiritual gifts. This creates divisions,  jealousies and commoditizes spirituality, exactly what we see happening in the various splinter groups and within the main SRCM organization today.

Summary:

The very core practices of Sahaj Marg can be directly attributed as the ROOT CAUSE of the problems facing SRCM today: A highly divisive and divided organization caused by festering spiritual materialism, and disciples within the ranks who struggle with self esteem while being constantly reminded that their spiritual progress is inadequate, etc. etc...

On one hand, the Sahaj Marg practice, through repetitive suggestions in meditation and prayer affirmations, tears down the protective barriers around the soul, allowing the possibility of external forces to due harm. On the other hand, the one boundary which DOES get reinforced through disciples constant affirmations, is the barrier that separates the disciple from Creator. According to SRCM myth, this barrier exists until the disciple achieves some elusive goal. A goal only accessible through the exclusive association with a Master, who for the most part remains inaccessible from the common disciples. 

The practice of Sahaj Marg this is in fact quite the opposite of a Natural Path. Quite frankly this is not spirituality at all. It is, however, a formula for creating a power based Cult - Which, by the way is exactly what SRCM and its various splinter groups are.

Of course, a privileged few see benefits, and some within the rank and file are able to skirt the hazards and avoid inflicting significant trauma upon themselves. Some find benefit from meditating on light in the heart. Some find a sense of belonging to something far more powerful than themselves. Most if not all are motivated by ego, remaining "slaves" of the wish to achieve the spiritual goal created by the SRCM founder.  In addition, the SRCM hierarchy constantly reminds disciples that they are "not progressing" while channeling messages from the dead which serve only to validate their authority. These behaviors are the blatant symptoms resulting from the very flaws I have outlined above.

I apologize for offending so many with these words. What I state above comes from a sincere place,  based on over 40 years actively pursuing my Spiritual Journey - more than 10 of those years as a disciple and preceptor of the SRCM.  My heart  affirms within me that what I say above is the TRUTH. The guidance I have been blessed with upon my departure from SRCM, now over 20 years ago, has revealed a true NATURAL PATH. I can say without a doubt that it bears nothing in common with the Sahaj Marg practice or the SRCM.


Michael

Gratitude At Dawn: Keeping Things In Perspective

Whilst the clans of SRCM engage battling Mediums who hurl conflicting messages from their long dead Master into the InfoSpace of the Internet, Monkey Man has retreated to the tree tops of the Spirit Forest to continue his Journey on the true NATURAL PATH!

His messages do not come from the imaginary dead Master, but from the perspective of a living, breathing being. He has expressed no further interest in following the goings on if this sad, archaic and decrepit organization, instead choosing to speak from a place which is truly Natural, a path that is the REAL Natural Path.

As the sad affair of the SRCM unfolds, its important for one to keep things in perspective. For this reason I have decided to make Monkey Man a regular contributor on my SkaiJourney blog.

His latest message can be found here.

Michael

...Another Message From Monkey Man

Monkey Man's commentary on Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari, the self proclaimed Master of SRCM and his dramatic speech and reading of his most recent correspondence with his long since dead (since 1983) Master Babuji.  A link to the video can be found on the SRCM site here

I am sad, so very, very sad.

I've descended from the trees of the Spirit Forest to see what the commotion is, only to witness this small band of invaders, noisily spouting imaginary words of dead people, leading their masses on a garden path to nowhere.

Dead people do not call the living "Great" - Because they are dead! They live as spirit in all of us and are incapable such blatant, foolish compliments!

In real Nature, where all Paths are Natural, living Spirit Beings ignore such vague messages channeled from the dead. They instead prefer to thrive on the living spirit world around them which is full of wisdom and life.

 Sad, so sad... So many Souls, willing to follow the withered echoes of those long since dead and silent, when they can embrace the living and breathing Spirit that thrives in their very presence and guides them from within their very own hearts!

I am concerned for these brothers and sisters who chatter in the forest floor below me - Exposed to such drama and misguidance. May the perpetrators of this misguidance find reconciliation and forgiveness for their behavior so that they not live their final days in sadness and regrets.

The real Natural Path is not this! It lives and breathes within us all. The wonders of the Natural Spirit Forest are vast and infinite. There is no end, No brighter resting place. Any "Brighter World" that might exist can be found HERE AND NOW, and is not some elusive and un-achievable goal! There is no need to rest on the true Infinite Natural Path as the Path itself sustains us.

With tears in my monkey eyes,  I return to the tree tops, where the wind through the leaves drown out this noisy chatter. I dare not descend again any time soon for fear of what I might see or hear.  I prefer the sounds where Nature pervades. I prefer the true Natural Path, in all its glory, which lies before us as an infinite expanse, never ending!

Best Wishes and Blessings to All. May those who've wandered so far down this garden path, AND those who led them there,  find their way home.

Love,


Monkey Man

Forest Through The Trees: Message From Monkey Man

GUEST ARTICLE FROM THE WRITER KNOWN AS MONKEY MAN:

My Journey has led me to this place and made me compelled to speak about the Spirit Forest and the true Natural Path -  A Path where all are welcomed as Masters of their own Soul - All are Soul Masters!

• True Spirituality is like a Tree in the Forest where the Tree IS the Forest.

• True Spirituality does not tell the Tree it is alone or separate from the Forest. 

• True Spirituality embraces One-Ness of the Tree with the Forest, In the Forest, Of The Forest.

• True Spirituality embraces these truths regardless how the Tree feels about it -  It is truth.

Alas, I see many things here that Spirituality is NOT:

1. It is NOT a franchise

2. It is NOT a prayer that affirms ones slavery to wishes and submits oneself to a "Master" in order to achieve some unimaginable goal or entry in some "brighter world" upon death!

3. It does NOT affirm that one's soul is un-clean, requiring subservience to a Master and his franchisees to be cleansed.

4. It does NOT require face to face shut eye meditation in the presence of a franchised gurus assistant,  attendance at shut-eye meditation seminars lead by franchisees or costly books one must read when eyes are not shut.

5. It is NOT a path to an elusive (and illusive) Goal which is unachievable without the unquestioning surrender to the "spiritual" franchise, its leadership, its founder, his assigns or representatives. 

6. It does NOT rely on un-verifiable messages from the dead,  conveniently reaffirming all of the above.

I see many things here masquerading as Spirituality.  They are like the mocking birds in the Spirit Forest, singing songs of other birds. Such spiritual masqueraders ask un-natural things of others while calling these things Natural - though they are not. 

The true Natural Path, however:

• Embraces the fact that ones very existence is and always has been Sacred and Divine.

• It affirms our One-ness with Creation ( Tree = Forest, Yes?)

• It is about BEING, not becoming something you are not.

• This Path is a Spirit Journey that is infinite.

• Because it is infinite, there cannot be a goal.  (Even monkey mathematics can grasp this!)

 Why is it that a monkey can see the Forest through the Trees, yet some Humans choose entanglement in organized despair religions,  masquerading as Natural Paths? 

I have heard the noisy chatter of empty wisdom parrot speak - mindless repetition from countless overheard speeches and words read in books. It is this clamor that has brought me here. I am curious as to why humans choose such foolishness and call it Natural. It is difficult for those of us on the true Natural Path to witness. 

We welcome others to see the forest through the trees - To BE the Tree AND the Forest.  All that is required is to BE! 

It gets no more Natural than that...

Monkey Man

SRCM and Sahaj Marg Renamed as Natural Path Meditation

Since late 2010, several SRCM centers in the US and possibly abroad, appear to have changed references to SRCM in their public meeting announcements on the MeetUp.com and other public Internet sites, using instead a new name of either "Natural Path Meditation Group" or "Natural Path Meditation Center". They also appear to be replacing the term Sahaj Marg with the brand, "Natural Path Meditation"to describe their meditation practice.

For quite some time now, a web search of "SRCM" or "Sahaj Marg" results in one or more blogs critical of SRCM showing up in the early search results. One can easily theorize that such a concerted deception is an attempt to keep prospective members from being informed prior to attending an introductory workshop. Interestingly, many of these Internet meetup invitations also neglect to mention any spiritual Master by name or title.

I am not aware of any official announcement of the re-naming of Sahaj Marg, however, I will honor the SRCM leaderships apparent push to quietly re-brand SRCM/Sahaj Marg. Going forward I will refer to Sahaj Marg as Natural Path Meditation and the SRCM or Shri Ram Chandra Mission as either the Natural Path Meditation Group or the Natural Path Meditation Center.

I hope this clears up any confusion folks my have in their quest to understand more about this organization and its meditation practice.


Michael

This post is re-published from my personal blog. 

MANIFESTATION OF SPIRITUAL HIERARCHIES

MANIFESTATION OF THE COLLECTIVE MIND

We live in a reality that is manifested by our very thoughts. Our collective minds have gathered around a common perspective of Time/Space, establishing a shared reference within the fabric of Ether. Beyond this thought construct, lies an infinite expanse that mind cannot comprehend. Within this construct, however, we share a common reference of Time/Space and share physical and mental laws and limitations.

The Collective Mind imposes a powerful boundary that limits the Individual Mind from venturing into the un-imaginable and potentially mind-shattering realm of the Infinite. Beyond the Collective Reality, the laws and rules that we have manifested do not apply.

When the Individual Mind suspends belief in the Collective Reality, it is able to experience the impossibilities that lie beyond. A mind altered by drug-induced hallucinations, sleep deprivation, dreams or mental instability, can stumble into a realm that appears very real, yet defies the constraints of the Collective Reality. The Individual Mind can also suspend belief through various mind-distracting practices, like meditation or sensory deprivation and have similar experiences. The influence of another Individual mind can also cause in the suspension of belief in another individual mind resulting in experiences outside the realm of the Collective Reality.

Regardless of the method, when an Individual is able to suspend belief in the Collective Reality, any experiences or resulting capabilities that defy the perceived boundaries of Time/Space are immediately discounted by the “rational mind”. These experiences are written off as coincidence, mass hypnosis, illusion, insanity or worse. When the rational mind takes over the experiences cease to occur.

We exist in a web of entanglements that lie within an infinite expanse. We each experience an individual and shared journey in that infinite expanse.  Any experiences of this Infinite Journey are filtered through our collective and individual manifestation. It is possible to remain so entangled in our manifestation that we cannot even acknowledge the possibility of an Infinite Journey, let alone experience it.

In other words:

1. Our mind manifests the reality and associated limitations in which we exist
2. Our individual and collective manifestation exists within an infinite expanse
3.  Every individual is on an Infinite Journey that is experienced through or limited by our individual/collective manifestation.

SPIRITUAL HIERARCHIESS AND THE COLLECTIVE MIND

Spiritual and Religious Hierarchs use techniques that confuse or divert the individual mind from the Collective Reality, causing momentary suspension of belief. This results in experiences that defy the collective manifestation. Hierarchs reinforce the individual’s belief of inadequacy in order to establish dependency on the Hierarch for these experiences. It is an ancient technique and few who are capable of this can resist the temptation to claim their supremacy for bringing about these experiences

But it does not end there…

To create a Spiritual or Religious Hierarchy, the Hierarch focuses the minds of their converts to create an Alternate Reality - an Alternate Reality that overlaps the already established Collective Reality. This new reality conveniently revolves around the manifestation of Hierarch as the supreme sovereign. They create a trusted Inner Circle that reinforces the Alternate Reality.

Any thoughts of the Infinite Journey are obliterated. The Individual is instructed to accept the Hierarch’s manifestation as their own. They forgo any pursuit of an Infinite Journey in lieu of achieving some elusive goal established within the Alternate Reality.

This overlapping Alternate Reality sets up a parallel existence for those who participate in it. It is very real - with its own levels of achievement, always around some ultimate goal, only accessible to those who totally surrender to the Hierarch and his/her Alternate Reality.

Individuals who succumb to this new reality experience a sense of empowerment. They are part of something that extends beyond the Collective Reality. Any sense of inadequacy in the Collective Reality is replaced by the dependency on the Hierarch and his/her Alternate Reality. Participants in the Hierarchy cling to their new reality with a fervor that can be unsettling to those observing it from the outside. This is how Cults are formed.

The process of indoctrination into a Spiritual Hierarchy is as follows:

1) The Individual experiences nothing beyond the Collective Reality and either believes nothing lies beyond it or accepts that they are incapable of experiencing it on their own.

2) Through the association with a Spiritual Hierarch, the Individual has experiences that defy the rational mind.

3) The Spiritual Hierarch claims responsibility for the Individual’s new experience.

4) The Spiritual Hierarch reinforces the Individuals sense of spiritual inadequacy and offers guidance to overcome it.

5) The Disciple surrenders their thought power to The Spiritual Hierarch who uses it to continually manifest an Alternate Reality

6) The Disciple embraces the Alternate Reality and replaces the Collective Reality with it

7) The Disciple becomes enslaved to a new collective manifestation, but one that revolves around a Spiritual Hierarch.

There is speculation that some Hierarchs are sincere and truly have the best interests in mind for their disciples at heart.  It is more likely that these Hierarchs are so entangled in their own Alternate Reality that they are unaware of the damage they have done. It is my belief that ANY Spiritual Hierarchy that claims to have a defined goal and insists that the Individual must become dependent upon the Hierarch and Hierarchy, only results in a new set of entanglements. The Infinite Journey is replaced by a finite goal that serves the Hierarch and his/her Inner Circle and Successors.

THE LIFE CYCLE OF ALTERNATE REALITIES

Alternate Realities have shown some longevity, but none can outlive the primary Collective Reality that they overlap. They begin with the inception by a spiritually adept Individual seeking greatness, however, in order to build their Hierarchy, they require an Inner Circle and a series of successors. It is the very Inner Circle that sustains the Hierarchy, which ultimately destroys it. Dissention within the Inner Circle creates fragmentation of the Alternate Reality. The collective manifestation becomes weakened and the power-seeking members of the Inner Circle loose power over the masses. The Alternate Reality dwindles and once forgotten, ceases to exist.

This life cycle can be said to have five stages

1)    Inception

2)    Establishment of Inner Circle

3)    Dissention within the Inner Circle

4)    Fragmentation

5)    Dissolution

Religions, spiritual organizations, even political movements all appear to follow this life cycle.

THE INFINITE JOURNEY OF THE INDIVIDUAL

Some spiritually inspired Individuals do not seek greatness or choose to create a hierarchy around themselves. They silently proceed on their respective Infinite Journey, occasionally inspiring other individuals to peek outside their own manifestation and into the Infinite. This powerful and silent thread weaves throughout the history of humanity and influences every age, every religion and every spiritual movement.

These Individuals generally remain nameless, choosing not to participate in the enslavement of the masses or creation of Alternate Realities. They instead inspire others, one by one, without asking for anything in return or attracting attention to themselves. These inspired Individuals are everywhere and exist in all time.

Those who seek out such Individuals for guidance are rarely successful. This is not due to their being unworthy. What limits seekers is the very belief that they are not worthy of experiencing the Infinite on their own and must seek guidance. Once a seeker realizes that they themselves are whom they seek, they begin to receive the infinite bounty that exists beyond our Collective Reality and the Infinite Journey commences. The Individual embraces their existence for what it IS without the need to manifest anything to justify their Is-Ness.

SPIRITUAL MATERIALISM

As SRCM and its offshoot organizations experience turmoil and disputes amongst its most senior members and leaders, it brings into question the founding principles of the organization and the meditation practice itself.

The Buddhist monk Chogyam Trungpa wrote the book "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism in 1973 that inspired me in my early spiritual practice prior to my introduction to SRCM. Having gone through the SRCM experience for over 10 years and having yet another nearly 20 years since my departure to process that experience, I have had lots of time to develop some thoughts of my own on the subject of Spiritual Materialism. While my article on my other blog   is not specific to SRCM, it seems a timely subject given the current circumstances that SRCM finds itself in.


I've put a link to the article below:

     Spiritual Materialism