Date:	Tue, 05 Aug 1997 20:21:02 -0700
From:	Mark Mays <sahajnet@halcyon.com>
Subject: Re: Sri Mataji's Sahaja Yoga

I'm somewhat reluctant to respond to these kinds of things because I've
always detested "flame wars", but I really can't let something so
slanted and so contrary to what I have experienced go by without some
kind of response. I do promise those reading this that this will be my
only response and I will try to keep it brief.

It's just too easy these days to brand anything that isn't mainstream a
"cult" and scare people. Not to say there aren't false gurus coming out
of India and other places, this just hasn't been my experience with Shri
Mataji. I've seen Shri Mataji in person numerous times and listened to
maybe 100-150 of her lectures and have always come away amazed at how
truth is explained in such simple terms. The depth of Shri Mataji's love
and compassion is tremendous and she has traveled the world tirelessly
the last 27 years trying to give self-realization (spiritual awakening)
to as many people as possible so they can have meaningful meditation and
a strong connection to the Divine. Shri Mataji does not charge any money
for this. No one is employed by Sahaja Yoga or collects money for
personal gain. 

I have attended International Seminars in N. America, Europe and India.
The people practicing Sahaja Yoga are from every race, ethnic and
economic background you could think of and some of the most interesting,
loving, compassionate, dynamic, intelligent, humble, humorous (yes, I've
had some major fun at these events besides the meditation) and overall
righteous people I've met anywhere, and I don't think I've led that
sheltered of a life prior to practicing Sahaja Yoga. We have our faults,
however, but the enlightened meditation allows us to see our problems
with ego, conditionings, etc., so we can try to improve ourselves. This
is what Shri Mataji encourages us to do, see what's wrong with
ourselves, and see the good in others. And I assure you, absolutely no
one in Sahaja Yoga is trying to control or dominate my life.

I have been practicing Sahaja Yoga for the last 5 years and the depth of
joy and satisfaction that comes forth through meditation is tremendous
and absolutely incredible. Any stress I may feel (which isn't much these
days) is blown away in meditation. I have had health problems clear up
through using the cleansing techniques as have many others practicing
Sahaja Yoga. My mind is clear and peaceful like never before and am able
to focus more clearly at work which allows me to get more done with less
effort. Most days I am quite happy and joyful. What more could a person
ask for from life?!!! How someone could attack something as beautiful
and benevolent as Sahaja Yoga is a complete mystery to me. But don't
take my word for it - or Simons - just check it out for yourself.

With all my love and kindest regards,

Mark Mays
Seattle, WA, USA