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Raja Begum
Unregistered User
(12/27/01 7:05 pm)
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Subliminal Money Talk
I'm going to quote the section of the recent Voluntary League Newsletter called "Our Heartfelt Thanks for Your Support." I want you to pay attention to the sequence of words being used (in CAPS). Do you detect any neurolinguistic techniques being used?

Quote:
"During this CRITICAL PERIOD, we have been especially GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT of Paramahansa Yogananda's work. His teachings are truly a beacon of HOPE for OUR TROUBLED TIMES. They OFFER the spiritual UNDERSTANDING to weather CRISES such as WE FACE today, and THE MEANS to address their underlying cause --- ignorance of our unity with God and one another. YOUR ASSISTANCE HELPS to bring the light of those teachings to MORE AND MORE individuals who are seeking a way to draw closer to Him. THROUGH YOUR GENEROSITY in thought and ACTION, YOU ARE CONTRIBUTING not only to the RESTORING of broken lives but also to BUILDING ANEW the spiritual fabric of our society -- and ultimately, to BRINGING ABOUT A FUTURE OF GREATER understanding, cooperation, and compassion among all the diverse peoples of the world....."



CRITICAL PERIOD
GRATEFUL
FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
HOPE
OUR TROUBLED TIMES
OFFER
UNDERSTANDING
CRISES WE FACE
MEANS
YOUR ASSISTANCE HELPS
BRING MORE AND MORE
THROUGH YOUR GENEROSITY
ACTION
YOU ARE CONTRIBUTING
RESTORING
BUILDING ANEW
BRINGING ABOUT
A FUTURE OF GREATER

Raja Begum
Unregistered User
(12/27/01 7:49 pm)
Reply
Commentary on the above posting
On face value, the paragraph I quoted does not directly solicit financial or material contributions. In fact it is stated in such oblique terms as to make you interpolate your own meaning on it.

The word support can mean many things. I read this paragraph over and over many times and couldn't find anything which directly asks me to open my wallet. So why do I feel like doing so?

"Through your generosity in thought and action...."

So if I'm generous in thought, that means prayers and good wishes right? Okay, then what does being generous in action mean? Just service?

The final paragraph, which I didn't quote, emphasizes prayer and attunement. So, nowhere in this appeal is there a direct request for money, properties, stocks, or trusts. And yet, you can't help thinking about opening your wallets after reading this paragraph! Did they ask you to? No, but....

Here are the buried words that make you open your wallet...

CRITICAL PERIOD
GRATEFUL
FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
HOPE
OUR TROUBLED TIMES
OFFER
UNDERSTANDING
CRISES WE FACE
MEANS
YOUR ASSISTANCE HELPS
BRING MORE AND MORE
THROUGH YOUR GENEROSITY
ACTION
YOU ARE CONTRIBUTING
RESTORING
BUILDING ANEW
BRINGING ABOUT
A FUTURE OF GREATER


...These are money words...words people use when asking for material assistance, cleverly buried in a text which seems to ask nothing directly of you.

Now here's the kicker!!! Directly below this paragraph another statement written in very tiny letters quoted verbatim...

Quote:
"Self-Realization Fellowship is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and the California Franchise Tax Board as a public charity. Accordingly, contributions to the International Headquarters are deductible to the maximum extent permitted by the law for income tax and for estate tax purposes. DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS CAN BE MADE THROUGH MONETARY GIFTS OR PROPERTY, SUCH AS STOCKS OR REAL ESTATE, AND UNDER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS THROUGH TRUSTS. DEDUCTIBLE BEQUESTS CAN BE MADE BY NAMING THE ORGANIZATION AS A BENEFICIARY IN, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A WILL, A TRUST, OR AN INSURANCE POLICY"


A little juxtaposition and...Viola!! A clever bit of subliminal advertising. And because you're such "nice" open-hearted devotees, their job is made much easier.

So open you wallets, dear ones. And remember ...ah heclk! Let me quote Daya Mata...

Quote:
"May your feel the great power of His goodness upholding you through all circumstances. And may you know that He is with you always, guiding your step on the path of life with a love that will never fail you...."


I'm swooning. Too much love!! .."Honey! How much do we have in our financial portfolio....????"

Raja Begum
Unregistered User
(12/27/01 7:51 pm)
Reply
A Sad Story
Quote:
"If we would build a kinder world, we must learn to look after one another as neighbors, as divine friends, and as members of one family. It begins with how we treat those nearest and dearest to us and everyone who crosses our path."
--- Daya Mata
New Year 2002 Letter


How many of you -- go ahead, scream it out -- believe in your heart that Daya Mata and the representatives of SRF live by the above credo? Do you ever remember being regarded as a member of a family? Have they ever treated you as a divine friend? Have they ever looked after you or anyone else you know as a neigbor? ....

I'm furious once again. I can't shake a story I've been told about a devotee who donated a couple hundred-thousand dollars to SRF before he passed away. He lived near Hollywood Temple and was a devoted member. Unmarried and living a life of utmost simplicity, he bought into the whole SRF self-denial trip. But every penny he saved, he willed to the organization.

For a span of 10 to 15 years, he remained on Mrs. Finch's waiting list to get an SRF apartment, watching dejectedly as subsequent applicants were offered vacant units before him. Mrs. Finch repeatedly lied to this trusing man, and he never saw his wish fulfilled. But what broke his heart most was the repeated lying. Still he continued to put away every penny he had for SRF until the day he died.

When he died, a close friend of this man placed a phone call to Mother Center and was put in touch with Brother Brahmananda. He didn't elect to give Brother Brahmananda advanced notice about the couple hundred-thousand dollars that was heading SRF's way. He merely told Brahmananda how this old man -- who had been a loyal disciple of Guruji for 55 years -- had one final request: to be buried at sea. To have a funeral at sea in those days probably cost less than two hundred dollars. It was not much to ask for.

When the issue of spending money was raised, Brahmananda had the brutal nerve to ask if there were any gold fillings in the teeth or bangles on the departed which could be confiscated and used to pay for the funeral. My friend was stunned. Didn't SRF have any dignity? He had only known of one other group capable of such heartless pragmatism -- the German Nazis.

SRF gladly took the man's money. But even in death, they failed to give him the honor he deserved.

Gray beard
Registered User
(12/27/01 9:12 pm)
Reply
Re: A Sad Story
R.B.,

I too was surprised that SRF didn't just come out and ask for more money in that appeal. Usually it is linked to a specific project like earthquake relief or to build the fancy new temple at Lake Shrine. As you so well detailed this one wasn't and I too did find that quite strange.

And I also found that very quote of Daya Mata's very troubling. Not that it isn't a cogent statement of the goal of the spiritual path; loving one's neighbors, co-workers, friends, being kind etc.

It just didn't compensate for the truth of SRF's actions such as the lawsuit against Ananda and the personal destruction lawsuit that Daya herself seems to have a played a very active role in undertaking, personally counseling the poor woman during a private luncheon at Mt. Washington--you know just like she gives for those devotee's who've been sexually abused, like the poor woman who suffered the impure advances of Arjunananda before she agreed to pay her $300k to go away. Wait that's right, she didn't met with the latter woman to console her, that was the woman who could and did file the lawsuit to bring down Kriyananda thus leading to the possibility of SRF regaining the copyrights that they'd lost in their lawsuit against Ananda.

"By their fruits ye shall know them"

username
Registered User
(12/28/01 8:11 am)
Reply
Self Realization is a public charity
Very interesting. I did not read the VL appeal. I just threw away the letter. But it says that Self Realization is a public charity recognized by the IRS and the FTB? How interesting! Then the financial information is public information. Call the California dept of corporations or there is some California bureau that regulates charities and you can call them up and ask them for data like what % goes to charity , what % goes to administrative (computer consultants, legal fees). If they are representing themselves in a direct mail appeal as a charity, I believe that they better be a charity. The IRS (Utah) handles the non-profit returns. They can give you a copy of the return if requested (there is a minor copy fee).

So SRF is saying they are a charity! How interesting! I thought they were recognized as a church by the IRS and FTB! and churches don't have to disclose financial information! (it is a different IRS code section) But if they are saying they are a charity maybe we should let the FTB and IRS know this! Cause then the IRS and FTB will demand financial information from them.

This reminds me about the brochure they have on the retreat it says "the retreat is open to all" but if you call them you can only go there if you are a lesson student or more.

AumBoy
Registered User
(12/28/01 10:17 am)
Reply
Re: Self Realization is a public charity
Try here: How can I obtain copies of a public charity's 990 tax return?

From the GuideStar site, this information was returned: This organization is not required to file an annual return with the IRS because it is a church.

From the California Attorney General's site, FAQ:

Quote:
2. How can I check out a charity?

You may find the most recently filed Form 900, 990EZ or 990 PF by searching the database. Please note, however, that not every charity report is available yet, and the information on the reports is unedited.

The Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts (Registry) (916-445-2021) maintains the public files containing financial reports (IRS Form 990) for the largest California registered charities. In addition, the Registry maintains a current index and a computer printout of all registered California charities. The Registry receives and processes the periodic financial reports which must be filed by the largest public benefit corporations and Charitable Trusts; many small charities are exempt from annual reporting. Currently, all hospitals, schools, and churches are also exempt from reporting to the Registry.

And:
Quote:
5. What is the role of governmental agencies regarding charities?

Various government agencies take actions that affect the status and operations of charitable organizations. The IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board initially determine whether an organization qualifies for federal and state income tax exempt status. At any time during the operating life of a charity, the IRS or the Franchise Tax Board may audit the organization to determine its liability for taxes, penalties, or revocation of tax exempt status.

The role of the Attorney General in overseeing California charities is different from the IRS and Franchise Tax Board. The Attorney General represents the public beneficiaries of charities, who cannot sue in their own right. The Attorney General investigates and audits charities to detect cases in which directors and trustees have mismanaged, diverted, or defrauded the charity. If in fact such improper actions by directors have resulted in a loss of charitable assets, the Attorney General may sue the directors to recover from them the missing funds. The funds recovered by the Attorney General are returned to the charity.

And
Quote:
7. What does the Attorney General's Office generally not investigate?

The Attorney General's Charitable Trusts jurisdiction does not apply to churches, religious corporations, homeowner's associations, and most mutual benefit corporations. The Attorney General does not review matters involving internal labor disputes, contested elections, disagreements between directors and members over policy and procedures, and most legal actions between charities and third parties regarding contracts or torts. Persons with complaints in any of the foregoing categories may choose to consult a private attorney to review legal rights and remedies.

Persons with complaints of criminal activities by a charity should refer the matter to the local district attorney.


Bottom line: Everything SRF does is a secret.

Edited by: AumBoy at: 12/28/01 10:41:51 am
member108
Registered User
(8/8/02 5:56 am)
Reply
Re: Self Realization is a public charity
Everything SRF does is certainly secret and they will hurt you to keep it so. However if you want a Christmas card from the president you can donate $1000. The price tag on attending some Christmas functions is much higher.

Money rules at SRF. If you are rich you will be treated like royalty and Br. Graham will make sure it is easy for you to give (so he can lose it in the stock market).

wholetruth
Registered User
(8/8/02 5:37 pm)
Reply
Re: Self Realization is a public charity
Bottom Line:

DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY DONATIONS!

I know I've been cured.

soulcircle
Registered User
(8/10/02 11:37 pm)
Reply
informal boycott aided by economy and fear of flying
All Here,

attendance was down this year at convocation '02
everyone informally not writing checks to srf has existed for sometime as an informal boycott

soulcircle

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