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What are things that are bad within the "walls" of SRF? You are asking for information that would fill a book, but I will give a few examples of why I, and many others, could no longer continue in the monastic life and remain true to ourselves in the process.

The problem does not lie at the feet of most monastics. Most entered the ashram because they felt that life to be their path to God. Once there, their life becomes quite different from that which they had experienced up to that time.

First comes the Postulancy. I can compare that very easily to boot camp in the service. The new monastic is severely broken from his earlier existence and this is where the brainwashing begins. After many years of this, he thinks, eats and breathes the party line. This is where he quits thinking for himself and blindly obeys any order given by his superior(s). He comes in contact with politics which take no second place to Washington, D.C. This is where lying and spying on each other begins. It doesn't ever stop. After a few years in the Postulancy, he may become eligible to become a Brahmachari.

As a Brahmachari, he quickly finds out which side his bread is buttered on. He continues on this path because he has learned not to question. This goes on throughout his monastic life, even into Sanyassi.

There are those in complete control. These are the ladies at Mt Washington. They rule with a very heavy hand. Virtually all that you read in the literature originates with them and perpetuates their stranglehold on the ashrams. Like all religions, money is the bottom line.Wealthy people are "stroked" and treated like royalty, so that they will contribute to SRF.Many have willed their earthly fortunes to SRF, much to the chagrin of their heirs. Many court battles are fought over this. One, in particular, is taking place in Atlanta right now.

Daya Mata received the home she and her sister are living in from Doris Duke, who was amply stroked by Daya. Payoffs are rampant to those who would sue the organization for discrimination, etc.

By the time one finally sees through the facade, many realize that they have made a terrible mistake in their life, they have been there for many years and have no place to go and no money, nor meaningful job opportunities to fall back on, and cannot afford to leave.Many do, however, and that is the only way that others can learn about the "inside."

It is awesome to find out that there is more love and compassion on the outside than in the ashram. There is far more truth spoken outside, and one is not told to spy on others.

There is much, much more but this will have to suffice. Believe it or not, that is the inside of SRF.

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