Volountary Donations

[Guest guest]

Sairam Brother!

I hope that you are well and happy! I am always overcome by

the humble passion for seva that our dear Lord inspires in us.

I had many thoughts after reading your mail but did not plan on responding,

but it seems that I am compelled-hopefully with Swami's grace-to do so.

 

Here in the U.S. there is such an obsession with money. There is

also much philanthropy-giving of money to charitable causes, such as you are

involved in. It is such a common form of seva that the question regarding

it's appropriateness is constantly brought up in the center and put to our

representatives to place at the Holy Feet of God:not by prayer or meditation

but in direct conversation with Baba. The answer always comes back loud and

clear: The seva that has the greatest benifit for all involved and the world

is Heart-to-Heart, Hand-to-Hand. this being the case, I want to encouraeg

you to try something a little different.

Most important of all is to BE Swami's message-you know this. then

you might consider looking into the needs of the organizations that you give

the money to find out what the money is used for and see if you or a group

of friends and associates can fulfill that need in a hands on way. providing

a meal a few times a week, having a clothing drive. or tidying up the

facilities and grounds. teaching a skill is also good. let this become a

"project and when others inquire as to what you are doing refer mainly to

the project and how neccessary it is citing Baba sole as your inspiration.

If they ask more about Swami, feel free to share your experience. Invite

them to join in your project or suggest other ways that they can help. if

they wish to make a donation tell them how they can do so directly.

When the time comes for a trade fair, again focus on the project

or projects you and others are involved in. provide information on the

projects,the need, and how they can become involved. Discreetely provide a

box for donations to the various causes along with instructions for direct

donations. Have on hand some small pamphlet on Baba and his mission for

those who inquire as to the inspiration for your selfless service.Finally,

offer to all who are interested, whether they donate or not, one of your Sai

Baba Items(or at least offer it as a sign of gratitude). In this way you 1.)

remove the opportunity for ego or the perception of ego to become part of

the equation. 2.) you become an instrument for others to become in service.

and3.) not even the Sai Organization can accuse you of seeking personal gain

or fame. I think that in the long run you will find this formula to be even

more gratifying and bring you closer to God.

 

A few other thoughts:

 

I am a little confused regarding you distinction between

being a follower and being a devotee. also your statement that you "trained

someone to talk about Sai Baba.

 

Also, I would strongly suggest that you look into the role

of the Satya Sai Organization in Swami's mission. To my knowledge it is the

ONLY organisation blessed by Swami to promote his teachings and his mission.

As stated before, the heirarchy of this organization (who serve only to

maintain structure and integrity) report directly to Sai Baba and directly

from him. Therefor their words and actions should be respected. If you are

under the impression that Swami wants you to start something different,

please take this into account and pray, meditate, or ask Swami directly

again. I also that there have been legal tags attached to the use of His

name , form ,and wordsand that the protection of which is with the

organization. So again I would encourage you to investigate further.

I understand that Trinidad has a strong Center base who are there

for support and Seva.

 

I wish you well as we serve

with unity of thought, word, and deed,

Love and Peace,

Herb