Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is obvious to Sahaja yoginis/yogis that we all wish and strive for unity in the sangha. We are cells in the Being of the Adi Shakti and challenges to this harmony can only bring discomfort to this cosmic body and to us. However conflicts exist in our community at various levels and, when this is the case, Sahaja yoginis/yogis seek to overcome them, especially when the level of the tension affects the peace, well-being and magnetism of the collective. Unless we overcome these conflicts the ensuing struggle often proves to be drawn out and futile, further widening the gap and inconsistency that Sahaja yogini/yogi would normally wish to avoid.
For instance, at national level, it has been brought to the attention of the CC that there is a divergence between the coordinator/management group and other individual(s) or group(s). In some cases, the leadership group may have contributed to the divergence by its behavior; in others it is the diverging individual/group that is responsible for the dispute. Often the cause of the discord is a combination of various factors.
We shall not dwell here with the many aspects of inter personal differences that frequently generate the discord, but the broad principles listed below apply also to mere disputes between people.
When a controversy has degenerated to reach a state of hidden or open conflict, the mere calling for a return to unity may not suffice or could sound as a self-serving move of the management group. Rather it is more practical to establish conditions for unity to be restored. As Sahaja Yoga is a spiritual movement this implies the observance of justice and Sahaj dharma. This is the overarching standard to bring back concord. In that context the CC recalls the following four principles:
- We accept we are all bhaktas of Shri Mataji and our genuine desire is to love those that She loves; hence we shall honestly try to settle differences;
- We make a genuine attempt at finding our own faults through introspection instead of focusing on the mistakes of the other side as we frequently do;
- We forgive and ask forgiveness for our own mistakes;
- We shall use vibrations with a humble desire for guidance to know the truth and not to comfort or otherwise impose our own understanding or position in the dispute;
On the basis of the above, dialogue between parties and remedial measures have a much greater chance to be successful. Of course, Shri Mataji made it clear that negativity exists and compromising with it does not bring a Sahaj solution. The above procedures shall reduce the level of negativity within us to begin with but conflict settlement shall work only if ALL parties to the dispute make a sincere attempt.
There are cases when the intervention of a third party is sought to help the settlement of conflict. The following represent the proposed course of action of the CC. We are happy to receive your views and comments.
With love and respect,
The Members of the Central Committee
PROCEDURES FOR ARBITRATION OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE OF SAHAJA YOGA
The CC may be called upon from time to time to arbitrate conflicts of national significance. Conflicts at the sub-national level should be referred to national councils. The CC in a first step would endeavor to explain that it would be far preferable for a national collective to find the wisdom to settle differences by the practice of the teachings of Shri Mataji that entails: introspection, forgiveness, compassion, fairness and following dharma in all aspects of our behavior.
Should the CC reach the conclusion that its own intervention would be necessary and possible, it would, in principle, operate according to the following conditions that are in conformity with best arbitration practices:
- It is preferable that the two Parties to a conflict which warrants outside intervention agree to ask for the CC Arbitration with a view to seek a settlement in the interest of the sangha;
- The two Parties to a conflict which warrants outside intervention agree to respect the conclusions of a CC Arbitration as endorsed by the CC and to take the consequent advocated measures;
- The two Parties to a conflict which warrants outside intervention agree that the CC shall choose the Arbitrator; the CC might select an Arbitrator within or outside its membership;
- The two Parties select their respective representative to interact with the CC appointed Arbitrator with a mandate to seek a just reconciliation;
- The two Parties agree to take up the cost (travel and boarding) of an in country visit of the Arbitrator, should the Arbitrator come to the conclusion that such a mission is called for in the discharge of his/her mandate.
- The in-country mission shall, to all extent possible, include a joint meditation and prayer with the two Parties, interview of members of the local collective and sessions of conciliation.
- The Arbitrator shall report to the CC the outcome of the mission and forward the conclusion of the Arbitration in writing.
- The CC shall be responsible for reviewing/ adjusting and/or endorsing the conclusions of the Arbitration and forward it to both Parties.
- The CC may at any time review the applicability of these rules to a given case and adjust the course of action accordingly in the greatest interest of the sangha.
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