re: the cost of tours

[Guest guest]

Dear Avram

I have spent much time working in the snack shops/kitchen during the programs at

san ramon, and have heard people who tour with amma say that the high costs of

retreats (and i am guessing tours) ARE the cash cow of the organization.

$66,000 is ALOT of money, no doubt about it. the truth of the matter is that

there are many people who have left their western lifestyle and depend on amma -

who "depends" on her devotees - to provide for them. so in some ways we western

devotees are financially supporting the devotees who have given up supporting

themselves in order to follow amma.

i think i would have more issues about this if i didn't know that amma is using

much of the money towards her many charitable organizations also, and fully

trust her divine guidance. there are other teachers and gurus who have abused

the money that comes into their organizatins. i don't think that is happening

here.

marcia

 

 

Message: 3

Mon, 29 Dec 2003 15:40:34 EST

sprose1

Re: Digest Number 1045

 

In a message dated 12/28/03 8:37:10 PM Pacific Standard Time,

Ammachi writes:

I am surprised the price is so incredibly high? I wonder why this is. I

assume that accommodations are given for free; the food is minimal, mostly rice;

petrol would be the only expense. But if you multiply 1100 by the number on

the bus, say 60, that is $66,000 for the Northern tour! Just how is that price

gotten, if not simply by what the market will bear? The money must go toward

other expenses; certainly it cannot be for the tour itself. Is it explained

anywhere how they come up with finances? Even 700 US dollars is exhorbitant for

the tour; it seems that the tours are used as a cash cow, so to speak, for

everything else. I guess the real consideration is to weed people out; only

those who have the dough can go. I think that's the only true factor in the

asking price, sorry to say. Avram

> Message: 2

> Sun, 28 Dec 2003 09:23:30 -0800 (PST)

> "E. Lamb"

> Re: North India Tour

>

> Dear Kirsten,

>

> I'm not sure what it costs now. Five or so years

> ago it was $700 for the regular bus. A friend of

> mine takes the "luxury" bus and it (a couple of

> years ago) was $1100. She took this bus because

> she is not a skinny little thing, and some of the

> buses have narrow seats for two, with a metal

> bracket on the outside of the seat, ensuring that

> no one can "hang over".

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

______________________

______________________

[Guest guest]

Namah Shivaya,

 

When one considers that $66,000 pays for fewer than 100 houses being built by

the MATH for those in need, and that tens of thousands will be built, once can

certainly see that $66,000 is not a lot of money. Add to that the hospital, the

nursing homes, the orphanages, the monthly pensions for women, and $66,000 is a

drop in the bucket.

 

Jai Ma!

Anumati

 

 

"A real yogi is one who can maintain a peaceful mind in the midst of any

crisis." - Mata Amritanandamayi Devi

 

 

 

Find out what made the Top Searches of 2003