re: the issue of money/ Amma/ lightening up

[Guest guest]

Hi,

 

I've been reading some of the recent posts, many around giving and receiving

money,

individually and organizationally. I felt moved to share a little of my

experience thus far.

 

The first time I went to see Amma I was in a terrible situation. I had the good

fortune of,

without my even asking, people offering to take me there and paying my way- I

was flat

broke at the time. I have since had devotees sometimes ask me to help them. I

have only

given any kind of assistance when it felt right, I really wanted to and when it

was practical.

Many times I have said a simple no to requests for money from other devotees. A

congruent no in my book is always better than a messy resentful yes. Then I

don't have to

be so mad at people for asking. Questions are still free as far as I know! And

yes,

sometimes I have been pretty annoyed when someone wanted to try to guilt trip

me into

giving them money for seeing Amma (or whatever!).

 

There are many many Amma devotees, all human, quite imperfect. Any time you have

thousands of people in a group, some will be reprehensible, and unfortunately

those

persons might often be the most noticeable ones. The quiet responsible ones may

not

stand out as much. I have definitely experienced the imperfect side of Amma's

organization and her devotees (mine included). More often than not I have,

however,

especially when I tended to my response first, been treated very well by most

folks at

Amma's programs.

 

Although the organization may send letters out for donations, I have in over 14

years,

experienced their organization as being fair, frugal and low key in their

overall approach

to raising funds. That's my experience, I respect other perspectives. I hope we

can all,

without being too rigid or uptight, be mindful of how we ask for and give help.

It pains me

to think of newcomers having their initial experience be one of feeling

pressured by other

devotees.

 

So, Tony, if I ever meet you, the tea's on me. It's chai time someone treated

you!

 

best regards,

Upasana

 

p.s. I loved the joke about the nun's brother-in-law that leokomor told- it's

good to

remember just where the main office is! here's to lightening up!