(Last update: November 25, 2007)
*Introduction:
The actual strength of SRCM is a subject of perpetual speculation. It is difficult to identify what is false! Nevertheless, the growth, even if it tends to slow down, has been very important, it is undeniable. And if India constitutes the bulk of followers of Sahaj Marg, there are many groups in Western Europe and North America. Where will the SRCM operate tomorrow is another story?
If one puts aside the goal that was dear to Babuji, to achieve a critical size in order to tilt the world towards spirituality, it is important to realize that the quest for growth was imposed on Chari from the minute he claimed power. His attempted coup could only be legitimized by its numerical success ...
*SRCM in a Few Numbers:
(Last update: November 18, 2007)
1. The Numbers Game
200,000 followers in India, 25,000 elsewhere of which 3,500 in Europe. These are the latest figures disclosed by the SRCM ® during a presentation of the group in Germany in 2007.
When a number is disseminated, it is first an announcement, and a possible effect of which is manipulation. And Chari excels in this area! He handles over or underestimation with agility according to his interests. And then, which number should count? The contributors, participants regular or occasional, supporters? The mixture permanent practiced by SRCM ® even simplifies the manipulation.
Only the SRCM ® knows the exact figures, if they exist at all. Trying to establish the truth is a delicate exercise. There is only one source, but the source and context of the dessimination of each number is at least as important as the figure itself. And the recapitulations of adepts (abhyasis), instructors (preceptor) and meditation centers or ashrams help in consolidating the analysis.
Thus, in reality, it seems rather that the number revolves around 100,000 abhyasis around the world, including 15,000 outside India and approximately 5000 in Europe.
Why such a difference? Chari wants to highlight the importance of his success, and he is keen to increase the numbers. In recent years, the effect of advertisement fluctuated between 200 and 300,000 adepts, as if they were no longer around to 100,000 followers. But due to a relative hostility in Europe toward "harmful sects" (cults), there is a tendency to reduce the local numbers so as not to panic the population and governments. While it is rather the opposite across the Atlantic…
2. Historical Evolution
After his death in 1931, Lalaji had 212 disciples, according NaqshMuMra. Upon his arrival at the SRCM in 1964-65, Chari estimates the number of Babuji's disciples to be only 42 or 43, then seven times that in 1970. In 1983, following the death of Babuji, Ajay Kumar Bhatter reveals that there would have been approximately 3,000 abhyasis. KC Narayana estimated their number to 20,000 in 1991. Then came Chari's announcement of from 50 to 55,000 followers in 1995-97, and 75,000 in 2000. He claims to have then multiplied by three the number of Indian abhyasis in three years. Finally, the figures announced by the SRCM ® between 2004 and 2007 fluctuated between 200 and 300,000 followers, depending on circumstances, no less…
There is, here's a perfect example of manipulation of information. Especially since these figures are all from the effects of announcements, none on the daily administrative management of SRCM ®. Thus Chari's interest to minimize the number of followers before his arrival in 1964 and then to magnify the growth so as to attribute it to himself.
This does not alter the fact that the SRCM ® has grown considerably since the 70's, as regretted Dr. KC Varadachari. But to then multiply the figures by two or three in recent times, there is a big step that Chari crossed gleefully.
3. The SRCM today
Whatever the actual figures, India has at least 85% of the followers of the SRCM ®. Then leading the way, America and Europe each weighing in at nearly 40% of the membership outside India. The rest of Asia accounts for less than 15%, Africa to 5% and Oceania 3%.
India is therefore first with 75 to 100,000 followers. It is followed far behind by the United States with approximately 4,000 abhyasis, 1,000 in France, then Germany with around 750, then Denmark, Canada and the United Arab Emirates with about 500 each, according to the SRCM ®.
Rather than treating the figures in absolute terms, we can also calculate a penetration of SRCM® in each country, which I defined as the number of abhyasis per million inhabitants. This time, a few small countries arrive well ahead: Emirates with about 130 abhyasis per million inhabitants, followed closely by Denmark with nearly 100 followers per million inhabitants, India 85 followers per million inhabitants. They then fall sharply with Switzerland and Singapore with between 40 and 50 abhyasis per million inhabitants, then Ireland and Austria with a approximately thirty followers per million inhabitants. Let us remember that the average penetration rate the world over is only 15 to 20 abhyasis per million inhabitants.
In terms of membership growth, the annual rates (calculated on the period 2002-7) the highest observed growth rates are in Latin America (including Brazil), Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Spain. There is also some negative growth, especially in Africa, and a relative stagnation-negative growth rate in France and Ireland.
4. And tomorrow?
For more than a decade, SRCM is threatened by the stagnation of its membership. Already seen in Western Europe and in Oceania, it now threatens North America. Chari has strongly fought this stagnation by investing all his energy in India in recent years, but this will not last forever.
The rest of Asia, like the African continent, are still fairly sealed off to the theses of Sahaj Marg. The only observed real growth are in the regions of concern where the SRCM has invested more recently, that is Latin America and Eastern Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Nevertheless it does not stop Chari from multiplying his efforts to China and Asian countries open to international trade, such as Singapore or Dubai ...
*Geography of the SRCM ®
(Last update: 20/11/2007)
The presence of SRCM ® is very unequal in the world: whatever the actual figures, India has at least 85% of followers. Then there are leading America and Europe each weighing in at nearly 40% of the membership outside India. The rest of Asia is less than 15%, Africa to 5% and Oceania 3%.
1. Asia
Thanks to its membership in India, SRCM was mostly present in Asia. But without them, it is one of the continents most sealed off from Sahaj Marg. India, Malaya (Singapore and Malaysia) and more recently the United Arab Emirates accounted for almost all the Asian membership.
India accounts for at least 85% of the SRCM ® globe (75 to 100,000 abhyasis), which represents a penetration rate of around 85 adepts per million inhabitants. They are located mainly in Uttar Pradesh in the north, and in the Horn of southern India. Namely in the traditional stronghold of Lalaji and Babuji in the north and in the more modernized and westernized South dear to Chari. Outside of that, Sahaj Marg has difficulty in establishing itself.
The rest of Asia has less than 2,000 adepts, a penetration rate of less than one follower per million inhabitants, and one of the lowest and comparable to Africa. The few breakthroughs have been recorded in the enclaves that are the most capitalist of the planet, like Singapore and Dubai. In more than two thirds of Asian outside India, they are concentrated in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and its reservoir of membership, Malaysia. Should we draw conclusions about the people who are interested in Sahaj Marg?
Chari has tried for several years to establish SRCM ® in China by all means, at the heart of an infinite reservoir of potential followers. Hong Kong and the Chinese capitalist evolution might serve as a springboard if we trust the previous results ...
2. Europe
After India, Western Europe has long been recognized as the first bastion of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Established since 1972, notably in France, Denmark and Switzerland, it still covers about 30% of the membership outside India, or about 4,000 followers, with a record entry of 15 to 20 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Its growth falters, however, for the last ten years.
Unlike countries where SRCM ® has a strong and longstanding presence and where the numbers are not increasing, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom could see their numbers grow significantly in the near future.
Eastern Europe is only a land of conquest for the SRCM ® since the fall of the Berlin Wall. There are approximately a thousand followers presently, a low penetration (2 abhyasis per million inhabitants), which implies a capacity for very important progress, particularly in Russia. Belarus and Romania in particular illustrate these developments ...
3. The Americas
Implanted also since 1972 in North America, the SRCM has largely stagnated before catching up and then exceeding those in Western Europe, largely due to students and workers of Indian origin who represent the bulk of the SRCM troops in the USA. It rose from 19% of the globe outside India in 1995 to 28% today, while Europe fell by 60 to 46%, despite his conquests to the east (Eastern Europe). Currently, there are nearly 5000 followers, which represents a penetration of 10 to 15 abhyasis per million inhabitants. The gowth tends to falter gradually, which would mean that Americans are less docile than Europeans to the theses of Sahaj Marg.
The penetration of SRCM in Latin America is more recent and weaker, with nearly one thousand followers, and is in a situation similar to Eastern Europe with the same potential increase, already shown in particular in Brazil.
4. Oceania
The SRCM entered in Oceania in 80's and has been slow to take off. There are now slightly less than 500 followers, a penetration of 10 to 15 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Despite the importance of people from India, the growth might appear quite low. A situation quite similar to that of the United States ...
Most of the followers are in Australia, even if the SRCM tends to spread over the islands.
5. Africa
Africa has 500 to 1,000 followers at themost, or a penetration rate of less than one abhyasi per million inhabitants. The theses of Sahaj Marg does not seduce Africans. Especially since two thirds of abhyasis Africa are concentrated in Madagascar and South Africa, host country of the traditional Indian labour emigrant.
In the rest of the continent, the spread of SRCM is heavily dependent on the presence of abhyasis expatriates. Their departure is usually followed by the gradual disappearance of other followers.
*Why the growth?
(Last update: 21/11/2007)
At the origins of Sahaj Marg, growth was an unthinkable concept. That did not figure in the thinking of Lalaji, as in the Sufi and Hindu traditions. But Babuji has introduced a new concept, namely critical mass, a minimum amount of followers of the SRCM which would tilt the world towards spirituality.
When did this concept originate? It is clear that there has been no major changes in staffing during the first 20 years of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. But then came the criticism of Dr. KC Varadachari who accuses Babuji for his focus on quantity as opposed to quality. So is this a concept of Babuji's? Is it one of Chari's? Or one of Babuji's under the influence of Chari?
Since the arrival of Chari, that is sure, growth has become an end in itself. Was it there before Chari? No one speaks of critical mass now, or their level of achievement, but Chari still calls for gowth to achieve his Master, Babuji's, objective ...
Practically speaking, the development of the SRCM in the West wanted by Chari was an imperative. That has enabled him to establish himself as the leader of Sahaj Marg, while he was sharply questioned by the elders. He had no choice, it is the numbers which has forced his recogniton, almost naturally. Sahaj Marg probably would not have survived without Chari's Legions!
But these cohorts of worshipers have also created a sense of power, which would quickly intoxicate most men of high integrity, including Chari. One can assume that he succumbed like everyone else, and that he reiterated. Not to mention that the many resignations could not be offset by a constant growth that is at least as important.
Finally, after the intoxication to Power, comes that to Money. The growing importance of the movement required more administration, but also more financial flow. And western abhyasis are awash in capital. And the real estate frenzy has won Chari over. In the interest of Sahaj Marg only, or in his own also, that is the question ...
The fragile take-over of power by Chari has imposed the ongoing search for growth to keep his post, it has also driven the organizational model of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission.
*To get Deeper
* How life becomes hell?
Chari re-states his targets of growth to his preceptor, "guilting" them, because there are never enough results (more ...)
* By Country
O Germany
O Belgium
O Canada
O Denmark
O USA
O France
O India
O Switzerland
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
How Life Becomes Hell!
How life becomes hell?
"In Denmark, in particular, people talk so much Babuji Maharaj, you see, we expect that there will be good results here ... And yet, there does not appear to have results in this for countries (...) heaven's sake, wake up and get to work! "
Chari's address to the preceptor - Vrads Sande (Denmark) - 19/09/1998
"The divine plan can only be realized by human effort ... In 1972 I traveled with Babuji to the US. After three weeks there were 76 abhyasis but until 1984 it was arround the same number. What does this show? Nobody worked. But today we have three thousand. Only work produces results, only God works through human beings. "
Chari's address in Denmark (10/08/2000)
An English preceptor relates his experience and feelings following a seminar in Manchester on 12 and 13/03/1999: "We watched Chariji's speech to preceptors in India, October 1, 1996 on video. Chariji said preceptors do not work enough. By not working we are really insulting Babuji and his plans. We were sad after the video. "Natural Way (Fall 2000)
Chari, in a speech at the ashram of Mysore (Karnataka, India), February 16, 2004, urged his followers to wake up: "(…) Karnataka has been very slow in developing in Sahaj Marg (…) there is too much tendency to stay at home and wait for everything to come to our house (…) I know many houses where the father is the abhyasi, not the wife, not children, and for twenty years they do not change. If a man can not influence his own wife to start Sahaj Marg, who else is he going to influence? I know wives are very difficult to manage, but that is female nature, you see, and we are here to change nature by starting with our own family first (…) So, people of Karnataka, please awake. "Same thing at the Bangalore Sept. 26: "(…) Karnataka is a big state. Why is it not growing? (…) But no growth (…) is a sleepy Karnataka state (…) If you sleep, you have to be woken up. "
At a meeting of Preceptors in Chennai (17/07/2004), Chari is for them: "(…) we were talking (…) about preceptors, their responsibilities, their work or lack of it (…) I receive letters from abhyasis, from preceptors, and they tend to dramatizes this business of being a preceptor out of all proportion to what it really involves in our life. Either they suffer from guilt because they do not do the work that is assigned to them that goes with being a preceptor (…). And sometimes they are also angry, annoyed, desperate (…). "
"(…) I really did not expect to come back to the USA again, because I was pretty depressed about the general situation. Not of the economy, not of the politics, not of the country, you know, but of the abhyasis of the Mission. (…) It had become something of a routine, you know (…). That was one reason why I was not traveling abroad for the last three years out of India. (…) the people of India yet come to spirituality. So, like my old job in my company, where I was a marketing man, I had good markets, markets and bad markets which were okay. (…) And the temptation was always to go to the good market first (… ) marketing management dictates that you should give more time to those markets which are not so profitable or productive. (…) So I have been concentrating on India for the last three years, and I am very happy to say that, if you think in terms of statistics, we've probably had three hundred percent growth in the last three years in India. We've had so many new ashrams coming up, coming up big ashrams, housing projects coming up, abhyasis coming in droves, you know ( …). And it is good. (…) I do not have a conscience at all - it's a question of work. I do not judge myself, I only do my work and leave the result to him. And (…) here I am. (…) I'm really happy to see more Native Americans this time in the Mission than I have ever seen before. (…) I want to see an enormous audience of Americans here. I do not want to see less of Indians, I want to see more of Americans. Indians More and more, much more and more of Americans, and these halls should become too small for us. " -
Excerpts from "I only do My Work", Chari speech in San Jose (CA, USA) 10/08/2003
Rather than live in serenity which was promised, the preceptor's dark in fear of displeasing the Master, to never do enough to earn his affection. A permanent malaise that is carefully maintained by Chari ...
"In Denmark, in particular, people talk so much Babuji Maharaj, you see, we expect that there will be good results here ... And yet, there does not appear to have results in this for countries (...) heaven's sake, wake up and get to work! "
Chari's address to the preceptor - Vrads Sande (Denmark) - 19/09/1998
"The divine plan can only be realized by human effort ... In 1972 I traveled with Babuji to the US. After three weeks there were 76 abhyasis but until 1984 it was arround the same number. What does this show? Nobody worked. But today we have three thousand. Only work produces results, only God works through human beings. "
Chari's address in Denmark (10/08/2000)
An English preceptor relates his experience and feelings following a seminar in Manchester on 12 and 13/03/1999: "We watched Chariji's speech to preceptors in India, October 1, 1996 on video. Chariji said preceptors do not work enough. By not working we are really insulting Babuji and his plans. We were sad after the video. "Natural Way (Fall 2000)
Chari, in a speech at the ashram of Mysore (Karnataka, India), February 16, 2004, urged his followers to wake up: "(…) Karnataka has been very slow in developing in Sahaj Marg (…) there is too much tendency to stay at home and wait for everything to come to our house (…) I know many houses where the father is the abhyasi, not the wife, not children, and for twenty years they do not change. If a man can not influence his own wife to start Sahaj Marg, who else is he going to influence? I know wives are very difficult to manage, but that is female nature, you see, and we are here to change nature by starting with our own family first (…) So, people of Karnataka, please awake. "Same thing at the Bangalore Sept. 26: "(…) Karnataka is a big state. Why is it not growing? (…) But no growth (…) is a sleepy Karnataka state (…) If you sleep, you have to be woken up. "
At a meeting of Preceptors in Chennai (17/07/2004), Chari is for them: "(…) we were talking (…) about preceptors, their responsibilities, their work or lack of it (…) I receive letters from abhyasis, from preceptors, and they tend to dramatizes this business of being a preceptor out of all proportion to what it really involves in our life. Either they suffer from guilt because they do not do the work that is assigned to them that goes with being a preceptor (…). And sometimes they are also angry, annoyed, desperate (…). "
"(…) I really did not expect to come back to the USA again, because I was pretty depressed about the general situation. Not of the economy, not of the politics, not of the country, you know, but of the abhyasis of the Mission. (…) It had become something of a routine, you know (…). That was one reason why I was not traveling abroad for the last three years out of India. (…) the people of India yet come to spirituality. So, like my old job in my company, where I was a marketing man, I had good markets, markets and bad markets which were okay. (…) And the temptation was always to go to the good market first (… ) marketing management dictates that you should give more time to those markets which are not so profitable or productive. (…) So I have been concentrating on India for the last three years, and I am very happy to say that, if you think in terms of statistics, we've probably had three hundred percent growth in the last three years in India. We've had so many new ashrams coming up, coming up big ashrams, housing projects coming up, abhyasis coming in droves, you know ( …). And it is good. (…) I do not have a conscience at all - it's a question of work. I do not judge myself, I only do my work and leave the result to him. And (…) here I am. (…) I'm really happy to see more Native Americans this time in the Mission than I have ever seen before. (…) I want to see an enormous audience of Americans here. I do not want to see less of Indians, I want to see more of Americans. Indians More and more, much more and more of Americans, and these halls should become too small for us. " -
Excerpts from "I only do My Work", Chari speech in San Jose (CA, USA) 10/08/2003
Rather than live in serenity which was promised, the preceptor's dark in fear of displeasing the Master, to never do enough to earn his affection. A permanent malaise that is carefully maintained by Chari ...
Switzerland (last update: Nov. 21, 2007)
Estimates:
* Membership: 300 to 400 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe) (253 in 1994, 356 in 2002)
* Preceptors: 36 in 2007, 30 in 1995
* Growth: (3% in Western Europe on 2002-7)
* Penetration: 40 to 50 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20)
* 1 Ashram in Lausanne, since 1996
The abhyasis are focused mainly around Lausanne. Two-thirds live in the canton of Vaud.
* Membership: 300 to 400 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe) (253 in 1994, 356 in 2002)
* Preceptors: 36 in 2007, 30 in 1995
* Growth:
* Penetration: 40 to 50 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20)
* 1 Ashram in Lausanne, since 1996
The abhyasis are focused mainly around Lausanne. Two-thirds live in the canton of Vaud.
India (last update: Nov. 21, 2007)
Estimates:
* Mamberhip: 85000 abhyasis? (100 000 in the world?)
* Preceptors: 1137 in 2006, 610 in 1995
* Growth: 8% per year over 1995-2007 (7% in the world)
* Penetration: 85 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20 in the world)
What is certain is that India is the main source of SRCMfollowers, and that the number of preceptors has doubled in a dozen years and that more than half of them are concentrated in 4 states: Uttar Pradesh in the north and 3 states of the Horn southern India: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This is roughly the same for meditation centers and for ashrams.
* Mamberhip: 85000 abhyasis? (100 000 in the world?)
* Preceptors: 1137 in 2006, 610 in 1995
* Growth: 8% per year over 1995-2007 (7% in the world)
* Penetration: 85 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20 in the world)
What is certain is that India is the main source of SRCMfollowers, and that the number of preceptors has doubled in a dozen years and that more than half of them are concentrated in 4 states: Uttar Pradesh in the north and 3 states of the Horn southern India: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This is roughly the same for meditation centers and for ashrams.
France (last update: Nov. 21, 2007)
Estimates:
* Membership: 1100 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe) (ca. 600 in 1986, 1483 in 1994, approx. 1100 since 2001)
* Preceptors: 97 in 2007, 110 in 1995
* Growth: 0% (3% in Western Europe on 2002-7)
* Penetration: 18 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20)
* Association Act 1901 created in 1986
* Ashrams in Montpellier, Nice and Paris + 40 centers
For a long time, France was the country with the largest (most important) abhyasis community after India. The membership has flirted with 2,000 followers level at the end of 90's, only to collapse to approximately one thousand. This is not because of French government policy on (sectes nuisibles) cults, but because of significant internal divisions.
In SRCM France was established in 1986. In 1988, Augerans Castle (39) was purchased to become the European headquarters of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission Ashram and the first Western headquarters. It was resold in 2003 under firm pressure from Chari. The current vice president lives in Switzerland and is of Dutch origin.
The geographical distribution of abhyasis is very uneven. They are concentrated mainly in the Paris region and in the south, around Montpellier and Marseille-Nice-Toulon. Already in 1995, the Ile de France and the south together accounted for three quarters of abhyasis, two thirds of the preceptors and half of the centers.
* Membership: 1100 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe) (ca. 600 in 1986, 1483 in 1994, approx. 1100 since 2001)
* Preceptors: 97 in 2007, 110 in 1995
* Growth: 0% (3% in Western Europe on 2002-7)
* Penetration: 18 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20)
* Association Act 1901 created in 1986
* Ashrams in Montpellier, Nice and Paris + 40 centers
For a long time, France was the country with the largest (most important) abhyasis community after India. The membership has flirted with 2,000 followers level at the end of 90's, only to collapse to approximately one thousand. This is not because of French government policy on (sectes nuisibles) cults, but because of significant internal divisions.
In SRCM France was established in 1986. In 1988, Augerans Castle (39) was purchased to become the European headquarters of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission Ashram and the first Western headquarters. It was resold in 2003 under firm pressure from Chari. The current vice president lives in Switzerland and is of Dutch origin.
The geographical distribution of abhyasis is very uneven. They are concentrated mainly in the Paris region and in the south, around Montpellier and Marseille-Nice-Toulon. Already in 1995, the Ile de France and the south together accounted for three quarters of abhyasis, two thirds of the preceptors and half of the centers.
United States of America (USA) (last updtate: Nov. 21, 2007)
Estimates:
* Membership: 3 to 4000 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe)
* Preceptors: 234 in 2007, 180 in 2004, 86 in 1995
* Growth: 14% (8% in the world through 1995-2007)
* Penetration: 10 to 15 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20 in Western Europe)
* 4 Ashrams, 1 Center for Retirement
The SRCM established in 1972, but it has vegetated until 1984. Since then, it has made a double effort and is today the largest community of abhyasis after India, but it seems that more than half of them are of Indian origin. In 1995, half of the preceptors were of Indian origin, and now represents two-thirds of the newcomers.
Begun in the heart of Georgia, the community is now mainly in Silicon Valley in California, Ohio and Texas, representing more than a third of abhyasis.
"The divine plan can only be realized by human effort ... In 1972 I traveled with Babuji to the US. After three weeks there were 76 abhyasis but until 1984 it was arround the same number. What does this show? Nobody worked. But today we have three thousand. Only work produces results, only God works through human beings. " Chari's address in Denmark (10/08/2000)
"(…) Non-stop travel to the West commencing in 1985 (…). In 1986 we had our first national seminar in New Jersey. In August 1987 we celebrated Rev. Master's 60th birth anniversary at the double K Ranch, near Seattle, Washington . During that celebration (…) [He] accompanied by Chinu Sreenivasan on one side and me [Victor Kannan] to the left hand of Him. (…) Master said, it will be nice to have a place like this for an Ashram ( …) the ashram land was dedicated on September 18, 1988 (…) So, this ashram was His idea. The site selection was His idea. The care takers were chosen by Him (...)",
Victor Kannan in Point of Light - Quarterly Nawsletter of the Molena Retreat center, USA (10/10/07)
"(…) [Mission] is not serving the local Native American population (…) Of course, it exists to serve the Indians, too, but it is not an Indian Mission." -
Speech at Dayton -OH-USA, 29/07/2003
"(…) I really did not expect to come back to the USA again, because I was pretty depressed about the general situation. Not of the economy, not of the politics, not of the country, you know, but of the abhyasis of the Mission. (…) I'm really happy to see more Native Americans this time in the Mission than I have ever seen before. (…) I want to see an enormous audience of Americans here. I do not want to see less of Indians, I want to see more of Americans. Indians More and more, much more and more of Americans, and these halls should become too small for us. " -
Excerpts from "I only do My Work", Chari speech in San Jose (CA, USA) 10/08/2003
"I am very happy that this meeting, and what I have heard here from the various people responsible for the Mission in Canada, the USA, in South America, has given my dying flame of hope in my heart a revival. It is as if a long night of stagnation has ended in these countries, and we will see the sun rise and grow stronger and stronger over a few years before it attains a full strength. I remember with some regret that many years ago there were more than three thousand abhyasis We in the US have actually slipped to about eleven hundred, I think, and we are now on a fresh wave of growth. And I am happy that we have Girish said about three thousand abhyasis back again on the slate. But that is where we were ten, twelve years ago, and now begins the growth, shall we say, wave. And all that is necessary is not hard work, is nothing very special about it. All that is necessary is co-operation. (…) I suggest that you adopt a wolf as a symbol for your growth. (…) You know, in America numbers are what we talk about all the time. Bottom line. Numbers. Santosh can tell you more about it than I can. I want to see numbers. (…) And you know, we are not a commercial organization, we are not in this to convert people, we are not in this to make money. We are here to bring nice, cool, potable water of life to the people of the Americas. And I hope they will respond. But it is your job to see that they are thirsty. Pick out the thirsty ones. "
Speech by 23/07/2007 at Tiruppur-India, abhyasis American (The water of life)
* Membership: 3 to 4000 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe)
* Preceptors: 234 in 2007, 180 in 2004, 86 in 1995
* Growth: 14% (8% in the world through 1995-2007)
* Penetration: 10 to 15 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20 in Western Europe)
* 4 Ashrams, 1 Center for Retirement
The SRCM established in 1972, but it has vegetated until 1984. Since then, it has made a double effort and is today the largest community of abhyasis after India, but it seems that more than half of them are of Indian origin. In 1995, half of the preceptors were of Indian origin, and now represents two-thirds of the newcomers.
Begun in the heart of Georgia, the community is now mainly in Silicon Valley in California, Ohio and Texas, representing more than a third of abhyasis.
"The divine plan can only be realized by human effort ... In 1972 I traveled with Babuji to the US. After three weeks there were 76 abhyasis but until 1984 it was arround the same number. What does this show? Nobody worked. But today we have three thousand. Only work produces results, only God works through human beings. " Chari's address in Denmark (10/08/2000)
"(…) Non-stop travel to the West commencing in 1985 (…). In 1986 we had our first national seminar in New Jersey. In August 1987 we celebrated Rev. Master's 60th birth anniversary at the double K Ranch, near Seattle, Washington . During that celebration (…) [He] accompanied by Chinu Sreenivasan on one side and me [Victor Kannan] to the left hand of Him. (…) Master said, it will be nice to have a place like this for an Ashram ( …) the ashram land was dedicated on September 18, 1988 (…) So, this ashram was His idea. The site selection was His idea. The care takers were chosen by Him (...)",
Victor Kannan in Point of Light - Quarterly Nawsletter of the Molena Retreat center, USA (10/10/07)
"(…) [Mission] is not serving the local Native American population (…) Of course, it exists to serve the Indians, too, but it is not an Indian Mission." -
Speech at Dayton -OH-USA, 29/07/2003
"(…) I really did not expect to come back to the USA again, because I was pretty depressed about the general situation. Not of the economy, not of the politics, not of the country, you know, but of the abhyasis of the Mission. (…) I'm really happy to see more Native Americans this time in the Mission than I have ever seen before. (…) I want to see an enormous audience of Americans here. I do not want to see less of Indians, I want to see more of Americans. Indians More and more, much more and more of Americans, and these halls should become too small for us. " -
Excerpts from "I only do My Work", Chari speech in San Jose (CA, USA) 10/08/2003
"I am very happy that this meeting, and what I have heard here from the various people responsible for the Mission in Canada, the USA, in South America, has given my dying flame of hope in my heart a revival. It is as if a long night of stagnation has ended in these countries, and we will see the sun rise and grow stronger and stronger over a few years before it attains a full strength. I remember with some regret that many years ago there were more than three thousand abhyasis We in the US have actually slipped to about eleven hundred, I think, and we are now on a fresh wave of growth. And I am happy that we have Girish said about three thousand abhyasis back again on the slate. But that is where we were ten, twelve years ago, and now begins the growth, shall we say, wave. And all that is necessary is not hard work, is nothing very special about it. All that is necessary is co-operation. (…) I suggest that you adopt a wolf as a symbol for your growth. (…) You know, in America numbers are what we talk about all the time. Bottom line. Numbers. Santosh can tell you more about it than I can. I want to see numbers. (…) And you know, we are not a commercial organization, we are not in this to convert people, we are not in this to make money. We are here to bring nice, cool, potable water of life to the people of the Americas. And I hope they will respond. But it is your job to see that they are thirsty. Pick out the thirsty ones. "
Speech by 23/07/2007 at Tiruppur-India, abhyasis American (The water of life)
Denmark (last update: Nov. 21, 2007)
Estimates:
* Membership: 4 to 600 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe)
* Preceptors: 46 in 2007, 35 in 1995
* Growth: 2% in Western Europe in 1995-2007
* Penetration: nearly 100 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20 in Western Europe)
* 1 Ashram: Vrads Sande, since 1992 + 4 centers
Established since 1968, SRCM Denmark has much interested Babuji. Perhaps because of its penetration rate, one of the highest in the world, but this did not stop the community abhyasis from being most heavily concentrated around the Ashram, circa Bryrup in Jutland. More than a third of the abhyasis reside in the village of Vrads.
* Membership: 4 to 600 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe)
* Preceptors: 46 in 2007, 35 in 1995
* Growth: 2% in Western Europe in 1995-2007
* Penetration: nearly 100 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20 in Western Europe)
* 1 Ashram: Vrads Sande, since 1992 + 4 centers
Established since 1968, SRCM Denmark has much interested Babuji. Perhaps because of its penetration rate, one of the highest in the world, but this did not stop the community abhyasis from being most heavily concentrated around the Ashram, circa Bryrup in Jutland. More than a third of the abhyasis reside in the village of Vrads.
Canada (last update: Nov. 21, 2007)
Estimates:
* Membership: 300 to 400 abhyasis (as Switzerland)
* Preceptors: 29 in 2007, 12 in 1995
* Growth: 12% (8% in the world through 1995-2007)
* Penetration: 10 to 15 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20 in Western Europe)
The SRCM was established in Canada in 1972, most abhyasis resident in British Columbia.
* Membership: 300 to 400 abhyasis (as Switzerland)
* Preceptors: 29 in 2007, 12 in 1995
* Growth: 12% (8% in the world through 1995-2007)
* Penetration: 10 to 15 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20 in Western Europe)
The SRCM was established in Canada in 1972, most abhyasis resident in British Columbia.
Belgium (last update: Nov. 21, 2007)
Estimates:
* Membership: 40 to 75 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe)
* Preceptors: 5 in 2007, 5 in 1995
* Growth: 0% (3% in Western Europe on 2002-7)
* Penetration: 5 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20)
* 3 Centers
* Assocation statutes filed in 1994
A crisis marked the beginning of 2000 and most of the former preceptors left SRCM Belgium. Since then, Belgium is grouped with the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
* Membership: 40 to 75 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe)
* Preceptors: 5 in 2007, 5 in 1995
* Growth: 0% (3% in Western Europe on 2002-7)
* Penetration: 5 abhyasis per million population (15 to 20)
* 3 Centers
* Assocation statutes filed in 1994
A crisis marked the beginning of 2000 and most of the former preceptors left SRCM Belgium. Since then, Belgium is grouped with the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Germany (last update: Nov. 21, 2007)
Estimates:
* Membership: 600 to 800 abhyasis (4000 in Western Europe)
* Preceptors: 56 in 2007, 37 in 1995
* Growth: 4% (2% in Western Europe in 1995-2007)
* Penetration: 15 to 20 per million inhabitants
* 1 Ashram in Berlin since 2006
Germany has long been lagging behind its neighbors. It concentrates higher activity in recent years, which saw it get the green light by Chari for the acquisition of an ashram. At the organizational level, it is now linked to the German-speaking countries: it shares its leaders with Austria and German-speaking Switzerland.
Importance of Shri Ram Chandra Mission (last update: Nov 25, 2007)
(Last update: November 25, 2007)
*Introduction:
The actual strength of SRCM is a subject of perpetual speculation. It is difficult to identify what is false! Nevertheless, the growth, even if it tends to slow down, has been very important, it is undeniable. And if India constitutes the bulk of followers of Sahaj Marg, there are many groups in Western Europe and North America. Where will the SRCM operate tomorrow is another story?
If one puts aside the goal that was dear to Babuji, to achieve a critical size in order to tilt the world towards spirituality, it is important to realize that the quest for growth was imposed on Chari from the minute he claimed power. His attempted coup could only be legitimized by its numerical success ...
*SRCM in a Few Numbers:
(Last update: November 18, 2007)
1. The Numbers Game
200,000 followers in India, 25,000 elsewhere of which 3,500 in Europe. These are the latest figures disclosed by the SRCM ® during a presentation of the group in Germany in 2007.
When a number is disseminated, it is first an announcement, and a possible effect of which is manipulation. And Chari excels in this area! He handles over or underestimation with agility according to his interests. And then, which number should count? The contributors, participants regular or occasional, supporters? The mixture permanent practiced by SRCM ® even simplifies the manipulation.
Only the SRCM ® knows the exact figures, if they exist at all. Trying to establish the truth is a delicate exercise. There is only one source, but the source and context of the dessimination of each number is at least as important as the figure itself. And the recapitulations of adepts (abhyasis), instructors (preceptor) and meditation centers or ashrams help in consolidating the analysis.
Thus, in reality, it seems rather that the number revolves around 100,000 abhyasis around the world, including 15,000 outside India and approximately 5000 in Europe.
Why such a difference? Chari wants to highlight the importance of his success, and he is keen to increase the numbers. In recent years, the effect of advertisement fluctuated between 200 and 300,000 adepts, as if they were no longer around to 100,000 followers. But due to a relative hostility in Europe toward "harmful sects" (cults), there is a tendency to reduce the local numbers so as not to panic the population and governments. While it is rather the opposite across the Atlantic…
2. Historical Evolution
After his death in 1931, Lalaji had 212 disciples, according NaqshMuMra. Upon his arrival at the SRCM in 1964-65, Chari estimates the number of Babuji's disciples to be only 42 or 43, then seven times that in 1970. In 1983, following the death of Babuji, Ajay Kumar Bhatter reveals that there would have been approximately 3,000 abhyasis. KC Narayana estimated their number to 20,000 in 1991. Then came Chari's announcement of from 50 to 55,000 followers in 1995-97, and 75,000 in 2000. He claims to have then multiplied by three the number of Indian abhyasis in three years. Finally, the figures announced by the SRCM ® between 2004 and 2007 fluctuated between 200 and 300,000 followers, depending on circumstances, no less…
There is, here's a perfect example of manipulation of information. Especially since these figures are all from the effects of announcements, none on the daily administrative management of SRCM ®. Thus Chari's interest to minimize the number of followers before his arrival in 1964 and then to magnify the growth so as to attribute it to himself.
This does not alter the fact that the SRCM ® has grown considerably since the 70's, as regretted Dr. KC Varadachari. But to then multiply the figures by two or three in recent times, there is a big step that Chari crossed gleefully.
3. The SRCM today
Whatever the actual figures, India has at least 85% of the followers of the SRCM ®. Then leading the way, America and Europe each weighing in at nearly 40% of the membership outside India. The rest of Asia accounts for less than 15%, Africa to 5% and Oceania 3%.
India is therefore first with 75 to 100,000 followers. It is followed far behind by the United States with approximately 4,000 abhyasis, 1,000 in France, then Germany with around 750, then Denmark, Canada and the United Arab Emirates with about 500 each, according to the SRCM ®.
Rather than treating the figures in absolute terms, we can also calculate a penetration of SRCM® in each country, which I defined as the number of abhyasis per million inhabitants. This time, a few small countries arrive well ahead: Emirates with about 130 abhyasis per million inhabitants, followed closely by Denmark with nearly 100 followers per million inhabitants, India 85 followers per million inhabitants. They then fall sharply with Switzerland and Singapore with between 40 and 50 abhyasis per million inhabitants, then Ireland and Austria with a approximately thirty followers per million inhabitants. Let us remember that the average penetration rate the world over is only 15 to 20 abhyasis per million inhabitants.
In terms of membership growth, the annual rates (calculated on the period 2002-7) the highest observed growth rates are in Latin America (including Brazil), Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Spain. There is also some negative growth, especially in Africa, and a relative stagnation-negative growth rate in France and Ireland.
4. And tomorrow?
For more than a decade, SRCM is threatened by the stagnation of its membership. Already seen in Western Europe and in Oceania, it now threatens North America. Chari has strongly fought this stagnation by investing all his energy in India in recent years, but this will not last forever.
The rest of Asia, like the African continent, are still fairly sealed off to the theses of Sahaj Marg. The only observed real growth are in the regions of concern where the SRCM has invested more recently, that is Latin America and Eastern Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Nevertheless it does not stop Chari from multiplying his efforts to China and Asian countries open to international trade, such as Singapore or Dubai ...
*Geography of the SRCM ®
(Last update: 20/11/2007)
The presence of SRCM ® is very unequal in the world: whatever the actual figures, India has at least 85% of followers. Then there are leading America and Europe each weighing in at nearly 40% of the membership outside India. The rest of Asia is less than 15%, Africa to 5% and Oceania 3%.
1. Asia
Thanks to its membership in India, SRCM was mostly present in Asia. But without them, it is one of the continents most sealed off from Sahaj Marg. India, Malaya (Singapore and Malaysia) and more recently the United Arab Emirates accounted for almost all the Asian membership.
India accounts for at least 85% of the SRCM ® globe (75 to 100,000 abhyasis), which represents a penetration rate of around 85 adepts per million inhabitants. They are located mainly in Uttar Pradesh in the north, and in the Horn of southern India. Namely in the traditional stronghold of Lalaji and Babuji in the north and in the more modernized and westernized South dear to Chari. Outside of that, Sahaj Marg has difficulty in establishing itself.
The rest of Asia has less than 2,000 adepts, a penetration rate of less than one follower per million inhabitants, and one of the lowest and comparable to Africa. The few breakthroughs have been recorded in the enclaves that are the most capitalist of the planet, like Singapore and Dubai. In more than two thirds of Asian outside India, they are concentrated in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and its reservoir of membership, Malaysia. Should we draw conclusions about the people who are interested in Sahaj Marg?
Chari has tried for several years to establish SRCM ® in China by all means, at the heart of an infinite reservoir of potential followers. Hong Kong and the Chinese capitalist evolution might serve as a springboard if we trust the previous results ...
2. Europe
After India, Western Europe has long been recognized as the first bastion of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Established since 1972, notably in France, Denmark and Switzerland, it still covers about 30% of the membership outside India, or about 4,000 followers, with a record entry of 15 to 20 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Its growth falters, however, for the last ten years.
Unlike countries where SRCM ® has a strong and longstanding presence and where the numbers are not increasing, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom could see their numbers grow significantly in the near future.
Eastern Europe is only a land of conquest for the SRCM ® since the fall of the Berlin Wall. There are approximately a thousand followers presently, a low penetration (2 abhyasis per million inhabitants), which implies a capacity for very important progress, particularly in Russia. Belarus and Romania in particular illustrate these developments ...
3. The Americas
Implanted also since 1972 in North America, the SRCM has largely stagnated before catching up and then exceeding those in Western Europe, largely due to students and workers of Indian origin who represent the bulk of the SRCM troops in the USA. It rose from 19% of the globe outside India in 1995 to 28% today, while Europe fell by 60 to 46%, despite his conquests to the east (Eastern Europe). Currently, there are nearly 5000 followers, which represents a penetration of 10 to 15 abhyasis per million inhabitants. The gowth tends to falter gradually, which would mean that Americans are less docile than Europeans to the theses of Sahaj Marg.
The penetration of SRCM in Latin America is more recent and weaker, with nearly one thousand followers, and is in a situation similar to Eastern Europe with the same potential increase, already shown in particular in Brazil.
4. Oceania
The SRCM entered in Oceania in 80's and has been slow to take off. There are now slightly less than 500 followers, a penetration of 10 to 15 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Despite the importance of people from India, the growth might appear quite low. A situation quite similar to that of the United States ...
Most of the followers are in Australia, even if the SRCM tends to spread over the islands.
5. Africa
Africa has 500 to 1,000 followers at themost, or a penetration rate of less than one abhyasi per million inhabitants. The theses of Sahaj Marg does not seduce Africans. Especially since two thirds of abhyasis Africa are concentrated in Madagascar and South Africa, host country of the traditional Indian labour emigrant.
In the rest of the continent, the spread of SRCM is heavily dependent on the presence of abhyasis expatriates. Their departure is usually followed by the gradual disappearance of other followers.
*Why the growth?
(Last update: 21/11/2007)
At the origins of Sahaj Marg, growth was an unthinkable concept. That did not figure in the thinking of Lalaji, as in the Sufi and Hindu traditions. But Babuji has introduced a new concept, namely critical mass, a minimum amount of followers of the SRCM which would tilt the world towards spirituality.
When did this concept originate? It is clear that there has been no major changes in staffing during the first 20 years of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. But then came the criticism of Dr. KC Varadachari who accuses Babuji for his focus on quantity as opposed to quality. So is this a concept of Babuji's? Is it one of Chari's? Or one of Babuji's under the influence of Chari?
Since the arrival of Chari, that is sure, growth has become an end in itself. Was it there before Chari? No one speaks of critical mass now, or their level of achievement, but Chari still calls for gowth to achieve his Master, Babuji's, objective ...
Practically speaking, the development of the SRCM in the West wanted by Chari was an imperative. That has enabled him to establish himself as the leader of Sahaj Marg, while he was sharply questioned by the elders. He had no choice, it is the numbers which has forced his recogniton, almost naturally. Sahaj Marg probably would not have survived without Chari's Legions!
But these cohorts of worshipers have also created a sense of power, which would quickly intoxicate most men of high integrity, including Chari. One can assume that he succumbed like everyone else, and that he reiterated. Not to mention that the many resignations could not be offset by a constant growth that is at least as important.
Finally, after the intoxication to Power, comes that to Money. The growing importance of the movement required more administration, but also more financial flow. And western abhyasis are awash in capital. And the real estate frenzy has won Chari over. In the interest of Sahaj Marg only, or in his own also, that is the question ...
The fragile take-over of power by Chari has imposed the ongoing search for growth to keep his post, it has also driven the organizational model of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission.
*To get Deeper
* How life becomes hell?
Chari re-states his targets of growth to his preceptor, "guilting" them, because there are never enough results (more ...)
* By Country
O Germany
O Belgium
O Canada
O Denmark
O USA
O France
O India
O Switzerland
*Introduction:
The actual strength of SRCM is a subject of perpetual speculation. It is difficult to identify what is false! Nevertheless, the growth, even if it tends to slow down, has been very important, it is undeniable. And if India constitutes the bulk of followers of Sahaj Marg, there are many groups in Western Europe and North America. Where will the SRCM operate tomorrow is another story?
If one puts aside the goal that was dear to Babuji, to achieve a critical size in order to tilt the world towards spirituality, it is important to realize that the quest for growth was imposed on Chari from the minute he claimed power. His attempted coup could only be legitimized by its numerical success ...
*SRCM in a Few Numbers:
(Last update: November 18, 2007)
1. The Numbers Game
200,000 followers in India, 25,000 elsewhere of which 3,500 in Europe. These are the latest figures disclosed by the SRCM ® during a presentation of the group in Germany in 2007.
When a number is disseminated, it is first an announcement, and a possible effect of which is manipulation. And Chari excels in this area! He handles over or underestimation with agility according to his interests. And then, which number should count? The contributors, participants regular or occasional, supporters? The mixture permanent practiced by SRCM ® even simplifies the manipulation.
Only the SRCM ® knows the exact figures, if they exist at all. Trying to establish the truth is a delicate exercise. There is only one source, but the source and context of the dessimination of each number is at least as important as the figure itself. And the recapitulations of adepts (abhyasis), instructors (preceptor) and meditation centers or ashrams help in consolidating the analysis.
Thus, in reality, it seems rather that the number revolves around 100,000 abhyasis around the world, including 15,000 outside India and approximately 5000 in Europe.
Why such a difference? Chari wants to highlight the importance of his success, and he is keen to increase the numbers. In recent years, the effect of advertisement fluctuated between 200 and 300,000 adepts, as if they were no longer around to 100,000 followers. But due to a relative hostility in Europe toward "harmful sects" (cults), there is a tendency to reduce the local numbers so as not to panic the population and governments. While it is rather the opposite across the Atlantic…
2. Historical Evolution
After his death in 1931, Lalaji had 212 disciples, according NaqshMuMra. Upon his arrival at the SRCM in 1964-65, Chari estimates the number of Babuji's disciples to be only 42 or 43, then seven times that in 1970. In 1983, following the death of Babuji, Ajay Kumar Bhatter reveals that there would have been approximately 3,000 abhyasis. KC Narayana estimated their number to 20,000 in 1991. Then came Chari's announcement of from 50 to 55,000 followers in 1995-97, and 75,000 in 2000. He claims to have then multiplied by three the number of Indian abhyasis in three years. Finally, the figures announced by the SRCM ® between 2004 and 2007 fluctuated between 200 and 300,000 followers, depending on circumstances, no less…
There is, here's a perfect example of manipulation of information. Especially since these figures are all from the effects of announcements, none on the daily administrative management of SRCM ®. Thus Chari's interest to minimize the number of followers before his arrival in 1964 and then to magnify the growth so as to attribute it to himself.
This does not alter the fact that the SRCM ® has grown considerably since the 70's, as regretted Dr. KC Varadachari. But to then multiply the figures by two or three in recent times, there is a big step that Chari crossed gleefully.
3. The SRCM today
Whatever the actual figures, India has at least 85% of the followers of the SRCM ®. Then leading the way, America and Europe each weighing in at nearly 40% of the membership outside India. The rest of Asia accounts for less than 15%, Africa to 5% and Oceania 3%.
India is therefore first with 75 to 100,000 followers. It is followed far behind by the United States with approximately 4,000 abhyasis, 1,000 in France, then Germany with around 750, then Denmark, Canada and the United Arab Emirates with about 500 each, according to the SRCM ®.
Rather than treating the figures in absolute terms, we can also calculate a penetration of SRCM® in each country, which I defined as the number of abhyasis per million inhabitants. This time, a few small countries arrive well ahead: Emirates with about 130 abhyasis per million inhabitants, followed closely by Denmark with nearly 100 followers per million inhabitants, India 85 followers per million inhabitants. They then fall sharply with Switzerland and Singapore with between 40 and 50 abhyasis per million inhabitants, then Ireland and Austria with a approximately thirty followers per million inhabitants. Let us remember that the average penetration rate the world over is only 15 to 20 abhyasis per million inhabitants.
In terms of membership growth, the annual rates (calculated on the period 2002-7) the highest observed growth rates are in Latin America (including Brazil), Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Spain. There is also some negative growth, especially in Africa, and a relative stagnation-negative growth rate in France and Ireland.
4. And tomorrow?
For more than a decade, SRCM is threatened by the stagnation of its membership. Already seen in Western Europe and in Oceania, it now threatens North America. Chari has strongly fought this stagnation by investing all his energy in India in recent years, but this will not last forever.
The rest of Asia, like the African continent, are still fairly sealed off to the theses of Sahaj Marg. The only observed real growth are in the regions of concern where the SRCM has invested more recently, that is Latin America and Eastern Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Nevertheless it does not stop Chari from multiplying his efforts to China and Asian countries open to international trade, such as Singapore or Dubai ...
*Geography of the SRCM ®
(Last update: 20/11/2007)
The presence of SRCM ® is very unequal in the world: whatever the actual figures, India has at least 85% of followers. Then there are leading America and Europe each weighing in at nearly 40% of the membership outside India. The rest of Asia is less than 15%, Africa to 5% and Oceania 3%.
1. Asia
Thanks to its membership in India, SRCM was mostly present in Asia. But without them, it is one of the continents most sealed off from Sahaj Marg. India, Malaya (Singapore and Malaysia) and more recently the United Arab Emirates accounted for almost all the Asian membership.
India accounts for at least 85% of the SRCM ® globe (75 to 100,000 abhyasis), which represents a penetration rate of around 85 adepts per million inhabitants. They are located mainly in Uttar Pradesh in the north, and in the Horn of southern India. Namely in the traditional stronghold of Lalaji and Babuji in the north and in the more modernized and westernized South dear to Chari. Outside of that, Sahaj Marg has difficulty in establishing itself.
The rest of Asia has less than 2,000 adepts, a penetration rate of less than one follower per million inhabitants, and one of the lowest and comparable to Africa. The few breakthroughs have been recorded in the enclaves that are the most capitalist of the planet, like Singapore and Dubai. In more than two thirds of Asian outside India, they are concentrated in the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and its reservoir of membership, Malaysia. Should we draw conclusions about the people who are interested in Sahaj Marg?
Chari has tried for several years to establish SRCM ® in China by all means, at the heart of an infinite reservoir of potential followers. Hong Kong and the Chinese capitalist evolution might serve as a springboard if we trust the previous results ...
2. Europe
After India, Western Europe has long been recognized as the first bastion of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. Established since 1972, notably in France, Denmark and Switzerland, it still covers about 30% of the membership outside India, or about 4,000 followers, with a record entry of 15 to 20 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Its growth falters, however, for the last ten years.
Unlike countries where SRCM ® has a strong and longstanding presence and where the numbers are not increasing, Germany, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom could see their numbers grow significantly in the near future.
Eastern Europe is only a land of conquest for the SRCM ® since the fall of the Berlin Wall. There are approximately a thousand followers presently, a low penetration (2 abhyasis per million inhabitants), which implies a capacity for very important progress, particularly in Russia. Belarus and Romania in particular illustrate these developments ...
3. The Americas
Implanted also since 1972 in North America, the SRCM has largely stagnated before catching up and then exceeding those in Western Europe, largely due to students and workers of Indian origin who represent the bulk of the SRCM troops in the USA. It rose from 19% of the globe outside India in 1995 to 28% today, while Europe fell by 60 to 46%, despite his conquests to the east (Eastern Europe). Currently, there are nearly 5000 followers, which represents a penetration of 10 to 15 abhyasis per million inhabitants. The gowth tends to falter gradually, which would mean that Americans are less docile than Europeans to the theses of Sahaj Marg.
The penetration of SRCM in Latin America is more recent and weaker, with nearly one thousand followers, and is in a situation similar to Eastern Europe with the same potential increase, already shown in particular in Brazil.
4. Oceania
The SRCM entered in Oceania in 80's and has been slow to take off. There are now slightly less than 500 followers, a penetration of 10 to 15 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Despite the importance of people from India, the growth might appear quite low. A situation quite similar to that of the United States ...
Most of the followers are in Australia, even if the SRCM tends to spread over the islands.
5. Africa
Africa has 500 to 1,000 followers at themost, or a penetration rate of less than one abhyasi per million inhabitants. The theses of Sahaj Marg does not seduce Africans. Especially since two thirds of abhyasis Africa are concentrated in Madagascar and South Africa, host country of the traditional Indian labour emigrant.
In the rest of the continent, the spread of SRCM is heavily dependent on the presence of abhyasis expatriates. Their departure is usually followed by the gradual disappearance of other followers.
*Why the growth?
(Last update: 21/11/2007)
At the origins of Sahaj Marg, growth was an unthinkable concept. That did not figure in the thinking of Lalaji, as in the Sufi and Hindu traditions. But Babuji has introduced a new concept, namely critical mass, a minimum amount of followers of the SRCM which would tilt the world towards spirituality.
When did this concept originate? It is clear that there has been no major changes in staffing during the first 20 years of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission. But then came the criticism of Dr. KC Varadachari who accuses Babuji for his focus on quantity as opposed to quality. So is this a concept of Babuji's? Is it one of Chari's? Or one of Babuji's under the influence of Chari?
Since the arrival of Chari, that is sure, growth has become an end in itself. Was it there before Chari? No one speaks of critical mass now, or their level of achievement, but Chari still calls for gowth to achieve his Master, Babuji's, objective ...
Practically speaking, the development of the SRCM in the West wanted by Chari was an imperative. That has enabled him to establish himself as the leader of Sahaj Marg, while he was sharply questioned by the elders. He had no choice, it is the numbers which has forced his recogniton, almost naturally. Sahaj Marg probably would not have survived without Chari's Legions!
But these cohorts of worshipers have also created a sense of power, which would quickly intoxicate most men of high integrity, including Chari. One can assume that he succumbed like everyone else, and that he reiterated. Not to mention that the many resignations could not be offset by a constant growth that is at least as important.
Finally, after the intoxication to Power, comes that to Money. The growing importance of the movement required more administration, but also more financial flow. And western abhyasis are awash in capital. And the real estate frenzy has won Chari over. In the interest of Sahaj Marg only, or in his own also, that is the question ...
The fragile take-over of power by Chari has imposed the ongoing search for growth to keep his post, it has also driven the organizational model of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission.
*To get Deeper
* How life becomes hell?
Chari re-states his targets of growth to his preceptor, "guilting" them, because there are never enough results (more ...)
* By Country
O Germany
O Belgium
O Canada
O Denmark
O USA
O France
O India
O Switzerland
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Importance of Shri Ram Chandra Mission
Preamble
(Last update: April 2, 2007-coming soon!)
At his death in 1931, according to sources, Lalaji had 100 to 200 followers. Upon his arrival at the SRCM in 1964-65, Chari estimates the number of disciples to be only 42 or 43, and then seven times that in 1970. In 1983, after the death of Babuji, he asserts that there were 180 preceptors, which could mean up to 4 to 5000 abhyasis. K.C. Narayana estimated their numbers to be 20,000 in 1991. The SRCM announced 50 to 55,000 followers in 1995-97, and 75,000 in 2000. Chari estimates that he then multiplied the number of Indian abhyasis by 3 India in 3 years. Finally, the figures between 2004 and 2006 fluctuate depending on circumstances between 200 and 300,000 adepts, no less ...
Just as there is little data on India, so far we do not lack data outside India. According to these sources, there is evidence that the number of abhyasis per preceptor outside India varies between 8 and 20 at the most. The orders of magnitude would therefore be 5 to 10,000 abhyasis outside India in 1995 and twice that today. If one accepts Chari's figures, it would imply that there was a preceptor for 70 abhyasis in India in 1995 and one for 200 today!
What, then that so differentiates the Indian abhyasis from the others? Probably the very definition of what an abhyasi is. Which favorably inflate Chari's statistics ...
Indeed, there were significant differences between regular and occasional abhyasis. Today, in Europe, they no longer count abhyasis who do not pay their dues. This may not be the case everywhere.
If we Assume that the number of abhyasis is 5 times lower than elsewhere in India, it would confirm the figures for 1995, but would reduce the current total population of SRCM to 100,000 followers. The penetration rate would be 16 abhyasis per million inhabitants. That is not so bad!
India would be the main breeding ground of SRCM with about 85,000 abhyasis today to about half of that in 1995. What is more certain is that in 12 years the number of preceptors has nearly doubled. More than half of them are now concentrated in 4 states: Uttar Pradesh in the north and 3 states of the southern Horn of India, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This is roughly the same for meditation centers and ashrams. The penetration rate is thus 85 abhyasis per million inhabitants.
The rest of the world would then share in the remaining 15% of the SRCM abhyasis (5-8% if we accept the SRCM announcements). That is to say 10-20,000 today against half of that in 1995.
Thus, the penetration collapses to 3 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Continental Europe is still a solid first with 46% of the preceptors outside India, but against 60% in 1995, while North America rose from 19 to 28% at the same time. Latin America, Asia excluding India and Africa each have 7 to 8% (compared to 0, 9 and 9% in 1995) and Oceania 4% against 2.5% in 1995.
In 1995, SRCM was present in 16 European countries, it is now in 28 countries. The former Soviet bloc constitutes the bulk of this increase. We can estimate the number of followers from a little over 5,000 to fewer than 4,000 there in12 years, which represents a growth of around 40% and is still in first place after mainland India and just before North America. The supervision rate is about one preceptor for a dozen abhyasis. The top three European numbers remain unchanged. France is always first with nearly one thousand abhyasis, followed by Germany and Denmark with 5 to 600 followers. Then Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom with 3 to 400 abhyasis. Five others have around 200 followers, in the case of Austria, Ireland and Spain but also newcomers such as Russia and Belaruse. The others do not reach one hundred abhyasis.
In France, the followers are concentrated mainly in the Paris region, around Montpellier, as well as Marseille-Toulon. In Switzerland, two thirds are located in the canton of Vaud, mainly around Lausanne.
In terms of penetration, the number of abhyasis per million population reached 7 for the whole of Europe. It rises to 18 in the western part to drop to 2 in the east. Three small countries are the exceptions: Denmark (100), Switzerland (50) and Ireland (35). Otherwise, there are 2 distinct levels: between 15 and 20 for France, Austria and Belaruse, for example, and between 5 and 10 for Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany.
In terms of growth, it is generally low in Western Europe (25% over 10 years, making a transition from 3 to 4,000 abhyasis), and very high in the former Soviet bloc where its presence was marginal (actual multiplied by 3 to 4 approaching now the thousand abhyasis). But there was also strong growth in Spain (actual multiplied by 5), Sweden (multiplied by 3) and the United Kingdom (multiplied by 2). Three countries remain stable (Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway) and France is declining ...
Overall, the countries where SRCM had little or no established significant development (Eastern Europe, Spain, United Kingdom), still present a high capacity for evolution (penetration levels still very low in the east) . The country historically affected to the contrary show signs of exhaustion of growth, and even regression, as in France. North America, with its cohorts of immigrants from India, could soon exceed Europe, if Europe is slow to develop.
America has seen a very important progression: this only in Canada and the USA in 1995, North America is now represented by preceptors in most Latin American countries. The number of followers is close to 5,000 to fewer than 2,000, an increase by 3 times in 12 years, the continent is poised to exceed Europe for the second place.
In terms of penetration, the number of abhyasis is close to 10 per million inhabitants in North America from 1 to 2 in Latin America. Growth is very important since starting from scratch in Latin America, and multiplied by 2 to 3 in the United States and Canada. In North America, the supervision rate is about one preceptor for 18 abhyasis. The United States still dominate widely with more than 3,500 supporters, or almost 3,500 followers. They are followed by Canada with approximately 500 people and Brazil with 200 to 300 people.
The USA is the first country after India in number, but it seems that almost half of whom are of Indian origin. The Mission was established there in 1970 without progress until 1984 or after Chari. Since then, SRCM has work twice as hard.
Relatively diffuse, its population is concentrated today in California, Ohio and Texas essentially. Then six other states: North Carolina, Michigan, Florida, New York, Georgia and New Jersey. The first 3 concentrate one third of the abhyasis, the other six, the second third.
The SRCM has also been established in Canada since 1972. More than half of the abhyasis are in British Columbia.
Outside India, Asia does not count more than a thousand followers against about 700 there 12 years ago, an increase of just over 40%, but the penetration rate is the lowest (below 1).
In this context, only Malaysia and Singapore stand out, weighing in between them for over half of the followers of this continent. Malaysia has 4 to 500 abhyasis for a little more than 300, representing an increase of 25% in 12 years and a penetration rate of 18 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Singapore is around 200 abhyasis against almost none there 12 years ago and the rate of penetration of the mission would reach to more than 40 abhyasis per million inhabitants.
Elsewhere, the Mission has trouble penetrating, but it is making considerable efforts to win China in particular, the other inexhaustible reservoir of growth ...
Africa also has approximately a thousand followers against about 700, or an increase of 40% in 12 years and a penetration rate close to 1 abhyasi per million inhabitants.
Again, the two countries that stand out: South Africa and Madagascar to weigh in more than half of the abhyasis on the continent, each with around 300 followers. While South Africa saw its abhyasis drop of more than 10%, Madagascar recorded a growth of more than 50% in 12 years. The penetration rate reaches 17 abhyasis per million inhabitants while it is less than 10 in South Africa.
Everywhere else, the success of the mission remain short-term, often associated with the people. In Oceania, the abhyasi population is slightly more than 500 followers to fewer than 200 there in 12 years, an increase by 3 in staffing and penetration in the neighborhood of 15 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Australia accounts for nearly three-quarters of the followers, at least 400 people, and has seen the same trend.
(Last update: April 2, 2007-coming soon!)
At his death in 1931, according to sources, Lalaji had 100 to 200 followers. Upon his arrival at the SRCM in 1964-65, Chari estimates the number of disciples to be only 42 or 43, and then seven times that in 1970. In 1983, after the death of Babuji, he asserts that there were 180 preceptors, which could mean up to 4 to 5000 abhyasis. K.C. Narayana estimated their numbers to be 20,000 in 1991. The SRCM announced 50 to 55,000 followers in 1995-97, and 75,000 in 2000. Chari estimates that he then multiplied the number of Indian abhyasis by 3 India in 3 years. Finally, the figures between 2004 and 2006 fluctuate depending on circumstances between 200 and 300,000 adepts, no less ...
Just as there is little data on India, so far we do not lack data outside India. According to these sources, there is evidence that the number of abhyasis per preceptor outside India varies between 8 and 20 at the most. The orders of magnitude would therefore be 5 to 10,000 abhyasis outside India in 1995 and twice that today. If one accepts Chari's figures, it would imply that there was a preceptor for 70 abhyasis in India in 1995 and one for 200 today!
What, then that so differentiates the Indian abhyasis from the others? Probably the very definition of what an abhyasi is. Which favorably inflate Chari's statistics ...
Indeed, there were significant differences between regular and occasional abhyasis. Today, in Europe, they no longer count abhyasis who do not pay their dues. This may not be the case everywhere.
If we Assume that the number of abhyasis is 5 times lower than elsewhere in India, it would confirm the figures for 1995, but would reduce the current total population of SRCM to 100,000 followers. The penetration rate would be 16 abhyasis per million inhabitants. That is not so bad!
India would be the main breeding ground of SRCM with about 85,000 abhyasis today to about half of that in 1995. What is more certain is that in 12 years the number of preceptors has nearly doubled. More than half of them are now concentrated in 4 states: Uttar Pradesh in the north and 3 states of the southern Horn of India, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. This is roughly the same for meditation centers and ashrams. The penetration rate is thus 85 abhyasis per million inhabitants.
The rest of the world would then share in the remaining 15% of the SRCM abhyasis (5-8% if we accept the SRCM announcements). That is to say 10-20,000 today against half of that in 1995.
Thus, the penetration collapses to 3 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Continental Europe is still a solid first with 46% of the preceptors outside India, but against 60% in 1995, while North America rose from 19 to 28% at the same time. Latin America, Asia excluding India and Africa each have 7 to 8% (compared to 0, 9 and 9% in 1995) and Oceania 4% against 2.5% in 1995.
In 1995, SRCM was present in 16 European countries, it is now in 28 countries. The former Soviet bloc constitutes the bulk of this increase. We can estimate the number of followers from a little over 5,000 to fewer than 4,000 there in12 years, which represents a growth of around 40% and is still in first place after mainland India and just before North America. The supervision rate is about one preceptor for a dozen abhyasis. The top three European numbers remain unchanged. France is always first with nearly one thousand abhyasis, followed by Germany and Denmark with 5 to 600 followers. Then Switzerland, Italy and the United Kingdom with 3 to 400 abhyasis. Five others have around 200 followers, in the case of Austria, Ireland and Spain but also newcomers such as Russia and Belaruse. The others do not reach one hundred abhyasis.
In France, the followers are concentrated mainly in the Paris region, around Montpellier, as well as Marseille-Toulon. In Switzerland, two thirds are located in the canton of Vaud, mainly around Lausanne.
In terms of penetration, the number of abhyasis per million population reached 7 for the whole of Europe. It rises to 18 in the western part to drop to 2 in the east. Three small countries are the exceptions: Denmark (100), Switzerland (50) and Ireland (35). Otherwise, there are 2 distinct levels: between 15 and 20 for France, Austria and Belaruse, for example, and between 5 and 10 for Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Germany.
In terms of growth, it is generally low in Western Europe (25% over 10 years, making a transition from 3 to 4,000 abhyasis), and very high in the former Soviet bloc where its presence was marginal (actual multiplied by 3 to 4 approaching now the thousand abhyasis). But there was also strong growth in Spain (actual multiplied by 5), Sweden (multiplied by 3) and the United Kingdom (multiplied by 2). Three countries remain stable (Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway) and France is declining ...
Overall, the countries where SRCM had little or no established significant development (Eastern Europe, Spain, United Kingdom), still present a high capacity for evolution (penetration levels still very low in the east) . The country historically affected to the contrary show signs of exhaustion of growth, and even regression, as in France. North America, with its cohorts of immigrants from India, could soon exceed Europe, if Europe is slow to develop.
America has seen a very important progression: this only in Canada and the USA in 1995, North America is now represented by preceptors in most Latin American countries. The number of followers is close to 5,000 to fewer than 2,000, an increase by 3 times in 12 years, the continent is poised to exceed Europe for the second place.
In terms of penetration, the number of abhyasis is close to 10 per million inhabitants in North America from 1 to 2 in Latin America. Growth is very important since starting from scratch in Latin America, and multiplied by 2 to 3 in the United States and Canada. In North America, the supervision rate is about one preceptor for 18 abhyasis. The United States still dominate widely with more than 3,500 supporters, or almost 3,500 followers. They are followed by Canada with approximately 500 people and Brazil with 200 to 300 people.
The USA is the first country after India in number, but it seems that almost half of whom are of Indian origin. The Mission was established there in 1970 without progress until 1984 or after Chari. Since then, SRCM has work twice as hard.
Relatively diffuse, its population is concentrated today in California, Ohio and Texas essentially. Then six other states: North Carolina, Michigan, Florida, New York, Georgia and New Jersey. The first 3 concentrate one third of the abhyasis, the other six, the second third.
The SRCM has also been established in Canada since 1972. More than half of the abhyasis are in British Columbia.
Outside India, Asia does not count more than a thousand followers against about 700 there 12 years ago, an increase of just over 40%, but the penetration rate is the lowest (below 1).
In this context, only Malaysia and Singapore stand out, weighing in between them for over half of the followers of this continent. Malaysia has 4 to 500 abhyasis for a little more than 300, representing an increase of 25% in 12 years and a penetration rate of 18 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Singapore is around 200 abhyasis against almost none there 12 years ago and the rate of penetration of the mission would reach to more than 40 abhyasis per million inhabitants.
Elsewhere, the Mission has trouble penetrating, but it is making considerable efforts to win China in particular, the other inexhaustible reservoir of growth ...
Africa also has approximately a thousand followers against about 700, or an increase of 40% in 12 years and a penetration rate close to 1 abhyasi per million inhabitants.
Again, the two countries that stand out: South Africa and Madagascar to weigh in more than half of the abhyasis on the continent, each with around 300 followers. While South Africa saw its abhyasis drop of more than 10%, Madagascar recorded a growth of more than 50% in 12 years. The penetration rate reaches 17 abhyasis per million inhabitants while it is less than 10 in South Africa.
Everywhere else, the success of the mission remain short-term, often associated with the people. In Oceania, the abhyasi population is slightly more than 500 followers to fewer than 200 there in 12 years, an increase by 3 in staffing and penetration in the neighborhood of 15 abhyasis per million inhabitants. Australia accounts for nearly three-quarters of the followers, at least 400 people, and has seen the same trend.
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