tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post8528167649724667614..comments2023-12-23T03:43:38.964-05:00Comments on LEAVING THE ART OF LIVING: Advanced economics for the Shankarly inclinedAoL-Freehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08266984166472037468noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-17726352638160133122010-05-03T20:08:33.570-04:002010-05-03T20:08:33.570-04:00My bet is an enormous amount of the money earned f...My bet is an enormous amount of the money earned from these Advanced Courses ends up in the Shankar family's Swiss Bank Accounts and other tax havens, or else invested in Real Estate around the world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-59047196128665305762010-03-29T22:07:07.602-04:002010-03-29T22:07:07.602-04:00Ravi is a megalomaniac surrounded by sycophants. H...Ravi is a megalomaniac surrounded by sycophants. He has no ethics or even basic culture. It is wonder how cuch a squeaky voiced pip squeak managed to get so much of a following- that is is the real miracle!<br /> He wallows in all osrts of luxury while exhorting his followers to live simply. For the past few years he has been lobbying for a Nobel prize. If there were one to be started for deceit he will be the strongest contdenor and will win hands down!narendrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01233171474123460460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-22489334699167918542010-03-29T13:58:43.244-04:002010-03-29T13:58:43.244-04:00Dear Friend, When westerners stay at Bangalore as...Dear Friend, When westerners stay at Bangalore ashram, and take courses, we pay the same rate as if we take the course in our own country, pt 1 $350 ( $450+ in Sri Sri's presence) pt 2 $50 and up. TTC $3000 and up. figure that in please! Dear friend who showered with hot water and enjoyed 2 days free... who do you know? I was sticl in a room for 5 w/ 6 women and no one to talk to about it. I said I had an issue with m legs ( which I do ) and was put in the furhtest away room, while "darlings" who had overeaten their way to joint problems stayed close to meditation hall. This place is a trip. your friendAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-4638766727018424692010-03-09T15:54:57.078-05:002010-03-09T15:54:57.078-05:00Thank you for this blog post. Serious questions su...Thank you for this blog post. Serious questions such as the ones raised here require serious answers. <br /><br />There are organizations that can assist in investigating and raising awareness of financial irregularities. <br /><br />I am in the West, and if someone is able to provide substantiated evidence such as corroborations from displaced home-owners around the ashrams, or any sort of evidence, i will take steps to bring light to this issue in the media. Until then, everything listed in this blog post is speculation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-7377449765217137652010-03-09T12:37:21.478-05:002010-03-09T12:37:21.478-05:00Stupid Question
Why no one can not lodge a FIR or...Stupid Question <br />Why no one can not lodge a FIR or take some legal action? Do we not have anyone with equally high contacts to fight such culprits?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-14142504631138724882010-03-09T09:45:30.225-05:002010-03-09T09:45:30.225-05:00@Anon 5:19
You use the phrase "I've been...@Anon 5:19<br /><br />You use the phrase "I've been told by many devotees..." Devotees will definitely tell you the real truth. You are talking about people who will justify the master "raising the kundalini" of young boys. Find your own truth.<br /><br />Coming to the point:<br />Lets do the math. It costs approximately $35K/year to go to college in US. About $60K if you live in a nice downtown apartment in DC, live the lifestyle Ajay lives. <br /><br />This is a very conservative estimate. If he owns a property,(see:http://artoflivingfree.blogspot.com/2009/12/one-million-dollar-question-where-do.html), his expenses are probably much more.<br /><br />Do you really think Mr. Arvind has the financial muscle to support his brother's lifestyle...unless he is mukesh ambani, no businessman would spend so profligately. On the other hand, there is a chance that the business is a front company which launders AOL money - in which case it is entirely possible.<br /><br />Of course there is the other question which bothers everyone : Where does all the money go ? Definitely <br />not into seva....we all know that....coz in AOL one has to raise funds for seva.Peaceful Warriornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-3958588570819809212010-03-09T05:19:27.203-05:002010-03-09T05:19:27.203-05:00@ Peaceful Warrior
Ajay has a brother Arvind who...@ Peaceful Warrior <br /><br />Ajay has a brother Arvind who runs his own export business from India.<br />In India giving new clothes and/or an ornment to a married woman (as a free gift) is considered very good and auspcious gesture. All of us do this gifting. The worth of the gift depends on our financial ability and social standing. This again isn't the same thing as charity. Charity is different. As an Indian I will not be surprised if SSRS's sister is considered as holy as her brother and is given a quality gift. My guess is that most well to do people will not gift cheap sarees! so much for 'designer sarees'. By the way even designers / saree manufacturers proudly gift out their lovely sarees! <br /><br />Most indians who happen to grace forbes list are SSRS devotees / acquaintances.<br /><br />when i querried about the guru's chopper travels i was told that the guru is offered chartered choppers - by rich and powerful. Everyone in India likes doing Guru seva we Indians are generally very hospitable people. he is welcome to spend some time at the rich and wealthy residences also.<br /><br />I am told by many a devotees that when the Guru has his meal (in india) he sits down on the floor. He sleeps on the floor without any matress. He lies down on just a single sheet. These are some of rules to be followed by every sanyasi. Nobody is allowed into the room once ssrs retires for the day. He sleeps for hardly 1-2 hours and is up again for work. <br /><br />I would like to know exactly where the palaces and bunglows are built inside the ashram. The precise location/s I too feel very curious about the finacial dealings and this whole controversy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-84109893539359303412010-03-08T23:14:45.760-05:002010-03-08T23:14:45.760-05:00ND,
Good analysis. On the whole, I think the rat...ND, <br /><br />Good analysis. On the whole, I think the rates are pretty darned reasonable. In my time (2000), I shared a small room with another guy; I doubt there was space to squeeze anyone else in that room. Food was free and pretty decent. The main problem is that everything is run by volunteers who arent paid very much (if anything). So its not surprising that there is a complete lack of transparency, esp in financial matters. I hope the higher ups at AOL take note and fix the org. There are a lot of good, decent folks in the org and I do not wish for them to be hurt if the org was to eventually implode.fair_and_balancednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-85328545705779898032010-03-08T23:10:09.075-05:002010-03-08T23:10:09.075-05:00I think this blog has some useful perspectives. Y...I think this blog has some useful perspectives. Yes, its true that AOL could use a lot more transparency in its financial affairs. On the other hand, theres little doubt that they do teach valuable techniques and life skills. I do not begrudge them the $350 bucks I paid for taking the intro course in 2000 and later did a few more advanced courses. In every case it was probably a lot cheaper than staying at a hotel in the same location. All things considered, I'd still encourage friends to try the courses and learn something of value. Outside India, AOL helps people of Indian origin to socialize in a spiritual context. Thats not bad at all. The groups I know do social work in their communities.<br /><br />Does it mean that the organization does not have problems? Not at all. Its true that senior teachers propagate fanciful accounts. And that standards for teachers have been diluted. Maybe there's a real deep seated need in humans to idolize those we benefit from. That said, those who are given much should also seek to display the kind of transparency that goes along with that. <br /><br />I find it curious that consensual sexual peccadilloes are kryptonite in this day and age! Hello. Sex is pretty a basic human activity and experience. I guess people expect a lot from the self-proclaimed enlightened ones.fair_and_balancednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-65053708782164407682010-03-08T11:50:34.390-05:002010-03-08T11:50:34.390-05:00@Anon 11:34
You forgot to add bhanu and ajay'...@Anon 11:34<br /><br />You forgot to add bhanu and ajay's lavish lifestyle. That also takes money.<br /><br /><br />If all was spent in expenses, etc. AOL won't have a problem with a public audit right ? Such large sums of money are involved, and yet there is no transparency or accountability of how the money is spent. Organization wise, they are still living in the medieval ages.Peaceful Warriornoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-23434596332883708272010-03-08T10:01:21.227-05:002010-03-08T10:01:21.227-05:00Yes, there are millions coming into AoL coffers, b...Yes, there are millions coming into AoL coffers, but my question is this - who handles all this money? Where is all this money going? <br /><br />I have met with and have been quite close to many AoL teachers, and they don't make money from their teaching activities. <br /><br />So who, then, controls the cash? Where are the accounts? Do they have annual audits? If they do, is the auditor a disinterested third party or yet another AoL devotee? Where are the audit records?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-75013551919667908132010-03-08T08:32:39.085-05:002010-03-08T08:32:39.085-05:00Hi people,I am one guy who happens to be living ar...Hi people,I am one guy who happens to be living around the AOL area. Since my school days as a kid I am <br />seeing this AOL growing from small hut in small hill and spreading to nearby villages grabbing hundreds of acres of Land.<br /><br />I use to ask my Dad whenever I pass through AOL, but my Dad never told me until I grow up and came to know that it is one Ashram of SSRS. When I came to know, I was annoyed and my early guess was it is some resort.<br /><br />Currently I am living Abroad and last I saw was in 2008. They have built palaces and bungalows in the name of charity and I smell there is lot of funds mismanagement in the name of charity going out there.<br /><br />If they are honest and helping other people they should make financial details public.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-13485487793121577752010-03-08T02:56:04.549-05:002010-03-08T02:56:04.549-05:00ANON March 7, 2010 11:34 PM
Was it the AoL Bangal...ANON March 7, 2010 11:34 PM<br /><br />Was it the AoL Bangalore ashram you stayed at or the Oberoi hotel? During none of my visits to the ashram I got hot water nor unlimited food. In fact I woke up to the sound of rats. Most services are attended by people in the name of "seva", the rest of the crew are poor villagers who probably get paid a few cents the minute or in exchange for some fabric or food. How much can security or village workers cost in southern remote area of India? As a former volunteer, everything is negotiated in the name of "seva projects" and most services or gadgets are acquired for free. I'd say our friend here was very kind when suggesting RS500 for overhead costs. They claim to be a non-for profit organization, teaching mediation for free, or rather, guiding people in relaxation is the minimum they could do. Many organizations do so without highlighting it as as big deal. Especially when it is meant for marketing their courses, other activities and products (not just books, shampoos, etc). Then don't forget also that teachers work for free, volunteers too. If they get any money it is the minimum required to get them going for simple needs. Electricity to show their videos? At this point, I would not be surprised if they stole it from the city wiring electricity cables ilegally. There is noone more stingy and greedy than Sri Sri. He is the only one who gets hot water in that ashram, good and sufficient food, and cleaning service.Anitanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-20484081117341738332010-03-08T01:56:54.378-05:002010-03-08T01:56:54.378-05:00"I am openly challenging AOL - can they publi..."I am openly challenging AOL - can they publish in their website the 25 or 30,000 village supported by them...."<br /><br />Annon - you do not understand what supporting means in AOL language. It means Ravi Ravi would have flown over these villages in a chartered Deccan Aviation helicopter (hire charges - 2 Lakh rupees for an hour minus the frequent flyer discount). And from top he would have provided his divine support and blessings. <br />If you want to know the actual support done by Ravi Ravi for the hapless indian villagers and farmers, you should visit Udipalya. Udipalya is the place where the ashram is located - 21 kms on the Bangaluru-Kanakapura road. Ravi Ravi has grabbed all the adjoining land. Fenced it with huge compunds and security systems. The villagers are just wondering open mouthed on where their land went. Meanwhile pitaji, guruji's father has donated 10 sewing machines (costing rupees 3000 each) to the girls of this village so that they can earn some money through tailoring as they do not have any land left.Vishalnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-54049053533317023822010-03-07T23:34:43.530-05:002010-03-07T23:34:43.530-05:00Excuse me but overhead cost per person @Rs.500/- l...Excuse me but overhead cost per person @Rs.500/- looks too less to me. <br /><br />For any residential course including this 5 day course you arrive a day earlier and leave a day later than the course so 2 extra days will all food living etc are added completely free of cost. Most people enjoy these 2 free days!<br /><br />During all the seven days there is hot bath water, the room and bed, unlimited breakfast lunch and dinner, there are overheads of the hall where the course is held. There is cost for satsang at Vishalakshi then there is video watching. All this involves lots of electricity. Premises wear and tear, upkeep / cleaning materials cost, repairs and premises depreciation. <br /><br />Dont forget the paid security guards for 24 hours and some paid cleaning staff. Ashram also has some paid labour working at the farm and at other places. <br /><br />Think about every applicable overheads (costs) per person per course then you will realize a lot of things.<br /><br />In addition to this you are meditating or first timeres are taught meditations at no extra cost.<br /><br />Try having a seven days economy holiday in Bangalore with same facilities and see how much will that cost. There would be no teaching meditation nor a safe, serene spiritual atmosphere. <br /><br />I think asking them to publish accounts is a right thing. That will put an end to these for and against AoL speculations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-88692283697058941672010-03-07T17:58:53.068-05:002010-03-07T17:58:53.068-05:00I don't think any organization can please ever...I don't think any organization can please everyone. Sai Baba has a totally different model where he doesn't specify so called fees and rates. Yet we find so many whiners you complain and doubt his intentions.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-74822416104640123402010-03-07T15:31:19.893-05:002010-03-07T15:31:19.893-05:00I think this is good that we should ask accountabi...I think this is good that we should ask accountability for the public money collected with tax exemption status. Hindu organizations have long been the cannon fodder for these type of yellow journalism. Can we dare ask the same about NGO's and Christian Missionaries? Hindu temples have been taken over by the government while Church and Mosque continue to mushroom around the country unabated.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-10617707790674817362010-03-07T13:23:09.333-05:002010-03-07T13:23:09.333-05:00I am openly challenging AOL - can they publish in ...I am openly challenging AOL - can they publish in their website the 25 or 30,000 village supported by them listed by name and the type of activity conducted along with the amount of time/money spent? I know its lots of data , but can they atleast start listing 10 per day at a time so by end of this year this task will be completed.<br /><br />Also it can help AOL address this blog and close lots of mouths like ND and others on where all the money collected is going besides the real estates they continue to acquire?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-45339675759181699152010-03-07T09:55:13.691-05:002010-03-07T09:55:13.691-05:00"5 people are squeezed in a room meant for 2&..."5 people are squeezed in a room meant for 2"<br /><br />The same happens in third world country prisons! Their governments claim to have no budget. Often, unfortunately it is true, though it usually involves corruption of some sort. What is AoL/SSRS's reasoning for squeezing 5 people in a 2 people room, or stashing 60 people in an open hall, with no dignified facilities, unless of course, you are a VIP or a very wealthy person, potential donor or surname marketing, etc., while claiming to be "the largest NGO in the world" and cashing income with free labor? Why doesn't he, his nephews, Bhanu lodge with the rest to "cut costs" so that money goes to the "seva projects" they repeatedly mention but that we never see, except in a few pictures here and there?Ramnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-36429807598900387052010-03-07T09:53:58.221-05:002010-03-07T09:53:58.221-05:00AOL morons groomed by SSRS reminds me of the spook...AOL morons groomed by SSRS reminds me of the spooky movie Stepford Wives.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-6349329663118158772010-03-07T08:52:34.545-05:002010-03-07T08:52:34.545-05:00job list of AOL teachers
1 To recruit more and mor...job list of AOL teachers<br />1 To recruit more and more unsuspecting people for courses.<br />2 money collection. TO encourage devotees to donate more.<br />3 spread false glorifying stories about SSRS<br />4 gradually go away from your family and profession and help propagate the cult by beautifully getting "used".<br />5 contribute their own money for higher courses.<br />6 waste your precious time and money in traveling to follow SSRS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-27814886874412363512010-03-07T08:41:28.039-05:002010-03-07T08:41:28.039-05:00All AOL teachers are beautifully used for money mi...All AOL teachers are beautifully used for money minting. what a way- you first brainwash them and than deploy them for this noble agenda.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-25535640196046246802010-03-07T08:36:36.983-05:002010-03-07T08:36:36.983-05:001 Financial irregularities of AOL are sufficient ...1 Financial irregularities of AOL are sufficient to it to fall<br />2 Subtle spiritual abuse in AOL,not known to general public can be another reason for it to fall.<br />3 Land grabbing can be yet other point.<br />4 AOL is dividing families and the society in the name of spirituality while tactfully saying ........ Religion divides spirituality unites.Let the whole world know this before AOL's final fall. <br /> ..........Do we still need any sex scandal for AOL's fall?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-64223733726310374382010-03-07T07:39:59.604-05:002010-03-07T07:39:59.604-05:00Cheaters ! Cheaters !. They are not teachers !
He...Cheaters ! Cheaters !. They are not teachers !<br /><br />Hey, The gullible stupid ( Apologise for the strong word). followers and attendees of the AOL courses ...Awake,<br /><br />Share your donations for your own family or educating a poor child in the slum near you or child of your maid or cook. That is the real seva which would give you peace. Otherwise you will find yourselves like Nithy's followers.<br /><br />My blood boils and my BP also could raise when I look at the revenue figures. Man, It's atrocious. <br /><br />Hey Devotees , followers and volunteers, When are you going to wake up ? <br /><br />The idiotic ( smart for AOL) idea of making a group leader for a city / area, is really disgusting. I feel that when I am sitting with my hard earned money in my wallet, someone comes and takes the money and throws it around to others.... and I am keeping quite...<br /><br />Horrible and thought provoking courses...Laxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3564480661548850441.post-28833974365266974602010-03-07T06:18:39.067-05:002010-03-07T06:18:39.067-05:00thats a brilliant cost analysis. complete tax free...thats a brilliant cost analysis. complete tax free money. no wonder with so much money ravi ravi has so many politicians in his pocket.parmarthanoreply@blogger.com