A few posts ago I commented on the religious cult to which the Daughter of Deep Throat is said to belong, and I supplied this picture of the Adi Da Samraj, to whom she has joyously devoted herself:
Now I realize that by discussing the religion of Watergate right after the earlier post about the religion of the Deep Throat Daughter, I may have committed a faux pas, because the Watergate theology is infinitely more powerful -- a point that the devotees of Adidam themselves have acknowledged with the deepest respect.
Therefore, I realized that it would be wholly and partially disrespectful to display pictures only of the Master of the Deep Throat Daughter without also acknowledging that there are grander masters, oh yes indeed.
Is it not written in the sky?
So here they are and here they will be.
Their Joyously Divine and Enlightened Graces Themselves!
And second only to the first, his almost equally exhilaratedly exalted excellency, the Most Correct, Most Pure and Most Reverent Servant of Scintillation of all that is Divine in the Divinity itself, His Oh So Infinitely Divine Grace Baba Sri Carl:
I realize that the sheer intensity of their dazzling perfections may overwhelm my imperfect readers, but I assure you that it is only with the greatest of respect and joy that I share these Divine Images with you, in the hope that together we can all rejoice in the cosmos and work together to recognize the Vastness and Oneness of All Things Media. For All Media That Matters is All That Matters. The Union of all that is Divinely Inspired to Man, and All That Ever Will Be Inspired To Man is at once to be found in these Godheads of Deep Throated Divinity!
As gracious tokens of their complete estimation, their Divine Graces have today offered magnanimity and complete forgiveness to all who have committed the Heresies of all Heresies (better known by the dirty, of-this-earth word "Bloggers").
For now, the Blogwans are blinded by their ignorance and despair, but it need not be this way.
Enlightenment and Joy awaits!
posted by Eric on 06.06.05 at 06:04 PM
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Ah, may the shakti force be with them. I here bow down in eternal gratitude to the Guru Sri Raj Major Bob Ram, and the Infinitely Divine Grace Baba Sri Carl. And to Robert the Cat, Adi Da's first guru.
But to really succeed, they need clear directions on how much to require their followers to tithe and gift, a mininum of 15% of gross income plus many other fees, and they must also take an enternal vow of eternal servitud before being allowed into their most holy presence. What better place to start than with Adidam's Tithing Guide, and with Adidam's Eternal Vow:
ADIDAM OF THE BAY AREA
GUIDE TO INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (v. 10-9-01)
THE SACRED PRINCIPLE OF TITHE
FINANCIAL SERVICE IS YOUR FIRST RESPONSIBILITY
Sri Adi Da: The first responsibility of My devotee is financial service to [Adidam Samrajashram]. (Money, p.15)
Understanding that protection and maintenance of ones Sat-Guru is the first and anciently honored life-obligation of the devotee, ... I vow to maximize my service to and support of the Sacred Treasures of Adidam by the following Means ... : Tithing monthly at least ten percent of my gross income ... . (Sacred Vow Of Commitment And Responsibility For Prepared (Or Demonstrating) Student-Beginners)
THE TITHE IS A GIFT TO THE DIVINE
Sri Adi Da: Tithing is the traditional financial gesture of a religious practitioner. The principle of tithing, and of any form of regular financial support, is that one gives a portion of ones goods to the Divine for the Sake of the Divine. Such a gift is given without expectations. One gives to the Divine because the Divine is the Divine, and because the Divine has Purposes that must be served, not only by right use of money but by all the forms of human energy. The tithe is not the same as the dues paid by a club member. Nor is it a payment in expectation for services. The tithe is a gift to the Divine. (Money, p. 14)
[MONETARY GIFTS] ALLOW ME TO DO MY WORK
Sri Adi Da: In the Way of the Heart, all monetary gifts serve the Spiritual purposes to which you are committed with Me. They allow Me to do My Work. Your financial obligation is a Spiritual matter, not just a financial matter. All that I mean by the term "money"---including life, energy, love, work, and commitment---is the resource for the movement of My Work into the world. Through your gifts of money, you are expanding My Capability to have an influence in the world. Therefore, find new and fully productive ways to develop income, individually and collectively. Maximize your contribution, and increase it whenever possible. (Money, p. 18)
UPHOLD THESE FINANCIAL AGREEMENTS AS A SACRED COMMITMENT
Sri Adi Da: Do not lock yourself into circumstances that are non-productive. Create arrangements that support your individual and collective responsibility for money and for your support of [Adidam Samrajashram, Adidam], and the community organization. Do this maximally and collectively. Such responsibility is a most serious and real dimension of your Spiritual commitment. Understand your responsibility in these terms, and never violate it. Uphold these financial agreements as a sacred commitment. They are a clear sign of your devotional surrender to Me. (Money, p. 15)
THE UNIQUE RESULT OF FINANCIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY IS THAT THE COLLECTIVE SUFFERS
Sri Adi Da: Financial participation is as much a matter of your practice as is the maintenance of dietary conditions and formal devotional exercises. Therefore, signs of irresponsibility for financial participation are signs of the failure of self-transcending practice. Furthermore, the unique result of financial irresponsibility is that the collective suffers. Your failures to fulfill all the forms of the personal discipline I have Given to My devotees generally affect only your individual growth, but the entire community of My devotees suffers any financial irresponsibility on your part. (Money, p. 16)
IF YOU DONT [FULFILL YOUR VOWS], YOURE SUPPOSED TO BE SUSPENDED FROM THE GATHERING
Sri Adi Da: There are no devotees until there are people under vows who know what a vow is all about and know that they must fulfill it no matter what. ... To be a member of Adidam, even a student-novice, you must be under vows and expected to fulfill them. And if you dont, youre supposed to be suspended from the gathering. (November 2, 1996)
THE SACRED HIERARCHY OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
All Adidam members are required by their vow to Sri Adi Da to pay tithes & fees:
A. Tithe: Payments for Sacred Purposes @ 15% of Gross Income:
1 - Support of the Love-Ananda Samrajya Foundation (formerly the TDL Trust), including Adidam Samrajashram: 10% of gross income/month.
Gross income is all taxable and nontaxable income realized by you before any taxes, expenses, exemptions, or other deductions are subtracted. Gross income includes but is not limited to wages, salary, tips, commissions, bonuses, interest, dividends, annuities, alimony, homemaker's share, educational grants or scholarships, rents, royalties, business income, and extraordinary income (e.g. gifts, inheritance, gains on sale of property, etc.). Excluded from gross income are borrowed funds, legitimate business expenses, Social Security, unemployment benefits, other government subsidies, and pensions.
Possible additional exclusions from gross income:
- Income derived from employment by Adidam.
- That part of income paid to a partner or an ex-partner as homemakers share or alimony.
- Child support received (not child support paid).
- Legitimate immigration expense.
- Tuition expense of those enrolled in full-time study or other legitimate career or income development programs.
Note: If a persons income as defined above is significantly lower than income required to support the standard of living of that person, an appropriate tithe will be estimated based on the money required to support the style of living.
2 - Support of the Sacred Treasures and the Adidam Central Institution: 5% of gross income/month. This support is for maintenance and preservation of the Sacred Treasures (i.e., Quandramama, the Mountain of Attention, the Sacred Archives, the Adidam Library, and the Sacred Art) and running the Institution (i.e., the legal, fiscal, administrative, and communications functions). In other words, this support is not for providing services to members.
B. Fees for Services:
3 - Congregational Services Fee: $10/month. This fee ensures that all aspects of access to Beloved are handled by the gathering, including everything associated with communications, the retreat process, and the care and glorification of the places of access in Beloveds Principal Hermitage.
4 - Wisdom Express Fee: subscription to the newly published Teaching Word -about $25/month.
5 - Regional Fee to pay the regional expenses: $55/month. Nonpayment of the regional fee may mean that you are barred from participating in regional activities.
6- Samrajya Fee: $108 annual fee due each July, collected to cover expenses related to making Darshan available to devotees. Payment of this fee is a pre-requisite for Darshan.
C. Optional Pledges:
7 - Yajna Pledge
8 - Sacred Development Fee (formerly the Avadhoot Fund)
9 - Other Outstanding Pledges (e.g. Auctions)
10- Gifting and Fundraising: Funds must come from excess and cannot jeopardize tithe and fee obligations.
The first category (Payments for Sacred Purposes) has priority over the second category (Fees for Services). All devotees, including student-novices, are required to pay at least 10% or $100, whichever is greater. However, by special agreement, there may be some rare temporary exemptions from part of the Payments for Sacred Purposes. Maintaining a tithe of at least 10% is a necessary requirement for student membership.
Within the second category (Fees for Services), there is no hierarchy; these fees for services are obligatory for all devotees. Therefore, if a devotee is granted an exemption relative to the Payments for Sacred Purposes, this does not prevent him or her from participating in fees for services rendered, since devotees need to receive specific services and those services cost money to deliver. Generally, except in rare cases, no one is exempt from paying the fees for services. Exemptions from tithe and the Treasures support do not prevent or excuse devotees from participating in the second category (Fees for Services).
If by agreement you do not pay your full share of your monthly financial obligations, until you pay your full share of 15% tithe and other fees and eliminate all outstanding unfulfilled pledges, you are NOT qualified to gift Beloved Adi Da beyond $9/gift.
DUE DATE AND SUBMITTING MONTHLY PAYMENTS
Payments are made each month by automatic deduction from checking account, by credit card charge, or by check. If paying by check, mail your check (payable to Adidam) directly to Dieuwke Pebesma at the following address:
Adidam, 4286 Redwood Highway, Suite G, San Rafael, CA 94903-2645, Attention: Dieuwke Pebesma
Dawn Horse Press pre-pay is paid directly through the Wisdom Express, by registering online via www.Adidam.org or by phone (877-770-0772).
All payments are due in full by the 5th of each month. Those who do not pay their full tithe & fees by the 25th will be charged a $10 late fee due with their tithe & fee payment.
RESTRICTION
a) 2 months behind: You will lose good standing if you fall 2 months (60 days) behind in paying your full agreed-to tithe and fees. This means you will be restricted from access to any of the Sanctuaries. When a restricted practitioner has made a financial agreement that is acceptable to the community CFO or parish financial rep, and/or has paid any overdue tithe and fees in full, the restriction will be lifted.
b) 3 months behind: If you fall 3 months (90 days) behind, you will be required to have a cultural consideration and to make a new agreement about immediate resumption of payments. If the new agreement is not kept, you will be put "on hold". "On hold" means you are restricted from access to the Sanctuaries as well as from participation in Darshan occasions, celebrations, Guruvara, parish, and other community events. However, the "on hold" status does not relieve you of your cultural responsibilities (including financial).
c) 4 months behind: If you fall 4 months (120 days) behind and you fail to sign an acceptable agreement and/or pay any overdue tithe and fees in full immediately, you will be suspended from the 2nd congregation. To again become a student under vow, you must re-apply to, and when you re-apply, you will be required to demonstrate your seriousness by tithing for 1 to 6 months before again coming under vow.
Note: Maintaining a tithe of at least 10% and no lower than $100 is a necessary requirement for student membership.
TEMPORARY PARTIAL EXEMPTION AGREEMENTS
Below are reasons for which practitioners may qualify to be considered for a partial exemption agreement. These special financial agreements are approved on a case-by-case basis, using extreme financial hardship (usually a gross income of less than $1500/month) as the measure. Most partial exemption agreements are temporary, usually lasting for 3 months. When a valid exemption agreement expires, full monthly 15% tithe and fees must be paid, or a new exemption agreement must be approved.
A request for exemption is made to your parish financial rep and must be accompanied by a personal income disclosure, a current expense statement, a current statement of assets and liabilities, the reason for requesting an exemption, and a plan to come to full compliance with all financial obligations. The plan for full compliance must include concrete goals and a timeline re. projected increases in income and tithe. Any agreement that is not due to one of the qualifying situations listed below can be for only 1-3 months, and when it expires, any new agreement must be for an increased tithe and fees amount.
All exemption agreements approved by the parish financial rep must also be approved by the regional exemptions review board, and then by an individual or group appointed by the senior LRO leadership. If a devotees disclosed income is significantly lower than the income required to support his/her standard of living, an appropriate tithe will be estimated based on the money required to support the style of living. Also, all would-be students are to be gainfully employed, working at their potential, responsible for their living.
It is the particular responsibility of the regional CFO to insure that exemption agreements are duly reviewed and approved by the regional financial board. Appeal of a request for a temporary partial exemption agreement rejected by the regional financial board may be made through the office of the CFO or CSM to the LRO Central leadership.
The good standing status of a student is certified jointly by the regional CFO and the student CSM.
SITUATIONS THAT MAY QUALIFY FOR A PARTIAL EXEMPTION
1 - Institutional employees:
a) Those who formally serve the Samraja (including those who provide fulltime service to Samraja Hermitage Sanctuaries, and full-time cultural servers who are part of the Samraja) are exempted from 15% tithe, and all other fees. If such devotees make or receive significant income (gross income more than $1500/month) from sources outside Adidam, they must tithe on this income unless there is a special agreement with the Samraja to support Beloveds Circumstance directly.
b) Treasures employees (including BRC and fabrications employees) may be exempt (if approved by senior Treasures and Samraja management) from paying 15% tithe on that portion of their income derived from their institutional employment, since institutional wages are established at a level that assumes no tithe obligation. However, they will be required to pay a minimal regional fee and Sanctuary Access fee. Treasures employees who gross more than $1500/month from employment or other sources outside Adidam must also pay the 15% tithe on that "outside" income.
c) Pan Com and Advocacy employees may be exempt (if approved by senior Pan Com and Samraja management) from paying 15% tithe on that portion of their income derived from their institutional employment, since institutional wages are established at a level that assumes no tithe obligation. However, they will be required to pay a minimal regional fee and Sanctuary Access fee. Pan Com or Advocacy employees who gross more than $1500/month from employment or other sources outside Adidam must also pay the 15% tithe on that "outside" income.
Those who serve the Samraja, Treasures, Pan Com or Advocacy who are not formal full or part-time servers of those entities are required to tithe according to the tithing guidelines for the general membership on page 2 of this guide.
2 - Students enrolled in full-time study:
Students who are enrolled in full-time study or other programs which are approved by Adidam as legitimate vehicles for career or income development may exclude tuition expenses from their gross income and also may be granted a temporary full or partial exemption from 15% tithe and fees when financial hardship is demonstrated (gross income is less than $1500/month).
3 - Retired or permanently disabled persons:
Retired or permanently disabled persons on restricted incomes and/or past the age when income-earning service in the world would be expected of them may be granted a permanent partial exemption from 15% tithe and fees when financial hardship is demonstrated (gross income generation capacity is less than $1500/month).
4 - Other circumstances of need:
Practitioners who demonstrate financial hardship (gross income is less than $1500/month) due to other circumstances of need, such as single parent or temporary physical disability or unemployment, may be granted a temporary full or partial exemption from 15% tithe and fees.
SITUATIONS THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR A PARTIAL EXEMPTION
1 - Those with personal debt:
Devotees are not to incur debt. An exception to this principle is secured debt, i.e. homes, cars, etc. may be financed as long as that debt does not interfere with one's ability to also pay full monthly financial obligations to Adidam. Credit card charges should be paid in full each month. If you have debt, you must still pay your full tithes and fees and at the same time work to retire the debt as soon as possible without incurring more debt. Anyone applying to become a student novice must demonstrate that they can eliminate any unsecured debt in one year while still maintaining their full tithe and fees obligation to Adidam.
In rare cases, a devotee may not be able to financially maintain appropriate life obligations and tithe because of a very heavy debt load. In such circumstances, the devotee should meet with the Debt Clinic (financial rep or CFO and regional exemption review board) to work out a formal, culturally agreed upon plan for retiring his/her debt, which may include paying a reduced tithe for a specific period of time (usually 3 months). Such agreements must be ratified by the regional CFO and may be reviewed by the LRO board.
2 - Full-time homemakers:
Full-time homemakers who are dependent on others for their financial support are not eligible for exemptions. They are responsible for paying full tithes and fees based on their homemaker's allowance or income share from their spouse.
3 - New student-novices:
New student-novices are expected to pay full tithes and fees upon entry into the student-novice program. In rare cases, special exemptions might be granted. If so, the new student novice must demonstrate that he/she will be able to meet all financial obligations within 6-12 months or by the time of transition to student beginner. Anyone applying to become a student novice also must demonstrate that he/she can eliminate any unsecured debt in one year while still meeting all Adidam financial obligations.
ANNUAL RENEWAL OF TITHE AND FEE AGREEMENTS
The tithe and fee agreement should be reviewed and a new agreement made any time there is a change in a practitioner's income or financial circumstance. At a minimum, this agreement should be reviewed and renewed each year, even if there has been no change in your financial situation. Any time a tithe and fee agreement is made or renewed, please complete the personal income and expense disclosure forms along with a new financial contribution agreement or a new financial contribution exemption agreement. Return your signed agreement to your parish financial rep or CFO. Be sure to keep a photocopy of the completed forms for your records. Whether or not you are requesting an exemption, you must provide your parish financial rep a current, completed personal income disclosure form, a current expense itemization, and a current statement of assets and liabilities. If you are requesting an exemption, you must also provide the reasons why you are requesting an exemption and a short term (3 months) and long term plan outlining when you can come to full compliance.
ACCOUNTABILITY
1 - Begins with you:
One aspect of mature human participation in life is to hold ourselves accountable for supportive money generation and fulfilling our financial obligations. As a student of Adidam, please animate this sign of maturity and do not wait for a reminder, if at anytime you feel that your full tithe and fee obligation cannot be met or whenever it is otherwise time to make a new financial agreement. Contact your parish financial rep or regional CFO for a financial consideration. They will work with you to explore how you can meet your financial obligations.
Remember, if at any time your income situation has changed from that upon which your current agreement is based, or whenever your current financial agreement expires, you must make a new agreement. Such new agreements must be made by the end of the month following your income change or agreement expiration.
2 - Monthly Statement of Financial Obligations:
Each month, you will receive a monthly statement of financial obligations that will include a summary of your annual payments to date. Please review this statement each month. If you have any questions regarding your statement, please contact Michel Winand, the Bay Area CFO.
3 - Parish Financial Rep or Community CFO:
The parish financial rep or regional CFO offers parish members guidance in making new financial agreements. The parish financial reps or regional CFOs goal is to remain sensitive to individual needs and requirements while at the same time supporting practitioners in remaining or becoming fully aligned to Beloved Adi Das Instruction regarding their sacred tithe and fee obligations. Whenever you fail to meet the mark in your financial obligations, your first line of help is within your parish setting. Remember, it is not the CFOs or financial reps responsibility to chase you down if payments are overdue or if it is time for you to make a new agreement. Rather, you must contact your parish financial rep and take responsibility to resolve your financial situation at the parish level.
The Sacred Vow of the Society of Advocates
(4th Congregation, or beginner's vow)
Beloved Bhagavan Avatar Adi Da Samraj,
Having studied and "considered" Your Word and Leela, I recognize that Your Divine Instruction, Demonstration, and Blessing-Transmission are an incomparable Gift. I therefore choose to make this vow of a free and direct devotional relationship to You as a fourth congregation member of the Transnational Society of Advocates of the Adidam Revelation. I accept Your Graceful Offering to live and serve as Your devotee. I understand that my responsive relationship to You is the sacred Means whereby I am Blessed by the Divine Freedom and Happiness that is Your own Love-Blissful Condition and Your Supreme Gift to Your devotees. I enter into this relationship with respect and love, knowing that it is not in any sense a conventional or worldly matter. Rather, I understand that my relationship to You is a profound and serious commitment that obliges me to resort to You consistently and to serve You steadfastly and energetically. I understand that by these means I become progressively more and more available to Your Transforming Grace.
As a fourth congregation member of the Society of Advocates, I understand that my primary obligation is to practice Ruchira Buddha Yoga (the Yoga, or practice, of devotional love of You, the Ruchira Buddha). I will do this by practicing the technically "simplest" practice of feeling-Contemplation of You, in which I simply Invoke You, feel You, breathe You, and serve You.
You have Said, "The technically 'simplest' practice is a profound practice. Although it does not include all the technical details of the more elaborate forms of practice, it is the same process and the same opportunity that I Offer to all My devotees. I can Awaken to Myself any being who really practices the technically 'simplest' practice. It is simply a matter of surrendering to Me, and becoming utterly combined with Me through that devotional surrender. You must simply do that, in direct relationship to Me, such that I am making My connection to You."
I also understand that my sadhana as a fourth congregation member of the Society of Advocates is to be principally expressed through my offering of consistent service to You, including (but not limited to) service to the publications missions (which is the particular responsibility of all members of the Society of Advocates), as well as a consistent monthly or regular pledge according to my means. I promise that through this direct, energetic, and always heartfelt service, I will do my utmost to advance Your Circumstance and Divine World-work, guided by Your Instructions, and in cooperation with my fellow devotees. I vow to consistently maintain and enlarge my service to You so that I may increasingly receive and be transformed by Your Blessing-Grace.
Beloved Bhagavan Adi Da, I thank You from my heart for the Gift of this free and most sacred relationship. I embrace You as Divine Guru, Giver of Truth and Heart-Blessing to all beings. I bow down to You with love and devotion.
Sam Mitchell · June 7, 2005 01:26 AM
I now sacrifice $6.00 a week for the beauty of the Pizza Girl. As to the rest of this....
....There seems to continue to be a fashion in Hindoos -- and now, more ominously, Mahometans -- here in America just as there was a fashion in Persians in the Roman Empire in its latter days. But the true Pagan, the true Christian (whether Catholic or Protestant), or the Jew, will be wise to stick to the God or Gods of his fathers, the Goddess or Goddesses of her mothers, as did the Pagans of ancient Rome. Let the Hindoos worship their own Gods, while we, unlike poor Hafed, seek the Diamonds of Golconda in our own soil first before traipsing off to Eastern lands.
"Remove not the ancient Landmark which thy fathers have set."
Alas, I did not do all that I set out to do today. I will have to discipline myself and tear myself away from the blogosphere sooner and quicker tomorrow morning.
The Prussians did not succeed in their foul plot. As you will see from the map, they were forced to give Alsace and Lorraine back to France, as is right.
The Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler
Don?t bang your head!
Ah, may the shakti force be with them. I here bow down in eternal gratitude to the Guru Sri Raj Major Bob Ram, and the Infinitely Divine Grace Baba Sri Carl. And to Robert the Cat, Adi Da's first guru.
But to really succeed, they need clear directions on how much to require their followers to tithe and gift, a mininum of 15% of gross income plus many other fees, and they must also take an enternal vow of eternal servitud before being allowed into their most holy presence. What better place to start than with Adidam's Tithing Guide, and with Adidam's Eternal Vow:
ADIDAM OF THE BAY AREA
GUIDE TO INDIVIDUAL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (v. 10-9-01)
THE SACRED PRINCIPLE OF TITHE
FINANCIAL SERVICE IS YOUR FIRST RESPONSIBILITY
Sri Adi Da: The first responsibility of My devotee is financial service to [Adidam Samrajashram]. (Money, p.15)
Understanding that protection and maintenance of ones Sat-Guru is the first and anciently honored life-obligation of the devotee, ... I vow to maximize my service to and support of the Sacred Treasures of Adidam by the following Means ... : Tithing monthly at least ten percent of my gross income ... . (Sacred Vow Of Commitment And Responsibility For Prepared (Or Demonstrating) Student-Beginners)
THE TITHE IS A GIFT TO THE DIVINE
Sri Adi Da: Tithing is the traditional financial gesture of a religious practitioner. The principle of tithing, and of any form of regular financial support, is that one gives a portion of ones goods to the Divine for the Sake of the Divine. Such a gift is given without expectations. One gives to the Divine because the Divine is the Divine, and because the Divine has Purposes that must be served, not only by right use of money but by all the forms of human energy. The tithe is not the same as the dues paid by a club member. Nor is it a payment in expectation for services. The tithe is a gift to the Divine. (Money, p. 14)
[MONETARY GIFTS] ALLOW ME TO DO MY WORK
Sri Adi Da: In the Way of the Heart, all monetary gifts serve the Spiritual purposes to which you are committed with Me. They allow Me to do My Work. Your financial obligation is a Spiritual matter, not just a financial matter. All that I mean by the term "money"---including life, energy, love, work, and commitment---is the resource for the movement of My Work into the world. Through your gifts of money, you are expanding My Capability to have an influence in the world. Therefore, find new and fully productive ways to develop income, individually and collectively. Maximize your contribution, and increase it whenever possible. (Money, p. 18)
UPHOLD THESE FINANCIAL AGREEMENTS AS A SACRED COMMITMENT
Sri Adi Da: Do not lock yourself into circumstances that are non-productive. Create arrangements that support your individual and collective responsibility for money and for your support of [Adidam Samrajashram, Adidam], and the community organization. Do this maximally and collectively. Such responsibility is a most serious and real dimension of your Spiritual commitment. Understand your responsibility in these terms, and never violate it. Uphold these financial agreements as a sacred commitment. They are a clear sign of your devotional surrender to Me. (Money, p. 15)
THE UNIQUE RESULT OF FINANCIAL IRRESPONSIBILITY IS THAT THE COLLECTIVE SUFFERS
Sri Adi Da: Financial participation is as much a matter of your practice as is the maintenance of dietary conditions and formal devotional exercises. Therefore, signs of irresponsibility for financial participation are signs of the failure of self-transcending practice. Furthermore, the unique result of financial irresponsibility is that the collective suffers. Your failures to fulfill all the forms of the personal discipline I have Given to My devotees generally affect only your individual growth, but the entire community of My devotees suffers any financial irresponsibility on your part. (Money, p. 16)
IF YOU DONT [FULFILL YOUR VOWS], YOURE SUPPOSED TO BE SUSPENDED FROM THE GATHERING
Sri Adi Da: There are no devotees until there are people under vows who know what a vow is all about and know that they must fulfill it no matter what. ... To be a member of Adidam, even a student-novice, you must be under vows and expected to fulfill them. And if you dont, youre supposed to be suspended from the gathering. (November 2, 1996)
THE SACRED HIERARCHY OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
All Adidam members are required by their vow to Sri Adi Da to pay tithes & fees:
A. Tithe: Payments for Sacred Purposes @ 15% of Gross Income:
1 - Support of the Love-Ananda Samrajya Foundation (formerly the TDL Trust), including Adidam Samrajashram: 10% of gross income/month.
Gross income is all taxable and nontaxable income realized by you before any taxes, expenses, exemptions, or other deductions are subtracted. Gross income includes but is not limited to wages, salary, tips, commissions, bonuses, interest, dividends, annuities, alimony, homemaker's share, educational grants or scholarships, rents, royalties, business income, and extraordinary income (e.g. gifts, inheritance, gains on sale of property, etc.). Excluded from gross income are borrowed funds, legitimate business expenses, Social Security, unemployment benefits, other government subsidies, and pensions.
Possible additional exclusions from gross income:
- Income derived from employment by Adidam.
- That part of income paid to a partner or an ex-partner as homemakers share or alimony.
- Child support received (not child support paid).
- Legitimate immigration expense.
- Tuition expense of those enrolled in full-time study or other legitimate career or income development programs.
Note: If a persons income as defined above is significantly lower than income required to support the standard of living of that person, an appropriate tithe will be estimated based on the money required to support the style of living.
2 - Support of the Sacred Treasures and the Adidam Central Institution: 5% of gross income/month. This support is for maintenance and preservation of the Sacred Treasures (i.e., Quandramama, the Mountain of Attention, the Sacred Archives, the Adidam Library, and the Sacred Art) and running the Institution (i.e., the legal, fiscal, administrative, and communications functions). In other words, this support is not for providing services to members.
B. Fees for Services:
3 - Congregational Services Fee: $10/month. This fee ensures that all aspects of access to Beloved are handled by the gathering, including everything associated with communications, the retreat process, and the care and glorification of the places of access in Beloveds Principal Hermitage.
4 - Wisdom Express Fee: subscription to the newly published Teaching Word -about $25/month.
5 - Regional Fee to pay the regional expenses: $55/month. Nonpayment of the regional fee may mean that you are barred from participating in regional activities.
6- Samrajya Fee: $108 annual fee due each July, collected to cover expenses related to making Darshan available to devotees. Payment of this fee is a pre-requisite for Darshan.
C. Optional Pledges:
7 - Yajna Pledge
8 - Sacred Development Fee (formerly the Avadhoot Fund)
9 - Other Outstanding Pledges (e.g. Auctions)
10- Gifting and Fundraising: Funds must come from excess and cannot jeopardize tithe and fee obligations.
The first category (Payments for Sacred Purposes) has priority over the second category (Fees for Services). All devotees, including student-novices, are required to pay at least 10% or $100, whichever is greater. However, by special agreement, there may be some rare temporary exemptions from part of the Payments for Sacred Purposes. Maintaining a tithe of at least 10% is a necessary requirement for student membership.
Within the second category (Fees for Services), there is no hierarchy; these fees for services are obligatory for all devotees. Therefore, if a devotee is granted an exemption relative to the Payments for Sacred Purposes, this does not prevent him or her from participating in fees for services rendered, since devotees need to receive specific services and those services cost money to deliver. Generally, except in rare cases, no one is exempt from paying the fees for services. Exemptions from tithe and the Treasures support do not prevent or excuse devotees from participating in the second category (Fees for Services).
If by agreement you do not pay your full share of your monthly financial obligations, until you pay your full share of 15% tithe and other fees and eliminate all outstanding unfulfilled pledges, you are NOT qualified to gift Beloved Adi Da beyond $9/gift.
DUE DATE AND SUBMITTING MONTHLY PAYMENTS
Payments are made each month by automatic deduction from checking account, by credit card charge, or by check. If paying by check, mail your check (payable to Adidam) directly to Dieuwke Pebesma at the following address:
Adidam, 4286 Redwood Highway, Suite G, San Rafael, CA 94903-2645, Attention: Dieuwke Pebesma
Dawn Horse Press pre-pay is paid directly through the Wisdom Express, by registering online via www.Adidam.org or by phone (877-770-0772).
All payments are due in full by the 5th of each month. Those who do not pay their full tithe & fees by the 25th will be charged a $10 late fee due with their tithe & fee payment.
RESTRICTION
a) 2 months behind: You will lose good standing if you fall 2 months (60 days) behind in paying your full agreed-to tithe and fees. This means you will be restricted from access to any of the Sanctuaries. When a restricted practitioner has made a financial agreement that is acceptable to the community CFO or parish financial rep, and/or has paid any overdue tithe and fees in full, the restriction will be lifted.
b) 3 months behind: If you fall 3 months (90 days) behind, you will be required to have a cultural consideration and to make a new agreement about immediate resumption of payments. If the new agreement is not kept, you will be put "on hold". "On hold" means you are restricted from access to the Sanctuaries as well as from participation in Darshan occasions, celebrations, Guruvara, parish, and other community events. However, the "on hold" status does not relieve you of your cultural responsibilities (including financial).
c) 4 months behind: If you fall 4 months (120 days) behind and you fail to sign an acceptable agreement and/or pay any overdue tithe and fees in full immediately, you will be suspended from the 2nd congregation. To again become a student under vow, you must re-apply to, and when you re-apply, you will be required to demonstrate your seriousness by tithing for 1 to 6 months before again coming under vow.
Note: Maintaining a tithe of at least 10% and no lower than $100 is a necessary requirement for student membership.
TEMPORARY PARTIAL EXEMPTION AGREEMENTS
Below are reasons for which practitioners may qualify to be considered for a partial exemption agreement. These special financial agreements are approved on a case-by-case basis, using extreme financial hardship (usually a gross income of less than $1500/month) as the measure. Most partial exemption agreements are temporary, usually lasting for 3 months. When a valid exemption agreement expires, full monthly 15% tithe and fees must be paid, or a new exemption agreement must be approved.
A request for exemption is made to your parish financial rep and must be accompanied by a personal income disclosure, a current expense statement, a current statement of assets and liabilities, the reason for requesting an exemption, and a plan to come to full compliance with all financial obligations. The plan for full compliance must include concrete goals and a timeline re. projected increases in income and tithe. Any agreement that is not due to one of the qualifying situations listed below can be for only 1-3 months, and when it expires, any new agreement must be for an increased tithe and fees amount.
All exemption agreements approved by the parish financial rep must also be approved by the regional exemptions review board, and then by an individual or group appointed by the senior LRO leadership. If a devotees disclosed income is significantly lower than the income required to support his/her standard of living, an appropriate tithe will be estimated based on the money required to support the style of living. Also, all would-be students are to be gainfully employed, working at their potential, responsible for their living.
It is the particular responsibility of the regional CFO to insure that exemption agreements are duly reviewed and approved by the regional financial board. Appeal of a request for a temporary partial exemption agreement rejected by the regional financial board may be made through the office of the CFO or CSM to the LRO Central leadership.
The good standing status of a student is certified jointly by the regional CFO and the student CSM.
SITUATIONS THAT MAY QUALIFY FOR A PARTIAL EXEMPTION
1 - Institutional employees:
a) Those who formally serve the Samraja (including those who provide fulltime service to Samraja Hermitage Sanctuaries, and full-time cultural servers who are part of the Samraja) are exempted from 15% tithe, and all other fees. If such devotees make or receive significant income (gross income more than $1500/month) from sources outside Adidam, they must tithe on this income unless there is a special agreement with the Samraja to support Beloveds Circumstance directly.
b) Treasures employees (including BRC and fabrications employees) may be exempt (if approved by senior Treasures and Samraja management) from paying 15% tithe on that portion of their income derived from their institutional employment, since institutional wages are established at a level that assumes no tithe obligation. However, they will be required to pay a minimal regional fee and Sanctuary Access fee. Treasures employees who gross more than $1500/month from employment or other sources outside Adidam must also pay the 15% tithe on that "outside" income.
c) Pan Com and Advocacy employees may be exempt (if approved by senior Pan Com and Samraja management) from paying 15% tithe on that portion of their income derived from their institutional employment, since institutional wages are established at a level that assumes no tithe obligation. However, they will be required to pay a minimal regional fee and Sanctuary Access fee. Pan Com or Advocacy employees who gross more than $1500/month from employment or other sources outside Adidam must also pay the 15% tithe on that "outside" income.
Those who serve the Samraja, Treasures, Pan Com or Advocacy who are not formal full or part-time servers of those entities are required to tithe according to the tithing guidelines for the general membership on page 2 of this guide.
2 - Students enrolled in full-time study:
Students who are enrolled in full-time study or other programs which are approved by Adidam as legitimate vehicles for career or income development may exclude tuition expenses from their gross income and also may be granted a temporary full or partial exemption from 15% tithe and fees when financial hardship is demonstrated (gross income is less than $1500/month).
3 - Retired or permanently disabled persons:
Retired or permanently disabled persons on restricted incomes and/or past the age when income-earning service in the world would be expected of them may be granted a permanent partial exemption from 15% tithe and fees when financial hardship is demonstrated (gross income generation capacity is less than $1500/month).
4 - Other circumstances of need:
Practitioners who demonstrate financial hardship (gross income is less than $1500/month) due to other circumstances of need, such as single parent or temporary physical disability or unemployment, may be granted a temporary full or partial exemption from 15% tithe and fees.
SITUATIONS THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR A PARTIAL EXEMPTION
1 - Those with personal debt:
Devotees are not to incur debt. An exception to this principle is secured debt, i.e. homes, cars, etc. may be financed as long as that debt does not interfere with one's ability to also pay full monthly financial obligations to Adidam. Credit card charges should be paid in full each month. If you have debt, you must still pay your full tithes and fees and at the same time work to retire the debt as soon as possible without incurring more debt. Anyone applying to become a student novice must demonstrate that they can eliminate any unsecured debt in one year while still maintaining their full tithe and fees obligation to Adidam.
In rare cases, a devotee may not be able to financially maintain appropriate life obligations and tithe because of a very heavy debt load. In such circumstances, the devotee should meet with the Debt Clinic (financial rep or CFO and regional exemption review board) to work out a formal, culturally agreed upon plan for retiring his/her debt, which may include paying a reduced tithe for a specific period of time (usually 3 months). Such agreements must be ratified by the regional CFO and may be reviewed by the LRO board.
2 - Full-time homemakers:
Full-time homemakers who are dependent on others for their financial support are not eligible for exemptions. They are responsible for paying full tithes and fees based on their homemaker's allowance or income share from their spouse.
3 - New student-novices:
New student-novices are expected to pay full tithes and fees upon entry into the student-novice program. In rare cases, special exemptions might be granted. If so, the new student novice must demonstrate that he/she will be able to meet all financial obligations within 6-12 months or by the time of transition to student beginner. Anyone applying to become a student novice also must demonstrate that he/she can eliminate any unsecured debt in one year while still meeting all Adidam financial obligations.
ANNUAL RENEWAL OF TITHE AND FEE AGREEMENTS
The tithe and fee agreement should be reviewed and a new agreement made any time there is a change in a practitioner's income or financial circumstance. At a minimum, this agreement should be reviewed and renewed each year, even if there has been no change in your financial situation. Any time a tithe and fee agreement is made or renewed, please complete the personal income and expense disclosure forms along with a new financial contribution agreement or a new financial contribution exemption agreement. Return your signed agreement to your parish financial rep or CFO. Be sure to keep a photocopy of the completed forms for your records. Whether or not you are requesting an exemption, you must provide your parish financial rep a current, completed personal income disclosure form, a current expense itemization, and a current statement of assets and liabilities. If you are requesting an exemption, you must also provide the reasons why you are requesting an exemption and a short term (3 months) and long term plan outlining when you can come to full compliance.
ACCOUNTABILITY
1 - Begins with you:
One aspect of mature human participation in life is to hold ourselves accountable for supportive money generation and fulfilling our financial obligations. As a student of Adidam, please animate this sign of maturity and do not wait for a reminder, if at anytime you feel that your full tithe and fee obligation cannot be met or whenever it is otherwise time to make a new financial agreement. Contact your parish financial rep or regional CFO for a financial consideration. They will work with you to explore how you can meet your financial obligations.
Remember, if at any time your income situation has changed from that upon which your current agreement is based, or whenever your current financial agreement expires, you must make a new agreement. Such new agreements must be made by the end of the month following your income change or agreement expiration.
2 - Monthly Statement of Financial Obligations:
Each month, you will receive a monthly statement of financial obligations that will include a summary of your annual payments to date. Please review this statement each month. If you have any questions regarding your statement, please contact Michel Winand, the Bay Area CFO.
3 - Parish Financial Rep or Community CFO:
The parish financial rep or regional CFO offers parish members guidance in making new financial agreements. The parish financial reps or regional CFOs goal is to remain sensitive to individual needs and requirements while at the same time supporting practitioners in remaining or becoming fully aligned to Beloved Adi Das Instruction regarding their sacred tithe and fee obligations. Whenever you fail to meet the mark in your financial obligations, your first line of help is within your parish setting. Remember, it is not the CFOs or financial reps responsibility to chase you down if payments are overdue or if it is time for you to make a new agreement. Rather, you must contact your parish financial rep and take responsibility to resolve your financial situation at the parish level.
The Sacred Vow of the Society of Advocates
(4th Congregation, or beginner's vow)
Beloved Bhagavan Avatar Adi Da Samraj,
Having studied and "considered" Your Word and Leela, I recognize that Your Divine Instruction, Demonstration, and Blessing-Transmission are an incomparable Gift. I therefore choose to make this vow of a free and direct devotional relationship to You as a fourth congregation member of the Transnational Society of Advocates of the Adidam Revelation. I accept Your Graceful Offering to live and serve as Your devotee. I understand that my responsive relationship to You is the sacred Means whereby I am Blessed by the Divine Freedom and Happiness that is Your own Love-Blissful Condition and Your Supreme Gift to Your devotees. I enter into this relationship with respect and love, knowing that it is not in any sense a conventional or worldly matter. Rather, I understand that my relationship to You is a profound and serious commitment that obliges me to resort to You consistently and to serve You steadfastly and energetically. I understand that by these means I become progressively more and more available to Your Transforming Grace.
As a fourth congregation member of the Society of Advocates, I understand that my primary obligation is to practice Ruchira Buddha Yoga (the Yoga, or practice, of devotional love of You, the Ruchira Buddha). I will do this by practicing the technically "simplest" practice of feeling-Contemplation of You, in which I simply Invoke You, feel You, breathe You, and serve You.
You have Said, "The technically 'simplest' practice is a profound practice. Although it does not include all the technical details of the more elaborate forms of practice, it is the same process and the same opportunity that I Offer to all My devotees. I can Awaken to Myself any being who really practices the technically 'simplest' practice. It is simply a matter of surrendering to Me, and becoming utterly combined with Me through that devotional surrender. You must simply do that, in direct relationship to Me, such that I am making My connection to You."
I also understand that my sadhana as a fourth congregation member of the Society of Advocates is to be principally expressed through my offering of consistent service to You, including (but not limited to) service to the publications missions (which is the particular responsibility of all members of the Society of Advocates), as well as a consistent monthly or regular pledge according to my means. I promise that through this direct, energetic, and always heartfelt service, I will do my utmost to advance Your Circumstance and Divine World-work, guided by Your Instructions, and in cooperation with my fellow devotees. I vow to consistently maintain and enlarge my service to You so that I may increasingly receive and be transformed by Your Blessing-Grace.
Beloved Bhagavan Adi Da, I thank You from my heart for the Gift of this free and most sacred relationship. I embrace You as Divine Guru, Giver of Truth and Heart-Blessing to all beings. I bow down to You with love and devotion.