Sacha Sangha means the people who gather around ShantiMayi and are dedicated to her teachings for their enlightenment. Sacha means the undeniable 'Truth' Sangha means gathering.

ShantiMayi's Musings

Reflecting over my years with the sangha, I saw that about 20% of the students carry the rest and about 80% do little to participate or support their own projects.

It is true with volunteering and in organizing and it is true in financial donations as well.

It is not so unusual in most organizations that about 15% to 20% carry the entire situation at all levels.

However, we are not just any organization. We are a spiritual people devoted to furthering the work of Sacha. This is our privilege.

We have ongoing projects that require a much greater effort among many more people than 20% … and why not? We can all help.

Generosity is one of the most important of Spiritual teachings.

I began thinking how I could motivate more of the students (and anyone else who would like to donate) to participate in financially supporting sangha projects. Next, I will see how we can motivate more volunteer participation.

Then I thought...

If I were in the home of any student for any length of time they would certainly offer me a cup of coffee every day. Actually, I know that they would offer me breakfast, lunch and dinner, a shower, a room and so on. Well, one cup of coffee a day would be just enough. That would help with the new Stupa project in Denmark (which will be finished in 2007).

That would allow us to take on projects with children and poor people in India.

It would also help others in need of support.

A cup of coffee a day... That would be one euro or one dollar or the equivalent a day.

I am in your home every day.

So I spoke to the students and many liked the idea very much. This fund would be for Sangha projects supported by Sangha members and friends who would like to add their help by donating.

The donations would be used for costly renovations for our Ashram in France. We actually do 99.99% of the labor on all the projects and have only hired labor once. This, too, has been accomplished by the kind of volunteer efforts of the very few (the same every time) people.

The buildings can become utilized more efficiently through renovation and we can add tools and needed machinery. We could also take on projects for children's education, clothing, doctor bills, and so on in India. We may be able to make some special projects of our own after Terra de Sacha gets going a bit faster than it has over the years. Although it is a beautiful place it needs much attention.

Australia could add to their Ashram fund so that could become a reality one day.

The Stupa project in Denmark will be built with money from this fund. We will pool the donations to the Fund and put money where it is needed most.

We will publish a project list, outlining the material needs as well as the opportunities for volunteers to participate so you can have an overview, a sense of what needs to be done.

We will offer an account of the distribution of the donations and the balances. The dates for notification of accounts will be posted on the Website as soon as we can. (We are still organizing the Cup A Day Fund.)

Soon, we will have information for you on the particular projects and your generous support. This fund is strictly for Sacha Sangha Projects that benefit everyone. We will have meetings and the minutes from those meetings will be posted on the Website.

It is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to give from your heart to support Spiritual projects that you and others will benefit immensely.

Blessings to all, ShantiMayi

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