Selection | Newsletter

SM blessing arrangemets Australian Councillors Genoa 18-9-2010 Lo Res .jpg

SAHAJA YOGA AUSTRALIA COUNCILLOR / COORDINATOR

SELECTION HISTORY OVERVIEW AND GUIDELINES

Jai Shri Mataji!

In September 2010 at HH Shri Mataji’s Genoa House She arranged for the Australian

National Councillor Selection using a method that was discussed with Her beforehand

allowing Her to indicate Her Will via the Divine Vibrations.

She blessed the process in person and in writing as the method for Australian Sahaja

Yogis to use into the future for Her to indicate whom She chooses as Her State

and National Councillors and Coordinator.

The process has served the Australian Collective well for the past 12 years with Her

Divine attention very pronounced during the Selection and Checking processes.

Guidelines which follow are based on HH Shri Mataji’s original Selection Process

She provided in Genoa, and our history of conducting Selections since 2010, with

additions to further improve the integrity and transparency of Mother’s gift

of Vibration Selection where She indicates Her choices.

As time passes and more Yogis/Yoginis come to Her Holiness and Sahaja Yoga they may not be aware of important historical facts and guidance provided during Her incarnation, specifically relating to our administration.

Of those fortunate to spend time in Her presence and see and hear first hand Her loving instructions, some of us were charged with ensuring Her advice doesn’t become lost, misinterpreted or corrupted, by creating records such as this of significant advice, events and examples designed to take us into the future.

Her Holiness regularly warned that what She has given us is sacrosanct and cannot be challenged or disregarded, and it is essential for Collectives and their Countries to remain in the attention and blessings of the Divine.

An example of disregarding Her advice occurred where a democratic process was created in one of our cities so Yogis could vote on how they wanted Sahaja Yoga to be managed. Her Holiness was very angry that a process was created suggesting human egos knew better than the Divine, and She immediately dismantled the arrangement, making an example of those involved.

HISTORICAL SELECTION AT SHRI GANESHA PUJA

CABELLA/GENOA ITALY 2010

At Shri Ganesha Puja in Italy in 2010 Her Holiness arranged for a majority of Australian National Councillors to be in attendance. The Councillors took the opportunity to discuss formally adopting a ‘Continuity Principle’ and using ‘Vibration Checking’ for future Councillor and Coordinator selection for the Australian Collective with Her Holiness and Sir CP.

The Continuity Principle is designed to ensure a continuation of knowledge being provided to a new Council or Coordinator and avoids new members being unaware of processes, legalities, projects, relationships, contacts and arrangements with other countries etc. It also ensures that the experience, wisdom, knowledge and information about the management of Sahaja Yoga is not lost, and ensures that the promotion of Sahaja Yoga is not disrupted by the appointment of a new Council without experience.

The ‘Continuity Principle’ has two aspects:

1. By adding a percentage of previously experienced recent Councillors from the last Selection who are in agreement to be included in the Candidates list to be checked.

2. By holding the Selection process around six months before the hand-over date so new Councillors/Coordinators can be included in communications and interact with active Councillors/Coordinators becoming familiar with the role.

The Australian National Council was due to be renewed and as most were at the home of Her Holiness with Her in attendance it was an ideal time, place and situation to offer the names to the Divine.

Prior to receiving HH Shri Mataji’s blessings for the Australian Councillor/Coordinator Selection Process using Divine Vibrations, the concept was widely discussed around the country with strong support received as a means for Shri Mataji to indicate directly whom She wants in Councillor and Coordinator positions to assist with the practical and spiritual needs of the Collective and the spreading of HH Shri Mataji’s gift and message.

Before to going to Italy each current Councillor was contacted checking if they were prepared to offer themselves to Mother and if chosen, serve again as a Councillor. The arrangement was that those not wishing to be offered would advise by email, which a number did. A list was then made up of some previous National Councillors and a number of experienced State Councillors.

COMPARING THE GENOA SELECTION

TO METHODS USED IN AUSTRALIA

The following is provided to explain the process in Genoa which HH Shri Mataji arranged, and the process Her Holiness has successfully used in Australia for 12 years.

(Incidentally in Genoa Her Holiness miraculously chose the appropriate number of Councillors living in every Australian state to ensure they were represented.)

Some aspects of the Genoa process have been enhanced to provide even more transparency and security, but the basics elements remain identical.

HAVING SUITABLY SENSITIVE YOGIS FOR HER HOLINESS TO INDICATE HER WILL THROUGH

(In 2010 In Genoa Shri Mataji used the Marriage Team members to conduct the Selection).

In Australia this involves having a group of Yogis with recognised good vibratory awareness to be vehicles for Shri Mataji’s indications. To identify those receptive to vibrations on the day a process using Mother’s photos in envelopes and other envelopes with negative words to differtiate the vibrations to get sensitive Selectors. Those with the best results are invited to carry out the Candidate Selection process.

PLACING NAMES IN ENVELOPES

In Genoa NO Australian Councillors were present and names were placed in plain envelopes and the Marriage Team mixed them up and asked the question “Mother, Do you desire that this person to be in Australian council” (See Message shared with Collective notes attached)

In Australia printed Candidate names are placed in sealed plain envelopes and shuffled by two team members. Another Team member not involved in the placing and shuffling places the numbers on the envelopes in a separate place so no-one can possibly know the names inside. The numbers on the envelopes help to keep track of them.

The Australian process uses the words “Shri Mataji, is it Your Will that this Yogi/Yogini be a (State Councillor, National Councillor or Coordinator) for Australia for the Advancement of Sahaja Yoga?”

RECORDING AND STORING THE RESULTS

At Genoa House vibrations felt were written directly on the envelope with hot envelopes being put aside. The envelopes were returned and a list made of those Mother had chosen. As each name was removed and recorded on the list the name was immediately placed back in the envelope.

All name envelopes were then placed in a sealed larger envelope and stored in a secure cupboard outside Shri Mataji’s rooms. Someone challenged the results and the sealed envelopes were transported to Burwood and provided the required proof to dismiss the challenge.

HER HOLINESS BLESSES SELECTION PROCESS

In Genoa a letter describing the process used and a list of Councillors was presented to Her Holiness with verbal explanations and seeking Her blessings for the Councillors and the process utilised. After blessing the letters a copy was placed at Her Lotus Feet. (Photos below)

Her Holiness also provided letters confirming Her blessings for Her selection process.

RECORDING DETAILS IN AUSTRALIA

In Australia we have a 2 stage process.

The first stage is to identify those best suited to conduct the checking process using envelopes with

HH Shri Mataji’s photos in some of them and a 5 box form Yogis fill in. The results and names are placed on a Names of Selectors Form and those with the best results carry out Stage 2.

The second stage is the actual selection where we provide Selection Checking Forms so vibrations experienced by those carrying out the checking can be written next to the number on the form corresponding to an envelope to ensure anonymity and transparency. At the end of the checking process all the Selector Team members open the envelopes one at a time and place the names next to numbers on a form and immediately place the names back in the sealed envelopes to avoid any mix ups.

When all the names have been placed on all the forms the details are transferred to a Compilation Sheet. The Compilation Sheets are filled in with names and the various vibrations felt. After carefully checking the results with Selection Management Team members a Final Result Form is filled in starting at No 1 with the obvious choice and so on down the list. All these processes are carried out by all Team members who name and sign every form as correct.

All original records are to be kept in a locked briefcase and quickly transferred to HH Shri Mataji’s rooms at Her Burwood, Sydney Centre.

WHY ARE VIBRATIONS AND CATCHES RECORDED?

Experience has shown that Vibration Checking can sometimes result in 2 or more candidates receiving the same number of cool results. When this occurs by examining any catches recorded it becomes very clear as to HH Shri Mataji’s choice. An example could be strong catches on Sahasrara, Heart, Agnya, Vishuddi etc. or very hot left or right sides, where others may have no or only mild catches indicated.

IMPORTANTLY: All results of the checking process involving catches always remain completely private and secure. Those checking the vibrations will not know the names of those involved.

LOCATION OF SELECTIONS

State Councillor Selections may be held in states different to the state being checked to ensure there is no perception of influence should the local Collective decide to do so.

Based on our history since 2010 and for practical reasons, Coordinator and National Councillors are checked and selected at HH Shri Mataji’s Balmoral property.

This practical arrangement is based on the fact that the property provides the maximum number of Yogis attending to provide sensitive Selectors. As National Councillors and Coordinator are representing our National Collective their selection and the processes involved must involve and be openly seen by the maximum number of the Sahaja Yogis to provide full credibilty.

SELECTIONS OTHER THAN AT BALMORAL

In States other than NSW, Selection Teams will be created and managed by the SMT as required, and will involve training of Team members and providing all required forms, guidelines and resources, and the delivery and storage of all records to HH Shri Mataji’s Burwood home.

MANAGING AND ENSURING INTEGRITY OF THE SELECTION PROCESS

To improve the security and transparency of the Vibration Selection Process and ensure there can be no intereference or influence from Candidates, Councillors, Coordinators, Trustees or others, a separate independent management team will be responsibile for selections in all states based on the process created and blessed by Her Holiness in 2010.

REINSTATING A SELECTION MANAGEMENT TEAM (SMT)

Previously a number of senior experienced Sahaja Yogis oversaw the Selection Process with no involvement from Councillors, Coordinators & Trustees to ensure integrity of the process.

Senior Sahaja Yogis who are not currently acting in a Councillor, Coordinator or Trustee position will reinstate our Selection Management Team with the overall responsibility of ensuring a transparent, efficient ‘Selection on Vibrations’ program with no outside interference.

The SMT will ensure at least one member attends each Selection Process. Members will have no direct input or involvement in the selection, and act only as observers to check all protocols are followed. SMT Members will check and sign the Compilation, Results and Declaration Forms.

The SMT will be responsible for appointing and training Selection Team Leaders and Assistants.

PROVISION OF RESOURCES

The SMT will arrange and provide all resources including required printed forms and envelopes, pens, A4 size photographs of Her Holiness, music stand, a lockable briefcase, and other items as needed, and ensure the delivery and storage of all records to HH Shri Mataji’s Burwood home.

APPOINTING & TRAINING SELECTION TEAM LEADERS & ASSISTANTS

It is a blessing and honour to be part of the Team managing the Selection Process and being so close to Mother’s attention during the process, and having the responsibility that all aspects are carried out in full accordance with our guidelines based on the process created and blessed by Her Holiness.

The SMT will consider Sahaja Yogis suitable as Team Leaders and at least 2 Assistants made up as two groups in NSW, and interstate as required, and will invite their participation. The two NSW groups will be named to identify them.

Once the Selection Teams positions are established all members will be provided with these guidelines and specific Selection Team instructions, samples of forms, envelopes etc., with the Team members becoming fully proficient in the processes.

A copy of the guidelines will be printed off and available on-site for reference if required. Full confidentiality and respect for candidates and the checking team will be paramount.

NO INVOLVEMENT WITH SELECTION TEAM - REPORT ANY CONTACT

The Selection Team members and Selection management Team will never discuss any private information with anyone not directly involved in the process, before, during or after the Selection has occurred, to ensure the privacy of Candidates.

All Selection Team members will strictly follow the guidelines, ensuring everything about the process is beyond question, and no individual Team members are to be alone with the sealed Envelopes, Voting Forms, Compilation and Result Forms.

Once a Selection is announced and the Team Leader and Assistants are appointed and these instructions and any required resources are provided, Team members will only communicate with the SMT, and have no further contact or communication with the Coordinator, Councillors or Trustees.

Any attempts of contact with Team members are to be ignored and immediately reported to our Legal Compliance Team Leader. Ms Sue Nickson: M 0401 121 350.

SECURITY / STORAGE OF RECORDS

To avoid any interference with the results after the process, the SMT members in attendance will photograph the Compilation Forms and Final Results Forms and print off the photographs to be placed with the records, and keep copies of the photos to ensure no loss of the records.

ALL records of the full process are to be locked in a briefcase during the various stages on the day. None of the forms or records are to be given to Councillors, the Coordinator, Trustees or any Yogis. SMT members will deliver all records to Burwood as soon as practical and ensure their secure storage.

TIMING OF SELECTIONS USING THE ‘CONTINUITY PRINCIPLE’

A ‘Continuity Principle’ was approved in Genoa by Her Holiness in 2010 (see letters to and from Her Holiness) to ensure a continuence of knowledge and experience for our Councillors and Coordinators. The Continuity Principle using Vibration Selection was specifically commented on as ‘the model for the world’.

After a date is agreed in consultation with the SMT for a hand over of Councillors or Coordinator positions the ‘Continuity Principle’ will be applied.

The ‘Continuity Principle’ will involve holding the actual Selection Process around 6 months before the hand over date so new Councillors/Coorinator/s can be included in communications and activities to become familiar and versed in the position, and be fully aware of any projects under way, and the prinicipals and requirements of our administration for when they begin their term.

Previously experienced qualified recent Councillors will be invited to be included as Candidates to provide a mix of continuity of knowledge and experience should Her Holiness choose them.

Traditionally State, National Councillors and Coordinators were in their position for 5 years, however requests from State Councillors changed their terms to 3 years. The timing of each Selection will consider suitable events to maximise participation and any other factors requiring some flexibility, dates will be decided by the SMT.

SEEKING MOTHER’S BLESSINGS FOR THOSE CHOSEN

The chosen candidate/s are advised by the Selection Management Team and a letter is created thanking Her Holiness for providing Her new Councillors/Coordinator and seeking Her blessings for all Australian Yogis. The letter is offered at Nirmal Dham or at Mother’s Burwood Rooms. Following offering the letter an announcent is made by the Selection Management Team to the Collective.

VIDEO OPTION

To give Yogis a much better idea of the processes involved and the very tangible Divine attention evident in Selecting Candidates, a video may be made in such a way as to ensure no names or personal details are shown. A video would help Yogis better understand the process and be a guide for future Selection Teams.

SHE DOES EVERYTHING

Provided everything is done according to HH Shri Mataji’s instructions we need to be fully confident in the Selection processes and enjoy the special Divine attention of these occassions, always remembering that She is in full control and taking care of everything so beautifully. Any problems will eventually be revealed and corrected by Her.

Dear Holiness Shri Mataji, thank You for these Guidelines and

for Your personal loving involvement in these Blessed Events.

FOLLOWING ARE:

PHOTOGRAPHS OF HER HOLINESS BLESSING THE PROCESS

LETTER TO HER HOLINESS

LETTERS FROM HER HOLINESS

CONFIRMATION OF GENOA PROCESS

HER HOLINESS GIVES HER BLESSING TO THE SELECTION PROCESS

AND COUNCILLORS CHOSEN IN GENOA IN 2010

2 PAGE LETTER TO HER HOLINESS

Our Beloved Her Holiness Shri Mataji

We humbly offer at Your Lotus Feet advice on

the Selection Process principles used in choosing the

Australian Council for the advancement of Sahaja Yoga.

The guiding principles used in determining the selection

process for the new Australian Council for the advancement

of Sahaja Yoga was based on the

‘Continuity Principle’.

To achieve this principle and ensure knowledge and

experience would be available and passed to incoming

new councillors a percentage of previously experienced

councillors were included in the list to be considered on

vibrations.

From that point the independent vibration checking

process was used to determine councillors and

coordinators where names were placed in sealed

envelopes with no Australian Sahaja Yogis being present

or involved in the checking process.

Once the vibrations were checked, the envelopes were

opened and the independent vibration checking

representatives then advised of the results which are now

presented, seeking Your approval and blessing.

16th September 2010

The second page advised the names of those selected

2 LETTERS FROM HER HOLINESS

CONFIRMATION NOTES OF THE PROCESS HELD IN GENOA IN 2010

We were blessed by Shri Mataji by Her arrangements for the selection of the new Australian Council members at Her home in Genoa in September 2010.

During Shri Ganesha Puja in Italy a number of Australian Councillors had the opportunity to discuss with Shri Mataji and Sir CP a suggested process developed after wide consultation and input for choosing State and National Councillors and Coordinators. The proposed method was approved and advised this is 'the model for the rest of the world.' (India has recently adopted this process)

To provide some continuity of experience, carrying forward of essential knowledge and to maintain all efforts to spread and promote Sahaja Yoga, a principle that a percentage of the previous Council be nominated as candidates for vibrational selection was endorsed.

This principle is further enhanced by holding the Selection earlier than the change-over time so those chosen can gain experience working the Councillors and Coordinators before taking over.

After receiving the blessings to go ahead with the suggested method, the names of all the new Australian State Councillors, and a number of previous Australian Councillors were provided for checking.

The candidates names were then placed in sealed unmarked envelopes by a senior Greek Councillor and checked on vibrations by the team helping with the work for the marriages. This was done independently of any Australian Yogis in Shri Mataji’s residence in Genoa with Shri Mataji Herself present in the home.

The Greek Councillors written comments follow:

“I was involved for checking vibrations for new Australian Council at Genova House. We put the names of each candidate in separate envelopes. We mix the envelopes and checked vibrations asking questions like “ Mother, Do you desire this person to be in Australian council ?”. Then the result were like hot, cool, catches etc. We wrote result on each envelope. Hot envelopes were not selected. No Australian member were present during vibration checking and no one knew whose name was in the envelope”

A member of the World Council also provided written comment:

“A Greek Councillor had supervised the process so I confirmed with him that they used the envelope method for selection based on what the Australians had agreed to. I’m completely satisfied that the process was done correctly according to the wishes of the Australian collective and am happy to endorse this.”

We can advise that by checking the vibrations, Shri Mataji’s Will has been expressed in the selection of the Yogis to represent the Sahaja Yogis of Australia as the Australian Council.

SELECTION TEAM MEMBERS APPOINTMENT AND TRAINING MANAGED BY THE SELECTION MANAGEMENT TEAM

SELECTION & APPOINTMENT

The selection, appointment and training of Selection Team Leaders and Assistant volunteers will be the sole responsibility of the Selection Management Team with no involvement from Councillors, Coordinators or Trustees.

Two Selection Teams will be appointed in NSW and temporary Selection Teams will be apponted, managed and assisted in other states as required.

To identify the two NSW Selection Teams they will be given names by the SMT.

Members of the two teams may replace one another if someione is unavailable.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

The highest professional standards are critical to the role of the Selection Team in ensuring full confidence in the Selection Process and results, and specific detailed instructions are provided to cover and check every step undertaken with the Team Leader and Assistants personally naming and signing all Forms used.

Selection Management Team and The Selection Team will ensure no interference occurs and that all steps in the process are anonymous and all private information remains confidential.

All records are to be retained and kept in a locked briefcase before, during and and after the process before being stored in HH Shri Mataji’s rooms at Burwood.

ADVISING TIMING OF THE SELECTIONS

The Selection Management Team will advise the Selection Teams at least four weeks in advance of the selection date to ensure their availability or replacement is arranged, and to allow them to receive and prepare all the items, including printed material, envelopes, pens, HH Shri Mataji’s photos, a music stand, lockable case, and any other items required.

The Selection Management Team will also provide a list of the agreeing and qualified candidates to the Team Leader at least two weeks in advance.

IDENTIFYING AND VERIFYING CANDIDATES - CRITERIA

Nominee’s for the role of Councillor/Coordinator need to meet the following criteria:

• They are actively involved in the work of Sahaja Yoga

• They regularly attend collective programs and pujas

• Their personal circumstances are such that they are able to actively contribute to the

workings of the Council in a respectful, positive manner, always having Her Holiness and

the welfare of the Collective in the attention as the highest priority

• They agree to always adhere to HH Shri Mataji’s advice and instructions

• They should enjoy the general respect of the Collective

• They have no pending legal action that may bring Sahaja Yoga into disrepute

• Any nominee who has a criminal record which would affect their ability to carry out

their role as a Councillor should decline to be nominated

• Any Councillor/Coordinator involved in legal action must step down from their position until the

matter is resolved. A replacement can be arranged if the situation is long term

• Councillors / Coordinators who resigned during their term of service will not be eligible to be

considered

• It should be borne in mind that if more than one yogi from a single family are selected

as State or National Councillors, it is reasonably likely that this may impact upon the

family, and is not appropriate

SELECTION ANNOUNCEMENT

After consultation the Selection Management Team will advise the Collective that a Vibration Selection Process for State / National Councillors / Coordinator, wiill be held on a particular date, and the location, at least 6 weeks in advance of the event.

The Selection Management Team will contact potential candidates and establish if they will accept a position if chosen. When the Candidate List is created it will be passed to the Selection Team Leader and Assistants to begin preparing required resources.

STATE COUNCILLOR SELECTION

The Selection Management Team will call for expressions of interest from the Collective within four weeks of the selection from eligible Candidates, (including recently appointed State Councillors with the Continuity Principle) inquiring if they are prepared to accept a position if chosen on vibrations. Candidates respond to the SMT by email with a positive or negative answer directly back, and the Selection Management Team will keep records of responses. State Councillor Selections may occur in another state under SMT guidance.

NATIONAL COUNCILLOR SELECTION

The Selection Management Team will contact all eligible qualified recent State Councillor Candidates from each state (including qualified recent National Councillors), with the Continuity Principle, inquiring if they are prepared to accept a position if chosen on vibrations. Candidates will respond by email with a positive or negative answer directly back, and the Selection Management Team will keep a record of all responses. National Councillor Selections will occur at HH Shri Mataji’s National property at Balmoral.

REPRESENTING ALL STATES

At the Genoa selection in 2010 HH Shri Mataji miraculously chose National Councillors for all states, and to continue that precedent, The SMT will endeavour to have candidates from every state. Provided candidates are available and the vibrations are clear, they will be considered in the Results to provide each state with a representative/s.

COORDINATOR SELECTION

The Selection Management Team will contact all eligible recently elected National Councillor Candidates within four weeks of the selection inquiring if they are prepared to accept a position as Coordinator if chosen on vibrations. Candidates will respond to the Selection Management Team by email with a positive or negative answer directly back. The SMT will keep a record of all responses. Coordinator Selections will occur at Balmoral.

NO COUNCILLOR, COORDINATOR OR TRUSTEE INVOLVEMENT

Because of recent problems with lost records and other concerns, Councillors, Coordinators and Trustees will have no involvement whatsoever in any Selection Process which will be entirely managed by the independent Selection Management Team. Should any contact or interference be attempted or occur it will be immediately reported to our National Legal Compliance Team Leader.

The Australian Sahaja Yoga family wishes to express its great appreciation to Her Holiness for these processes and we sincerely thank all the individuals who give their time, energy and love as Councillors, Coordinators, Trustees and all the other unseen essential roles necessary in assisting the smooth running of our administration and arranging all the events which allow us to come together to bathe in the loving vibrations of Her Holiness and one another.