In the Rome ashram meeting Maharaji said something to the effect that we were the special lucky ones and that "all those people out there in the main hall" (referring to the premies en-masse waiting for him) were never really going to realise the Knowledge whereas we had the great opportunity - don't blow it etc. He said this with his usual force of conviction and kind of threateningly.He also had sent his instructors out into the commununities 1n 1977 to expressly pass on to us his edict that if you weren't married you SHOULD consider VERY SERIOUSLY why you were not in the ashram. Ask Mike Finch about this - he left his wife as far as I recall. And this was pretty directly from MJ -correct me if I'm wrong Mike. The whole thing was very guilt-mongering in my opinion and I think that (since your talking responsibility) M clearly had (has) a huge portion. Hey, I accept my responsibilty for my part in believing the guy. What's questionable is whether he does for the dodgier things he did.
It's perfectly clear to me that we are all responsible for our choices and so is he for chosing to abuse our trust by playing, to the hilt, the big boss who wanted er sorry..demanded people to obey his every whim despite their 'better sense' (read 'mind' in Guru-speak).
Oh yes ...
How about the idea that many of the ashram premies were people who lacked the confidence to make it outside, and so seized on the ashram content of what M said, making it their raison d'etre, for fear of not being able to find a raison d'etre anywhere else?
This may have applied to some people but categorically not to myself. The whole surrender to Maharaji thing was a big waste of time IMO. It was a sacrifice that produced very little pleasant results. Being released from the ashram was like being let out of jail. It was the most boring, confining, abjectly soul-destroying existence unless you managed to bleat enough to get noticed and be given some exalted service. The talented but humble sank without trace whilst the ones with egoistic attitudes and agendas thrived and were more noticed and rewarded by Maharaji. I hated it and immediately became succesfull and infinitely happier when released.
