Some Interesting Annual Reports of Ruhani Satsang
James Shannon
The following are reports of three years of annual general
meetings of Master Kirpal Singh's American corporation -
Ruhani Satsang - following His passing on Aug. 21, 1974.
Contained therein are some interesting historical facts
about what happened after Master Kirpal left the body.
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1.) December 1974: from the Annual Report
published in the December 1974 Sat Sandesh
Selections from the THE ANNUAL MEETING Of the Board of Directors of
Ruhani Satsang - Divine Science of the Soul was held and called to
order by Mr. T. S. Khanna, Chairman of the Board, at 1:00 p.m. on
Saturday, November 30, 1974 at the National Headquarters, 221 W.
Broadway, Anaheim, California 92803 in the Sanctuary of our Beloved
Master, His Holiness Sant Kirpal Singh Ji Maharaj.
Directors present were as follows:
Mr. T. S. Khanna, Chairman of the Board;
Mr. Reno H. Sirrine; Vice President;
Mr. Dan Crow;
Mrs. Olga Donenberg;
Mr. Charles Fulcher;
Mrs. Lucille B. Gunn;
Mr. Farwell P. Hull;
Mrs. Dona Kelley;
Dr. John Lovelace;
M_rs. Helen McDaniel;
Mrs. Mildred Prendergast;
and voting by proxy was:
Mrs. Amarnath Sharma for Mr Amarnath Sharma.
Other officers present were:
Mrs. Helen Von Aldenbruck, Secretary;
Mr. Robert F. McLeod, Treasurer.
Also present were:
Mrs. Betty Shifflet;
Mr. Russell Perkins;
Mr. Arran Stephens;
Mr. Stephen Melik;
Mr. Raji Duggal [Darshan Singh's Son -- Rajinder Singh]
and many other group leaders and satsangis were invited to
view the meeting, participating only if requested to do so.
The invocation was given by Mr. Farwell Hull.
OLD BUSINESS
Reno H. Sirrine made a report as the executive committee of one,
reading Master's [Kirpal Singh] letter of July 30, 1974, in which
Master states that the functions of the corporation can in no way
be underrated or over-emphasized and that this organization is run
by accredited and most intelligent persons when they have pooled
their selfless efforts and laid their heads together for the common
holy Cause of the Master.
The Vice President [Mr. Sirrine] read Master's letter of November
26, 1972, appointing him as the committee of one and asked the
Board if they were satisfied with his actions as such since this
time. A brief discussion of this followed. The overall feeling of
the Board was one of approval.
Dan Crow read a personal letter from Master Kirpal Singh to Betty
Shifflet regarding Reno Sirrine's selfless service for the Master,
as follows: "He is doing remarkable work for the Holy Cause of the
Master being in charge of the entire set-up of Western hemisphere.
I am very much pleased with him and wish him all the best inwardly
and outwardly." . . .
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. T. S. Khanna, Chairman of the Board, stated he would like some
letters .. read in favor of [the successorship] of Darshan Singh
Duggal {Master Kirpal's son], as the new Master, due to the fact
that so many Board Members and Group Leaders had expressed their
views against Darshan Singh Duggal as the spiritual successor in
the open meeting held prior to the Board Meeting.
Dan Crow said he was approached by Mr. Khanna and Olga Donenberg to
present documents and tapes in favor of Darshan Singh as a Spiritual
Successor. As an attorney, Dan said he was very much interested in
the procedures of the corporation. The position of President and
Spiritual Leader in the past, was one and the same. As stated in
the by-laws, the president should nominate a new president, or
failing that, a two-thirds vote of the board should elect a new
president. .
A tape from Malcolm and Kate Tillis was then played in which they
stated that they felt Darshan Singh was the spiritual successor.
A letter from Michael Grayson to Darshan Singh was read before
the board, in which Michael says he feels Darshan Singh is the
spiritual successor. Michael had previously sent this out in a
general mailing. Olga Donenberg had Dan read a letter from Darshan
Singh, dated November 5, 1974, in which Darshan states that Master
appointed him as the spiritual successor and that he received the
transmission through the eyes, and he would commence initiating
when he feels he could do so and he HOPES the Master will ENDOW
him with the powers before too long.
Then read was purportedly a copy of excerpts from Master's will
[a forgery, according to Dr. Harbhajan Singh and others -- JS].
Mr. Crow could NOT substantiate its authenticity. These excerpts were
about the good attributes of Master's son, Darshan Singh. An excerpt
from Circular 17 by Master, was also read.
A discussion followed. Several comments were made by many who felt
Darshan was a good man, but not the spiritual successor.
The nomination and election for the office of president was then
opened to the board. There was a nomination for Darshan Singh by
Olga Donenberg which was seconded by Helen McDaniels. Dan Crow
asked if Darshan had given permission to anyone to nominate him
for the presidency. No one had received this. Dan also suggested
a secret ballot be cast. A "yes" or "no" vote was taken for Darshan
Singh as President. The vote was three "yes" and eight "no"
votes, thereby defeating the nomination.
Charles Fulcher made the motion that the position of President be
left open, symbolically for Master Kirpal Singh, in recognition of
the Master Power presiding over this Corporation. John Lovelace
seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried. Reno Sirrine stated
that since we voted to keep this as Master Kirpal Singh's corporation,
all criticism of Darshan Singh should cease.
Charles Fulcher made the motion that Mr. Reno H. Sirrine continue as
a committee of one until the next board meeting. Mildred Prendergast
seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried. Mr. Sirrine said that
if any board members were going to promote Darshan Singh as the new
Master, they are NOT to use the Ruhani Satsang-Divine Science of the
Soul letterhead or Master's Satsangs for this purpose. This was
favorably agreed upon by the board members, Representatives, and
Satsangi Leaders.
Dan Crow read a . . . proposed resolution, as follows:
BE IT RESOLVED that all Satsangs operated under the auspices or name
of Ruhani Satsang-Divine Science of the Soul, should be conducted
solely and wholly for the dissemination of the teachings of Master
Kirpal Singh and for the purpose of providing a congenial atmosphere
for the initiates and seekers to come together in remembrance of Master
Kirpal Singh and that no Group Leader, initiate or other person attending
Satsang should direct any seeker to any other Master or Master's
Satsang regardless of the opinion said person may have as to the
competency of any other said Master. Any discussion of other Masters
or their Satsangs should be carried out at a place OTHER than the forum
of Ruhani Satsang.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Ruhani Satsang undertake to preserve the
books, pamphlets and other publications issued by Master during his
lifetime to the end that all of Master's publications will remain
available to the public at large in a form that can be verified as to
their authenticity through comparing with the original manuscripts
or tape recordings.
"BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the teachings and publications of
the Master that are to be preserved and not the organization of Ruhani
Satsang Divine Science of the Soul, which should not be operated into
perpetuity but which should be dissolved when its work is finished."
Dan Crow made the motion that these resolutions be adopted. John
Lovelace seconded the motion. It was carried unanimously.
Copyrighting was discussed. Russell Perkins said that Master told
him He did not want His books copyrighted. Wheel of Life is the only
book that is copyrighted.
Another resolution was given to the board by Dan Crow, stating the
following:
"WHEREAS, the directors of Ruhani Satsang-Divine Science of the Soul,
meeting at a regular session of the Board of Directors in Anaheim,
California on the 30th day of November, 1974, have officially taken
note of the fact that there are many letters of private correspondence
to the Master and answers to said correspondence from the Master in the
files at Sawan Ashram in Delhi, and WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the
board that this correspondence was entrusted solely to the Master and
was not written for the eyes of anyone but Kirpal Singh, and WHEREAS,
since the Master has left the body for the final time and the Board
of Directors is of the opinion that this correspondence should be
destroyed: IT IS THEREFORE MOVED that the Vice President of Ruhani
Satsang-Divine Science of the Soul, respectfully request Smt. Hardevi,
[Tai Ji] Chairman, Kirpal Ruhani Satsang Society, to have removed from
Master's files that correspondence originating from or directed to
the initiates in the United States in whose behalf this board was
impaneled by the Master and after having removed said correspondence
from the files that it should be burned in the presence of some
responsible person and a report of the action taken be made to the
Vice President of Ruhani Satsang-Divine Science of the Soul.
The board recognizes that the correspondence above mentioned is in the
custody and control of the Managing Committee of Ruhani Satsang and that
this board can only request the action above mentioned, having no direct
authority to do otherwise."
Dan Crow made the motion to adopt this. John Lovelace seconded the motion.
It was carried unanimously.
Reno Sirrine suggested that all group leaders destroy all initiation
application information. A vote was taken and all were in favor. . . .
The vacant director's position was opened to the Board for any nominations.
Reno Sirrine nominated Etta Perrin. John Lovelace seconded it and Mrs.
Perrin was unanimously elected as a Director. She expressed ... "Master
expects a great deal from each one of us. It is not for us to decide who
is the new Master. We have our own Master and He is with us 200% strong
today. When we become in tune with Master, the vibrations that go out
from us will reach each one."
Dan Crow made a motion to ratify the acts and actions of all the Officers
and Directors. Dr. John Lovelace seconded the motion. It was unanimously
seconded the motion. It was unanimously carried and the meeting adjourned
at 4:20 p.m.
Dan Crow then made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Reno Sirrine
seconded the motion.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Helen Von Aldenbruck, Secretary
__________________________________________________________________________
2.) Comments on the 1975 Annual Report
Published in the May 1975 Sat Sandesh
IT was my privilege to attend the recent special meeting of the Board of
Directors of Ruhani Satsang in Dallas on May 10 and 11 [1975] as an
observer. As it happened, I actually attended only the May 10 meeting, in
which all the problems facing the Satsang were thoroughly discussed; I was
unable to attend the meeting on May 11.
Nine of the thirteen Directors felt that the meeting was necessary and
urgent, and attended, either personally or by proxy; four Directors
[Mr. T.S. Khanna; Mrs. Olga Donenburg; Mr. Amarnath Sharma; Mrs.
Helen McDaniel: -- all supporters of Darshan Singh's claim of
successorship] felt that the meeting was unnecessary and (in some
cases) illegal, and REFUSED to attend. Their feelings on this matter
were a cause of deep regret for some of the other Directors, who had
hoped, with Master's Grace, that their presence would make possible
discussion on a level deep enough to either resolve some of the current
differences, or at least to come to some understanding of each other's
point of view.
As it was, there were two basic areas dealt with which are of interest
to all initiates. These were (1) the fact of the division itself, and
(2) the forthcoming Unity of Man Conference in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Board spent many hours considering the problems connected with the
division, and finally chose to deal with them by unanimously voting to
request the resignations of the four absent Directors, and to sever all
connection with the various Satsangs and centers involved (indeed, in
many cases, those Satsangs had either explicitly or implicitly severed
connections already).
It is of the utmost importance to understand that this was not done in
a spirit of punishment: the Directors felt rather that with two-thirds
of the leadership going in one direction, and the other one-third going
in another, there was little that could be accomplished. It is difficult
to fault that reasoning, and it is to be hoped that separating in an
organizational sense may in the long run be a positive step toward
preserving peace and harmony.
It is not unusual for disciples to go in different directions after the
passing of a Master. It may or may not be sad or deplorable; which one of
us can say that he or she understands the inner workings of the universe
sufficiently to pass judgment on matters which by definition are between
the individual soul and God? When Christ left his body, he told his
disciples, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples: that ye
love one another -not, we may note, "that ye agree with one another."
There is a huge difference, and that difference goes to the heart of what
the Master meant by "unity of man." Because if unity is dependent on a
unanimity of opinion on the various matters before us, we may as well give
up; on that basis, unity is obviously impossible. But what is possible is
the recognition that, given the validity of our insights for us, and the
necessity of being true to our own Self, genuine humility demands the
recognition that we cannot understand and comprehend all the factors which
cause others to differ from us; so that we must have respect for the God
in our neighbor or our brother or our sister even if by our standards they
are dead wrong. This is the acid test, I would think, of whether we are
really able to have love for all: it is very easy to love and respect
those who agree with us.
Master has written, "In this vast creation, everyone is gifted with an
individual perception. The heredity, the environment and the teachings
inculcated, all combine to make one what he is. We cannot blame anyone
for thinking differently in his own way. Everyone has his own temperament
and his own way of thinking. They must differ and they do differ
vehemently. There is no help for it. It is, on the other hand, the sign
of sentient life. We must not therefore on that account cross swords with
them. Even if in their ignorance they, at times, may talk ill of the
spiritual teachings and use harsh words, they cannot help it. But that
should not disturb the true seekers after Truth. We must be polite and
gentle and even humble in our conduct. Bandying of words does not help.
We may try to remove misunderstandings, if any, sweetly and gently, but
not in an antagonistic spirit. ... It would be better to turn aside
rather than to break your own head in an attempt and injure the great
cause for which we stand. God knows His purpose well and has diverse ways
to fulfill the same, without you and me. So it will not pay to quarrel
with our neighbors. It is said that those who try to live by the sword,
perish by the sword. ... The royal monk, Ashoka, in one of his rock
edicts tells us: `He who reveres his own sect but disparages the sects
of others does great injury to his own, for he lacks the essentials of
a religion.' " (From Circular 1)
As said above, it is not unusual for the sangat to divide after the
passing of a Master; it has happened so often that it might be considered
the norm. After Baba Sawan Singh's passing, the overwhelming majority of
his approximately 120,000 living initiates were content to sit at the
feet of Sardar Bahadur Jagat Singh, who had a will to prove his claims;
a few disciples were not content with that, and when our Master came
down from the Himalayas, they recognized who they had been waiting for.
Starting from scratch, he initiated almost as many in his 25 years'
ministry as Baba Sawan Singh had in his 45 years; but only a tiny
minority of Sawan Singh's followers ever sat at his feet. The rest
remained at Beas. So these matters are not as simple as they might appear;
the most anyone can do is remain true to his or her own Self, and grant
others the freedom to do the same....
- Russell Perkins
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3.) Minutes of the Board Meeting, 1976
Published in the March 1976 Sat Sandesh
Submitted by
Helen Von Aldenbruck
AFTER a thirty minute meditation, the Annual Meeting of the Board of
Directors of Ruhani Satsang-Divine Science of the Soul was called to
order by Charles Fulcher, Chairman of the Board at 9:45 on Saturday,
March 13, 1976 at the Sanctuary at 221 W. Broadway, Anaheim, California.
Directors present were as follows:
Charles Fulcher;
Reno Sirrine;
John Lovelace;
Rey Eilers;
Dara Emery;
Lucille Gunn;
Farwell Hull;
Dona Kelley;
Russell Perkins;
Etta Perrin;
Mildred Prendergast.
Voting by proxy was: Judith Perkins representing Dan Crow.
Officers present were:
Reno Sirrine, Vice President;
Helen Von Aldenbruck, Secretary;
Robert McLeod, Treasurer.
Also present were:
Phillip Perrin,
Charles Kelley,
Jan Hance,
Ben Ringel;
plus many initiates observing the meeting. .
The minutes of the last meeting of the Board of Directors held
May 10, 1975 were read by the secretary. John Lovelace made the
motion that the minutes be accepted as read. Dara Emery seconded
the motion and it was carried unanimously. It was then, RESOLVED,
that the minutes be approved as read.
The Treasurer's report of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975 was
read by the Treasurer, Robert McLeod, and discussed. Reno Sirrine
made the motion that the current financial status, as presented,
be approved. Dara Emery seconded the motion and it was carried
unanimously.
Reno Sirrine passed around publications regarding the Anaheim
Civic Center re-development plans which will eventually mean the
city will acquire the National Headquarters' property by eminent
domain.
Before discussing the Old Business, John Lovelace gave a prayer
asking Master for His Guidance and understanding and to act through
each one of us at this meeting.
Reno Sirrine gave a full report on the 2nd Unity of Man Conference
held in June 1975 and that we received back the $3,000.00 plus
about $750.00 more which can be used toward the 3rd Unity of Man
Conference, to be held in Mexico City in June, 1976. . . .
A lengthy discussion followed regarding India's FROZEN BANK ACCOUNTS
due to the LAW SUITS [JS Note: Darshan Singh FILED SUIT AGAINST Tai Ji
and vice versa; the accounts at Sawan Ashram and Manav Kendra (the
properties the two parties were squabbling over -- were thus frozen)
and their need for financial support to keep the SCHOOL, HOSPITAL and
HOME for the ELDERLY open at Manav Kendra and also the possible means
to get the funds to them.
Charles Fulcher, Chairman of the Board, requested Reno Sirrine to give
a full report on Thakar Singh so the Board could make decisions that
might stem from this issue. Mr. Sirrine gave a report on Thakar Singh
and the Initiations he was now giving. Reno said he was impressed
with Thakar Singh who was a humble and balanced person, and that
he (Reno) had agreed to convey initiation instructions for Thakar
Singh. Letters to Reno Sirrine, Betty Shifflett and a brief life
history from Thakar Singh were read by the secretary. An account of
his meeting with Thakar Singh was given by Jan Hance. A portion of a
taped talk by Thakar Singh was played and pictures were passed around.
The Vice President [Reno Sirrine] then submitted a letter, resigning
as Liaison of the Board, so the Board could elect the new Liaison for
the next year.
Russell Perkins then gave a complete account of his trip to India,
his meeting with Thakar Singh and also his meeting with Ajaib Singh.
Russell stated that he went to India in response to inner specific
instructions and had his tickets to go before he had even heard of
Thakar Singh or that Reno was in India. Russell felt Thakar Singh
was a very good man but did NOT see him in the capacity of a Master.
In regards to Ajaib Singh, Russell felt he was a very holy man that
he felt love for. He (Russell) said we must decide for ourselves in
regards to a successor and must do this without criticizing or
lashing out at others, and suggested that, somehow, maybe Master's
Corporation could act as a healer for all Master's disciples.
Several members of the Board then each expressed their feelings
regarding Thakar Singh and the future function of the Corporation.
John Lovelace stated he did not want to be in the position of
sending someone new to someone that he wasn't "sure" was a Master
... all the way! Mildred Prendergast, Etta Perrin, Lucille Gunn and
other members of the Board agreed with John.
Lucille Gunn felt we could further Master's Teachings in the educational
and humanity field. Dona Kelley felt we needed some place to send
sincere seekers and suggested classes to teach the Theory. Charles Fulcher
reminded us that Master Kirpal Singh waited from 1917 to 1924 for
initiation and was seeing Master Sawan Singh within all that time.
The meeting was opened for discussion and comments were given by Ben
Ringel, some visiting initiates of Darshan Singh Duggal and several
group leaders and initiates in the audience.
Etta Perrin made a motion not to accept Reno's resignation as Liaison
of the Board. Mildred Prendergast seconded the motion. It was passed
unanimously,
Russell Perkins said for Reno's sake, the function of the Corporation
should be made clear and the standing of the Corporation in regards to
a successor.
Rey Eilers referred to the following resolution and asked Reno if he
could comfortably comply with this: "BE IT RESOLVED that all Satsangs
operated under the auspices or name of Ruhani Satsang-Divine Science of
the Soul, should be conducted solely and wholly for the dissemination
of the teachings of Master Kirpal Singh and for the purpose of
providing a congenial atmosphere for the initiates and seekers to
come together in remembrance of Master Kirpal Singh and that no group
leader, initiate or other person attending satsang should direct any
seeker to any other Master or Master's satsang regardless of the
opinion said person may have as to the competency of any other said
Master. Any discussion of other Masters or their satsangs should be
carried on at a place other than the forum of Ruhani Satsang."
After considerable discussion, Mr. Sirrine graciously agreed to do
so for 60 days . . . which time was subsequently extended to the next
Annual Board Meeting. .
Rey Eilers made a motion for a committee consisting of the Chairman
[Mr. Fulcher], Reno Sirrine and Russell Perkins to listen to proposals
by initiates, of ways to achieve harmony within the framework of Master
Kirpal Singh's Corporation. John Lovelace seconded the motion and it
was carried unanimously.
Rey Eilers moved that this committee be empowered through an appropriate
agency to give aid to the Indian Corporation, [because of the law suits]
with a limit of $10,000.00 over the next six months. Reno Sirrine seconded
the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Reno Sirrine stated that since the Board of Directors does not accept
Thakar Singh as the successor, he would use plain stationery to answer
requests for initiation and not use Ruhani Satsang letterheads. Mr.
Sirrine also agreed that in his letters responding to persons who had
written to him as an officer of Ruhani Satsang-Divine Science of the Soul,
he would include the statement that, "the Board of Directors have
reserved judgment on the question of whether or not Thakar Singh was
a Master."
Rey Eilers moved that the Board pay the round trip fare plus $60.00 each
for Reno Sirrine and one secretary for the 3rd Unity of Man Conference
to be held in Mexico City in June, 1976. Mildred Prendergast seconded the
motion and it was carried unanimously. . . .
Dara Emery moved that the Board ratify the acts and actions of the officers
and directors of the Board. John Lovelace seconded the motion and it was
unanimously carried.
Dara Emery made the motion that Reno Sirrine be re-appointed as Liaison ,
of the Board until the next Board Meeting. Mildred Prendergast seconded
the motion and it was carried unanimously.
Etta Perrin brought up the subject of Master's Ashes. Reno suggested we
distribute them in the Mississippi or Missouri rivers. He said we could
engrave on the urn where we distributed them and when. Etta Perrin made
the motion that the Ashes be distributed at the next Annual Board Meeting
to be held in St. Louis, Missouri in 1977, and that Mr. Rey Eilers be the
head of the committee for this. Reno Sirrine seconded the motion and it
was carried unanimously.
Lucille Gunn brought up the subject of playing Master's tape on meditation
for non-initiates. After discussion, Rey Eilers moved that all Board
members send in their authority and reasons for permitting or not
permitting non-initiates to meditate. John Lovelace seconded the motion
and it was carried unanimously.
Rey Eilers moved that we send a note to Dan Crow, in regrets that he could
not attend this meeting. Judith Perkins seconded the motion and it was
carried unanimously.
Dara Emery made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Farwell Hull seconded
the motion. It was unanimously carried and the meeting adjourned at
7:00 p.m.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
Helen Von Aldenbruck, Secretary
EDITOR'S {Russell Perkins] NOTE: These minutes are accurate, but greatly
condensed; hence I would like to clarify a few points in connection with
the report of my remarks.
I do not feel any longer that I am competent to tell other people who is
or is not the Successor; I am only competent to know whether or not there
is a connection between a possible Successor and me. My comments on
Thakar Singh should not therefore be understood as an objective assessment
of him, but only as a recognition that the connection is not there for me.
Regarding Ajaib Singh, my exact words were, "He is a very holy man and
I love him." My suggestion as to Master's corporation being a healer was
not original with me, but was based on his [Ajaib Singh's] message that
the Master Power could not come forth in its fullness until all fighting
among the Satsangis (including "squabbles over property"--RP) died down...
- Russell Perkins
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Ram3Ram
James Shannon writes, quoting Russell Perkins:
>I do not feel any longer that I am competent to tell other people who is
>or is not the Successor; I am only competent to know whether or not there
>is a connection between a possible Successor and me.
Would that everyone felt that way, James.
Joe O'Leary
Michael Turner
Absolutely fascinating, James.
Thank you for posting these excerpts from the Ruhani Satsang minutes.
A quick question regarding successorship. Has anybody stepped forward
thus far as initiating successor to Sant Ajaib Singh Ji Maharaj?
Peace and Unity,
Michael Turner