october 2004 volume 1 ~ issue 3

this world is the stage

This world is the stage - planet earth. On this stage, a play is going to happen. In this play, you are both actor and audience. It is a very unique play. In this play, you can sit down and watch, and then you can actually get up on stage and see if you can do it better. Then you can sit down and watch, then get on stage again and play, and you get to see the end.

You also get to do something else. This "something else" is what I talk about. What is it? It is enjoyment of this life, of this existence - being here, being alive, being the actor and being the audience. In my opinion, that is the most profound subject and the one we miss out on. Nobody clearly tells us about it. It's called enjoyment. There has to be that real enjoyment.

The most magnificent stage ever designed has been built. It's the work of a genius. You have been invited onto this stage to enjoy. Every time you enjoy in the truest sense - in the most earnest way - this incredible recording device called the heart enjoys it.

Be thankful for this moment, this existence - for this heart, this love, this kindness. This stage was built so you and I could come and enjoy in the deepest place that we have. This is the promise.
Maharaji

the keys are coming

Maharaji is now developing a new approach to preparing to learn the techniques of Knowledge. He calls it the "Keys". People already preparing can elect to either continue with the present process or wait for the new approach. Newly interested people are asked to wait for the Keys.

The first five Keys focus on specific issues Maharaji wants to address to help people prepare for a life with Knowledge. Each Key will be introduced by Maharaji and will include supplementary material featuring excerpts from past presentations that touch on the selected topics. After watching all five Keys and supporting material, a person can ask for the gift of Knowledge.

The sixth Key is the Knowledge session itself.

The Keys are also intended to help those who have already learned the techniques of Knowledge continue to listen, learn and - above all - enjoy.

The Keys are coming soon. In the meantime, people are encouraged to listen to discover more about what is being offered and to keep in touch in order to be contacted when the Keys are ready. Forms should be available at local events for people who would like to be contacted when the Keys are available.

"In Touch" events will provide information on this topic and more. (See page 3 for details.)

keys preview DVD

A new DVD is circulating which introduces the Keys. On it Maharaji talks about a major transition in the way people will prepare for Knowledge and explains that this is the best preparation that has ever existed for preparing to be taught the techniques of Knowledge. He talks about how this can clarify precisely what it means to practice and enjoy Knowledge throughout one's life. One exciting aspect of this DVD is that Maharaji previews footage of part of one of the Keys.

This important and informative DVD has been seen in many communities since August. Repeat showings continue and it is also available for those who wish to view it in small groups. If you are interested in obtaining this DVD, your regional or local contact can help.

live from tokyo

Maharaji will speak to a public audience in Tokyo, Japan, Tuesday, October 26. Cities across North America will be hosting satellite broadcasts. Please contact www.contactinfo.net for times and locations.

connecting with: Richard Cooper

Richard Cooper is currently identifying opportunities for Maharaji to both present his message to new audiences and to receive public recognition for his efforts.

CNA: What kinds of projects are you working on?

RC: We're looking to develop speaking opportunities that could help build the public's appreciation for Maharaji as a leading voice for peace. One example is the recent TPRF sponsored event at Harvard University's Sanders Theatre. Another would be Maharaji's presentation in Italy to the former Prime Minister and to members of the Parliament.

CNA: These would be introductory events, right?

RC: Not really. We have more to do with fostering recognition and enhancing Maharaji's legitimacy than with having more people become his students. Our efforts, for example, enable your newsletter to report about the Italian and Harvard events. Those are powerful statements about the legitimacy of Maharaji's work.

CNA: What is planned for the future?

RC: We're looking at some unique speaking engagements and at ways for Maharaji to be formally acknowledged for his work. A US Governor recently recognized Maharaji "in honor of his exemplary career, life accomplishments, and many contributions to [our] citizens". We'd like to pursue more tributes like that.

CNA: How do tributes like that come about?

RC: I work with people in North America who would like to see their city, state or university offer Maharaji some kind of award, letter of appreciation or honorary degree. All kinds of institutions have mechanisms in place to honor persons of merit - I help people work with those mechanisms. To reach me, e-mail Richard.Cooper@GrubbEllis.com.

resources make things possible

More than 30 cities across North America are hosting Resource Meetings focusing on Maharaji's recent activities and future plans as well as the progress of global projects and their support. Two new videos are part of the presentation as well. Meeting dates are currently planned from October 23 to December 5. Use your local contact information to learn more about events in your area.

As David Mankoff remarked, "It is the generosity of each person who contributes financially to the projects of International Tours (through Elan Vital), Broadcasts and Materials (through Visions), local activities in the cities and The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), that makes possible all of the activities, month by month, year after year."

Special additional projects in 2004 include:

• Producing the Keys materials of more than 100 hours of video;
• Providing the large LED Screen already used so well in India, Amaroo and other regions, and now expanding to a larger size to accommodate the even larger audiences in India;
• Financing the increased international tours and events.

"Thank you again for all your support, David says, "and looking forward to exciting times ahead."

New Delhi, November 2004

People who have received the techniques of Knowledge are invited to attend an event on the 7 & 8 and 11 & 12 of November 2004, at Raj Vidya Kender, New Delhi, India.

The event is happening in two parts - the 7 & 8 and the 11 & 12. You have an option to attend either or both parts.

Pre-registration is mandatory for overseas guests and it is necessary to have a Smart Card / Photo ID to attend the event. For more information visit www.elanvital.org.

Connect North America october 2004
welcome

Connect North America evolved from the need and desire to share relevant information between teams and individuals in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Issues #1 & #2 are still available online at www.materialsresource.org. If you wish to order printed copies of this newsletter, for yourself or your community, it's easy, low cost and a great way to help get this information distributed and read by as many people as possible. For further information, e-mail cnam@materialsresource.org.

CNA - page 2

getting in touch

The way that people will learn more about Maharaji and his message will undergo an exciting evolution with the advent of The Keys. To keep up with the stream of information, a nine-person team, including Ira Woods, is accepting invitations to speak at communities throughout North America.

Called "In Touch," these events will "give information a human face," says Ira.

The format includes several DVDs, including Maharaji speaking before members of the Italian Parliament and other selections made available especially for this tour. In addition to an interactive presentation, there will also be a feedback session. Something similar has been done in India since the mid-90's, and has "helped tremendously in providing care and supporting growth," he says. These events are an innovative, interactive and comfortable way to present information to people and share feedback. "We want to engage people to talk about what's working and what's not working," he says.

At the event, participants will have a chance to help out by giving feedback on various topics. This information will be forwarded to the appropriate teams, "so they can keep on improving the support efforts to make Maharaji's message available." Ira says. To provide for on-going feedback, a variety of channels are being explored.

The first set of In Touch events begins in mid-October and will continue into 2005. If you would like to schedule an event in your city, please send an email to eventrequest@earthlink.net. In your message, provide city name, contact person and phone number as well as an approximate number of attendees. If you have an event already scheduled and would like to use templates designed as invitations for this tour, visit www.materialsresource.org.

knowledge session teams

A few years ago, Maharaji designed a computer-based method of teaching the techniques of Knowledge. Since then, people have learned the techniques from Maharaji instructing and demonstrating on this prerecorded Knowledge Session, enabling him to give Knowledge to people all around the world.

Initially, only a handful of people were qualified to operate the program. In preparation for the Keys, twelve people in North America were trained in the past year as Knowledge Session Teams, one conductor and one operator per team. The conductor's role is to ensure that the attendees are practicing the techniques according to the instructions. The operator runs the computer and ensures the audio/ video quality. The events are similar for both Knowledge Sessions and Knowledge Reviews.

The purpose of these teams is to uphold the standards and maintain the skills required to present Knowledge Sessions so that participants have clear and direct access to what Maharaji conveys.

Twenty-nine Knowledge Sessions were held in NAm between January and August of 2004. Another training session for conductors and operators is planned in India this November. The new conductors and operators will give additional coverage to the Mountain, Mid-West and Eastern Canada areas.

participation project

While the Keys development continues its fine tuning in preparation for distribution in early 2005, an exciting parallel effort is underway too - The Participation Project. Designed to completely revamp the participation environment, this effort intends to offer ways to help out via project based opportunities available primarily through a new website due to go live this Fall.

One primary goal of this new plan is to ensure an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes anyone with an interest in plugging in. Currently, there is research underway to identify projects, build a strong Human Resources component, and develop project management training.

The new Field Communications team currently traveling throughout the region hosting the Info Events "In Touch" will be talking more about this.

summer tour warms hearts

As the cold of winter approaches, we can be warmed by special memories of the summer of 2004, when Maharaji toured North America. One guest had received Knowledge 30 years ago but had never seen Maharaji in person. His simple comment after the tour: "There are literally no words to describe it." At another location, a teenage boy overheard his dad on the phone being invited to see Maharaji. He said, "Dad, I've seen that guy on cable. You've GOT to take me." So both dad and son attended as guests.

Events in Toronto, New York, Ft. Lauderdale, Berkeley and Los Angeles saw a total of 10,620 people. Of those, 4,383 were new guests.

A Summer Tour satisfaction survey was sent to 3,000 sponsors. Comments included:

• My guest was treated with the utmost respect and love. Everything was wonderful for my guest and I thank you for doing a terrific job.
• A wonderful example of a real, living event with people, with a sense of place, with a special feeling all around campus.

CNA - page 3

mmargie's mailbag

supporting charitable projects

The Prem Rawat Foundation, while disseminating Maharaji's message, is also focused on charitable projects that improve the quality of life for people in need.

TPRF is launching an initiative to provide free nutritious meals each day, year-round, to six hundred children and adults most in need in Bantoli, a village nestled in an arid valley near Ranchi, in Northeastern India. This region is home to some of the poorest people on earth. Each day they must eke out an existence, eating whatever can be found. Details on how to support this project will be available soon.

The online newsletter Inspire features weekly updates about Maharaji, as he travels the world sharing his message. TPRF appreciates the support to keep this valuable resource available free on a regular basis.

To view all newsletters published this year, go to http// inspire.contactinfo.net.

Dear Margie,

Try as I might, when looking for materials online, I find myself surfing the websites and ending up a total "wipeout". Am I just a dunce or is there an easier way? Signed, Underwater

Dear "Under",

Help is on the way! Plans are being made to create a "one stop shopping" website with all the materials available from entities such as TPRF, Words of Peace and more. This will be announced when it's up and running. In the meantime, do your best and enjoy the waves. Without 'em, how dull the ocean would be!

burnin' love

Outside Detroit, a small group of people were in need of a meeting room to show a DVD. One interested person who is associated with the fire department arranged for use of a room at the station house. It worked out so well, they've used it again to watch and enjoy. Wonder if they had to slide down a pole to get to the room?

open house

Elan Vital, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that exists solely to support Maharaji's work and is funded entirely through individual contributions.

In July, an open house was held at the EV offices for all sponsors of the Los Angeles event with Maharaji. This well-attended gathering enabled people to see the offices, meet the staff, see how a contribution is processed and speak with Board of Directors members. Guests received a brochure with frequently asked questions and a magnet containing EV's contact information. If you would like to receive these items, e-mail contributions@elanvital.org or call 818-889-1373.

linked up

Here are some locations that may be of help and interest: www.contactinfo.net great place to direct guests for information and links. www.rapidcommunication.org email list is a great way to stay informed. inspire.contactinfo.net Inspire weekly newsletter about Maharaji's activities. www.askaquestion.org new - for interested people to ask Maharaji questions. www.wordsofpeace.com great place to get broadcast videos, CDs and DVDs. www.tprf.org

for a wide range of materials introducing Maharaji's message. www.smartcardoffice.org best place to get a Smart Card. www.materialsresource.org best place to download this newsletter, materials templates, get cable support and the Connect Directory, which lists a wide range of websites, phone numbers, support teams and individuals.

new materials available

TPRF recently released two new CDs. "Who You Are," a music CD of chilled grooves featuring excerpts of Maharaji speaking against an enchanting musical background sells for $15 or can be purchased in bulk. "Peace Is In The Heart," is a great CD to share with interested people. With a one-minute introduction, two radio interviews, and a track from "Who You Are", this CD costs $2 each in packages of 25. Many of the prestigious events where Maharaji spoke this past summer, such as Barcelona, Rome, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, will be released soon on DVD. Visit www.tprf.org/store to find these items and more. For any type of special volume purchase or special projects requiring materials published by TPRF contact Ron Margolis at ron@landinkauai.com.

Broadcast videos, DVDs and audio CDs can also be found at www.wordsofpeace.com. New low cost CDs and DVDs for introductions and simply to enjoy are now offered as well. For phone orders, call 805-496-3996, ext. 51.

an invitation

For people who have recently developed an interest in Maharaji's message and would like to hear him in person at his next public speaking engagement in their area, please invite them to visit www.invitationlist.org or call 1-818-879-1500.

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