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The Guru and the Disciple
Dadashri: Even if it is used for a good cause, what I am
saying is that none of it reaches God (the Self). If it is used for a
good cause, it will produce many good results (merit karma -
punya), but what benefit does one gets out of it for the Self?
There is no religion where there is money. Whatever the degree
of priority for money in a religion, there is an equally corresponding
weakness there.
Questioner: When money comes, one has to attend to it,
take care of it and make arrangements for it.
Dadashri: No, not like that. Not for its arrangement. There
will always be volunteers who are willing to take care of all that.
But religion becomes weak in the presence of money. The biggest
maya - illusion that deceives, is that of money and sex. These are
the two biggest illusions people have. And God does not exist
where there is illusion (maya), and there cannot be any illusion
where there is God.
And when money enters into religion, there is no telling how
deep it will trap the guru. Are there any rules here? Therefore, no
money should be involved at the very root. Come clean; do not
adulterate religion!
Religion is in shambles today
In addition, they charge a fee just as there is a fee when you
go to see a play. There are about five percent or so gurus that are
good. Just as the price of gold goes up, so do their fees! That is
why I had to write in the books that neither God nor religion
exists in the exchange of money. God exists where there is no
exchange of money or business in religion. Whenever there is
exchange of money, it has become a business.
There is money involved wherever you go. They charge
you a fee everywhere. So what crime have the poor committed
there? And if you keep a fee, then charge the poor a nominal
amount so they too can attend and get the benefit. But mostly,