Circular Letter 1970

17 March 1970

Dear Ones;

In my Circular Letters of June 13 and November 12, 1969, the responsibilities of all initiates, to themselves and to the Master, was clearly explained. The right understanding as to how they could most easily fulfill these responsibilities, was also given. My further Circular Letter of January 27, 1970, enlarged on this theme, and also defined the purpose and duties of Representatives and Group Leaders. My latest book "Morning Talks", a large shipment of which has now arrived at Sant Bani Ashram for general distribution, gives the maximum outer guidance which can possibly be given to those who are sincerely trying to 'live the life' by being ever ready and willing to make a strong, persistent effort after good, which is what is required for further spiritual progress.

The next stage of development must then of necessity be left to the Master Power working within all initiates of the Master. This of course, requires the development of receptivity, the criterion of which has been given in the Circulars and book mentioned above, but which in brief, may be summed up as having a living faith, a desire for true humility and constant striving for obedience.

However, the main purpose of this Circular Letter is to impress upon all Representatives and Group Leaders the importance of being selective with regard to future recommendations of people for Initiation. A steadily deteriorating standard among numerous candidates initiated over the past year or two has been observed, in that many have returned to their old habits of drug and narcotic taking, the eating of forbidden foods, and leading a loose moral life in general. This is in spite of the sacred promise that they made on their application forms to abstain from all such vices, and to strive, to the best of their ability, to live a wholesome, clean life, as a necessary preparation to fruitful meditations.

Unfortunately, the type of person who has lapsed in the manner described, may be identified to a certain group which has become known in the West as "Hippies". All of this type who have been accepted by the gracious Master Power for Initiation have a background of drug and narcotic addiction which lead them to a loose moral way of living. This state of affairs must now be corrected.

In future, no person should be recommended for Initiation who does not fullfill entirely the basic pre-requisites as stated on the Application for Initiation forms. In the case of those who are or were addicted to the drug or narcotic habit, the period of abstention should be extended to more than three months before they may be recommended for Initiation. In addition, they must be employed in some honest labour, whereby they earn their own living by the sweat of their brow, unless of course, they are out of a job through no fault of their own, or if they are students. People who deliberately make themselves a burden to society while accepting the good things that society has to offer, are poor material, and should also not be recommended.

In short, the Representatives and Group Leaders should get to know the people who say they are seekers after Truth, and evaluate their sincere intentions from their outer actions, which are a good indication of the inner man.

In the not too distant past, no one was even considered for Initiation until he had, to a great extent, completed his "man-making". Today, a more lenient approach has been taken, and the worst of sinners is not refused. However, there must be a limit set, and the criterion of this limit has been given above.

With all love and best wishes,

Yours affectionately
Kirpal Singh

Note: To assist Representatives and Group Leaders in their task of assessing the suitability of Candidates for Initiation, a revised "Application for Initiation" form has been drawn up, a copy of which is enclosed. This revised form should replace the existing one, as soon as possible.

c.c. to Representatives in the various countries of the world.