Frequently Asked Questions

F.	Elan Vital, Inc. (U.S.A.)
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	(1)	What is Elan Vital, the U.S. organization? Elan Vital, incorporated in 1971 in the U.S., is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the message of Maharaji.
	(2)	What does Elan Vital do? Elan Vital sponsors events at which Maharaji is invited to present his message to the public and to people who already enjoy listening to him. “Visions International,” a trade name of Elan Vital, provides support for the production of global materials containing Maharaji's message. Activities supported include: “The Archives Project” - a program to restore and catalog over 30 years of film, video, audio and more, which document Maharaji's work; and “Broadcasts” - the production and distribution of broadcast tapes to a worldwide audience. At present, these materials are enjoyed in over 80 countries, with written and oral translations provided in more than 60 languages. Voluntary contributions and sales of its materials support Elan Vital and its various projects and events.
	(3)	Where are the offices of Elan Vital located; how does one contact Elan Vital? The offices of Elan Vital are located in Agoura Hills, California, and it can be contacted through its General Manager at P.O. Box 2220, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 or at generalmanager@elanvital.org. The telephone number is 1-818-889-1193.
	(4)	Who are the officers and directors of Elan Vital? The General Manager is Russ Henderling. Its Board of Directors is made up of volunteers from across the United States. All can be reached at Elan Vital, P.O. Box 2220, Agoura Hills, CA 91376
	(5)	How is Elan Vital funded? The generosity of several thousands of North American contributors helps support Elan Vital in its efforts to spread Maharaji’s message. Contributions are tax deductible under the law.
	(6)	What is Elan Vital’s policy regarding race and religion? Elan Vital adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination on any basis, whether race, religion, creed, custom, nationality, age, or gender. People of all walks of life, young or old, rich or poor, educated or uneducated, from any background whatsoever are all welcome to attend events and participate in the activities of Elan Vital.
	(7)	What is Elan Vital’s policy regarding sexual harassment? Elan Vital has a strict policy against sexual harassment or other forms of sexual misconduct. If you have been subjected to any form of sexual harassment or abuse by anyone associated or formerly associated with Elan Vital or other similar organizations, please contact Elan Vital’s General Manager at Elan Vital, P.O. Box 2220, Agoura Hills, CA 91376 or at generalmanager@elanvital.org. Complaints will be responded to promptly and treated seriously.
	(8)	Is Elan Vital affiliated with any other organizations? Elan Vital is affiliated, but not legally or financially connected, with similar organizations around the world that share similar principles and objectives. The Prem Rawat Foundation promotes and disseminates Maharaji's message of peace. The Foundation also spearheads or supports significant humanitarian initiatives. Elan Vital is not legally or financially connected with this charitable foundation.
	(9)	What is Elan Vital’s relationship to the Divine Light Mission? When Elan Vital was originally incorporated, it had the name Divine Light Mission, but in 1983 that name was changed to Elan Vital.
	(10)	Why was Divine Light Mission's name changed? The name was changed to remove Indian labels and to present Maharaji's message in manner more congruent with Western cultures. The Board also felt the need for change and the name was just one such change, many of which have been made over the years and will continue to be made, as needed.
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		Related Topics • The organizations promoting Maharaji’s message • Maharaji and his message • “Knowledge” • Media relations – articles & interviews with Maharaji • Opposition to Maharaji and his message • Ancient history – when Maharaji first came to the West • Money questions