Frequently Asked Questions

J.	Money Questions
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	(1)	Maharaji leads an affluent lifestyle. How does he support himself? As a successful private investor, Maharaji supports himself and his family through independent means.
	(2)	Has Maharaji ever been "audited"? Since Maharaji left India in 1971, he has been audited several times, and each time the audit has been completely positive in outcome. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service reached the conclusion that Maharaji was not personally benefiting from any of his speaking engagements or from any of the nonprofit organizations that support his message.
	(3)	Does he benefit from the activities of any of the organizations promoting his message? No. No money flows from these organizations to him or his family. In fact, most of the organizations promoting his message are non-profit and by law cannot provide a financial benefit to Maharaji. He receives no benefit from the activities of the not-for-profit organizations supporting his work and no income from eitherattendance at his addresses or from the sale of materials.
	(4)	How is Elan Vital funded? The generosity of thousands of North American contributors helps support Elan Vital in its efforts to spread Maharaji’s message. Contributions are tax-deductible under the law.
	(5)	How are the other organizations that promote Maharaji’s message funded? These organizations are supported by the generosity of hundreds of thousands of people who voluntarily provide contributions. All these people have one thing in common: they find Maharaji's message noble and wish to help promote and disseminate it. From their heart, they volunteer their time and resources. Several organizations, which are registered public charities, receive the tax benefits relevant to their status.
	(6)	Are these organizations audited? Yes, these organizations have their accounts regularly audited. Several are registered charities and are scrutinized and regulated by the relevant country's Charity Commission or equivalent. The Prem Rawat Foundation, for example, is audited by KPMG, and its most recent audited statement can be found on the Internet at www.guidestar.org. Since these organizations were created, many of them more than 30 years ago, none has ever been found liable for any wrongdoing. To the contrary, their records and reputations are among the highest for nonprofit organizations.
	(7)	Is there any charge for learning the techniques of Knowledge? No. The techniques of Knowledge are taught free of charge without regard to a person's gender, economic or social status, sexual preference, lifestyle, race, culture, religious or ethnic background. If at any time a person chooses to contribute financially to the dissemination of Maharaji’s message, that choice is voluntary.
	(8)	Is there ever a requirement to contribute financially? No. There is never a requirement to contribute anything during the preparation process or after a person has learned the techniques. There are registration fees to attend some of the larger events, but both the fee and attendance are voluntary. Donations are sometimes requested at local events to help cover such costs as meeting room space or audiovisual equipment, but giving is always a matter of voluntary choice. Admission is never denied because of inability to contribute.
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