I endorse Bill's ideas, though it doesn't do much good since the SRF administration isn't a democracy. But as an exercise in imagination, if I could address our board of directors, I might recommend to them: Stop working up such an edifice about P. Yogananda that Master gets deified. Stop the adoration-deification of the presidency. Stop building our SRF org structure on what's beginning to look like the model of the Catholic or Mormon churches. We're supposed to be a new dispensation, not like their models. Master's teaching is that all of us, including power-wielders in our SRF administration, are accountable as stewards of the truth. Respect we devotees' sincerity by fearlessly telling the truth in all matters, including publication of what words Master truly wrote, and what photos truly show. Freely divulge the truth when there's any sort of public inquiry or controversy, and don't hide info.
If our SRF administration plays "spin control" like politicians, or suppresses info, then such manipulative shaping of public perceptions would hint at their lack of faith our gurus will guide where the chips fall.
I'd welcome convincing reassurance that our SRF administration's procedures provide for controversial issues to be thoroughly considered in vigorous debate among directors who feel they can openly express divergent viewpoints. I'd welcome reassurance that the SRF board doesn't just "rubber stamp" OK on monarch-like fiat wielded by our president. I'd welcome reassurance there's management oversight of decisions made in all departments, like publications, land use planning, etc., & good accountability by monks & nuns who make decisions. Consider how public corporations elect outside directors to their boards to prevent group-think and myopia. Maybe our SRF could benefit by doing something similar.
But the SRF board probably won't be requesting our advice.
