Competing Pujas

Dear Andre, Danuta, Chris, Craig, Jo and Respected Members of the Western Australian Collective,

Jai Shri Mataji!

As an elder brother in this Collective, I write to you with great humility and deep concern regarding the recent decision to hold the upcoming National Navaratri Puja in Albany.

I fully support the idea of rotating pujas across different regions to support smaller and more remote collectives. It is a noble gesture that spreads the joy and blessings of our Mother’s love far and wide. However, I respectfully submit that Navaratri Puja is not the right occasion for this at this particular time –  especially in light of the current global and Sahaja atmosphere, where forces of division and destruction seem to be intensifying.

Navaratri is not just a national puja – it is a deeply significant spiritual battle, one in which our attention must rise above personal preference or convenience. Our focus must be on how to best honor our Divine Mother, please our national and international guests, and support the collective growth that She envisions through love, unity, and respect.

Our Ashram in Gidgegannup stands as a sacred beacon – Her home in Western Australia – and provides the perfect spiritual foundation for such an important seminar. It is not only well-equipped, but also well-known and cherished by yogis around the world. Several international guests, including four yoginis from China, were informed and inspired by the idea of celebrating Navaratri at Gidgegannup. To now inform them of a last-minute change involving long additional travel may feel disheartening and unwelcoming.

As one of our sisters beautifully wrote:
“There are currently 4 Sahaja Yoginis coming from China for our Navaratri Seminar. They are very much looking forward to staying at the Gidgegannup Ashram for the Navaratri Seminar, which I conveyed to them at Shri Rama Puja in Bali this year – that our Ashram is absolutely beautiful and Navaratri is a real special time in Spring in Gidgegannup… I have not yet had the heart to deliver the shocking news to them.”

Dear brothers and sisters, this is not just about a venue – this is about how we reflect our values of collectivity, hospitality, and spiritual priority. The process by which the decision to hold Navaratri in Albany was made – as stated in your message:

“We discussed holding the National Navaratri Seminar in Albany after the havan last week and made an announcement about it again tonight after Collective meditation at the Palms”

–  raises serious questions about inclusiveness and transparency. If we are truly committed to collectivity and growth, these discussions should involve the entire Perth Collective, especially for an event of such significance.

I therefore humbly propose that we urgently convene a full Perth Collective meeting, at a time suitable for the majority, to openly discuss this matter – not from a place of ego or division, but from a shared desire to uphold the Divine principles our Mother gave us. If the current direction is not reconsidered, we risk repeating the unfortunate patterns of division that have affected other parts of Australia.

This is a plea for unity, transparency, and wisdom. Let us come together with open hearts, leave our egos aside, and work in collective humility and respect – not just for ourselves, but for our guests, for each other, and most importantly, for our Mother’s vision.

I am happy to help coordinate this meeting. Please let me know the Saturdays that are not available, and I will find a time that accommodates as many as possible.

With love, sincerity, and deep concern for our collective future,

Signed: Frank