So the function of the Academy is religio: intuitive, spiritual. And the function of the University is intellectual, academic. Both are needed, because humanity is incapable of understanding anything from heart to heart. First it needs its intellect to be convinced. The University will be doing that function. And once the intellect is convinced, the function of the Academy starts. It is a higher function. Now the person is no more interested in intellectual questions. He really wants to experience.

The Academy has another section: mahasattvas, sambuddhas, bodhisattvas. Their number is fixed, and each group will have a fixed number. That is part of the Academy’s secret work. Mahasattvas are bound to become enlightened before I leave my body, but there is one condition – they should be in the buddhafield. On their own they may be able, they may not be able; there is no guarantee. Bodhisattvas, if they remain in the buddhafield, are certain to become enlightened before their death; but if they leave the buddhafield they cannot become enlightened. It is almost impossible. Mahasattvas perhaps may become enlightened even outside the buddhafield, but it is only a probability. About bodhisattvas it is a certainty that they cannot become enlightened outside the buddhafield. All sambuddhas are almost enlightened; but remember the word almost. They can become enlightened any day, buddhafield or no buddhafield. They are so close to enlightenment that it will be a strange thing if they don’t become enlightened. It is just within their reach. They have almost arrived, they have just to know at the door and enter.

So that is part of the Academy. People from these three groups can be on some post, president of RFI or president of the commune or other corporations, but while they are functioning on any post they cannot be part of the group. The moment they resign from their post, they will be part of the group. Otherwise, their seat will remain empty. This is to avoid the conflict of interest. When I am not here these groups will be decisive on every important issue, anybody on a post should not be part of the group. They can be on the post, but they lose their membership for as long as they are on the post.

And any conclusion arrived at should be unanimous. The most important conclusion will be of sambuddhas. The second in importance will be of mahasattvas. Third in importance will be of bodhisattvas. They all three can meet together, but then too, they have to come to a unanimous conclusion. I don’t want any party politics in the commune, ever!!

You have said that your sannyasins’ hearts beat in the same tune as your heart is beating. Can you talk to us more about this phenomenon? How does a disciple move from the head to the heart? Is it that sometimes a disciple is in tune with you and sometimes not? And, if so, what makes a disciple move away from you, and what helps a disciple to come back?

It’s a little difficult to understand. Things of the heart are always difficult to understand. There are a few disciples who are, day in, day out, in a deep harmony with me. There is no gap. In fact, only they deserve to be called friends.