Can you picture a public program for 1,200 people planned and executed entirely by volunteers? That’s what took place in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 2, 2009. A town of less than 75,000, Asheville is home to many people who wanted to host an event featuring Prem Rawat (Maharaji) for their friends, associates, and the public at large.

Once Maharaji accepted the invitation, volunteer organizers launched a “communications blitz,” with flyers, a spot on Words of Peace radio, and computerized contact with people who had received the gift of Knowledge or had expressed interest in the message over the years. For an estimated 400 people out of the 1,200 attendees, it was their first experience hearing Maharaji speak in person.

After watching Maharaji on Words of Peace television for more than a year, Stephen Kindler, a long-time resident of the Greater Asheville area, saw Maharaji in person for the first time. “His message parallels everything I believe,” said Stephen, “and he’s such a good story-teller, you feel like he’s talking directly to you.

“It was a breath of fresh air,” he added. “In these times that we’re in, with so much negativity, he had a refreshing and uplifting view of what’s to come. He’s not preaching any religion, but putting you in touch with your own spiritual center, whatever that may be for you. He’s above the rest in getting this message across.”

Rosalind Whiteley, proprietor of “Heaven Rains Maternity and Children” and a 25-year resident of Asheville, has shared her experience of Maharaji and the gift of Knowledge over the years with yoga instructors, health food storeowners, and bankers alike. She said she relished “the opportunity to watch so many people I know walk through the venue door and be able to listen to the very thing I’ve longed to have them hear.”

The event proceeded so smoothly that it was impossible to detect the many challenges the all-volunteer team had met and overcome. Using a brand new venue with non-fixed seating and ever-increasing registration, organizers were visited twice by the Asheville Fire Marshall, who asked for seating changes at both inspections. This, in turn, required new seating labels and corresponding printed tickets, the second round on the morning of the event.

“Responding to extremely changing circumstances was a juggling act,” said Leah Stickels, Seating Manager, “but it was a wonderful problem to have. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” She attributed success to “a cohesive and responsive team and to people who were willing to help at the drop of a hat.”

“Being really conversant with local regulations and teamwork with the authorities enabled the event to run smoothly,” added Craig Klawuhn. Their efforts were rewarded when Maharaji took the stage to ebullient applause followed by pin-drop silence as he delivered his address.

Mark Fields, Asheville resident and Manager of Traffic Control, had invited Mayor Terry Belamy to the event. At the last minute, the Mayor’s secretary pulled up with a gift from the Mayor for Mr. Rawat.

“His talk that night was for me,” said Mark. “I’ve been going through tough changes, having to make tough decisions. He moved me to a place of gratitude.”

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