The Life Foundation : Gurus get pounds 1/2 M but only give charity pounds 5000

Gurus promoting world peace raked in nearly pounds 500,000 from followers - but handed over just pounds 5000 to charity.

The Life Foundation hand out "peace flames" to highlight their spiritual message.

They gave special candles to Tony Blair and Pope John Paul II.

But we can reveal that the Foundation - whose Scottish co-ordinator is Elizabeth Rowan - is a private company which has raised a fortune in recent years from yoga groups and seminars.

And, despite pledging charitable donations, only a small percentage of their profit is given to good causes.
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In accounts filed at Companies House for the last financial year, the organisation registered an income of pounds 495,438. But just pounds 5200 went to charity, while administration costs totalled pounds 206,000.

In the previous year, it registered pounds 514,000, with just pounds 9095 given to charities. Last night, cult-buster Ian Howarth said: "For legal reasons, I can't say outright this group is a cult, but we've a sackload of mail from people who had bad experiences with them.

"It is a well-organised, money-making organisation which should not be confused with a charity."

Life Foundation's website

claim they "help people make journeys of spiritual self-development".

They are led by Dr Mansukh Patel - known as The Master to followers. He encourages people to hand everything over to the LF.

Elizabeth Rowan was not available for comment but LF director Rita Goswami said: "We're not a charitable organisation and don't invite donations for charitable works.
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Gurus get pounds 1/2 M but only give charity pounds 5000

Cult-buster slams 'peace' group