I was present when your reporter, spoke with Devra West, who for the record, does not claim to be a guru and certainly isn’t a cult leader. Dr. West is highly regarded internationally for her work in interfaith philosophies and the alternative healing field. Devra is also much appreciated for her philanthropy as a humanitarian and conservationist and her generous giving record to local charities was provided during the "off the record meeting," although your article went to great lengths to make no mention of anything normal or legitimate.

The lawsuits that you refer to in your attention getting headlines are resultant from a non-profit that once sponsored her work, which were dumped in Devra’s lap only because she is a person of substantial means and profile. Devra resigned from the BOD of the non-profit over 5 yrs ago. You also fail to mention the legitimate nature of the other disputes, which deal with routine building contracts, non-disclosure issues and financial negotiations on the part of owners and contractors for real estate Dr. West is in the process of purchasing.

As I told your reporter, I have had the privilege of working closely with Devra Surya Ma for over 15 yrs. It is interesting that nothing positive was printed, even though the positives of Devra’s life are fairly stellar such as her humanitarian work in the Middle East, rather than the demented bunk of third hand allegations. Never, and I repeat never, have I witnessed any of the allegations that were featured in your article as having one shred of truth to them. But I have witnessed the absurd and illegitimate lengths to which delusional, greed-driven individuals will go when they think a financial windfall from Devra’s family is at the end of their rainbow of corrupt claims and out right deception.

As for the source of much of the "fantastic story of the week," I can attest it is utter tabloid nonsense and I fully expect that the legal system will have no difficulty seeing financial extortion for what it is on the part of a truly warped individual. It is a shame that you did not choose to write about the positive aspects of Devra’s projects but then again a story about a local business owner and successful author who sells mediation books and CD’s on her website, and who plans to create an upscale day spa and health complex is not BIG NEWS.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dani Osborn
Home Design Consultant

© 2008 Master Teacher Devra Patton West, "Surya Ma" ...All rights reserved.