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His arrival in the United States was met with some ridicule; Rawat, who acted like the teenager he was, was seen as immature and hence unfit to be a religious leader.<ref name="MeltonDLM">Melton (1986), p. 141–2</ref><ref>Downton (1979), p. 5 & 7</ref> But, more importantly, he created an extraordinary amount of interest amongst young adults who were willing to examine his claim of being able to give them a direct experience of God.<ref name="MeltonDLM">Melton (1986), p. 141–2</ref> His first western address was given at the initial [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury Fayre]].<ref>Geaves (2004)</ref> In September 1971 Rawat spoke to a large U.S. gathering in Colorado and a U.S. based [[Divine Light Mission]] (DLM) was established in [[Denver, Colorado]] by Bob Mishler.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 4</ref><ref>Price, Maeve (1979): The Divine Light Mission as a social organization. (1) Sociological Review, 27, Page 279-296</ref> [[Image:Maharaji arrival west.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Arrival in the US. Prem Rawat at [[Los Angeles Airport]]]]Many were attracted by the sense of joy, peace, and commitment of Rawat's followers.<ref>Derks, Frans, and Jan M. van der Lans. 1983. Subgroups in Divine Light Mission Membership: A Comment on Downton in the book Of Gods and Men: New Religious Movements in the West. Macon edited by Eileen Barker, GA: Mercer University Press, (1984), ISBN 0-86554-095-0 pages 303-308</ref> One witness said that Rawat "played the whole time he was there...he played with squirt guns, flashed pictures of himself for all to see, and took movies of everybody...Love flowed back and forth between him and his devotees".<ref>Downton (1979), p. 132</ref> Enthusiastic new members spread the message that the 13-year-old Rawat could reveal God.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 4 & 146</ref>
His arrival in the United States was met with some ridicule; Rawat, who acted like the teenager he was, was seen as immature and hence unfit to be a religious leader.<ref name="MeltonDLM">Melton (1986), p. 141–2</ref><ref>Downton (1979), p. 5 & 7</ref> But, more importantly, he created an extraordinary amount of interest amongst young adults who were willing to examine his claim of being able to give them a direct experience of God.<ref name="MeltonDLM">Melton (1986), p. 141–2</ref> His first western address was given at the initial [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury Fayre]].<ref>Geaves (2004)</ref> In September 1971 Rawat spoke to a large U.S. gathering in Colorado and a U.S. based [[Divine Light Mission]] (DLM) was established in [[Denver, Colorado]] by Bob Mishler.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 4</ref><ref>Price, Maeve (1979): The Divine Light Mission as a social organization. (1) Sociological Review, 27, Page 279-296</ref> [[Image:Maharaji arrival west.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Arrival in the US. Prem Rawat at [[Los Angeles Airport]]]]Many were attracted by the sense of joy, peace, and commitment of Rawat's followers.<ref>Derks, Frans, and Jan M. van der Lans. 1983. Subgroups in Divine Light Mission Membership: A Comment on Downton in the book Of Gods and Men: New Religious Movements in the West. Macon edited by Eileen Barker, GA: Mercer University Press, (1984), ISBN 0-86554-095-0 pages 303-308</ref> One witness said that Rawat "played the whole time he was there...he played with squirt guns, flashed pictures of himself for all to see, and took movies of everybody...Love flowed back and forth between him and his devotees".<ref>Downton (1979), p. 132</ref> Enthusiastic new members spread the message that the 13-year-old Rawat could reveal God.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 4 & 146</ref>


In October 1971 Rawat returned to India with 300 western followers for his 14th birthday. He revisited London in February 1972.<ref>Cagan (2007), page 173</ref> Over the next few months he spoke in Europe and Africa, and at forty-five venues in North America, then made quick trips to Japan and Australia before returning to the U.S.<ref>Cagan (2007), pp. 176 - 180</ref> The 1972 Hans Jayanti, an Indian festival celebrating Rawat's father's birthday,<ref>Galanter (1999), p. 20</ref> was attended by over 500,000 people. Six [[Boeing 747|Jumbo jets]] were chartered by American followers who paid extra so that South Americans could fly from New York to India for free. Other countries made similar arrangements to help the less financially able.<ref>Messer, Jeanne. "Guru Maharaj Ji and the Divine Light Mission" in The New Religious Consciousness by Charles Y. Glock and Robert N. Bellah, eds. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1976, ISBN 0-52003-472-4, pp. 52-72.</ref> On arrival, Indian customs impounded a suitcase containing cash, jewelry and wristwatches worth between US$27,000 and $80,000 which they said had not been properly declared.<ref>"Guru's Pupil Slates Talk", SYRACUSE POST-STANDARD'' Feb. 3,1973. p. 3</ref><ref>"Gifts for a guru". AP, ''THE STARS AND STRIPES'' November 15, 1972. p.4</ref> Rawat said, "It has nothing to do with me, it is an attempt to harm the Divine Light Mission. When someone grows, others get jealous of him, and the Divine Light Mission has just blasted like an atomic bomb all over the world.” <ref>THE TIMES SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19 1972</ref> A DLM spokesman said that the money had been pooled by 3,000 followers to cover expenses, and that the valuables were gifts.<ref name=NYT19730718>''India still studying goods confiscated from youthful guru''. New York Times'', July 18, 1973</ref> The finances of Rawat and the DLM in India and overseas were investigated by the Indian government.<ref>"Boy Guru Suspected of Smuggling", AP, Sat., ''Oakland Tribune'', Aug. 25, 1973</ref> In June, 1973 while the investigation was still under way, Rawat had to post a $13,300 bond before he could leave the country.<ref>Winnipeg Free Press, Tuesday, December 19, 1972</ref> Charges were never filed, and the Indian government issued an apology.<ref>{{harvnb|Moritz|1974}}</ref><ref>Downton (1979), pp. 187-8</ref>
In October 1971 Rawat returned to India with 300 western followers for his 14th birthday. He revisited London in February 1972.<ref>Cagan (2007), page 173</ref> Over the next few months he spoke in Europe and Africa, and at forty-five venues in North America, then made quick trips to Japan and Australia before returning to the U.S.<ref>Cagan (2007), pp. 176 - 180</ref> The 1972 Hans Jayanti, an Indian festival celebrating Rawat's father's birthday,<ref>Galanter (1999), p. 20</ref> was attended by over 500,000 people. Six [[Boeing 747|Jumbo jets]] were chartered by American followers who paid extra so that South Americans could fly from New York to India for free. Other countries made similar arrangements to help the less financially able.<ref>Messer, Jeanne. "Guru Maharaj Ji and the Divine Light Mission" in The New Religious Consciousness by Charles Y. Glock and Robert N. Bellah, eds. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1976, ISBN 0-52003-472-4, pp. 52-72.</ref> On arrival, Indian customs impounded a suitcase containing cash, jewelry and wristwatches worth which they said had not been properly declared.<ref>"Guru's Pupil Slates Talk", SYRACUSE POST-STANDARD'' Feb. 3,1973. p. 3</ref><ref>"Gifts for a guru". AP, ''THE STARS AND STRIPES'' November 15, 1972. p.4</ref> and the finances of Rawat and the DLM in India and overseas were investigated by the Indian government.<ref>"Boy Guru Suspected of Smuggling", AP, Sat., ''Oakland Tribune'', Aug. 25, 1973</ref> In June, 1973 while the investigation was still under way, Rawat had to post a $13,300 bond before he could leave the country.<ref>Winnipeg Free Press, Tuesday, December 19, 1972</ref> Charges were never filed, and the Indian government issued an apology.<ref>{{harvnb|Moritz|1974}}</ref><ref>Downton (1979), pp. 187-8</ref>


===America 1973===
===America 1973===

Revision as of 23:43, 14 December 2008

Prem Rawat
Prem Rawat in Lisbon, Portugal
Born (1957-12-10) December 10, 1957 (age 66)
Haridwar, India
SpouseMarolyn Rawat
ChildrenPremlata Rawat, Hans Rawat, Dayalata Rawat, Amar Rawat.[1]
Parent(s)Shri Hans Ji Maharaj, Rajeshwari Devi

Prem Pal Singh Rawat (born December 10 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Balyogeshwar, Guru Maharaj Ji, and Maharaji,[2][3][4] became guru to 3 million people in India at the age of eight. He gained further prominence at thirteen when he travelled to the West to spread his message.[5][6] Several organizations have assisted in spreading his message, including the Divine Light Mission, Elan Vital (1983), and The Prem Rawat Foundation (2001).[7]

Basing himself in the U.S., Rawat established his teachings in over eighty countries, and in the early 1970s the Divine Light Mission was called the fastest growing new religious movement in the West.[8][9] Granted emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, which divided his family and the movement.[10][11] Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India, and took a more active role in its guidance.[12] He became a United States citizen in 1977.[13] He later abandoned the Indian aspects of his teachings to make his message more broadly acceptable.[10]

The core of Rawat's teachings is that the human need for fulfillment can be satisfied by turning inward to discover a constant source of joy. He emphasizes a direct experience of transcendence, rather than a body of dogma.[10][14][15]

Rawat has been criticized for a lack of intellectual content in his public discourses,[12][16] and for leading an opulent lifestyle.[17][10]

Biography

Childhood

Further information: Hans Ji Maharaj
Prem Rawat at age 6

Prem Rawat was born in Haridwar, northern India, on December 10, 1957. The fourth and youngest son of guru Shri Hans Ji Maharaj and his second wife, Jagat Janani Mata Shri Rajeshwari Devi, Rawat attended St. Joseph's Academy elementary school in his hometown of Dehra Dun.[18] At the age of three he began speaking at his father's meetings, and when he was six his father taught him the "techniques of Knowledge." During the 1960s, Americans in India searching for spiritual guidance met members of his father's Divine Light Mission (founded in 1960) and a few became initiates or premies (from the Hindi prem, meaning "love".) His father died in 1966, and during the customary 13 days of mourning his mother and senior officials of the organization discussed the succession. Both his mother (Mata Ji) and eldest brother (Satpal Rawat) were suggested as potential successors, but before either could be nominated, Prem addressed the crowd and was accepted by them as their teacher and "Perfect Master".[19][20][21][22] On July 31 after an improvised ceremony, Mata Ji and his elder brothers touched Rawat's feet as a sign of respect.[23] From that time, Rawat spent his weekends and school holidays travelling as his father had, addressing audiences on the subject of Knowledge and inner peace. Because of his youth, effective control of the DLM was shared by the whole family.[12][24][25]

In the late 1960s, British followers in India invited him to visit the West. In 1969 he sent one of his closest Indian students (known as Mahatmas) to London to teach on his behalf.[8] In 1970, many of his new Western followers flew to India to see him, and were present at India Gate, Delhi, when, still only twelve years old, he delivered an address known as the "Peace Bomb," which marked the start of his international work.[2][26]

Leaving India

Prem Rawat travelled to the West in 1971 against his mother’s wishes, a growing independence that would lead, in 1974, to a permanent rift between them.[27][28]

His arrival in the United States was met with some ridicule; Rawat, who acted like the teenager he was, was seen as immature and hence unfit to be a religious leader.[24][29] But, more importantly, he created an extraordinary amount of interest amongst young adults who were willing to examine his claim of being able to give them a direct experience of God.[24] His first western address was given at the initial Glastonbury Fayre.[30] In September 1971 Rawat spoke to a large U.S. gathering in Colorado and a U.S. based Divine Light Mission (DLM) was established in Denver, Colorado by Bob Mishler.[31][32]

Arrival in the US. Prem Rawat at Los Angeles Airport

Many were attracted by the sense of joy, peace, and commitment of Rawat's followers.[33] One witness said that Rawat "played the whole time he was there...he played with squirt guns, flashed pictures of himself for all to see, and took movies of everybody...Love flowed back and forth between him and his devotees".[34] Enthusiastic new members spread the message that the 13-year-old Rawat could reveal God.[35]

In October 1971 Rawat returned to India with 300 western followers for his 14th birthday. He revisited London in February 1972.[36] Over the next few months he spoke in Europe and Africa, and at forty-five venues in North America, then made quick trips to Japan and Australia before returning to the U.S.[37] The 1972 Hans Jayanti, an Indian festival celebrating Rawat's father's birthday,[38] was attended by over 500,000 people. Six Jumbo jets were chartered by American followers who paid extra so that South Americans could fly from New York to India for free. Other countries made similar arrangements to help the less financially able.[39] On arrival, Indian customs impounded a suitcase containing cash, jewelry and wristwatches worth which they said had not been properly declared.[40][41] and the finances of Rawat and the DLM in India and overseas were investigated by the Indian government.[42] In June, 1973 while the investigation was still under way, Rawat had to post a $13,300 bond before he could leave the country.[43] Charges were never filed, and the Indian government issued an apology.[44][45]

America 1973

Rawat returned to England and the United States in June, and in August he spoke in Boston to an audience of 9,000.[46][47] Sociologist James Downton said that from his early beginnings Rawat appealed to his followers to give up concepts and beliefs that might impede them from fully experiencing the "Knowledge" or life force, but this did not prevent them from adopting a fairly rigid set of ideas about his divinity, and to project millennial preconceptions onto him and the movement.[48] A reporter in Boston described Rawat as "...a real human being. He spoke humbly, conversationally, and without any apparent notion that he was God. In fact he seemed to consciously undercut the divine stage show and the passionate words said in his honor. Devotees and mahatmas speak of him as the guy who will out-Christ Christ, yet the guru himself claims, not that he is divine, but that his Knowledge is".[49] Sociologist Stephen A. Kent wrote that as a 22 year old hippie, he found Rawat's message to be banal and poorly delivered, though his companions spoke about it glowingly.[50]

In August 1973, Rawat was hit by a pie thrown by a person who was later attacked.[51][52][53] Rawat expressed shock and regret at the beating, and expressed concern for the victim's welfare.[54]

Followers stressed "love, peace and happiness" in their lives, but public attitudes were often unsympathetic.[55] A tour of U.S. cities was cut short in early September 1973, when Rawat was hospitalized with an "intestinal ulcer". The doctor said that Rawat's body showed the stresses of a middle-aged executive weakened by the pace of continual travel.[56] He went straight from hospital to Europe where he gave talks in Paris and Bonn.[57]

Millennium '73

Further information: Millennium '73

The Hans Jayanti of 1973 which was named "Millennium '73" was held in the Houston Astrodome. Press releases said that the event would mark the beginning of "a thousand years of peace for people who want peace."[58][59] The main organizers were Rawat's eldest brother Satpal Rawat (then known as Bal Bhagwan Ji) and activist Rennie Davis, who predicted an attendance of 100,000 or more. The event attracted only about 20,000, and though not covered by the national television news, it got extensive coverage in the print media. It was also depicted in the award-winning U.S. documentary "Lord of the Universe".[60] The premies were described as "cheerful, friendly and unruffled", and seeming "nourished by their faith". To the 400 premie parents who attended, Rawat was "a rehabilitator of prodigal sons and daughters", though some reporters found "a confused jumble of inarticulately expressed ideas."[61][62] The event was called the "youth culture event of the year".[63]

The failure of the event to meet expectations hurt the Divine Light Mission and left it heavily in debt, forcing changes within the movement. By 1976, the DLM was able to reduce the debt to $80,000.[64][12] According to Thomas Pilarzyk, the Millennium economic deficit was partially the result of poor management by the "holy family", (Rawat's mother and three older brothers), as well as the much lower than anticipated attendance.[65]

Coming of age

Because of Rawat's age his mother, Mata Ji, managed the affairs of the worldwide DLM, along with her eldest son, Satpal Rawat. When Prem Rawat reached sixteen years of age he wanted to take a more active part in guiding the movement and according to the sociologist James V. Downton, this meant he "had to encroach on his mother's territory and, given the fact that she was accustomed to having control, a fight was inevitable".[66][8] In December 1973, when he turned sixteen, Rawat took administrative control of the Mission's U.S. branch, and his mother and Satpal returned to India.[12][67]

Rawat's publicity campaign was unparalleled. One journalist reported, "Thousands of people follow him wherever he goes; posters of his round, cheerful face adorn the walls of buildings in every major Western city; newspaper reporters and TV cameras cover his every public appearance - particularly his mass rallies, which attract hundreds of thousands of followers each."[68]

By the end of 1973, the DLM was active in 55 countries.[69] Tens of thousands had been initiated, and several hundred centers and dozens of ashrams formed.[12] 1973 has been called the "peak of the Mission's success".[70]

Rawat's affluent lifestyle was a source of controversy in the early 1970s.[71] Some media reports said that Rawat "lived more like a king than a Messiah".[72] Critics said that his lifestyle was supported by the donations of followers and that the movement appeared to exist only to support Rawat's "opulent existence".[10][73] Supporters said there is no conflict between worldly and spiritual riches. That Rawat did not advise anyone to "abandon the material world", but said it is our attachment to it that is wrong.[74] Press reports listed expensive automobiles such as Rolls Royces, Mercedes Benz limousines[62] and sports cars, some of them gifts.[75][76] Rawat said, "I have something far more precious to give them than money and material things - I give peace".[77]

In May 1974 Rawat was given permission by a judge to get married without parental permission.[78] His marriage to Marolyn Johnson, a 24-year old follower from San Diego, California, was held at a non-denominational church in Golden, Colorado.[79] Rawat's mother, Mata Ji, had not been invited.[80] As a result of his marriage he became an emancipated minor.

Rawat's marriage to a non-Indian severed his relationship with his mother.[10][81] She retained control of the Indian DLM and appointed her eldest son, Satpal, as its leader.[82] Mata Ji said she was removing Rawat as Perfect Master because of his "unspiritual" lifestyle and lack of respect for her wishes.[83][84][85] Rawat retained the support of the Western disciples. Most of the mahatmas either returned to India or were dismissed.[66] Rawat had become wealthy as a result of contributions from his Western devotees, and led the life of an American millionaire. He ran a household for his wife, his brother- and sister-in-law, Raja Ji and Claudia, and financed travel for the close officials and mahatmas who accompanied him on his frequent trips around the globe to attend the Mission's festivals.[86][66]

By early 1974 the number of full-time DLM staff had increased from six to over one thousand.[87] In November 1974, seeking more privacy for himself, his wife and his entourage following security concerns, Rawat moved to a four-acre property in Malibu, California.[88][89] Purchased by the DLM for $400,000, the property served as the DLM's West Coast headquarters.[88][89][90][91] Controversy around a helipad on the property[92] was resolved by installing emergency water storage for the Los Angeles County Fire Department and by limiting the number of permitted flights.[93]

1976–1980

By 1976 the most students viewed Rawat primarily as a spiritual teacher, guide and inspiration.[94] In January 1976 Rawat encouraged them to leave the ashrams and discard Indian customs and terminology.[95] Rawat said that the organization had come between his devotees and himself.[96] He removed Bob Mishler, International President and co-founder of DLM, from power. According to one source, he "resented the advice given to him by his chief subordinate and dismissed him when a clash of wills occurred".[97] Rawat decentralized some decision making to local premie communities, while he maintained his status as the ultimate authority over spiritual and secular matters. The staff at the Denver headquarters were reduced from 250 to 80.[98] He described the managerial mentality that had developed in the Mission as "only cosmetic and totally unnecessary. It's like trying to take a cow and put lipstick on it. You can do it, but it's unnecessary in practical terms".[99]

His appearance on 20 December 1976 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, wearing a traditional Krishna costume for the first time since 1975, signaled a resurgence of Indian influence and devotion. During 1977, many returned to ashram life, and there was a shift back from secular tendencies towards ritual and messianic beliefs.[100][101][102] In 1977 Rawat became a US citizen.[103]

In January 1979 the Los Angeles Times reported that Rawat was maintaining his Malibu following despite a rising mistrust of cults.[89] Bob Mishler and Robert Hand, a former vice president of the movement, complained that money was increasingly diverted to Rawat's personal use,[12] warning that a situation like the recent Jonestown incident could occur with the followers of Rawat.[104] Mishler complained that the ideals of the group had become impossible to fulfill, but his charges found little support and did not affect the progress of the Mission.[12]

Rawat took flying lessons beginning when he was 13,[105] and began training in a jet by age 15.[106] In 1972 two Cessna airplanes were obtained for his use.[107][108] Travelling almost constantly, he was reported to have residences in London, New York, Colorado, California, India, and Australia.[62][107]

After the Malibu home was damaged by fire, Rawat moved to Miami Beach, Florida with his wife and three children for several years, and DLM headquarters relocated there.[91] Prem Rawat visited India again in October 1980 after an absence of five years, and spoke to over 38,000 people in Delhi. He also toured South America and Europe that year.[109]

Westernization

In 1980, Rawat removed all the "religious" aspects of the movement and declared he now wanted "no movement whatsoever".[110] The Hindu references and religious parables that had been prominent in his teachings gave way to a focus on the meditation techniques. Once called "Perfect Master", Prem Rawat abandoned his "almost divine status as guru" [10][12] but affirmed his status as a master. Scholars such as Kranenborg and Chryssides describe the departure from divine connotations.[111][112]

October 12, 1981. Prem Rawat speaking at the Royal Albert Hall, London

In 1983 the Divine Light Mission was renamed Elan Vital and Rawat closed the last western ashrams, marking the end of his use of Indian methods for international objectives.[113]

According to a 1983 article, Rawat continued to "energetically serve his followers", flying to speaking engagements in major cities around the world almost continually. In two years he spoke at over 100 programs in 37 international cities, including New York, London, Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Rome, Delhi, Sydney, Tokyo, Caracas and Los Angeles.[114] [115]

The number of Rawat's students grew in the 80s and 90s as Rawat toured extensively,[116][117] speaking in over 40 culturally diverse countries which included Japan, Taiwan, the Ivory Coast, Slovenia and Venezuela.[12] In 1990 there were said to be 1.2 million followers worldwide, with 50,000 in the United States.[112] 1999 saw the commencement of regular satellite broadcasts to North America and other countries.[118]

Twenty-first century

Between January 2004 and June 2005, Rawat delivered 117 addresses in Asia, Europe, and North America focusing on a universal message of peace and self-fulfillment. His message is currently distributed in eighty-eight countries in print and on video, and his program "Words of Peace" is broadcast on TV channels such as Canal Infinito in South America, Channel 31 in Australia, and Dish Network in the U.S.A.[119][120]

June 30, 2003. Prem Rawat addressing the first "Conference on Peace" at the University of Salamanca

In 2001, Rawat founded the The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF),[121] a Public Charitable Organization for the production and distribution of materials promoting his message, and for funding worldwide humanitarian efforts. TPRF has provided food, water and medical help to war-torn and impoverished areas.[122]

According to Elan Vital, the only effective way of reaching out to the over 80 countries where his message is now promoted is by leased private jet, which Rawat self-pilots, flying around a quarter million miles a year.[123] In 2007 during a two-month tour of India, Sri Lanka and Nepal, Rawat spoke at 36 events, addressing over 800,000 people, and by live satellite broadcasts reached an additional 2.25 million.[124]

In 2006, Rawat spoke at the Festival Mundial da Paz (International Festival for Peace) in Brazil.[125][126] In 2008, the Italian newspaper La Sicilia called Rawat a "messenger of peace".[127]

Aviation interests

Prem Rawat holds an Airline Transport Pilot License and has type ratings for a number of multi-engined aircraft and helicopters.[128] He is also listed as co-inventor on a 1997 U.S. patent for a watch which automatically adjusts when crossing time zones.[129]

Teachings

Further information: Teachings of Prem Rawat

Some scholars say that Rawat's teachings began in the North Indian Sant Mat tradition,[12] which dismisses ritual and claims that true religion is a matter of loving and surrendering to God who dwells in the heart.[130][131] In the 80s Rawat eliminated the Indian traditions and parables that had been prominent in his discourses and focused on the meditation techniques. Once called "Perfect Master", Prem Rawat abandoned his "almost divine status as guru". [10][12] Prem Rawat says that peace resides in everyone and that the quest for fulfillment can be resolved by turning within to find contentment and joy. He quotes from Hindu, Muslim and Christian sources, but rather than relying on scriptures for inspiration and guidance, Rawat relies on the experience provided by the meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge." [132][133][134][135][136] Before receiving Knowledge Rawat asks practitioners to promise to give Knowledge a fair chance, to keep in touch with him and not to reveal the techniques to anyone else.[137]

Practitioners describe Knowledge as internal and highly individual, with no associated social structure, liturgy, ethical practices or articles of faith.[10]

Reception

Media

From Rawat's first travels in the West, he and his followers attracted media attention.

In an interview in Der Spiegel in 1973, Rawat said, "I have lost confidence in newspapers. I talk with them about it and the next day something completely different is printed."[138] In 1973, the 50-member public relations team of the Divine Light Mission concluded that he was seen as a "fat 15-year-old with pie in his face ... and a Rolls-Royce ... who was arrested for jewel smuggling", and needed "to bring disbelievers past the point where they looked at the guru's body and age as a measure of his credibility".[139] As of 1976, his last press conference was in 1973.[140] Rawat has often been termed a cult leader in popular press reports,[141][142] as well as anti-cult writings.[143][144]

Charisma and leadership

Melton says Rawat's personal charisma was one of the reasons for the rapid spread of his message among members of the 1960's counterculture.[145]

Several scholars refer to Max Weber's classification of authority when describing Rawat as a charismatic leader.[146][16][147]

Dutch sociologist Paul Schnabel described Rawat as a pure example of a charismatic leader. He characterized Rawat as materialistic, pampered and intellectually unremarkable compared to Osho, but no less charismatic.[16]

Meredith McGuire sees formalization resulting from Rawat's desire to consolidate his power and authority over the movement in the United States.[146]

Lucy DuPertuis, a sociologist and one-time follower who assisted James V. Downton with his book about the Divine Light Mission, described Rawat's role as a Master as emerging from three interrelated phenomena: traditional or theological definitions of Satguru, adherents' first-hand experiences of the Master, and communal accounts and discussions of the Master among devotees. [148]

David G. Bromley described the difficulty of a charismatic leader in proving to be above normal human failings such as not to suffer ill health or indulge in worldly pursuits. He presents Rawat's marriage as such a situation. [149] Bromley described Prem Rawat and other founders of new religions as being held in awe by their early followers, who ascribe extraordinary powers to them that set them apart from other human beings. [150]

Thomas Pilarzyk, a sociologist, wrote in a 1978 paper that the distribution of power and authority in the DLM was officially based on the charismatic appeal of Maharaj Ji, which he described as being somewhat ambiguous, and that many followers were not certain about his position in the organizational scheme of the movement, or the claim that he was the only true spiritual master.[151]

Stephen J. Hunt said that in Rawat's case the notion of spiritual growth is not derived — as is traditionally the case with other gurus — from his personal charisma, but from the nature of his teachings and the benefits to the individuals applying them.[152]

Ron Geaves, a professor of religion and an early Western student of Prem Rawat,[153] states that Rawat is not a renunciate, and he has made great efforts to assert his humanity and take apart the hagiography that has developed around him. [154]

Following

Estimates of the number of Rawat's adherents have varied widely over time. Petersen states that Rawat claimed 7 million disciples worldwide in 1973, with 60,000 in the U.S.[155] Rudin & Rudin give a worldwide following of 6 million 1974, of which 50,000 were in the U.S. According to these authors, the adherents had fallen to 1.2 million for Prem Rawat's personal worldwide following in 1980, with 15,000 in the U.S.[156] Palmer and Keller published a general DLM membership of 1.2 million worldwide, with 50,000 in the U.S., in 1990 and 1997.[157]

Downton said by 1976 the vast majority of students viewed Rawat "as their spiritual teacher, guide and inspiration". Quoting a student he had studied, Downton said a typical view was that "the only thing he (Rawat) wants is to see people living happily and harmoniously together".[158] Downton concluded that the students had changed in a positive way, "more peaceful, loving, confident and appreciative of life".[159]

When former officials of Rawat's organisations spoke in the aftermath of the Jonestown incident in the late 1970s, they did not limit themselves to the movement, but included its leader in their criticism,[104] , including claims that money had been diverted to Rawat's personal use.[12]

Former followers became known as "ex-premies",[160][161][162][163] and Elan Vital has characterised the vocal critics among them as disgruntled former employees.[161] Based on an analysis of Sophia Collier's Soul Rush, John Barbour, a professor of religion,[164] concludes that Collier's deconversion from DLM was uncharacteristic compared to other deconversions from other movements, in that her deconversion brought her no emotional suffering.[165]

Stephen Hunt writes that Western followers do not see themselves as members of a religion, but rather as adherents of a system of teachings focused on the goal of enjoying life to the full.[10]

Footnotes

  1. ^ Cagan (2007), pp. 206, 215, 219 and 233
  2. ^ a b Navbharat Times, 10 November 1970
  3. ^ Mangalwadi (1992), pp. 137-138
  4. ^ "New Hindu Religious Movements in India," by Arvind Sharma, in "New Religious Movements and Rapid Social Change", by James A. Beckford, Unesco/Sage Publications: London,1986, ISBN 0-8039-8003-8, p224
  5. ^ Downton (1979), p. 3
  6. ^ Lewis (1998a), p. 83
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  13. ^ "Guru Maharaj Ji becomes a citizen of the U.S." Rocky Mountain News, Wednesday, October 19, 1977, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
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  33. ^ Derks, Frans, and Jan M. van der Lans. 1983. Subgroups in Divine Light Mission Membership: A Comment on Downton in the book Of Gods and Men: New Religious Movements in the West. Macon edited by Eileen Barker, GA: Mercer University Press, (1984), ISBN 0-86554-095-0 pages 303-308
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  38. ^ Galanter (1999), p. 20
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  40. ^ "Guru's Pupil Slates Talk", SYRACUSE POST-STANDARD Feb. 3,1973. p. 3
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  47. ^ EastWest Journal "An Expressway over Bliss Mountain"by Phil Levy P 29
  48. ^ Downton, James V. (1979). Sacred journeys: the conversion of young Americans to Division Light Mission. New York: Columbia University Press. ISBN 0-231-04198-5.
  49. ^ EastWest Journal "An Expressway over Bliss Mountain" by Phil Levy P 29
  50. ^ Kent (2001)
  51. ^ "Guru Gets Testimonial And Some Pie in Face" in New York Times. August 8, 1973, p. 43. At NYT website
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  53. ^ Bartel, Dennis (November 1983). "Whos's Who in Gurus". Harper's. p. 55.
  54. ^ "Guru Wants To Help". Sun News. Las Cruces, New Mexico. August 22, 1973. p. B2.
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  63. ^ Foss & Larkin (1978)
  64. ^ All Gods Children: The Cult Experience - Salvation Or Slavery? by Carrol Stoner and Jo Anne Parke The New Religions ... Why Now? p. 36
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  73. ^ TIME, April 7, 1975 [1]
  74. ^ "'You're a Perfect Master'", Newsweek November 19, 1973
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  76. ^ "Boy guru weds Calif. woman, 24". Associated Press, Long Beach, Calif. Indepedent, May 22, 1974
  77. ^ San Francisco Examiner, 7/21/73, as quoted in "What's Behind the 15-Year-Old Guru Maharaj Ji?" Gail Winder and Carol Horowitz, The Realist 12/73
  78. ^ "Guru, 16, marries secretary" AP Tues. May 21, 1974 Greeley Tribune
  79. ^ "The Guru's Wife Is Another Devotee", Robert P. Dalton, AP Staff Writer, Oakland Tribune. May 23, 1974.
  80. ^ Downton (1979), p. 191.
  81. ^ Miller (1995), p. 474
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  83. ^ Downton (1979), p. 192.
  84. ^ "Guru Tries to Take Control of Mission" in The Ruston Daily Leader, April 9, 1975:
  85. ^ "MOTHER OUSTS 'PLAYBOY' GURU" in Los Angeles Times. Wednesday April 2, 1975, PART II, p. 6A
  86. ^ Price (1979), pp. 279–96
  87. ^ Messer, Jeanne. "Guru Maharaj Ji and the Divine Light Mission" in The New Religious Consciousness by Charles Y. Glock and Robert N. Bellah, eds. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1976, ISBN 0-52003-472-4, pp. 52-72.
  88. ^ a b "Maharaj Ji Buys $400,000 Home Base in Malibu Area", JOHN DART, Los Angeles Times, Nov 27, 1974; p. B2
  89. ^ a b c "Malibu Guru Maintains Following Despite Rising Mistrust of Cults" Mark Foster, Los Angeles Times January 12, 1979 p. 3
  90. ^ Finke, Nikki. "MALIBU Metamorphosis: Is Hollywood's Haven Growing Into Just Another Miami Beach?" in Los Angeles Times. September 3, 1989. At L. A. Times Archives
  91. ^ a b Cagan (2007), pp. 219–220
  92. ^ "1-Year Trial OKd for Sect's Helipad" in Los Angeles Times. May 22, 1981, p. F6. At L. A. Times Archives
  93. ^ Pasternak, Judy. "Maharaji Denied in Bid to Triple Copter Use" in Los Angeles Times. July 7, 1985, p. 1. At L. A. Times Archives
  94. ^ Downton (1979), p. 199
  95. ^ Downton (1979)
  96. ^ Björkqvist, K (1990): World-rejection, world-affirmation, and goal displacement: some aspects of change in three new religions movements of Hindu origin. In N. Holm (ed.), Encounter with India: studies in neohinduism (pp. 79-99) - Turku, Finland. Åbo Akademi University Press - "In 1976, Maharaj Ji declared that he felt that the organization had come between his devotees and himself, and he disposed of the headquarters altogether."
  97. ^ Price, Maeve (1979): The Divine Light Mission as a social organization. (1) Sociological Review, 27, Page 279-296
  98. ^ Downton (1979)
  99. ^ Downton (1979), p. 196
  100. ^ Downton (1979), pp. 210–211
  101. ^ Cagan (2007), p. 228
  102. ^ Downton (1979)
  103. ^ "Guru Maharaj Ji becomes a citizen of the U.S." Rocky Mountain News, Wednesday, October 19, 1977, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
  104. ^ a b Brown, Chip, Parents Versus Cult: Frustration, Kidnapping, Tears; Who Became Kidnappers to Rescue Daughter From Her Guru, The Washington Post, February 15, 1982
  105. ^ "Pretty Far-Out Little Dude" Henry Allen, Washington Post, September 14, 1971
  106. ^ Cameron (1973)
  107. ^ a b Moritz, (1974)
  108. ^ "Gifts for a Guru" in Stars and Stripes, November 15, 1972.
  109. ^ Cagan (2007), p. 229
  110. ^ Björkqvist, K (1990): World-rejection, world-affirmation, and goal displacement: some aspects of change in three new religions movements of Hindu origin. In N. Holm (ed.), Encounter with India: studies in neohinduism (pp. 79-99) - Turku, Finland. Åbo Akademi University Press
  111. ^ Kranenborg (2002), p. 178
  112. ^ a b Chryssides (2001), pp. 210–211
  113. ^ Miller (1995), p. 474
  114. ^ "Whatever Happened to Guru Maharaj Ji?" in Hinduism Today by Himalayan Academy, USA, ISSN 0896-0801, October 1983."Whatever Happened to Guru Maharaj Ji?" in Hinduism Today by Himalayan Academy, USA, ISSN 0896-0801, October 1983.
  115. ^ Björkqvist, K (1990): World-rejection, world-affirmation, and goal displacement: some aspects of change in three new religions movements of Hindu origin. In N. Holm (ed.), Encounter with India: studies in neohinduism (pp. 79-99) - Turku, Finland. Åbo Akademi University Press
  116. ^ Geaves, Ron. "Globalization, charisma, innovation, and tradition: An exploration of the transformations in the organisational vehicles for the transmission of the teachings of Prem Rawat (Maharaji)" in Journal of Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies - Volume 2, 2006, ISBN 978-1-4196-2696-5, pp. 44-62.
  117. ^ Cagan (2007), pp. 255, 266
  118. ^ Contact Info - Broadcasts
  119. ^ Conversation with Prem Rawat, Available online. (Retrieved January 2006)
  120. ^ "Words of Peace" by Maharaji receives TV Award in Brazil" Press release.
  121. ^ "About Prem Rawat" at the website of The Prem Rawat Foundation
  122. ^ "Charity report". BBB Wise Giving Alliance. Retrieved March 2007. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  123. ^ Geaves, Ron. "Globalization, charisma, innovation, and tradition: An exploration of the transformations in the organisational vehicles for the transmission of the teachings of Prem Rawat (Maharaji)" in Journal of Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies - Volume 2, 2006, ISBN 978-1-4196-2696-5, pp. 44-62.
  124. ^ "Over 3 million people participate in events with Prem Rawat in India". The Prem Rawat Fundation. Retrieved 2008-11-08.
  125. ^ "S2 começa credenciamento de jornalistas para Festival Mundial da Paz". Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  126. ^ "Agenda do Ministro - Ministério da Cultura - MinC » 1º de setembro de 2006". Retrieved 2008-12-04.
  127. ^ Dignità e Prosperità per la pace - Prem Rawat al Teatro Massimo, ha lanciato un apello per la fratellanza nel mondo, La Sicilia, July 2nd, 2008.
  128. ^ Cagan (2007), p. 228
  129. ^ U.S. Patent Office
  130. ^ Lipner (1994), pp. 120-1
  131. ^ Schomer (1987)
  132. ^ Hadden, Religions of the world, pp.428 "The meditation techniques the Maharaji teaches today are the same he learned from his father, Hans Ji Maharaj."
  133. ^ Geaves, Ron, Globalization, charisma, innovation, and tradition: An exploration of the transformations in the organisational vehicles for the transmission of the teachings of Prem Rawat (Maharaji), 2006, Journal of Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies, 2 44–6 – "Rawat does not see himself as part of a tradition or as having to conform to the behavior of any predecessor"
  134. ^ Drury, Michael, The Dictionary of the Esoteric: 3000 Entries on the Mystical and Occult Traditions, pp.75-6, (2002), Sterling Publishing Company, ISBN 1-842-93108-3
    Maharaj Ji [teaches] meditation upon the life-force. This meditation focuses on four types of mystical energy, known as the experiences of Light, Harmony, Nectar, and the Word.
  135. ^ Chryssides, George D. Historical Dictionary of New Religious Movements pp.210-1, Scarecrow Press (2001) ISBN 0-8108-4095-2
    "This Knowledge was self-understanding, yielding calmness, peace, and contentment, since the innermost self is identical with the divine."
  136. ^ Hunt, Stephen J. Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8".
    The major focus of Maharaji is on stillness, peace, and contentment within the individual, and his 'Knowledge' consists of the techniques to obtain them.
  137. ^ "Three promises". thekeys.maharaji.net. Retrieved 2008-05-16.
  138. ^ Der Spiegel - October 8, 1973
  139. ^ "The Guru Who Minds His Mother", MALCOLM N. CARTER. Associated Press THE STARS AND STRIPES, November 4, 1973 Page A6
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  142. ^ Mendick, Robert. "Cult leader gives cash to Lord Mayor appeal" in Evening Standard. London, 2007-05-31, p. 4. At HighBeam Research
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  147. ^ DuPertuis (1986)
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  153. ^ Cagan, Andrea, Peace Is Possible: The Life and Message of Prem Rawat, pp.109, Mighty River Press (2007), ISBN 978-0978869496
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  163. ^ "Former Guru on a Different Mission", Rocky Mountain News, January 30, 1998.
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  165. ^ Barbour (1994), p. 173

References

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