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This page is for proposals related to the Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2008-04-20 Prem Rawat. User should:

  • Add their proposed wording to a new section
  • Not sign their section with the standard ~~~~
  • Not comment on other sections, this will be done at the discussion page
  • Not change the wording of proposals, they should add a new proposal with the changed wording

Previous versions

[Milestones identified by user:Thebainer in A brief history of Prem Rawat.]

September 2004

Prem Rawat (born December 10, 1957 in Dehra Dun near Haridwar, India) is a sometimes controversial inspirational speaker who brought to the West and promotes in both the West and India four meditative techniques or kriyas that he collectively calls the "techniques of Knowledge" and which he claims bring inner peace. He was for a time known in the West and is still known in India as Guru Maharaj ji, and is now known to his Western students as Maharaji

May 2006

Prem Pal Singh Rawat, also called Maharaji (formerly called Guru Maharaj Ji ) was born on December 10, 1957 in Dehradun, India.[1] At the age of four[2] he gave his first published address about the practice of "Knowledge", that was being taught by his father and teacher Hans Ji Maharaj. At the age of six he was taught the techniques of Knowledge by his father and succeeded him when he died in 1966, being accepted by his father's followers as their satguru (Sanskrit: true teacher) and assuming the role of "Perfect Master" at his father's funeral.[3][4] He thereby became the recognized leader of the Divine Light Mission that was started by his father and began taking his message to people throughout the Indian subcontinent.[5]

In 1971 he was invited to speak in London and Los Angeles and attracted substantial media attention, some of which referred to the 13-year old as the "boy guru"[6]In 1972 he began touring the world talking about inner peace and teaching Knowledge, revisiting the UK and the US and speaking at events for the first time in Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, South Africa, Japan, and Australia.[7] His marriage to a westerner in 1974 precipitated a family rift and Prem Rawat's mother and his eldest brother Satya Pal Singh (Satpal)[8] secured control of DLM in India through legal proceedings.[9] Prem Rawat remained in the west and in the 1980s he began the slow dissolution of the Divine Light Mission,[10] stepped away from the trappings associated with an Indian guru and continued to appear to audiences as Maharaji, a teacher and public speaker, promoting the same message and offering the same techniques of Knowledge for finding peace within.[11] At that time, non-profit, charitable organizations with a minimal structure manned mainly by volunteers were established in several countries called Elan Vital, whose main purpose is organizing events to which Prem Rawat is invited to speak.

According to The Prem Rawat Foundation, Prem Rawat has continued to promote a means to achieve a lifelong, individual experience of inner peace,[12] and that his message is that "it is only by individuals finding peace for themselves can the world be at peace" and that he is able to assist in this endeavor. Starting in 2001, he has been invited to address various institutions on the subject of peace,[13] and has through the Prem Rawat Foundation spearheaded various humanitarian initiatives.

Prem Rawat has attracted controversy for what his critics consider a lack of intellectual content in his teachings, leading a sumptuous lifestyle, and making what critics and religious scholars regarded as personal claims of divinity.

Prem Rawat lives with his wife in Malibu, California in the U.S. They have four grown children. He is an experienced airline transport-rated pilot and holds a number of pilot ratings on jet airplanes and helicopters. His resume discusses skills in computer graphics, computer-aided design, and development of aviation software. He is listed as co-inventor on a U.S. Patent for a world-time watch for aeronautic applications.[14] A US citizen since 1977,[15] he reports that he supports himself and his family as a private investor, and that he has contributed to the success of several startup companies in various industries, including software.[16]


January 2007

Prem Pal Singh Rawat also called Maharaji, and formerly called Guru Maharaj Ji, is a speaker and teacher on the subjects of inner peace and spiritual awareness.[17] Born in Haridwar, North India in December 10, 1957, Rawat was initiated in the techniques of "Knowledge" by his father, Hans Ram Singh Rawat, when he was six years old. Rawat's "Techniques of Knowledge" primarily consist of four introspective meditation techniques.[18][19]

At the age of eight, Prem Rawat succeeded Hans Rawat upon his death in 1966, being accepted by his father's followers as their satguru (Sanskrit: true teacher) or "Perfect Master" at his funeral.[20][21] He thereby became the recognized leader of the Divine Light Mission (DLM) that was started by his father and continued bringing his message to people throughout the Indian subcontinent.[5]

In 1971, Rawat embarked on a mission to the West to speak in London and Los Angeles. His arrival attracted the attention of the media, some of which referred to the 13-year-old as the "boy guru" and reported claims of divinity.[22][23] He also established the US chapter of Elan Vital. In 1972 he began touring the world talking about inner peace and teaching Knowledge.[24] His marriage to a Westerner in 1974 precipitated a family rift and Rawat's mother and his eldest brother Satya Pal Singh (Satpal) returned to India.[25][26] Rawat remained in the West and in the 1980s he changed the style of his message and relinquished the Hindu tradition, beliefs, and most of its original eastern religious practices.[27]Rawat continued to tour extensively in the 1980s and 1990s.

In 2001, Rawat established the The Prem Rawat Foundation to promote his message and advance the cause of various humanitarian initiatives. Since this time he has been invited to address various institutions on the subject of peace[28] and spread his message that, "it is only by individuals finding peace for themselves can the world be at peace". Criticisms of Rawat include the charge that he does not adhere to a simple lifestyle [29], and that organizations affiliated with Rawat are responsible for brainwashing, mind control, and financial exploitation of their members. [30]

May 2007

Prem Rawat, also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji) has been a speaker and teacher on the subject of "inner peace" since the age of eight, as well as offering instruction of four meditation techniques he calls Knowledge.[31][32]

In 1971 Rawat traveled from India to speak in London and Los Angeles and was the subject of substantial media attention. [33] He returned to the West in 1972 with his mother and elder brother and formed the Divine Light Mission to assist in spreading his message. Dozens of Indian style ashrams were established and tens of thousands of followers were attracted, largely from the hippie culture. Rawat was frequently criticised by religious scholars on the basis of his age, his behaviour and his teachings.[34][35]

Rawat's desire to manifest his own vision brought him into conflict with his mother and family, and his marriage to an American follower in 1974 caused a permanent split.[36] From this point Rawat and his teachings became more Western, and in the early 1980s he abandoned the title and trappings of a guru, closed the ashrams and changed his style to appeal to a Western audience. The Prem Rawat Foundation was established in 2001 to promote his message which is currently distributed in eighty-eight countries on video, print, and television, as well as to spearhead humanitarian efforts. [37][38]

Proposal 0

(current version)

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji), also as Sant Ji Maharaj[39] and Balyogeshwar,[40][41][42] is a speaker on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls Knowledge.[43][44] This Knowledge consists of the techniques to obtain stillness, peace, and contentment within the individual: the happiness of the true self-understanding.[45][46]

In June 1971, Rawat left India for the West, where he was the subject of substantial media attention.[47] His first western address was given at a pop music festival in Glastonbury.[48] Tens of thousands were attracted to his message, largely from the hippie culture. Rawat made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide.[49][46] When he turned 16, Rawat became an emancipated minor and was able to take a more active role in guiding the movement.[50][51]

Over time, his teachings became more universal and less Indian, and in the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian traditions from which the techniques originated.[52] In 2001 The Prem Rawat Foundation was established to contribute to global humanitarian efforts and to promote his message, which is now available throughout the world via print, TV, cable and satellite.[53] As of 2006, Rawat continued to tour regularly.[43]

Rawat has been criticized for a lack of intellectual content in his public discourse[54][55][56] and for leading a sumptuous lifestyle.[57][45]

Proposal 1

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji) is an Indian-American who became prominent as the leader of the Divine Light Mission (DLM) and the Elan Vital. His international following includes students in India, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America. He speaks on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".

Rawat succeeded his father as spiritual head of the DLM in 1966 at the age of eight when he was proclaimed the "satguru" ("Perfect Master"). In June 1971, he left India for the West. There he became the subject of substantial media attention and attracted tens of thousands of devotees. He made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide. When he turned 16 in 1974, Rawat married and took a more active role in guiding the movement. Internal conflicts and negative publicity led to a reorganization of the DLM. Rawat's teachings became more universal as he moved away from Indian traditions. In the late 1970s and early '80s he closed the ashrams, dropped titles such as "Lord of the Universe" and "Guru", and created the Elan Vital as a replacement for the DLM.

Proponents of Rawat have credited him with helping them find inner peace while criticisms have referred to a lack of intellectual depth in his teachings and a sumptuous lifestyle.

Proposal 2

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji) is an Indian-American who became prominent as a guru in the 1970s. Organizations formed to spread his message include the Divine Light Mission (DLM), the Elan Vital, and the Prem Rawat Foundation. His international following includes students in India, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America. He speaks on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".

Rawat succeeded his father as spiritual head of the DLM in 1966 at the age of eight when he was proclaimed the "satguru" ("Perfect Master"). In June 1971, he left India for the West. There he became the subject of substantial media attention and attracted tens of thousands of devotees who called him the "Lord of the Universe". He made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide. When he turned 16 in 1974, Rawat married and took a more active role in guiding the movement. Family conflicts split the movement with Rawat retaining control of the DLM in the West, which lost most of its members. In the late 1970s and early '80s Rawat removed the Indian trappings, dropped claims of divinity, stopped referring to himself as a "guru", closed the ashrams, and disbanded the DLM. Since then he has maintained a relatively low profile as an inspirational speaker.

Proponents of Rawat have credited him with helping them find inner peace while criticisms have referred to a lack of intellectual depth in his teachings and an opulent, materialistic lifestyle.

Proposal 3

[...] He is, or has been, associated with organizations like Divine Light Mission (DLM), Divine United Organization (DUO), Elan Vital, and from 2001, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF).

[...]

Proposal 4

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, 10 December 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji), is a speaker on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls Knowledge.

Rawat became a Guru or Perfect Master in 1966 following the death of his father and travelled to the West in 1971 where he was the subject of substantial media attention. Tens of thousands were attracted to his message, largely from the hippie culture.

When he turned 16, Rawat became an emancipated minor, took control of the Divine Light Mission in the West and married a westerner against his family's wishes. He began eliminating the Indian traditions from his teachings and in the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru".

He continues to tour regularly to promote his message, which is now available throughout the world via print, TV, cable and satellite.

Proposal 5

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji)[58] is an Indian-American who became prominent as a guru in the 1970s. He is, or has been, associated with organizations including Divine Light Mission (DLM), Divine United Organization (DUO), Elan Vital, and from 2001, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF). His international following includes students in India, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America. He speaks on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".[59]

Rawat succeeded his father as spiritual head of the DLM in 1966 at the age of eight when he was proclaimed the "satguru" ("Perfect Master").[60] In June 1971, he left India for the West. There he became the subject of substantial media attention and attracted tens of thousands of devotees. Followers called him the "Lord of the Universe".[61] He made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide. When he turned 16 in 1974, Rawat married and took a more active role in guiding the movement.[62] Family conflicts split the movement with Rawat retaining control of the DLM in the West. The DLM lost most of its members after the mid-1970s.[63] In the late 1970s and early '80s Rawat removed the Indian trappings, dropped claims of divinity, stopped referring to himself as a "guru", closed the ashrams, and disbanded the DLM. Since then he has maintained a relatively low profile as an inspirational speaker.[49]

Proponents of Rawat have credited him with helping them find inner peace while criticisms have referred to a lack of intellectual depth in his teachings[64] and an opulent, materialistic lifestyle.[56]

Proposal 6

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, 10 December 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji), is a speaker on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls Knowledge.

Rawat became a Guru or Perfect Master in 1966, following the death of his father. In 1971 he travelled to the West, where he became the subject of substantial media attention. Tens of thousands were attracted to his message, largely from the hippie culture.

When he turned 16, Rawat became an emancipated minor. He took control of the Divine Light Mission in the West and married a westerner, against his family's wishes. He began eliminating Indian references from his teachings, and in the early 1980s dropped the title "Guru".

He continues to tour regularly to promote his message, which is now available throughout the world via print, TV, cable and satellite.

Proposal 7

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji)[58] is an Indian-American who became prominent as a guru in the 1970s. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[59] claims a following in many countries including India, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America. Organisations which have considered Rawat as variously their leader or inspiration include Divine Light Mission (DLM), Divine United Organization (DUO), Elan Vital, and The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF).

In 1966 at the age of eight, Rawat succeeded his father as spiritual head of the DLM in India, when he was proclaimed the "satguru" ("Perfect Master").[60] In June 1971, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US where he became the subject of substantial media attention. As Guru Maharaj Ji, Rawat attracted tens of thousands of devotees who called him the "Lord of the Universe", [61] he then made his home in the U.S. and began touring worldwide. Achieving emancipated minor status at aged 16 in 1974, Rawat married and, although he sought to take a more active role in guiding the by then international Divine Light Mission movement,[62] the movement was split by conflicts within the Rawat family. Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India, although much of the membership was lost.[63] In the early 1980s Rawat removed the Indian trappings of his teaching and stopped referring to himself as a "guru"; since then he has maintained a relatively low profile as an inspirational speaker.[49]

Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace while his critics have referred to a lack of intellectual depth in his teachings[64] and an opulent, materialistic lifestyle.[56]

Proposal 8

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji)[58] became prominent in the 1970s when he arrived to the West as a 13-year old guru. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, has a following in many countries including India, the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. His teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[59] which he says can bring stillness, peace, and contentment within the individual.[45][46]

In 1966 at the age of eight, after his father death, Rawat succeeded him as the spiritual head of the movement India, when he was proclaimed "satguru" ("Perfect Master").[60] In June 1971, age 13, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US where he became prominent due to his youth and his claims of being able to impart direct knowledge of God.[65] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974 resulting in conflicts with his family and the split of the movement. Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India and sought to take a more active role in guiding the movement in the West. He became a US citizen in 1977[66]In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian trappings that were associated with the early movement in order to appeal to a Western context.[67]

Over the years, several organizations have considered Rawat as variously their leader or inspiration including Divine Light Mission (DLM), the Divine United Organization (DUO), and later Elan Vital and the Raj Vidya Kender. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation which contributes to humanitarian efforts and to promote his message, which is made available world-wide via print, and public TV broadcasts.

Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace, while critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,[56][55] and for leading a sumptuous lifestyle. [56]

Proposal 9

Supersedes Proposal #8 based on editor's feedback

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji[39][40][68]) became prominent in the 1970s when he arrived in the West as a 13 year-old guru. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, has a following in many countries including India, the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. His teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43][69] which he says can lead the individual to inner stillness, peace and contentment.[45]

In 1966 at the age of eight, Rawat's father died, and Rawat succeeded him as the spiritual head of the movement in India when he was proclaimed "satguru" ("Perfect Master").[60] In June 1971, age 13, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US, where he became prominent due to his claims of being able to impart direct knowledge of God.[70] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, resulting in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][71] Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[72] He became a US citizen in 1977.[73] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian trappings that were associated with the early movement, in order to appeal to a Western context.[74]

Over the years, several organizations have considered Rawat as their leader or inspiration, including Divine Light Mission (DLM), the Divine United Organization (DUO), and later Elan Vital and the Raj Vidya Kender. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation which contributes to humanitarian efforts and promotes his message, which is made available world-wide via print, and public TV broadcasts.[75][76]

Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace, while critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). and a materialistic lifestyle.[77]

Proposal 10

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji)[39][40][78]), became a guru at the age of 8 and started touring internationally when he was 13 years-old. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, teaches four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43] which he says can lead the individual to inner stillness, peace and contentment.[79][45]
In 1966 when Rawat's father and guru died Rawat was proclaimed "satguru" ("Perfect Master") and became the spiritual head of five million followers in India. [60] In June 1971, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US, where he became prominent due to his claims of being able to impart direct knowledge of God.[80] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, resulting in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][81] Prem Rawat retained the support of his followers outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West. [82]
He became a US citizen in 1977.[83] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements that were associated with the early movement, in order to appeal to a Western context.[84]
Various organizations have supported Rawat's activities including Divine Light Mission, which was founded by his father in 1960, and Elan Vital which replaced DLM in 1983. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation which contributes to humanitarian efforts and promotes his message, which is made available world-wide via print, and public TV broadcasts.[85][76]
Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace, while critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). and a materialistic lifestyle.[86]

Proposal 11

Paragraphing added and some rearrangement of previous version for clarity.

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji),[39][40][87] became a guru at the age of 8 and began traveling and speaking internationally at 13. Rawat's subject is inner peace, and he teaches four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43] which he says can lead the individual to stillness, peace and contentment.[88][45]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "Satguru" ("Perfect Master") and became the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] In June 1971 Rawat traveled to Britain and the US, where he became prominent due to his charisma and his claims of being able to impart direct knowledge of God.[89] After becoming an emancipated minor in 1974 at age 16, Rawat married, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][90] Prem Rawat retained the support of his followers outside of India and began to take a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[91] He became a US citizen in 1977.[92]

In the early 1980s, to broaden his appeal to a western audience he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements that were associated with the early movement.[93]

Various organizations have been formed to support Rawat's activities, including the Divine Light Mission, which was founded by his father in 1960, and Elan Vital, which replaced DLM in 1983. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation, which contributes to humanitarian efforts and promotes his message world-wide via print, video and public TV broadcasts.[94][76] Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace, while critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). and a materialistic lifestyle.[95]

Proposal 12

  • Combines several previous versions into a compromise.
Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Maharaji, Guru Maharaj Ji, Balyogeshwar, and Sant Ji) is an Indian-American who became a guru in India at the age of eight and who gained prominence in the West at age 13. Rawat's subject is inner peace, and he teaches four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge", which he says can lead the individual to stillness, peace and contentment.[96][45] Various organizations have been formed to support Rawat's activities, including the Divine Light Mission, which was founded by his father in 1960, the Elan Vital, which replaced DLM in 1983, and The Prem Rawat Foundation, founded in 2001.

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "Satguru" ("Perfect Master") and became the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] In June 1971 Rawat traveled to England and the U.S.[97] After Rawat married in 1974 at age 16 conflicts within his family resulted in the splitting of the movement.[45][98] Prem Rawat retained the support of his followers outside of India and began to take a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[99] He became a U.S. citizen in 1977.[100]

In the early 1980s, to broaden his appeal to a western audience he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements that were associated with the early movement.[101]

Rawat has been credited for helping followers find inner peace and has been criticized for a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). and for leading an opulent, materialistic lifestyle.[102]

Proposal 13

  • addressing concerns about proposal 9 and 11
Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Maharaji, formerly Guru Maharaj Ji)[39][40][103] became a guru in India at the age of eight and gained prominence at age 13 when he began traveling and lecturing internationally. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, now has a worldwide following. His teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43][104] which he says can lead the individual to inner stillness, peace and contentment.[45]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat succeeded him as the spiritual head of the movement in India and was proclaimed "satguru" ("Perfect Master") to five million followers.[60] In June 1971, age 13, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US, where he attracted an extraordinary amount of interest from young adults who were willing to examine his claim to impart direct knowledge of the Divine.[105] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, resulting in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][106] Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[107] He became a US citizen in 1977.[108] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements of his early teachings in order to make his message more universal.[109]

Over the years, several organizations have supported Rawat, including Divine Light Mission, and later Elan Vital and the Raj Vidya Kender. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation with a dual mission of contributing to humanitarian efforts and promoting his message.[110][76]

Rawat's supporters and independent studies have credited him with helping people find inner peace, while Christian scholars have criticized Rawat for his age, lack of intellectual content in his teachings,Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.[111]

Proposal 14

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Balyogeshwar, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji,[39][40][112] became a guru in India at the age of eight, and gained international prominence at 13 when he first began to spread his message in the west. Rawat's teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43][113] which he says can lead the individual to inner stillness, peace and contentment.[45]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "satguru" or "Perfect Master",[114] and succeeded him as the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][115] Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[116] He became a US citizen in 1977.[117] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements that were associated with the early movement.[118]

Over the years, several organizations have been formed to assist in spreading his message, including the Divine Light Mission, Elan Vital and the Raj Vidya Kender. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation which also contributes to humanitarian efforts.[119][76]

Rawat has been praised for his role in promoting inner peace, but critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). and a materialistic lifestyle.[120]

Proposal 15

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Balyogeshwar, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji,[39][40][121] became a guru in India at the age of eight, and gained international prominence at 13 when he first began to spread his message in the West. Rawat's teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[122] which he says can lead the individual to inner stillness, peace and contentment.[45] Over the years, several organizations have been formed to assist in spreading his message, including the Divine Light Mission, Elan Vital, and The Prem Rawat Foundation.[123][76]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "satguru" or "Perfect Master",[124] and succeeded him as the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][125] Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[126] He became a US citizen in 1977.[127] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements associated with the early movement.[128]

Rawat has been described as living a luxurious,[129] materialistic lifestyle.[130]. His teachings have been characterized as lacking intellectual content.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

Proposal 16

  • Combines several previous versions and tweaks into a compromise verison. Rvd redundancies and tweaked grammar.
Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India, also known as Balyogeshwar, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji,[39][40][131]) became a guru in India at the age of eight, and gained international prominence at 13 when he first began to spread his message in the West. Rawat's teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".[132] Over the years, several organizations have been formed to assist in spreading his message, including the Divine Light Mission (1960), Elan Vital (1983), and The Prem Rawat Foundation (2001).[133]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "satguru" or "Perfect Master",[134] and succeeded him as the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][135] Prem Rawat retained control outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[136] He became a US citizen in 1977.[137] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian aspects of his teachings associated with the early movement.[138]

The focus of Rawat's teachings is on stillness, peace and contentment within the individual,[45] which has led secular authors to criticize his talks as stressing emotional experience over intellect.[139][56][55] Some religious scholars have characterised Rawat as materialistic and described his lifestyle as luxurious.[140][141].

Proposal 17

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Maharaji, formerly Guru Maharaj Ji)[39][40][142] became a guru in India at the age of eight and gained prominence at age 13 when he began traveling and lecturing internationally. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, now has a worldwide following. His teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43][143] which he says can lead the individual to inner stillness, peace and contentment.[45]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat succeeded him as the spiritual head of the movement in India and was proclaimed "satguru" ("Perfect Master") to five million followers.[60] In June 1971, age 13, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US, where he attracted an extraordinary amount of interest from young adults who were willing to examine his claim to impart direct knowledge of the Divine.[144] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, resulting in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][145] Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[146] He became a US citizen in 1977.[147] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements of his early teachings in order to make his message more universal.[148]

Over the years, several organizations have supported Rawat, including Divine Light Mission, and later Elan Vital and the Raj Vidya Kender. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation with a dual mission of contributing to humanitarian efforts and promoting his message.[149][76]

Rawat's supporters and independent studies have credited him with helping people experience inner peace, while Christian scholars have criticized Rawat for his age, lack of intellectual content in his teachings,Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). and enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.[150]

Draft 18

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India, also known as Balyogeshwar, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji,[39][40][151]) became a guru in India at the age of eight, and gained international prominence at 13 when he began traveling and speaking internationally. He now has a world-wide following. Rawat speaks on the subject of inner peace, and teaches four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".[43] [152] Over the years, several organizations have been formed to assist in spreading his message, including the Divine Light Mission (1960), Elan Vital (1983), the Raj Vidya Kender (India) and The Prem Rawat Foundation (2001).[153]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "satguru" or "Perfect Master",[154] and succeeded him as the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[155] Granted emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][156] Prem Rawat retained control outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[157] He became a US citizen in 1977.[158] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and made his message more universal by dropping the Indian aspects of his teachings.[159] Rawat's focus on stillness, peace and contentment within the individual[45] has led secular scholars to criticize his talks as stressing emotional experience over intellect,[160][56][55] while religious and other writers have characterised Rawat as materialistic, and described his lifestyle as luxurious.[161][162] Rawat's supporters and independent studies have credited him with helping people experience inner peace.[163][164]

Draft 19

Prem Rawat (born Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10 1957 in Haridwar, India) also known as Balyogeshwar, Guru Maharaj Ji, and Maharaji,[39][40][165]) became a guru in India at the age of eight, and gained international prominence at 13 when he first began to spread his message in the West. He now has a world-wide following. Rawat's teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".[166] Over the years, several organizations have been formed to assist in spreading his message, including the Divine Light Mission, Elan Vital (1983), and The Prem Rawat Foundation (2001).[167]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When he died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "satguru" or "Perfect Master",[168] and succeeded his father as the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] Granted emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][169] Prem Rawat retained control outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[170] He became a United States citizen in 1977.[171] He later dropped the title "Guru" and claims of divinity, and abandoned the Indian aspects of his teachings associated with the early movement.[172]

The focus of Rawat's teachings is on stillness, peace and contentment within the individual.[45] Rawat's supporters and independent studies have credited him with helping people experience inner peace.[citation needed] Some authors have criticized his talks as stressing emotional experience over intellect,[173][56][55] while other writers have characterized Rawat as materialistic, and described his lifestyle as luxurious.[174][175]

Draft 20

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India, also known as Balyogeshwar, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji,[39][40][151]) became a guru in India at the age of eight, and gained international prominence at 13 when he began traveling and speaking internationally. He now has a world-wide following. Rawat speaks on the subject of inner peace, and teaches four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".[43] [152] Over the years, several organizations have been formed to assist in spreading his message, including the Divine Light Mission (1960), Elan Vital (1983), the Raj Vidya Kender (India) and The Prem Rawat Foundation (2001).[153]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Shri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "satguru" or "Perfect Master",[154] and succeeded him as the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the international movement.[45][155] Prem Rawat retained control outside of India, and took a more active role in the movement's guidance.[156] He became a US citizen in 1977.[157] In the early 1980s he made his message more universal by dropping his title "Guru" and the Hindu aspects of his teachings.[158] Rawat's focus on stillness, peace and contentment within the individual[45] has led secular scholars to criticize his talks as stressing emotional experience over intellect,[159][56][55] while other writers have characterised Rawat as materialistic, and described his lifestyle as luxurious.[160][161] Rawat's supporters and independent studies have credited him with helping people experience inner peace.

Draft 21

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji)[39][40][176] became a guru in India at the age of eight, and gained international prominence at 13 when he began traveling and speaking internationally. He now has a world-wide following. Rawat speaks on the subject of inner peace, and teaches four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".[43] [152] Over the years, several organizations have been formed to assist in spreading his message, including the Divine Light Mission (1960), Elan Vital (1983), the Raj Vidya Kender (India) and The Prem Rawat Foundation (2001).[153]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Shri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was acknowledged as "satguru" or "Perfect Master",[154] and succeeded him as the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] In 1971 Rawat travelled to the West and became the subject of substantial media attention attracting tens of thousands of devotees. He made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide.Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the international movement.[45][155] Prem Rawat retained control outside of India, and took a more active role in the movement's guidance.[156] He became a US citizen in 1977.[157] In the early 1980s he made his message more universal by dropping his title "Guru" and the Hindu aspects of his teachings.[158] Rawat promotes a direct experience of the divine to obtain inner peace rather than theory or dogma and some Christian clergy have criticized him for stressing what they call "emotional experience" over intellect.[177][178][179][56][55] Rawat, who claims Knowledge is independent of culture, religion and lifestyle, has been criticized for enjoying a luxurious life.[180][181]His supporters and independent studies have credited him with helping people experience inner peace.[182][183]

Draft 22

(early draft stage:)

Prem Pal Singh Rawat (born December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), gained worldwide prominence as a guru in the 1970s under various names including Maharaji, Guru Maharaj Ji and Balyogeshwar.

Rawat is the youngest son of Advait Mat guru Hans Ji Maharaj. After his father's death in 1966 he was proclaimed the new satguru, and became the most visible person of the Divine Light Mission (DLM, also referred to as the Mission), an organization created by his father in 1960. Still a youngster, Rawat started to spread his message around the world, with the active support of DLM mahatmas. He took the United States as his home base from the early 1970s. There, a branch of the DLM was founded, followed by many others in a multitude of countries. In 1973, the year of the Millenium 73 event (televised as Lord of the Universe), his worldwide fame and reknown peaked: he claimed millions of followers.

His message that he was on a mission to bring peace to the world and knew how to bring that about was reported in the media. Various other aspects drew media attention too, including his predilection for a wealthy lifestyle, the cult-like behaviour among his following (often referred to as premies), and a rupture with part of his family which made him lose control of the Indian branch of the DLM. From around 1974 he started gradually to cut away some of the excesses, fading out on his Indian roots and semi-divine status. In the early 1980s he reformed DLM into Elan Vital, a process including the closure of Western ashrams, the settings of communal living where thousands of his most devoted initiates led a life imbued in mortification.

Rawat, his students and his organizations feature in several mainly sociological scholarly studies, most of these authored in the period from the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s. His teachings are described as without intellectual merit, but generally having a positive effect on those who measuredly practice the techniques of Knowledge he recommends. After a media silence until the late years of the 20th century he had a new organization, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF), play a central role in the publicity for the Knowledge techniques as brought by him, for his touring around the world, and for his humanitarian relief programs.

References

Content of re-used stray footnotes:

References
  1. ^ Goring, Rosemary (Ed.). Dictionary of Beliefs & Religions (1997) p.145, Wordsworth Editions, ISBN 1853263540
  2. ^ "Prem Rawat's quotes @ Wikiquote". 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-03. Birthday Celebrations, Prem Nagar (Haridwar), August 21 1962 as published in "Hansadesh" magazine, Issue 1, Mahesh Kare, January 1963
  3. ^ Beit-Hallahami, Benjamin The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Active New Religions, Sects, and Cults, (1997), ISBN 0823915050 p. 85 "Divine Light Mission". "When the founder died in 1966, the eight-year old Pretap stood up at the funeral to announce his ascent to the throne and became the movement's recognized leader. [..] Maharaj Ji was considered satguru, or the Perfect Master."
  4. ^ Melton, Gordon J. Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America, (1986), pp.141-2 entry Divine Light Mission Garland Publishing, ISBN 0-8240-9036-5
    "Just six years after the founding of the Mission, Shri Hans Ji Maharaj was succeeded by his younger son Prem Pal Singh Rawat, who was eight when he was recognized as the new Perfect Master and assumed the title, Maharaj Ji. Maharaj Ji had been recognized as spiritually adept, even within the circle of the Holy Family as Shri Hans family was called. He had been initiated at the age of six [...] He assumed the role of Perfect Master at his father's funeral by telling the disciples who had gathered. [...] Though officially the autocratic leader of the Mission, because of Maharaji's age authority was shared by the whole family."
  5. ^ a b U. S. Department of the Army, Religious Requirements and Practices of Certain Selected Groups: A Handbook for Chaplains (2001) pp.11-5, The Minerva Group, ISBN 0898756073
    "Following his death, Shri Hans Ji Maharaj appointed the youngest of his four sons, Sant Ji, as the next Perfect Master and thereby he assumed head of Divine Light Mission as decreed by his father. Since that time, Guru Maharaj Ji has inspired a world wide movement and the Mission is active in 55 countries." Cite error: The named reference "USChaplains" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  6. ^ Hinnells, John (Editor) The Penguin Dictionary of ReligionsISBN 0140512616 1997 entry Sant Mat page 451
    "Sant Mat concepts and practices include Anukul Thakur, Maharaj-ji -the so-called "boy guru" - who led the Divine Light Mission - and John Roger Hinkins, who led a spiritual movement in Southern California. "
  7. ^ "What happened in 1972". 2006. Retrieved 2006-03-14.
  8. ^ "About Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj". 2006. Retrieved 2006-03-06.
  9. ^ C. L. Tandon v. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, AIR 1978 Delhi 221 - "One valuable touchstone for determining whether the matters in issue are directly and substantially the same is whether the decision in the prior suit will bring the principle of res judicata into operation in the subsequent suit. Because the removal of Prem Pal Singh Rawat by Mataji and the nomination in his place of Satya Pal Singh Rawat and the competence of Mataji to do the same, issues of utmost importance, are alien to the Patna suit, the disposal of the suit at Patna will not stand in the way of the trial of the said issues by the appropriate courts."
  10. ^ Lippy, Charles H. Pluralism Comes of Age: American Religious Culture in the Twentieth Century p.114, M. E. Sharpe (2002), ISBN 0-765-60151-6
    "The Divine Light Mission, for example, in the 1980s became Elan Vital and dropped most of its Asian trappings."
  11. ^ Miller, Tim (Ed.) America's Alternative Religions (S U N Y Series in Religious Studies) p.364 (1995) State University of New York Press. p. 474 ISBN 0791423972
    "[h]e may be reaching more listeners than ever, especially abroad, but his role is that of a public speaker, and the original religious movement is essentially defunct."
  12. ^ Prem Rawat on peace. (Retrieved Feb 2006)
  13. ^ "Leading Thai University Welcomes Prem Rawat". 2005. Retrieved 2006-03-04.
  14. ^ US Patent Office
  15. ^ "Guru Maharaj Ji becomes a citizen of the US", Rocky Mountain News, Wednesday, October 19 1977, Denver, Colorado, USA
  16. ^ "Maharaj.org". 1999. Retrieved 1999-01-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  17. ^ Goring, Dictionary of Beliefs & Religions, pp.145
  18. ^ Barrett 2001, page 327
    "At the heart of Elan Vital is this Knowledge — loosely, the joy of true self-knowledge. [...] The Knowledge includes four meditation techniques; these have some similarities in other Sant-Mat-derived movements, and may derive originally from surat shab yoga."
  19. ^ Hadden, Religions of the world, pp.428
    "The meditation techniques the Maharaji teaches today are the same he learned from his father, Hansji Maharaj, who, in turn, learned them from his spiritual teacher [Sarupanand], 'Knowledge', claims Maharaji, 'is a way to be able to take all your senses that have been going outside all your life, turn them around and put them inside to feel and to actually experience you... What you are looking for is inside of you.'"
  20. ^ Beit-Hallahami, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Active New Religions, Sects, and Cults, pp. 85
    "When the founder died in 1966, the eight-year old Pretap stood up at the funeral to announce his ascent to the throne and became the movement's recognized leader. [..] Maharaj Ji was considered satguru, or the Perfect Master."
  21. ^ Melton, Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America, pp.141-2 entry Divine Light Mission
    "Just six years after the founding of the Mission, Shri Hans Ji Maharaj was succeeded by his younger son Prem Pal Singh Rawat, who was eight when he was recognized as the new Perfect Master and assumed the title, Maharaj Ji. Maharaj Ji had been recognized as spiritually adept, even within the circle of the Holy Family, as Shri Hans' family was called. He had been initiated at the age of six [...] He assumed the role of Perfect Master at his father's funeral by telling the disciples who had gathered. [...] Though officially the autocratic leader of the Mission, because of Maharaji's age authority was shared by the whole family."
  22. ^ Hinnellsm The Penguin Dictionary of Religions, pp. 451
    "Sant Mat concepts and practices include Anukul Thakur, Maharaj-ji -the so-called "boy guru" - who led the Divine Light Mission - and John Roger Hinkins, who led a spiritual movement in Southern California. "
  23. ^ a b "Time1972"
  24. ^ "What happened in 1972". 2006. Retrieved 2006-03-14.
  25. ^ "About Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj". 2006. Retrieved 2006-03-06.
  26. ^ C. L. Tandon v. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, AIR 1978 Delhi 221 - "One valuable touchstone for determining whether the matters in issue are directly and substantially the same is whether the decision in the prior suit will bring the principle of res judicata into operation in the subsequent suit. Because the removal of Prem Pal Singh Rawat by Mataji and the nomination in his place of Satya Pal Singh Rawat and the competence of Mataji to do the same, issues of utmost importance, are alien to the Patna suit, the disposal of the suit at Patna will not stand in the way of the trial of the said issues by the appropriate courts."
  27. ^ Stephen J. Hunt Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8 .He therefore changed the style of his message and relinquished the the Hindu tradition, beliefs, and most of its original eastern religious practices
  28. ^ "Leading Thai University Welcomes Prem Rawat". 2005. Retrieved 2006-03-04.
  29. ^ a b "Kranenb"
  30. ^ a b "Lewis"
  31. ^ Cagan, A. Peace is Possible The Life and Message of Prem Rawat -Mighty River Press -ISBN -10: 0-9788694-9-4
  32. ^ 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, who, in turn, learned them from his spiritual teacher [Sarupanand], 'Knowledge', claims Maharaji, 'is a way to be able to take all your senses that have been going outside all your life, turn them around and put them inside to feel and to actually experience you... "
  33. ^ Goring, Rosemary (Ed.). Dictionary of Beliefs & Religions (1997) p.145, Wordsworth Editions, ISBN 1853263540
  34. ^ Beit-Hallahami, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Active New Religions, Sects, and Cults, pp. 85
    "When the founder died in 1966, the eight-year old Pretap stood up at the funeral to announce his ascent to the throne and became the movement's recognized leader. [..] Maharaj Ji was considered satguru, or the Perfect Master."
  35. ^ Melton, Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America, pp.141-2 entry Divine Light Mission
    "Just six years after the founding of the Mission, Shri Hans Ji Maharaj was succeeded by his younger son Prem Pal Singh Rawat, who was eight when he was recognized as the new Perfect Master and assumed the title, Maharaj Ji. Maharaj Ji had been recognized as spiritually adept, even within the circle of the Holy Family, as Shri Hans' family was called. He had been initiated at the age of six [...] He assumed the role of Perfect Master at his father's funeral by telling the disciples who had gathered. [...] Though officially the autocratic leader of the Mission, because of Maharaji's age authority was shared by the whole family."
  36. ^ J. Gordon Melton, Christopher Partridge (Eds.), New Religions: A Guide: New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities pp.201-202, Oxford University Press, USA (2004) ISBN 978-0195220421 -
    As Maharaji began to grow older and establish his teachings worldwide he increasingly desired to manifest his own vision of development and growth. This conflict resulted in a split between Maharaji and his family, ostensibly caused by his mother's inability to accept Maharaji's marriage to an American follower rather than the planned traditional arranged marriage.
  37. ^ a b Melton, Encyclopedia of American Religions-"In the early 1980s, Maharaj ji moved to disband the Divine Light Mission and he personally renounced the trappings of Indian culture and religion, disbanding the mission, he founded Elan Vital, an organization to his future role as teacher".
  38. ^ "The Prem Rawat Foundation website".
  39. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Navbharat Times, 10 November 1970 (from Hindi original): "A three-day event in commemoration of Sri Hans Ji Maharaj, the largest procession in Delhi history of 18 miles of processionists culminating in a public event at India Gate, where Sant Ji Maharaj addressed the large gathering."
    Hindustan Times, 9 November 1970 (English): "Roads in the Capital spilled over with 1,000,000 processionists, men, women and children marched from Indra Prasha Estate to the India Gate lawn. [...] People had come from all over the country and belonged to several religions. A few Europeans dressed in white were also in the procession."
    Guinness Book of World Records, 1970.
  40. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Mangalwadi, Vishal and Hoeksema, Kurt. The world of gurus: a critical look at the philosphies of India’s influential gurus and mystics. Cornerstone Pr Chicago, revised edition (1992). ISBN 094089503X pp. 137-138
    The Divine Light Mission has not been interested in teachings and philosophies. Balyogeshwar and his brother have consistently rejected "theoretical" knowledge as "useless." I found the DLM devotees most difficult to talk to, because they neither wanted to teach their philosophy to me nor answer philosophical questions and objections. Their one comment was "Take the practical knowledge of the experience of Sound and Light and all your doubts and questions will be answered." Cite error: The named reference "Mangalwadi" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  41. ^ "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 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: checksum, p224
  42. ^ McKean, Lise. Divine Enterprise: Gurus and the Hindu Nationalist Movement. University of Chicago Press, 1996, ISBN 0226560090. p. 54
  43. ^ a b c d e f g h i Cagan, A. Peace is Possible: The Life and Message of Prem Rawat. Mighty River Press, ISBN 0-9788694-9-4
  44. ^ Hadden, Religions of the World, p. 428 "The meditation techniques the Maharaji teaches today are the same he learned from his father, Hans Ji Maharaj, who, in turn, learned them from his spiritual teacher [Sarupanand]." 'Knowledge', claims Maharaji, 'is a way to be able to take all your senses that have been going outside all your life, turn them around and put them inside to feel and to actually experience you ...'
  45. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Hunt, Stephen J. Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp. 116–7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8
    The leader of the Divine Light Mission, the Guru Maharaji, was 13 years old when he spectacularly rose to fame in the early 1970s. It was his young age which made him different from other eastern gurus who had established similar Hindu-inspired movements at the time. He was the son of Shri Hans Ji Maharaj, who began the DLM in India in 1960, based on the teachings of his own variety of enlightenment through the acquisition of spiritual knowledge. When his father died in 1966, the Guru Maharaji announced himself as the new master and started his own teaching. His global tour in 1971 helped to establish a large following in Britain and the USA. In 1973, he held what was intended to have been a vast, much publicized event in the Houston Astrodome. "Millennium '73" was meant to launch the spiritual millennium, but the event attracted very few and had little wider influence.
    Perhaps because of this failure, Maharaji transformed his initial teachings in order to appeal to a Western context. He came to recognize that the Indian influences on his followers in the West were a hindrance to the wider acceptance of his teachings. He therefore changed the style of his message and relinquished the Hindu tradition, beliefs, and most of its original eastern religious practices. Hence, today the teachings do not concern themselves with reincarnation, heaven, or life after death. The movement now focuses entirely on "Knowledge", which is a set of simple instructions on how adherents should live. This Westernization of an essentially eastern message is not seen as a dilemma or contradiction. In the early 1980s, Maharaji altered the name of the movement to Elan Vital to reflect this change in emphasis. Once viewed by followers as Satguru or Perfect Master, he also appears to have surrendered his almost divine status as a guru. Now, the notion of spiritual growth is not derived, as with other gurus, from his personal charisma, but from the nature of his teachings and its benefit to the individual adherents to his movement. Maharaji also dismantled the structure of ashrams (communal homes).
    The major focus of Maharaji is on stillness, peace, and contentment within the individual, and his "Knowledge" consists of the techniques to obtain them. Knowledge, roughly translated, means the happiness of the true self-understanding. Each individual should seek to comprehend his or her true self. In turn, this brings a sense of well-being, joy, and harmony as one comes in contact with one's "own nature". The Knowledge includes four secret meditation procedures: Light, Music, Nectar and Word. The process of reaching the true self within can only be achieved by the individual, but with the guidance and help of a teacher. Hence, the movement seems to embrace aspects of world-rejection and world-affirmation. The tens of thousands of followers in the West do not see themselves as members of a religion, but the adherents of a system of teachings that extol the goal of enjoying life to the full.
    For Elan Vital, the emphasis is on individual, subjective experience, rather than on a body of dogma. The teachings provide a kind of practical mysticism. Maharaji speaks not of God, but of the god or divinity within, the power that gives existence. He has occasionally referred to the existence of the two gods – the one created by humankind and the one which creates humankind. Although such references apparently suggest an acceptance of a creative, loving power, he distances himself and his teachings from any concept of religion. It is not clear whether it is possible to receive Knowledge from anyone other than Maharaji. He claims only to encourage people to "experience the present reality of life now." Leaving his more ascetic life behind him, he does not personally eschew material possessions. Over time, critics have focused on what appears to be his opulent lifestyle and argue that it is supported largely by the donations of his followers. However, deliberately keeping a low profile has meant that the movement has generally managed to escape the gaze of publicity that surrounds other NRMs.     Cite error: The named reference "Hunt2003" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  46. ^ a b Geaves, Ron, From Totapuri to Maharaji: Reflections on a Lineage (Parampara), paper delivered to the 27th Spalding Symposium on Indian Religions, Regents Park College, Oxford, 22–24 March 2002 Abstract: During the early years of the 1970s, Divine Light Mission experienced phenomenal growth in the West. The teachings of the young Guru Maharaji (now known as Maharaji), based upon an experience of fulfilment arrived at by four techniques that focused attention inward, spread quickly to Britain, France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Scandinavia, Japan, South America, Australasia, Canada and the USA. Today, the teachings have gone worldwide to over 80 countries.
  47. ^ Goring, Rosemary (Ed.) Dictionary of Beliefs & Religions (1997) p. 145. Wordsworth Editions, ISBN 1853263540
  48. ^ Clarence Lewis Barnhart, Sol Steinmetz, Robert K. Barnhart. The Second Barnhart Dictionary of New English. Barnhart Books, 1980, ISBN:0060101547, p. 411
  49. ^ a b Melton, J. Gordon. Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. pp. 141–2. Entry: Divine Light Mission "In 1970 Maharaj Ji announced his plans to carry the knowledge throughout the world and the following year, against his mother’s wishes, made his first visit to the West. A large crowd came to Colorado the next year to hear him give his first set of discourses in America. Many were initiated and became the core of the Mission in the United States. Headquarters were established in Denver, and by the end of 1973, tens of thousands had been initiated, and several hundred centers as well as over twenty ashrams formed. Cite error: The named reference "Melton" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  50. ^ Downton, Sacred Journeys. "Nearly sixteen, he was ready to assume a more active part in deciding what direction the movement should take. This of course meant that he had to encroach on his mother's territory and, given the fact that she was accustomed to having control, a fight was inevitable."
  51. ^ Geaves, Ron, in Christopher Partridge (Eds.), New Religions: A Guide. New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities. pp. 201–202, Oxford University Press, U.S.A. (2004) ISBN 978-0195220421. "As Maharaji began to grow older and establish his teachings worldwide he increasingly desired to manifest his own vision of development and growth. This conflict resulted in a split between Maharaji and his family, ostensibly caused by his mother's inability to accept Maharaji's marriage to an American follower rather than the planned traditional arranged marriage."
  52. ^ Melton, J. Gordon. Encyclopedia of American Religions. "In the early 1980s, Maharaj Ji moved to disband the Divine Light Mission and he personally renounced the trappings of Indian culture and religion. Disbanding the mission, he founded Elan Vital, an organization essential to his future role as teacher."
  53. ^ "The Prem Rawat Foundation website".
  54. ^ Melton, J. Gordon. Entry "DIVINE LIGHT MISSION", subtitle "Controversy" in Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. Garland, 1986 (revised edition), ISBN 0-8240-9036-5 pp. 144–5
    During the first years of the Divine Light Mission in the United States, both it and Maharaj Ji were constantly involved in controversy. The teachings of the Mission, particularly the public discourses of Maharaj Ji, were condemned as lacking in substance. Maharaj Ji, who frequently acted like the teenager that he was in public, was seen as immature and hence unfit to be a religious leader. At one point, a pie was thrown in his face (which led angry followers to assault the perpetrator). Ex members attacked the group with standard anti cult charges of brainwashing and mind control.
    However, as the group withdrew from the public eye, little controversy followed it except for the accusations of Robert Mishner [sic] the former president of the Mission, who left in 1977. Mishner complained that the ideals of the group had become impossible to fulfill and that money was increasingly diverted to Maharaj Ji's personal use. Mishner's charges [were] made just after the deaths at Jonestown, Guyana [...]
    (Note: deaths at Jonestown: November 1978)
  55. ^ a b c d e f Schnabel, Tussen stigma en charisma ("Between stigma and charisma"), 1982. Ch. IV, C:
    (p. 99:) [...] persoonlijke kwaliteiten alleen [zijn] onvoldoende [...] voor de erkenning van het charismatisch leiderschap. [...] de verwende materialistische en intellectueel weinig opmerkelijke Maharaj Ji.
    (p. 101-102:) Tegelijkertijd betekent dit echter [dat] charismatisch leiderschap als zodanig tot op zekere hoogte ensceneerbaar is. Maharaj Ji is daar een voorbeeld van. In zekere zin gaat het hier om geroutiniseerd charisma (erfopvolging), maar voor de volgelingen in Amerika en Europa geldt dat toch nauwelijks: zij waren bereid in juist hem te geloven en er was rond Maharaj Ji een hele organisatie die dat geloof voedde en versterkte.         		  [...] personal qualities alone are insufficient for the recognition of the charismatic leadership. [...] the pampered materialistic and intellectually quite unremarkable Maharaj Ji.
    At the same time, this means however that charismatic leadership, as such, can be staged to a certain degree. Maharaj Ji is an example of this. Certainly, Maharaj Ji's leadership can be seen as routinized charisma (hereditary succession), but for the followers in America and Europe this is hardly significant: they were prepared to have faith specifically in him and Maharaj Ji was embedded in a whole organisation that fed and reinforced that faith.
    Cite error: The named reference "Schnabel1982" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  56. ^ a b c d e f g Kent, Stephen A. From slogans to mantras: social protest and religious conversion in the late Vietnam war era, Syracuse University press, 2001, ISBN 0-8156-2948-6
  57. ^ "Guru Tries to Take Control of Mission" in The Ruston Daily Leader, April 9, 1975: "Earlier this month, the guru's mother issued a statement in New Delhi saying she had disowned her son because of his pursuit of "a despicable, nonspiritual way of life." [...] Sources close to Rajeshwari Devi said she was upset because of her son's materialistic lifestyle, including a fondness for expensive homes and sports cars, and because of his marriage last year to his secretary."
  58. ^ Nichols, Larry A. Encyclopedia Dictionary of Cults Sects and World Religions. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2006. P. 100
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  61. ^ KHALSA, KIRPAL SINGH. "New Religious Movements Turn to Worldly Success". Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 1986, 25 (2): 233-247
  62. ^ Geaves, Ron, in Christopher Partridge (Eds.), New Religions: A Guide. New Religious Movements, Sects and Alternative Spiritualities. pp. 201–202, Oxford University Press, U.S.A. (2004) ISBN 978-0195220421. "As Maharaji began to grow older and establish his teachings worldwide he increasingly desired to manifest his own vision of development and growth. This conflict resulted in a split between Maharaji and his family, ostensibly caused by his mother's inability to accept Maharaji's marriage to an American follower rather than the planned traditional arranged marriage."
  63. ^ Nichols, Larry A. Encyclopedia Dictionary of Cults Sects and World Religions. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2006. P. 100
  64. ^ Melton, J. Gordon. Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. pp. 141–2. Entry: Divine Light Mission
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  113. ^ Hadden, Religions of the World, p. 428
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  118. ^ Hunt, Stephen J. Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8
  119. ^ "The Prem Rawat Foundation website". Retrieved 2008-06-09.
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  122. ^ Hadden, Religions of the World, p. 428
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  124. ^ Melton J. Gordon Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. Routledge, 1992 (1st Edition), ISBN 0-815-31140-0, p. 217
  125. ^ Miller, America's Alternative Religions, p. 474
  126. ^ Melton J. Gordon Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. New York/London: Garland, 1986 (revised edition), ISBN 0-8240-9036-5, pp. 141-145
  127. ^ "Guru Maharaj Ji becomes a citizen of the U.S." Rocky Mountain News, Wednesday, October 19, 1977, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
  128. ^ Hunt, Stephen J. Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8
  129. ^ Foss & Larkin 1978
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  131. ^ "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 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: checksum, p224
  132. ^ Hadden, Religions of the World, p. 428
  133. ^ "The Prem Rawat Foundation website". Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  134. ^ Melton J. Gordon Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. Routledge, 1992 (1st Edition), ISBN 0-815-31140-0, p. 217
  135. ^ Miller, America's Alternative Religions, p. 474
  136. ^ Melton J. Gordon Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. New York/London: Garland, 1986 (revised edition), ISBN 0-8240-9036-5, pp. 141-145
  137. ^ "Guru Maharaj Ji becomes a citizen of the U.S." Rocky Mountain News, Wednesday, October 19, 1977, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
  138. ^ Hunt, Stephen J. Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8
  139. ^ Barrett, David V., The New Believers: A Survey of Sects, Cults and Alternative Religions (2003), Cassel, ISBN 1-84403-040-7
  140. ^ Foss & Larkin 1978
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  143. ^ Hadden, Religions of the World, p. 428
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  145. ^ Miller, America's Alternative Religions, p. 474
  146. ^ Melton J. Gordon Encyclopedic Handbook of Cults in America. New York/London: Garland, 1986 (revised edition), ISBN 0-8240-9036-5, pp. 141-145
  147. ^ "Guru Maharaj Ji becomes a citizen of the U.S." Rocky Mountain News, Wednesday, October 19, 1977, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
  148. ^ Hunt, Stephen J. Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8
  149. ^ "The Prem Rawat Foundation website". Retrieved 2008-06-09.
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  151. ^ "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 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: checksum, p224
  152. ^ Hadden, Religions of the World, p. 428
  153. ^ "The Prem Rawat Foundation website". Retrieved 2008-06-09.
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  155. ^ H.W. Wilson Co. Current biography yearbook: 1994 p.256
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  158. ^ "Guru Maharaj Ji becomes a citizen of the U.S." Rocky Mountain News, Wednesday, October 19, 1977, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.
  159. ^ Hunt, Stephen J. Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8
  160. ^ Barrett, David V., The New Believers: A Survey of Sects, Cults and Alternative Religions (2003), Cassel, ISBN 1-84403-040-7
  161. ^ Foss & Larkin 1978
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  163. ^ "What People Say About Prem Rawat". Retrieved 2008-07-03.
  164. ^ Downton, James V., Sacred journeys: The conversion of young Americans to Divine Light Mission,(1979), p.157 Columbia University Press. ISBN 0-231-04198-5
  165. ^ "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 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: checksum, p224
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  172. ^ Hunt, Stephen J. Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8
  173. ^ Barrett, David V., The New Believers: A Survey of Sects, Cults and Alternative Religions (2003), Cassel, ISBN 1-84403-040-7
  174. ^ Foss & Larkin 1978
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  176. ^ "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 Parameter error in {{ISBN}}: checksum, p224
  177. ^ 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. Knowledge is attained through initiation, which provides four techniques that allow the practitioner to go within.
  178. ^ Stephen J. Hunt Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction (2003), pp.116-7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 0-7546-3410-8
  179. ^ Barrett, David V., The New Believers: A Survey of Sects, Cults and Alternative Religions (2003), Cassel, ISBN 1-84403-040-7
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  182. ^ Galanter Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion (Paperback) by Marc Galanter "Over the long term of membership, meditation also played an important role in supporting a convert's continuing involvement. An analysis of the relationship between the time members spent in meditation and the decline in their level of neurotic distress revealed that greater meditation time was associated with diminished neurotic distress. This association suggests that the emotional response to meditation acts as a reinforcement for its continued practice.' That is, the more a member meditated, in general, the better the person was likely to feel. Members apparently used meditation to relieve distress, both at scheduled times and on an ad hoc basis. This tranquilizer, as it were, had its own reinforcing qualities and no doubt helped cement commitment to the sect. In this way, it had an addicting effect."
  183. ^ ""Downton Sacred Journeys Page 210 "The aimlessness and lack of meaning which prevailed in their early lives has all but disappeared, for their involvement in the Mission has given their lives a definite direction and purpose. At one level, meaning developed as a consequence of their spiritual experience; at another, it emerged through the discovery of a social niche in the premie community. "I now know who I am, where I'm going, and why. Eliminating those confusions has made my life very easy." There is little doubt in my mind that these premies have changed in a positive way. Today, they seem less alienated, aimless, worried, afraid, and more peaceful, loving, confident, and appreciative of life. We could attribute these changes to surrender, devotion, and their involvement in the premie community. Each of these undoubtedly had a positive impact, but, if we accept what premies say, none were as critical as their experience of the universal spirit. Meditating on the life-energy for five years, they report having more positive attitudes about themselves. Perhaps Walt captures the feeling best: "Today, I'm less paranoid, fearful, unhappy, hung up, and selfish. I'm still basically the same person, but now I'm more positive, confident, understanding of others, stronger as a person, and happier.

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