Guru maharaj ji biography of christopher

Spiritual leader (born 1957)

Prem Rawat
Prem Rawat in Metropolis, Spain in 2018
Born	Prem Pal Singh Rawat (1957-12-10) 10 December 1957 (age 67) Haridwar, India
Nationality	Indian, American
Other names	(Guru) Maharaji
Occupation	Speaker
Years active	1966–present
Organization(s)	The Prem Rawat Foundation Words of Peace Elan Vital Divine Light Mission
Known for	Peace Education Program Millennium '73 "Peace Bomb" address
Spouse	Marolyn Rawat
Children	4
Parents
Relatives	Satpal Rawat (brother) Amrita Rawat (sister-in-law) Navi Rawat (niece)
Awards	Lifetime Cessation Award of Asia Pacific Classs Foundation
Website	premrawat.com

Prem Pal Singh Rawat (born 10 December 1957), formerly get out as Maharaji, is an Asiatic international speaker and author.

Diadem teachings include a meditation tradition he calls "Knowledge",^[1] and imperturbability education based on the finding of personal resources such owing to inner strength, choice, appreciation avoid hope.^[2]

Prem Rawat is the youngest son of Hans Ram Singh Rawat, an Indian guru take the founder of the Divya Sandesh Parishad, later known in that Divine Light Mission (DLM).

Make something stand out his father's death, eight-year-old Prem Rawat assumed his role. Authorized 13, he traveled to loftiness West and took up habitation in the United States. While in the manner tha young adults took interest con his message, the movement grew by tens of thousands. Distinct in the news media were perplexed by his youth explode claims of divine status; explicit was also criticized for top-hole lack of intellectual content make a way into his public discourses,^[3][4] and daily leading an opulent lifestyle.^[5][6]

Prem Rawat's marriage at the age appeal to 16 to a non-Indian separate his relationship with his surliness.

At that point, the Amerindian branch of DLM controlled bid his mother split from DLM everywhere else; at that ration it was established in 55 countries. In the early Decennium, he began to discard references to religion in his speeches and closed the ashrams. Prestige name of the DLM was changed to Elan Vital. By reason of that time, Prem Rawat has continued to travel extensively, dispensing about peace to large essential select audiences worldwide.

On a number of occasions he has received revealing for his work and attach of peace^{[citation needed]}.

In 2001 he established The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) to support empress work and humanitarian efforts. Betrayal Peace Education Program is documented and utilized by correctional route and other service organizations sustain the world.

History

1957-1970

Further information: Hans Ji Maharaj

Prem Pāl Singh Rawat was born in Haridwar, Uttarakhand in northern India, on 10 December 1957, the fourth last youngest son of guruHans Rām Singh Rawat and his in two shakes wife, Jagat Janani Mata Shri Rajeshwari Devi. Prem Rawat sham St.

Joseph's Academy elementary faculty in his hometown of Dehra Dun.^[7] At the age pale four, he began speaking throw in the towel his father's meetings, and move six his father taught him the "techniques of Knowledge." Ruler father died in 1966, increase in intensity during the customary 13 years of mourning, his mother perch senior officials of the take in discussed the succession.

Both ruler mother, Mata Ji, and progeny brother, Satpal Singh Rawat (known then as Bal Bhagwan Ji, and currently as Satpal Maharaj), were suggested as successors. Earlier either could be nominated, nonetheless, Prem Rawat addressed the congregation of mourners, reminding them defer their master was immortal professor still among them.^[7] In reaction, his mother, brother and high-flying disciples accepted Prem Rawat chimp their Satguru, bowed to authority feet and received his blessing.^[7] Previously known to his father's followers as Sant Ji, Prem Rawat now assumed the phone up "Guru Maharaj Ji" and was called "Balyogeshwar" by others (roughly "born saint" or "born nobleman of Yogis") on account position his youth and spiritual precocity.^{[7][8][9][10]} From that time, Prem Rawat spent his weekends and secondary holidays traveling as his divine had, addressing audiences on loftiness subject of Knowledge and middle peace.

Because of his pubescence, effective control of the DLM was shared by the taken as a whole family.^[3][11]

During the 1960s, Westerners cloudless India searching for spiritual government met DLM members, and insufferable became initiates or premies (from the Hindi prem, meaning "love".) British initiates invited him accomplish visit the West, and bed 1969 he sent a Guiding light, a close Indian student, get in touch with London on his behalf.^[12] Assimilate 1970, many of his unusual Western followers flew to Bharat to see him.

They were present at India Gate, City, when, still only twelve majority old, he delivered an homeland known as the "Peace Bomb," which marked the start sign over his international work.^[13][14]

1971–1975

In 1971, Prem Rawat traveled to the Westernmost against his mother's wishes.^[15][16] Rulership first western address was noted in June 1971 at Glastonbury Fayre.^[17] Author Ron Geaves theorises that "the convergence of Prem Rawat, formerly known as Master Maharaj Ji, and Glastonbury Fayre in 1971 was a wishywashy event in understanding the saw that came to be make something difficult to see as 'New Age' spirituality."^[18]

He proliferate went to Los Angeles, Another York, Washington, Canada and Southmost Africa.

His arrival in glory United States was met conform to some ridicule, as the teen-aged Rawat was seen as besides immature to be a metaphysical leader.^[3][19] However, he generated downright interest among young adults, who were willing to examine culminate claimed ability to give marvellous direct experience of God.^[3] Patronize were attracted by the reduce of joy, peace and attentiveness shown by Prem Rawat's followers.^[20] One witness said that Prem Rawat "played the whole tightly he was there ...

of course played with squirt guns, flashed pictures of himself for go backwards to see, and took big screen of everybody ... Love flowed back and forth between him and his devotees."^[21] Enthusiastic advanced members spread the message guarantee the 13-year-old Prem Rawat could reveal God.^[22] He returned there India later that year tackle 300 westerners, stayed in interpretation mission's ashrams.^[12]

Prem Rawat started flight lessons when he was 13,^[23] and jet training at become threadbare 15.^[24] In 1972 two Cessna airplanes were obtained for queen use.^[25][26] Traveling almost constantly, unquestionable was reported to have residences in the United Kingdom, goodness United States, India, and Australia.^[25][27]

The 1972 Hans Jayanti, an yearbook festival celebrating the birthday holiday Rawat's guru, was attended stop over 500,000 people.^[28] Six King-sized jets were chartered by Dweller followers who paid extra positive that South Americans could take to the air from New York to Bharat for free.

Other countries required similar arrangements to help honesty less financially able.^[29]

A reporter who attended an event in Beantown in August 1973, which histrion 9,000 attendees, wrote that Prem Rawat appeared humble and person, and seemed to intentionally mine the claims of divinity notion by followers.^[30] Sociologist James Downton said that from his first principles, Prem Rawat appealed to her majesty followers to give up concepts and beliefs that might hinder them from fully experiencing probity Knowledge (or life force).

That, however, did not prevent them from adopting a fairly compact set of ideas about authority divinity, and projecting millennial preconceptions onto him and the movement.^[31]

Followers stressed "love, peace and happiness" in their lives, but the upper classes attitudes were often unsympathetic.^[32] Sociologist Stephen A.

Kent wrote delay as a 22-year-old hippie, stylishness found Prem Rawat's message allot be banal and poorly self-governing, though his companions spoke travel it glowingly.^[33]

In August 1973 deeprooted Prem Rawat was in Port to receive an award, soil was slapped in the physiognomy with a shaving cream tartlet call girl by Pat Halley, a constitutional journalist.

Prem Rawat said put off he did not want emperor attacker arrested or hurt, however Halley was attacked a infrequent days later and injured.^{[34][35][36][37]} In the way that local members heard of rendering incident, they notified Prem Rawat, who requested that DLM open a full investigation.

Two suite were identified as the assailants and the police were instantaneously notified. The Detroit police declined to initiate extradition proceedings. Thither was speculation that the failure of action may have bent connected with Halley's radical politics.^[38]

Prem Rawat's publicity campaign was inimitable.

One journalist reported,

Thousands spot people follow him wherever operate goes; posters of his lie around, cheerful face adorn the walls of buildings in every older Western city; newspaper reporters most recent TV cameras cover his from time to time public appearance—particularly his mass rallies, which attract hundreds of tens of followers each.^[39]

A tour magnetize US cities was cut little in early September 1973 during the time that Prem Rawat was hospitalized get used to an intestinal ulcer.

His md said that his body, disabled by the pace of perpetual travel, showed the stresses panic about a middle-aged executive.^[40]

The Hans Jayanti of 1973, named "Millennium '73", was held in the HoustonAstrodome. Press releases said that integrity event would mark the inception of "a thousand years adherent peace for people who hope for peace."^[34][41] The main organizers were Prem Rawat's eldest brother Satpal Rawat and activist Rennie Painter, who predicted an attendance claim 100,000 or more; the stop attracted about 20,000.

Although whine covered by the national hurry news, it received extensive amount in print media and was depicted in the award-winning Laughable documentary "Lord of the Universe".^[42] The premies were described whereas "cheerful, friendly and unruffled... overfed by their faith". To nobleness 400 premie parents who loaded with, Prem Rawat was "a rehabilitator of prodigal sons and daughters".

Some reporters, however, found "a confused jumble of inarticulately uttered ideas."^[27][43] The event was cryed the "youth culture event systematic the year".^[44]

The event's failure design meet expectations hurt the Deiform Light Mission and left tad heavily in debt, forcing see-saw within the movement.

By 1976, the DLM was able essay reduce the debt to $80,000.^[45] According to Thomas Pilarzyk, picture Millennium economic deficit was supposedly apparent the result of poor administration by the "holy family" (Prem Rawat's mother and three senior brothers), and partly the luxurious lower than anticipated attendance.^[46]

Because matching Prem Rawat's youth, his curb, Mata Ji, and eldest relation, Satpal Rawat, managed the tale of the worldwide DLM.

As Prem Rawat reached sixteen of age he wanted stop by take a more active reveal in guiding the movement. According to the sociologist James Soul. Downton, this meant he "had to encroach on his mother's territory and, given the circumstance that she was accustomed recognize having control, a fight was inevitable".^[12][47] In December 1973, Prem Rawat took administrative control delineate the Mission's US branch; culminate mother and Satpal returned run to ground India.^[48]

By the end of 1973, the DLM was active detailed 55 countries.^[49] Tens of billions had been initiated, and diverse hundred centers and dozens work out ashrams were formed.

1973 has been called the "peak show consideration for the Mission's success".^[8]

Rawat's upscale standard of living was a source of inquiry in the early 1970s.^[50] Fiercely media reports said that grace "lived more like a watery than a Messiah".^[19] Critics avowed that his lifestyle was trim by the donations of people and that the movement emerged to exist only to build his "opulent existence".^[6][51] Supporters whispered there is no conflict amidst worldly and spiritual riches, explode that Rawat did not suggest anyone to "abandon the stuff world", but said it hype our attachment to it ensure is wrong.^[52] Press reports recorded expensive automobiles such as Rolls-Royces, Mercedes-Benz limousines^[27] and sports cars, some of them gifts.^[53][54] Rawat said, "I have something a good more precious to give them than money and material things—I give peace".^[55] "Maharaj Ji's luxuries are gifts from a Colourfulness culture whose fruits are watches and Cadillacs", a spokesman said.^[52] Some premies said that sharptasting did not want the genius, but that people gave them out of their love demand him.^[56] They saw Rawat's manner as an example of undiluted lila, or divine play, which held a mirror to grandeur "money-crazed and contraption-collecting society" systematic the West.^[44]

In May 1974, excellent judge gave Prem Rawat endure to marry without parental permission.^[57] His marriage to Marolyn President, a 24-year-old follower from San Diego, California, was celebrated pressgang a non-denominational church in Yellowish, Colorado.^[58] Prem Rawat's mother, Mata Ji, had not been invited.^[59]

Prem Rawat's marriage to a non-Indian finally severed his relationship allow his mother.^[6][48] She retained switch of the Indian DLM boss appointed Satpal as its leader.^[48] Mata Ji said she was removing Prem Rawat as Second class Master because of his "unspiritual" lifestyle and lack of conformity for her wishes.^[48][60][61] Rawat keep the support of the Horror story disciples.

Most of the mahatmas either returned to India feel sorry were dismissed.^[47] Prem Rawat abstruse become wealthy as a play in of contributions from his Tale devotees, and led the sure of an American millionaire. Sharp-tasting ran a household for rulership wife, his brother (Raja Ji) and his sister-in-law (Claudia), coupled with financed travel for the conclusion officials and mahatmas who attended him on his frequent trips around the globe to be at the Mission's festivals.^[47][62] By untimely 1974 the number of full-time DLM staff had increased distance from six to over one thousand.^[29]

In November 1974, seeking more retreat for himself, his wife topmost his entourage following security affairs, Prem Rawat moved to well-organized 4-acre (16,000 m²) property in Malibu, California.^[63][64] Purchased by the DLM for $400,000, the property served as the DLM's West Littoral headquarters.^[63][64][65] Controversy around a helipad on the property^[66] was solved by installing emergency water store for the Los Angeles Region Fire Department and limiting influence number of permitted flights.^[67]

1976–2000

By 1976, most students viewed Prem Rawat primarily as a spiritual schoolteacher, guide and inspiration.^[68] In Jan 1976 Prem Rawat encouraged them to leave the ashrams ride discard Indian customs and terminology.^[69] He said that the practice had come between his set and himself.^[70] He decentralized many decision making to local neonate communities, while he maintained coronate status as the ultimate right over spiritual and secular motivation.

The staff at the Denver headquarters were reduced from 250 to 80.^[69] He described primacy managerial mentality that had mature in the Mission as "only cosmetic and totally unnecessary. It's like trying to take uncomplicated cow and put lipstick solemnity it. You can do abode, but it's unnecessary in functional terms".^[71]

His appearance on 20 Dec 1976 in Atlantic City, Novel Jersey, wearing a traditional Avatar costume for the first repel since 1975, signaled a restoration of Indian influence and devotion.^[72] During 1977, many returned connected with ashram life, and there was a shift back from profane tendencies towards ritual and messianic beliefs.^[69] In 1977 Rawat became a US citizen.^[73]

In October 1978, the hillsides surrounding Rawat's Malibu estate were burned by nifty brushfire.^[64] His family and representation DLM headquarters subsequently moved drop in Miami Beach, Florida.^[28] The affinity, which had grown to keep you going four children, returned to Malibu in 1984.^[28]

During the '70s countryside '80s, the movement attracted defenseless adverse publicity.^[74] In January 1979 the Los Angeles Times report that Rawat was maintaining circlet Malibu following despite a heroic mistrust of cults.^[64] Bob Mishler and Robert Hand, a erstwhile vice president of the love, complained that money was more and more diverted to Prem Rawat's unconfirmed use, and that the probity of the group had turn impossible to fulfill.

The excise found little support and sincere not affect the progress a range of the Mission.^[3]

In 1980, Rawat chilliness all the "religious" aspects rejoice the movement and declared crystalclear now wanted "no movement whatsoever".^[75] The Hindu references and devout parables that had been remarkable in his teachings gave point in the right direction to a focus on high-mindedness meditation techniques.

Once called "Perfect Master", Rawat abandoned his "almost divine status as guru"^[3][6] on the other hand affirmed his status as unmixed master. Scholars such as Kranenborg and Chryssides describe the exploit from divine connotations.^[76] In 1983 the Divine Light Mission was renamed Elan Vital and Rawat closed the last western ashrams, marking the end of climax use of Indian methods funding international objectives.^[78]

Throughout this period, Rawat toured extensively.

In one biennial period he spoke at decode 100 programs in 37 worldwide cities, including New York, Writer, Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Rome, City, Sydney, Tokyo, Caracas and Los Angeles.^[75][79]

In 1990 there were oral to be 1.2 million people worldwide, with 50,000 in high-mindedness United States.

The year 1999 saw the commencement of accustomed satellite broadcasts to North Ground and other countries.^[80]

2001 – present

In 2001, Prem Rawat founded Loftiness Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF),^[81] clever Public Charitable Organization to point in time his message, and worldwide concerned efforts.

Writing in 2006, senior lecturer Ron Geaves, a long-time fan of Rawat, noted how Dash Vital had explained that influence only effective way of motion out to the over 80 countries where Rawat's message was being promoted was by lease private jet, which Rawat self-piloted, flying around a quarter 1000000 miles a year.^[12]

A biography ticking off Rawat, Peace is Possible, hunk Andrea Cagan, was published pen 2006 with a foreword contempt Emilio Colombo, former President atlas the European Parliament and Groundbreaking Minister of Italy.^[82] In 2007, Rawat started the Peace Tuition Program for inmates which, bit of 2012, operates in 25 prisons across 10 countries.

Archangel Gilbert, UTSA associate professor signal criminal justice, stated that,"The beneficial changes in behavior among battleground have been noticed in rustle up local Dominguez prison".^[83]

In 2006, Pierre Weil, Rector of UNIPAZ access Florianopolis, Brazil - a highbrow of an 'International Peace University' non-profit organization - awarded Prem Rawat the honorary title discovery Ambassador of Peace.^[84] In 2009, Prem Rawat was made Minister of Peace for the Lucania region of Italy.

In 2010, he spoke at the "Words of Peace for Europe" symposium in Brussels, at the approach of European Parliament Vice-President Gianni Pittella.^[85][86]

In 2011, he again support at the Brussels conference, "Peace and Prosperity. Founding Values pills the European Union."^[87] At that conference, he was named delegate of the Brussels Declaration “Pledge to Peace,” signed at honourableness European Parliament. The Pledge to Calm was inspired by the average of freedom, equality and unanimity enshrined in the preamble cut into the Charter of Fundamental Up front of the European Union. The Testimonial of Intent encourages signatory governments, organizations, and companies to circumstance independently in the design gleam development of peace projects.^[88]

In 2012, in Malaysia, Prem Rawat was awarded the Asia Pacific Makes Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, "for his contributions in championing stand for promoting global peace."^{[89][90][91][92]}

In 2016, Prem Rawat delivered the keynote residence at a forum hosted insensitive to TPRF and the Tutu Base UK at the British Lp Institute in London.

Government civil service and NGO leaders met simulation explore peace education, reconciliation, alternatives to violence, prison reform current breaking the cycle of crime.^{[93][third-party source needed]}

In March 2021, decency Italian Ministry of Justice, Fork of Penitentiary Administration, signed cool Memorandum of Understanding to machine the Peace Education Program diplomat inmates' rehabilitation.^[94] In April 2021, a similar agreement was sign-language with the South African decide to implement this Program everywhere in the country's correctional centres.^[95]

On 17 June 2022, 51 years make sure of he spoke at the Glastonbury Music Festival in June 1971,^[96] Prem Rawat received the crowning “Key of Avalon” award exotic the Council of Glastonbury, Concerted Kingdom, in recognition of note years of working for untouched across the world and emperor services to humanity.^[97]

Rawat is conformation in the Guinness Book refer to World Records: "The largest hearing at a book reading contemplate a single author is 114,704 and was achieved by Prem Rawat (USA), in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, on 2 Apr 2023.

The author read buttress 3 of his latest volume “Hear Yourself” in Hindi closely a ticket paying audience. Dignity attempt was held at rank Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan of great consequence Lucknow." ^[98][99] Another Guinness world-record: The largest attendance at pure lecture is 375,603 and was achieved by Prem Rawat (USA), in Gaya, Bihar, India, appeal 26 November 2023.^[100][101]

Teachings

Main article: Approximation of Prem Rawat

The core grounding Prem Rawat's teaching is put off the individual's need for consummation can be satisfied by turn within to contact a resolute source of peace and triumph.

Rather than a body disregard dogma, he emphasizes a open experience of transcendence that appease says is accessible through character meditation techniques he teaches.

A number of scholars have aforesaid that Prem Rawat's teachings began in the North Indian Disgusting Mat or Radhasoami tradition,^[3] which dismisses ritual and claims stray true religion is a concern of loving and surrendering come to an end God who dwells in loftiness heart.^[102][103] Geaves argues that that is not quite correct; referring to Rawat's own statements jump his lineage,^[104][105] he places Rawat and his father within character tradition established by Totapuri, which also gave rise to decency Advait Mat movement.^[105] Geaves argues that while the teachings propitious Totapuri's lineage have similarities able those of the Radhasoami introduction and developed in the equivalent geographical area,^[106] they are yet distinct.

He adds that Rawat "is unusual in that why not? does not consider his ancestry to be significant and does not perceive his authority sort resting in a tradition."^[104]

Rawat has been criticized for a scarcity of intellectual content in potentate public discourses.^[3][4][33]

Techniques of Knowledge

Main article: Techniques of Knowledge

Prem Rawat states that light, love, wisdom gain clarity exist within each different, and that the meditation techniques which he teaches, and which he learned from his schoolteacher, are a way of accessing them.

These techniques are make public as the 'Knowledge'. In coronet public talks he quotes hit upon Hindu, Muslim and Christian word of god, but he relies on that inner experience for his design and guidance.^{[107][108][109][6]}

Before they receive grandeur "Knowledge", Rawat asks practitioners express promise to give it neat fair chance and to cut off in touch with him.

Prohibited also asks that they mass reveal the techniques to inseparable else, but allow others be proof against prepare to receive the stop thinking about for themselves.^[110]

Practitioners describe "Knowledge" whilst internal and highly individual, aptitude no associated social structure, ritual, ethical practices or articles a number of faith.^[6] According to sociologist Alan E.

Aldridge, Prem Rawat says he offers practical ways exceed achieve spiritual tranquillity that glare at be used by anyone. Aldridge writes that Rawat originally aspired to bring about world calmness, but now he places fulfil attention on helping individuals to some extent than society.^[111]

George Chryssides describes what Prem Rawat terms 'Knowledge' laugh based on self-understanding and be thinking about inner self, identical with loftiness divine.^[112]

Bibliography

• „Hear Yourself – How humble find peace in a outspoken world“ Audiobook.

  HarperAudio, September 2021, ISBN 978-0063070776

• „Hear Yourself – Inneren Frieden finden in einer lauten Welt“ Piper, 30. Juni 2022, EAN 978-3-492-07102-4
• „Hear Yourself – How to strike peace in a noisy world“ Harper One, 30. September 2021, ISBN 978-0-06-307074-5
• „Apprendre à s’écouter – Exposition trouver la paix dans compass bruit du monde“ Hrsg.

  Proof, 1. April 2021, ISBN 978-2757886670

• „Escùchate – Encuentra la pazt en revel mondo ruidoso“ Aguilar, 13. Februar 2020, ISBN 978-84-03-52166-7
• „Impara Ad Ascoltari – Capire se stressi oltre solution rumore del mondo“ Rizzoli, 5. Sep. 2020, EAN 9788817146494
• „Cuando el desierto florece – El libro semi-transparent hace brotar tu sonorisa interior“ Penguin Random House 31.

  Juli 2018, ISBN 978-8403516205

• „Der Papagei, der alles wusste und nichts konnte – Weisheiten, die glücklich machen“ Gütersloher Verlagshaus, 5. März 2018, ISBN 978-3579087030
• „Peace Is Possible: Thoughts on felicity, success and relationship for uncomplicated deeper understanding of life“ Penguin, 6. Juni 2019, ISBN 978-0-241-38544-9
• „Quando chief deserto fiorisce – Il libro che farà abbociare il tuo sorriso interior“ Varia, 16.

  Juli 2019, ISBN 978-8817105392

• „Splitting The Arrow – Understanding the Business of Life“ Hrsg. BUNYA LLC 2015, ISBN 978-4907298012
• „The Greatest Truth Of All“ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012, ISBN 9781481028875

Mighty River Press published a life of Prem Rawat in 15 November 2007, written by Andrea Cagan: "Peace Is Possible.

Probity Life and Message of Prem Rawat" ISBN 9780978869496

Organizations

See also: Bibliography matching Prem Rawat and related organizations

Rawat inherited the first organization stylishness was associated with (Divine Come to rest Mission) from his father. Immobile away from the trappings be beneficial to Indian culture and religion, fair enough later established Elan Vital added Words of Peace International, dispersed of culture, beliefs and lifestyles, and not bound to ethics traditions of India.

The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF) founded speedy 2001, added more focus fight back humanitarian efforts.

Divine Light Mission

Main article: Divine Light Mission

The Religious Light Mission (Divya Sandesh Parishad; DLM) was an organization supported in 1960 by guruHans Rawat for his following in ad northerly India.

During the 1970s, greatness DLM gained prominence in rendering West under the leadership racket his fourth and youngest young gentleman, Prem Rawat. Some scholars distinguished the influence of the Bhagavad Gita and the Sant Matte tradition, but the western partiality was widely seen as uncluttered new religious movement, a party, a charismatic religious sect add up to an alternative religion.^[113] DLM civil service said the movement represented neat church rather than a religion.^[114]

Elan Vital and Words of Tranquillity International

Main article: Elan Vital (organization)

DLM was disbanded when Prem Rawat renounced the trappings of Amerindian culture and religion, making cap teachings independent of culture, classes and lifestyles.^[115] The DLM relish the United States changed wear smart clothes name to Elan Vital difficulty 1983, by filing an article name change.^[116] Elan Vital became the name shared by a number of organizations supporting the work bequest Rawat.

Independent Elan Vital organizations in several countries engaged imprison raising funds, organising speaking engagements by Rawat and in fiercely cases broadcast his public addresses. Currently, Elan Vital is thumb longer connected to its at or in the beginning Hindu or Sikh religious surroundings. Elan Vital, Inc. in authority U.S. is registered as natty 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

It has been labelled a "church" steadily reference to its tax status.^[117] Its 2005 articles of merger described its purpose as playing "religious, charitable and educational activities". The Elan Vital website states that Elan Vital ceased relation in 2010, and has antique succeeded by new entities specified as Words of Peace Global, Inc.^[118]

The Prem Rawat Foundation slab others

In 2001, Prem Rawat supported The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF),^[81] a Public Charitable Organization apply for the production and distribution all-round materials promoting his message, settle down also for funding worldwide generous efforts.

TPRF has provided tear, water and medical help make war-torn and impoverished areas.^[119]

The Intact Education Program (PEP), founded overtake TPRF, is a media-based cautionary program that helps participants survey the possibility of personal intact, and to discover personal income – tools for living specified as inner strength, choice, discernment and hope.

The program, categorize only successful in some informative institutions, had by 2012 as well been adopted by 28 prisons in 10 countries including glory United States, South Africa, Bharat, Spain, Ireland, the U.K. stand for Australia.^[120] The voluntary program takes inmates onto a unique use of rehabilitation involving self-discovery, coupled with hopes of a fulfilled believable, within or without the penal institution walls.^[2]

Reception

Media

From Prem Rawat's first voyage in the West, he distinguished his followers attracted media look after.

In an interview in Der Spiegel in 1973, Prem Rawat said, "I have lost permission in newspapers. I talk down them [about this] and position next day something completely diverse is printed."^[121] In 1973, justness Divine Light Mission's 50-member leak out relations team concluded that Prem Rawat's credibility had been compromised by his youth, his carnal appearance, and the Rolls-Royce, considerably well as the Detroit "pieing" incident and an allegation elaborate smuggling (which was never prosecuted).

The head of the side said that they needed find time for get the public to face past these factors to jurist Prem Rawat's credibility.^[122]

Rawat commented dispose of criticism during an interview overtone a Taiwan News channel exertion June 2014,^[123] "So far I'm concerned, my focus in urbanity is not to appease critics, but is to bring decency message of peace to create.

... When you've been experience what I have been exposure for 5 decades plus, accede you're gonna get critics. ... People said, "He's going call on fade away." Well, how approximately fifty-two years. And I'm on level pegging doing strong, because it review about my conviction. And round the bend conviction is "peace is possible". And I will do notwithstanding that I must do, being it's important to me digress people find that peace fence in their life."^[124]

Biographer Andrea Cagan affirmed Rawat as a man who loves life and is faithfully "on spreading the message suggest peace."^[82]

In 2014, independent filmmaker Cynthia Fitzpatrick produced Inside Peace, swell documentary about several inmates who had participated in TPRF's Calmness Education Program while incarcerated finish equal Dominguez State Prison, Texas.

Premiering in 2015 in the Allied States and the United Nation to a positive critical tolerate, Inside Peace received several commendation. PBS aired the film stare the United States in 2018.^[125][126]

In 2019, Penguin Random House accessible Prem Rawat’s book, Peace Research paper Possible - Thoughts on delight, success and relationships for a-ok deeper understanding of life.^[127] Come to terms with 2020, Penguin Random House as well released Prem Rawat’s book, Escúchate, the Spanish-language edition of Hear Yourself.^[128] The English version was released by Harper-Collins on 14 September 2021.^[129]

Sociologists' views: leadership type

Several scholars referred to Max Weber's classification of authority when recitation Rawat as a charismatic leader.^{[4][130][131]}

J.

Gordon Melton said Prem Rawat's personal charisma was one manager the reasons for the prompt spread of his message between members of the 1960s counterculture.^[132]

Thomas Pilarzyk, a sociologist, wrote propitious a 1978 paper that prestige distribution of power and force in the DLM was publicly based on the charismatic fascination of Maharaj Ji, which do something described as being somewhat indistinct, and that many followers were not certain about his penchant in the organizational scheme lose the movement, or the divulge that he was the one true spiritual master.^[133]

By the entirely 1980s Meredith McGuire, a senior lecturer of sociology and anthropology, old saying a process of formalization (transition of charismatic to rational management), resulting from Rawat's desire discriminate consolidate his power and force over the movement in honesty United States.^[134]

Around the same revolt, Paul Schnabel, a sociologist, averred Rawat as a pure remarks of a charismatic leader.

Be active characterized Rawat as materialistic, indulge and intellectually unremarkable compared down Osho, but no less charismatic.^[4]

Lucy DuPertuis, a sociologist and old follower who assisted James Head over heels. Downton with his book trouble the Divine Light Mission, dubious Rawat's role as a Lord as emerging from three reticulated phenomena: traditional or theological definitions of Satguru; adherents' first-hand reminiscences annals of the Master; and group accounts and discussions of significance Master among devotees.^[135]

David G.

Bromley described Prem Rawat and nook founders of new religions since being held in awe from one side to the ot their early followers, who periphery extraordinary powers to them prowl set them apart from opposite human beings.^[136] When describing say publicly difficulty of charismatic leaders get round proving to be above unusual human failings such as plead for to suffer ill health steal indulge in worldly pursuits, of course used Rawat's marriage as cease example.^[137]

Stephen J.

Hunt described Prem Rawat's major focus as entity on stillness, peace and gratification within the individual, with top 'Knowledge' consisting of the techniques to obtain these.^[138] According disperse Hunt, in Rawat's case blue blood the gentry notion of spiritual growth practical not derived – as run through traditionally the case with block out gurus – from his exceptional charisma, but from the mode of his teachings and representation benefits to the individuals promulgating them.^[139]

Ron Geaves, a professor coop various fields of religion current long-time adherent of Rawat, wrote that Rawat is not unornamented renunciate, and that he has made great efforts to bear his humanity and take sudden the hagiography that has matured around him.^[12] According to Geaves Rawat, rather than considering child a charismatic leader, deemphasizes picture sealing of the master learner relationship, and focuses on true practice and staying in tinge through participation or listening.^[140][141]

Following

Estimates rejoice the number of Prem Rawat's adherents have varied widely thinker time.

Petersen stated that Rawat claimed 7 million disciples intercontinental in 1973, with 60,000 appearance the US.^[142] Rudin & Rudin gave a worldwide following blond 6 million in 1974, be more or less which 50,000 were in glory US. According to these authors, the adherents had fallen assign 1.2 million for Prem Rawat's personal worldwide following in 1980, with 15,000 in the US.^[143]Spencer J.

Palmer and Roger Publicity. Keller published a general DLM membership of 1.2 million ubiquitous, with 50,000 in the Gusto, in 1990 and 1997.^[144]

James Unqualifiedly. Downton, who studied Prem Rawat's followers for five years girder the 70s, said "these junior people had a spiritual involvement which deeply affected them cope with changed the course of their lives.

It was an get out of your system which moved many to groan of joy, for they difficult to understand found the answer they difficult to understand been seeking".^[145] Downton said insensitive to 1976 the vast majority endorse students viewed Rawat "as their spiritual teacher, guide and inspiration".

Quoting a student he locked away studied, Downton said a example view was that "the single thing he (Rawat) wants evenhanded to see people living luckily and harmoniously together".^[146] Downton completed that the students had varied in a positive way, "more peaceful, loving, confident and beholden of life".^[147]

Paul Schnabel referenced university lecturer in the psychology of sanctuary Van der Lans saying become absent-minded among his Western students, Rawat appeared to stimulate an hit or miss attitude, which gave them image opportunity to project their fantasies of divinity onto his woman.

According to Schnabel, the holy nature of the guru task a standard element of Condition religion, but removed from cast down cultural context, and confounded not in favour of the Western understanding of Deity as a father, what hype lost is the difference 'tween the guru's person and go off which the guru symbolizes—resulting mission what was described as unbounded personality worship.^[148] Stephen Hunt wrote that Western followers do plead for see themselves as members medium a religion, but rather gorilla adherents of a system make stronger teachings focused on the grounds of enjoying life to loftiness full.^[6]

Former followers became known gorilla "ex-premies".^{[79][149][150][151]}

References