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Criticism of Prem Rawat

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Prem Rawat (born 1957) who took the name Maharaji was an Indian guru but now styles himself as an inspirational speaker has a small number of ex-followers and some disgruntled employees of the organizations that support his work, who have become violent critics.

In the early 80's, Prem Rawat's elder brother Satpal claimed ownership of their father's Divine Light Mission which led to a protracted legal challenge in India. Satpal won ownership of all the Indian Divine Light Mission assets whilst an association related to Prem Rawat retained ownership of the assets of Divine Light Mission (renamed Elan Vital) elsewhere. Satpal positions himself in essentially the same manner as his brother, that of being the Satguru (true guru). Currently Maharaji does not call himself Satguru, neither engages in confrontation with his brother.

Detractors assert that Maharaji has misled the donors of the "voluntary contributions" by claiming to be lord God almighty in person, and claiming that extremely adamantly for years, though toned down by now. Finch writes that some of his followers are so entrapped, indoctrinated and mind controlled that they give their inheritances and their money to a guy that insists on only having the most expensive excessive lifestyle items. Some ex-followers point out that most, if not all, of his money has come from his followers, through individual donations or businesses. The Prem Rawat Foundation claims that Maharaji supports himself and his family through independent means.

Ex-followers assert that Maharaji is now very wealthy. Apologists claim that his followers support him for giving them such a wonderful gift, and they are only providing him with the comfortable life-style that he deserves. Apostates say that he has milked his followers through manipulation, though opinion differs on whether he is an actual con-artist, deliberately deceiving people, or whether he himself believes that he is indeed the satguru (true guru) of this age and that he is as deluded as his followers.

Apostates claim that eyewitnesses among his detractors have published accounts of his regular drinking to excess, keeping a mistress, and smoking cigarettes; and that he had knowledge of one of his senior disciples, Mahatma Jagdeo, actively engaging in pedophilia for years without taking any action in the 70's. The only action reported was to send the disciple back to India once the issue heated up. A court case has been settled for one woman who was abused. No formal complaints or police investigations ensued from this alleged incident, although the Indian organization filed a legal complaint against Jagdeo in 2001.

Prem Rawat travels around the world in a Gulfstream V jet airplane (worth $45 million), alleged to be leased for his exclusive use, owns several helicopters, and just sold his $7 million yacht. He has houses in California, United Kingdom, and India. Detractors assert that this expensive method of travel is subsidized by non-profit organizations around the world, as a business expense. Supporters claim that Maharaji is an accomplished pilot and that he flies the airplane and helicopter himself, reaching millions of people personally through his effort. They show the large number of public engagements and his relentless schedule as a proof of his committment to spread his message of peace.

To some of his detractors, Maharaji is the head of a cult, who teaches platitudes and fluff, and lives off the gullibility and credulity of his followers. The late Margaret Singer, Ph.D., one of the most prominent anti-cult activists, included the Divine Light Mission in her list of cults. On the other hand the CESNUR speaks against the "internet-terrorism" tacticst used by the anti-cult movement., such as the malicious use of the information and the ability of innuendo and hearsay to be amplified via the use of discussion forums, search engine spamming and other known cyber-terrorism techniques.

Maharaji is not new to controversy, when he was 4 years old and spoke in front of large audiences, detractors cliamed that he did not speak and was only moving his lips while a pre-recorded speech was heard over the PA system.

About Maharaji

See Maharaji 'main article

Debating the allegations

Followers of Maharaji see the vocal critics of him as a small group of ex-followers, not representative of the many followers who have left silently and moved on. They reproach the vocal critics of repeatedly defaming, libelling and harassing Maharaji and his students. Some of these critics have left the practice of Knowledge 20 or more years ago and have not been in touch with this movement since then. The group of vocal critics justifies their campaign as "public service" although many of their activities have leapt, according to official websites, from mere criticism into outright illegal acts.

External Links

Official and un-official websites

Skeptics and opponents

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