Sir, Mr Milner, in his article on the Divine Light Mission (September 29), has been much less than fair in his criticisms. What the Mission means to six million devotees is not the promise of infinite peace, but through Guru Maharaj Ji's "Knowledge," the practical experience of it and this is a different thing. We hear promises every day but only the Perfect Master can give us directly that experience which is the eternal truth.

The "Knowledge" of Guru Maharaj Ji is of simple and gentle inner meditation, peacefully bestowed and peacefully practised. It does not involve chanting, promises or imagination. The Knowledge is perfect but that it is, is a matter of practical experience. Guru Maharaj Ji says, "You should believe nothing until you have proof." Old ladies, children, housewives and businessmen - ordinary people with no time for the outlandish or esoteric - have received it and practise it daily, becoming more peaceful, tolerant and understanding, and loving the Guru who has taught them - at no cost whatsoever - the means to be so. The remarkable success of the "Knowledge" in curing drug addicts is now widely recognized by doctors, social workers and magistrates.

The "Knowledge", in fact, is neither eastern nor western; it is the essence of religion, the goal of science and the aim of human life, and Guru Maharaj Ji is revealing it today.

Yours faithfully,
GLEN WHITTAKER,
General Secretary,
Divine Light Mission,
72 Grove Vale, SF22.
October 1l.

Prem Rawat's "Knowledge" has three parts: regularly listening to his speeches, doing voluntary work for organisations serving him or donating money and daily meditation correctly practicing the four techniques he recommends. The techniques are so simple it's hard to see how they could be practiced incorrectly. First technique ("Divine Light") involves sticking your thumb and middle finger on your eyeballs (NB: with eyes closed) and your index finger between your eyebrows. Second technique: ("Heavenly Music") poking your thumbs into your ears and listening. Third technique: ("Holy Name") thinking about your breathing (NB: continue to breathe). Fourth technique: ("Nectar") curling your tongue backwards and tasting. Rawat's father taught slightly different techniques but either way it's difficult to see how these could produce the benefits claimed for them especially as Rawat claims His Knowledge is the only method of attaining real happiness and love in this life.