Los Angeles Times (1886-Current File); Jun 24, 1974; ProQuest Historical Newspapers Los Angeles Times (1881 - 1985) pg. 2
DENVER (UPI)-Officials of Divine Light Mission say there is nothing illegal about using their religious tax-exempt status to buy beach umbrellas, a boat and 56 cars, including a Rolls Royce, for their 16-year-old guru.
All purchasing activities are in accordance with state and federal laws," said Cliff Bowden, a spokesman for the Denver-based mission which claims more than 60,000 followers for the guru Maharaj Ji in the United States.
Officials at the Colorado Sales Tax Division and the Denver sales tax office think otherwise and have begun field audits on the mission's use of the tax exemption.
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.