Prem Rawat (Maharaji) - 1978 Press Articles

By 1978 both Prem Rawat's followers and critics were advertising their programmes and events and books.

A Skeptical Mind and a Sharp Wit can always skewer pretentious pomposity and provide general amusement.

The tragedy in Jonestown Guyana dominated cult news in late 1978 and Bob Mishler, former President and John Hand, Jr. former Vice-President of DLM believed they needed to speak out.

In Argentina, DLM was one of 3 cults banned. 87 premies were arrested on drug charges.

The growth of cults in Europe provoked legislation in countries where community controls were greater than in the USA.

One premie in Jamica could no longer allow the Guru who reveals God to be mistakenly called a "cult leader" and edified the reading public.

Theodore Roszak minced no words when he lumped Jim Jones, Charles Manson and the Maharaj Ji together

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.