User:Steve Crossin/Mediation/Prem Rawat/Proposal4

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This page is for proposals related to the Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2008-04-20 Prem Rawat. User should:

  • Add their proposed wording to a new section
  • Not sign their section with the standard ~~~~
  • Not comment on other sections, this will be done at the discussion page
  • Not change the wording of proposals, they should add a new proposal with the changed wording

Contents

[edit] Previous versions

[Milestones identified by user:Thebainer in A brief history of Prem Rawat.]

[edit] September 2004

Prem Rawat (born December 10, 1957 in Dehra Dun near Haridwar, India) is a sometimes controversial inspirational speaker who brought to the West and promotes in both the West and India four meditative techniques or kriyas that he collectively calls the "techniques of Knowledge" and which he claims bring inner peace. He was for a time known in the West and is still known in India as Guru Maharaj ji, and is now known to his Western students as Maharaji

[edit] May 2006

Prem Pal Singh Rawat, also called Maharaji (formerly called Guru Maharaj Ji ) was born on December 10, 1957 in Dehradun, India.[1] At the age of four[2] he gave his first published address about the practice of "Knowledge", that was being taught by his father and teacher Hans Ji Maharaj. At the age of six he was taught the techniques of Knowledge by his father and succeeded him when he died in 1966, being accepted by his father's followers as their satguru (Sanskrit: true teacher) and assuming the role of "Perfect Master" at his father's funeral.[3][4] He thereby became the recognized leader of the Divine Light Mission that was started by his father and began taking his message to people throughout the Indian subcontinent.[5]

In 1971 he was invited to speak in London and Los Angeles and attracted substantial media attention, some of which referred to the 13-year old as the "boy guru"[6]In 1972 he began touring the world talking about inner peace and teaching Knowledge, revisiting the UK and the US and speaking at events for the first time in Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, South Africa, Japan, and Australia.[7] His marriage to a westerner in 1974 precipitated a family rift and Prem Rawat's mother and his eldest brother Satya Pal Singh (Satpal)[8] secured control of DLM in India through legal proceedings.[9] Prem Rawat remained in the west and in the 1980s he began the slow dissolution of the Divine Light Mission,[10] stepped away from the trappings associated with an Indian guru and continued to appear to audiences as Maharaji, a teacher and public speaker, promoting the same message and offering the same techniques of Knowledge for finding peace within.[11] At that time, non-profit, charitable organizations with a minimal structure manned mainly by volunteers were established in several countries called Elan Vital, whose main purpose is organizing events to which Prem Rawat is invited to speak.

According to The Prem Rawat Foundation, Prem Rawat has continued to promote a means to achieve a lifelong, individual experience of inner peace,[12] and that his message is that "it is only by individuals finding peace for themselves can the world be at peace" and that he is able to assist in this endeavor. Starting in 2001, he has been invited to address various institutions on the subject of peace,[13] and has through the Prem Rawat Foundation spearheaded various humanitarian initiatives.

Prem Rawat has attracted controversy for what his critics consider a lack of intellectual content in his teachings, leading a sumptuous lifestyle, and making what critics and religious scholars regarded as personal claims of divinity.

Prem Rawat lives with his wife in Malibu, California in the U.S. They have four grown children. He is an experienced airline transport-rated pilot and holds a number of pilot ratings on jet airplanes and helicopters. His resume discusses skills in computer graphics, computer-aided design, and development of aviation software. He is listed as co-inventor on a U.S. Patent for a world-time watch for aeronautic applications.[14] A US citizen since 1977,[15] he reports that he supports himself and his family as a private investor, and that he has contributed to the success of several startup companies in various industries, including software.[16]


[edit] January 2007

Prem Pal Singh Rawat also called Maharaji, and formerly called Guru Maharaj Ji, is a speaker and teacher on the subjects of inner peace and spiritual awareness.[17] Born in Haridwar, North India in December 10, 1957, Rawat was initiated in the techniques of "Knowledge" by his father, Hans Ram Singh Rawat, when he was six years old. Rawat's "Techniques of Knowledge" primarily consist of four introspective meditation techniques.[18][19]

At the age of eight, Prem Rawat succeeded Hans Rawat upon his death in 1966, being accepted by his father's followers as their satguru (Sanskrit: true teacher) or "Perfect Master" at his funeral.[20][21] He thereby became the recognized leader of the Divine Light Mission (DLM) that was started by his father and continued bringing his message to people throughout the Indian subcontinent.[5]

In 1971, Rawat embarked on a mission to the West to speak in London and Los Angeles. His arrival attracted the attention of the media, some of which referred to the 13-year-old as the "boy guru" and reported claims of divinity.[22][23] He also established the US chapter of Elan Vital. In 1972 he began touring the world talking about inner peace and teaching Knowledge.[24] His marriage to a Westerner in 1974 precipitated a family rift and Rawat's mother and his eldest brother Satya Pal Singh (Satpal) returned to India.[25][26] Rawat remained in the West and in the 1980s he changed the style of his message and relinquished the Hindu tradition, beliefs, and most of its original eastern religious practices.[27]Rawat continued to tour extensively in the 1980s and 1990s.

In 2001, Rawat established the The Prem Rawat Foundation to promote his message and advance the cause of various humanitarian initiatives. Since this time he has been invited to address various institutions on the subject of peace[28] and spread his message that, "it is only by individuals finding peace for themselves can the world be at peace". Criticisms of Rawat include the charge that he does not adhere to a simple lifestyle [29], and that organizations affiliated with Rawat are responsible for brainwashing, mind control, and financial exploitation of their members. [30]

[edit] May 2007

Prem Rawat, also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji) has been a speaker and teacher on the subject of "inner peace" since the age of eight, as well as offering instruction of four meditation techniques he calls Knowledge.[31][32]

In 1971 Rawat traveled from India to speak in London and Los Angeles and was the subject of substantial media attention. [33] He returned to the West in 1972 with his mother and elder brother and formed the Divine Light Mission to assist in spreading his message. Dozens of Indian style ashrams were established and tens of thousands of followers were attracted, largely from the hippie culture. Rawat was frequently criticised by religious scholars on the basis of his age, his behaviour and his teachings.[34][35]

Rawat's desire to manifest his own vision brought him into conflict with his mother and family, and his marriage to an American follower in 1974 caused a permanent split.[36] From this point Rawat and his teachings became more Western, and in the early 1980s he abandoned the title and trappings of a guru, closed the ashrams and changed his style to appeal to a Western audience. The Prem Rawat Foundation was established in 2001 to promote his message which is currently distributed in eighty-eight countries on video, print, and television, as well as to spearhead humanitarian efforts. [37][38]

[edit] Proposal 0

(current version)

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji), also as Sant Ji Maharaj[39] and Balyogeshwar,[40][41][42] is a speaker on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls Knowledge.[43][44] This Knowledge consists of the techniques to obtain stillness, peace, and contentment within the individual: the happiness of the true self-understanding.[45][46]

In June 1971, Rawat left India for the West, where he was the subject of substantial media attention.[47] His first western address was given at a pop music festival in Glastonbury.[48] Tens of thousands were attracted to his message, largely from the hippie culture. Rawat made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide.[49][46] When he turned 16, Rawat became an emancipated minor and was able to take a more active role in guiding the movement.[50][51]

Over time, his teachings became more universal and less Indian, and in the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian traditions from which the techniques originated.[52] In 2001 The Prem Rawat Foundation was established to contribute to global humanitarian efforts and to promote his message, which is now available throughout the world via print, TV, cable and satellite.[53] As of 2006, Rawat continued to tour regularly.[43]

Rawat has been criticized for a lack of intellectual content in his public discourse[54][55][56] and for leading a sumptuous lifestyle.[57][45]

[edit] Proposal 1

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji) is an Indian-American who became prominent as the leader of the Divine Light Mission (DLM) and the Elan Vital. His international following includes students in India, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America. He speaks on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".

Rawat succeeded his father as spiritual head of the DLM in 1966 at the age of eight when he was proclaimed the "satguru" ("Perfect Master"). In June 1971, he left India for the West. There he became the subject of substantial media attention and attracted tens of thousands of devotees. He made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide. When he turned 16 in 1974, Rawat married and took a more active role in guiding the movement. Internal conflicts and negative publicity led to a reorganization of the DLM. Rawat's teachings became more universal as he moved away from Indian traditions. In the late 1970s and early '80s he closed the ashrams, dropped titles such as "Lord of the Universe" and "Guru", and created the Elan Vital as a replacement for the DLM.

Proponents of Rawat have credited him with helping them find inner peace while criticisms have referred to a lack of intellectual depth in his teachings and a sumptuous lifestyle.

[edit] Proposal 2

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji) is an Indian-American who became prominent as a guru in the 1970s. Organizations formed to spread his message include the Divine Light Mission (DLM), the Elan Vital, and the Prem Rawat Foundation. His international following includes students in India, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America. He speaks on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".

Rawat succeeded his father as spiritual head of the DLM in 1966 at the age of eight when he was proclaimed the "satguru" ("Perfect Master"). In June 1971, he left India for the West. There he became the subject of substantial media attention and attracted tens of thousands of devotees who called him the "Lord of the Universe". He made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide. When he turned 16 in 1974, Rawat married and took a more active role in guiding the movement. Family conflicts split the movement with Rawat retaining control of the DLM in the West, which lost most of its members. In the late 1970s and early '80s Rawat removed the Indian trappings, dropped claims of divinity, stopped referring to himself as a "guru", closed the ashrams, and disbanded the DLM. Since then he has maintained a relatively low profile as an inspirational speaker.

Proponents of Rawat have credited him with helping them find inner peace while criticisms have referred to a lack of intellectual depth in his teachings and an opulent, materialistic lifestyle.

[edit] Proposal 3

[...] He is, or has been, associated with organizations like Divine Light Mission (DLM), Divine United Organization (DUO), Elan Vital, and from 2001, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF).

[...]

[edit] Proposal 4

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, 10 December 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji), is a speaker on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls Knowledge.

Rawat became a Guru or Perfect Master in 1966 following the death of his father and travelled to the West in 1971 where he was the subject of substantial media attention. Tens of thousands were attracted to his message, largely from the hippie culture.

When he turned 16, Rawat became an emancipated minor, took control of the Divine Light Mission in the West and married a westerner against his family's wishes. He began eliminating the Indian traditions from his teachings and in the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru".

He continues to tour regularly to promote his message, which is now available throughout the world via print, TV, cable and satellite.

[edit] Proposal 5

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji)[58] is an Indian-American who became prominent as a guru in the 1970s. He is, or has been, associated with organizations including Divine Light Mission (DLM), Divine United Organization (DUO), Elan Vital, and from 2001, The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF). His international following includes students in India, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America. He speaks on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge".[59]

Rawat succeeded his father as spiritual head of the DLM in 1966 at the age of eight when he was proclaimed the "satguru" ("Perfect Master").[60] In June 1971, he left India for the West. There he became the subject of substantial media attention and attracted tens of thousands of devotees. Followers called him the "Lord of the Universe".[61] He made his home in the U.S. and began touring and teaching worldwide. When he turned 16 in 1974, Rawat married and took a more active role in guiding the movement.[62] Family conflicts split the movement with Rawat retaining control of the DLM in the West. The DLM lost most of its members after the mid-1970s.[63] In the late 1970s and early '80s Rawat removed the Indian trappings, dropped claims of divinity, stopped referring to himself as a "guru", closed the ashrams, and disbanded the DLM. Since then he has maintained a relatively low profile as an inspirational speaker.[49]

Proponents of Rawat have credited him with helping them find inner peace while criticisms have referred to a lack of intellectual depth in his teachings[64] and an opulent, materialistic lifestyle.[56]

[edit] Proposal 6

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, 10 December 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji), is a speaker on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls Knowledge.

Rawat became a Guru or Perfect Master in 1966, following the death of his father. In 1971 he travelled to the West, where he became the subject of substantial media attention. Tens of thousands were attracted to his message, largely from the hippie culture.

When he turned 16, Rawat became an emancipated minor. He took control of the Divine Light Mission in the West and married a westerner, against his family's wishes. He began eliminating Indian references from his teachings, and in the early 1980s dropped the title "Guru".

He continues to tour regularly to promote his message, which is now available throughout the world via print, TV, cable and satellite.

[edit] Proposal 7

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji)[58] is an Indian-American who became prominent as a guru in the 1970s. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, and offers instruction in four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[59] claims a following in many countries including India, the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America. Organisations which have considered Rawat as variously their leader or inspiration include Divine Light Mission (DLM), Divine United Organization (DUO), Elan Vital, and The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF).

In 1966 at the age of eight, Rawat succeeded his father as spiritual head of the DLM in India, when he was proclaimed the "satguru" ("Perfect Master").[60] In June 1971, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US where he became the subject of substantial media attention. As Guru Maharaj Ji, Rawat attracted tens of thousands of devotees who called him the "Lord of the Universe", [61] he then made his home in the U.S. and began touring worldwide. Achieving emancipated minor status at aged 16 in 1974, Rawat married and, although he sought to take a more active role in guiding the by then international Divine Light Mission movement,[62] the movement was split by conflicts within the Rawat family. Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India, although much of the membership was lost.[63] In the early 1980s Rawat removed the Indian trappings of his teaching and stopped referring to himself as a "guru"; since then he has maintained a relatively low profile as an inspirational speaker.[49]

Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace while his critics have referred to a lack of intellectual depth in his teachings[64] and an opulent, materialistic lifestyle.[56]

[edit] Proposal 8

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji)[58] became prominent in the 1970s when he arrived to the West as a 13-year old guru. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, has a following in many countries including India, the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. His teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[59] which he says can bring stillness, peace, and contentment within the individual.[45][46]

In 1966 at the age of eight, after his father death, Rawat succeeded him as the spiritual head of the movement India, when he was proclaimed "satguru" ("Perfect Master").[60] In June 1971, age 13, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US where he became prominent due to his youth and his claims of being able to impart direct knowledge of God.[65] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974 resulting in conflicts with his family and the split of the movement. Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India and sought to take a more active role in guiding the movement in the West. He became a US citizen in 1977[66]In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian trappings that were associated with the early movement in order to appeal to a Western context.[67]

Over the years, several organizations have considered Rawat as variously their leader or inspiration including Divine Light Mission (DLM), the Divine United Organization (DUO), and later Elan Vital and the Raj Vidya Kender. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation which contributes to humanitarian efforts and to promote his message, which is made available world-wide via print, and public TV broadcasts.

Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace, while critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,[56] and for leading a sumptuous lifestyle. [56]

[edit] Proposal 9

Supersedes Proposal #8 based on editor's feedback

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India) (also known as Balyogeshwar, Sant Ji Maharaj, Guru Maharaj Ji, Maharaji[39][40][68]) became prominent in the 1970s when he arrived in the West as a 13 year-old guru. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, has a following in many countries including India, the U.S., Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. His teachings include four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43][69] which he says can lead the individual to inner stillness, peace and contentment.[45]

In 1966 at the age of eight, Rawat's father died, and Rawat succeeded him as the spiritual head of the movement in India when he was proclaimed "satguru" ("Perfect Master").[60] In June 1971, age 13, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US, where he became prominent due to his claims of being able to impart direct knowledge of God.[70] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, resulting in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][71] Prem Rawat retained control of the movement outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[72] He became a US citizen in 1977.[73] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian trappings that were associated with the early movement, in order to appeal to a Western context.[74]

Over the years, several organizations have considered Rawat as their leader or inspiration, including Divine Light Mission (DLM), the Divine United Organization (DUO), and later Elan Vital and the Raj Vidya Kender. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation which contributes to humanitarian efforts and promotes his message, which is made available world-wide via print, and public TV broadcasts.[75][76]

Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace, while critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,[56] and a materialistic lifestyle.[77]

[edit] Proposal 10

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji)[39][40][78]), became a guru at the age of 8 and started touring internationally when he was 13 years-old. Rawat, who speaks on the subject of inner peace, teaches four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43] which he says can lead the individual to inner stillness, peace and contentment.[79][45]
In 1966 when Rawat's father and guru died Rawat was proclaimed "satguru" ("Perfect Master") and became the spiritual head of five million followers in India. [60] In June 1971, Rawat traveled to Britain and the US, where he became prominent due to his claims of being able to impart direct knowledge of God.[80] Achieving emancipated minor status at age 16, Rawat married in 1974, resulting in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][81] Prem Rawat retained the support of his followers outside of India and took a more active role in guiding the movement in the West. [82]
He became a US citizen in 1977.[83] In the early 1980s he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements that were associated with the early movement, in order to appeal to a Western context.[84]
Various organizations have supported Rawat's activities including Divine Light Mission, which was founded by his father in 1960, and Elan Vital which replaced DLM in 1983. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation which contributes to humanitarian efforts and promotes his message, which is made available world-wide via print, and public TV broadcasts.[85][76]
Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace, while critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,[56] and a materialistic lifestyle.[86]

[edit] Proposal 11

Paragraphing added and some rearrangement of previous version for clarity.

Prem Rawat (b. Prem Pal Singh Rawat, December 10, 1957 in Haridwar, India), also known as Maharaji (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji)[39][40][87]), became a guru at the age of 8 and began traveling and speaking internationally at 13.

Rawat's subject is inner peace, and he teaches four meditation techniques he calls "Knowledge",[43] which he says can lead the individual to stillness, peace and contentment.[88][45]

Rawat's father and guru was Shri Hans Ji Maharaj. When Sri Hans died in 1966, Rawat was proclaimed "Satguru" ("Perfect Master") and became the spiritual leader of five million followers in India.[60] In June 1971 Rawat traveled to Britain and the US, where he became prominent due to his charisma and his claims of being able to impart direct knowledge of God.[89] After becoming an emancipated minor in 1974 at age 16, Rawat married, which resulted in conflicts within his family and the splitting of the movement.[45][90] Prem Rawat retained the support of his followers outside of India and began to take a more active role in guiding the movement in the West.[91] He became a US citizen in 1977.[92]

In the early 1980s, to broaden his appeal to a western audience he dropped the title "Guru" and abandoned the Indian elements that were associated with the early movement.[93]

Various organizations have been formed to support Rawat's activities, including the Divine Light Mission, which was founded by his father in 1960, and Elan Vital, which replaced DLM in 1983. In 2001 he founded The Prem Rawat Foundation, which contributes to humanitarian efforts and promotes his message world-wide via print, video and public TV broadcasts.[94][76] Rawat's proponents have credited him with helping them find inner peace, while critics have referred to a lack of intellectual content in his teachings,[56] and a materialistic lifestyle.[95]

[edit] Proposal 12

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

[edit] Proposal 13

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

[edit] Proposal 14

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

[edit] Proposal 15

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

[edit] References