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Showing posts with the label Sathya Sai Baba

Swamis, Maharishis, and Yogis of 1960

In the late 1960s and 1970s , new streams of religious beliefs came to the United States. The term guru, or spiritual teacher, became a household word. Many gurus came from India to America in these years. They challenged the conservative views on religion and society and promoted new age religions to the rebellious youth. Bell-bottoms, long hair, flowers, free love and psychedelic rock—became the symbol of cultural revolution of the 1960s. Hippie symbols on 1960s Becoming a swami or a guru is not a matter of academic degrees or book learning, but deep spiritual insight that must be confirmed by the authority of one’s own teacher. In India, it is taken for granted that some gurus are more genuine representatives of their traditions of learning than others. In America, all had a chance to attract a following. Some came and went quickly, sometimes amidst controversy. Others came and settled into the American landscape, where their influence is still felt today. Maharishi Mahesh Y

Godmen, Godmothers, Bhagwans, Bapus, Swamis, Maas, and Gurus ...

I have compiled published news articles and videos published on some well known Godmen, Godmothers, Bhagwans, Bapus, and Gurus from India. Some of these are currently or in the past involved in scandals, controversies, and accusations of fraud. Whats in a Title? Some of Indian Godmen assume titles such as Baba, Bapu, Sant, Maa, Guru, Satguru, Sai, or Swami. Others add suffix to their names such as 108, 1008, 420, etc. Many of you know must have heard about The AOL (Art of Living) and its founder SSRS — a.k.a Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a.k.a His Holiness, the Maha Param Pujaniya Gurudev Prabhuji Vishwa Vidhaata Bhagwan Mahadevji  Sriman Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji Maharaj or  HHMPGPVVBMSSSRSM for short. To be fair, Sri Sri has done a lot of propagation of Hindu thoughts across the globe and took part in a number of interfaith activities. He has also been respectful to Sikh Gurus during visit to Punjab. But what's with this extra long name and the list of titles? Amul Cartoon on Baba