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 Mahe...