DEVOTION
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= the greats, helping many |
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= limited, some handicaps, or maybe not yet full stature |
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= very limited, narrow approach or ideology, or still developing |
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= suspect but on balance positive |
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= suspect |
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= bogus, may have some value, who knows |
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= worse than bogus, no redeeming value |
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Unrated |
= too new, old or retiring, not enough info, or a "teacher" type |
Ruchira Avatar Adi Da Samraj*
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"I Am Not 'Within' you, but you Are In Me, and I Am Not a Mere 'Man' in the 'Middle' of Mankind, but All of Mankind Is Surrounded, and Pervaded, and Blessed By Me." American disciple of Muktananda. Earlier books widely praised, though tainted by Scientology history, now isolated by megalomania. Other akas include Bubba Free John, Dau Loloma, Da Love-Ananda, Da Avadhoota, Da Kalki, Da Avabhasa, Da Avatar. Dirt page has thorough analysis by Ken Wilber. Lightmind a much larger project, SingingMountain.org had a hilarious pic + caption romp, unfortunately no longer preserved at Archive.org. Wild man devotion + mumbo jumbo. Benefit of doubt. |
Ammachi F
b1953
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"Take even the most insignificant word of the guru as an order and obey it." Service, worship, surrender, mantras, devotion, chanting, obedience, celibacy, piety, marriage, Hindu jargon, etc. "Union with the Effulgent Light at 22. Represents Hinduism at the Parliament of World Religions." Addresses disciples as "Children." Big-time. Dispenses hugs to all comers in mega-sessions, highly thought of by many different types, though condescending, traditional, moralistic manner on site gives me pause. Anti site links to lots of others, + forums |
Shrii Shrii Anandamurti
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Indian, founded Ananda Marga. "Propounded a unique social philosophy [PROUT = Progressive Utilization Theory] far more comprehensive than current social, economic and political paradigms, addressing world problems and providing practical solutions." Big on service, orgs all over the world. Five years in Indian jail in persecution for social activism. Aggressive promotion. Solid social awareness, benefit of doubt. |
Sri Sri Sri Appaji
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Indian, reincarnation of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Gave darshans from age five, + earlier with 10-year-old cousin as medium. Foretold leaving his body at 22 to "go on to his next project." Now visits people in dreams. Mission to alleviate misery, elevate morality, and reinterpret scripture. Next time you come for a longer time. |
Pujyapad / Param Pujya Sant Shri Asaramji
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Indian. Austerities, penance, yogic powers, then awakening at 23 by grace of guru Swami Lila Shahji Maharaj. Main ashram in India (Ahmedabad), many centers around the world. "Various activities targeted to the spiritual, moral, educational & health related upliftment of the society." Separate ashram for women for "sadhana and seva." Pretty traditional, may work for some. Anti site alleges corruption (pattern of land grabs and fraud) + exploitation, links to news stories and others |
Shri Haidakhan Babaji
M, "Appeared in 1970, as a youth of 18 or 20 years,
d1984"
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"We cannot be lazy. We cannot be without purpose. Our purpose is to serve, to elevate humanity, to enable humanity to be purified without destruction as the great fire approaches. The goal is to walk through the fire . . . Mahavatar, can materialize a body at will." Riding "other" Babaji coattails, benefit of doubt. |
David Brant Berg
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American, org = The Family, before that Children of God. Berg's parents were unconventional evangelists, Berg himself into the End-Times game. Org image now blandified almost into mainstream, but ex-COGs remember a wilder and more dysfunctional time. Zerby, Berg's widow, presides reclusively over disintegrating empire, eg murder-suicide by once heir-apparent son Ricky Rodriguez, aka Davidito Smith, etc. Unconventional child abusers circling the drain. |
A.C. Bhaktivedanta
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"Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare." Says it all, except that George Harrison (RIP) was really into them. Succession politix, pedophilia, murder, have led to splintering and irrelevance, if there ever was relevance. 1000s of web pages split Sanskrit hairs, argue, celebrate minutest inanities. Guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. May have some value for speed freaks. |
Jesus Christ
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"Only Begotten Son of God." Peace, commandments, heaven, hell, family values, etc. Adherents have been divisive and even bloodthirsty in pursuit of doctrinal purity. Patriarchal ideology has honoured neither women nor the environment. On the other hand there are the gnostics, St Thomas, etc. Some believe this trad has kept him alive and accessible. And there's "A Course In Miracles," said by enthusiasts to have been written by him. Long dead, killed by hierarchy, but benefit of doubt. |
Dadaji*
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Indian, org = Swadhyay Parivar, prestigious awards, millions of enthusiasts from around the world. Five-fold approach: spiritual, social, psychological, economic, political = community upliftment for betterment of all. Geeta/Vedic based. "Addresses the complexity of man functioning in a technological society and how to cope successfully and joyously, through divine inspiration and devotion to God (Bhakti)." Promotes low-caste members to Brahmin via Vedic education, has offended mainstream Brahmins. Benefit of doubt. |
Avatar Louix Dor Dempriey
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American (CA) "No house, home, church, or temple shall escape the dauntless ferocity of My love, the soul-wrenching permeation of My gaze, nor the salvation from all suffering granted by the eternal devotion of My existence among you." Bio is grandiose blather. Cap H's abound. Never mind that he claimed earlier, in published autobio, to be reincarnation of Lobsang Rampa. No benefit of doubt. Anti site a forum, discussing stepson's suicide after alleged sexual abuse. New site under constr, old 404, archived by Archive.org. |
Sri Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda
Swamiji
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Indian, born covered with holy ash, "Living Avatara . . . Pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham . . . born fully realised in command of the eight Mahasiddhis, Dattatreya Avadhoota lineage." Devotional hymns, reciting the names of God and "inculcating the masses by instilling into them love of God through music." Female principle believed supreme over Brahma Vishnu Shiva trinity. Heavy duty devotional Hinduism, benefit of doubt. |
Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi
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Pakistani, name Gohar Shahi derives from his native village. Aims to appeal across all religious boundaries but main appeal is Muslim. Site mainly in text-as-image format, lots of "miracles" and pics turning up in monoliths on Mars prove "His Holiness Gohar Shahi is the Promised Messiah, Imam Mehdi and Kalki Avatar." Wiki link supplies info like death date (not supplied by official site). Tinfoil hat country but ya never know. |
Joel S. Goldsmith
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Nondual Christian, healer. "There will never be more of God than there is now, never more of good, wholeness, abundance, perfection, infinity than at this moment. As we live in this moment of is-ness, the next moment unfolds as a continuity of Grace." Terminology and references mostly straight-arrow Christian. Hard to find good quote but benefit of doubt. |
Lord Gourasana
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"He is accompanied by the Heavenly Host of Light Beings, the True Selves." Said to have been manifested in physical form within the body of David Swanson (1950-1995, rumoured to have died of AIDS) during the years 1987-1995. Now channeled by Kalindi, his wife. See also The Lady, and compare story with Lobsang Rampa. Introduced The GMP® (=Gourasana Meditation Practice®), the Meditation for This Age®. I'm not making this up. NB site has reverted to vapid no-info mode. |
Gurudeva*
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American went to India and Sri Lanka at age 20, initiated by Jnanaguru Yogaswami, in his life became one of the biggies in Saivite Hinduism, a mainstream if somewhat conservative branch, publisher of Hinduism Today magazine, multiple author, but, "Loving Ganesha"? "There is no book about this beloved elephant-faced God that is more complete." Whatever! Said to be sincere, but rumours of abuse too. |
Anand Murti Guru Maa Ji*
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Indian, "Born on 8 April 1966, like a true Arian, is a crusader, thinker, an innovative person . . . illuminates our intellect and is the bestowal of effulgence" Has daily TV show in India. Said to be dynamic but website is Platitude City. Benefit of doubt. |
Gurumayi Chidvilasananda
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Indian, Muktananda successor by virtue of ousting little brother Nityananda. Hinduish devotional structure, shaktipat, siddha yoga. Major dirt around coercion and coverups, though anti sites point mainly to Muktananda. Benefit of doubt. |
Baba Hari Dass
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Indian based in States. Silent since 1952, writes on a small chalkboard. Master yogi, Ayurveda, service and publishing. Weekly Satsang includes spiritual singing, meditation, and questions. "In his presence it is evident that he has found a way to be at peace despite the pain and confusion of the world." Simple, hardworking, solid rep, etc. Benefit of doubt. |
Daisaku Ikeda
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Japanese heir of Josei Toda, "president" of Soka Gakkai
Int'l, hugely influential multi-tentacled org. Though nominally about
peace and dedicated to the teachings of obscure 13th c Buddhist monk
Nichiren, SGI is only thinly a spiritual org, with deep connections to the Komeito (Clean Government) Party, the third largest
political party in Japan. Right-wing politix + newspaper, celeb wooing
for photo ops, big money, just enough +ve to keep
him out of
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INRI Cristo*
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Brazilian heard voice in head and left home at age 13. In 1979 God made it clear, now "I that speak to you am the First Begotten of GOD, Adam, and reincarnated as Noah, Abraham, Moses, David etc. afterwards as Jesus and now as INRI." Has hit hard on Catholic hypocrisies, been persecuted, crown of thorns shtick, into women's rights but "Truly, I am and I was authoritarian cause my FATHER is authoritarian." There ya have it. Very big in BR, said to be harmless, eats humiliation on TV for PR breakfast. Benefit of doubt for now. |
Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati
F b1948ish aka
Joyce Green, Joyce Cho, Joya Santana, Joyce DiFiore
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American (FL). God is ultimately beyond words, "Kali Yoga." In 1972 Christ told her to "teach all ways, for all ways are mine." Claims in 1973 to have met her guru, Neem Karoli Baba, (disputed). Also influenced by Ramana Maharishi and Shirdi Sai Baba. Service shtick. No doctrines or beliefs. Repudiated by Ram Dass. Anti site has new URL – once pressured by JSB org, now returned to old URL – mainly press clippings, including classic Ram Dass article. Benefit of doubt. |
Jetsunma Ahkön Norbu Lhamo
F b1949
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American, first Western woman recognized as a Tulku, in 1988, by HH Pedma Norbu (Penor) Rinpoche and HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche as the incarnation of a 17th c Tibetan saint, Genyenma Ahkön Lhamo. "In Vajrayana, the teacher is considered to be the door to liberation." More devotional approach than most Tibetan types, having started her spiritual career as a new-agey channeler of Jeremiah et al. Rumours, site blandness knock rating down a tad. A-B site now for members only, see Bugmenot.com if you don't wanna join. |
Swami Kaleshwar M b1973 aka
Kali, Sri Sai Kaleshwara
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Indian based in S. India. Instructed and initiated as a teenager by Shirdi Sai Baba. Stories of miracles, signs, etc + "interventions" by SSB to help his life along. Techniques abound but no rigid rules, big acceptance of the path of the heart. Still, all seems not right around Penukonda. Juicy "other SSB"-related rumour link. "Seeing Mother Divine Means You’ve Reached the Top Rank." Talk of miracles, some "Golden Statements" drivel, benefit of doubt. |
Sri Kalki Bhagavan
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Indian, with wife Sri Amma Padmavati (b1954) created school to prepare children as "Dasas" for awakening others, int'l co-ord Sri Raniji, recently enlisted Ron Roth for US operation. Said to have enlightened many capable of passing that on (goal = 64,000, critical mass for world awakening). Earlier presentation lacked usual trappings of devotional approach, now WHOA!!: site & org legerdemain, shifting URLs and ENORMOUS MONEY. Living in Joy site (Freddy Nielsen) WAS a big mover and shaker, now split off. World transformation in high gear, or ??? Anti site a GR page compiling links to other sites as none are definitive but this appears more and more to be a massive MLM scheme. |
Sri Karunamayi
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"Incarnation of Sarasvati, born on the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar . . . spiritual austerities on behalf of humanity. . . control of the mind, admonishes negative tendencies such as anger, jealousy, greed, counsels us to always abide in the Supreme State." Service and meditation, did serious ten-year forest retreat. Site makeover: platitudes, auspicious day, avatar claim being scaled back? Benefit of doubt |
Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj
M b1922
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"Proficient in all scriptures, not because he has ever studied them, but because he is the Embodiment of Knowledge. Each and every pore of his being chants the holy name, because he is the Incarnation of Devotion." Mantra for everyone = Radhey Radhey. No relation to Maharaji below, despite coincidence of former org acronym DLM (Divine Love Mission). Claims to be the youngest Jagadguru ever (title granted at age 35). Grandiose by definition (Jagadguru = "world teacher") but benefit of doubt. Some sexual assault rumours, arrested (2007) in Trinidad on somewhat flimsy rape charges, those charges dropped due to insubstantial evidence (fabrication?) |
The Lady
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"The Lady is a spiritual Master and disciple of Kalindi La Gourasana and speaks the pure truth of Lord Gourasana . . . She maintains the sanctity of the Intensive experience with the utmost seriousness." Daughter of Emissaries of Divine Light founder Lloyd "Uranda" Meeker and wife of successor Michael Exeter. Third leg of MOL®. NB site has reverted to vapid no-info mode. |
Maharaji*
M b1957
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At age 8 made head of Divine Light Mission on death of founder father. Lawsuit against mother to settle who was true Lord of Universe (he lost but got to keep his green card). Megabuck lifestyle. New org called Elan Vital – Ooops, that's gone. Now repackaged as Prem Rawat, corporate image, Rolls-Royce-like logo. Many anti sites hassled by lawyers and hacked, main one survives full of authoritative stories from ex-members. Seems to have no substance, but benefit of doubt. See also Sat Pal (his politician brother) |
Maitreya
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"Descended in 1977 from His ancient retreat in the Himalayas. Emerged [veeeeeery] gradually into full public view so as not to infringe humanity's free will. Has been the stimulus for the fall of communism in the Soviet Union, the collapse of apartheid in South Africa, etc." Actually it was my cat, Numper, who did that. Share a project of Benjamin Creme, said to have concocted the whole thing. We are still waiting for Maitreya, like Godot. |
Mother Meera
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Indian, moved to a quiet village in Germany in 1982. "Offers Her children a direct transmission of Light that dissolves all barriers and changes the entire being. This Light can be received by all who are open, whether or not they have met Mother in the body." Interesting. Benefit of doubt. Domain (mothermeera.com) expired 08/03, grabbed by Nuage portal, current is a devotee site, incl page explaining split with Andrew Harvey |
Meher Baba
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"Was embraced at age 19 by Hazrat Babajan, an ancient Mohammedan woman, who gave him God-Realization. From age 25 he maintained silence until the end of his life." "Don't worry, be happy." Claims of Avatarhood failed to impress Paul Brunton, the original guru-rater. The right stuff more or less, but where is he now? |
Rev. Sun Myung Moon
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"In 1935, Jesus asked him to continue the work he had begun on earth nearly 2,000 years before." Tireless promoter of extreme right-wing views through Washington Times and other orgs. Has attracted more anti-cult material than anyone else in the biz. Big money, mind control, scary. Blog keeps eye on political wheelings and dealings. |
Sri Narayani Amma*
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Indian (TN), actually male body as incarnation of Divine Mother, hence "Amma." Spiritual pursuits since childhood, transforming vision 1992 marked change from "him" to "Her." Practice based on a variety of pujas, service, centers in Canada. "Pujas are the path-finding stick and hand-held torch for Man's peace, as he gropes in the dark wilderness of a blind, material civilization." Benefit of doubt. Feedback page a visitor account of new Golden Temple. |
Neem Karoli Baba M 1900?-1973
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Indian guru of Ram Dass, said to be the inspiration behind Be Here Now. "Feed everybody." This command to feed pertains not only to physical food, but to the food of the heart, direct and unconditional love. Living stream, impressive humility. |
Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
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"World's greatest living saint. Shri Mataji discussed Sahaja Yoga with Mahatma Gandhi [when] only twelve years old! . . Letter of Welcome granted by Mayor Philip W. Owen on behalf of the people of Vancouver, Canada." Impressive endorsement lifts her up to bogus status. SATeenz quotes classic cult manipulation tactic, re leaving or criticism: "The divine will withdraw complete attention from you." |
Paramahamsa Sri Nithyananda
Swamigal*
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Indian. Lots of meditation, pilgrimages, 9-month death experience a la Ramana, healer, millennium man enlightened Jan 1, 2000, already touring west, headed for big time. "Divine Shop," now other links work. Benefit of doubt. See also SwamisWorld, US-based schedule, promo and info site, and if it's still there, his PET and other scan results |
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda
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Indian. Anointed co-successor of Muktananda at age 18, deposed / retired 3 years later. "When we meditate or chant, we are not trying to bring truth to our level; rather, we are elevating ourselves to the experience of what truth is." Benefit of doubt. See also Gurumayi (sister) |
Prahlad Chandra Brahmachari
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"Love is the main thing. You can do japa, chant mantras, or do worship, but if you do not have love then all these things are worthless. I ask Satchidananda Guru to give you peace." Said to have been a scandal-free celibate, widely revered in Bengal, not so known in West. Benefit of doubt. |
Swami Prakashanand Saraswati
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Indian, turned down Shankaracharya gig, guru was Jagadguru Kripalu. "Thousands of souls Graced by Shree Swamiji and their minds established in pure devotion to Radha Krishn [sic] . . . 'Divine-love-consciousness' is a registered trademark of the International Society of Divine Love . . . creator Brahma 155.521793 trillion years ago, etc." Cosmology, trademark and pure devotion a tuff package. |
Swami Sri Premananda
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Tamil driven out of Sri Lanka by ethnic violence, Hindu-like practices. "Trust and faith in God, determination, self-confidence and patience are virtues that must be strengthened by tests from the Divine." Centers in many countries. No mention on his chaotic site that he is in jail for life since 1997 (rape, murder). Oh well, no one's perfect. Justice site has testimonials and evidence of miscarriage of justice. |
Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari
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Indian, teaches "Sahaj Marg" – devotion-oriented "Meditation means to think continuously about one thing . . . object of meditation is Divine light in the heart and nothing else," also "pranahuti" (transmission – "speeds evolution and erases samskaras"). Centres all over, lineage from Shri Ram Chandraji Maharaj I & II (resp aka Lalaji and Babuji). Said to be approachable and unpretentious in demeanor. Benefit of doubt. 2nd site has tour and centre info. |
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa
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"Unalloyed love of God is the essential thing. All else is unreal." Quirky devotion – "mystical homoeroticism" picture painted by controversial book, Kali's Child – tamed by nondualist Totapuri, who stayed to learn from him. Also Sri Sarada Devi, "The Holy Mother," 1853-1920. "Lived with Sri Ramakrishna as his spiritual companion, devoted wife, disciple, and always the nun. She was the embodiment of purity. Her mind was never sullied by the faintest breath of worldliness." And Swami Vivekananda, etc. One of the greats but long time gone, living stream made murky with orthodoxy. Complete works of RK & V |
HDG Yogacharya Sat Guru
Bhaktivedanta Ramakrishnananda Swami Maharaja
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Chilean Jewish, dropped "Rabeinu" (our Rabbi) shtick*, repositioned in more varied guru role: Kabala, karate, yoga, chiropractic, Narahari Das Babaji. Hold everything! Now repositioned again in Hare Krishna devotional lineage, now Sivananda yogi, enlightened F devotees gone. Stay tuned! Holds satsangs in NY. Flavour-of-the-week basketcase. Current site has similar design but does not mention Har-Tzion. Now another new name, piling on the honorifics, same HK trip, broadened out lineage antecedents. |
Baba Bhagwan Ramji M 1937-1992
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Self-realization while in early teens. "Aghor" literally means "that which is not difficult." "An Aghoreshwar is an Avadhut who has gone through all the various stages of Aghor and then has returned to society for the benefit of others." Hindu-flavoured service. Benefit of doubt. |
Sathya Sai Baba
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"Second of three incarnations of the Sai avatar. First was Shirdi Sai Baba. Will remain in the present form until his mid 90's, then will appear as the third and final incarnation, Prema Sai Baba and will complete the Sai mission to usher in the golden age." Manifests Seikos and ashes. Lots of rumours of sexual abuse (prepubescent boys). Legerdemain and vanity could be clever cover for something interesting. Sai Sathyam purports to expose the lies of SB's critics. |
Shirdi Sai Baba
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Ministered to both Hindu and Muslim communities by spending alternate days living in a Hindu temple and in a Muslim mosque. "Though not alive in flesh and blood, he still lives and blesses his devotees wherever they may be." Much loved but long gone. Though the connection is refreshed and brought up to date by such efforts as this video blog. |
Hazrat Khwaja Salahud-Din Shah
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Sufi of eclectic learning, though Zikr (recitation) and invocation seem to be the big ones. "The zakir (one who invokes the Lord) must strive to control the mind during meditation. Disturbances and interruptions, both internal and external, must be disregarded and abandoned . . . Real meditation commences when concentration on the Name is unceasing." May not have wide appeal. Benefit of doubt. |
Jagad Guru Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa
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American (HI) founded Science of Identity in 1977. Some Hare Krishna forms, though they (ISKCON) disavow him. Shifting orgs and sites – many many bloggy sites with just a page of quotes and comments, often just on one Upanishad, as if that's the only scripture he has read, though other masters also figure in citations – suggest one step ahead of the law, no firm home base. And "Jagadguru." Deeply suspect, with well-developed anti-site to testify. (Anti site has new URL) |
Prem Tyohar
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Israeli rave DJ, Osho disciple in biz for himself. "Have no destination, and you will not get lost." Uninformative website. Rumours of visitors held hostage for retroactive fee increases in new tropical paradise commune in Costa Rica. Lightweight. |
