If I may make what I think is a more interesting diversion to this question of Who is Guru Maharaji? (and never let us forget that 'guru' = 'gu' + 'ru' = 'person who leads us from darkness into light' - and that's a quote - but no matter...) I agree that semantics can lead to misunderstandings, sure - and being a leader isn't such a disreputable occupation, if it were not for the fact that M is denying ever having sought that status, and you seem to be aiding and abetting him up in this.

But Sandra, wouldn't you agree that a more crucial question centres on what attributes Maharaji actually possesses or embodies, regardless of what descriptive label is applied? I certainly do, and I would really appreciate knowing how you feel - if you are prepared to respond to the following request (believe me, it would be a first for a premie on this forum to come clean on this question):

Which of the following descriptions of Maharaji most closely matches your own understanding of who he is?

(a) The living incarnation of God, blessed with the gifts of omnipotence, omniscience and omnipresence, and who would have been so regardless of which family he had been born into. We are talking 'full powers' here... Could work miracles. Has worked miracles - and not just in a metaphorical sense.

(b) An ordinary child who acquired directly via the blessing or Grace of his father, Shri Hans, a unique status of Perfect Master which made him, and he alone, the sole possessor of the power to
pass on Knowledge to others (meaning that special something which is beyond the mere techniques).

(c) An ordinary child who received the gift of Knowledge at a very early age, alongside the rest of family, but who alone succeeded in realising Knowledge, and in so doing became the the sole possessor of the power to pass on Knowledge to others (meaning that special something...etc) No need for any 'transmission' of divine status from Shri Hans.

(d) An ordinary child who received Knowledge at an early age, and through years of practise achieved a more profound understanding than other premies, along with a facility for expressing that understanding to his followers. No powers as such; just a premie who is a bit further down the same path as all the others and is thus able to help the rest by sharing the deeper wisdom he has acquired. You don't need Maharaji to receive Knowledge, but he is the most accomplished guide you are likely to find.

(e) An ordinary child conditioned into believing he was the Living Perfect Master whilst young. No special understanding. No powers. Effective communicator and leader (oops, not leader - I mean figurehead) of spiritual movement that some would classify as a cult. Could have been anyone, regardless of which family provided they had been given the appropriate conditioning.

(f) Other. Please specify...

And if you think the request is unfair, please explain why. This is a sincere question, and it is certainly a question no premie would have hesitated in responding to during my own premie years.

Twenty years ago, I would have answered (a) - provided the questioner seemed to be sincerely searching. Today I would answer (e) without hesitation.

Your turn...

Thanks,
Nigel