Godman (India)

Godman is a colloquial term used in India, often in a derogatory fashion[1] for a type of charismatic guru in India. They usually have a high-profile presence, and are capable of attracting attention and support from large sections of the society. Godmen also sometimes claim to possess paranormal powers, such as the ability to heal, the ability to see or influence future events, and the ability to read minds.[2]

Overview

The origin of godmen and their popularity today can be traced back to guru-shishya tradition of Hinduism. Godmen are revered as special human beings and often worshipped by their followers.[3] Some godmen come from established schools of spirituality, but often they don't belong to any religious order. In Hinduism there is no centrally established religious authority, so people tend to follow such charismatic personalities. These gurus tend to live in their own ashrams. Many of these godmen acknowledge having had a guru themselves, as per the guru-shishya tradition. In recent years, many godmen have gained followers outside of India, which has increased their fame and wealth.[2]

Satya Sai Baba (1926–2011) was a notable godman with a very large following.[2][3][4] He was known for his miracles like materialising sacred ash (vibhuti), and other objects like watches and jewels. He was also involved in charitable works, which include a hospital and a university.[3]

There are also female gurus who are considered divine and are revered by their followers. Some of them are spouses and collaborators of notable gurus, examples of such include Sarada Devi (1853–1920) and Mirra Alfassa (1878-1973). Other female gurus who are considered to be divine or saintly by their followers are Anandamayi Ma (1896-1982), Mata Amritanandamayi (1953-) and Mother Meera (1960-).[3]

Although few godmen have allowed their powers to be examined scientifically, Swami Rama became famous by participating in the biofeedback research conducted by Elmer Green at the Menninger Foundation around 1970.[5][6]

Criticism of the term

Sri Sri Ravishankar has opposed the usage of the term godman. He has asked himself to be referred to as a guru, which he considers more definitive of him. He has said that the term godman is derogatory and makes people apprehensive. He has also pointed out that he does not claim to perform any miracles. He has also said that the term godman is used by the "Imperial media" to refer to Hindu saints derogatorily.[7]

François Gautier has opposed the usage of the term godman to describe Sri Sri Ravishankar and Sai Baba. He has pointed out that Ravishankar's organisation, the Art of Living, has done much social work. He claims that Indian media have been spiteful towards gurus and sadhus. He has said that spirituality is an important part of India's well-preserved heritage. He had said that it is not irrational to accept the miracles of gurus, as people accept the miracles of Jesus Christ.[8][9]

Political patronage

Several godmen have found patronage among politicians and other high-ranking officials. Sathya Sai Baba had several devotees in the political field. They include BJP leader L. K. Advani .[10][11] In 2001, an official letter was issued that defended Sai Baba against accusations, the signatories included then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Chief Justices P. N. Bhagwati and Ranganath Misra, and former Union Minister Shivraj Patil.[12]

In 2006, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by a US Congressman Joseph Crowley.[13] In June 2007, former President of India Pratibha Patil claimed to have had a visitation from Dada Lekhraj (1876-1969) giving her the premonition of her nomination as the President.[10][14]

In September 2013, Shobhan Sarkar, claimed to have dreamt of gold buried under the palace of Rao Ram Baksh Singh, a 19th-century chieftain.[15] One of his disciples contacted Charan Das Mahant, then the Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, who in turn convinced various other officials. Later, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted surveys of the site on 12 October and announced an excavation on 15 October. On 18 November 2013, ASI stopped the excavation and began filling up the trenches.[16]

Criticism and debunking

Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations has organised seminars showing how the so-called miracles are actually permformed by sleight of hand.[17] Members of the Indian Rationalist Association travel to villages across India and perform shows to debunk the miracles, educating villagers to prevent them from giving money to godmen.[18]

Common miracles and explanations

Sanal Edamaruku performing a levitation trick.
Sodium reacting to water.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "God-man". Oxford Dictionaries. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 James G. Lochtefeld (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M. The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 253. ISBN 978-0-8239-3179-8. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Linda Woodhead (January 2002). Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations. Psychology Press. p. 35. ISBN 978-0-415-21783-5. Retrieved 26 March 2014. By far the most famous Godman of today is Sathya Sai Baba.
  4. ↑ Johannes Quack (22 November 2011). Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India. Oxford University Press. p. 96. ISBN 978-0-19-981260-8. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
  5. ↑ John Ankerberg; John Weldon (1996). Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs. Harvest House Publishers. pp. 598–. ISBN 978-1-56507-160-5.
  6. ↑ Paul G. Swingle (2008). Biofeedback for the Brain: How Neurotherapy Effectively Treats Depression, ADHD, Autism, and More. Rutgers University Press. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-8135-4287-4. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  7. ↑ "Different Folks, Different Strokes". Outlook India. 10 January 2005. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  8. ↑ "Why the cynicism about Indian gurus?". Rediff. 12 March 2001. Retrieved 28 March 2015.
  9. ↑ François Gautier (2001). A Western Journalist on India: The Ferengi's Columns. Har-Anand Publications. p. 61. ISBN 978-81-241-0795-9. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  10. 1 2 Padmaparna Ghosh (1 July 2007). "Hocus focus: Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil is not the only one to believe in spirits and premonitions.". The Telegraph (India). Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  11. ↑ "Political leaders condole Sai Baba's death". India Today. 24 April 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2014. I first came in contact with him shortly after my incarceration in the Bangalore Central Jail during the 1975-77 Emergency. After that I have been meeting him frequently.
  12. ↑ "Obituary: Miracle man". Frontline (magazine). 7 May 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  13. ↑ John Farndon (27 May 2009). India Booms: The Breathtaking Development and Influence of Modern India. Ebury Publishing. p. 68. ISBN 978-0-7535-2074-1. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  14. ↑ "Pratibha claims divine premonition of greater responsibility". The Hindu. 28 June 2007. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  15. ↑ "Shobhan Sarkar: The truth behind gold digging baba of Unnao". India Today. 29 December 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  16. ↑ "No sign of gold, ASI stops Unnao digging". The Hindu. 19 November 2013. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  17. ↑ "Tricks revealed". The Hindu. 31 May 2003. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  18. ↑ "Rationalists expose miracle men to villagers". New Zealand Herald. 14 July 2009. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  19. 1 2 3 "Exposed: the tricks of India's 'guru' fraudsters". The National (Abu Dhabi). 31 May 2010. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  20. 1 2 3 4 "Confrontation in the Twilight zone". Sify. 30 August 2013. Retrieved 24 January 2015.

Further reading

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