Godman (India) Explained

Godman is a colloquial unisex term used in India for a type of charismatic guru that is often raised to a demigod-like figure by their cult following. They usually have a high-profile presence, and are capable of attracting attention and support from large sections of the society.[1] 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

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 do not belong to any religious order. In recent years, many godmen have gained followers outside of India, which has increased their fame and wealth.[2]

Sathya Sai Baba (1926–2011) was a notable godman with a very large following.[2] [3] [4] He was known for alleged 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 male gurus. Female gurus who are considered to be divine or saintly by their followers include Mirra Alfassa (1878–1973), 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]

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 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) politician L. K. Advani.[7] In 2001, an official letter was issued that defended Sathya Sai Baba against accusations, the signatories included then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Chief Justices P. N. Bhagwati and Ranganath Misra, and former Home Minister Shivraj Patil.[8]

In 2006, Ravi Shankar was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley.[9] 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] [11]

In September 2013, Shobhan Sarkar claimed to have dreamt of gold buried under the palace of Rao Ram Baksh Singh, a 19th-century king.[12] 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, after finding no signs of gold ASI stopped the excavation and began filling up the trenches.[13]

Skepticism and debunking of miracles

The Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations (FIRA) has organised seminars to expose how alleged miracles are actually performed by sleight of hand.[14] Members of the Indian Rationalist Association travel to villages across India and perform shows to debunk miracles, educating villagers to keep them from giving money to godmen.[15] Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) and the Maharashtra Rationalist Association are also actively engaged in exposing false claims of spiritual gurus.

Common miracles and explanations

Rejection of the term

The Indian spiritual leader Ravi Shankar has objected to the use of the word godman, preferring instead guru in reference to his activities.[18] François Gautier has seconded this objection, arguing that Shankar's organisation, the Art of Living Foundation, has done much social work.[19] [20]

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Mehta, Uday (1993), Modern Godmen in India: A Sociological Appraisal, Mumbai: Popular Prakashan, .
  2. Book: James G. Lochtefeld. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M. 26 March 2014. 2002. The Rosen Publishing Group. 978-0-8239-3179-8. 253.
  3. Book: Linda Woodhead. Religions in the Modern World: Traditions and Transformations. 26 March 2014. January 2002. Psychology Press. 978-0-415-21783-5. 35. By far the most famous Godman of today is Sathya Sai Baba..
  4. Book: Johannes Quack. Disenchanting India: Organized Rationalism and Criticism of Religion in India. 26 March 2014. 22 November 2011. Oxford University Press. 978-0-19-981260-8. 96.
  5. Book: John Ankerberg. John Weldon. Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs. 1996. Harvest House Publishers. 978-1-56507-160-5. 598–.
  6. Book: Paul G. Swingle. Biofeedback for the Brain: How Neurotherapy Effectively Treats Depression, ADHD, Autism, and More. 1 April 2014. 2008. Rutgers University Press. 978-0-8135-4287-4. 45.
  7. News: Political leaders condole Sai Baba's death. 1 April 2014. India Today. 24 April 2011. 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..
  8. News: Obituary: Miracle man. 1 April 2014. Frontline. 7 May 2011. 21 September 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055326/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fline/fl2810/stories/20110520281002600.htm. dead.
  9. Book: John Farndon. India Booms: The Breathtaking Development and Influence of Modern India. 1 April 2014. 27 May 2009. Ebury Publishing. 978-0-7535-2074-1. 68.
  10. News: Hocus focus: Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil is not the only one to believe in spirits and premonitions.. https://web.archive.org/web/20070827181357/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070701/asp/7days/story_7999408.asp. dead. 27 August 2007. 1 April 2014. The Telegraph (India). 1 July 2007. Padmaparna Ghosh.
  11. News: Pratibha claims divine premonition of greater responsibility. 1 April 2014. The Hindu. 28 June 2007.
  12. News: Shobhan Sarkar: The truth behind gold digging baba of Unnao . 1 April 2014. India Today. 29 December 2013.
  13. News: No sign of gold, ASI stops Unnao digging. 1 April 2014. The Hindu. 19 November 2013.
  14. News: Tricks revealed. https://web.archive.org/web/20030621060708/http://thehindu.com/thehindu/yw/2003/05/31/stories/2003053100110300.htm. dead. 21 June 2003. 24 January 2015. The Hindu. 31 May 2003.
  15. News: Rationalists expose miracle men to villagers. 24 January 2015. New Zealand Herald. 14 July 2009.
  16. News: Exposed: the tricks of India's 'guru' fraudsters. 24 January 2015. . Abu Dhabi . 31 May 2010.
  17. News: Confrontation in the Twilight zone. https://web.archive.org/web/20150529001530/http://www.sify.com/finance/confrontation-in-the-twilight-zone-news-default-ni5bUiigeagsi.html. dead. 29 May 2015. 24 January 2015. Sify. 30 August 2013.
  18. News: Different Folks, Different Strokes. 24 January 2015. Outlook India. 10 January 2005.
  19. News: Why the cynicism about Indian gurus?. 28 March 2015. Rediff. 12 March 2001.
  20. Book: François Gautier. A Western Journalist on India: The Ferengi's Columns. 24 January 2015. 2001. Har-Anand Publications. 978-81-241-0795-9. 61.

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