ABOUT THE BOOK

“Religion and Gurus in traditional and Modern India” is a consolidation of a series of publications and essays in the area of sociologoical apparaisal of religion, syncretism and modern gurus and godmen in India over period of last few decades.

It is unfortunate that under the influence of western and particularly established branch of American sociology, with its exclusive focus on the structural- functional approach for a long time historical and analytical studies have almost withered away from Indian sociology. Ours is a humble attempt in this direction to revive this earlier thrust of enquiry in sociological appraisals. In this book we have attempted to look at the present and historical context. With the rise of communal forces in the post 1980s, it was difficult to ignore the socioeconomic and political situation.

The present volume consists of eight essays. The first four essays deal with the role of Hinduism in modern Indian society and syncretism in the Indian context. The other two articles are on gurus in India. The other four essays are focused on the four leading godmen of western India. These four essays are based on our findings based on f ield inves t igat ion conducted mostly during the years and in 2010. Our study on Rajneesh was done much earlier during the late 1980s.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Uday Mehta is a sociologist with broad interdisciplinary background. He received his SSA and Ph.D from Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Mumbai University . He h a s contributed to the field of sociology through many of his books such as Agrarian Strategies in India, State Secularism and Religion: Western and Indian Experience (Co-editer: Asgar Ali Engineer), and Modern Godmen in India. His most recent publications are Sectarianism, Politics and Development and Secularism in India, Concepts and Practices (co-editors: Ram Puniyani)

CONTENTS

Introduction .............................................................................................. 7

1. The Role of Hinduism in Modern Indian Society ........................ 31
• The Marxist View • References.

2. Syncretism in the Indian Context: A Sociological Appraisal ........ 35
• Syncretism: A Variety of Interpretations • Concepts Contesting Syncretism • The Relevance of the Syncretic Discourse • References.

3. Gurus in India: A Historical Perspective ...................................... 47
• Cults of Renouncers in Indian Society • The Mid-First Millennium B.C. and Proliferation of Sects • The Tantric-Yogic Combination • The Bhakti Movement • The Bhakti Movement in South India • The Warkari Movement in Maharashtra • The Bhakti Movement in North India • Godmen, Gurus in Post-independent India • The Post-Eighties Spread • References.

4. Modern Godmen: A Sociological Appraisal ................................. 65
• Historical Background • The Origin and Relevance of Gurus • The Gurus in the Upanishads • Two Parallel Religious Traditions • Tantric Tradition • The Siddhacharyas and the Buddhist-Tantric Influence • Tantrism and the Natha Siddha Tradition • Medieval Period - The Bhakti Movement • Advent of the British rule and the Guru phenomenon • The Post- Independence Period • References.

5. Rajneesh - The Background ......................................................... 81
• Influences on Rajneesh • Political and Social Theory • Innovative Techniques • Genesis of the Organization • The Pune Ashram • Major Attraction • Spiritual Laboratory • Irresponsible Risks • Western Bias • Public Relations Problems • The Oregon Commune • ‘Realising the Vision’ • Unquestioned Authority • Huge Network • Flaunting of Wealth • Assets Donated • Making Enemies • Seeds of Discontent • Siege Mentality • Crazed with Power • Dissecting Relegion • Sheela Leaves • Looking for a Scapegoat • Closing Down • Misgivings • Instant Enlightenment • Bitter Ending • Back to Pune • Raising Objections • The Role of Women • Break with the Past • Controversial Death • Rajneesh in Perspective • Drawing from East and West • In Search of Something New • Easier Option • Zen Influence • Tantric Links • Serenity of Perfect Bliss • Budhism and its Derivatives • Used and Abused • Roots of Tantra • Tantric Sects • Cult of the Body • Rajneesh’s Own Brand • Camouflaged Inconsistencies • Socio- Economic Context • Ideals Violated • Reference.

6. Morari Bapu ............................................................................... 155
• Introduction • Distinct Features of Morari Bapu as a Modern Guru • Historical Backdrop of Ramayan • Exaggerated Projections of Towns in ramayan • Lanka • Ravan • Dress and Ornaments • Daily Diet • Concluding Observations • Morari Bapu - A Profile • Morari Bapu- Preaching and Practice • References.

7. Asharam Bapu ............................................................................ 187
• I: Modern Gurus in India; Historical Background • Asharam Bapu - Profile • Family History • Self Realization • Life as a Householder • Shri Yog Vedant Seva Samiti • Bal Sanskar Kendras • Institutional Activities • Strength of Devotees • Asharam Bapu - Unique Saint of the Present Century • References • II Surat Ashram - Disciples and Followers • Ashram • Followers and Disciples • III Celebrating Holi • Mantra Diksha • - Initiation Ceremony • IV Ashram - Scandals • Corporate Asharam • Students as Guineapigs • Medical Rackets • V: Political Leaders and Hindu Saints to the Rescue • References.

8. Aniruddha Bapu ......................................................................... 223
• Shree Aniruddha Bapu - Reincarnation of Shirdi Sai Baba • Disaster Management Training Course • Multlingual Brahmin Convention • Third World War • Third World War: A Brief Appraisal • Initiation of the Third World War • Concluding Observations • Appendix to Anniruddh Bapu • CONSLUSION : Religion, Globalization and Alienation • Hindutva Ideologs and Modern Gurus • Religion in Modern Indian Society • Nineteenth Century Religious Reform Movements and Modern Hinduism • References.

Index .......................................................................................... 275