The Guru Phenomenon
A. Raman on why people need a guru:
The Guru phenomenon is baffling and mind-boggling because it breaks religious, national, social, racial, linguistic and cultural barriers. The appeal and presence of this global and industrious Guru business seems impressive. In some instances, the mere presence of a guru seems to heal the devotee of his apparent illness or psychological depression because the disciple is desperate for a cure and he will accept any lie to cure himself of his psychological problems. Gurus seem to provide motivation, inspiration, and a purpose or meaning to the lives of their numerous followers. The strong need for this authority and the need to follow, wonder and admire the guru seem deeply seated in the serious and committed followers or disciples. Gurus also seem to provide answers, certainty and security to their faithful flock.
If one were to develop a strong faith in an idea, a belief, a way of life, a philosophy or in a person, one could, unconsciously or consciously, end up modelling one’s whole life based on this strongly held conviction. This could gradually develop into a passionate devotion resulting in a commitment. Belief in God or a religious faith falls into this category. A committed communist or an atheist could also be committed to his faith in the fundamental principles of communism or atheism, like a believer in God.
Apparently, this form of passionate faith offers security and adds a sense of purpose to people’s lives. Most people find it difficult to live without this investment in faith or hope or conviction or an idea or a philosophy to hold on to. The person in question could be intellectually capable and yet may not feel secure without one or more of the aforementioned crutches that offer him psychological and emotional security or certainty.
In my personal observation, I have noticed that in Europe, especially in north-west Europe, people feel lost with the fading away of religion. There is nothing to give them certainty, a sense of belonging or a family feeling. The welfare-state has split the family, the state has taken over much of the pastoral functions of the clergy and terribly failed in providing the pseudo-spiritual cover essential for people to have hope and a semblance of sanity. Gurus from India have taken advantage of this vacuum in the market to make hay while the sun shines.
Kalki Bhagavan (Oneness University), (Sathya) Sai Baba and other numerous Indian gurus claim to be incarnations of the Creator. Few of their disciples seem to doubt their claims. Our world should be such a paradise with so many incarnations of gods on earth or especially in India. What is ironic is, India, the land of these gurus or gods, is rife with poverty, social backwardness, lack of education and religious and communal conflicts! These gurus are busily engaged in exploiting their disciples in different ways (viz. financially, emotionally and sexually).
Politicians, judges, police officers, technocrats, diplomats and people from all walks of life become gullible victims or followers of these gurus and offer protection, cover and credibility to these charlatans. When these gurus or glorified con-artists commit crimes they are not prosecuted because they have all the powerful people in politics, judiciary and bureaucracy ready to bail them out.
A.Raman
Please see this: How gurus operate.
