Cult Culture

Gurus and the willing suspension of their devotees’ disbelief

- Snigdhendu Bhattachary

DEVOTEES can die for their gurus. Literally and metaphorically. Especially if the guru forms a cult, offering followers life-transforming experiences. The guru, as the god and guide, governs their lives.

Paramahamsa Nithyananda set up his first ashram in Tamil Nadu in 2000 when he was still in his early 20s. Thanks to his claim to miraculous powers like levitation and televised sermons, his empire spread fast and had ashrams, gurukuls (students' residences) and other institutions across south India, apart from the US and Europe, by 2009.

All hell should have broken loose on him in 2010 when a series of scandals hit him-two videotapes showing him in a compromising position with women, an allegation of repeated rape brought in by a US citizen devotee, and the recovery of bunches of condoms and 'non-disclosure agreements' from Nithyananda's ashram in Karnataka during a police raid.

The text of the non-disclosure agreement shocked many, especially the 'Learning from the Master' programme.

The agreement says that the volunteer acknowledges and understands that the programme may involve the "learning and practice of ancient tantric secrets associated with male and female ecstasy, including the use of sexual energy for increased intimacy/spiritual connection, pleasure, harmony and freedom." These activities may involve nudity, sexual activity, "verbal and written descriptions and audio sounds of a sexually oriented, and erotic nature." The volunteer will never make anything about it public and does not find these as offensive.