Editing Prem Rawat (section)

==History==

===1957-1970===
{{further|Hans Ji Maharaj}}
[[File:T ym2.jpg|thumb|Prem Rawat in traditional mourning clothes, speaking after the death of his father in July 1966]]
Prem Pāl Singh Rawat was born in [[Haridwar]], [[Uttarakhand]] in northern India, on 10 December 1957, the fourth and youngest son of [[guru]] [[Shri Hans Ji Maharaj|Hans Rām Singh Rawat]] and his second wife, Jagat Janani Mata Shri Rajeshwari Devi. Prem Rawat attended [[St. Joseph's Academy, Dehradun|St. Joseph's Academy]] elementary school in his hometown of [[Dehra Dun]].<ref name=Mangalwadi135-136>Mangalwadi (1992), pp. 135–136</ref> At the age of four, he began speaking at his father's meetings, and at six his father taught him the "[[techniques of Knowledge]]." His father died in 1966, and during the customary 13 days of mourning, his mother and senior officials of the organization discussed the succession. Both his mother, Mata Ji, and eldest brother, Satpal Singh Rawat (known then as Bal Bhagwan Ji, and currently as [[Satpal Maharaj]]), were suggested as successors. Before either could be nominated, however, Prem Rawat addressed the crowd of mourners, reminding them that their master was immortal and still among them.<ref name=Mangalwadi135-136 /> In response, his mother, brother and senior disciples accepted Prem Rawat as their Satguru, bowed to his feet and received his blessing.<ref name=Mangalwadi135-136 /> Previously known to his father's followers as Sant Ji, Prem Rawat now assumed the title "Guru Maharaj Ji" and was called "Balyogeshwar" by others (roughly "born saint" or "born lord of Yogis") on account of his youth and spiritual precocity.<ref name=Mangalwadi135-136 /><ref name="Aagaard1980">Aagaard (1980)</ref><ref>Fahlbusch et al. (1998), p.861</ref><ref name=Geaves2006b64>Geaves (2006b), p. 64</ref> From that time, Prem Rawat spent his weekends and school holidays traveling as his father had, addressing audiences on the subject of Knowledge and inner peace. Because of his youth, effective control of the DLM was shared by the whole family.<ref name="MeltonDLM">Melton (1986), p. 141–2</ref><ref name="EoC1998">Fahlbusch et al. (1998), p. 861</ref>

During the 1960s, Westerners in India searching for spiritual guidance met DLM members, and some became initiates or premies (from the Hindi ''prem'', meaning "love".) British initiates invited him to visit the West, and in 1969 he sent a  [[Mahatmas|Mahatma]], a close Indian student, to London on his behalf.<ref name="Geaves2006a">Geaves (2006a), pp. 44-62.</ref> In 1970, many of his new Western followers flew to India to see him. They were present at India Gate, Delhi, when, still only twelve years old, he delivered an address known as the "Peace Bomb," which marked the start of his international work.<ref name="Navbharat Times">''Navbharat Times'', 10 November 1970</ref><ref>Kranenborg (1982), p. 64</ref>

[[File:Prem Rawat with reporters in Los Angeles, 1972.jpg|thumb|left|Arriving in the US, Prem Rawat at Los Angeles Airport]]

===1971–1975===
In 1971, Prem Rawat traveled to the West against his mother's wishes.<ref name="Downton 1979, p. 3">Downton (1979), p. 3</ref><ref name="Lewis 1998a, p. 83">Lewis (1998a), p. 83</ref> His first western address was given in June 1971 at [[Glastonbury Festival|Glastonbury Fayre]].<ref name=prem_1>{{cite web| title=Prem Rawat @ Glastonbury 1971 (YouTube)| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SBBCy_4jII |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/3SBBCy_4jII |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live| publisher=Google LLC| date=5 April 2007| access-date=9 September 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Author Ron Geaves theorises that "the convergence of Prem Rawat, formerly known as Guru Maharaj Ji, and Glastonbury Fayre in 1971 was a key event in understanding the jigsaw that came to be known as [[New Age spirituality|'New Age' spirituality]]."<ref name=prem_2>{{cite book| title=Prem Rawat and Counterculture| author=Ron Geaves| url=https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/prem-rawat-and-counterculture-9781350090873| publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing| date=12 December 2019| isbn=9781350090873| access-date=9 September 2021}}</ref>

He then went to Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Canada and South Africa. His arrival in the United States was met with some ridicule, as the teen-aged Rawat was seen as too immature to be a religious leader.<ref name="MeltonDLM"/><ref name="Downton 1979, p. 5 & 7">Downton (1979), p. 5 & 7</ref> However, he generated great interest among young adults, who were willing to examine his claimed ability to give a direct experience of God.<ref name="MeltonDLM"/> Many were attracted by the sense of joy, peace and commitment shown by Prem Rawat's followers.<ref>Derks, Frans, and Jan M. van der Lans. 1983. "Subgroups in Divine Light Mission Membership: A Comment on Downton" in the book ''Of Gods and Men: New Religious Movements in the West''. Macon edited by Eileen Barker, GA: Mercer University Press, (1984), {{ISBN|0-86554-095-0}} pages 303-308</ref> One witness said that Prem Rawat "played the whole time he was there ... he played with squirt guns, flashed pictures of himself for all to see, and took movies of everybody ... Love flowed back and forth between him and his devotees."<ref>Downton (1979), p. 132</ref> Enthusiastic new members spread the message that the 13-year-old Prem Rawat could reveal God.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 4 & 146</ref> He returned to India later that year with 300 westerners,  stayed in the mission's [[ashram]]s.<ref name="Geaves2006a"/>

Prem Rawat started flying lessons when he was 13,<ref>"Pretty Far-Out Little Dude" Henry Allen, ''The Washington Post'', 14 September 1971</ref> and jet training at age 15.<ref>Cameron (1973)</ref> In 1972 two Cessna airplanes were obtained for his use.<ref name="CBY1974">Moritz, (1974)</ref><ref>"Gifts for a Guru" in ''Stars and Stripes'', 15 November 1972.</ref> Traveling almost constantly, he was reported to have residences in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, and Australia.<ref name="CBY1974" /><ref name="Morgan"/>

The 1972 ''Hans Jayanti'', an annual festival celebrating the birthday of Rawat's guru, was attended by over 500,000 people.<ref name=Galanter1999p22/> Six [[Boeing 747|Jumbo jets]] were chartered by American followers who paid extra so that South Americans could fly from New York to India for free. Other countries made similar arrangements to help the less financially able.<ref name="Messer, Jeanne 1976, pp. 52-72">Messer, Jeanne. "Guru Maharaj Ji and the Divine Light Mission" in The New Religious Consciousness by Charles Y. Glock and Robert N. Bellah, eds. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1976, {{ISBN|0-520-03472-4}}, pp. 52-72.</ref>

A reporter who attended an event in Boston in August 1973, which drew 9,000 attendees, wrote that Prem Rawat appeared humble and human, and seemed to intentionally undercut the claims of divinity made by followers.<ref>EastWest Journal "An Expressway over Bliss Mountain" by Phil Levy P 29</ref> Sociologist James Downton said that from his beginnings, Prem Rawat appealed to his followers to give up concepts and beliefs that might impede them from fully experiencing the Knowledge (or life force). This, however, did not prevent them from adopting a fairly rigid set of ideas about his divinity, and projecting millennial preconceptions onto him and the movement.<ref name="isbn0-231-04198-5">{{cite book |author=Downton, James V. |title=Sacred journeys: the conversion of young Americans to Division Light Mission |publisher=Columbia University Press |location=New York |year=1979 |isbn=0-231-04198-5 }}</ref>

Followers stressed "love, peace and happiness" in their lives, but public attitudes were often unsympathetic.<ref>Downton (1979), pp.&nbsp;5 & 7</ref> Sociologist [[Stephen A. Kent]] wrote that as a 22-year-old hippie, he found Prem Rawat's message to be banal and poorly delivered, though his companions spoke about it glowingly.<ref name="Kent2001">Kent (2001)</ref>

In August 1973 while Prem Rawat was in Detroit to receive an award, he was slapped in the face with a shaving cream pie by Pat Halley, a radical journalist. Prem Rawat said that he did not want his attacker arrested or hurt, but Halley was attacked a few days later and injured.<ref name="Moritz 1974">{{harvnb|Moritz|1974}}</ref><ref>Downton (1979), pp. 187-8</ref><ref name="NYT1973-08-08">"Guru Gets Testimonial And Some Pie in Face" in ''The New York Times''. 8 August 1973, p. 43. [https://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/08/archives/guru-gets-testimonial-and-some-pie-in-face.html?sq=Guru%2520Gets%2520Testimonial%2520And%2520Some%2520Pie%2520in%2520Face&scp=1&st=cse At NYT website] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012162132/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F30913FC3B59137A93CAA91783D85F478785F9&scp=1&sq=Guru%20Gets%20Testimonial%20And%20Some%20Pie%20in%20Face&st=cse |date=12 October 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Who's Who in Gurus|first=Dennis |last=Bartel|page= 55|magazine=Harper's|date=November 1983}}</ref> When local members heard of the incident, they notified Prem Rawat, who requested that DLM conduct a full investigation. Two followers were identified as the assailants and the police were immediately notified. The Detroit police declined to initiate extradition proceedings. There was speculation that the lack of action may have been connected with Halley's radical politics.<ref>{{cite news|title=Guru Wants To Help|page=B2|work=Sun News|location=Las Cruces, New Mexico| date=22 August 1973}}</ref>

Prem Rawat's publicity campaign was unparalleled. One journalist reported,
<blockquote>
Thousands of people follow him wherever he goes; posters of his round, cheerful face adorn the walls of buildings in every major Western city; newspaper reporters and TV cameras cover his every public appearance—particularly his mass rallies, which attract hundreds of thousands of followers each.<ref name="Jeremy 1974">{{Harvnb|Jeremy|1974}}</ref>
</blockquote>

A tour of US cities was cut short in early September 1973 when Prem Rawat was hospitalized with an [[intestinal ulcer]]. His physician said that his body, weakened by the pace of continual travel, showed the stresses of a middle-aged executive.<ref>"The 'Perfect Master' from India has an ulcer", AP, ''THE STARS AND STRIPES'' 4 September 1973 p. 6</ref>

The ''Hans Jayanti'' of 1973, named "[[Millennium '73]]", was held in the [[Houston]] [[Astrodome]]. Press releases said that the event would mark the beginning of "a thousand years of peace for people who want peace."<ref name="Moritz 1974"/><ref name="Levine 1974">{{Harvnb|Levine|1974}}</ref><ref name="Kahn 1998">{{Harvnb|Kahn|George-Warren|Dahl|1998}}</ref> The main organizers were Prem Rawat's eldest brother Satpal Rawat and activist [[Rennie Davis]], who predicted an attendance of 100,000 or more; the event attracted about 20,000. Although not covered by the national television news, it received extensive coverage in print media and was depicted in the award-winning US documentary [[Lord of the Universe (documentary)|"Lord of the Universe"]].<ref>"Videotape Explorers on the Trail of a Guru" by Dick Adler, ''Los Angeles Times'', 23 February 1974 p. B2</ref> The premies were described as "cheerful, friendly and unruffled... nourished by their faith". To the 400 premie parents who attended, Prem Rawat was "a rehabilitator of prodigal sons and daughters". Some reporters, however, found "a confused jumble of inarticulately expressed ideas."<ref name="Morgan">Morgan (1973)</ref><ref>Collier (1978), p. 176</ref> The event was called the "youth culture event of the year".<ref name="Foss & Larkin 1978">Foss & Larkin (1978)</ref>

The event's failure to meet expectations hurt the Divine Light Mission and left it heavily in debt, forcing changes within the movement. By 1976, the DLM was able to reduce the debt to $80,000.<ref>All Gods Children: The Cult Experience - Salvation Or Slavery? by Carrol Stoner and Jo Anne Parke The New Religions ... Why Now? p. 36</ref> According to Thomas Pilarzyk, the Millennium economic deficit was partly the result of poor management by the "holy family" (Prem Rawat's mother and three older brothers), and partly the much lower than anticipated attendance.<ref name="Pilarzyk1978">Pilarzyk (1978)</ref>

Because of Prem Rawat's youth, his mother, Mata Ji, and eldest brother, Satpal Rawat, managed the affairs of the worldwide DLM. When Prem Rawat reached sixteen years of age he wanted to take a more active part in guiding the movement. According to the sociologist [[James V. Downton]], this meant he "had to encroach on his mother's territory and, given the fact that she was accustomed to having control, a fight was inevitable".<ref name="Geaves2006a" /><ref name="Downton">Downton (1979), ch. 12</ref> In December 1973, Prem Rawat took administrative control of the Mission's US branch; his mother and Satpal returned to India.<ref name="Downton 1979, p. 192">Downton (1979), p. 192.</ref>

By the end of 1973, the DLM was active in 55 countries.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 5</ref> Tens of thousands had been initiated, and several hundred centers and dozens of ashrams were formed. 1973 has been called the "peak of the Mission's success".<ref name="Aagaard1980" />

Rawat's upscale lifestyle was a source of controversy in the early 1970s.<ref>Bromley & Shupe (1981), p. 137</ref> Some media reports said that he "lived more like a king than a Messiah".<ref name="Downton 1979, p. 5 & 7"/> Critics alleged that his lifestyle was supported by the donations of followers and that the movement appeared to exist only to support his "opulent existence".<ref name=Hunt>Hunt, Stephen J. ''Alternative Religions: A Sociological Introduction'' (2003), pp. 116–7, Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. {{ISBN|0-7546-3410-8}}<br />"The major focus of Maharaji is on stillness, peace, and contentment within the individual, and his 'Knowledge' consists of the techniques to obtain them. Knowledge, roughly translated, means the happiness of the true self-understanding. Each individual should seek to comprehend his or her true self. In turn, this brings a sense of well-being, joy, and harmony as one comes in contact with one's "own nature." The Knowledge includes four meditation procedures: Light, Music, Nectar and Word. The process of reaching the true self within can only be achieved by the individual, but with the guidance and help of a teacher. Hence, the movement seems to embrace aspects of world-rejection and world-affirmation. The tens of thousands of followers in the West do not see themselves as members of a religion, but the adherents of a system of teachings that extol the goal of enjoying life to the full."</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,917237,00.html |title=TIME, 7 April 1975 |magazine=Time |date=7 April 1975 |access-date=17 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130826002715/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,917237,00.html |archive-date=26 August 2013}}</ref> Supporters said there is no conflict between worldly and spiritual riches, and that Rawat did not advise anyone to "abandon the material world", but said it is our attachment to it that is wrong.<ref name="ReferenceA">"'You're a Perfect Master'", ''Newsweek'' 19 November 1973</ref> Press reports listed expensive automobiles such as Rolls-Royces, Mercedes-Benz limousines<ref name="Morgan"/> and sports cars, some of them gifts.<ref>"The guru who minds his mother", By MALCOLM N. CARTER, AP. 11/4/73 Stars and Stripes</ref><ref>"Boy guru weds Calif. woman, 24". Associated Press, Long Beach, Calif. ''Independent'', 22 May 1974</ref> Rawat said, "I have something far more precious to give them than money and material things—I give peace".<ref name="SFExaminer73">San Francisco Examiner, 7/21/73, as quoted in "What's Behind the 15-Year-Old Guru Maharaj Ji?" Gail Winder and Carol Horowitz, The Realist 12/73</ref> "Maharaj Ji's luxuries are gifts from a Western culture whose fruits are watches and Cadillacs", a spokesman said.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Some premies said that he did not want the gifts, but that people gave them out of their love for him.<ref>"Through a 'Third Eye' Comes The Divine Light", By PHIL HASLANGER (Of The Capital Times Staff), Capital times, 2/16/73</ref> They saw Rawat's lifestyle as an example of a [[lila (divine play)|''lila'', or divine play]], which held a mirror to the "money-crazed and contraption-collecting society" of the West.<ref name="Foss & Larkin 1978"/>

In May 1974, a judge gave Prem Rawat consent to marry without parental permission.<ref>"Guru, 16, marries secretary" AP Tues. 21 May 1974 ''Greeley Tribune''</ref> His marriage to Marolyn Johnson, a 24-year-old follower from [[San Diego, California]], was celebrated at a non-denominational church in [[Golden, Colorado]].<ref>"The Guru's Wife Is Another Devotee", Robert P. Dalton, AP Staff Writer, ''Oakland Tribune''. 23 May 1974.</ref> Prem Rawat's mother, Mata Ji, had not been invited.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 191.</ref>

Prem Rawat's marriage to a non-Indian finally severed his relationship with his mother.<ref name="Hunt"/><ref name="Downton 1979, p. 192"/> She retained control of the Indian DLM and appointed Satpal as its leader.<ref name="Downton 1979, p. 192"/> Mata Ji said she was removing Prem Rawat as Perfect Master because of his "unspiritual" lifestyle and lack of respect for her wishes.<ref name="Downton 1979, p. 192"/><ref>"Guru Tries to Take Control of Mission" in The Ruston Daily Leader, 9 April 1975:</ref><ref>"MOTHER OUSTS 'PLAYBOY' GURU" in ''Los Angeles Times''. Wednesday 2 April 1975, PART II, p. 6A</ref> Rawat retained the support of the Western disciples. Most of the mahatmas either returned to India or were dismissed.<ref name="Downton"/> Prem Rawat had become wealthy as a result of contributions from his Western devotees, and led the life of an American millionaire. He ran a household for his wife, his brother (Raja Ji) and his sister-in-law (Claudia), and financed travel for the close officials and mahatmas who accompanied him on his frequent trips around the globe to attend the Mission's festivals.<ref name="Downton"/><ref>Price (1979), pp. 279–96</ref> By early 1974 the number of full-time DLM staff had increased from six to over one thousand.<ref name="Messer, Jeanne 1976, pp. 52-72"/>

In November 1974, seeking more privacy for himself, his wife and his entourage following security concerns, Prem Rawat moved to a {{convert|4|acre|m2|adj=on}} property in [[Malibu, California]].<ref name="MHomeBase">"Maharaj Ji Buys $400,000 Home Base in Malibu Area", JOHN DART, ''Los Angeles Times'', 27 November 1974; p. B2</ref><ref name="LAT1979" /> Purchased by the DLM for $400,000, the property served as the DLM's West Coast headquarters.<ref name="MHomeBase" /><ref name="LAT1979" /><ref name="LAT1989-09-03">[[Nikki Finke|Finke, Nikki]]. "MALIBU Metamorphosis: Is Hollywood's Haven Growing into Just Another Miami Beach?" in ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''. 3 September 1989. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/results.html?st=advanced&QryTxt=Malibu+Metamorphosis+Finke&x=0&y=0&type=current&sortby=REVERSE_CHRON&datetype=0&frommonth=01&fromday=01&fromyear=1985&tomonth=07&today=24&toyear=2008&By=&Title=&at=ALL&Sect=ALL At L.&nbsp;A.&nbsp;Times Archives] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202710/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/results.html?st=advanced&QryTxt=Malibu+Metamorphosis+Finke&x=0&y=0&type=current&sortby=REVERSE_CHRON&datetype=0&frommonth=01&fromday=01&fromyear=1985&tomonth=07&today=24&toyear=2008&By=&Title=&at=ALL&Sect=ALL|date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Controversy around a helipad on the property<ref name="LAT1981-02-14">"1-Year Trial OKd for Sect's Helipad" in ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''. 22 May 1981, p. F6. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/657565412.html?dids=657565412:657565412&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=May+22%2C+1981&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(1886-Current+File)&edition=&startpage=F6&desc=1-Year+Trial+OKd+for+Sect%27s+Helipad At L.&nbsp;A.&nbsp;Times Archives] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111051756/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/657565412.html?dids=657565412:657565412&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=May+22%2C+1981&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(1886-Current+File)&edition=&startpage=F6&desc=1-Year+Trial+OKd+for+Sect%27s+Helipad|date=11 November 2012}}</ref> was resolved by installing emergency water storage for the [[Los Angeles County Fire Department]] and limiting the number of permitted flights.<ref name="LAT1985-07-07">Pasternak, Judy. "Maharaji Denied in Bid to Triple Copter Use" in ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''. 7 July 1985, p.&nbsp;1. [https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/64480144.html?dids=64480144:64480144&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+7%2C+1985&author=JUDY+PASTERNAK&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&edition=&startpage=1&desc=Maharaji+Denied+in+Bid+to+Triple+Copter+Use At L.&nbsp;A.&nbsp;Times Archives] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111051810/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/64480144.html?dids=64480144:64480144&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+7%2C+1985&author=JUDY+PASTERNAK&pub=Los+Angeles+Times+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&edition=&startpage=1&desc=Maharaji+Denied+in+Bid+to+Triple+Copter+Use|date=11 November 2012}}</ref>

===1976–2000===

By 1976, most students viewed Prem Rawat primarily as a spiritual teacher, guide and inspiration.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 199</ref> In January 1976 Prem Rawat encouraged them to leave the [[ashram]]s and discard Indian customs and terminology.<ref name="Downton 1979">Downton (1979)</ref> He said that the organization had come between his devotees and himself.<ref>Björkqvist, K (1990): "World-rejection, world-affirmation, and goal displacement: some aspects of change in three new religions movements of Hindu origin." In N. Holm (ed.), ''Encounter with India: studies in neohinduism'' (pp. 79-99) - Turku, Finland. Åbo Akademi University Press - "In 1976, Maharaj Ji declared that he felt that the organization had come between his devotees and himself, and he disposed of the headquarters altogether."</ref> He decentralized some decision making to local premie communities, while he maintained his status as the ultimate authority over spiritual and secular matters. The staff at the Denver headquarters were reduced from 250 to 80.<ref name="Downton 1979" /> He described the managerial mentality that had grown in the Mission as "only cosmetic and totally unnecessary. It's like trying to take a cow and put lipstick on it. You can do it, but it's unnecessary in practical terms".<ref>Downton (1979), p. 196</ref>

His appearance on 20 December 1976 in [[Atlantic City, New Jersey]], wearing a traditional [[Krishna]] costume for the first time since 1975, signaled a resurgence of Indian influence and devotion.<ref>Downton (1979), p. 201</ref> During 1977, many returned to ''ashram'' life, and there was a shift back from secular tendencies towards ritual and messianic beliefs.<ref name="Downton 1979"/> In 1977 Rawat became a US citizen.<ref>"Guru Maharaj Ji becomes a citizen of the U.S." ''Rocky Mountain News'', Wednesday, 19 October 1977, Denver, Colorado, U.S.A.</ref>

In October 1978, the hillsides surrounding Rawat's Malibu estate were burned by a [[brush fire|brushfire]].<ref name="LAT1979" /> His family and the DLM headquarters subsequently moved to [[Miami Beach, Florida]].<ref name=Galanter1999p22>Galanter (1999), p. 22</ref> The family, which had grown to include four children, returned to Malibu in 1984.<ref name=Galanter1999p22/>

[[File:Maharaji Royal Albert Hall-cropped.jpg|left|thumb|12 October 1981. Prem Rawat speaking at the [[Royal Albert Hall]], London]]

During the '70s and '80s, the movement attracted substantial adverse publicity.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Leeming, David Adams|author2=Wood Madden, Kathryn|author3=Marlan, Stanton|title=Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion|date=September 2009|isbn=9780387718019|page=274|publisher=Springer }}</ref> In January 1979 the ''Los Angeles Times'' reported that Rawat was maintaining his Malibu following despite a rising mistrust of cults.<ref name="LAT1979">"Malibu Guru Maintains Following Despite Rising Mistrust of Cults" Mark Foster, ''Los Angeles Times'' 12 January 1979 p. 3</ref> Bob Mishler and Robert Hand, a former vice president of the movement, complained that money was increasingly diverted to Prem Rawat's personal use, and that the ideals of the group had become impossible to fulfill. The charges found little support and did not affect the progress of the Mission.<ref name="MeltonDLM"/>

In 1980, Rawat removed all the "religious" aspects of the movement and declared he now wanted "no movement whatsoever".<ref name="Björkqvist, K 1990 pp. 79-99">Björkqvist, K (1990): "World-rejection, world-affirmation, and goal displacement: some aspects of change in three new religious movements of Hindu origin." In N. Holm (ed.), ''Encounter with India: studies in neohinduism'' (pp. 79-99) - Turku, Finland. Åbo Akademi University Press</ref> The Hindu references and religious parables that had been prominent in [[Teachings of Prem Rawat|his teachings]] gave way to a focus on the meditation techniques. Once called "Perfect Master", Rawat abandoned his "almost divine status as guru"<ref name="MeltonDLM"/><ref name="Hunt"/> but affirmed his status as a master. Scholars such as [[Reender Kranenborg|Kranenborg]] and [[George D. Chryssides|Chryssides]] describe the departure from divine connotations.<ref name="KranenborgNeo178">Kranenborg (2002), p. 178</ref><ref name="Chryssides">Chryssides (2001), pp. 210–211</ref> In 1983 the Divine Light Mission was renamed [[Elan Vital (organization)|Elan Vital]] and Rawat closed the last western ''ashrams'', marking the end of his use of Indian methods for international objectives.<ref name="Miller 1995, p. 474">Miller (1995), p. 474</ref>

Throughout this period, Rawat toured extensively. In one two-year period he spoke at over 100 programs in 37 international cities, including New York, London, Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Rome, Delhi, Sydney, Tokyo, Caracas and Los Angeles.<ref name="Björkqvist, K 1990 pp. 79-99"/><ref name="HinduismToday1983">Hinduism Today 1983</ref>

In 1990 there were said to be 1.2 million followers worldwide, with 50,000 in the United States.<ref name="Chryssides"/> The year 1999 saw the commencement of regular satellite broadcasts to North America and other countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Broadcasts|url=http://www.contact-info.net/broadcasts.cfm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223140611/http://www.contact-info.net/broadcasts.cfm|archive-date=23 December 2015|access-date=17 July 2014|publisher=Contact Info}}</ref>

===2001 – present===

In 2001, Prem Rawat founded The Prem Rawat Foundation (TPRF),<ref name="About Prem Rawat">"[http://tprf.org/prem-rawat/about-prem-rawat.htm About Prem Rawat] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509144440/http://www.tprf.org/prem-rawat/about-prem-rawat.htm |date=9 May 2008 }}" at the [http://www.tprf.org website of The Prem Rawat Foundation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040624065557/http://tprf.org/ |date=24 June 2004 }}</ref> a [[501(c)|Public Charitable Organization]] to support his message, and worldwide humanitarian efforts.

[[File:Maharaji Salamanca.jpg|thumb|30 June 2003. Prem Rawat addressing the first "Conference on Peace" at the [[University of Salamanca]], [[Spain]]]]

Writing in 2006, professor Ron Geaves, a long-time supporter of Rawat, noted how Elan Vital had explained that the only effective way of reaching out to the over 80 countries where Rawat's message was being promoted was by leased private jet, which Rawat self-piloted, flying around a quarter million miles a year.<ref name="Geaves2006a" />

A biography of Rawat, ''Peace is Possible'', by [[Andrea Cagan]], was published in 2006 with a foreword by [[Emilio Colombo]], former President of the [[European Parliament]] and [[Prime Minister of Italy]].<ref name="AndreaCagan">Andrea Cagan: ''Peace is Possible, The Life and Message of Prem Rawat''. Mighty River Press, {{ISBN|0-9788694-9-4}}</ref> In 2007, Rawat started the Peace Education Program for inmates which, as of 2012, operates in 25 prisons across 10 countries. Michael Gilbert, [[University of Texas at San Antonio|UTSA]] associate professor of criminal justice, stated that,"The constructive changes in behavior among participants have been noticed in our local Dominguez prison".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://utsa.edu/today/2012/01/premrawat.html|date=Jan 2012|title=University of Texas at San Antonio|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229105520/http://www.utsa.edu/today/2012/01/premrawat.html|archive-date=29 February 2012}}</ref>

In 2006, Pierre Weil, Rector of UNIPAZ in Florianopolis, Brazil - a campus of an 'International Peace University' non-profit organization - awarded Prem Rawat the honorary title of Ambassador of Peace.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Weil|first=Pierre|date=2006|title=Festival Mundial da Paz|journal=Diario do Paz Caderno I|language=Portuguese|publisher=UNIPAZ Associacao Campus ilha de Santa Catarina}}</ref> In 2009, Prem Rawat was made Ambassador of Peace for the [[Basilicata|Basilicata region]] of Italy. In 2010, he spoke at the "Words of Peace for Europe" conference in [[Brussels]], at the invitation of European Parliament Vice-President [[Gianni Pittella]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agenziaaise.it/esteri/unione-europea/65024-.html|date=2 July 2010|title=WORDS OF PEACE FOR EUROPE: LA BASILICATA PROTAGONISTA NEL PROCESSO DI PACE|publisher=Agenzia Internazionale Stampa Estero|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424231024/http://www.agenziaaise.it/esteri/unione-europea/65024-.html|archive-date=24 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.basilicatanet.eu/news/print.asp?Id=734979|title=Domani a Bruxelles la conferencia "Words of Peace for Europe|publisher=basilicatanet.eu|access-date=3 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120302064146/http://www.basilicatanet.eu/news/print.asp?Id=734979|archive-date=2 March 2012}}</ref>

In 2011, he again spoke at the Brussels conference, "Peace and Prosperity. Founding Values of the European Union."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.provincia.potenza.it/provincia/detail.jsp?otype=1101&id=120788&sec=111375 |title=Province of Potenza Newsletter |publisher=Provincia.potenza.it |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=17 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714205859/http://www.provincia.potenza.it/provincia/detail.jsp?otype=1101&id=120788&sec=111375 |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> At this conference, he was named ambassador of the Brussels Declaration “Pledge to Peace,” signed at the European Parliament. The Pledge to Peace was inspired by the principles of freedom, equality and solidarity enshrined in the preamble of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The Declaration of Intent encourages signatory governments, organizations, and companies to act independently in the design and development of peace projects.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pledge to Peace|url=http://www.associazionepercorsi.com}}</ref>
	
In 2012, in Malaysia, Prem Rawat was awarded the Asia Pacific Brands Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award, "for his contributions in championing and promoting global peace."<ref>{{cite web|title=Ambassador of Peace honoured at Peace Forum|url=http://www.razor.tv/video/747624/ambassador-of-peace-honoured-at-peace-forum|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714163432/http://www.razor.tv/video/747624/ambassador-of-peace-honoured-at-peace-forum|archive-date=14 July 2014|access-date=17 July 2014|publisher=RazorTV}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=29 October 2012|title=Opening The Doors of Peace in Prison ⋆ The Malaysian Times|url=http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/opening-the-doors-of-peace-in-prison-2/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611031142/http://www.themalaysiantimes.com.my/opening-the-doors-of-peace-in-prison-2/|archive-date=11 June 2017|access-date=8 May 2018|website=www.themalaysiantimes.com.my}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=The Star Online|date=28 September 2012|title=Ambassador of Peace, Prem Rawat honoured at Peace Forum|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwJdEa1TTF8|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414085957/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwJdEa1TTF8|archive-date=14 April 2016|access-date=8 May 2018|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=19 May 2015|title=Dialogo, in Campidoglio visita di Prem Rawat, ambasciatore di pace - RomaDailyNews|url=http://www.romadailynews.it/politica/dialogo-in-campidoglio-visita-di-prem-rawat-ambasciatore-di-pace-0251391|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323031129/https://www.romadailynews.it/politica/dialogo-in-campidoglio-visita-di-prem-rawat-ambasciatore-di-pace-0251391|archive-date=23 March 2018|access-date=8 May 2018|website=romadailynews.it}}</ref>

In 2016, Prem Rawat delivered the keynote address at a forum hosted by TPRF and the Tutu Foundation UK at the British Film Institute in London. Government officials and NGO leaders met to explore peace education, reconciliation, alternatives to violence, prison reform and breaking the cycle of crime.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Prem Rawat Foundation and the Tutu Foundation UK Partner on Forum Exploring Peace Education, Reconciliation, Prison Reform and Breaking the Cycle of Crime|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/the_prem_rawat_foundation_and_the_tutu_foundation_uk_partner_on_forum_exploring_peace_education_reconciliation_prison_reform_and_breaking_the_cycle_of_crime/prweb13475570.htm|publisher=PRWeb|date= 9 June 2016}}</ref>{{third-party inline|date=July 2021}}

In March 2021, the Italian Ministry of Justice, Department of Penitentiary Administration, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the Peace Education Program for inmates' rehabilitation.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 March 2021|title=Carcere di Potenza 'innovativo e all'avanguardia nel trattare l'esecuzione della pena'! Questi i progetti|url=https://www.potenzanews.net/carcere-di-potenza-innovativo-e-allavanguardia-nel-trattare-lesecuzione-della-pena-questi-i-progetti/|access-date=23 May 2021|website=Potenza News|language=it-IT}}</ref> In April 2021, a similar agreement was signed with the South African government to implement this Program throughout the country's correctional centres.<ref>{{Citation|title=Peace education programme to be used in the rehabilitation of inmates| date=15 April 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ni0mvVUYGk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/1Ni0mvVUYGk |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|language=en|access-date=9 May 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On 17 June 2022, 51 years after he spoke at the Glastonbury Music Festival in June 1971,<ref>//https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/prem-rawat-and-counterculture-9781350090873/</ref> Prem Rawat received the first “Key of Avalon” award from the Council of Glastonbury, United Kingdom, in recognition of fifty years of working for peace across the world and his services to humanity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2022 |title=Prem Rawat gets Glastonbury Council honour for humanitarian service |url=https://www.indianstar.news/prem-rawat-gets-glastonbury-council-honour-for-humanitarian-service/ |access-date=7 July 2022 |website=★ Indian Star |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705102637/https://www.indianstar.news/prem-rawat-gets-glastonbury-council-honour-for-humanitarian-service/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Rawat is mentioned in the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]'': "The largest audience at a book reading for a single author is 114,704 and was achieved by Prem Rawat (USA), in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, on 2 April 2023. The author read chapter 3 of his latest book “Hear Yourself” in Hindi to a ticket paying audience. The attempt was held at the Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan in Lucknow."
<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-audience-at-a-book-reading-(single-author) | title=Largest audience at a book reading for a single author }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://pragnews.com/national/Noted-author-Prem-Rawats-book-launch-event-enters-Guinness-World-Records-for-largest-gathering | title=Noted author Prem Rawat's book launch event enters Guinness World Records for largest gathering }}</ref>
Another Guinness world-record: The largest attendance at a lecture is 375,603 and was achieved by Prem Rawat (USA), in Gaya, Bihar, India, on 26 November 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/prem-rawat-sets-another-new-guinness-world-record-for-the-largest-attendance-at-a-lecture/ | title=Prem Rawat sets another New Guinness World Record for 'The Largest Attendance at a Lecture' | date=8 August 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | title=Largest attendance at a lecture {{!}} Guinness World Records | url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.de/world-records/104097-largest-attendance-at-a-lecture | access-date=2025-02-17 | website=www.guinnessworldrecords.de}}</ref>