Editing Prem Rawat (section)

==Teachings==
{{main|Teachings of Prem Rawat}}
The core of Prem Rawat's teaching is that the individual's need for fulfillment can be satisfied by turning within to contact a constant source of peace and joy. Rather than a body of dogma, he emphasizes a direct experience of transcendence that he says is accessible through the meditation techniques he teaches.

A number of scholars have said that Prem Rawat's teachings began in the North Indian [[Sant Mat]] or [[Radhasoami]] tradition,<ref name="MeltonDLM"/> which dismisses ritual and claims that true religion is a matter of loving and surrendering to God who dwells in the heart.<ref name=Lipner>Lipner (1994), pp. 120-1</ref><ref name=Schomer>Schomer (1987)</ref> Geaves argues that this is not quite correct; referring to Rawat's own statements about his lineage,<ref name=Geaves2006b66>Geaves (2006b), p. 66</ref><ref name=Geaves2007>Geaves (2007), pp. 267</ref> he places Rawat and his father within the tradition established by Totapuri, which also gave rise to the [[Advait Mat]] movement.<ref name=Geaves2007 /> Geaves argues that while the teachings within Totapuri's lineage have similarities with those of the Radhasoami tradition and developed in the same geographical area,<ref name=Geaves2007b280>Geaves (2007), p. 280</ref> they are nevertheless distinct. He adds that Rawat "is unusual in that he does not consider his lineage to be significant and does not perceive his authority as resting in a tradition."<ref name=Geaves2006b66 />

Rawat has been criticized for a lack of intellectual content in his public discourses.<ref name="MeltonDLM"/><ref name="Schnabel1982"/><ref name="Kent2001" />

===Techniques of Knowledge===
{{main|Techniques of Knowledge}}
Prem Rawat states that light, love, wisdom and clarity exist within each individual, and that the meditation techniques which he teaches, and which he learned from his teacher, are a way of accessing them. These techniques are known as the 'Knowledge'. In his public talks he quotes from Hindu, Muslim and Christian scriptures, but he relies on this inner experience for his inspiration and guidance.<ref name="Geaves, Ron 2006">Geaves, Ron, Globalization, charisma, innovation, and tradition: An exploration of the transformations in the organisational vehicles for the transmission of the teachings of Prem Rawat (Maharaji), 2006, Journal of Alternative Spiritualities and New Age Studies, 2 44–6 – Although Rawat does not see himself as part of a tradition or as having to conform to the behavior of any predecessor, in my view, the best way to place him is to identify him with Vaudeville's definition of the sant.</ref><ref>Drury, Michael, ''The Dictionary of the Esoteric: 3000 Entries on the Mystical and Occult Traditions'', pp.75-6, (2002), Sterling Publishing Company, {{ISBN|1-84293-108-3}}<br />Maharaj Ji [teaches] meditation upon the life-force. This meditation focuses on four types of mystical energy, known as the experiences of Light, Harmony, Nectar, and the Word. These allow the practitioner to develop a deep and spiritual self-knowledge</ref><ref>Chryssides, George D. ''Historical Dictionary of New Religious Movements'' pp.210-1, Scarecrow Press (2001) {{ISBN|0-8108-4095-2}}<br />"This Knowledge was self-understanding, yielding calmness, peace, and contentment, since the innermost self is identical with the divine. Knowledge is attained through initiation, which provides four techniques that allow the practitioner to go within."</ref><ref name=Hunt />

Before they receive the "Knowledge", Rawat asks practitioners to promise to give it a fair chance and to stay in touch with him. He also asks that they not reveal the techniques to anyone else, but allow others to prepare to receive the experience for themselves.<ref>{{cite web
 |url         = http://thekeys.maharaji.net/keys/threepromises.php
 |title       = Three promises
 |publisher   = thekeys.maharaji.net
 |access-date  = 16 May 2008
|url-status  = dead
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20080517000242/http://thekeys.maharaji.net/keys/threepromises.php
 |archive-date = 17 May 2008}}</ref>

Practitioners describe "Knowledge" as internal and highly individual, with no associated social structure, liturgy, ethical practices or articles of faith.<ref name="Hunt" /> According to sociologist Alan E. Aldridge, Prem Rawat says he offers practical ways to achieve spiritual tranquillity that can be used by anyone. Aldridge writes that Rawat originally aspired to bring about world peace, but now he places his attention on helping individuals rather than society.<ref>Aldridge, Alan — ''Religion in the Contemporary World'' (2007) — p.59</ref>

[[George Chryssides]] describes what Prem Rawat terms 'Knowledge' as based on self-understanding and an inner self, identical with the divine.<ref>Chryssides, George D. ''Historical Dictionary of New Religious Movements'', pp. 210-1, Scarecrow Press (2001) {{ISBN|0-8108-4095-2}} <br />"Maharaji progressively dissolved the Divine Light Mission, closing the ashrams, affirming his own status as a master rather than a divine leader, and emphasizing that the Knowledge is universal, non-Indian, in nature" ... "This Knowledge was self-understanding, yielding calmness, peace, and contentment, since the innermost self is identical with the divine. Knowledge is attained through initiation, which provides four techniques that allow the practitioner to go within."</ref>