Seven Ways to Describe Prem Rawat

One man’s attempt to find the right words at the right time

Prem Rawat being interviewed at a book fair in Dubai, 2023. Photo courtesy of TimelessToday

I first heard about Prem Rawat in 1971. He was 13 then and known as “Guru Maharaji.” I was 23 and known as “Ditty.” A long-haired seeker of Truth at the time, I was astounded by what this young boy from India had to say and how he said it, stunned by his clarity, wisdom, and ability to engage my attention in such a heart-opening way.

Now it is 55 years later. He is 68 and I am 78. I am still astounded by him.

“I want your life to be fulfilled with peace, joy and understanding with what coming here on the face of this earth really means.” — Prem Rawat

Guru

In the early days, I used to refer to him as a “Guru” — a Hindi word that translates as “the dispeller of darkness and revealer of light.”

I liked that word a lot. It had a nice ring to it and satisfied my need to think of myself as a deep soul on the spiritual path. But soon it became clear to me that this word carried too much baggage, conjuring up stereotypical images of the East — incense burning, saffron robes, and little red dots on the forehead.