Why people surrender their lives and minds to men like Ram Rahim
Indian culture and spiritual teachings have glorified the role of the "guru" figure for so many centuries that the guru principle is deeply embedded in the Indian psyche, refusing to be dislodged despite the advent of scores of charlatans who pose with impunity as spiritual masters. In fact, the contemporary guru concept has been distorted and mutated into something entirely different.
The idea behind the guru principle was that that knowledge of the supreme consciousness would be transmitted from the master to the student, in the manner of a candle being lit, wherein the master would ignite the spark of knowledge within the student, leading him from darkness to light. The Guru Gita, which appears in the Skanda Purana, is a hymn in praise of the guru. One of the stanzas says the root of meditation is in the form of the guru, the root of worship is the lotus feet of the guru, the root of mantra is the words of the guru, the root of liberation is the grace of the guru.
Not much of this remains true anymore. The role of commercial gurus today seems to have morphed into one where they establish fanatical communities and command blind, illogical, unstinting allegiance from their followers, making huge sums of money in the process. Going by recent events, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is a conspicuous example of this frenetic mass adulation. Why does he enjoy this frightening, absolute control, even from the confines of his prison cell? What is it that makes him, and the cult phenomenon, so attractive? It really has very little to do with religion or spirituality any more, even though it is packaged as such. The Dera Sacha Sauda website extols the teachings of Ram Rahim, flaunting words such as equipoise, balance, restraint and positive energy - but we all know the man himself adhered to none of it.
The reasons why people surrender their lives and minds into the keeping of men like Ram Rahim are varied, but I believe that the primary reason is a desperate need to belong. A feeling of being disenfranchised by the government, marginalised by society and subjugated by casteism propagates the need to be a part of something tangibly accessible. The Dera Sacha Sauda leader has one thing in common with his peers; he is incredibly believable and charismatic! To his followers, it seems like he has all the answers, he can solve all their problems, real or imagined, with a swish of his magic wand. Who wants to spend years pursuing a challenging spiritual path, when you can have instant gratification - a moral preceptor who is a guru, magician, shrink and new best friend all rolled into one!
In the days leading up to his conviction, Ram Rahim's devotees were anxious. If their leader was condemned, anything can happen, they told the media. Seven crore "premis" were ready for "anything". He had his own private army. Back in 2011, three of his loyal followers committed suicide to protest the accusations against Ram Rahim. Today, even after he is labelled a legally convicted rapist, the faith and loyalty rages on unabated. Ram Rahim's supporters caused the deaths of 38 people in the Panchkula riots. They did it without a shred of remorse, as if it was their birthright to defend him by any means required. What is it that causes seemingly normal people to suspend all logic and common sense when they repose such unshakeable faith in these morally corrupt godmen?
The truth is that there is safety in groupism. We feel less vulnerable when we perceive ourselves to be a part of something larger than ourselves, have some place we can belong to by right. It is a reflection of our society that we need such crutches, such desperate measures to give ourselves a sense of validation and self-worth. In the case of the Dera, devotees claim not only spiritual benefits, but access to basic infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and provisions that would be beyond their means without the largesse of their guru. That they choose to ignore the allegations of murder, forced castrations and sexual misconduct is a terrible commentary on the lacuna in society today, where lack of support for the less privileged is forcing them to make such appalling choices.
True peace comes from within, our scriptures tell us. The flame the guru is supposed to light shows us that our understanding of the divine comes from within, and this journey is a solitary one. But until we foster our own helplessness by subscribing to our lack of self-worth, spurious godmen will continue to take advantage of our weakness; the Ram Rahims will still hold sway and pursue their dangerous agenda.
Also read: When we learnt to laugh with Ashish Nehra and not at him