Prem Rawat Maharaji Biography Page 21

The early years attracted a media circus. Normally reliable publications such as The Washington Post and Time magazine published articles such as "Prince of Peace arrives in Volkswagen." Prem Rawat’s claim that he could show people the divinity within them, which he described as “perfect and pure energy,” and his gentle joking with the idea that God must have a human-like body, were misunderstood by many. The religious right and the tabloid press became strange bedfellows as they rushed to agree that his claims were absurd or even blasphemous.

James Randi, a stage magician and professional cynic, wrote mockingly and inaccurately of the techniques of Knowledge. Academic researchers sometimes produced results that reflected personal bias or inadequate research. Gordon Melton wrote that the techniques of Knowledge originated in "Indian trappings". Stephen Hunt believed that Knowledge consisted of "a set of instructions for how adherents should live." In fact, Prem Rawat has never prescribed any particular lifestyle, and nobody knows how or where the techniques originated.) Others, such as Ron Geaves, James Downton, Stoner & Park, Marc Galanter and Reinhart Hummel wrote neutrally or positively.

The first Words of Peace program, featuring public addresses by Prem Rawat, was broadcast by satellite in the US in 1999. Since then, cable and satellite stations throughout Europe, North and South America, Asia and the Pacific have begun broadcasting his message of inspiration, with subtitles or translation into more than 20 languages. Viewer response has been enthusiastic. The program has received multiple awards in Brazil and the US. Many millions of viewers are now able to form their own opinions about Prem Rawat's message directly.

During 2004, he spoke at a global, live interactive satellite event that was broadcast simultaneously to 29 countries. A woman from Argentina asked, "How can I overcome having lost someone I love very much?”

He answered, "There is not a question of being able to replace that person or overcome your sadness, but know that in your memories that person still lives on. Extract the beautiful from the situation. The love you have for that person never has to end. That love never has to die.

And that person, although they may not be alive physically, will live in your love, in your feeling, and can live there for the rest of your life. Love is what is important. Love is what brings us together. Love is not about lamenting.

Love is not about looking at the past and wondering how it could have been and how it wasn't. Love is not about the things that are not. Love is about what is, what is felt in the heart at this moment. Fortunately for all of us, even though there's a loss, there is something that we will always have. Something that nobody can take away from us, not even death. And that is the love.”

Civic and government leaders began to take notice as his worldwide audience grew. In recent years, he has received many invitations to speak before influential audiences on the subject of peace.