This refers to the editorial, “The godman syndrome” (August 26). large number of causalities in the wake of widespread violence and arson in Haryana, triggered by the conviction of self-styled godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, is yet another shameful reminder of the clout wielded by large number of spiritual gurus who delude the country of the gullibles. Surprisingly, many of them take pride in being acknowledged as their ‘devotees'.
In an age where tensions and stresses of daily life, brought about by a tedious lifestyle is too much, succour in the form of spiritual solace is being dished out by people who promise eventual bliss to those who subscribe to their teachings. And why notIJ Considering that it is the material gains that spiritual masters seek, in return for the ‘tranquil mind' and a ‘healthy body' promised to their followers, it fits. Therefore, the blind faith reposed in the gurus by their ‘disciples', for a moment makes them forget that they too are creatures of flesh and blood susceptible to all the follies of a human beings. Recognising the gurus as gods, the followers are not averse in turning a blind eye to their wrong doings. News stories that the retailing empire is the new fad with the present corps of spiritual gurus, should give an inkling of the business acumen of these so-called gurus.