Past teachings of Prem Rawat: Encyclopedia II - Past teachings of Prem Rawat - The Knowledge process and the teaching of the techniques

Past teachings of Prem Rawat - The Knowledge process and the teaching of the techniques

The manner in which Prem Rawat has gone about teaching the techniques of Knowledge has significantly changed from 1970 to the present.

Past teachings of Prem Rawat - The preparation and the Knowledge session

When Prem Rawat first came to the West, people were only able to hear about Knowledge from him or from Indian instructors (called “mahatmas”) who would teach the techniques of Knowledge. As more westerners received Knowledge, the students of Rawat held nightly gatherings for the purpose of spreading information about Rawat’s teachings and for sharing amongst themselves their appreciation of Knowledge. Individuals took turns talking about their own Knowledge experiences, playing music, laughing, and generally having a fun time. The feelings of immense love that the Knowledge generated was brought to the forefront of these gatherings.

In the early 1970s, it was the mahatmas�—later called "initiators," and then "instructors"—who spoke at gatherings where interested people—“aspirants”—could prepare and, when ready, ask to learn the techniques of Knowledge. Mahatmas also conducted the sessions where the techniques were taught.

Another change during the 1970s was that Rawat taught and gave some westerners the authority to teach the techniques of Knowledge by making them initiators, a title he later changed to instructor. See main article, Establishment in the West.

Past teachings of Prem Rawat - Criteria for being taught the techniques

A sincere interest in Knowledge and a commitment to lifelong practice were the main criteria for being invited to learn the techniques of Knowledge. In selecting candidates, how long someone had been listening to the message and whether or not they had participated were viewed as indications of their interest. Mahatmas used criteria that were largely subjective to assess the willingness of aspirants to continue practicing, listening, and helping out after receiving Knowledge.

With the advent of western initiators and instructors in the late 1970s and early 1980s, those processes took on a more western flavor, but they were still based upon largely subjective criteria. In a few isolated cases, a Indian mahatma asked candidates if they were willing to cut off a limb to test their sincerity for Knowledge. Rawat mentioned that he heard that and made it clear that he never would ask such a thing from a person.

In the late 1980s, a major evolution occurred when Rawat personally began conducting meetings for aspirants, including selections for receiving Knowledge and Knowledge sessions.

In the 1990s, more measurable requirements and considerations to be met before asking to receive Knowledge were also introduced at this time, and increasingly the emphasis was placed on peoples' self-assessment of their readiness.

Past teachings of Prem Rawat - Technology used for teaching the techniques

In the 1970s and ‘80s, the techniques were shown to people by authorized mahatmas or instructors on Prem Rawat’s behalf. Later, Rawat himself conducted these Knowledge sessions and showed the techniques to participants.

Since 2000, the techniques are taught via a multimedia presentation made by Rawat. In this presentation, he explains the techniques step-by-step, demonstrating them one by one in ample detail, to ensure that these are understood and practiced correctly. Most recently Rawat has developed the Keys, a comprehensive video-based representation of all aspects of his teachings. See Maharaji's Keys.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "The Knowledge process and the teaching of the techniques", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki