Spiritual Populism

"Modern gurus are a picture of political correctness. They do not question the status quo. This way they compromise on the truth."

Sanjay Austa, Shimla

Peaceful Solution

The article was like a breath of fresh air in the dismal scenario of war and terror ("Guru of Joy", November 12). No amount of military aggression, economic terrorism, social upheaval or the jingoistic rhetoric of our leaders can change our world. It is only faith in a message of love, peace and goodwill that can provide a solution for our planet in today's atmosphere of fear, hatred, violence and aggression.

Jaina Desai, on e-mail

The story was an excellent departure from the regular, monotonous political and current affairs' stories. It had a tranquillising effect. A quote from Sri Sri-"Don't fall in love. Rise in love"-appeared in the story. I had heard the same in a discourse by the inimitable Osho Rajneesh many years back. I feel Osho talked more beautifully and comprehensively about love and joy in life than anybody else.

M.P. Sreenivasan, Mumbai.

The story on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was a perfect waste of precious space. If you wanted to break the monotony of the Afghanistan war, you could have chosen many other topics. Who needs a 45-year-old self-styled "guru" to teach the Art of Living? I, like most others, learnt it at the knees of my mother, then from dedicated school and college teachers and other elders and-above all-from my senses. Bored socialites, the idle rich and misguided foreigners may perhaps find this man a passing fancy but please do not insult the intelligence of your readers.

Dr Dilip Joshi, Pune

Your article reflects the view of those who have a stake in such things, having poured in hefty amounts, advertisements, etc. You haven't even sieved the facts, truths, credentials or yardsticks. One week you maul the great Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi and now you are induced to hoist the flag of Sri Sri on your cover. Yours is a respected magazine. Please stop all this.

Vinod Passy, Delhi

Every Guru claims that he is supreme and stands for obliterating human tears. Sri Sri does not appear to be an exception. A cover story on any guru could have been done without. In almost all ashrams, more than the radiance of the teacher, one meets the nauseating crowd of vultures in the shape of administrators and volunteers forming a coterie. As usual the lure is money. We are so obsessed with religious rigidity that we are not prepared to question the origin, control, flow and the accumulation of wealth which each guru obtains and maintains by fair and foul means.

Dr U.S. Iyer, on e-mail

India will never run out of gurus and ammas. Now comes the latest one-Sri Sri. It is a pity that you should give prominence to people like him. We have seen Chandraswamis, Mahesh Yogis, et al in the past. Put your foot down and say a firm no to all these "Sris" and "Babas". A Vijay Mallya won't make a saint out of Sri Sri.

A. Ravindran, Mumbai

Last year your magazine carried a denigrating article on a noble soul called Sai Baba on the basis of the affidavits of a few foreigners with doubtful credentials. Now you have tried to glorify Sri Sri for work and teachings that are a replication of the teachings and philosophy of Sai Baba. The only difference is that while the Baba is serving humanity irrespective of caste and transforming millions of individuals without any charge, the services of Sri Sri are available at high charges to the affluent class so adored by your magazine.

R.P. Manocha, Indore