`Maharaji has totally changed my life," says Sylvia. "There isn't a word good enough to describe the way I feel. I feel blissed." Sylvia, (23) a Dublin sales assistant, has joined the growing band of Irish people following the small plump Indian, known as Maharaji (pronounced Ma-rah-ji), who teaches meditation techniques called "Knowledge", and has been variously described as a motivational teacher, "a Master, like Christ" and a cult leader.
"I heard about Maharaji from my brother who got Knowledge when he was 21, about 20 years ago," says Sylvia. "I just grew up with it. Ten years ago, my mother got Knowledge and then I did, three years ago."
Every month, in 23 towns around Ireland, from Macroom to Omagh, hundreds of people of all ages and backgrounds turn up to over 70 "events" - meetings where "premies", (followers of Maharaji) and "aspirants" (those who would like to receive the "gift" he offers) watch videos of his lectures.
Compared with many other "gurus" who came to the West in the early 1970s, Maharaji's staying power is impressive and his popularity is growing - particularly in Africa, apparently. In the past 10 years, according to publicity material, more than 79,000 people have received "Knowledge", and a recent global satellite link-up of Maharaji speaking attracted adoring audiences of more than 86,000 in 173 locations in 50 countries. In Dublin, around 300 people braved winter weather and paid £15 to experience the short talk in Trinity College.
Maharaji, who resembles Buddha, except for his business suit, is now attracting a second generation of Irish followers. Teenage children of couples who got Knowledge more than 20 years ago, are now attending video events. "I never pushed my children," says one premie. "One of my sons goes because he enjoys it." One five-year-old son of a premie asked a nun to explain why she followed a dead master (Jesus), when she could follow a living master, Maharaji.
So what is this "gift" called Knowledge offered by Maharaji? It's hard to say - because his followers vow never to reveal the techniques. "It's very simple," says philosophy student, Finn McClean (22) from Holywood, Co Down who learnt the techniques 18 months ago, after spending two years attending events. "It's not a complicated system or a philosophy. It's just four techniques - which have helped me. The hour that I practise every day quiets the mind," he explains.
Aspirants are required to attend video events once a week for five months before they can ask to receive the "gift", and then instructors decide if the seeker is ready.
No payment is required, although there is always a donation box at events. Detractors believe his luxury lifestyle (Californian mansion, private plane etc) is supported by "contributions" from his followers. Supporters, however, claim he has private business interests which are part of his "private persona" and therefore none of their concern.
What is certain, though, is that some premies devote their lives and savings to travelling to see their guru. Last year, Robert (not his real name), who has been a follower since 1972, heard Maharaji speak five times - in Miami, Brighton, London (at Wembley Stadium), Delhi (with 70,000 other premies) and Nepal.
The Maharaji was born Prem Pal Rawat in India in 1957. He was seven years old when his dying father named him as his successor, the next Guru Maharaji. At 14, encouraged by Westerners on the hippie trail, he came to the West to spread his message.
In the cause of globalisation, all Indian traditions have disappeared, as Maharaji attempts to reach as many people as possible - from Ghana to Peru. Everything comes from the man himself, who teaches the techniques to mass audiences.
In his mission, Maharaji is supported by Elan Vital, an international organisation which arranges video events. In Ireland, Elan Vital (registered as an educational trust and run on a non-profit basis) relies on word-of-mouth. "We do not advertise or proselytise," says voluntary press officer Declan Dunne, who is wary of media attention and stresses Maharaji is not a cult leader. "You come when you want. And go when you want. You're always welcome. It's important people should approach it with discrimination. There are a lot of weird things out there."
For information on video events, tel (01) 857 0301