I watched a clip of Prem Rawat speaking to a PEP (Peace Education Program) audience and - except for the ommissions of Lord, God, Master and His Grace - what he's saying hasn't really changed. It occurred to me that as much as I've referred to rebranded, it's not so much rebranding as it is a repackaged version of the same old thing. The difference is language and the veneer of legitimacy: a well-dressed (premie manipulated) best-selling author and (premie funded) humanitarian with a unique message of peace and something called self-knowledge. Spice it up with global ambassador of peace and there you have it: the schtick these days.

To paraphrase: "You, who you really are, not your thoughts, ideas, dreams and opinions... is so much more. Those things change but you, the real you, doesn't change. I can show you who you really are."

Self-knowledge. The real you. Who you really are. To the vulnerable, defenseless and unsuspectiing - to those who sip the Koolaid - a saccharine sweet lullaby, almost logical, from a seemingly credible and legitimate source. The same irresistible bait. Just like it was for me.

Four laughably absurd techniques to those fortunate enough to see through the scam.

Maybe repackaged instead of rebranded. A far more mainstream, legitimate, contemporary and socially acceptable presentation with effective use of high quality productions, social media and other internet media, which makes it easy to market to prisons, court systems, schools and other places - all over the world - backed by well-trained followers hell bent on performing impeccably for their, well... master!

(I'm sure they would deny that and use the repackaged language of "I only do it because of how much I appreciate everything he's done for me." )

So much has already been said about the deep layers of deceiptful ommissions and hypocrisy.

Sorry, I know that wasn't short.