Thanks, Joe. You offer a pretty clear overview and summary of the history of the cult by the looks of it.  It certainly makes lots of sense, which the various twists and turns of premiehood did not!

The biggest "hook" for me in wanting knowledge was something I hadn't even consciously known about until someone (a premie) said it: that this was a happening-now thing!  As opposed to religions and masters that were long gone. (This was much reinforced by Maharaji's constant reference to "The Living Knowledge" brought to you by "The Living Master" etc. etc.etc.).  I didn't know that was so important to me, but at the time, it was!  And it tied in with my ongoing search for "meaning", "truth", "purpose" in my life.  There was also the aspect of play and fun, which could also be called "escape" and "irresponsibility"  that I confess I needed and indulged in as well. I don't regret that.  It WAS fun!  But as with many "fun" things, there's a price to pay, darn it!

As I grow older and more mature (hah!), I think the search for "meaning" has been replaced by the enjoyment of what is beautiful in our human lives.  Of course, "beautiful" is another one of those words that got hijacked by Rawat, but I think we all know what it means in our various and individual ways.  Do we need anyone to tell us?  No, we don't.

~Shelagh