How People Recognize Charisma: The Case of Darshan in Radhasoami and Divine Light Mission
1986; Volume: 47; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/3711456
ISSN2325-7873
Autores Tópico(s)Leadership, Courage, and Heroism Studies
ResumoThis paper examines the recognition of charisma as an active, conscious social process involving the confirmation of belief through non-cognitive methods of altering perception. In the illustrative case of Sant Mat/Radhasoami/Divine Light Mission tradition the Hindu concept and ritual of darshan is examined. Devotees use meditative means to recognize charisma in the guru considered as the formless Absolute, as himself, and as a presence generated within the community of followers. The aim on all three levels is ecstatic merging of a separate sense of self with the Absolute,. It is conjectured that once Westerners learned this they no longerfelt need of the guru. The discussion calls forfurther
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