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| {{short description|21st-century Indian spiritual teacher}} | |||
| {{pp-pc1}} | |||
| {{pp-pc}} | |||
| </noinclude>{{short description|Indian godman}} | |||
| {{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}} | {{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}} | ||
| {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} | ||
| {{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| | name = Kalki |
| name = Kalki Bhagawan | ||
| | image = Sri_Bhagavan.jpg | | image = Sri_Bhagavan.jpg | ||
| | alt = | | alt = | ||
| | caption = | | caption = | ||
| | birth_name = |
| birth_name = Vijay Kumar Naidu | ||
| | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1949|03|07}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1949|03|07}} | ||
| | birth_place = ], ], India (present-day ]) | | birth_place = ], ], India (present-day ]) | ||
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| | alma_mater = DG Vaishnav College, Chennai | | alma_mater = DG Vaishnav College, Chennai | ||
| | nationality = Indian | | nationality = Indian | ||
| | other_names = Sri Bhagavan, Bhagavan |
| other_names = Sri Bhagavan, Amma Bhagavan (as a couple) | ||
| | occupation = | | occupation = | ||
| | years_active = | | years_active = | ||
| | known_for = |
| known_for = Spiritual teacher from India | ||
| | spouse = {{marriage| |
| spouse = {{marriage|Padmavathi|1977}} | ||
| | website = | | website = | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''Kalki |
'''Kalki Bhagawan''' (born 7 March 1949 as '''Vijay Kumar Naidu'''), also known as '''Sri Bhagavan''', is a spiritual teacher from India.<ref name="ET">{{Cite news |last=Nadkarni |first=Vithal C. |year=2008 |title=Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/oneness-to-the-rescue-of-a-world-in-peril/articleshow/2732690.cms}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated13">{{cite web |title=Oneness Movement – WRSP |url=https://wrldrels.org/2018/08/17/oneness-movement/ |language=en}}</ref> He is the founder of a spiritual organization called Oneness.<ref name="autogenerated4">{{Cite book |last1=Preethaji |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uUaBDwAAQBAJ&q=preetha+krishna |title=The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State |last2=Krishnaji |date=6 August 2019 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-5011-7379-0 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="chap1,2" /> which has its headquarters in ], ] district in ].<ref name="english.religion.info">{{Cite web |date=2008-07-13 |title=India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan |url=https://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/ |access-date=2020-06-06 |website=Religioscope |language=en-US}}</ref> | ||
| == Early life == | |||
| In 1989, Vijaykumar launched the ''Oneness Movement'' (a.k.a. ''Kalki cult''),<ref>{{cite web |title=The cult of Kalki |url=https://mm-gold.azureedge.net/Articles/nayak/cult_kalki.html |website=mm-gold.azureedge.net |access-date=28 November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan |url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/ |website=Open The Magazine |access-date=28 November 2020 |date=1 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Inside godman Kalki Bhagwan's world: Bollywood celebs, real estate and drugs |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/10/17/inside-godman-kalki-bhagwan-world-bollywood-celebs-real-estate-drugs.html |website=The Week |access-date=28 November 2020 |language=en}}</ref> a type of ] to give mass ] to humanity and inaugurate the ']' in ]. Subsequently, the Oneness organization was handed over to his son NKV Krishna (“Krishnaji”) and daughter-in-law ] (“Preethaji”) who have re-branded it to '''O&O Academy''.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{cite web |last1=Thorsén |first1=Elin |title=Oneness of Different Kinds: A Comparative Study of Amma and Bhagavan's Oneness Movement in India and Sweden |url=https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33618/1/gupea_2077_33618_1.pdf |website=Gothenburg University Publications Electronic Archive |accessdate=8 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kalki |first1=Cult of |title=Cult of Kalki |url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/ |website=Open Magazine |publisher=Open Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=lifepositive |url=https://www.lifepositive.com/the-school-for-enlightenment/ |website=lifepositive.com |publisher=Religioscope }}</ref><ref name='RA'>{{cite web |title=India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan |url=https://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/ |website=Religioscope |date=13 July 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Founders |first1=OO academy |title=OO Academy Founders |url=https://www.oo.academy/founders/ |website=OO Academy |publisher=OO Academy |accessdate=8 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=OM |first1=WRSP |title=WRSP - OM |url=https://wrldrels.org/2018/08/17/oneness-movement/ |website=WRSP |publisher=WRSP |accessdate=8 May 2020}}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Bhagavan was born as Vijay Kumar Naidu on 7 March 1949 in Natham village, ] district in ], to Vaidarbhi Amma and Sri Varadarajulu.<ref name="chap1,2" /> His father was the head of the accounts department of ].<ref name="chap1,2" /> | |||
| As a businessman, Kalki Bhagavan runs the ''']''', a ''multi-million dollar'' family business comprising more than '''40''' ] with interests in real estate, mining, entertainment, sport, agriculture, education, finance and manufacturing. | |||
| === Education and early career === | |||
| Recently, in October 2019, Indian Law Enforcement agencies raided Kalki Bhagavan's properties and confiscated unaccounted assets worth US$67 Million. The ] ] 900 acres of land belonging to his ]<nowiki/>and registered a case against him under the ].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=193865 |title=Income Tax Department conducts Search on a 'wellness group' in Chennai |publisher=Pib.gov.in |date=16 October 2019 |accessdate=1 March 2020}}</ref><ref name=autogenerated6>{{cite web |last1=DTNext |first1=Publisher |title=907 acres linked to Kalki ashram attached |url=https://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2019/12/20020711/1204863/907-acres-linked-to-Kalki-ashram-attached.vpf |website=DT Next |publisher=DT Next |accessdate=10 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=900 acres of land owned by godman Kalki attached |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/900-acres-of-land-owned-by-godman-kalki-attached-787249.html |accessdate=10 May 2020 |work=Deccan Herald |date=20 December 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vijayakumar |first1=Sanjay |title=907 acres of land belonging to Kalki group attached |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/907-acres-of-land-belongingto-kalki-group-attached/article30351134.ece |accessdate=10 May 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=19 December 2019 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dec 21 |first1=B. Sivakumar |title=Kalki Bhagavan case: 900 acres of benami land attached by I-T {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/kalki-900-acres-of-benami-land-attached-by-i-t/articleshow/72909944.cms |accessdate=10 May 2020 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| In 1955 his family moved to ] where he attended ]. In his childhood he was introduced to the philosophy of ] by his friend R. Sankar.<ref name="english.religion.info" /> He graduated from ] in ], majoring in ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Narayanan, Dr. Vasudha, "A 'White Paper' on Kalki Bhagavan, 29 September 2002", University of Florida, Gainesville, Montclair. |url=https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~adarkara/d-kalki.html |website=msuweb.montclair.edu}}</ref> After completing college, he worked as an office clerk for ] (LIC).<ref name=":3" /> | |||
| === Marriage === | |||
| In ], he suffered a heart attack.<ref name=autogenerated10>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/kalki-bhagwan-hospitalised/article30126960.ece|title='Kalki' Bhagwan hospitalised|date=1 December 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 February 2020|others=Special Correspondent|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | |||
| He married Padmavathi on 9 June 1977, following the customary practice in India where marriages are decided by elders in the family.<ref name="chap1,2">{{Cite book |last=Ardagh |first=Arjuna |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W89LPKgMxxIC&q=Bhagavan+brain+research+ardagh&pg=PA64 |title=Awakening into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness |date=2009-04-01 |publisher=Sounds True |isbn=978-1-59179-864-4 |language=en |chapter=Chapter 1,2}}</ref> Padmavathi, also known as “Amma” by the followers, participated in building the Oneness spiritual organization.<ref name="chap1,2" /> | |||
| == |
== Work == | ||
| In 1984, Bhagavan established a residential school called ''Jeevashram'' in ], ] to provide an alternative form of education with the goal of “developing an environment for children to discover themselves and reach their full potential".<ref name=":3" /> | |||
| In 1994, the ''Jeevashram'' school campus was renamed to ''Satyaloka'' and spiritual programs for the public was started.<ref name=":2" /> In 2000, he subsequently founded the Oneness organization with the stated mission to create “lasting spiritual transformation" and to alleviate human suffering “at its roots by awakening humanity into Oneness and transforming the world into a better place”.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Roth |first1=Ron |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SN9bX5gDtigC&q=sri+bhagavan&pg=PA18 |title=The Sacred Light of Healing: Teachings and Meditations on Divine Oneness |last2=Montgomery |first2=Roger |date=2007 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-44896-8 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| === Tenth avatar of Vishnu === | |||
| During the early stages of the movement, Bhagavan was regarded by his followers as ], the tenth incarnation of ] and his work was locally referred to as the “Kalki movement”.<ref name=":2" /> Bhagavan has also stated that "although this is the time for Kalki’s emergence, Kalki is not one person but a collective awakening".<ref name=":3" /> | |||
| ] | |||
| The organization’s work includes the practice of giving and receiving the “Oneness Blessing” also known as the Deeksha, which is a technique of “energy transmission to usher the receiver into a state of higher consciousness.” The practice does not require initiation into following a new path.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal |last=Thorsén |first=Elin |date=2016-07-05 |title=Unity Behind Diversity or the Reverse? The Language of Universality in Amma and Bhagavan's Oneness Movement |url=https://journal.equinoxpub.com/IJSNR/article/view/12094 |journal=International Journal for the Study of New Religions |language=en |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=69–90 |doi=10.1558/ijsnr.v7i1.20123 |issn=2041-952X|url-access=subscription }}</ref> | |||
| ] | |||
| Bhagavan believes that when a critical mass of people have received the "Oneness Blessing", it would affect the "collective DNA" of humanity, resulting as an "Age of Enlightenment", which will take few decades to fully take effect.<ref name="fire" />Followers of the movement have reported psychosomatic ailments to have been healed by the "Oneness Blessing".<ref name="chap1,2" /><ref name="english.religion.info" />In 2004, ] (based on the Mayan calendar), collaborated with Bhagavan to initiate a festival called ''Oneness Celebration''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Calleman, Ph.D |first1=Carl |date=16 July 2015 |title=The Mayan Calendar & The Transformation of Consciousness |url=https://www.amazon.com/Carl-Calleman-Ph-D-Transformation-Consciousness/dp/B0006SL1RM |access-date=13 June 2020 |publisher=A Better World |language=en}}</ref> On ], worldwide events were conducted by the Oneness organization.<ref name="autogenerated13" /> | |||
| In 1990, Vijaykumar Naidu claimed to be ], the tenth ] of ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=S |first1=Jayaseelan K. |title=The rise of 'Kalki' Bhagwan: From an LIC agent to a self-proclaimed 'avatar' |url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/the-rise-of-kalki-bhagwan-from-an-lic-agent-to-a-self-proclaimed-avatar/ |website=The Federal |date=19 October 2019}}</ref> Kalki Bhagavan's wife, otherwise known as 'Amma', claims to be Vishnu's consort, Padmavati.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Swamy|first=Rohini|date=2019-10-22|title=Kalki Bhagavan, guru who started as LIC clerk & now has 'undisclosed income' of Rs 500 cr|url=https://theprint.in/india/kalki-bhagavan-guru-started-as-lic-clerk-undisclosed-income-500-crore/309158/|access-date=2020-06-29|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> Kalki Bhagavan's claim that he had inaugurated the Hindu Golden Age was not well received by Hindu spiritual leaders.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Newcombe|first1=Suzanne|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=N0wGDAAAQBAJ&q=millenial+prophesies+2012+kalki+bhagavan&pg=PA117|title=Prophecy in the New Millennium: When Prophecies Persist|last2=Harvey|first2=Sarah|date=2016-04-15|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-07459-5|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Townsend|first=R. Lataine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9XHLORnAdMMC&q=foundation+for+world+awakening+2012+bhagavan&pg=PA156|title=2013: Beginning an Era of Hope and Harmony|date=2012-01-04|publisher=BalboaPress|isbn=978-1-4525-4342-0|language=en}}</ref> | |||
| In 2017, the Oneness organization was handed over to Bhagavan's son, NKV Krishna and daughter-in-law ] and was renamed to ].<ref name="autogenerated4" /> Over the years, the Oneness movement is known by various names including the ''Foundation for World Awakening'', ''Golden Age Foundation'', ''Bhagavad Dharma'', ''Kalki Dharma, Oneness University and Oneness Organization''.<ref name="english.religion.info" /> | |||
| According to Hindu ] tradition, Kalki rides a white horse and carries a fiery sword. He rejuvenates existence by ending the darkest and destructive period to remove ] (lawlessness) and usher in a new era for believers. Prophesies written in the Vishnu ] describe Kalki as marrying princess Padmavati of Simhala.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ganguli|first=Aurijit|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NCjoDwAAQBAJ&q=Padmavati+kalki+purana&pg=PT45|title=The Shambala Sutras|date=2020-05-30|publisher=Notion Press|isbn=978-1-64892-982-3|language=en}}</ref> | |||
| == Teachings == | |||
| Vijaykumar and Padmavati make themselves available for public ], or a 'divine glimpse', and charge money to followers for the privilege.<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive">{{Cite web|title=Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive|url=https://www.lifepositive.com/bhagwan-kalki/|access-date=2020-07-02|website=lifepositive.com}}</ref> It costs around $60 for a 'divine glimpse' of the couple in a crowded room, and $700 for a one-on-one meeting with Kalki Bhagavan himself.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Investigators seize more than $14 million from spiritual guru Kalki Bhagavan - EasternEye|url=https://www.easterneye.biz/investigators-seize-more-than-14-million-from-spiritual-guru-kalki-bhagavan/|access-date=2020-06-28|language=en-GB}}</ref> | |||
| Bhagavan's stated belief is that the cause for human suffering is the sense of a separate self that each individual experiences that gives each the feeling of "me and a not-me”, which is what causes conflicts in families, relationships and wars between nations.<ref name="ET" /> According to him, enlightenment is a neurobiological process in which this sense of separate self ends.<ref name="fire">{{Cite book |last=Windrider |first=Kiara |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=muxPTNJJekkC&pg=PP5 |title=Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven |date=2006 |publisher=New World Library |isbn=978-1-930722-70-5 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| There are no required set of texts or doctrines in the Oneness movement.<ref name="autogenerated13" /> Though the founder Bhagavan's writings or sayings are used as teachings, the movement’s emphasis is for followers to acquire direct personal experience.<ref name="autogenerated13" /> It does not dictate conversion.<ref name="ET" /> | |||
| The ''Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements'' says that Vijaykumar is currently the most famous of the spiritual leaders laying claim to being the final and future avatar of Kalki.<ref name=autogenerated14>{{Cite journal|last=Cowan|first=Douglas E.|editor1-first=John|editor1-last=Corrigan|date=2009-09-02|title=New Religious Movements|journal=Oxford Handbooks Online|doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195170214.003.0008}}</ref> Other individuals who have claimed to be Kalki include Agastya Joshi, who also claimed to be ]; and ], founder of the Universal Christian Gnostic Movement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Who is Samael Aun Weor?|url=http://www.samael.org/idiomas/ingles/paginas/1_quien_samael/quien_samael.htm|accessdate=25 December 2017|work=Samael.org}}</ref> Another claimant is ] of the ], founded in 2000 by ].<ref>{{cite book|title=Pseudo-messianic movements in contemporary Muslim South Asia|first=Yoginder|last=Sikand|publisher=Global Media Publications|year=2008|page=100}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | title = Oxford Handbook of Global Religions | first = Mark | last = Juergensmeyer | publisher =Oxford University Press | location = Oxford | year = 2006 | page = 520 | id = ISBN (Ten digit): 0195137981| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=lQMurMhRtfIC&pg=PA520| isbn = 978-0-19-513798-9 }}</ref> Yet another claimant was the American writer ] (also known as 'Da Kalki'). | |||
| The Oneness movement sees its message as compatible with major religious traditions, and simultaneously allows cultural adaptation of the teachings.<ref name=":3" /> | |||
| The ''moola mantra'' (main chant of the cult) celebrates the godman as "the embodiment of truth-consciousness-bliss", referring to Vijaykumar as the "Supreme Godhead, Perfect Person and the Transcendent Self" (''Satchidananda para brahman, Purushottam Paramatma'').<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/> | |||
| == Business activities == | |||
| === Early criticisms of the Kalki cult === | |||
| Bhagavan founded the White Lotus Conglomerate<ref name=":5">{{cite web | url=https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-rs-44-cr-cash-90-kg-gold-rs-20-cr-worth-us-dollars-seized-in-i-t-raids-on-properties-linked-to-spiritual-guru-kalki-bhagwan-2798134 | title=Rs 44 cr cash, 90 kg gold, Rs 20 cr worth US dollars seized in I-T raids on properties linked to spiritual guru Kalki Bhagwan }}</ref> involved in various sectors like real estate, property development, energy, media and sports. It is now owned by his son N.K.V. Krishna.<ref name=":5"/> | |||
| Professor ], now Director of the ] in ], described his experience in 1997 when attending a ']' ceremony at Vijaykumar's colony in ].<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/> After his visit, Makarand Paranjape described the movement as a new 'religion', or at least a new 'cult'; with Vijaykumar as a 'living god' served by his own monastic order; and with tales of miracles being performed.<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/> Paranjape quotes one of the followers who says that "No one can suppress our movement"; and that Kalki devotees are fanatical "...and will lay down their lives for Kalki, but never waver from their faith."<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/> | |||
| Kosmik Music,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2012-05-15 |title=Sacred Chants |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2009/Dec/07/sacred-chants-110574.html |access-date=2024-03-14 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> is a music label producing titles ranging from traditional, spiritual and fusion tracks. "Sacred Chants" containing traditional Vedic hymns is one of its successful brands.<ref name=":4" /> | |||
| Paranjape is critical, saying that a follower's personal discovery of Kalki does not result in freedom from external authority. Rather, he says, it is in conforming to the official tenets of the cult, which is how it maintains tight control over its followers.<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/> | |||
| == Criticisms == | |||
| Another writer at the time, Shameem Akhtar, was also critical of what she called the 'Kalki craze' – which had started spreading to America and Russia.<ref name="outlookindia.com">{{Cite web|title=The Kalki Craze {{!}} Outlook India Magazine|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-kalki-craze/203495|access-date=2020-07-07|website=outlookindia.com/}}</ref> She describes stories of miracles attributed to Kalki Bhagavan, and the garlands of flowers on his portrait, which was revered by the ]s and followers.<ref name="outlookindia.com"/> Shameem Akhtar described how there were seven ]s, 'chosen ones', which included Anandagiri, responsible for propagating in the USA the godman's prophesies of the "new light breaking upon the earth".<ref name="outlookindia.com"/> | |||
| Freddy Nielsen, his associate from Sweden, left him in 2005 after directing criticism against the Oneness movement.<ref name=":2">{{cite journal |date=2013 |last1=Thorsén |first1=Elin |title=Oneness of Different Kinds: A Comparative Study of the Oneness Movement in India and Sweden. |journal=GUPEA, University of Gothenburg |url=https://gupea.ub.gu.se/handle/2077/33618 |access-date=13 October 2024}}</ref> | |||
| === ''Mahavakyas'' ('Great sayings') of Kalki Bhagavan=== | |||
| == Issues == | |||
| Makarand Paranjape notes that when declaring himself to be the Kalki avatar, Vijaykumar issued a large collection of ], or 'great sayings'. As an example, one of Kalki Bhagavan's Mahavakyas says: <blockquote>''Formless as I am, I the Antaryamin shall awaken formless inside you, or it the form you desire, or the form I choose...for every form is my form.''<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/> </blockquote> | |||
| In 2002, a public interest litigation for income tax probe of the Kalki Trust was dismissed and rejected by the ] and subsequently by the ].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/04/stories/2004020401191300.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040506191242/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/04/stories/2004020401191300.htm | archive-date=6 May 2004 | title=The Hindu : Plea for CBI probe against godman turned down }}</ref> | |||
| In 2019, Income Tax department officials conducted raids on more than forty properties of the White Lotus Conglomerate owned by Bhagavan's son and seized cash and gold with total estimated seizure worth Rs 93 crore.<ref name=":5" /> | |||
| However, questioning this Mahavakya, Paranjape asks: "If Kalki is formless, or if all forms are his, why should one form, that embodied in the ''Srimurti'' (Vijaykumar's photograph), be preferred to all other forms?"<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/> Paranjape quotes other examples of the godman's Mahavakyas, which include: <blockquote>''I am...the Supreme Creator, the Supremely Sacred, the Supreme immanent inner Controller of all that is, the immortal - I am Ishvara...With my coming, it is the dawn of the Golden Age of ten thousand years of a new cycle; for I incarnate to inaugurate every new cycle, every twenty-four thousand years.''<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/></blockquote> And also: <blockquote>''Your nature has become sinful as you no longer relate to me...I transcend your understanding because you comprehend me only partially.''<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/></blockquote> Another of the Kalki Mahavakyas is: <blockquote>''All these truths shall be revealed to you through my disciples.''</blockquote> | |||
| == Publications == | |||
| Shameem Akhtar quotes Kalki Bhagavan in directing his followers to: <blockquote>''Purify and cleanse yourselves of your sinful nature'' so that ''you could be saved by Me from the natural calamities and...varied sufferings that would issue forth from March 1998.''<ref name="outlookindia.com"/></blockquote> | |||
| === |
=== Books === | ||
| As a godman, Vijaykumar has made a number of claims and predictions. In a 2005 video interview with Mitchel Jay Rabin for A Better World TV, he claimed to have supernatural powers like the ability to:<ref name=":0" /> | |||
| * Revive dead people back to life | |||
| * Materialize honey from his photograph (also called ''Srimurti'') | |||
| * Bring rains to drought prone villages | |||
| * Transfer these supernatural powers to his devotees and monks<ref name=":0">{{Citation|title=Sri Bhagavan Interview hosted by Mitchell Jay Rabin for A Better World TV early in 2005|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwz141wpQws|access-date=8 April 2020}}</ref> | |||
| * Bhagavan, Sri (2017). ''Love Begins with Accepting Yourself.''<ref>{{cite book | last=Bhagavan |first=Sri |year=2017 |title=Love Begins with Accepting Yourself |url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36676283-love-begins-with-accepting-yourself}}</ref> {{ISBN|9789574351008}} | |||
| In a 2002 interview to the ] magazine, he called himself 'spiritual supermarket', and claimed to have the ability to make people experience God:<blockquote>''"You can be a Christian and I will make you see Christ. You can be a Hindu and I can make you see Rama. I am a spiritual supermarket" '' – Vijaykumar, 2002<ref name="indiatoday2002">{{cite web|author=site admin |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20020617-kalki-bhagwan-controversy-tamil-nadu-based-godman-encounters-spate-of-accusations-795060-2002-06-17 |title=Cult in crisis – RELIGION News – Issue Date: Jun 17, 2002 |publisher=Indiatoday.in |date=2002-06-17 |accessdate=2020-04-11}}</ref> </blockquote> | |||
| In the same interview, he claimed to have ] powers – <blockquote>''"If you ask me whether you will own an Opel Astra, I will shut my eyes and try to see you in one. If I see the image, I'll tell you that you will own it within a given period"'' – Vijaykumar, 2002<ref name="indiatoday2002"/></blockquote> | |||
| He also claimed to be an ] of ] – <blockquote>''"I believe I can function like God and rid people of their miseries."'' – Vijaykumar, 2002<ref name="indiatoday2002"/></blockquote> | |||
| === Rebuttal of godman claims === | |||
| Vijaykumar's claims of having miraculous, supernatural, paranormal and spiritual powers have been contested and rebutted repeatedly by rationalists and scientists over the years. | |||
| In 2002, Bhagavan claimed that miracle of honey flowing from his picture was witnessed by well known Indian Rationalist ], who in turn claims not to have witnessed the said miracle.<ref name="indiatoday2002"/> | |||
| The ], a well known rationalist group based in Mangalore, Karnataka has debunked his various claims of miracles over the years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nayak |first1=Narendra |title=The cult of Kalki by Narendra Nayak |url=https://mm-gold.azureedge.net/Articles/nayak/cult_kalki.html |website=mm-gold.azureedge.net |accessdate=16 May 2020}}</ref> | |||
| === Death of organised religions === | |||
| In 2002, Kalki Bhagavan predicted that all organised religions would die between 2005 and 2012 and that only his Kalki cult would survive.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=June 17|first1=Arun Ram|last2=June 17|first2=2002 ISSUE DATE|last3=August 6|first3=2002UPDATED|last4=Ist|first4=2012 13:16|title=Kalki Bhagwan controversy: Tamil Nadu-based godman encounters spate of accusations|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20020617-kalki-bhagwan-controversy-tamil-nadu-based-godman-encounters-spate-of-accusations-795060-2002-06-17|access-date=2020-06-25|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> In 2019, after large-scale raids by Income Tax officials, writer DP Satish observed that the godman has been proved wrong and that "the opposite is now happening".<ref name="news18.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/who-is-kalki-bhagwan-who-predicted-death-of-organised-religions-and-now-faces-i-t-heat-2356761.html|title=Who is Kalki Bhagwan Who Once Predicted Death of Organised Religions and Now Faces I-T Heat?|website=News18|access-date=6 March 2020}}</ref> As of 2010, Christianity had an estimated 2.2 billion followers worldwide, while Islam had 1.6 billion. Hinduism had around 1 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-02|title=The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050|url=https://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/|access-date=2020-06-25|website=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|language=en-US}}</ref> These numbers are predicted to grow substantially in the coming decades.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-02|title=The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050|url=https://www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/religious-projections-2010-2050/|access-date=2020-06-25|website=Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| === Scientific claims for deeksha === | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan claims that when enough people have received 'deeksha', a type of Oneness 'blessing', a critical mass will be reached, affecting the collective DNA of humanity.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Windrider|first1=Kiara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=muxPTNJJekkC&q=critical+mass'+will+be+reached,+affecting+the+collective+DNA+of+humanity.&pg=PR18|title=Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven|last2=Sears|first2=Grace|date=2009|publisher=New World Library|isbn=978-1-57731-724-1|language=en}}</ref> He also claims that enlightenment is a neurobiological process, and that overactive ]s are the "biological seat of the ego".<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Windrider|first1=Kiara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=muxPTNJJekkC&q=Bhagavan+when+I+read+an+article+in+which+he+said+that+enlightenment+is+a+neurobiological+process&pg=PA100|title=Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven|last2=Sears|first2=Grace|date=2009|publisher=New World Library|isbn=978-1-57731-724-1|language=en}}</ref> Another of his claims is that many psychochosomatic ailments are healed by deeksha.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ardagh|first=Arjuna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W89LPKgMxxIC&q=Bhagavan+brain+research+ardagh&pg=PA64|title=Awakening into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness|date=2009-04-01|publisher=Sounds True|isbn=978-1-59179-864-4|language=en}}</ref> However, after initially supporting these claims in 2006, author Arjuna Ardagh later wrote that pilot studies in India and the USA had found little indication that deeksha has any effect on the brain that was different from meditation or other kinds of relaxation.<ref name=autogenerated3>{{Cite book|last=Ardagh, Arjuna.|title=Ontwaken in eenheid : de kracht van de oneness blessing in de evolutie van ons bewustzijn|date=2010|publisher=Zwerk|others=Wel, Anna van der.|isbn=978-90-77478-32-5|location=Houten|oclc=662568093}}</ref> | |||
| === 2012 Phenomenon === | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan had claimed that by ], he would enlighten 64,000 people to a state of extremely high consciousness who will in turn 'enlighten' the rest of humanity.<ref name='RA'/> In 2002, he announced that in the coming decade, humanity would be entering a new Golden Age, and he was going facilitate the transition.<ref name=autogenerated14 /> | |||
| In 2004, ] ] based on interpretations of the Mayan calendar, collaborated with Sri Bhagavan to initiate a worldwide festival called ''Oneness Celebration'' on the occasion of the Venus Transit of June 3, 2004.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Calleman, Ph.D |first1=Carl |title=The Mayan Calendar & The Transformation of Consciousness |url=https://www.amazon.com/Carl-Calleman-Ph-D-Transformation-Consciousness/dp/B0006SL1RM |publisher=A Better World |accessdate=13 June 2020 |language=English |date=16 July 2015}}</ref> During that period, Kalki Bhagavan claimed that by the year 2012, inside the ], there would be between 5,000 and 8,000 people meditating at all times.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Roth|first1=Ron|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SN9bX5gDtigC&q=sri+bhagavan&pg=PA18|title=The Sacred Light of Healing: Teachings and Meditations on Divine Oneness|last2=Montgomery|first2=Roger|date=2007|publisher=iUniverse|isbn=978-0-595-44896-8|language=en}}</ref> | |||
| Most western spiritual seekers lost interest in the Oneness Movement when they did not experience any 'spiritual awakening' and 'enlightenment' promised to them by Kalki Bhagavan. There was further disappointment when, after ], the much anticipated and supposed 'Golden Age' of 'world enlightenment' prophesied by Kalki Bhagavan did not occur.<ref name=autogenerated13>{{cite web |title=Oneness Movement – WRSP |url=https://wrldrels.org/2018/08/17/oneness-movement/ |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| === Cause of human suffering === | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan claims that the only cause for human suffering is the strong sense of a separate self that each individual experiences that gives each the feeling of "me and a not-me". According to him, this is what causes problems in the home, in relationships between people, and in wars between nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/oneness-to-the-rescue-of-a-world-in-peril/articleshow/2732690.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst |title=Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril|work=The Economic Times |date=26 January 2008 |accessdate=11 April 2020}}</ref> | |||
| == Spiritual programs == | |||
| ===Programs in India=== | |||
| ] ] School located in ] District, ] was founded by Sri Bhagavan, in July 1984 to provide an alternative form of education. The school's early benefactor was Dr. N. Sivakamu, a close associate of ].<ref name="maka">{{cite news | last = Paranjape | first = Makarand | work = Life Positive | date = July 1997 | title = Bhagwan Kalki }} https://www.lifepositive.com/bhagwan-kalki/</ref> The land for the school was taken on a lease, with the support provided by Hari Khoday, an Indian philanthropist. As director of the school, Sri Bhagavan's focus was to develop an environment for children to truly flower and discover themselves. The school had 180 residential students and 200 day students from nearby villages.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}} It was at this school that his spiritual work began. In the summer of 1989, one of the students reported a mystical experience of divine silence. Soon, many other students reported similar experiences, and they were also able to pass their experiences to one another. During these experiences, children had vision of various Gods and would converse with them. Sri Bhagavan explained that the children had got in touch with ], ''the inner guide who dwells in your heart'' that guides all beings towards greater truth.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}} In 1991, Sri Bhagawan decided to close the school and start the spiritual work for the larger community. The school was closed a few years later in 1994, after the senior students had all graduated from high school and the remaining students were moved to other schools.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}} | |||
| Once the decision was made to close Jeevashram School, work started in developing the spiritual programs for the public.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}} The principal of the Jeevashram School with a small group of teachers started the spiritual programs for public. The workshops were conducted as residential retreat programs conducted over 7 days or 21 days. The workshop focused on helping the participant ''accept themselves as they are'',<ref name="auto">{{cite news | last = Varughese | first = Suma | work = Life Positive | title = Sri Bhagawan Kalki – The School of Enlightenment }} http://lifepositive.com/the-school-for-enlightenment/</ref> and connect with their ''own inner divine self'' the ].<ref name="auto"/> Students also reported various spiritual experiences including mystical visions of their own personal God riding a white horse, similar to the ] form of ] from traditional ].<ref name="RA"/><ref name="etymologically2003">]: Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Etymologically and Philologically Arranged with Special Reference to Cognate Indo-European Languages, 1889, reprinted 2003, Nataraj Books, Asian Educational Services, {{ISBN|81-206-0369-9}}</ref> Based on this shared spiritual experiences, the students and public would address Sri Bhagavan with the title "Kalki".<ref name="RA"/> | |||
| A second campus was set up in 1992 near ] city a place called Somangalam. In 1994, the campus of Jeevashram School was renamed as ]. Advance retreat programs for public were conducted at this campus. By 1995, Sri Bhagavan's workshops were being conducted in all major cities in India. In 1995, the first major public event was held at Chennai city, attracting more than 100,000 students from across India. In 1999, the work on building the Oneness University{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 2}} at ], ] district ] India started. Oneness University, located 70 km from ], is accessible by the National Highway 5 and is on Tirupati Road leading to the ancient temple town of ]. In 2000, the first campus was completed and Sri Bhagavan and his team of teachers moved to the campus. Over the next few years, various campuses, including the Oneness Temple in 2008<ref>{{cite news | last = Avadhani | first = Ramesh | work = Religiscope | title = India: A visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagawan}} http://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/</ref> were built. | |||
| ===International programs=== | |||
| In 1998, the first course specifically made for Westerners were held, with 40 participants from Russia, USA and Scandinavia.<ref name = "gupea_2077">https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33618/1/gupea_2077_33618_1.pdf</ref> In January 2004, the first 3 weeks courses<ref name = "gupea_2077"/> for international students was started.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 2}} Starting from these courses, the participants were initiated to give deeksha to others.<ref name = "gupea_2077"/> | |||
| The headquarters and main campus for the movement is in ], Andhra Pradesh, ], which houses the ]. The movement aimed "To create oneness for all for lasting spiritual transformation"<ref name="ET_Mumbai">{{cite news|last=TNN|title=Mumbai Inc learns about 'Oneness'|date=2 February 2008|work=The Economic Times}}</ref> using the ] of deeksha. | |||
| ] the Indian social reformer, states ''"All over India, oneness is the only University providing the values which have not been provided by any other University"''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://vamsigrandhi.blogspot.com/2011/08/anna-hazare-visited-oneness-university.html|title=Anna Hazare Visited Oneness University|first=Vamsi, Amazed With Challenges And Incidents In|last=Life|date=21 August 2011|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moZ2AwfDU6Q|title=Anna Hazare Comments on Youth Course of Oneness University|via=YouTube|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> ] of the Budapest Club, avers that the 'Oneness experience' are as real as any human sense perceptions of light, colour and sound, but conveyed via different neural process within the brain.<ref>{{cite news | last = Nadkarni | first = Vithal | work = The Economic Times | title = Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril }} http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/oneness-to-the-rescue-of-a-world-in-peril/articleshow/2732690.cms</ref> | |||
| In 2006, ], the well known American businessman and coach, discovered meditation through his visit to Oneness University, and has since incorporated teachings of Sri Bhagavan as part of his own programs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fortune.com/2014/10/30/tony-robbins-best-advice-executive-coach/|title=Tony Robbins, The CEO Whisperer|website=Fortune|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> In 2009, about 600 delegates from India and 36 others converged at Sri Bhagavan's Oneness University campus for the international convention of the ]. This program was attended by various well-known figures, such as ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news | last = Correspondent | first = Special | work = The Hindu | title = world convention | date = 2 January 2009}} </ref><ref>''VHP condemns terrorism'' </ref> Well-known visitors to Sri Bhagavan's Oneness University campus include ] stars ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/shilpa-shetty-in-silent-mode/article13726.ece|title=Shilpa Shetty in silent mode | The Hindu|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite news| last = Varma | first = Lipika | work = Deccan Chronicle | title = On her trip to Chennai, Manisha}}</ref> ] states, "I go away to Oneness University in Chennai – I gain clarity and get a sense of bliss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/290517/on-her-trip-to-chennai-manisha-will-catch-up-with-kamal-haasan-and-mani-ratnam.html |title=On her trip to Chennai, Manisha will catch up with Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam |work=Deccan Chronicle |date= |accessdate=2020-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/manisha-koirala-prays-at-kalki-ashram/article2654685.ece|title=Manisha Koirala prays at Kalki Ashram|date=24 November 2011|work=The Hindu|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/hrithik-off-to-a-wellness-course-with-his-family-55962-2009-09-07|title=Hrithik off to a wellness course with his family|first1=Mail Today|last1=MumbaiSeptember 7|first2=2009UPDATED|last2=September 7|first3=2009 09:05|last3=Ist|website=India Today|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Hrithik-family-get-spiritual-on-dads-bday/articleshow/4974833.cms|title=Hrithik & family get spiritual on dad's b'day|website=The Times of India}}</ref> designer ],<ref name="Spiritual">{{cite news | last = TNN | work = The Times of India | title = So, who's spiritual | date = 2008-06-08 }} ''"The Oneness University in Chennai set up by the couple Amma and Bhagwan, which has attracted international celebs like designer Donna Karan, Def Leppard musician Rick Allen and NBA coach Pat Riley"''</ref> ] musician ],<ref name="Spiritual"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZ4rzDR2N-c|title=ONENESS CHANT by Lauren Monroe Allen and Rick Allen|via=YouTube|accessdate=24 October 2019}}</ref> ] coach ],<ref name="Spiritual"/> spiritual leader ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFf9tF5geas|title=RAVI SHANKAR with ONENESS.MPG|via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/vijaykumar-from-humble-beginning-to-godman-kalki/1643581 |title=Vijaykumar: From humble beginning to Godman Kalki |publisher=Outlookindia.com |date=18 October 2019 |accessdate=11 April 2020}}</ref> In 2011 he was included in ''Watkins Mind Body Spirit'' list of influential spiritual leaders for that year.<ref>{{cite journal | journal = Watkins Review: Mind Body Spirit 1893 UK London | title = 100 Spiritual Power List by Watkins, 2011 | author = Watkins Books | publisher = Watkins Books | issue = 26 | url = http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list | access-date = 21 July 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140720074011/http://www.watkinsbooks.com/review/watkins-spiritual-100-list | archive-date = 20 July 2014 | url-status = dead | df = dmy-all }}</ref> In 2019, Kalki Bhagavan claimed to have thousands of followers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/we-have-not-fled-the-country-kalki-bhagavan/article29772426.ece|title=We have not fled the country: 'Kalki' Bhagavan|date=23 October 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=18 March 2020|others=Special Correspondent|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | |||
| ===O&O Academy=== | |||
| Over the years, Kalki Bhagavan's Oneness movement has called itself various names including the ''Foundation for World Awakening'', ''Golden Age Foundation'', ''Bhagavad Dharma'', ''Kalki Dharma'', ''Oneness University'' and ''Living in Joy Foundation''.<ref name="english.religion.info"/> | |||
| * Bhagavan, Sri (2019).''Activating Your Inner Success Codes''.<ref>{{cite book | last=Bhagavan |first=Sri |year=2019 |title=Activating Your Inner Success Codes|url=https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50255771-activating-your-inner-success-codes}}</ref> {{ISBN|9789574368389}} | |||
| In 2017, the Oneness organization was handed over to Kalki Bhagavan's son, NKV Krishna and daughter-in-law ].<ref name=autogenerated4>{{Cite book|last1=Preethaji|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uUaBDwAAQBAJ&q=preetha+krishna|title=The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State|last2=Krishnaji|date=6 August 2019|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-1-5011-7379-0|language=en}}</ref> They have merged it with their own One World Academy to form 'O&O Academy'.<ref name=autogenerated4 /> During 2019, NKV Krishna and Preetha Krishna published a book together, called ''The Four Sacred Secrets'', writing under the names 'Krishnaji' and 'Preethaji'.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Publishers Weekly|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-50117-377-6|website=publishersweekly.com|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> In January 2020, NKV Krishna was interviewed by Nick Duerden of the British edition of GQ magazine.<ref name=autogenerated8>{{Cite web|title=Society once had religion to give it purpose. Now it has wellness coaches|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/wellness-coach|website=British GQ|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> In the interview, NKV Krishna claimed to be a guru with 10 million followers in India.<ref name=autogenerated8 /> Krishna told the interviewer that his father saw otherworldly visions, including “...a gigantic golden orb of light provoking him to chant and meditate for the liberation of humankind”, and that he has inherited those visions.<ref name=autogenerated8 /> | |||
| ===Devotees abandoning the movement=== | |||
| Shankara Bhagawat (R. Sankar), Vijaykumar's first serious disciple and close childhood friend, who co-founded the Oneness Organization, left him in 1998, after alleging that Oneness Movement was controlling and manipulative.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shobha |first1=V |title=The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan |url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/ |website=Open The Magazine |accessdate=16 May 2020 |date=1 November 2019}}</ref> Freddy Nielsen, Vijaykumar's close associate from Sweden and his long-time follower since 1989, left him in 2005 after directing severe criticism against Kalki Bhagavan and the Oneness Movement.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Thorsen |first1=Elin |title=Oneness of Different Kinds: A Comparative Study of Amma and Bhagavan's Oneness Movement in India and Sweden |url=https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33618/1/gupea_2077_33618_1.pdf |website=GUPEA |accessdate=16 May 2020}}</ref> | |||
| In November 2009 there was a significant change, when 25 of the senior instructors, including NKV Krishna, Anandagiri and Vimalkirti, disaffiliated from Kalki and Amma Bhagavan to form their own organization, which they named 'One World Academy'.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> | |||
| Arjuna Ardagh, author of the book ''Awakening into Oneness'' noted in 2010 that more than 70 percent of the people he interviewed for the book had ceased their association with Oneness Organization and Kalki Bhagavan due to disappointment, disillusionment, allegations and controversies.<ref name=autogenerated3/> He outlined this an afterword he added to his book ''Awakening into Oneness'' (Dutch edition).<ref name=autogenerated3 /> In particular, he mentioned Erwin Laslow, who wrote the book's foreword, Rani Kumra, who ran the American movement, and scientist Christian Opitz who researched the effects of deeksha in the brain.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> In addition, Ardagh wrote that the '100 Village Project' he referred to in Chapter 10 of ''Awakening into Oneness'' had been abandoned.<ref name=autogenerated3 /> | |||
| Since 2013, many Westerners lost interest in the Oneness Movement when they did not experience any 'spiritual awakening'. There was further disappointment when, after 2012, the much anticipated and supposed 'Golden Age' was not perceivable in people's lives.<ref name=autogenerated13 /> | |||
| ===Accusations against the organization=== | |||
| In 2000, the Tamil novelist, Indumathi, accused the Oneness organization of pressuring her to recruit well-known personalities within her personal circle, such as Latha Rajinikanth.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The rise of 'Kalki' Bhagwan: From an LIC agent to a self-proclaimed 'avatar'|url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/the-rise-of-kalki-bhagwan-from-an-lic-agent-to-a-self-proclaimed-avatar/|last=S|first=Jayaseelan K.|date=2019-10-19|website=The Federal|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-24}}</ref> | |||
| In 2019, popular ]ese Actress ] removed her social media post promoting Kalki Bhagavan's teaching after the ] through its Chinese ] (MPS) and China Anti-Cult Association (CACA) issued a warning about the Oneness activities in the state run media ]. The Chinese Communist Party claimed that the Oneness Organization used ']' philosophy to control its believers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chinese Actress Deletes Her Weibo Post Promoting 'Controversial Indian Spiritual Courses' |url=https://www.news18.com/news/world/chinese-actress-deletes-her-weibo-post-promoting-controversial-indian-spiritual-courses-2005837.html |accessdate=14 May 2020 |work=News18 |date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=After Taiwanese Actor's Post, China Warns About Indian 'Cults' |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/hot-news/taiwan-actor-annie-yi-china-warning-indian-spiritual-course-ram-rahim |accessdate=14 May 2020 |work=The Quint |date=17 January 2019 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| During the 1990s, local village people near the Oneness ashram organised protests against Kalki Bhagavan and his organization for cheaply buying up hundreds of acres of land from local farmers. Subsequently, some of the farmers had their land returned to them.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mystic and the moolah|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2019/11/09/mystic-and-the-moolah.html|website=The Week|language=en|access-date=2020-05-19}}</ref> | |||
| In the Indian media, there have been various allegations of misconduct against Kalki Bhagavan and activities being conducted inside his ashram. These include:<ref name="Hindustan Times">{{cite news |title=After marathon Income Tax raid, godman Kalki Bhagwan faces ED heat |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/after-marathon-income-tax-raid-godman-kalki-bhagwan-faces-ed-heat/story-c5g51yW95NWHdIwVLqVVQN.html |accessdate=15 May 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=24 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thorsen |first1=Elin |title=Oneness of Different Kinds: A Comparative Study of Amma and Bhagavan's Oneness Movement in India and Sweden |url=https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33618/1/gupea_2077_33618_1.pdf |website=GUPEA |publisher=Goteborgs Universitet |accessdate=15 May 2020}}</ref> | |||
| * accusations of ], | |||
| * charges of drug and sexual abuse, and | |||
| * allegations of forced monk-hood | |||
| == Business activities and real estate development == | |||
| ===White Lotus conglomerate=== | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan runs the ''']''' along with his son N.K.V. Krishna, and daughter-in-law ].<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mohamed |last=Imranullah|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalki-bhagavans-daughter-in-law-moves-hc-against-look-out-circular/article30042861.ece|title='Kalki' Bhagavan's daughter-in-law moves HC against 'look out circular'|date=22 November 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=26 April 2020|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rs 44 cr cash, 90 kg gold, Rs 20 cr worth US dollars seized in I-T raids on properties linked to spiritual guru Kalki Bhagwan |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/business/report-rs-44-cr-cash-90-kg-gold-rs-20-cr-worth-us-dollars-seized-in-i-t-raids-on-properties-linked-to-spiritual-guru-kalki-bhagwan-2798134 |website=DNA India |language=en |date=21 October 2019}}</ref> The ''White Lotus'' is a ] of family businesses in various sectors like real estate, property development, energy, media and sport having names like White Lotus Group, Kosmik/Kosmic, Sacredbanyan, Transend, KPL, Bluewater, Golden Lotus, Goldenage, Chatrachaya, Yogi and Enlite.<ref name=autogenerated5>{{Cite web|title=The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan|url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/|date=2019-11-01|website=Open The Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-06}}</ref> Senior members of the former Oneness organization also sit on the boards of these companies.<ref name=autogenerated7>{{Cite web|title=The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan|url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/|date=2019-11-01|website=Open The Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> These include two '']s'' originally in charge of the order of the monks, Ananda Giri and Jyothirmayee Chundi, also known as Samadarshini.<ref name=autogenerated7 /> Ananda Giri was NKV Krishna's best friend at school.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Ardagh|first=Arjuna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sDubhH9Pb40C&q=Ananda+Giri+krishnaji&pg=PA39|title=Awakening Into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness|date=2009-10-29|publisher=ReadHowYouWant.com|isbn=978-1-4587-3614-7|language=en}}</ref> In the early days of the Oneness organization, Samadarshini was head of the Kalki order of nuns in Bangalore.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive|url=https://www.lifepositive.com/bhagwan-kalki/|website=lifepositive.com|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> | |||
| In 2020, the White Lotus group joined a consortium which is bidding upwards of '''$200 Million USD''' to buy ] from Indian Business tycoon ].<ref name=autogenerated9>{{cite web |last1=Convened Insiders |first1=Maverick |title=A controversial babu, a godman, film producers: Meet the faces behind the INR16,000 crore bid for RCom – ET Prime |url=https://insidersconvene.wordpress.com/2020/02/06/a-controversial-babu-a-godman-film-producers-meet-the-faces-behind-the-inr16000-crore-bid-for-rcom-et-prime/ |website=ET |publisher=ET Prime}}</ref> | |||
| The Dubai-based White Lotus Investment Group was co-founded by tycoon Raju Poosapati (PSR Raju), an associate of N.K.V Krishna.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Cult of Kalki Bhagavan|url=https://openthemagazine.com/features/the-cult-of-kalki-bhagavan/|date=2019-11-01|website=Open The Magazine|language=en-GB|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> The group has invested in ] in Nairobi, the tallest in Africa, which is currently under construction.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Nairobi's tallest building planned|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/587846/nairobis-tallest-building-planned.html|date=22 December 2016|website=Deccan Herald|language=en|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> The Pinnacle is a joint venture between White Lotus, Jabavu Village and the ] Group.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hilton kicks off second Nairobi high-end hotel|url=https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/companies/Hilton-kicks-off-second-Nairobi-high-end-hotel/4003102-3939084-2719c5/index.html|date=23 May 2017|website=Business Daily|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> Between them, the White Lotus and Hass organisations are investing about $200 million in the Pinnacle project.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Work begins on the tallest skyscraper in Africa|url=https://www.cnn.com/style/article/pinnacle-nairobi/index.html|first=Kieron |last=Monks|website=CNN|language=en|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> However, as of September 2019, construction of the Pinnacle had stalled.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Africa's tallest building aims to be a standout|url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/real-estate/africas-tallest-building-aims-to-be-a-standout|date=24 September 2019|website=The Business Times|language=en|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Nairobi's elegant office space that no one wants|url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001358505/nairobi-s-elegant-office-space-that-no-one-wants|last=Wambu|first=Wainaina|website=The Standard|language=en|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> During 2019, the White Lotus Projects group was found to be in contempt of court for proceeding with the Pinnacle project in violation of two court orders issued in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dubai tycoons sought for contempt of court|url=https://kenyantribune.com/dubai-tycoons-sought-for-contempt-of-court/|last=|date=7 February 2019|website=Kenyan Tribune|language=en-US|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> In February 2020, Nairobi police issued an arrest warrant for the CEO of White Lotus, Raju Poosapati.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dubai tycoons sought for contempt of court|url=https://www.nation.co.ke/news/Dubai-tycoons-sought-for-contempt-of-court/1056-4970346-hxkm6hz/index.html|website=Daily Nation|language=en|access-date=2020-05-04}}</ref> The White Lotus property development group also has offices in Chicago and Omaha, Nebraska.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vacant school about 1 mile west of the former Northridge Mall proposed for 100 affordable apartments|url=https://www.jsonline.com/story/money/real-estate/commercial/2019/11/07/vacant-school-near-milwaukees-northridge-affordable-apartments/2516795001/|website=Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|language=en|access-date=2 May 2020}}</ref> | |||
| ===Real estate development=== | |||
| The White Lotus Group owns the 1930s ] building in ]. After a $7 million re-development, it was re-opened in 2010 as the Hotel Deco XV.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hotel Deco XV is Deco'd out|url=https://smallmarketmeetings.com/articles/hotel-deco-xv-is-decod-out/|website=smallmarketmeetings.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-09}}</ref> | |||
| The Indian media have reported accusations of ].<ref name="Hindustan Times"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Thorsen |first1=Elin |title=Oneness of Different Kinds: A Comparative Study of Amma and Bhagavan's Oneness Movement in India and Sweden |url=https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/33618/1/gupea_2077_33618_1.pdf |website=GUPEA |publisher=Goteborgs Universitet |accessdate=15 May 2020}}</ref> | |||
| ===Music, media and sport=== | |||
| One of the Kalki family businesses, production company Kosmik Global Media, owns the ], a ] team.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=IANS|date=16 July 2014|title=Bangalore franchise kabaddi team launched|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bangalore-franchise-kabaddi-team-launched-114071601156_1.html|access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> Kosmik Music,<ref></ref> is a music label with more than 1,200 titles ranging from Classical, Spiritual, Fusion, New Age, Devotional and Film. Its most successful brand is "Sacred Chants" that was from traditional Vedic hymns.<ref></ref> | |||
| Bhagavan through his associates,<ref name="ga">https://www.greatandhra.com/politics/gossip/studio-n-channel-locked-out-90631</ref> is reported to own a defunct <ref name="ga"/> media company ], a satellite television channel that is presently shuttered.<ref name="ga"/> It is reported to have been purchased in 2014 from Narne Srinivas Rao, father-in-law of film actor ].<ref>. {{Cite web|title=IT Sleuths search Kalki Bhagavan's properties in Hyderabad|url=https://newsmeter.in/it-sleuths-search-kalki-bhagavans-properties-in-hyderabad/|last=Suares|first=Coreena|date=2019-10-16|website=NewsMeter|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-06}}</ref> | |||
| ==Legal cases == | |||
| === Court action by social activist === | |||
| In 2002, Social activist Viswanath Swami filed a complaint with the Indian Income-Tax Department, alleging that Vijayakumar and his associate R. Shankar had floated more than 10 trusts for rural development and obtained tax exemption for funds collected by these trusts. Swami alleged that Kalki Bhagavan was using these funds to help setup multiple businesses for his son NKV Krishna, rather than using the money for the stated purpose.<ref>{{cite web |last1=June 17 |first1=Arun Ram |last2=June 17 |first2=Arun Ram |last3=August 6 |first3=Arun Ram |last4=Ist |first4=Arun Ram |title=Kalki Bhagwan controversy: Tamil Nadu-based godman encounters spate of accusations |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20020617-kalki-bhagwan-controversy-tamil-nadu-based-godman-encounters-spate-of-accusations-795060-2002-06-17 |website=India Today |accessdate=17 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Following this, in 2004, the ] took up a public interest litigation alleging misuse of public funds by various Kalki trusts. The Madras High Court then rejected this plea for a probe. Later, when the petitioner approached the ], a Supreme Court bench comprising Justice ] and Justice P. Venkatarama Reddi, upheld the judgement of the Madras High Court. The ] after hearing counsel Prashant Bhushan, dismissed and rejected the petition by Vishwanath Swami,<ref>{{cite news | last = Correspondent | first = Legal | work = The Hindu | title = Plea for CBI probe against godman turned down | date = 2004-02-03 }} "</ref> | |||
| === Lawsuit against newspaper === | |||
| In 2019, writing for the ''Times of India'', Arun Ram recounts that, in 2002, he wrote an article about Kalki Bhagavan's Oneness Movement which resulted in a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the publication.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{Cite web|date=2019-11-04|title=How Kalki gave me a story, but not an Aishwarya look-alike|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/chennaitalkies/how-kalki-gave-me-a-story-but-not-an-aishwarya-look-alike/|access-date=2020-06-10|website=Times of India Blog|language=en-US}}</ref> However, the Mumbai High Court found in favour of the publication, and the media's 'right to write'.<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/> | |||
| ==Income tax raids== | |||
| ] of Vijaykumar Naidu by Indian Law Enforcement agencies.]] | |||
| In October 2019, more than 300 Income Tax department officials and police personnel raided about 40 premises associated with various businesses owned by Kalki Bhagavan and his family. During the marathon raid which took place for 5 days, the department confiscated unaccounted assets including:<ref name=autogenerated1 /> | |||
| * Cash and Gold worth US$12 Million | |||
| * Cash receipts worth US$55 Million | |||
| Investigators say Kalki Bhagavan laundered money and purchased assets abroad through '']'' transactions.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2019/11/09/mystic-and-the-moolah.html|title=Mystic and the moolah|website=The Week|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref> His son N.K.V. Krishna and Krishna's wife, ], were questioned by the income tax department. | |||
| The ] registered a case against Bhagavan and Krishna under the ].<ref name=":2" /> In December 2019, '''907 acres''' of land owned by Kalki Bhagavan and his family was ']' by Indian Law Enforcement agencies.<ref name=autogenerated6 /> | |||
| Reporters subsequently visiting Kalki Bhagavan's ashram near Chennai found it to be deserted, with the eleven cash counters all closed.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mystic and the moolah|url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2019/11/09/mystic-and-the-moolah.html|website=The Week|language=en|access-date=2020-05-01}}</ref> | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan issued a statement denying that he had fled the country.<ref name=autogenerated12>{{Cite news|last=Rangarajan|first=A. d|date=2019-10-22|title=We have not fled the country, says Kalki Bhagavan, after I-T raids on his premises|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/we-have-not-fled-the-country-says-kalki-bhagavan-after-i-t-raids-on-his-premises/article29766983.ece|access-date=2020-05-01|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The investigation is in progress.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> The ] granted time for the Income Tax Department to file its counter affidavit to a writ petition preferred by Preetha Krishna against a ‘]’ issued by the department preventing her from flying abroad without receiving an Income Tax Department clearance certificate.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Mohamed |last=Imranullah|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/kalki-bhagavans-daughter-in-law-moves-hc-against-look-out-circular/article30042861.ece|title='Kalki' Bhagavan's daughter-in-law moves HC against 'look out circular'|date=22 November 2019|work=The Hindu|access-date=9 April 2020|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | |||
| Preetha Krishna's request to travel to the US and ] was denied by the Income Tax Department assistant director K Mahadevan, who said that her presence would be necessary for the investigation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/kalki-900-acres-of-benami-land-attached-by-i-t/articleshow/72909944.cms|title=Kalki Bhagavan case: 900 acres of benami land attached by I-T |date=21 December 2019|first=B. |last=Sivakumar |website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=9 April 2020}}</ref> | |||
| == Personal information == | |||
| === Alternative names === | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan (born ''Vijaykumar Naidu'') is referred to by his followers as ''Sri Bhagavan'', and popularly known as ''Kalki Bhagavan''.<ref name ="fire">{{Cite book|last=Windrider|first=Kiara|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=muxPTNJJekkC&pg=PP5|title=Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven|date=2006|publisher=New World Library|isbn=978-1-930722-70-5|language=en}}</ref> He has also been called simply ''Kalki'', and several other names including ''Bhagavan Ishwara'' and ''Mukteshwar''.<ref name="Bhagwan Kalki {{!}} Life Positive"/><ref>{{Cite book|last=Ardagh|first=Arjuna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sDubhH9Pb40C&q=Kalki,+Mukteshwar,+and+several+other+names&pg=PA286|title=Awakening Into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness|date=2009-10-29|publisher=ReadHowYouWant.com|isbn=978-1-4587-3614-7|language=en}}</ref> In Sanskrit, ''Mukteshwar'' means 'Lord of Salvation'.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Reily|first1=Suzel Ana|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tN_eDAAAQBAJ&q=Mukteshwar+salvation&pg=PA151|title=The Oxford Handbook of Music and World Christianities|last2=Dueck|first2=Jonathan M.|date=2016-03-16|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-986000-5|language=en}}</ref> | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan's wife has been known by several names including Bujjamma, 'Padmavathi' and 'Amma'.<ref>{{Cite web|last=S|first=Jayaseelan K.|date=2019-10-19|title=The rise of 'Kalki' Bhagwan: From an LIC agent to a self-proclaimed 'avatar'|url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/the-rise-of-kalki-bhagwan-from-an-lic-agent-to-a-self-proclaimed-avatar/|access-date=2020-08-07|website=The Federal|language=en-US}}</ref> Kalki Bhagavan and his wife together are known by their followers as ''Amma Bhagavan''.<ref name="english.religion.info">{{Cite web|date=2008-07-13|title=India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan|url=https://english.religion.info/2008/07/13/india-a-visit-to-the-oneness-temple-of-amma-bhagwan/|access-date=2020-06-06|website=Religioscope|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
| === Early life === | |||
| ]''; with his son NKV Krishna (back row left) and wife Padmavathi (back row center). ''Circa 1990'']] | |||
| Vijay Kumar Naidu was born on 7 March 1949 in Natham Village, ] Town, ] district, ], to Smt. Vaidarbhi Amma and Sri Varadarajulu. His father was the head of the accounts department of ] and his mother was a simple village woman. In 1955, when Vijay Kumar Naidu was six years of age, the family moved to ]. There, he attended ] in ]. Later, he graduated from ] in ], majoring in mathematics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Narayanan, Dr. Vasudha, "A 'White Paper' on Kalki Bhagavan, 29 September 2002", University of Florida, Gainesville, Montclair. |url=https://msuweb.montclair.edu/~adarkara/d-kalki.html |website=msuweb.montclair.edu}}</ref> After completing college, he began working as an office clerk for ] (LIC).<ref name="thefederallic"/> | |||
| Vijay Kumar Naidu married Smt. Padmavathi on 9 June 1977. This was an arranged marriage following the prevalent customary practice in India for marriages decided by elders in the family.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}} Padmavathi, who is addressed as Amma by their students, takes an interest and participation in building the spiritual organization Oneness.{{sfn|Ardagh|2008|loc=Chapter 1,2}} | |||
| At an early age, Vijay Kumar Naidu was introduced to the philosophy of ] by his childhood friend R. Sankar. This drew him to the ] in Chennai, to which he was a frequent visitor.<ref name="thefederallic">{{cite web|url=https://thefederal.com/states/south/tamil-nadu/the-rise-of-kalki-bhagwan-from-an-lic-agent-to-a-self-proclaimed-avatar/|title=The rise of 'Kalki' Bhagwan: From an LIC agent to a self-proclaimed 'avatar'|last=S|first=Jayaseelan K.|date=19 October 2019|website=The Federal|access-date=9 February 2020}}</ref> | |||
| In 1983, Vijaykumar was expelled from the ] where he used to work as an administrator with R. Sankar.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20020617-kalki-bhagwan-controversy-tamil-nadu-based-godman-encounters-spate-of-accusations-795060-2002-06-17|title=Kalki Bhagwan controversy: Tamil Nadu-based godman encounters spate of accusations|last1=17 June|first1=Arun Ram|last2=June 17|first2=2002 ISSUE DATE|website=India Today|access-date=5 March 2020|last3=August 6|first3=2002UPDATED|last4=Ist|first4=2012 13:16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=site admin |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/religion/story/20020617-kalki-bhagwan-controversy-tamil-nadu-based-godman-encounters-spate-of-accusations-795060-2002-06-17 |title=Cult in crisis – RELIGION News – Issue Date: Jun 17, 2002 |publisher=Indiatoday.in |date=17 June 2002 |accessdate=1 March 2020}}</ref> | |||
| === Health === | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan has been suffering from ill health for a long time.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Swamy |first1=Rohini |title=Kalki Bhagavan, guru who started as LIC clerk & now has 'undisclosed income' of Rs 500 cr |url=https://theprint.in/india/kalki-bhagavan-guru-started-as-lic-clerk-undisclosed-income-500-crore/309158/ |website=ThePrint |accessdate=12 August 2020 |date=22 October 2019}}</ref> | |||
| During 2012–2013, Kalki Bhagavan was severely ill and underwent an ] in ] in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news |title=Concerns over health status of Kalki Bhagawan |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/301016/concerns-over-health-status-of-kalki-bhagawan.html |accessdate=23 May 2020 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=30 October 2016 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| In October 2016, Kalki Bhagavan was again admitted to the ] in ] due to a health ailment. He was rushed to the hospital from his ashram at ] on the outskirts of the city after he complained of uneasiness.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kalki Bhagavan hospitalized |url=http://www.mytelangana.com/sports/3387/kalki-bhagavan-hospitalized |accessdate=17 May 2020 |work=mytelangana.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| In November 2019, he was admitted to an ] (ICU) of a private hospital at ], after he suffered a heart attack.<ref name=autogenerated10 /> | |||
| === Political affiliation === | |||
| Kalki Bhagavan has close affiliation with the ] (TDP), a regional political party in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Vijaykumar Naidu along with the top leaders of the TDP, including former chief minister ], belong to the politically dominant ] community. When the TDP was in power, lawmakers used to frequent Vijaykumar's ashram.<ref name=autogenerated11>{{cite web |title=Mystic and the moolah |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/current/2019/11/09/mystic-and-the-moolah.html |website=The Week |accessdate=23 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
| Vijaykumar openly supported the TDP in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections in ] in 2019. Leaders of the regional party ], and other opposition parties alleged that the TDP ran its election campaign with the help of Bhagavan's employees who doubled as party workers. K. Adhimulam, a YSR Congress leader, alleged that Kalki Bhagavan was actively funding TDP's election campaign and that his ashram staff were ].<ref name=autogenerated11 /> | |||
| Vijaykumar's son NKV Krishna has deeper links with the ]; he is the co-owner of the news channel ], which was founded and run by TDP party members.<ref name=autogenerated11 /> | |||
| === Family === | |||
| Vijaykumar's immediate family includes his wife Padmavati, his son NKV Krishna, and daughter-in-law ]. | |||
| == See also == | == See also == | ||
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| * ] | * ] | ||
| == Notes == | |||
| {{notelist}} | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist}} | |||
| ==External links== | ==External links== | ||
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| ==References== | |||
| {{reflist}} | |||
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Latest revision as of 18:20, 3 December 2024
21st-century Indian spiritual teacher
| Kalki Bhagawan | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Vijay Kumar Naidu (1949-03-07) 7 March 1949 (age 75) Natham, Madras State, India (present-day Tamil Nadu) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Other names | Sri Bhagavan, Amma Bhagavan (as a couple) |
| Alma mater | DG Vaishnav College, Chennai |
| Known for | Spiritual teacher from India |
| Spouse |
Padmavathi (m. 1977) |
Kalki Bhagawan (born 7 March 1949 as Vijay Kumar Naidu), also known as Sri Bhagavan, is a spiritual teacher from India. He is the founder of a spiritual organization called Oneness. which has its headquarters in Varadaiahpalem, Tirupati district in Andhra Pradesh.
Early life
Bhagavan was born as Vijay Kumar Naidu on 7 March 1949 in Natham village, Vellore district in Tamil Nadu, to Vaidarbhi Amma and Sri Varadarajulu. His father was the head of the accounts department of Indian Railways.
Education and early career
In 1955 his family moved to Chennai where he attended Don Bosco School. In his childhood he was introduced to the philosophy of Jiddu Krishnamurti by his friend R. Sankar. He graduated from DG Vaishnav College in Chennai, majoring in Mathematics. After completing college, he worked as an office clerk for Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
Marriage
He married Padmavathi on 9 June 1977, following the customary practice in India where marriages are decided by elders in the family. Padmavathi, also known as “Amma” by the followers, participated in building the Oneness spiritual organization.
Work
In 1984, Bhagavan established a residential school called Jeevashram in Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh to provide an alternative form of education with the goal of “developing an environment for children to discover themselves and reach their full potential".
In 1994, the Jeevashram school campus was renamed to Satyaloka and spiritual programs for the public was started. In 2000, he subsequently founded the Oneness organization with the stated mission to create “lasting spiritual transformation" and to alleviate human suffering “at its roots by awakening humanity into Oneness and transforming the world into a better place”.
During the early stages of the movement, Bhagavan was regarded by his followers as Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Vishnu and his work was locally referred to as the “Kalki movement”. Bhagavan has also stated that "although this is the time for Kalki’s emergence, Kalki is not one person but a collective awakening".
The organization’s work includes the practice of giving and receiving the “Oneness Blessing” also known as the Deeksha, which is a technique of “energy transmission to usher the receiver into a state of higher consciousness.” The practice does not require initiation into following a new path.
Bhagavan believes that when a critical mass of people have received the "Oneness Blessing", it would affect the "collective DNA" of humanity, resulting as an "Age of Enlightenment", which will take few decades to fully take effect.Followers of the movement have reported psychosomatic ailments to have been healed by the "Oneness Blessing".In 2004, Carl Johan Calleman (based on the Mayan calendar), collaborated with Bhagavan to initiate a festival called Oneness Celebration. On 21st December 2012, worldwide events were conducted by the Oneness organization.
In 2017, the Oneness organization was handed over to Bhagavan's son, NKV Krishna and daughter-in-law Preetha Krishna and was renamed to Ekam. Over the years, the Oneness movement is known by various names including the Foundation for World Awakening, Golden Age Foundation, Bhagavad Dharma, Kalki Dharma, Oneness University and Oneness Organization.
Teachings
Bhagavan's stated belief is that the cause for human suffering is the sense of a separate self that each individual experiences that gives each the feeling of "me and a not-me”, which is what causes conflicts in families, relationships and wars between nations. According to him, enlightenment is a neurobiological process in which this sense of separate self ends.
There are no required set of texts or doctrines in the Oneness movement. Though the founder Bhagavan's writings or sayings are used as teachings, the movement’s emphasis is for followers to acquire direct personal experience. It does not dictate conversion.
The Oneness movement sees its message as compatible with major religious traditions, and simultaneously allows cultural adaptation of the teachings.
Business activities
Bhagavan founded the White Lotus Conglomerate involved in various sectors like real estate, property development, energy, media and sports. It is now owned by his son N.K.V. Krishna.
Kosmik Music, is a music label producing titles ranging from traditional, spiritual and fusion tracks. "Sacred Chants" containing traditional Vedic hymns is one of its successful brands.
Criticisms
Freddy Nielsen, his associate from Sweden, left him in 2005 after directing criticism against the Oneness movement.
Issues
In 2002, a public interest litigation for income tax probe of the Kalki Trust was dismissed and rejected by the Madras High Court and subsequently by the Indian Supreme Court.
In 2019, Income Tax department officials conducted raids on more than forty properties of the White Lotus Conglomerate owned by Bhagavan's son and seized cash and gold with total estimated seizure worth Rs 93 crore.
Publications
Books
- Bhagavan, Sri (2017). Love Begins with Accepting Yourself. ISBN 9789574351008
- Bhagavan, Sri (2019).Activating Your Inner Success Codes. ISBN 9789574368389
See also
Notes
References
- ^ Nadkarni, Vithal C. (2008). "Oneness to the rescue of a world in peril". The Economic Times.
- ^ "Oneness Movement – WRSP".
- ^ Preethaji; Krishnaji (6 August 2019). The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love and Prosperity, A Guide to Living in a Beautiful State. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-5011-7379-0.
- ^ Ardagh, Arjuna (1 April 2009). "Chapter 1,2". Awakening into Oneness: The Power of Blessing in the Evolution of Consciousness. Sounds True. ISBN 978-1-59179-864-4.
- ^ "India: a visit to the Oneness Temple of Amma-Bhagwan". Religioscope. 13 July 2008. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- "Narayanan, Dr. Vasudha, "A 'White Paper' on Kalki Bhagavan, 29 September 2002", University of Florida, Gainesville, Montclair". msuweb.montclair.edu.
- ^ Thorsén, Elin (5 July 2016). "Unity Behind Diversity or the Reverse? The Language of Universality in Amma and Bhagavan's Oneness Movement". International Journal for the Study of New Religions. 7 (1): 69–90. doi:10.1558/ijsnr.v7i1.20123. ISSN 2041-952X.
- ^ Thorsén, Elin (2013). "Oneness of Different Kinds: A Comparative Study of the Oneness Movement in India and Sweden". GUPEA, University of Gothenburg. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
- Roth, Ron; Montgomery, Roger (2007). The Sacred Light of Healing: Teachings and Meditations on Divine Oneness. iUniverse. ISBN 978-0-595-44896-8.
- ^ Windrider, Kiara (2006). Deeksha: The Fire from Heaven. New World Library. ISBN 978-1-930722-70-5.
- Calleman, Ph.D, Carl (16 July 2015). "The Mayan Calendar & The Transformation of Consciousness". A Better World. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
- ^ "Rs 44 cr cash, 90 kg gold, Rs 20 cr worth US dollars seized in I-T raids on properties linked to spiritual guru Kalki Bhagwan".
- ^ "Sacred Chants". The New Indian Express. 15 May 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
- "The Hindu : Plea for CBI probe against godman turned down". Archived from the original on 6 May 2004.
- Bhagavan, Sri (2017). Love Begins with Accepting Yourself.
- Bhagavan, Sri (2019). Activating Your Inner Success Codes.
External links
Categories:- 1949 births
- Living people
- People from Tamil Nadu
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