In Guise Of Spirituality

Bini Dahal

Even when modernity along with artificial intelligence has taken over the world, spirituality and spiritual gurus remain a matter of great interest for many. While becoming spiritually inclined is a good thing, what is more concerning is the rising number of fake spiritual leaders and preachers around us. There are people who consider themselves to be an incarnation of god and have created a lot of fan following through their gimmicks blindly. 

When rumours spread about how a certain individual is a god, it piques the interest of many. A question arises as to how an individual living around a bunch of normal people has turned into a god. And what exactly is the individuals’ power and ability that justifies them being considered the almighty? But these aspects are rarely pondered upon rationally. This is why innocent people become an easy prey to such forged persons.

Recently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) of Nepal Police got hold of Ram Bahadur Bomjan after four long years of investigation. Dubbed as Little Buddha, Bomjan came into limelight around 2005 when he claimed he could meditate for months without food, water and sleep. After that he went on to establish his own ashram. He gained a wider popularity at home and abroad. But he was and has never been away from controversies. As someone who always preaches non-violence, he was found attacking innocent people living close to his ashram. Not just this, over the years, he has been blamed for a number of other crimes. He is accused of raping underage girls, sexually exploiting women and causing people to disappear from his ashram. As of now, three girls are reported to have gone missing from his spiritual site. It is also reported that under his instructions a woman had been beaten to death in his ashram itself.

When the police finally got hold of Bomjan, he was found living with his family in Budhanilkantha. The police then raided his home and confiscated more than Rs. 33 million in cash from his residence. This amount combines both Nepali and foreign currency. The CIB also found him owning several expensive vehicles which included cars, motorcycles and a scooter. He apparently had made a down payment to a showroom to purchase an expensive car as well. As the police investigates further, there still remains a large group of followers who do not believe the accusations labelled on the man. Further investigations are expected to reveal more mysteries about this ‘spiritual guru.’

We live in a capitalistic society. And nearly every action is linked in some way or other to earning or collecting money. By manipulating innocent people, such charlatans claim that they know everything. Thus, they are running their business. However, for some, it is not just money. They feel they have the right and the ability to control and exploit people, especially those who are weak.   

Today’s fast-paced lives come with stress and suffering. Especially for those who are adulting, they are bound to be mentally burdened with every day responsibilities. In a situation as such, yoga and meditation can work wonders. And for many trying to get closer to God, especially for old-age people, it feels great and peaceful. 

But we cannot stress enough that in the name of spirituality and religion, innocent people are being used and exploited. It is high time the authorities played an important role in putting a full stop to fake activities.