Guru's communication in contemporary India. Between preaching and Whatsapp groups (original) (raw)

Abstract

Gurus have been claimed to be the real social leaders in India. In fact, looking at the religious Indian environment, the types and number of gurus is outstanding. Therefore, for a proper understanding of the contemporary Indian society, I retain that it is necessary to comprehend how gurus work and why their presence is still so important. My paper will present the example of the Jagadgurū Rāmnareśācārya. He is leader of the Rāmānandī order (an ascetic community probably established in the 15th century) but especially leader of a numerous lay community all over India. Being a guru with a national appeal but with a very traditional/Brahmanic approach, Rāmnareśācārya communicates with his devotees using classic “guru-tools”: public audiences (darśan) twice a day, pravachan (public lessons), religious and cultural events, publishing activity. The concern of the Jagadgurū is to spread the devotion towards god Ram, following the teachings of Rāmānanda (the founder of the order), which is based on the possibility for all to undergo the path of devotion, although in the respect of Brahmanic injunctions. Hence, he tries to teach religious equality while keeping alive the more traditional Brahmanic rituals. According to him, only when the society will improve in respecting others and in following Brahmanic scriptures, the Hindu dharma will improve and by consequence the Indian nation too. As the Jagadgurū continuously moves, some among his devotees opted for modern strategies of communication. They have opened Facebook pages, blogs, websites and especially Whatsapp groups under his name (and with his approval) to be constantly aware of what he is doing and where he is. For them the Jagadgurū is the representative of god Ram on Earth, a learned man to follow with devotion, the last referent for their life decisions.

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