1986/01/01 by Lucy DuPertuis · 34 citations
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · Psychology · #Indian History and Philosophy #Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology #Leadership, Courage, and Heroism Studies #Charisma #Perception #Absolute (philosophy) #Psychology #Mysticism #Hinduism #Social psychology #Cognition #Sociology #Epistemology #Aesthetics #Philosophy #Religious studies #Theology
paper · doi:10.2307/3711456
published in Sociological Analysis 47(2), 111
openalex publication_date 1986/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2025/11/06
This 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