Media enquires
and Frequently Asked Questions
Media relations – articles and interviews with Prem Rawat
Does Prem Rawat speak to the media?
Maharaji speaks to the media from time to time. He is happy to grant interviews to journalists who have a sincere interest in his message. Because he travels approximately 11 months each year, and because his schedule is very busy, interviews usually need to be arranged at least two months in advance.
Recent interviews with Maharaji
Are people from the media invited to events which happen in Greece or in Europe at which Prem Rawat speaks?
The capacity of the hall is usually limited. These events are private function, open by invitation only. The media is not invited.
About Prem Rawat and his work
Who is Prem Rawat?
Born in India, Prem Rawat started speaking to audiences about inner peace at the age of three and gave his first published address when he was only four years old. At the age of eight, when his father, also a teacher of inner peace, passed away, he accepted the responsibility of bringing this message to people all around the world. At the age of 13, he was invited to speak in London and Los Angeles. Since then, he has presented his message to more than 10 million people in over 250 cities and 50 countries. His message is made available in more than 90 countries and 70 languages.
What is the motivation behind what Prem Rawat does?
Prem Rawat simply wants to assist as many people as possible to discover the inner peace which lies within them, which he himself has discovered. He does not receive any monetary remuneration for his appearances or from organizations which promote his message. He has his own investments and supports himself and his family by private means.
Why do some people call Prem Rawat "Maharaji?"
When he started his work, Prem Rawat was given the name "Maharaji" which denotes affection and respect. This is indicative of Indian culture, where it is not proper etiquette to call a Master by his birth name.
What is his message?
Prem Rawat speaks to people around the world about the possibility of knowing inner peace and contentment. His message is simple, profound, timely, and best presented by him:
"Peace needs to be in everyone's life. Of all the things we have tried in this world, there is one thing we have never given a chance. That one thing is peace. If we want to hope for something, maybe we could hope in our heart that peace will come in our life. The peace that we are looking for is within. It is in the heart, waiting to be felt, and I can help you get in touch with it. It is not the world that needs peace; it is people. When people in the world are at peace within, the world will be at peace."
Many people offer a message of hope and peace. What is different about Prem Rawat and his message?
Prem Rawat recently answered this question:
"That is not just a question of a message, but an actual experience through Knowledge. I don't just come along and say, 'Everything is great.' I offer a practical way to be able to appreciate every breath. Knowledge is what I give to people. My message is not just words. There is something more. There is an experience to be had, and I offer that, as well."
What does Prem Rawat do? What are his activities?
He usually travels 11 months each year, responding to invitations to present his message and to provide inspiration and guidance. He also has an interest in the charitable activities undertaken by The Prem Rawat Foundation. Last year, he attended a free ophthalmology clinic organised by the Foundation. He is an accomplished pilot and composer of music.
Does he have a family?
He has a wife and four adult children who reside in California.
How does he get around to all the events where he speaks?
He uses a leased aircraft. This provides him with the ability to reach destinations on all continents according to his demanding schedule.
Where do his students come from?
His students come from all walks of life. They range from farmers and fishermen in poor countries, to executives in global corporations and diplomats in the highest echelons of government and international institutions. Some of his students are in their late teens, and others have been his students for more than thirty-five years.
Read expressions of students around the world
Does he control, lead or direct any of the organisations promoting his message?
Prem Rawat does not run or direct the organisations promoting his message. These organisations operate independently. From time to time, he may provide some input, but the decisions always rest with these organisations. These organisations do not act in his name or report to him. Volunteer groups organise most of the activities, including preparing for his speaking appearances and distributing related materials.
How is the promotion of his message funded?
The dissemination of his message is entirely supported by voluntary contributions from those who appreciate his message, and from the sale of related materials. He supports himself and his family through private investments.
Does he benefit from the activities of any of the organisations which promote his message?
He supports himself and his family through private investments. Absolutely no money flows from these organisations to him or his family. He receives no benefit from the activities of the not-for-profit organisations supporting his work and no income from attendance to his addresses or from the sale of materials.
Prem Rawat leads an affluent lifestyle. How does he support himself?
He enjoys an affluent lifestyle and makes no secret about it: His view is that neither poverty nor riches brings fulfilment. His lifestyle is entirely supported by his own personal business investments. Absolutely no money flows from the organisations supporting his work to him or his family.
Has Prem Rawat been audited? If so, what was the outcome?
Since Prem Rawat left India in 1971, he has been audited several times. He has never been charged with any wrongdoing. The audits have had a completely positive and successful outcome every time.
About the techiniques that Prem Rawat offers.
What is the Knowledge that Prem Rawat teaches?
The message of Prem Rawat is more than words. For those who wish to make inner peace a reality in their lives, he offers a practical pathway, which he calls Knowledge. Knowledge consists of four simple techniques for finding peace within. "What I offer people is not just talk," he says, "but a way to go inside and savour the peace that is within."
Does Knowledge require a certain lifestyle? Is it related to Indian culture?
Prem Rawat’s Knowledge is compatible with and independent of lifestyle, religion or beliefs.
Is there any charge or condition for learning the techniques of Knowledge?
The techniques of Knowledge are taught free of charge without regard to a person's gender, economic or social status, sexual preference, lifestyle, race, religious or ethnic background. People must be over 18 years old or the local legal age in order to be taught these techniques.
Is there a requirement to join something or contribute financially?
There is nothing to join and no obligation or pressure to contribute anything during the preparation process or after a person receives these techniques.
If I am interested in the techniques of Knowledge, what is the next step?
Some people’s interest develops to the point where they desire to learn how to access the peace which resides within them and to learn the techniques which Prem Rawat offers. Others may realise that it is not for them.
For those interested, there is a period of preparation involved. The requirement is to deepen one's understanding of his message and discover one's own interest in discovering inner peace.
For this purpose Prem Rawat has created a learning process which comprises a set of DVDs called “The Keys” which are available on a loan basis free of charge.
Each Key has a DVD in which Prem Rawat speaks on particular topics which assist those preparing to receive Knowledge. There are five of these Keys, whilst the sixth is presented at a session where these techniques of Knowledge are taught. All the keys are accompanied by DVDs which contain speeches given by Prem Rawat at various events. The Keys ate available in 22 languages.
The process of preparation is not an academic one with a start and a finish, but involves each person making their own inner journey of discovery. Therefore, how long it takes varies from person to person, allowing every person to learn and develop at their own pace.
Will a daily practice be required?
To reap the fruits of Knowledge requires commitment and a sustained effort. It is recommended that those learning the techniques practise them at least one hour each day so as to keep growing in their understanding of what is offered.
Is Knowledge a solution to one's problems?
Knowledge does not remove problems; it enables a person to go inside and find the peace that resides within.
How can I be shown these techniques?
The techniques of Knowledge are taught free of charge. For those interested in receiving them, sessions are scheduled periodically, during which the techniques are taught via a video presentation. These sessions take place in many countries around the world each year. The techniques are simple to practise and can be learnt by anyone.
Does Prem Rawat use this Knowledge to create attachment to him or dependence?
The practise of Knowledge provides an experience of peace. The association of students with him is purely voluntary. There are no rules to follow, no organisations to join, and no membership fees to pay. Prem Rawat’s Knowledge is given freely, and those who practise it but later change their minds, are certainly entitled to do so. Prem Rawat encourages those who do not appreciate his message to freely move on.
Are there any obligations?
No. People are free to practise these techniques or not. There are no obligations whatsoever.
Is this like meditation?
Prem Rawat has answered this question:
"You could say this is the meditation. But it is far beyond meditation, because it is not just contemplating a thought or trying to control your mind or control your thinking. This is like a person who is hot and dirty, jumping into a beautiful, cool, crystal clear pond. The difference is how refreshing it is. To be refreshed every moment. To appreciate. In a way, it is the meditation. But it's not meditation because it's much beyond meditation. It is not trying to control or conquer something. It is appreciating something. Big difference".
