ABSTRACT
The figure of the guru has shown itself to be one of the most enigmatic features of the Hindu religious world, originating from the Indian context. Recent literature places them in the context of their multiple roles in South Asian society more generally. The focus is on the domaining effects and the expansibility of the gurus, a discourse that has further been enhanced by their Diaspora presence. Popular modern guru organisations in India own and manage vast institutional and financial empires, command an international presence and, within India, attract followers largely from educated, urban, ‘middle class’ sections of the country’s population.
