The quote below needs to go on the front page of F8, imho, so that an ex does not have to 're-invent the wheel' every time a premie comes along and denies this was ever claimed.  It will also be an easy reference point from which to come and to refer.  No more of this noise about the mahatmas did it, or it's just a quaint Indian custom that really does not have literal meaning.  The mahatmas did not do it and it most definitely did have intentional literal meaning for those of us who were there and who personally witnessed and experienced this phase of his ongoing program.  I don't think he would have gotten the level of obedience, cooperation, donations and selfless dedication from so many of his devotees if he had claimed to be anyone less.  I know personally that when I would go to see him at a program, I truly believed that I was going to see and hear the voice of God's most recent and potent manifestation to ever walk the earth, just like he said he was.  Thank you, JHB for bringing it to light in your recent post.  

"Who is Guru? The highest manifestation of God is Guru. So when Guru is here, God is here, to whom will you give your devotion? I want that the general should sign some papers. I need not go to his office when he is sitting in my home. Is it necessary to go in his office when his is sitting in my home? When God has come here, then what is the need to give devotion to God there?"