The answer, I fear, is 'not very', Jim.  I imagine neither you nor I were any less intelligent way back when than we are now - just more susceptible to a bullshit frame of reference.  As is everyone.  But you are right about those questions:

"What the hell did this kid know at 3 years old and how'd he know it?"  or "What 'way' to go inside and where'd he get it anyway?" 

They are surely the first questions that pop up, if only momentarily, in the head of any sensible person when first encountering the guru-message.  But then they suspend disbelief in hope of 'an experience'.  The old 'trust-and-wait' hook and bait.  Second commandment:  'Leave no room for doubt in your mind...'

Which translates as: 'Don't doubt the reality of Maharaji and you will have no doubts about the reality of Maharaji.'.

But how does anyone fall for a line as see-through as that?  You, me, others, past, present, and sadly yet to come ... I'm still trying to work that one out. 

Nige