I know loads of old premies who still regard M as the Lord incarnate (at various levels in or out of the organisation). It's simply not cool for them to say so publically - especially here - what they will, and do, admit in private.

It's their service to help spread this knowledge and support Maharaji in the way he sees fit and they know that such pronouncements would not help him do that today. But they KNOW the truth. And he reminds them in the subtle ways such as wordless refrains of Arti and old devotional music at events.

He's as addicted to their devotion and worship as he is to cognac. I don't think even he believes he is simply an inspirational speaker.