First of all, Rawat, through his words and actions led his followers to believe that he is divine. 20 separate quotes must have already been supplied to you to prove this.

Anyone with half a brain reading that EV quote can plainly see that they are trying to spin their way out of that. But to be specific:

2) 'In India, by contrast, such grand labels as "His Holiness" or "Lord of the Universe" are given on the basis of affection or admiration.'

- Is that a lie? I don't think so.

Yes it is a lie!!!! Indians don't call people Lord of the Universe like we call people honey or darling or dude. You've got to be kidding? The title Lord of the Universe is reserved for avatars, that is, GOD IN HUMAN FORM. I'd be happy to have a very deep discussion with you about this filled with references if you like. But the simple answer is that EV is LYING LYING LYING through their soggy pants.

The fact that lots of gurus like to call themselves LOTU is because they all are competing with each other for the position.

(3) 'The use of this title, which was used only in the '70s—an era of love for all things Indian— does not imply any claims that the person is holy anymore than the use of "His Excellence" means that the person is an embodiment of excellence.'
Guess what? big lie number 2! In India and especially in the West, people believed that Rawat was DIVINE and that is why they used the title. You already admitted as much. EV is denying that here.

(4) '"I am a human being, and you are a human being," says Maharaji, "and that is the basis of this relationship."'

- Is that a lie? No, not unless you believe Maharaji is not a human being!

And now, coming right up... that's right, lie number 3. The relationship between Rawat and his followers is not that of one human being to another. You yourself have said countless times that he is your Satguru. The relationship of devotee to Satguru is not that of one human to another. Did Rawat ever kiss your feet? Do you kiss the feet of the paper boy when he delivers the morning newspaper? Not even when it's snowing?

(5) 'Other people in India have also been called "Lord of the Universe" well before Maharaji, without its ever implying that they claimed to rule the universe or have anything to do with its creation.'

Not bad, four for four. Name one person that claimed to be Lord of the Universe in India that wasn't claiming to be an avatar or something along those lines?

EV is lying so much it hurts. And you are lying by covering it up. Please, prove me wrong. I can't wait.

Godo, do you think we are a bunch of morons here? Do you think we don't know how to read a sentence in English? Or that EV has the monopoly on information about Indian culture and religion?

As far as the bottom part of your post, how you see things, that is totally irrelevant to this discussion. The discussion is about what Rawat said and what EV said, not what you think.

But let me ask you a question. Where do you get the idea that Satguru is the one who brings you from darkness to light?