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November 06, 2006
Vishy's Indian English Dictionary: godman
godman./GOD·man/. A man of religion. Usually someone who commands a lot of influence acting as spiritual leader to the world at large, and not just in an intimate, personal sense. Many godmen are major media personalities in India today, appearing in the morning programming of spiritual TV channnels. By and large they tend to give sage advice, which need not always be of the spiritual sort -- things like 'learn to laugh freely' and 'don't let jealousy and possessiveness get the better of you'. Like with most other fields of endeavor, however, this one isn't without its rotten apples.
Godmen have been implicated in a number of sexual abuse cases and other forms of dodgy behavior. Given the deep influence religion holds in Indian society, some of these indictments have been handed down for political reasons as well.
To be deemed a godman, a footing in some religious tradition is generally required, especially if dispensing some form of religious commmunion. Other influential 'lifestyle consultants', who hand out spiritual advice relating to Feng Shui and Vastu are generally not considered to fall under this classification. Oh, and in case you were wondering, this guy would appear to qualify, though I am really not too thrilled about it.
Posted by Vishy at November 6, 2006 11:34 PM