A spiritual movement centered around universal oneness and personal enlightenment.
Kalki Bhagawan, born Vijay Kumar Naidu on 7 March 1949, is an Indian spiritual leader who claims to be the Kalki avatar, a prophesied figure in Hinduism meant to end the current era of darkness and corruption. He founded the Oneness Movement, which has undergone several name changes including the Foundation for World Awakening, Golden Age Foundation, Bhagavad Dharma, Kalki Dharma, Oneness University, and, most recently, Ekam following a transition of leadership to his son, NKV Krishna, and daughter-in-law, Preetha Krishna, in 2017.
The teachings of Kalki Bhagawan emphasize the end of the sense of a separate self, which he believes is the root cause of human suffering, conflicts, and wars. The movement does not rely on a set of texts or doctrines but rather encourages followers to seek direct personal experiences of enlightenment, which Bhagawan defines as a neurobiological process where the sense of separate self dissolves. The movement, described by Bhagawan as a “spiritual supermarket,” is open to people of all faiths and does not dictate conversion, allowing adherents to connect with divine power through practices like chanting the moola mantra.
In the 1990s, Bhagawan’s claim to be the Kalki avatar garnered attention and criticism, especially from the Indian media, which often referred to him as a “godman.” He predicted that by 2012, 64,000 people would achieve high states of consciousness and help enlighten humanity, ushering in a “Golden Age.” The anticipated transformation was expected to be marked by global events organized by the Oneness Movement on 21st December 2012. When the significant changes did not materialize as expected, the movement faced disappointment and attrition, especially from Western followers, although it continued to claim that the Golden Age would unfold gradually over time.
Kalki Bhagawan also ventured into business, founding the White Lotus Conglomerate involved in various sectors like real estate, energy, and media, now owned by his son. The movement’s expansion into the corporate world, including the music label Kosmik Music and involvement in sports teams, suggests a blend of spiritual and material ambitions.
Criticism of the Oneness Movement includes allegations of being controlling and deviating from its spiritual roots, as expressed by some of Bhagawan’s early disciples and associates. Despite these criticisms, the movement has continued its activities, focusing on meditation-based therapies and philanthropy through organizations like One Humanity Care. Controversies have also surrounded the movement, including a significant income tax raid in 2019 on properties associated with the Bhagawan family, leading to the seizure of substantial amounts of cash and gold.
image via The Week
