When Susan was 13, her stepdad brought her into what was then known as the Divine Light Mission, an organization led by Prem Rawat (aka Guru Maharaj Ji, aka The Boy Guru, aka Lord of the Universe, aka The Perfect Master. ... etc.) She became a believer and eventually moved into one of the ashrams while she was still a teen. By that time, Susan was grappling with a disturbing incident she and another young girl had experienced.

And they weren't the only ones who had problems with a certain mahatma. 

Susan tried to tell the guru. She tried so hard. But there was no accountability. When the internet became a thing, she put her story online. Not a whole lot happened. But other people started putting up their stories about the group, too. 

One of them was Don, a former high-ranking official of the group, which had changed its name to Elan Vital (it's since changed its name many times). He also has a few things to say on this episode. 

Join us for Susan's story (and some of Don's).

***This episode contains descriptions of child sexual abuse. Listen with care.

Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw  

Editing by Dhyana Levey

More information: resourcesforthetruthaboutpremrawat.com

1974 documentary: Lord of the Universe