Sanal Edamaruku’s Bradlaugh moment: The London Times has the details:
When a famous tantric guru boasted on television that he could kill another man using only his mystical powers, most viewers either gasped in awe or merely nodded unquestioningly. Sanal Edamaruku’s response was different. “Go on then — kill me,” he said.
Mr Edamaruku had been invited to the same talk show as head of the Indian Rationalists’ Association — the country’s self-appointed sceptic-in-chief. At first the holy man, Pandit Surender Sharma, was reluctant, but eventually he agreed to perform a series of rituals designed to kill Mr Edamaruku live on television. Millions tuned in as the channel cancelled scheduled programming to continue broadcasting the showdown, which can still be viewed on YouTube.
First, the master chanted mantras, then he sprinkled water on his intended victim. He brandished a knife, ruffled the sceptic’s hair and pressed his temples. But after several hours of similar antics, Mr Edamaruku was still very much alive — smiling for the cameras and taunting the furious holy man.
Do read the whole thing. It’s fascinating.
Heh. This reminds of Johnny Carson/Yuri Gellar.
the guru claimed that his rituals take time to take effect. at this point I would find it utterly hilarious if the skeptic died under mysterious circumstances. the guru could totally channel it into a sex cult or something. at least that’s what i’d do.
Of course, the Guru’s powers will have their effect.
Eventually.
That’s the problem with you skeptics.
So impatient.
Your new website layout is too….liberal. Too web 3.0. It needs earth tones, coiled ivy, and wrought iron.
I’m just amazed the “guru” wasn’t smart enough to say, “We don’t do tests.”
I mean, what are they teaching people at fraudulent spiritualism school these days?
This challenge is of a genre including that of Kary Mullis injecting himself with the AIDs virus.
One reason is that Indian politicians nurture and shelter gurus to give them spiritual credibility, use their followers as vote banks, or to mask sexual or criminal activity.
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The utility of spiritual fraudulence to politicians began in caves thence spread to populate all hemispheres including the bicameral.