Joining the issue over the row triggered by a book written by a former disciple of Mata Amrithanandanmayi, senior RSS ideologue P Parameswaran today said the allegations against the spiritual leader’s mutt was virtually an assult on all Hindu religious institutions.
“In fact the motive was not simply against the mutt. The mutt is chosen as a target because “Amma” (mother – as she is known among disciples) and the mutt have become the most visible symbol of spirituality and service cutting across caste, creed, continents and religions,” Parameswaran, Director of Bharatheeya Vicharakendram here said in a statement.
“The barrage of vicious propaganda unleashed by a section of media in Kerala against the mutt was obviously motivated to bring down the high respect and reputation millions of people across the world have for that spiritually oriented service organisation,” he said.
The attack was based on a book published by a long-time back inmate of the mutt, which contains lies and absolutely no truth in it, he said.
“Freedom of expression cannot be interpreted as freedom to spread lies which hurt religious sentiments of large sections of people,” he said.
Mata Amritanandamayi had yesterday dismissed the allegations levelled against her mutt by Australian born Gail Tredwell, a former disciple of the spiritual leader.
Tredwell in her book ‘Holy hell — a memoir of faith, devotion and pure madness’ claimed she had lived in the mutt for many years and had left as she was fed up with some bitter experiences.