What is Elan Vital’s relationship to the now defunct Divine Light Mission?
When Elan Vital was originally incorporated, it had the name Divine Light Mission. In 1987, that name was changed to Elan Vital. The name DLM was one of many Indian cultural influences that followed Maharaji to the West in the early 1970’s. After spending some time in the West, Maharaji, who was 14 at the time, saw that for people in the West, Indian cultural practices and influence were a hindrance to appreciating the essence of his message. He then suggested a change in name. The Elan Vital Board felt the need for change, too. This name change was just one of many changes which were made over the years and which continue to be made, as needed.
