Inner peace enchants followers

By Kate Gasteen

A NEED for inner peace in a conflicted world has brought more than 3000 Elan Vital devotees to Ivory's Rock this week.

Amanda Heredia, from Newtown, Sydney, and Melbourne musician Lindsay Field joined people from as far as Uruguay, Angola and Guatemala to seek guidance and gain inspiration from Indian-born speaker Prem Rewat, who is affectionately referred to as MaharWi.

The pair, both long term believers in Maharaji's teachings, relished the opportunity to attend nightly sessions with the Elan Vital figurehead during the three-day conference.

"It's a great opportunity to recharge my batteries and refocus my life," Mr Field said.

Maharaji's words first resonated with Mr Field 30 years ago following a stint with the production Hair.

"It was an environment and a time when one thing led to another and I needed some answers as to what I was doing here," Mr Field said.

He said Maharaji's message helped focus on the magic he felt each time he sang.

"He clarifies things and and gets a lot of the crap out of the way," he said.

Mr Field agreed there was a lot of skepticism surrounding Elan Vital and Maharaji's appeal.

"Because it is something that you can't glean what it is from the outside. It is only when you experience it or taste it that you understand," he said.

Ms Heredia said Mahan:kJ i helped her find contentment without relying on work or relationships.

"It's a message of goodwill and hope and there's a feeling that goes with that - it's relief that someone knows what he's talking about," Ms Heredia said.