This paper describes the sources or speakers of the "new religions" as contemporary rhetorical-communicative movements and discusses their public speaking and communicative behavior. Specifically, the paper focuses on the relationship between spirituality and communication within the teachings of the leaders who nurture these new religions. Using research questions proposed by Allan Eister, the paper presents interpretations of human existence, describes how symbol-systems are employed, analyzes the eclectic and syncretistic elements within these movements, describes the charismatic qualities attributed to the teachers, and reports the particular practices that bind the participants within these distinctive movements. The paper examines three Eastern swamis (Vivekananda, Paramananda, and Yogananda). The paper also considers Western religious scholars, principally Robert Ellsworth, an academic who encouraged cross-cultural religious studies in U.S. universities. The paper argues that the convergence of Eastern and Western religions constitutes an epoch-making event and should prompt thoughtful dialogue, expecially in the academy. (One hundred three endnotes are included.) (TD)