[NondualitySalon] False teachers and gurus

[Guest guest]

At 11:15 AM 1/10/00 -0500, Harsha (Dr. Harsh K. Luthar) wrote:

 

>Good question Andrew. Probably that must be left up to that particular guru

>guy or gal. And maybe there is not much that person can do about it. On

>the other hand some cautionary guidance to the would be disciples might be

>helpful. I think Jan has addressed the issue of psuedo gurus or minor

>teachers before quite well. As Dan points out the tendency on part of the

>"disciples" who "love" their "master" is to rationalize the

destructive and

>bizarre behavior of the "guru" as having some deep spiritual basis. I have

>even seen exploitative behavior at many levels being interpreted by

>disciples as being for their own good. There are actual victims of false

>teachers who struggle with the consequences for many years after they leave

>the "holy ground" so to speak. This is a touchy topic. But we have some very

>wise and experienced people on this list who see through all the hype and

>give a sober and a rational analysis of what is going on. It is not pleasant

>but waking up is not always easy.

 

Dear Harsha and Andrew,

 

This is indeed a touchy topic. Every religion and school of thought,

regardless of how organizationally flat or hierarchical it is, has its

shining examples of great teaching, as well as downright hypocritical and

harmful behavior. And sometimes the very same school has both, over time.

 

I have a very good friend, Michael, who spent about 15 years in various

paths with charismatic leaders - Siddha Yoga, Andrew Cohen, Sahaja Yoga,

School of Practical Philosophy. He then started to practice/study/inquire

into advaita vedanta, has been very happy for the last 2 years. Michael

told me he has come to see into the dynamics of these groups. Based on his

own experience and close observation of hundreds of other seekers in these

schools, he says that there is one common, single characteristic of people

who pay great and self-destructive obeisance to these charismatic leaders

and their teachings -- that is, a severe lack of self-esteem. They really

want to believe, even when things like that famouse New Yorker article came

out about Siddha Yoga. The followers really hand over their common sense

to the teacher, and of course many of these groups will tell you that this

is exactly what you must do, let the guru be the guide in all things.

Michael said that when he was in these schools, he really felt like a

child, all the time. It wasn't until later, when he talked to a spiritual

teacher who treated him like he was *already* enlightened and perfectly OK

that he started to see into these dynamics.

 

I think from the psychological-therapeutic aspect of self-esteem, Dan-ji

might have a lot to say.

 

Love,

 

--Greg