Eastern Teachings/Gurus

[Guest guest]

-----Original Message----From Linda C-

 

Hello Roger:

 

I can certainly understand disdain and questions regarding the pricing of TM

and other spiritual groups as well as the total loyalty that is often

required by 'gurus' and 'spiritual teachers' of students. What passes for

spiritual behavior is in many cases simply greed, power and abuse. However,

I think that it is a bit simplistic to put warnings on 'eastern teachings'

or 'teachers'...these abuses thrive in all spiritual disciplines. In my own

situation I was 'done in' by a totally American teacher as were many young

boys by Western priests.

 

There is no quick or simple solution to the process of receiving spiritual

teachings and finding groups that are honest and decent. There are many

sincere teachers out there and knowledge is necessary to walk the path but

it seems that even when one is fortunate enough to not have the veil of

illusion ripped away from a teacher whom one loved and respected there still

comes that point in time when one needs to walk alone. It is in walking

alone that one finds the truth is and has always been inside. The fear of

being so alone often makes us willing victims to abusive teachers and the

ever present ego desires gives many the perfect stage for playing out the

greed, anger, power and abusive tendencies that have plagued humanity

throughout the ages.

 

Linda

 

Thank you for sharing this important message Linda. Will pass it on to NDS.

I found the following post that I wrote in October of 1998 on the K-list on

this topic which may be of interest here.

 

 

The term Guru refers to the one who removes darkness. But many so called

"gurus",

often self proclaimed, are themselves wrestling with serious psychological

problems, are emotionally immature, and end up causing harm to their

students. How can indulging in mental/emotional games be a sign of spiritual

wisdom and maturity? Many spiritual communities have been traumatized by the

unethical and abusive behavior of their spiritual leaders. We often see

these stories in newspapers and journals that cover religion and

spirituality. This goes on all over the world including India, my native

country. What should one do? One should use reason and develop common sense.

One should engage in Satsangh (Fellowship with other seekers), spiritual

practices and prayers and keep the goal of Self Realization always in mind.

One should have confidence in the Real Guru Within. A genuine spiritual

personality is an ordinary person and has no need to play games or tricks.

Such a person, due to having Direct Knowledge of the Self, has a stable

outlook and is free from delusion. A Real Guru is gentle. He is like an ice

cube in a drink of water. She gradually cools your consciousness and then

disappears without a trace.

 

Harsha