When you study meditation, mindfulness and spirituality you inevitably come across the Gurus at some point on your journey. Those wise, yet often misunderstood, spiritual leaders that challenge your thinking and put things in a whole new light.
They have a way of speaking that hits different. They talk in questions and parables to parts of you that are desperately seeking meaning. They introduce you to ideas, insights and feelings that you’ve never experienced before.
The gurus are radiant, and they hold enlightenment in there hands.
You can learn a lot from the gurus, that’s for sure, but you can also lose touch with reality if you’re unprepared. Not everything they say is honest, or even possible. Not all of them are to be trusted.
So much controversy surrounds the Gurus because there teachings are very different from what we learn in the west. Some of it is based in reality, some of it on ‘ancient wisdom’, and some of if just made up to sell snake oil.
There are many predators, manipulators and con artists who have posed as Gurus over the years.
If you want to explore the teachings I highly recommend it, but this post is just a warning not to lose sight of reality, become dependent on anyone, or leave yourself open to scams.
Tips to navigate the gurus
Here are some simple principles to remember when approaching any subject matter, especially that of the mind:
- Read widely across health, science, psychology and spirituality.
- Be curious, be open but stay grounded in reality.
- Consult with trusted sources as you explore new ideas.
- Never get stuck on one teacher or one philosophy.
- Monitor changes in your ideas and personality, both positive and negative.
- Monitor changes in your health and lifestyle, both positive and negative.
- Avoid worshipping or putting anyone on a pedestal.
- Avoid turning your life upside down to live at the feet of a guru.
- If it’s costing you a lot of money, it’s probably not spiritual awakening.
- If you find yourself in a commune wearing the same coloured jumpsuit as everyone else… run!
I say this partly in jest because most people have more common sense than that, but unfortunately, there are plenty who are vulnerable to manipulation.
What is a guru?
Guru is a Sanskrit term for a guide, expert, or master of a certain domain. They are often revered and valued far more than a humble teacher. A guru is is a spiritual guide, an inspirational source, that helps one discover the same potentiality that he has realised.
There are many profound gurus with life changing insights, but none should be followed blindly, or exclusively. You’ll find as much dark as you do light in these waters.
Where to begin
Your path will depend on what you want to learn and whose teachings you’d like to explore. Here are two Indian gurus and one Japanese Zen masters works that I recommend:
J. Krishnamurti. Jiddu Krishnamurti was an Indian philosopher, writer, and speaker who examined meditation, the nature of the mind, relationships and bringing about radical change in society.
Books by J Krishnamurti: Freedom From the Known, The Awakening of Intelligence, Think on These Things, As One Is.
Rajneesh. Acharya Rajneesh, later known as Osho was an Indian godman, mystic and founder of the Rajneesh movement.
Books by Osho: The Book of Secrets, Love, Freedom and Aloneness, Fear: Understanding the Insecurities of Life.
Dōgen. Dōgen Genji was a Japanese Buddhist priest, writer, poet, philosopher and founder of the Sōtō school of Zen.
Books by Dōgen:The Essential Dōgen: Writings of the Great Zen Master, How to Cook Your Life, Beyond Thinking: A Guide to Zen Meditation.
Documentaries about Gurus
There are a few documentaries that look at the dark side of Gurus. They will give you a bit of perspective on New Age teachings and the business behind them.
Wild, Wild Country chronicles the exploits of Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), as he builds a utopian city in the Oregon desert and causes a massive conflict with local ranchers.
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator examines the rise and fall of hot yoga founder, Bikram Choudhury.
Holy Hell documents the 22 years Filmmaker Will Allen spent with the Buddhafield, a Los Angeles spiritual group.
A final thought
If you have a void within you. If you feel lost and in need of answers. If you are seeking something but you don’t know what it is, then you may be quite vulnerable to ‘spiritual manipulation’. Dip your toes in the water but never allow yourself to get completely submerged.