Ev and I were having a discussion in the Stupid Questions thread about gurus devotion. It seems that Ev, along with many other people have quite a few reservations about this type of spiritual practice. We decided we could have a full thread on this.
I would like to askthiose of you who are very skeptical about this practice to please be respectful as some of us on Barbelith do practice Guru Devotion and follow a "teacher" we hold in high esteem. Try not to make comments that come off thoughtlessly, as if those of us who practice this way are a bunch of blind, sheep-like nincompoops. Not that anyone has, but I think you all should know what I mean.
I think this article Spiritual Guides: Pass or Fail? raises some very good questions and makes excellent points. I am going to start with question seven about analyzing competency of a possible guru:
7. What Are The Day To Day Results Of Your Interaction With The Guru/Path?
Devotee: "How can one know whether a particular individual is competent to be a Guru?"
Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi: "By the peace of mind found in his presence and by the sense of respect you feel for him."
Questioner: "How can I make out whom to follow and whom to mistrust?"
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj: "Mistrust all until you are convinced. The true guru will never humiliate you nor will he estrange you from yourself. He will constantly bring you back to the fact of your inherent perfection and encourage you to seek within. He knows you need nothing, not even him, and is never tired of reminding you..."
This is what I understand to be sound advice, given by those two gurus. Today there was a quote of the day from Michaelangelo: "Genius is infinite patience.", which I believe can be applied to the guru, as well as fine artists. If person is unable to wait for you to make up your mind about whether you want to follow him or her, then I think they would most likely have another agenda other than your enlightenmenmt. There should never be an issue of control, as you should always be free to leave and return at will - unless you are being harmful to the guru or her community, of course. But, there should never be this urgency that you need to follow them, in particular. No threats or manipulation should be present. For instance, any suggestion that only they have the key to your enlightenment should set off alarms.
The article goes on to describe authenticity and how to spot it and what to expect from interacting with such a person:
"If the guru/movement is authentic they will help you to better understand yourself, your family, your relationships, and God. Such understanding, however, does not necessarily mean that your worldly life will improve accordingly. For instance, following a spiritual path does not insure one against losing money, facing natural catastrophies, and struggling with domestic problems; it only helps one in coping better with all the various aspects of human existence.
Obviously, the results of your interaction with the guru/path should be apparent to your close associates: more openness, kindness, compassion, selflessness, honesty, and loving devotion. If these qualities are not exhibited it can be due to two reasons: you are not practicing consistently what the guru/path advocates; or, you are following teachings which place more stress on selfish, prerational, and anti-social behavior. Interestingly, it is easier to determine a fraudulent message than it is to own up to your immaturity and lack of discipline.
I like that last bit about the owning up to one's own maturity. There is a point about that, about one's own maturity not being very developed and thus, blaming a perfectly good guru for their own shortcomings. It happens, but again, the guru should not feel it necessary to chase a student or manipulate a student. At least, this is the case with Buddhism and Hinduism. I am not so certain that this kind of manipulation is frowned upon in some areas of shamanism. My opinon is that is because there is a difference in doctrine which creates the different mood in the teaching and therefore, the teacher/master/guru.
Hmmm...may need to set up some definitions for these terms for the sake of the discussion.
Unfortunately, my time is up at the library. I hope that is enought to start a discussion.
For those of you who want a more acedemic approach, this article:The Guru-Disciple Relationship: Making Connections and Withdrawing Projections seems rather interesting. Although, it was a bit much for to really grasp lsat night, half asleep. It certainly warrants my full attention.
Over to you, fellow 'lithers... |
