YOU CAN BE YOUR OWN GURU – A SEEKER’S GUIDE
Everything that is spiritual is not necessarily Divine. Not all spiritual powers contribute to a righteous path.
Visions, voices, astral projections, auras, levitation, predictions, communications with the dead and other similar feats are dangerous. They are all possible, but they do not lead to God. They empower us temporarily. They make our ego believe that we are special. But all these powers soon sour, cause illness, distress and depression. They are clear invitations for spirit possession. They are detours that confuse, if not destroy our true seeking.
When choosing a guru or seeking spiritual groups, ask the following questions:
Is money taken at any time? (the truth cannot be owned, nor can it be bought or sold).
Do your teachers pressurize you like salesmen? (you should know the value of their path by your own conviction, not by the number of books you read, classes you attend, or pledges you make. Truth is not dependent upon salesmenship).
Can you, yourself, feel the effect of the technique? (do NOT be satisfied that you will be in an “inner circle” at some time in the distant future).
Do they clothe you in unusual dress, seat you in strange postures or submit you to wild chanting ? (the truth is not something that has to be attained through strenuous efforts. It is the strength of your desire that counts, not the harshness of their tests).
Is the new path you’ve chosen dharmic ? (that is, is this a the path of the center, similar to that followed by the sages, yogis, and great men and women of the past? Or is it is path of extremes and will it lead to frightening experiences of a subconscious or super-conscious nature ?)
Are the members of the organization, especially the leader, founder, or guru, people you can trust? Are you comfortable with them? Do they display love and joy? Is their warmth genuine? Is the value of what they are teaching evident in their eyes ?
Do you have the freedom of choice to leave or continue? (follow your heart, not your ego. If you have fears or misgivings, give them heed. If you are in doubt or under duress, do leave. Do not be bullied.)
YOU CAN BE YOUR OWN GURU.
Any worthwhile view of the Divine realizes that God resides within each of us. He is there to be awakened as we become a part of the Greater Self. You can be your own Guru!