As part of my Yoga teacher training, I was required to watch a couple of controversial documentaries. “Wild Wild Country”, in which a guru builds a utopian city in the desert of Oregon. Many middle-class families, as well as others joined this group, only later to realize they were entering what some called the “heart of darkness.” Second in the lineup was the Documentary, “Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator.” This documentary examines the rise and fall of the founder of Bikram Yoga. Bikram Choudhury a very charismatic yogi/guru who built his empire on manipulation and abuse of all kinds. Ironically, many have turned a blind eye and excused his behavior, because they want to separate the man from the teacher. Meanwhile, many still flock to Mexico and pay high prices for training, just to get a chance to meet him in person. SAY WHAT! The list goes on. Kundalini master, Yogi Bhajan, Pattabhi Jois, Kausthub Desikachar, John Friend and others all accused of sexual, mental and emotional misconduct, all while exploiting their positions of trust.
Truthfully the thought of all this disturbs me, and I cannot deliberately look the other way. I ask myself how has the role of guru become so tarnished? Perhaps because of all the exploitation and desire for control and power over others. It is hard to say, but what we do know is the traditional one-on-one guru-student relationship has been changed by globalization of Today’s Modern Yoga.
Guru derives from a Sanskrit term meaning “profound,” “dense,” “heavy,” or “weighty.” In Indian tradition the guru was the teacher, guide, expert or master within a certain field of knowledge. They were divine teachers, and dispellers of darkness and ignorance. Their disciples developed trust in them over many years of instruction, as the seeker wished to discover the same potential that the guru had already realized. The guru also served as a counselor, to help mold values and spirituality. Conceptions of the guru vary as well, from one who can grant liberation to one who is a guide who shows the way.
Finding A Genuine Guru
If you desire to become a spiritual seeker, and to know the truth about who you really are, the help of a Master or a true Guru is desirable. Someone who can help you with spiritual development and self-realization. In this day and age, it may be difficult to find a reliable authority to be your Teacher or Guru. It is not a trial-and-error process to find the right fit, nor is it based on how many followers or how popular they may be. The true Guru’s desire is to help you reach your own full Mastery. When looking for a Guru, ask yourself this question…am I a sincere seeker? Is the person I have been led to a true representative of God. Do I know this within my heart, and would I put my whole life in their hands? Use caution, if anyone ask you to do some type of practice, be sure that the scriptures also recommend this practice. By scriptures I mean, sacred holy texts and revered writings. These holy texts contain teachings that have been tried and tested by sages, prophets and saints. Through study of these holy texts, we can seek to understand other religions, their doctrines, and teachings which have led many honest seekers to the knowledge of the Self. Remember, there is truth, and the presentation of the truth. Truth has to be presented through some form, whatever the form may be, it still must stand up to the truth. These holy texts are the standard to measure a true teacher. Following someone or something blindly keeps you from thinking for yourself. Ask questions, and watch the words and actions of those we hold in high esteem, their actions are a form of visual teaching.
There are Teachers, Masters and Enlightened Masters. Teachers may talk about higher states of consciousness, but they have not yet attained these states themselves. Masters are those who have acquired skills and knowledge in certain areas, and are then qualified to teach or share that knowledge with others. We can learn from the masters who are living or dead. Their teachings can give us great insights. Living Masters offer the advantage of personal interaction, and the ability to ask questions if they arise. Finally, there are Enlightened Masters, but they are very rare. These Masters have reached full enlightenment. They are in the world, but not of the world. They can show you the way.
Understanding Our True Nature
A true Guru helps you understand that all knowledge is within you. That you are more than just a physical body and a mind full of constant chatter. Inside each of us is the true Self, the real Guru. This may be interesting to some and confusing to others. The Self is infinite, eternal and unchanging. You are God’s handiwork, a reflection of his image. As the Psalmist said so beautifully, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.” (psalm 139:14) It is in the battle ground of the mind that we distort this truth about ourselves. These misconceptions about ourselves occur when we do not have knowledge about this truth. When we have ignorance of the true Self, we are ruled by our ego. A life lived through the ego brings with it, attachment and selfish pleasure. One way to recognize if we are operating from our ego is an awareness to the things we desire. If we don’t have or get the things we want, jealousy and enmity show up in all their forms. Attachment to things and the fear of death, keeps us clinging to our youth, rather than embracing change and rites of passage throughout our lives. When we forget the truth of who we really are, suffering occurs. A good teacher can help you understand the true Self by giving you tools for self-study and reflection, which promotes self-awareness, understanding and knowledge. (gobodhiyoga.com)
Our first Gurus were our parents, then school teachers, professors, and clergy. They helped us on our quest for understanding and knowledge. On our life journey we may at some point desire a path that is more than just knowledge, a path of self-realization. Can you do it on your own, yes, but a true Guru will help you remove the layers of ignorance that cover your true essence.
If a Guru is what you desire, meditate with pure intent that you will be guided. There is a quote that says, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” The true Guru will only teach from Pure Love. Only pure light and love can come from them and it will be given in what ever form you need at the moment. A true Guru will help you in the process of remembering who you are, without any compensation. The Guru can only show you the way, the path to Self Realization requires an act of will. There is a wealth of knowledge inside of you, just waiting to be discovered.
Namaste, Holly
