dharmatalks

One of the difficulties that the Buddhist community in the West has faced has been the challenge of bringing concepts, traditions and ideas from an Eastern cultural context, and simply impose them on a completely different culture, which lacks the essential frame of reference, history and context to make such things truly useful.

As a result, we get our very own version of the Fundie McNuggets™ – Tibetan Terroristas, ZeNazis, and Buddha-Fascists – displaying the kinds of perverse, distorted and pathological behaviours as got out of hand during the past 48 hours on another blog.

This phenomena also gives rise to such things as the absurd amounts of energy wasted on Twitter, Facebook, the blogosphere and elsewhere, touting the highly esteemed lineage of one’s guru, recognised as being the reincarnated seventh pubic hair from the first student of this tulku or that Buddha, and so on. Grow up! Let the integrity and purity of your lineage be demonstrated in the Dharma your teacher brings to the world, and in the way you live out your lives. Otherwise it’s meaningless legend, superstition and attachment.

The true essence of lineage is experienced in the consciousness of the disciples, and manifest in the way their lives are transformed. If you have to tell me how wonderful your guru is, ask yourself WHY! Shouldn’t I be able to see how wonderful your teacher is, by watching the fruits of that Dharma in you? Worry about your practice and stop the carnie-like hawking of what my beloved brother and teacher, His Eminence Tsem Tulku Rinpoche calls your “gurus for hire”.

To that end, I wanted to share a wonderful little piece that was shared with me by another practitioner, which I have added to a bit for further clarity, and which I would suggest is the “litmus test” to which we should hold our teachers and prospective teachers:

If seven or more of the following describes your guru or spiritual teacher, then I would advise extreme caution, since unfortunately he or she may not be be as “enlightened” or good for your soul as you would like to believe, regardless of the legends, mythos and claims of how many times he or she has been reincarnated from the Great Master Mickey Mouse:

   1. States his or her own enlightenment: The wisest masters tend not to state their own enlightenment or perfection, for they know that it is both unhelpful to themselves and to their students. The false teachers often make this claim because they have little else on offer to attract followers. If a teacher claims that the only reason they have taken incarnation is to bring enlightenment to you, otherwise they would live in Tushita, Dewachen or some other land of the Enlightened, RUN. They’re about as far from enlightened as they are full of shit!

   2. Is unable to take criticism: False teachers strongly dislike either personal criticism or criticism of their teaching; they do not take kindly to “ordinary unenlightened individuals” questioning them. They or their organisations will even undertake multi-million dollar law suits to stop ex-members from spilling the beans.

   3. Acts omnipotently with no accountability: Some spiritual communities are run like concentration camps, with guru and his/her “chosen ones” acting like Gestapo officers. Unjust or outrageous behaviours by the guru are passed off as what is needed to help the followers grow.  These are the dangerous gurus, who have often severely damaged their students. A real master respects your will even if he or she understands that your particular decisions may not be in your interest, and he or she will act accountably to an ethical code of conduct.

  4. Focuses on enlightenment itself rather than teaching the path leading to it: It is amazing how much false gurus have to say about enlightenment. They argue their points in the same way that the scholars in the middle ages argued how many angels could sit on the head of a pin. Any fool can talk about the end goal because what is said is irrefutable to most of your listeners. What is skillful is guiding those listeners to having awakening within themselves. The real teacher focuses on the path and strictly avoids any talk on enlightenment.

   5. Does not practice what is preached: Contrary to spiritual myth, you don’t reach a point of realisation whereby you can then start acting mindlessly. If a teacher preaches love and forgiveness, then (s)he should act that way, at least most of the time, showing suitable regret for any lapses. If (s)he teaches meditation, (s)he should meditate. If (s)he insists that his/her followers live in austere conditions, so should (s)he. PERIOD.

   6. Takes the credit for a particular meditative or healing technique: The fact is that meditation and guided visualisation work. Anyone doing them will experience major changes, benefits and realisations. The false guru will try to own or trademark particular methods and techniques so that she has something unique to attract followers. And she will hijack the effects of meditation as the guru’s blessing rather than each individuals natural potential. Often the students or followers are forbidden from divulging the techniques to maintain a sort of intellectual property right, usually under the guise of needing the technique to be taught correctly. A responsible teacher will offer the methods, techniques and means of realisation, with recognition that they were given to them or learned through the lineage or tradition, and are in no way the “property” or “result” of affiliating with that teacher. Realisation does not require a teacher necessarily, it requires your willingness to do the work. A teacher should only support, encourage and remind you that everything needed for your own personal awakening is already yours… there is nothing you need from outside of yourself.

   7. Specifically gives satsang or darshan when it is not part of his culture: Darshan is when the disciples or students of a master line up and to pass their master, who is usually seated, with either a bow or traditionally kissing their feet (yes it does happen). In the East, this is part of their culture and a normal thing to do to show respect and reverence (even children will kiss the feet of their fathers). However, here in the West, such copycat behaviour is a strong indication that the guru is acting a role. Satsang, on the other hand, means literally "the company of the Truth". In a deeper sense it is an affirmation of the Guru-Disciple relationship in Eastern traditions. But some Western gurus will use this terminology because they are playing a role.

However, an authentic teacher may adopt the traditions of satsang and darshan, modifying them for the Western culture. Darshan, for example, may become what we more commonly call Dharma talks, with a dignified appreciation for and reverence to the teacher/guru/lama, which arises more organically, rather than being forced. Satsang may become the expression used for what we more commonly recognise as the greater Sangha. When militaristic approaches, hierarchy and distinctive “insiders” vs. “outsiders” are part of the satsang, it is approaching unhealthy dimensions, and should be held in suspicion.

   8. Lives in total opulence: Some might suggest that there is nothing wrong with a teacher living in luxury or being wealthy. I personally have difficulty accepting that idea. But when luxury turns to unnecessary opulence, using funds that were not explicitly donated for the purpose of a teacher’s recreation or personal spending, then you are probably dealing with a false guru. Money is collected from followers usually in the form of donations, and those donations are given as an act of love, appreciation and to help spread the influence of the master. A genuine master/guru will use such wealth to lessen the suffering in this world, not to buy another yacht, private jet or Rolls Royce.

   9. Encourages or permits adoration from his followers: Avoid any group that focuses on the "master" themselves rather than the teachings or spiritual practices. This will be a hindrance to your self-realisation for your focus will be drawn outside of yourself, and usually indicates that there is not a lot more on offer than guru worship. If the teacher was recognised by seventeen high lamas as a tulku or reincarnation of so-and-so, SO WHAT? That isn’t any more of an assurance of your realisation taking place than it would be to let you know that guru is wearing magical underpants (which only seem to matter in the Mormon tradition anyway).

  10. Presents himself or herself overly fashionably and glamorously: Beware of masters who present glamour photographs of themselves and dress overly fashionably (whilst proclaiming that they have no ego and leading ego-death retreats). The technical term for this behaviour is Bullshit Merchant’s Syndrome! Avoid such teachers like the plague.

  11. Demands love and devotion from their students: Keep clear of any master who demands love and devotion. One very well known Western guru stated, "Anyone who loves me is guaranteed enlightenment"! Real love and devotion is earned over time when we begin to really know the whole person and not their public image.

  12. Speaks with an Indian accent or vernacular when he is in fact a Westerner: Not sure how much this happens now but there are some high profile Western gurus who have (or had) Indian accents, mannerisms and vernacular. Unless they have genuinely spent considerable time in other cultures, they are probably playing out a role.

Just for fun, I would love to do this, but am afraid I would fall off my cushion with laughter after the first sentence!

  13. Runs expensive miracle workshops and courses: You are unlikely to reach enlightenment after a few weekend workshops with cheesy titles. In our society of "must have now", we want to be able to purchase spiritual development with minimal fuss. Also, avoid meaningless accreditation — it is often used merely to encourage followers to do more courses.

  14. Takes sexual advantage of his or her followers: This happens much more than many believe. It is not being prudish to include this one because when a follower falls under the spell of a guru he or she is likely to do anything for the Chosen One. It is only afterwards that it may dawn on the follower that his or her openness has been used and abused. This can be very psychologically scarring. Similarly, within the context of sexual predatory behaviour, we must include those teachers who demand that their disciples and students turn over the custody of their children to the teacher. Unless extenuating circumstances exist, involving whether or not the parents are legitimately fit psychologically, physically or otherwise, such acts should be held questionable, and the teacher held accountable for an explanation.

  15. Flatters you and treats you as very special: Sure we are all special in some ways, but this is one of the things that a false guru may do to hook a potential follower or to get a current follower to do a particular task. Nothing can be more intoxicating to the ego than to be selected by the master or leader (or any high profile person). A real master will stand back and allow you to make your decision whether to accept his or her teachings without trying to influence the process.

  16. Talks bollocks: (Note: the term bollocks is the original author’s politeness showing through… from the punk monk, you can be sure the word I would use is “patent bullshit”) It is surprising what a person will listen to when he or she is devoted to the speaker. It is always a good idea to get hold of a written transcript of what has been said and really read the message. Then ask an open-minded friend who is not a follower what their opinion is purely on the strength of the words. You will soon find out whether there is any real substance to the teacher’s message, or whether you are merely being drawn in by the charisma of the messenger.

  17. Overly relies on slick presentation: Slick presentation can often mask poor content, and so it is important for you to look past the lovely music and video shows at the actual message. The slicker the presentation, the harder it is to see what exactly the teaching is.

  18. Gives him or herself outrageous titles: Not satisfied by being "merely" an enlightened being, many false gurus give themselves titles (or allow their followers to do so) to indicate that they are literally God-Incarnate, the reincarnation of the Buddha or Christ, or THE chosen one. Some continually change their names, to keep pace with their burgeoning egos.

It is worthwhile to note that teachers who come from the East, may legitimately have received more lofty titles as part of that culture, training system and the mythos/ethos of the region. Similarly, if your teacher continues to be a student (a very good sign!) then it is possible they will, from time to time, be given new dharma names by their own teachers. However, these names ought not be honourifics. As an example, while the ecclesiastical office I hold historically bears with it the designation of “His Eminence” or “Beatitude”, I find such traditions silly and over the top in the West. Still, when dealing with the legalities (copyright issues, corporate entities, etc.), I am forced to acknowledge that what I send out bears the seal of the “Office of H.E. Khenpo Gurudas Sunatyananda” – but it is my responsibility to recognise that those titles represent the office I hold, not me! I am still nothing more than a simple contemplative monk. We all possess the very same Buddha/Christ nature. Therefore, none of us is more grand or important than any other sentient being. PERIOD!

  19. Runs abundance workshops: A guru or master is there to help us find an authentic life. This is nothing to do with becoming more successful at work or making more money, although this may or may not follow from being more authentic. There is nothing wrong with abundance weekends, but if we mistake spirituality for increased business success, then we are guilty of spiritual materialism and we find ourselves deeper in the illusion. (The Japanese say that the Gods laugh at those who pray for money.)

  20. Is not interested in you personally: If a teacher or guru does not have time to interact with you personally, then you may as well read his teaching from a book, because merely being in his presence doesn’t help you find realization inside you. You may model some of his spiritual characteristics, but that often only places you deeper in DELUSION.

  21. Allows his followers to set up a hierarchy of access: A guru must be accessible. If (s)he is not, or if (s)he allows his followers to block your access, then (s)he is playing the role of a (drama) king/queen and not a spiritual guide. A guru is only useful to the process of awakening if you can directly interact with him/her. With the false guru, it is often the case of the more you donate the greater your access.

  22. Makes false claims of the significance of “lineage”: Many mistakenly believe that realisation can only happen under the guidance of a realised master. In this delusional and dualistic belief system, gurus are only authentic when they come from a line or lineage of realised gurus. This belief system itself is an example of superstition and religousity being superimposed upon the actual teaching of the Buddha, and of cultural beliefs being allowed to influence (and distort) the real importance of Dharma transmission.

Desperate not to be left out, some gurus claim a false lineage of enlightened masters to bolster their authority to teach. Another pseudo form of "lineage" is to recount a miracle that once happened to them (maybe they cured themselves of some disease or God spoke to them personally) which infers that they are "chosen" and therefore have the authority to set themselves up as teachers and gurus.

While it is useful in determining the particular tradition, academic and spiritual formation, background and path of a particular teacher, and can be useful in determining whether or not you will resonate with the traditions, cultural mythos, sadhanas and expression of spirituality that a particular teacher will bring, lineage ought not be mistaken as the “means to realisation” or as a “guarantee” of the quality of a particular teaching or philosophy.

  23. Presents themselves as non-profit whilst raking in the millions: Often, the false prophet will present her teachings for free, whilst strongly encouraging her devotees to make large donations. In this way she can appear above money considerations, whilst maintaining her greed and opulence.

  24. Collects a large band of angry ex-followers: This is an indication that something is seriously wrong. If she has used kindness and love in her interactions with her students, and has discouraged them from projecting denied spiritual characteristics onto the guru (rather than encouraging their integration into the self), then it is extremely unlikely that there would be more than a few disheartened ex’s. Many might drift away and feel they have wasted their time, but they are only likely to have the great anger if they have put their teacher on a pedestal, given him their power, and later realized that he was never worthy of such adoration. Contrary to what some believe, it is actually the teacher’s responsibility to strongly discourage students from putting them on pedestals, for this is counterproductive to finding realisation inside.

  25. Uses pseudo-technology: Many false prophets and organisations base themselves around pseudo-technology in the effort to appear scientific — special meters, communication devices (do you really expect the aliens to use a mobile phone?) and energy clearing instruments and pendants that involve crystals and copper wire. Once again, this is to distract the unwary from the poor quality of the actual teaching.

  26. Acts like a complete paranoid mad person: If your Precious One acts like a complete paranoid schizophrenic or psychotic then (s)he or she probably is. Run! Remember that there really is no such thing as "crazy wisdom"—wisdom is the art of being balanced. However charismatic they may be, and sane between moments of madness, you WILL be damaged by them. Understand that what is often called the “crazy wisdom” tradition is very balanced, very responsible, and very calm. It is a reference to the non-dualistic “crazy” approach to seeing beyond the appearances of phenomena, not an excuse for bad behaviour – from the teacher or their “inner circle” of students.

  27. Remember that teachers are simple, fallible human beings. Nothing more. Nothing less. Some of the most wonderful teachers I have ever had have made mistakes. Some of them have made serious mistakes. Some of them have violated one or two of the items I mentioned above. That doesn’t mean that they were not authentic, good and important teachers, nor does it invalidate the progress I may have made at their feet as a student/disciple. It simply means that they aren’t some sort of magical superbeing, reincarnated god(dess) or doorway to realisation. They are human beings, possessing the same Buddha nature that you or I possess, who have dedicated their lives to teaching what was taught to them, realised to whatever degree it has been in their lives, and who, just like you and I, are on a spiritual journey toward awakening.

Practice whatever you can, so that the teachings of our lineage holders and dharma acharyas will not have been in vain, but above all, practice compassion, loving-kindness and mindfulness with every step.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

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“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

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Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, our Khenpo, Dharm’acharya Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, His Eminence Dharm’acharya Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.