--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Vaj <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> How does MMY measure up? It ain't looking good...but where can I
> get a silk dhoti like that...
>
> On Dec 21, 2005, at 4:07 PM, markmeredith2002 wrote:
>
> > http://energygrid.com/spirit/ap-falsegurutest.html
> >
> > 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.
>
> yep.
Nope, actually.
> > 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.
>
> If you disagree you're out the door! Adjust your think or else!
Hands down.
> > 3. Acts omnipotently with no accountability: Some spiritual
> > communities are run like concentration camps, with guru and his
> > chosen ones acting like Gestapo officers.
No accountability, but certainly doesn't run things
like a concentration camp.
> > Unjust or outrageous
> > behaviour by the guru is passed off as what is needed to help the
> > followers grow (how kind).
I haven't heard anything along these lines.
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.
TM, being a mechanical path, never did focus on behavior.
> > 5. Does not practice what is preached: Contrary to spiritual
> > myth, you don't reach a point of realization whereby you can then
> > start acting mindlessly. If a teacher preaches love and
> > forgiveness, then he should act that way, at least most of the
> > time, showing suitable regret for any lapses). If he teaches
> > meditation, he should meditate. If he insists that his followers
> > live in austere conditions, so should he.
>
> Definitely.
MMY doesn't teach ethics or preach love and forgiveness.
As to practicing meditation, from what I understand, he
does have practices of some kind, just not 2x7 TM.
> > 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
> > realizations. The false guru will try to own or trademark
> > particular methods and techniques so that she has something
> > unique to attract followers.
Yep. (Or because TM *is* unique and uniquely effective.)
> > And she will hijack the effects of
> > meditation as the guru's blessing rather than each individuals
> > natural potential.
Very definitely not.
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.
Or, because the technique *does* need to be taught correctly
to be effective.
> 100% on this one.
Not.
> > 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.
>
> Not per se, but in general he does encourage high paying patrons
> to pay for his presence--often in expensive western venues
> (Switzerland, Holland, etc.).
That's *really* stretching it.
> > 8. Lives in total opulence: There is nothing wrong with living in
> > luxury or being wealthy. But when that luxury turns to unnecessary
> > opulence using funds that were not explicity donated for that
> > purpose 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. However, a genuine
> > master is more likely to use such wealth to lessen the suffering
> > in this world, not to buy another yacht, private jet or Rolls
> > Royce.
>
> Opulent in a big way, but with a Vedic twist.
MMY does not live in "total opulence" by any means. And as
far as MMY is concerned, he *is* using TMO funds to lessen
the suffering in this world.
> Soon your wife will want a sari.
Non sequitur.
> > 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.
>
> 50% on this one.
"Permits" adoration, perhaps, but mostly because he
doeesn't dictate how TMers should feel about him one
way or the other. On the other hand, there are quite
a few anecdotes about how he has rejected adoration.
All in all, I'd say zero on this one.
> > 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). Yes it does
> > happen!
>
> Silk dhoti collection anyone?
Vaj, have some self-respect, for goodness' sake. If
there's no limit on how wildly you can twist these
criteria to make them fit, they become meaningless.
> > 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.
>
> Adjust your thinking if you want to hang with Rishster.
But doesn't demand love and devotion, nor claim that
it's a requirement for enlightenment. Sorry, no cigar
on this one either.
> > 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. This indicates that they are
> > playing in their ego.
>
> Does not apply, although does use western scientific lingo to lure
> wealthy and yuppie nerd types.
<horselaugh> Keep digging, Vaj!
> > 13. Runs expensive miracle workshops and courses: You are
> > unlikely to reach enlightenment after a few weekend workshops
> > with cheesy titles.
Not.
> > 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.
Not really.
> > 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 scaring.
(I believe the writer means "scarring.") This one
may well apply.
> Expensive courses promising world peace etc. for high rpices.
> Apllies but in somewhat different manner.
And I think you meant to put this under the one above,
not the sexual dalliance one. But again, this is
stretching it so far it's meaningless.
> > 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.
>
> Bevan?
MMY is said to do this with celebrities.
> > 16. Talks bollocks: 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 tell 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.
>
> Naw, he prety much teaches watered down Hinduism with a Quantum
> twist. Shaken, not stirred.
Or, he extracted some universal principles from
his native spiritual culture.
> > 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 eactly the teaching is.
>
> If only I would have scraped off the gold leaf of all those
> brochures I could have retired early. If there's one thing the TMO
> does well it is spiritual materialism and marketing the simple as
> the sublime.
I'm not sure that the slicker the presentation, the
harder it is to see what exactly the teaching is. It
would depend on the individual case.
> > 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.
>
> Duh, Maharishi? A creator of universes? Get real.
Huh? This one doesn't apply to MMY at all.
> > 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.)
>
> Not per se,
Not per se is right.
> but encourages students to be rich and to use that
> money for his services. The wealthy are the Brahmin elite.
As the writer says, "[Abundance] may or may not follow from
being authentic." (Did he think he meant anything by
this?)
> > 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.
Not sure this is necessarily the case. Probably
depends on the student. But MMY never claimed being
in his presence would help you find realization, of
course, so this just isn't germane.
> > You may model some of his spiritual characteristics, but that
> > often only places you deeper in illusion.
>
> No money, no darshan.
Non sequitur.
> > 21. Allows his followers to set up a hierarchy of access:
> > A guru must be accessible. If he is not, or if he allows his
> > followers to block your access, then he is playing the role of a
> > king and not a spiritual guide. A guru is only useful to the
> > process of awakening if you can directly interact with him.
>
> Money = access.
Again, non sequitur. In any case, MMY never claimed to
be a personal "spiritual guide." That was never his
intention. And of course, you can't both run a worldwide
movement *and* grant personal access to every TMer.
> > 22. Makes false claims of lineage: Many mistakenly
> > believe that realisation can only happen under the guidance of a
> > realized master. In this belief system, gurus are only authentic
> > when they come from a line or lineage of realized gurus.
> > 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.
>
> Yeah but you CAN buy a Shankaracharya, does that count?
Nope, sorry. (Even if it were the case, which it isn't.)
> > 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.
>
> Yep.
Nope. Since when has TM been taught for free? And
what hard evidence do we have that the money the TMO
takes in is used for anything other than the TMO?
> > 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.
>
> Yep, big time. The ex out-weigh the current followers.
I don't think the *angry* exes outweigh the current followers,
actually.
> > 25. Uses pseudo-technology: Many false profits 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?) 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.
>
> Pseudo-science and pseudo-scientific claims to sell products and
> lure students.
Not "pseudo-technology," however. Well, maybe the Maharishi
Vedic Observatories, but those didn't seem to go over too
well.
> > 26. Acts like a complete paranoid mad person: If your
> > Precious One acts like a complete paranoid schizophrenic or
> > psychotic then he or she probably is.
But may not be.
> > Run! Remember that there is no such thing as "crazy
> > wisdom"wisdom is the art of being balanced.
"Remember" that there is no such thing? As if that were
established fact? The writer would get a good argument
from quite a few pretty well-informed folks, such as
Feuerstein and Wilber.
I suspect what the writer means is "*I* don't think there
is any such thing as 'crazy wisdom.'"
However charismatic
> > they may be, and sane between moments of madness, you WILL be
> > damaged by them
>
> Remember the CIA thing?
MMY's done plenty of apparently nutty things, but
paranoid schizophrenia would be rather a stretch.
Interestingly, there's no credit or source given
for this list at the Web site, so we have no idea
what the writer's credentials are.
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