SOUL SICKNESS AND LOSS #3
Can occur when fame and power override higher consciousness in “Gurus,” dysfunctional priests and religious leaders.
There are others categories which will be discussed in the next blogs including;
demented and malevolent politicians such as Hitler, certain musicians, violent and radical cults of any sort - some seemingly religious (radical Islam) - and gangs, notably those peddling drugs. The latter often have altars and pray to Satan and other demonic powers to enable them.
Any of these with their own soul sickness or loss will create a measure of the same in their followers.
SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS
To whom much is given, much is required.
(in terms of integrity and the laws of karma. )
Spiritual and religious leaders, gurus and priests can be subjected to soul loss. These perpetrators also cause 'dis'-ease in their followers. Gurus that came from the East 'fell' on account of easy money, devoted followers and the facility with which they could exploit their women and men devotees. Their followers became subject to abuse; materially, physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically and above all spiritually. There are many and the list below goes on. Because of their spiritual status and knowledge, it is even more reprehensible since these people should be held to the highest standards.
To mention only a few of the worst.
Osho
Bikram Choudhury, founder of Bikram Yoga.
Dr. Kausthub Desikachar.
Da Free John.
Amrit Desai.
Sathya Sai Baba.
Chögyam Trungpa, and Ösel Tendzin. (his student.)
John of God.
Osho – Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh was probably the most infamous and notorious of these and invoked most of the methods below.
Sexual promiscuity, group sex (even pimping on behalf of the guru.) The latter was exploited as a remedy for releasing the students’ attachments and fears around sex. Hypocrisy ran rampant. The guru engaged 'purely altruistically' and although sex was involved he remained officially 'celibate.' These acts were said to be done out of selfless service for the sake of the devotee only. Those selected felt special and competition for the selection arose resulting in corruption and power-play.
Abuse with drugs was acceptable because the guru was beyond the material. The vehicle or body was only temporary and would be released when he exited to the causal, enlightened realm.
The guru was totally unattached to all the wealth and extravagance that accumulated – it meant nothing to him but yet there were hidden bank accounts, private planes, boats and exotic cars.
The intimidation and even weaponization practiced was essential to protect the cult from jealous and uninformed locals outside the ashram. Devotees were told not to communicate with anyone because they would not be able to understand their sophisticated level of enlightenment. Military training was essential, as were weapons, to keep the ashram safe.
This environment created a group/cult 'hypnosis' and a sense of community - they were are all in it together for the sake of a higher purpose. Even for the skeptical it was better to be there than to leave since there was a sense of belonging, community and security. Those that tried to leave would be threatened with material and spiritual bankruptcy, doom and gloom if they left the fold.
Complete surrender and trust were essential for the instruction to work. To Self-realize one had to release all that one knew (as well as material possessions) and accept certain things that seemed abhorrent. This was essential and necessary for the mission. Abuse and dogma were accepted as a part of the lesson. Only the guru had the power to lead the devotee to enlightenment.
The guru had the ability to channel privileged information from a higher source. It required tremendous sacrifice to do this.
Dreaming him was a good sign that one was on the path. In reality the guru may have had the spiritual power to script and manipulate the devotee through the dream time as well as in real time.
The warning signs were obvious but easily subordinated to intimidation and the guru’s charisma and knowledge. The hypocrisy included:
Not talking truth to power – do as I say not as I do. There was no other way to Self-realization. Any semblance of love, compassion and humor both essential for the spiritual path were in short supply.
The tenets should have been:
Subordination of ego to the Higher Self. Compassion instead of judgement. Leading with humility, love and laughter. Talking truth to power. Maintaining trust. Assuring safety. Pursuing spiritual excellence for all rather than power for oneself and the inner circle. Celebrating the myriad of differences and talents in all devotees and not playing favorites. Strengthening bonds. Encouraging asking for help. Not demeaning those less capable and even giving them more, rather than less attention. Assuring equanimity wholeness, health and balance. Seeing the divinity in all the spiritual seekers.
Those in the inner circle who road or his coattails developed their own soul sickness or loss.
The soul sickness and loss portrayed by the guru and his inner circle had the effect of causing some of the same sickness in the devotees.
When looking for a teacher one should beware and be aware of those with a big ego especially if they say their's is the only way. Moreover, if they charge a lot of money and their wisdom is not aligned with compassion, humility and love. If the so called 'tough' love is about shaming and humiliating others and there is hypocrisy then its time to run for the hills. There is no doubt that these leaders have wisdom to teach but rather than be polluted read their books (also with a pinch of salt.)
Krishnamurti taught that the concept of the Guru archetype was a fallacy and that we all need to find our own way.
Rather always;
“A guide from the side and not sage on a stage."