Gurus, Cults, and Mysticism

Gurus are whole enough to find their own way, and the power radiating from their spiritual development attracts followers. These "enlightened" ones serve as teachers or guides for seekers who feel a strong spiritual stirring, but don't know how to pursue it. Some of these teachers misuse their power over their students, occasionally with tragic consequences, as in the cases of Jim Jones and David Koresh.

Cults flourish on the black side of spirituality. We associate them with brainwashing. If you don't think the answers are within you, you have to look outside and you are vulnerable to someone with great charisma to tell you what to do. Cults are more rigid than most religions, their rules are more fixed.

When people abdicate responsibility for their own souls, it is a tremendous surrender of power. A huge difference exists between having a teacher and giving over your spiritual life to another.

The Beatles made gurus more visible in the '70s when they traveled to India to study with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and incorporated what they learned into their music. During that same period, some seekers were following the teachings of Don Juan in the Carlos Casteneda books, a teacher who may or may not have existed.

Mysticism teaches that it is possible to achieve communion with God through contemplation or meditation. Mystics may also participate in formal ceremonies to initiate them into esoteric "mysteries," secret or arcane practices in a given tradition. Ironically, the word "mystic" is sometimes used to indicate something beyond human comprehension, or it may mean simply filling one with wonder and awe.

More on Spirituality:

Spirituality
New Age
Religion
Science, Spirituality and Astrology
Worship and Vision