As long as there is a demand for true teachers, numerous false teachers will abound. As long as good money is in demand, lots of counterfeit money will be in circulation. A realistic view of this world reveals that proportionately what is best is always the least. There is very little cream in milk, very little perfume in flowers, and only a small number of good and noble people in the world. The same applies to genuine spiritual teachers. Their number is negligible compared to the relatively large number of fake teachers. With no quality control inspection in religion, false teachers continue to explore the ignorant and gullible without hindrance.
Characteristics of genuine spiritual teachers:
1. Genuine spiritual teachers have no ulterior selfish motives. They always think of the spiritual and mundane well-being of others.
2. They do not carve praise, honor or fame. If praised by others they feel embarrassed. Yet they are always eager to give praise and honor to others.
3. They are beyond lust and greed. Both lust and greed are rooted in selfishness. Genuine spiritual teachers are totally unselfish.
4. They do not crave money.
5. Genuine spiritual teachers do not look upon themselves as either teachers or saints. Their natural humility prevents them from doing so. They give their teachings without the vanity of a teacher.
6. They never write books or autobiographies to glorify themselves; nor do they indulge in any other kind of self aggrandizement. If they write books at all, they do so as a service to mankind or God. As long as they are alive, they are against anyone writing their biographies.
7. They are not interested in any kind of publicity.
8. Genuine spiritual teachers may start organizations but will never name them after themselves. Nor will they allow an organization founded by their admirers to be named after them. They may found organizations and out of reverence and gratitude name them after their deceased Gurus or spiritual teachers.
9. Truthfulness is one of the most important qualities of genuine spiritual teachers. If they lie they are not fit to be teachers.
10. Genuine spiritual teachers practice what they preach. They do not advise others to do what they themselves would not do.
11. Genuine spiritual teachers are not mystery-mongers. They do not mystify religion. They do not want to awe people by claiming to have miraculous powers, nor do they ordinarily want to display them. If at all they perform miracles under the inspiration of God, they consider that to be God’s glory, not their own.
12. They are never depressed or morose. They are always peaceful and cheerful. They are humorous, but their humor does not hurt or ridicule anyone; the use it to help people spiritually.
13. They are naturally nonviolent, kind and considerate. They never become really angry. Sometimes they make a show of mock anger to discipline their students for their spiritual good.
14. Humility is a special distinguishing quality of all genuine spiritual teachers and saints. All great spiritual teachers and saints are humble.
15. In addition to all these qualities, a genuine spiritual teacher should also have a good spiritual lineage.
Success in secular life, whether in the past or present, is not the right criterion to judge the spirituality of a teacher.
A saint’s humility is the outcome of many years of intense spiritual practice.
Humility is a realistic recognition of our imperfections. It does not make us feel worthless; it urges us to strive for perfection. One cannot overcome defects by trying only once. Repeated attempts have to made. As success comes only after many failed attempts, one develops humility, and cannot feel superior to others.
For more information and guidance, visit http://www.ramakrishnavedantamath.org or mail to ramakrishnavedantamath@vsnl.net
Note – The above points are notes I have scrubbed down while reading the book “Meditation – Mind and Patanjali’s” written by Swami Bhaskarananda. I am blogging this material only to encourage the readers who see my blog to read the book and is not meant for any commercial purpose. It is just sharing information about a good book.
Regards,
Tirumalanath
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