"How exactly do we know that someone is a bad (or good) teacher? We
observe them carefully over time; pay attention to our own mind, heart,
and gut; and trust our own best judgment. We ask ourselves, 'Does this
person's behavior consistently follow and uphold the essential
principles of human connection, compassion, and service?'
If we can't or won't trust our own judgment, then we will probably
end up as part of a deeply abusive cult. We'll find a very sexy, very
charismatic, and thoroughly exploitive (and, perhaps, mentally ill)
spiritual teacher. He will tell us that we need to trust everything he
says and does, and that we must put ourselves unquestioningly in his
hands, with the same innocence that children are asked to put their
faith in God. And then he will steal our energy, money, and sanity." Scott Edelstein
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| Photo: Arthur Teng www.smithsonianmag.org |
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