Fake Gurus and False Profits: Who are We Listening To?
Fake Gurus and False Profits: Who are We Listening To
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"A lie gets halfway around the earth before truth has a chance to put its pants on."
- Winston Churchill
Over a year has passed since the tragedy in Angel Valley, Sedona where 18 people were injured and 3 people died as a result of a sweat lodge ceremony held by self proclaimed guru James Ray.
He is charged with three counts of manslaughter. His bond was set at $5,000,000. As of Feb 2, 2011, his attorney is seeking a change of venue for the trial.
The facts around this incident are incredible, astounding and worthy of discussion.
James Ray, the son of a poor Oklahoma preacher appeared in the movie The Secret, Larry King and on Oprah. At one point, his company revenue hit over 9.4 million.
He designed his own sweat lodge' as part of a Sedona retreat loosely based on the Native American ceremony.
Even as people began gasping for air, losing consciousness and vomiting in the sweat lodge Mr. Ray urged them to stay saying "Weakness can be overcome." One man stated he thought he was having a heart attack. James replied "Today is a good day to die."
As it turns out, three people did.
There was no monitoring of individuals for mental or physical symptoms, and no safety plan in place for medical emergencies, according to the employees of Ray.
Ray sat outside the lodge in a chair.
The people that died were in excellent physical shape, intelligent, devoted to positive spiritual lifestyles. Even intelligent, loving, spiritual people may turn to a guru and somehow voluntarily abandon rationality. This sweat lodge followed 36 hours of fasting.
Traditionally about a dozen people are present for a sweat lodge. Ray jammed in 50- 60 people into his 415 square foot homemade sweat lodge.
According to Chief Arvol Looking Horse, 19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Bundle, a most respected source - what happened in Sedona had nothing to do with the Native American ceremony or way of life.
The fee for this week long Spiritual Warrior retreat? $9,000 - $10,000 per person. James Ray went on to host two more events after this tragedy.
As the much discussed and overly hyped date of 2012 approaches charismatic and self obsessed types seek to profit as self proclaimed mystics, healers, wisdom keepers, channellers, shamans, wind whisperers and vision guides - especially here in the southwest.
The Spiritual Warriors' arrived in Angel Valley Sedona retreat in sincerity. James Ray was their hero. They paid a great deal of money for the retreat, a substantial commitment in itself.
While James Ray surely had no intention of creating a fatal outcome, he remains responsible. He held a position of leadership in a ceremony without proper qualifications, nor did he bother to become educated about the spiritual practice of sweat lodge and fasting from others who are informed on the subject.
No matter the outcome of his trial, convicted or not, he must live with the results of his actions. It is not our place to judge him.
With many well marketed, beautifully designed websites and spiritual conference events to choose from how does one make a decision? New Age spirituality has become a huge industry. It can be tricky to get past the well chosen promotional spin and commercial buzz, especially when the leader may be a good looking guy with a Tony Robbins vibe.
People in crisis naturally look for support. Many are desperate to experience a life changing vision as proof the spirit world, or that something more exists. Since our entire planet is in a state of ongoing crisis, this is a valid issue.
Who are we listening to? Do we even know the voice of truth when we hear it?
Here are some spiritual consumer guidelines to help you choose a teacher, spiritual retreat or a workshop.
Be cautious of individuals with a meteoric, viral video rise to fame. I've noticed a few so called grandmothers' that might benefit by shutting up for a few decades and experiencing more of life before offering their wisdom to the masses. Isn't a Grandmother (Little or Big) an elder by definition? And hey - How can there be so many white Grandmothers out there?!
It is acceptable to pay for a helpful spiritual service or instruction that enhances your personal connection to Source. It is also reasonable to ask questions about the teacher's background, credentials, or the specific content of an event. If a teacher lies about, spins or exaggerates their credentials you are heading in the wrong direction, so check your roadmap. "Whoever is careless in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters." - Albert Einstein.
A true spiritual teacher is open to genuine inquiry or even direct confrontation.
Unthinking blind respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth.
Some New Age teachers infer that you are creating "negative energy" when asking for more information, checking facts or questioning their ideas in any way. It is always sensible to inquire. Expect a straightforward response. It is not disrespectful. A wise experienced teacher can handle this.
It is always good and right to love yourself enough to set a boundary or a limit when needed.
Reputable teachers name the sources of their research information. They will not claim an internet blurb, news item, scientific discovery or individual quote as their own personal dream, prediction, or vision given to them by spirit.
Quotes and sources should be defined as separate from personal revelations or spirit communication.
The suggestion that the mind isn't spiritual one must only listen to the heart - is intentionally misleading. Humans function best when in balance between heart emotion and the intellect. Using both will guide you well and steer you away from deception and manipulation. Never abandon the heart or the mind.
I've always advised my students and prospective clients this way: if an intuitive consultant, or instructor asks for additional fees to remove a curse, increase your personal appeal, help you to conceive - or for a private expensive ceremony - you have just encountered a charlatan.
All charges and fees should be clear before the workshop or session.
Extraordinary claims (i.e., multiple recognitions or endorsements by Buddhist monks, Native American tribes or Mayan priests) require equally extraordinary, verifiable evidence.
It has been said that an advanced being does to have to announce it. It simply comes off them like radiance.
There are many ethical and thoughtful individuals offering spiritual teaching or guidance. There are even more who are ruled by their senses and live only for themselves.
May we remember to love ourselves, listen to the inner voice, and be kind to each other; always balancing the heart space with wise mind.
It is not the task of a master teacher to put the divine into you. A true master teacher draws the divine already within, out of you.
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