There are a lot of spiritual teachers out there, whether they are called gurus, swamis, pastors, priests, imams, rabbis, spiritual directors, or whatever else comes to mind. They are looking for followers, want people to accept their teachings, and look to them as their spiritual leaders.
Today's reading from chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita gives an excellent description of what a spiritually mature and authentic human being is like. It offers us a good way to discern to what spiritual leaders we are willing to listen, let alone follow. The reading also offers us helpful criteria for our own self examination, as well as the examination of anyone we look to for spiritual guidance and help. The use of the guidelines in this passage would prevent many cult leaders and self-serving so-called spiritual leaders from gaining the kind of following they attract. And we, too, would be kept from spiritual pride. May these words be useful to you!
When a person has fully ripened as a mature human being into his or her full potential,
this is what he or she will look like.
She will always have a clear vision of Truth.
He will rule his senses and passions.
She will be free of the clamor of likes and dislikes.
He will relish the silence of solitude.
She will perfectly control her thinking, speaking, and acting.
He will have no feelings of anger, aggression, fear, or lust.
She will want to eat and live simply and purely.
He will be at peace with himself and others.
You will be united with me in mind and heart, free of sorrow, care, and craving.
You will know and love Me as I am.
You will experience My Glory and so enter my Boundless Being.
You will do everything only in My service.
Through Me you will enjoy Eternal Life.
Do you wish to attain all this?
Then offer every thought and every action to Me.
Look upon Me as Your only protector.
Meditate upon Me constantly.
Rely on Me to overcome all the problems you face.
Strive to follow My will rather than your own.
Remember, I dwell in Your heart and those of all living beings.
I surround them all, including you.
This is my prayer of response:
It is my heart's deepest desire, O True Life of all,
to become what You describe as the perfected human being we are all meant to be.
The description is clear and challenging.
May I keep it in mind, not letting myself become discouraged as I see how far I am from these ideals,
but rather using them to fertilize the soil of my soul, that it may bear the ripe fruit of such Goodness.
And may I also keep these words in mind as I consider the character and teachings of those who claim to be spiritual leaders, that I may not be mistaken and misled by mere charm, charisma, and eloquent words.
By their fruits I shall know them.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment