Amarjah's Muses - April 21, 2010
Guru or Not?
http://www.tmz.com/2010/04/12/steven-seagal-sexual-assault-lawsuit-executive-assistant-kayden-nguyen/
Guru or Not - Steven Seagal is an American actor, former head of an Akido dojo in Japan where he married and had a child, only to return to the states and marry again. Steven's first film was "Above the Law," a name that seems prophetic at the moment. At the Omega Institute where he was supposed to be teaching a workshop based on Akido and his recognition of being a reincarnated Tibetan lama, he did show up... sometimes 2 hours late for a three hour session... and some forgave him while others headed for the refund and class transfer lines.
Now with allegations of sexual misconduct and he isn't the first guru to be accused of that, it will become harder to accept Steven's lineage seriously. So how does one recognize a spiritual teacher? Do reports like these invalidate a conscious mandate?
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is both the head of state and the spiritual leader of Tibet. The Dalai Lamas are believed to be manifestations of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who have postponed their own nirvana and chosen to take rebirth in order to serve humanity.
When the Dalai Lama entered the room at Emory University, a presence filled the atmosphere - the air was palpably richer, the crowd hushed, and one felt the radiance of a man filled with holiness. His message was with humor, compassion, and enlightenment. Yet, when he looked out over the audience it felt as if he was talking directly to the individual while sharing his presence.
Perhaps the best indication of a guru is the ability to share their higher awareness with others. While perfection is fortunately not a requirement for attaining these levels, honoring a path and tradition is a mark of respect. The progress of a guru's follower's may also indicate when you have found a true teacher. A spiritual group reflects the qualities of those teachings. So, there are two adages to be restated here:
When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
You get the teacher you deserve.
Amarjah Wisdom School
Many circle the mountain examining the various paths without ever making the climb. We offer seminars, consultations, and support networks in the spiritual quest for awakening. We are not affiliated with organized religions as the truth is the same when viewed from the mountain summit irregardless of the path to reach it.
The evolution of consciousness has brought us here - to remind of us of who we are and our purpose here. We are seekers who embrace skepticism, acceptance and the strength in unity. We are greater than the sum of the parts in a greater spiritual work.<br>
Namaste = the light of the divine within me honors the light of the divine within you.