09-03-2010, 12:01 AM
That quote you presented gets at that organizational, functionality as well.
I was thinking of a conductor, or band leader. If the members didn't respect him the music could turn pretty sour due to everyone doing their own thing. So if the goal is the play or jam together, it helps to have one or some designated as leaders, so a form of trust is bonded in this way. But the persons who do this do not lose their autonomy nor even their sense of being able to stand alone and be good musicians in their own right. Its just they realize there has to be a pivot or focus for everything to harmonize. Might as well let the one who is best at this do it.
Its often seen that a leader knows best. But truly its those who follow who decide that and in that decision they are really in charge. Its just many people seem to not know this. Just taking a survey of America for example, with elections coming etc. People can be easily mislead by false idolatry and seeking someone that represents an ideal. Its this sphere that people should reclaim and let leaders just be functional.
In the case of spiritualism, its too bad many don't know its right here and available at all times. A teacher in this regard represents an opportunity for in depth exposure to such via a portal. One could make their teacher anything then. An animal, a tree, a lake or stream...
Gurus? Yes, I would look for certain characteristics in a Guru, such as he not talk about (promote) himself and also he not exhibit the inability to contain pride or anger etc. Another is he not be indirect and thus try to appear more knowing than he is that way. You know, one full of riddles or things that any simpleton would know. Such as if you ask him, "how can I resolve this relationship conflict?" and he would say "look within yourself, you have all the answers if you just calm your mind and listen to your heart." I don't need a leader to tell me that! : ) He should have refused to even answer such a question, or else refer to the teachings that would best apply. By answering the way he did he's just trying to sound profound by saying what oh so commonplace and known by all. Some want to hear that sort of goo though.
What I'd want from a Guru is someone very knowledgeable of the lineage, and specifically the teachings therein. I would admire and respect him for his years of dedication and practice in this regard. And if his experience and knowledge exceeded mine, then between the two of us, he would be the better leader so I'd let him. But always maintain autonomy and ability to question, not so much him, but the validity of whats taught.
I was thinking of a conductor, or band leader. If the members didn't respect him the music could turn pretty sour due to everyone doing their own thing. So if the goal is the play or jam together, it helps to have one or some designated as leaders, so a form of trust is bonded in this way. But the persons who do this do not lose their autonomy nor even their sense of being able to stand alone and be good musicians in their own right. Its just they realize there has to be a pivot or focus for everything to harmonize. Might as well let the one who is best at this do it.
Its often seen that a leader knows best. But truly its those who follow who decide that and in that decision they are really in charge. Its just many people seem to not know this. Just taking a survey of America for example, with elections coming etc. People can be easily mislead by false idolatry and seeking someone that represents an ideal. Its this sphere that people should reclaim and let leaders just be functional.
In the case of spiritualism, its too bad many don't know its right here and available at all times. A teacher in this regard represents an opportunity for in depth exposure to such via a portal. One could make their teacher anything then. An animal, a tree, a lake or stream...
Gurus? Yes, I would look for certain characteristics in a Guru, such as he not talk about (promote) himself and also he not exhibit the inability to contain pride or anger etc. Another is he not be indirect and thus try to appear more knowing than he is that way. You know, one full of riddles or things that any simpleton would know. Such as if you ask him, "how can I resolve this relationship conflict?" and he would say "look within yourself, you have all the answers if you just calm your mind and listen to your heart." I don't need a leader to tell me that! : ) He should have refused to even answer such a question, or else refer to the teachings that would best apply. By answering the way he did he's just trying to sound profound by saying what oh so commonplace and known by all. Some want to hear that sort of goo though.
What I'd want from a Guru is someone very knowledgeable of the lineage, and specifically the teachings therein. I would admire and respect him for his years of dedication and practice in this regard. And if his experience and knowledge exceeded mine, then between the two of us, he would be the better leader so I'd let him. But always maintain autonomy and ability to question, not so much him, but the validity of whats taught.