Recent one-liners

[Gonzo]

Here's a couple of one-liners from recent chats

When one sheds the 'self,' or whatever one wishes to name it, there's no need for power, as there's no self to wield it.

if you refuse to accept the past you refuse to accept the present then ur like a stagnant pool.

[Red Heart]

Obviously only the most brilliant, insightful, and perceptive Nagual types hang out here....

[Zamurito]

~

Obviously only the most brilliant, insightful, and perceptive Nagual types hang out here....

<<chuckles>>

Reminds me of this, 'False Guru Test.' Some snips:

1. States his or her own enlightenment (or Nagual status): The wisest masters tend not to state their own enlightenment or perfection for they know that it is both unhelpful to themselves and to their students. The false teachers often make this claim because they have little else on offer to attract followers.

Speaks for itself. The crown jewel is to then write a book. "Authors" are automtically placed on a pedistal. I'm witnessing this first hand...I just need to create some line of bullshit that's interesting (although unable to demonstrate,) and I'll fit right in!



2. Is unable to take criticism: False teachers strongly dislike either personal criticism or criticism of their teaching; they do not take kindly to ordinary unenlightened individuals questioning them. They or their organisations will even undertake multi-million dollar law suits to stop ex-members from spilling the beans.

LOL! This one is my favorite. Any comment to the self proclaimed around here or anywhere else, that isn't in 'alignment' with their 'opinion,' is met with personal history, self importance and ego. ...and of course it's everyone else's fault; the ignorant masses. They just don't get it, do they? Sonsabitches! That's why I have such a charming reputation here; it's all my fault for 'bringing down' the self proclaimed. Yea, right. Wish I was that 'powerful.' Chuckles. No, no, it wasn't I. People are not as stupid as many think; they see this for themselves, firsthand. (Yet it's so much easier to blame someone else for your own actions. Oh yes, actions. As inmature and ignorant as I am, I'm still stunned by what I see.....and it's all MY fault??)

3. Acts omnipotently with no accountability: Some spiritual communities are run like concentration camps, with guru and his chosen ones acting like Gestapo officers. Unjust or outrageous behaviour by the guru is passed off as what is needed to help the followers grow (how kind). These are the dangerous gurus who have often severely damaged their students. A real master respects your will even if he or she understands that your particular decisions may not be in your interest, and he or she will act accountably to an ethical code of conduct.

This doesn't apply to those I know. Why? Those I know don't have enough juju. They can't even lie well enough to get enough followers to get to this dangerous level, which is a good thing.

4. Focuses on enlightenment (or Nagualism) itself rather than teaching the path leading to it: It is amazing how much false gurus have to say about enlightenment (or Toltec or Buddhism, or Hinduism, or Nagualism, or...add a few more 'isms' in here.) They argue their points in the same way that the scholars in the middle ages argued how many angels could sit on the head of a pin. Any fool can talk about the end goal because what is said is irrefutable to most of your listeners. What is skillful is guiding those listeners to having awakening within themselves. The real teacher focuses on the path and strictly avoids any talk on enlightenment.

This one is critical, yet I'm still thinking it's beyond most of the bullshit artists I know. The one's I know can't 'focus' on (insert your favorite guru babble speak here,) and the path leading to it due to the fact that they haven't done it themselves. It's all Internet foreplay. It's all talk and 'doing.' I guess all the self proclaimed guru's missed the part of 'not-doing,' as mentioned by CC, or, 'un-doing' as Jed mentions. Oh well. Perhaps one day....or not.

5. Does not practice what is preached: Contrary to spiritual myth, you don't reach a point of realization whereby you can then start acting mindlessly. If a teacher preaches love and forgiveness, then he should act that way, at least most of the time, showing suitable regret for any lapses). If he teaches meditation, he should meditate. If he insists that his followers live in austere conditions, so should he.

This one says it all.

After meeting, face-to-face, a local self proclaimed, all I could do (and can do) is chuckle. Power? Yea, right. A Nagual leader? Gimmie a break. Focus? C'mon. Mind/body coordination? Try again. Pure ego and tall tales that cannot be demonstrated. Not even close to a demonstration of the lies written. Note to the self proclaimed: If you are meeting, face-to-face, those that you wish to teach, impress, etc., etc., practise just a bit beforehand. If anything, create a few more (convincing) lies to at least cover your ass when you can't perform. "Oh, but Kris, it just comes to me. Or, it can't be demonstrated. Or, whatever else the convenient lie at that time may be." Wrongo, kido. Juanito demonstrated. Curtis demonstrates. Anyone I know that has any juju what-so-ever can demonstrate, on-demand.

6. Takes the credit for a particular meditative or healing technique: The fact is that meditation and guided visualisation work. Anyone doing them will experience major changes, benefits and realizations. The false guru will try to own or trademark particular methods and techniques so that she has something unique to attract followers. And she will hijack the effects of meditation as the guru's blessing rather than each individuals natural potential. Often the students or followers are forbidden from divulging the techniques to maintain a sort of intellectual property right, usually under the guise of needing the technique to be taught correctly.

Another one of my favorites. "Let's just create another syntax, more guru babble that no-one understands. That flies!" Woohoo!

7. Specifically gives satsang or darshan when it is not part of his culture: Darshan is when the disciples or students of a master line up and to pass their master, who is usually seated, with either a bow or traditionally kissing their feet (yes it does happen). In the East, this is part of their culture and a normal thing to do to show respect and reverence (even children will kiss the feet of their fathers). However, here in the West, such copycat behaviour is a strong indication that the guru is acting a role. Satsang, on the other hand, means literally "the company of the Truth". In a deeper sense it is an affirmation of the Guru-Disciple relationship in Eastern traditions. But some Western gurus will use this terminology because they are playing a role.

This is done via the Internet, nowadays, and quite a hoot to watch. Here's a tip: The more 'followers' that comes to the self proclaimed rescue when asked simple questions, avoid. Then of course they 'receed into the shadows' as who likes being made a fool of in public? It's only natural. Shut down the discussion group, make up a lie that you are busy and don't have time for discussion, etc., etc. It's all just concern for the 'self.' ...and of course the point remains that if these people are who they said they are, there wouldn't be any 'self' to defend.

8. Lives in total opulence: There is nothing wrong with living in luxury or being wealthy. But when that luxury turns to unnecessary opulence using funds that were not explicity donated for that purpose then you are probably dealing with a false guru. Money is collected from followers usually in the form of donations, and those donations are given as an act of love, appreciation and to help spread the influence of the master. However, a genuine master is more likely to use such wealth to lessen the suffering in this world, not to buy another yacht, private jet or Rolls Royce.

Another goodie, but again, doesn't apply to those I know. They are not convincing enough to make any money.

9. Encourages or permits adoration from his followers: Avoid any group that focuses on the "master" themselves rather than the teachings or spiritual practices. This will be a hindrance to your self-realisation for your focus will be drawn outside of yourself, and usually indicates that there is not a lot more on offer than guru worship.

Whoops....I jumped ahead of myself and already mentioned this above The discussion groups never discuss 'the way,' it always becomes a pissing contest, an ego battle, a personal vendetta. ...and of course the guru wins due to the fact that they can 'write' better and sell their bullshit more convincingly. (That's how they got followers in the first place.) As mentioned above, it's always about the 'master,' not the teachings or spiritual practices.

I'll skip the next couple as they don't apply to my ramblings. Once again, those I know are not coersive enough to have this applied to them. Oh, now here's a good one:

15. Flatters you and treats you as very special: Sure we are all special in some ways, but this is one of the things that a false guru may do to hook a potential follower or to get a current follower to do a particular task. Nothing can be more intoxicating to the ego than to be selected by the master or leader (or any high profile person). A real master will stand back and allow you to make your decision whether to accept his or her teachings without trying to influence the process.

Ah yes, I know this from personal experience. I was the chosen one. (Well, until I saw through the bullshit, then I was the son-of-a-bitch.)
The individual I know came to me several times in attempt to convert me back. Or as she likes to say, "I was the one offering the olive branch." Really? Is that was it was? Why then, when we did talk, it was all about me 'getting back in line,' back in the fold? Our discussions were never about 'the way,' it was always about me following you, again. Nice olive branch offering. Here, drink this poison, you'll be commander on the mother ship!

Another goodie, although a bit different in the cases I know....

16. Talks bollocks: It is surprising what a person will listen to when he or she is devoted to the speaker. It is always a good idea to get hold of a written transcript of what has been said and really read the message. Then tell an open-minded friend who is not a follower what their opinion is purely on the strength of the words. You will soon find out whether there is any real substance to the teacher's message, or whether you are merely being drawn in by the charisma of the messenger.

The one's I know all have written transcripts and books. Yet the same rule still applies. The message, 'the way,' is quickly moved away from, turning into, 'I, I, I," and "Me, Me, Me."

17. Overly relies on slick presentation: Slick presentation can often mask poor content, and so it is important for you to look past the lovely music and video shows at the actual message. The slicker the presentation, the harder it is to see what exactly the teaching is.

This one is always interesting due to the Internet. It's easy to throw your shit out there with good content. Doesn't show you know what the fuck it means though. Once again, for me, the face-to-face meeting dispelled all of this. It was just the slap in the face I needed. I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror: "Kris, how stupid are you? How the fuck did you get conned into this?" Twas the best moment in years, at that time.

18. Gives him or herself outrageous titles: Not satisfied by being "merely" an enlightened being, many false gurus give themselves titles (or allow their followers to do so) to indicate that they are literally God-Incarnate, the reincarnation of the Buddha or Christ, or THE chosen one. Some continually change their names, to keep pace with their burgeoning egos.

Chuckles...Once again, speaks for itself. Those claiming to be The Tenant, The Nagual, yadda, yadda. For those mindless fucks that are reading this, brainwashed by your Gooroo or Nagual, take this as an example: What do you do when you meet someone on the street claiming to be Jesus Christ? You probably laugh and walk away. Why don't you do this with your own Gooroo? Why don't you laugh and walk away? Answer me that, below. Should be an interesting discussion...

Oh, I forget, they are all lurking in the shadows, won't discuss this. Not won't, can't. Anything written is pure bullshit, and that's a dead give-a-way for anyone with a brain. Then of course it digresses to 'arguements.' Chuckles. Why is it an arguement when your gooroo is being dissed, and not an arguement when the gooroo is lecturing someone?? Interesting how 'points-of-view' are important in determining what's an arguement and what's not.

Let's move on....shall we?

I'll skip the next one, again. Doesn't apply to our wimpy-dimpy guru's.

21. Allows his followers to set up a hierarchy of access: A guru must be accessible. If he is not, or if he allows his followers to block your access, then he is playing the role of a king and not a spiritual guide. A guru is only useful to the process of awakening if you can directly interact with him.

<<chuckles>> Oh yes, we see this. Assign moderators, become in-accessable, usually hidden behind more lies of how busy they are. Once again, no-one 'got' Juanito's lecture on the difference between being inaccessable and hiding. But then again, we're dealing with fakes here.

22. Makes false claims of lineage: Many mistakenly believe that realisation can only happen under the guidance of a realized master. In this belief system, gurus are only authentic when they come from a line or lineage of realized gurus. Desperate not to be left out, some gurus claim a false lineage of enlightened masters to bolster their authority to teach. Another pseudo form of "lineage" is to recount a miracle that once happened to them (maybe they cured themselves of some disease or God spoke to them personally) which infers that they are "chosen" and therefore have the authority to set themselves up as teachers and gurus.

Hehehe....the ones I know aren't even bright enough to fake this. It's just unverifiable. "I'll just make up my own title, verified by another fake, bla, bla, bla...." "The term Nagual is defined differently by everyone." "I'm a new Nagual, we play by different rules." I'm a three prong, four prog, five prog Nagual." Good grief! Let's just make it so vague no-one knows what the fuck we're talking about. Let's just make up our own rules! Hey now.........if you make up your own rules, why can't I make up my own rules? Gee, I wonder....

24. Collects a large band of angry ex-followers: This is an indication that something is seriously wrong. If she has used kindness and love (or any knowledge for that matter) in her interactions with her students, and has discouraged them from projecting denied spiritual characteristics onto the guru (rather than encouraging their integration into the self), then it is extremely unlikely that there would be more than a few disheartened ex's. Many might drift away and feel they have wasted their time, but they are only likely to have the great anger if they have put their teacher on a pedestal, given him their power, and later realized that he was never worthy of such adoration.

Speaks for itself. Contrary to what some believe, it is actually the teacher's responsibility to strongly discourage students from putting them on pedestals, for this is counterproductive to finding realisation inside. Of course this doesn't occur, or can't occur, due to the fact that being ON the pedestal is WHAT defines them. Per the usual.

25. Uses pseudo-technology: Many false prophets and organisations base themselves around pseudo-technology in the effort to appear scientific — special meters, communication devices (do you really expect the aliens to use a mobile?) and energy clearing instruments and pendants that involve crystals and copper wire. Once again, this is to distract the unwary from the poor quality of the actual teaching.

Another one of my favorites I already mentioned; creating another syntax, or creating 'other' false beings that are channeled, acting on the part of the fake gooroo, yadda, yadda.

............and last but certainly not least:

26. Acts like a complete paranoid mad person: If your Precious One acts like a complete paranoid schizophrenic or psychotic then he or she probably is. Run! Remember that there is no such thing as "crazy wisdom"—wisdom is the art of being balanced. However charismatic they may be, and sane between moments of madness, you WILL be damaged by them.

"Is Kris talking about me again? Are you two talking about me?" This is always the second or third line that comes out, after a fake pleasantry or greeting. More self importance and fat egos. It's always about the 'self,' never about the 'way.'

Hey!

It's all good.

Or not.

Go look in mirror.

If you are a self proclaimed gooroo or follower quit lying to yourself.

If anything, quit lying to others, and stop the damage. Yes, you do create damage, even in the few you do manage to attract.

....but then again, if it's our path to be suckered in, and we can get out, it's a valuable lesson. (Still doesn't excuse the self-proclaimed douche' bags, but hey, that's just me.)

Have a beautiful weekend everyone!

Kris

[Gonzo]

Well, there are teachers and there are teachers. In a way, it depends more upon the student than the teacher. The same shit seems available to everyone. With some teachers, it rings true, with others, it does not...up to the student to choose.

I think the key thing is to think for thyself, and to make choices accordingly. It took a while, but I came to see the following as quite relevant:

Beware of seeking the Truth by others;
Further and further he retreats from you;
Alone I go now all by myself
And I meet him everywhere I turn.
He is no other than myself
And yet I am not he.

When thus understood,
I am face to face with Tathata.

[Red Heart]

So what you are saying is you think Im fat??? Thats it isnt it?