When working in group situations, the energy generated often brings on varying degrees of ‘collective euphoria ’, which can be an aid in spiritual ‘quickening’ if wisely guided. But in poorly controlled groups, where anything goes, the wilder, unchannelled energies can also sink to the lowest common denominator, such as sensuality, aggression, or a fervid ‘contact high’ of religious delirium. It all depends on the forces at work. In many ‘guru-groupie’ circles, whatever happens is usually attributed to the guru, who may not even be the slightest bit involved. But the disciples often desperately want every happening to be the ‘power of the guru’, whether he has the ability to generate it or not.

Spiritual nature

The atmosphere of a so-called ‘spiritual intensive’ is thus often charged with the collective fantasy of the participants. The excitement which is generated appeals mostly to the mind and emotions, rather than the spirit. This kind of thing can sweep the spiritually unwary off their feet—or out of their heads. Some feel that bizarre effects are ‘expected’ of them, or that their spiritual pride demands they be seen as ‘spontaneously’ experiencing kriyas (automatic movements), while others work themselves up into a crazily explosive state. And the resulting aberrations, such as ‘holy-rolling ’, speaking in tongues, ‘shakti-jumping ’, or whatever, are therefore generally of a psychic rather than of a spiritual nature.

This is not to say that these things do not also occur naturally in advanced adepts, but they often tend to be forced among dilettantish beginners. But whatever occurs in a group situation creates a sense of group togetherness, bonded by the shared experience. Although some of these outrageously expensive weekend ‘Enlightenment Intensives’ of differing groups (as promoted by Madison Avenue sales techniques) may bring about a mental-emotional breakthrough here and there, such happenings cannot be equated either with Self-realisation or with the value of steady inner development under the guidance of a spiritual master. So there is no need to feel that you are missing out on anything.

According to my (participatory) observation, such events mainly serve to swell the ranks of the organisation and create an evangelical fervour among the participants. This is always dangerous to spiritual stability and clear-sightedness. A fanatical in-crowd loyalty tends to develop among those who are smugly 'in the know', or at the mildest, it breeds a cliquish mindset that seems to make the participants unfit for the company of any but their ‘in-group’ peers, or their Guru-bhais (‘Brothers of the same Guru’).

On the other hand, the genuine ‘family feeling’ which gathers around a real spiritual master and his teaching is alluring and heart-warming for those involved in it. And why not? Never mind the specious speculations as to why they are there. The experience of Satsang—or association with the wise and True—is one of the most vital aspects of the spiritual life. Providing, that is, that such involvement does not ostracise outsiders (nor evangelise them) and you can remain open to the rest of the world, it is a worthy way to live.

But alas! Such groupie-ness most often tends to alienate outsiders and diminish the insider’s capacity for dealing with the rest of the world. And in the Hindu-oriented sects, to become a special ‘something’, like a sannyasin, an initiate, or a swami, may add colour to an otherwise humdrum life, but it also brings about a bolstering of the spiritual ego which is hard to overcome. In the case of Osho, however, he maintained that he fed his followers with ego-inflating titles and swami-hood to make them realise how ridiculous they are. Many took the titles, but not the point. And for the initiated, quite often the non-red/orange wearing ‘lesser mortals’ were looked upon askance.

Enlightenment

Belong to a Guru-bhai family-brotherhood by all means, but it is as well to remember—while in the body—that the world you live in is still your house and home, and the rest of the human race your family. If you are made to fear others, get out.

Too many cults have created an ‘us-and-them’ mentality that has led to disastrous results.

As to why others choose to join a particular group or sect—are the motives of others really your concern? Let us each look to our own. We all have our reasons for doing what we do—or think we have. Yet we also may be moved by forces beyond our ken. But in any case, each of us gets what he karmically deserves—whether he has money or not. Even supposing you were well off and you found a guru who is mainly into making a mint of money for himself—do you really imagine you will gain enlightenment from such a one?

Can you show me anyone who has ever gained enlightenment from paying heavy fees?

So, what do you imagine you are being deprived of? It is necessary to cultivate spiritual discrimination in such matters. You can better assess the effect of a guru on yourself from a quiet interview than from a ‘wham-bang sock-it-to-me’ weekend devised by his disciples.

Beware of the praise of devotees, for they speak with coloured tongues.

Part 3 follows next month.

Extracted from: Sharing the Quest: Revelations of a
Maverick Mystic

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