Write an article about awareness on fake sadhus & tantriks
Answers
This is a good question and very relevant for today when we are constantly encountering scandals involving “fake” babas sadhus, gurus etc.
There is already a checks and balances system in Vedanta which I call the GGG script (Good Guru Guide). Before one applies for entrance to a University one would do all manner of research - on the school, the quality of the teaching, the academic results, the professors who teach and the methodology of teaching etc. etc. But when it comes to studying spirituality it seems people surrender themselves completely submissively without doing any background checks!!! And then are astonished when they are exploited.
There is a deluded belief among Hindus that gurus are all infallible and should be obeyed without question! There was even a movie which proved this point.
Here is a guide for testing Gurus. When considering taking anyone as your guru you need to check the following:–
1. The lineage.
The guru should belong to a recognised lineage (sampradaya) and be part of an authentic transmission (parampara). This can easily be done by “googling” the guru or simply by asking him (or her) what their lineage is or who their guru was. This question is a culturally valid question and one should not feel shy about doing so.
2. The level of knowledge of the guru.
This is difficult because to ascertain the level of knowledge one needs to have some grounding in the Dharma and Vedanta. Generally one should check if the guru encourages questions or not and if questions are answered satisfactorily. If the guru does not encourage questions, discussions, debate and argument - then head for the door!
3. The ability to teach and transmit.
A guru may have the knowledge and all the qualifications but be unable to teach effectively. The purpose of the guru-disciple relationship is to instruct, educate and transform the disciple (shishya) if the guru is technically unable to do this then there is no point to the relationship.
4. If the teacher “embodies” the teachings.
The guru must be an exemplar of the Dharma and must embody the teachings and be a good role-model. They should be teaching by example — this is the meaning of the term acharya. Their every action should be observed and if they are deviating from the principles of ahimsa — non-aggression, satyam — truth, asteyam — not taking that which is not freely given, brahmacarya – continence if single and monogamous if married and aparigraha — non-acquisitiveness i.e. not amassing wealth and property or seeking to “expand” the business; then they should be rejected.
5. The Nature of the teachings.
Does the guru teach what other gurus teach or is it something “new.” Is the teaching something only he/she has “intuited” or does it conform with the standard teaching of Vedanta acharyas? The function of a guru is to interpret the Vedanta in a novel form to suit the capabilities of the disciples and not to invent new teachings.
6. The effect on disciples and followers.
One should observe the behaviour and inter-personal dynamic of the disciples and followers and note if they are in concord with the Dharma teachings delivered by the guru. Does he or she have a positive effect on people?
Likewise the disciple is also tested by the guru to ascertain whether he/she is a fit person to receive the transmission.
The teaching itself.
The teaching itself should be submitted to scrutiny as well and in order for a spiritual teaching or ideology to be valid it must fulfill 3 conditions: —
1. Satyam — it must be intellectually satisfying and must be able to stand up to criticism and logical scrutiny. One is encouraged to debate, discuss and argue until the guru can rationally establish that which he/she is trying to convey.
2. Sivam — it must be universally beneficial, have an all-inclusive ethic and be directed at the well-being of all sentient creatures. It must be free from oppression, exploitation, division and any form of physical, mental or spiritual harm.
3. Sundaram — it must have an aesthetic component — promoting all forms of beauty, music, art, architecture, and dance etc. It must be pervaded by joy and happiness.
The ultimate outcome must be Shanti — personal, social as well as world peace.
The Disciplic Contract
According to the great Acharya Pillai Lokacharya the guru and disciple must demonstrate a mutual beneficial and affectionate relationship.
The disciple should be committed to ensuring the physical and material wellbeing of the guru.
Answer: As we know India is a land of spirituality and holiness and in the country like this people have a great faith and trust on sadhus but there are also some fake tantriks and sadhus who take advantage of this situation.
Explanation: These fake sadhus just want to fill their pocket with money they don't have any feelings for the people who are in pain and need their help they only think about themself.
According to one survey there are almost 50-60% of fake sahus and tantriks in India.