One of the most challenging aspects of spiritual study is deciding who to trust and believe regarding spiritual teachings. When we are beginners we do not have the background knowledge and experience to effectively evaluate the teachings per se.
This choice is even more important if we are looking for a primary teacher or guru.
Given the current explosion of spiritual teachings offered, there are now a vast number of “competing” choices.
How to choose?
There are no perfect humans or teachers so this is not meant to be a checklist.
Some of these criteria may be more important to you than others.
Teachings may be valuable even if the teachers don’t meet all these criteria.
Unfortunately, there are many examples of teachers who couldn’t or wouldn’t walk the talk of their teachings. And it is worth noting that the teachings were not sufficient to enable others to do so either.
Here are some criteria to consider.
Do you resonate with the energy of the teacher? Do the teachings seem somehow familiar? Are the teachings also challenging and thus feel somewhat uncomfortable?
Do the teachings focus on personal change (transformation) in who you are, as opposed to learning?
Do they lead to you becoming your authentic self and knowing your true nature, as opposed to becoming like the teacher?
Do they speak to all of who you are – mind, body, spirit, feelings?
Do they honour and represent both the feminine and masculine? (Masculine and feminine perspective, “spirits” and presenters)
Do they acknowledge current culture and are they effective for people living in today’s modern chaotic world? As opposed to teachings that were relevant to monasteries, nunneries, or their cultural equivalents in past times.
Are they alive, as opposed to dogmatic? Are they original material, traditional material, or modern perspectives on traditional material?
Does the teacher disclose the “spirits” they are working with?
Do they have a direct, personal connection to these allies?
Are they actively engaged in their own personal spiritual journey and open about the work they are doing and the challenges they are facing?
Are they a good example of living the teachings regarding: family relations, stable long term relationships, caring for others, cooking, shopping, finances, working in an effective team, etc.?
Are they competent / effective using today’s modern technologies and media? Do they have first hand experience of the risks and traps of this technology?
Are they fully present in their bodies and physically active and smooth in movement? Do they dance?
Do they have an active sense of humour and laugh easily?
Do they care about, and actively contribute to conserving, the natural world?
Are they accessible via phone, email, or other follow-up methods in a way that creates a personal connection?
Do they have a plan and support system in place for folks when their teachings are successful? To address such things as: disorientation during the dissolution of identity; mental stability during deep shadow work; ongoing processes to assist the release of trauma, etc.