The Guru Within

It can be inspiring to find a teacher who models the characteristics you aspire to. Some of the living gurus and teachers I look up to include Thich Nhat Hanh, the Dalai Lama, Neale Donald Walsh, and Anita Moorjani, to name just a few. I love following their teachings and work, and find that doing so enhances my own spiritual journey. 

However, there have been a few teachers over the years who’ve been really disappointing, from accusations of sexual harassment to abuse. The two who come to mind first are Pattabhi Jois and Divine Mother Amma, though there are more. I haven’t known these teachers personally, but I have heard and read stories from people about their failings as humans and as teachers. 

It’s devastating for those affected by the abuse and for their many devotees. It helps me to remember that the true guru is within. We are all shards of the Divine, and when you return to that place within, you have all the love, holiness, and divine qualities of the people you are seeking to emulate. It can be great to find a teacher who you like to follow, but don’t forget that you also have all the qualities that you admire in them.