What Are the 7 Signs of a True Spiritual Teacher?

In an era of marketing and all too familiar marketing hype there are many who call themselves spiritual teachers because there is a general and wide spread spiritual awakening taking place in the world. Some so called spiritual teachers are simply spiritual materialists. This means that they seek fame and fortune by playing the role of a true spiritual teacher. Rather the role of a true spiritual teacher is primarily to be of service, helping fellow students to find their way home through living a life of Higher Purpose, greater connection to source and enlightened mind. False spiritual teachers act in such a way as to fatten their egos and wallets masquerading as spiritual teachers.

Let’s define spiritual first of all because that will focus our attention on what the purpose of a spiritual teacher’s role is.

Spiritual as opposed to religious, is a comprehensive effort to unite the physical, emotional and mental bodies with the Higher Self, Soul, The Presence, God or the Divine aspect of life. Our role on Earth is to find our individual purpose as it relates to the Divine Plan of God, or whatever you wish to call the higher, more purposeful Presence behind all of existence.

The spiritual life helps us to integrate ourselves into one unified personality serving our portion of the purpose of life beyond the personality life. Thus, grasping at stuff, or having possessions, titles, and so on only makes sense in relation to our purpose. If a direction we are taking is not serving our higher purpose, then it can become a prison in sense. Hence, we call it materialism.

How do we know that materialism is harmful? Because a life without purpose leads to depression, attachments, suffering, unhappiness and illness. Look at the dramatic rise in drug use and addiction to anti-depressants today. This is an indication that we are headed the wrong way in relation to creating happier lives.

What Are the Signs of a True Spiritual Teacher?

1. A true spiritual teacher attracts because of the message but does not promote his or herself.

Also, spiritual teachers do not recite phrase like, “My message is so special”, “I am so special”, “If you don’t come here to listen to my message you’re a fool”, “you’ll be missing my specialness if you do not follow me….” These are pressure tactics which indicate egotistic tendencies are present in the teacher.

A flower attracts because of the color and fragrance, not because a big sign is posted next to it saying, “Wow, come smell this amazing flower!”

2. Students of a spiritual teacher should eventually show signs of cultivating positive qualities, such as, loving-kindness, compassion, solemnity, courage, fearlessness, serenity, wisdom, joy, a spirit of service and much more. This is not to say that students will be perfect angels, but there should be signs of maturing towards living a soulful or enlightened life. “Know the tree by it’s fruit…”, Christ would say.

3. True spiritual teachers express humility and a sense of perspective. They admit when they make errors. They learn from their own journey and teach from those lessons. True spiritual teachers are simply fellow students and disciples who are senior because of their knowledge but this does not make them above reproach.

4. True spiritual teachers put you in touch with your inner guidance because that is their fundamental role. They do not make you dependant upon them for the long term. Similar to a good parent, the role is temporary, transitioning as you mature through the journey of deepening the connection to the Presence of Enlightened Self, or God, or the Divine within you.

5. True spiritual teachers do not make money an issue. Organizations need capital to survive. Organization and staffing bills need to be paid. However, charging large sums of money for “spiritual retreats” or seminars is actually widely discouraged, and even forbidden in all great spiritual traditions. Lord Buddha, Christ, Mohamed and others did not charge for their wisdom because it belongs to everyone who would listen or was hungry. Donations and support is needed but large fees are not. If a spiritual teacher is becoming rich teaching this may be a sign their motivation is financial and not real service.

After the teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in late September, he was offered the left over $34,000.00 after expenses for the teachings. He refused to accept the money, and offered it back to the community, saying, “past Buddhist spiritual teachers taught by example that one should not offer teaching for fees.” Offerings and gifts to sustain the teachings are another matter. No one should be denied access to spiritual teachings because of money. If a person is hungry for truth, light and purpose, but cannot presently afford access, then share the message of hope with them no matter what.

True spiritual teachers understand instinctively that they are sewing seeds of good karma by sharing the teachings with others. This is their function. It is similar to when a medical doctor takes the Hippocratic oath. When someone is sick, help to heal that man or woman, do not deny them access because of money alone.

6. True spiritual teachers respect the emotional, sexual, financial and personal boundaries of their students. A teacher proceeds with respect giving advice when asked for except in public talks which are general in nature. A student should never feel imposed upon or obliged to do something they feel is inappropriate.

7. True spiritual teachers lead by example of realization not based on knowledge but rather beingness. Beingness is the actual living example of what you teach. Anyone can read books and lecture like preachers do. Spiritual teachers gather their authority from realization of the message they share. Realization is rare. Beingness is the labor of thousands of years, maybe more. One must actualize the teachings to become the teachings.

When I watched the movie the Secret several years ago, which focused on the Law of Attraction, I was surprised to hear little or no mention of true spirituality even though about the Law of Attraction is a spiritual law with a spiritual function. Conscious use of the Law of Attraction is there to attract what is needed to fulfill the Divine Plan for your life, not how to get lots of stuff or toys, or a 10,000 square foot house. I felt there was something vulgar in this materialistic presentation of a truly beautiful and elegant spiritual law. A true spiritual teacher would not leave out the plan and purpose of life in expounding upon the laws of life.

If you wish to learn more about spiritual teachings, please visit our website at www.FourGates.com where we offer many good resources from authentic teachers.

Also, I hold periodic tele-seminars in which you can ask and get answered your spiritual questions. I cannot promise to answer all questions, but will if I can, I will when time allows. Go to Ask a Spiritual Teacher.com for details.

To Your Happiness and Prosperity,

Christopher Lee May

Tags: ask a spiritual teacher, Buddha, Christ, Dalai Lama, Law of Attraction, life of higher purpose, message of hope, spiritual awakening, spiritual materialism, the secret, true spiritual teachers