New Age Gurus – 20 Qualities That Don’t Make a Good Spiritual Teacher

Since the early 1980’s we’ve explored metaphysical and
New Age offerings. We’ve compiled a list below to helpnyou navigate the metaphysical marketplace.

The following is an extended list of characteristics that,nalthough perceived by much of the population as inherentlyn“spiritual,” do not automatically make someone a goodnspiritual teacher.nn*Membership to a sect/religion based in a foreign countrynn*The appearance of a wise, old sage; older doesn’t alwaysnmean wise
n*Musical/artistic abilitynn*The ability to offer an authentic-looking, heartfelt cry onncuenn*Having attracted a lot of money/contributions through thei
adherentsnn*A foreign accentnn*Enigmatic looksnn*Lots of pressnn*Expensive feesnn*Expensive seminars and retreatsnn*Mention of having studied under a “guru” in an exoticnforeign countrynn*Specializing in mysterious disciplines that are difficult, ifnnot impossible to pronouncenn*Being a “best-selling” autho
n*An appearance on Oprahnn*Appearing on other national TV/radio showsnn*Having testimonials/endorsements from other “spiritualnauthorities” (i.e., often self-proclaimed)nn*A powerfully effective communicator/stage presencenn*Having “cured” themselves of a terminal disease throughntheir magic powers that you can have too if you would justnpay their fees and buy their productsnn*Guaranteeing success in manifesting what you wantn(especially if it contrasts with who you really are/you
true path)nn*Cheer-leading abilitynn*Denying reinca
ation and karma (usually because acceptingnthese basic spiritual concepts would negate some or a lot ofnwhat they preach)nn*“Never” saying anything “negative” and always smilingnn*Written communication that appears to sound profoundlyndeep, is difficult to decipher, and that leaves you thinking,
“What does that mean?” after the feel-good feeling fadesnn*Poetic abilitynn*The ability to make you feel warm and fuzzy insidenn*Claims of having communicated directly with God, or guides,nor other spiritual beings--especially when the “communications”nare sometimes biased-sounding. For example, someone claimingnthat “God” told them a certain politician/political initiativenor corporate initiative is evil, or that one must, for instance,nabstain from sex for the rest of his/her life in order to reachn“nirvana”nn*The willingness to jump on the New Age bandwagon justnbecause a spiritual concept is popular

Copyright © 2007 Scott Petullo, Stephen Petullo