There is no shortage of ripping on bad Gurus on this site and elsewhere on the web. And the ones that deserve it, deserve it.
But one doesn’t find too much on bad students.
Here’s a little tough love for all the seekers/students/disciples out there.
Of the 7 billion beings on earth today, a small number are ever drawn to spirituality.
Of those, still fewer are drawn further to investigate and engage in any sadhana/practices/inquiry.
Of those, still fewer will stick with one teacher/tradition/practise.
Of those, very few will commit to the practices as given by Guru and/or tradition, in a consistent, long-term way.
Of those, only some will ever break through all obstacles, diversions, distractions, hardships, and realise the fruits of their sadhana in a direct, experiential way.
And even among these, few will confront and discharge, again and again, all of their shadow - all that lies hidden in their blind spot. They will make good progress, but may still cheat on their spouse, beat their children, be alcoholics or druggies, lose their temper too often, be sexually repressed, etc etc
All of this to say…
Before we jump on the Guru lynch train, let’s take an honest look at which category we’ve been a part of in our lives.
The curious onlooker, the voracious reader, the flip flopper, the window shopper, the cult forum poster, the dig 12 shallow holes seeker…
The teacher, or group, or both may be flawed, deeply flawed, or downright nutty.
And in those cases, action is required.
But that aside, what kind of student have we been?
What are our deepest desires/longings?
What are our real intentions/motivations?
The truth is that even with a mediocre Guru, a sincere student can make real progress and even surpass their Guru.
But even with the highest of Gurus, a casual or poor student can stumble along and find very little progress.
This is the reality.
I have been both kinds of student, so I know first-hand what I’m talking about here.
Let’s carry this understanding with us on this spiritual journey.
And shine the light inwards, before we look outside of ourselves for the problem.
Om