Papaji?

[Spiritualseeker]

Namaste,

I have been learning a lot about past controversies with Gurus and teachers that have had scandalous activity associated with them. In particular I learned of Eli (the husband of Gangaji) had a sexual relationship with a student while married to Gangaji. Gangaji separated from him, but again got back together with him. Now I see that he STILL teaches about the 'Self'. Now of course we cast judgement in much of our relationships, but I would think it wise to save $400 instead of going to a satsang with a man who is talking about the Self and yet has had a cheating relationship while before claiming to know the Self. I did not pay any particular attention to Eli as a teacher, because I was just not interested, but this is just an example of some scandals that occur.

I have heard also rumors that Papaji may have taken a second wife while his first wife was still alive? This I have not confirmed. I am asking the forum to see if anyone has any proof of this. I ask myself, Does it matter if he did? I do not know the answers. I am just curious.

I look forward to any insights on this.

[Eastern Mind]

Vannakkam SS: Have you ever seen Rain Man? (or any other movie where the role was captivating) For awhile there (about 2 hours) I believed there was this poor chap riding the roads of America with his brother Ray, lost in his own little world. Dustin Hoffman was just that believable.

It would be relatively easy for any decent actor to pull off a fake swami role.

I'm not saying any swami is fake, or pointing fingers at anyone. But with the fairly simple message of Advaita, univeralism, ethics, and more, if you can read, memorise a few good quotes, sit still for 20 minutes or so in a meditative pose, learn to talk as if in trance, stare silently, and maybe learn a few more tricks, one could probably pull it off.

I haven't yet seen or heard anyone do that purposely, like say for 3 years, and then come out and just say, "I was faking it all along. Here's your money back. This was just a sociological experiment funded by the Harvard Department of Gullibility."

So its really buyer beware. I know I'd have a very hard time putting out 400 bucks. Pass the hat around, sure. That's different.

Best wishes staying on the right path.

Aum Namasivaya

[Believer]

Originally Posted by Eastern Mind

But with the fairly simple message of Advaita, univeralism, ethics, and more, if you can read, memorise a few good quotes, sit still for 20 minutes or so in a meditative pose, learn to talk as if in trance, stare silently, and maybe learn a few more tricks, one could probably pull it off.

How about saffron robes and a long flowing beard to go with all that?

I haven't yet seen or heard anyone do that purposely, like say for 3 years, and then come out and just say, "I was faking it all along. Here's your money back. This was just a sociological experiment funded by the Harvard Department of Gullibility."

That is a good business idea. If I ever try it, I am not likely to refund the money though.

[Mana]

Namasté

Sorry but I just can't get the sketch from Monty Python's "the life of Brian" from my mind, it just slipped in there.

"He's not the messiah; he's a very naughty boy!"

Excuse me, sorry to derail!

praNAma

mana

[Pietro Impagliazzo]

Is he charging for a satsang/lecture?

If a "swami" charges $400 for his teachings do yourself a favor and forget his name forever.

Last month I went into this seminar and there was a "guru" there, of course he knew a lot and the knowledge he was passing on was pure and spiritual.

I think the problem arises exactly when these people pretend to be swamis and accept a title they are not ready. So they stay in this seat of authority but don't actually have it inside of them.

So it's confusing, while the knowledge they're passing on is golden, their behavior is very questionable. I personally would never follow a person with a questionable behavior. The problem is not even being attached to sexual life or whatever, he could very well do it with dignity, with his spouse. If he's no better than myself, then why should I regard him as a guru? I can fare a lot better by not making any projections unto a master figure that will let me down later on.

And people lately completely lost their sense of judgement regarding another person's energy and intention. All we need is some careful observation. Look at them, perceive the way they talk and look at the world, pretty quickly you realize if a person is saintly or not. See through your heart and the judgement shall be truthful.

I'm rambling a bit, but I didn't sleep.

[Eastern Mind]

Originally Posted by Believer

How about saffron robes and a long flowing beard to go with all that?
That is a good business idea. If I ever try it, I am not likely to refund the money though.

Vannakkam Believer et al: Oh yeah, I forgot about that ... the robes. Some sharp looking beads too.

In all honesty, I didn't look at all, yet a Guru came into my life. If I were to look, and I'm certainly not about to, some degree of originality would be a prerequisite. Same old, same old, doesn't cut it for me.

Believer, I'm betting you'd refund the money. Your conscience would make your old shoulders stoop so low the folk on the street would think you had severe osteoporosis.

Aum Namasivaya

[Eastern Mind]

Originally Posted by Pietro Impagliazzo

I'm rambling a bit, but I didn't sleep.

Vannakkam: If you come pay me 400 bucks, I can drone on for awhile. Guaranteed to put you to sleep.

Aum Namasivaya

[Pietro Impagliazzo]

Originally Posted by Eastern Mind

Vannakkam: If you come pay me 400 bucks, I can drone on for awhile. Guaranteed to put you to sleep.

Aum Namasivaya

Well, if I go all the way up to Canada and you also provide me some place to sleep... Why not? It should be cheaper than a few days at a hotel anyway.

[rkpande]

An interesting read.
http://www.strippingthegurus.com/index.html#stgtoc

[Mana]

Namasté

Oh... This individual clearly has a very black outlook on life; he sees darkness every where he looks. How very sad.

History lessons? Seriously!

Pranam

mana