The Guru Question: The Perils and Rewards of Choosing a Spiritual Teacher

The spiritual journey is perhaps the most personal experience of our lives--but does that mean we have to go it alone? With The Guru Question, award-winning author Mariana Caplan brings you a unique and much-needed guide for deciding whether you need a dedicated mentor to help illuminate your path to awakening--and if so, how to navigate the deep complexities of the guru-disciple relationship. For those seeking a teacher worthy of their trust and devotion, or anyone who has been frustrated by their experiences with a spiritual teacher, Caplan offers candid, practical, and daringly personal examination of the student-teacher dynamic, including: Are you ready to be a student? If and when you should consider making a commitment to a spiritual teacher The path of the conscious learner--how to retain your power and autonomy while accepting a mentor's authority Tips for the wounded seeker--the valuable lessons we learn from our encounters with false teachers Spiritual scandals and predatory gurus--guidance for avoiding the inherent pitfalls in the student-teacher relationship How to recognize the inner light of divinity as it manifests in the imperfect human guise of your teacher--and yourself In a time when a distrust of authority has been proven to be a healthy trait, we tend to be justifiably suspicious of those who present themselves as gurus and spiritual masters. Drawing upon her knowledge as both a scholar of mysticism and lifelong practitioner of spiritual traditions, Mariana Caplan helps readers develop the discernment that is crucial when seeking an authentic teacher--and reveals the immeasurable rewards that can come from having a trustworthy guide on the spiritual path.