The Guru Question: Identifying True and False Gurus or Spiritual Leaders

------------- 1. His past is unclear, vague and mysterious You will find that accounts of his past life before he became a guru are unclear and contain many contradictions, hyperboles and misinformation which make it very difficult to know whether he is truly enlightened or pretending to be one. You may also hear few scandals and controversies about his past such as fake educational qualifications and other credentials or marital problems. 2. He does not truly practice renunciation You will find that although he is a sanyasi who renounced his family and worldly life, his family members still hang around him and look after his business and daily activities. Besides wielding power and influence over him, they enjoy his trust and confidence, while ordinary followers do the chores and lead a hard life. 3. He prefers the company of rich and powerful people You will see that the guru does not treat his followers according to their spirituality but their wealth and power or nationality.  They manage to gain easy access and spend quality time with him, while others have to be content with seeing him from a distance or meeting him by chance or after a long wait. 4. His actions betray his ethical and spiritual conduct You will find that although the guru preaches virtuous conduct and ethical living () , his personal conduct betrays his true nature as a materialistic person as he lacks true contentment and habitually engages in the violation of Asteya (non-stealing) and Aparigraha (non-covetousness) to increase his net worth. 5. He exploits his disciples to promote his goals    You will see that the guru makes clever use of the talents and skills of his followers, offering them little in return, except the satisfaction that they are working for a noble cause. You will see that people who were otherwise successful, donated their life savings to him and remain at his mercy, doing menial tasks. 6. He is motivated by name and fame, power and influence You will see the guru is a good at public relations and spends a lot of time promoting himself and his greatness or increasing his following and popularity directly or through his trusted followers. From his actions and decisions, you will wonder whether his real motive is to spread spirituality or use it to earn name and fame or wealth and awards.  7. He is not free from pride, anger, egoism and envy You will find that the guru is not truly free from egoism, anger or vengeance. While he preaches tolerance and compassion, he does not easily forgive or forget those who betray him or turn against him. You will hear them being trolled, ridiculed ostracized, threatened or humiliated by his loyal and trusted disciples. He may even engage a group of lawyers to intimidate his critics. 8. He advocates celibacy but does not practice it You will find that the guru employs or inducts many good-looking women in his establishment and keeps them isolated and under surveillance. You will also hear the whispers that he has a soft corner for certain women disciples, who enjoy special power and privileges to meet him frequently or look after his personal needs. You may also see stories circulating in the media about his sexual conduct. 9. He exploits spiritual beliefs for material gains You will find that the guru runs his spiritual organization like a business establishment, using every available opportunity to market various products or services for a premium. While you hear him saying that it is being done for charitable causes, you will suspect that he is not honest about it or his motives. You may even see him collecting unreasonable amounts of fees from followers for his services. 10. He is attached to his name and form and identity You will find that the guru not only shows attachment to his name and form or how people perceive him but also takes great care of his looks or attire or his public image to appear  to the public as a saintly or pious person, including dying his hair to look younger. You will also find that his publicity department alters his images and videos to make him look better and healthier.