[kentbrookug]

unbeneficial fuzzy devotional feel-good states,

Worshiping "gurus" are like taking drugs... "She or He" can make us feel wonderful or the contrary, some people likes to be mistreatd by a teacher. Maybe this has to do with some sort of low self-esteem. There is a subtle difference between "walking together" with a teacher from "worshiping" and "becoming like him". A really good "teacher" will tell you... "do not follow me... never hold on me... never put my words in your mouth... do your job... the zafu is only yours... do not expect me to tell you the way you have to think about."

It's also worth remembering that the truly enlightened might not necessarily promote themselves through a Buddhist organisation, do TV shows, or have adoring fans who talk of little else others than their gurus and their perceived accomplishments.

Very true Aloka,