False Gurus

What should a conscientious person do about false Gurus? 
 
   First of all it should be recognized that there are few things more lame then meddling 
in the private religious activities of another.  It is classic arrogance to believe that
one can intervene in matters of faith and supplant the observed error of another with 
ones own sublime insight.  On the other hand one may in earnest sincerity seek to aid a 
troubled and confused person who seems poised on the brink of disaster.  

   The extreme case in point is the Jim Jones massacre.  If a loved one is set on going into
a situation where they may come to harm it is our plain duty to act to protect them.  As 
long as those actions do not in themselves cause harm.  However we must not expect the
recipient in these matters to respond with gratitude.  They are more likely to protest
bitterly and fight us tooth and nail.
  
   One argument against intervention is that the benefit of spiritual faith resides solely in 
the mind of the faithful.  It hardly matters if a charlatan preacher is intent on vacuuming 
his parishioner's pockets if the faith of the followers leads them to true treasure within.
So what does it matter if a Guru is a pretender? No fake would be foolish enough not to defer
to the basic moral lessons of peace and love. If he stands as a symbol for the divine and 
this benefits his followers, isn't that enough?

   The true teacher unlike the pretender can provide real guidance.  There is a difference 
between reacting to the problems of the day with cookbook solutions based on rigid laws and 
going moment to moment in the living spirit of truth.  The true teacher remains always immersed
in the divine presence.  One who keeps this flame can light another.
Such a guru is able to offer guidance tuned to each persons special needs.  The infinite 
variety of the creation is their toolbox.  Compared with this the false guru appears to be a
slippery salesman who offers everyone the same screwdriver. 
   
   How can we know if a loved one is foolishly following a fool.  We can't.  We are all deluded
by our own foolishness.  Only the true guru is a valid judge and you won't find one selling
door to door.  One rule to help guide us on our way is how easy the path looks.  Traps are
baited with pleasant stuff.  Fakes tell everyone what they want to hear.  
The true teacher is like Jesus.  He said all the hard stuff and we killed him for it.

   I think it is best to let sleeping Gurus lie. The best thing we can do is to clean up our 
own act and prepare for the day we are lucky enough to meet the great one.