Description: Eastern
gurus constitute a large class of Hindu occultists who have come to
America to spread the teachings of Hinduism, especially its necessary
spiritual practices for achieving enlightenment.
Founder: Different
schools of Hinduism have different founders. Shankara (9th C. A.D.)
founded the advaita school, which is the teaching of most
Hindu gurus in America.
How does it claim to work?
Through practices such as altered states of consciousness, meditation,
and yoga, disciples are told they will achieve a form of spiritual
"enlightenment" and thereby realize their true nature as being one
essence with the highest Hindu God, Brahman.
Examples of occult
potential: Psychic development, spirit contact, and possession.
The gurus accept a wide variety of occult practices.
Major Problems: The
gurus’ claims to represent, or incarnate, God and to offer higher
forms of spirituality, which they say are desperately needed in the
West, is contradicted by their teachings. Collectively, the gurus are
a powerful vehicle for spreading dangerous forms of pagan spirituality
and practice in America.
Biblical/Christian
evaluation: Despite their claims to represent God or Jesus, and to
not contradict Christian belief, the gurus’ teachings and practices
are implicitly hostile to biblical theology and instruction.
Potential Dangers:
Social withdrawal, moral compromise, psychological damage,
demonization.
Note: You can find out more
about the goals and practices of the eastern gurus in The
Facts on Hinduism in America. (See the On-line Product Catalog.)
