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Originally Posted by Altair
Perhaps it is so, collectively speaking, but not always true for every individual. Speaking as one person, I don't feel like worshipping the spiritual teacher, the Hollywood icon, or some billionaire or politician. I do not believe human beings are worthy of worship. To do so means giving power away and can create a relationship where the powerful become abusive and dangerous. It is almost as if to be worshipped means one becomes cursed.
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Maybe the guru/disciple relationship is not about unquestioning worship but more about trust.
The disciple trusts that the guru will guide him or her to spiritual attainment.
The guru trusts that the disciple will follow instructions and not misuse whatever he or she learns.
Sometimes the trust is abused by the guru, in which case the guru is just another imperfect human being.
Sometimes the trust is abused by the disciple, in which case the disciple is not ready for the responsibility of spiritual knowledge.
Is such trust giving away our power? We put our trust into all sorts of people every day. If we take a plane journey then we trust that the pilot is qualified, competent and sober. We trust that the aircraft has been properly maintained. We trust that the computerised navigation will get us to our destination. We trust in all sorts of things we have no control over. The idea that we have any real power is just another illusion.
Peace