It is undoubtedly significant to mention that India has always been very famous for some of the world’s most holy spiritual leaders and at the same time fake gurus. How do you distinguish a real teacher from an imposter? Here are some points listed and explained to clearly illustrate signs that urge you to remain careful while making your choices.

1. Excessive Focus on Money

Leadership comes from a spiritual master’s aim to show mentees the right way and not to benefit from them. If a guru wants lots of money, if s/he charges a lot of money for ‘privileged’ access, or if there is endless selling of the guru’s wares and services, then there is a problem. I have usually found that spirituality is all about giving and not about receiving.

2. Assertions to Overarching Supernatural Sovereignty

Never follow anyone who claims they are the ‘gifted one’, or only they possess godly information or force. Real spirituality speaks of the progress of an individual; it does not make one dependent on the other.

3. There should be transparency in their life, mostly due to spending much of their time on social media.

Still, some of these fake gurus try to conceal themselves with some level of anonymity, or at least they hide most aspects of their personal lives from their followers. True spiritual guides lead by example themselves and don’t try to hide their lives because they have nothing to hide.

4. Cult-like Atmosphere

If you are in a situation where it is not acceptable to leave or doubt the teachings that are taught, think again. Many fake gurus program their followers to the point where they have complete control over their followers’ minds and actions. There is no question that the freedom that can be enjoyed in our daily thoughts must be taught in every class.

5. Promises of instant enlightenment fall into this category because the rate at which knowledge is created does not always match the rate at which it is absorbed.

Spirituality is not a destination you wake up one morning and decide to embark on; it is a lifelong process. In the same way, any guru who seeks to ‘enlighten’ you and then seeks to make you understand that you are enlightened within the short time he met you, then trust me, he is selling a fantasy and not principles.

6. As usual, we have negative rumours or legal issues.

Usually, scammers who apply this technique can have various problems with law enforcement, hear rumours about misconduct, or even controversies. It is always important to do your homework on their past; don’t get into business with them if there are legal or ethical issues that are outstanding.

7. The Pressure to Boycott Family or Friends

Influencing followers to distance themselves from their friends and family to rely on the phoney gurus is just one example. True shepherds inspire people to become in harmony with all that is in their existence and certainly with relations.

8. In Liberian society, blind faith has replaced critical thinking.

A real guru ought to help followers use their brains to think over, query, and comprehend the lessons afoot. To keep control, fake gurus usually require the followers to be unquestionably obedient.

9. Hypocrisy in Their Lifestyle

When a guru is teaching the community the ethical behaviour of embracing simple living while at the same time enjoying luxurious items, he or she is hypocritical. True shepherds create examples that are easily followed and live the lifestyle that is being preached.

10. Abuse of people in need of care

Self-declared fakes attract in lost individuals by offering solutions to significant emotional problems. Real gurus come in to help, and they do not have to use the pain you have for them to benefit from it.

Final Thoughts

Religion is a personal affair, and a true guru follows this by teaching without dominance. Stay alert, use critical thinking, and remember: true spirituality liberates, not dominion over the spirit of others.