Integrales Forum Position Paper on Spiritual Teachers

Integrales_Forum_-Teachers_Gurus_Peers.8.5.2010_English.pdf

In May 2010, the Integrales Forum, which is the central coordinating group organized and coordinates among over two dozen local Integral study groups in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, wrote and translated a "Position Paper" that attempts to set forth some standards for evaluating the legitimacy and conduct of spiritual teachers.

This position paper had an entirely different thrust and purpose, but it overlapped in some significant ways with sections of an article I had written (at almost exactly the same time) for the 2020 Integal Theory Conference, also posted on this website, here.) It thoughtfully explores questions that have been raised before in varioius criticisms of spiritual teachers' imperfections, but it is noteworthy because it does so in integral terms, thoughtfully and responsibly, in a way that attempts not to throw out the baby with the bathwater.

The paper invites a dialog, and it was sent to me and various other integral spiritual teachers, requesting comment. It inspired me to write a passionate response, which is also posted here on this website