Guru Papers

[aron]

More from Chapter 1, on how a false (human) concept of "oneness" and personal enlightenment can lead to absolute, authoritarian hierarchy, and the inevitable fall:

Asserting a basic unity permeating all existence does not automatically lend itself to hierarchy. Enlightenment is the way hierarchy is brought in by viewing a few individuals as special channels for, and greater manifestations of, this underlying unity. Once it is assumed that some people embody or express the true nature of reality more than others, an authoritarian hierarchy easily flows from that basic assumption. This also lays the foundation for perpetuating the hierarchy, because the one who knows best can decide who is enlightened and thereby transfer the mantle of authority. One person deciding when another is enlightened does indeed seem a bit strange. One would presume that if enlightened, one would know it without being told. yet this is what occurs within many spiritual frameworks.

The ideal of enlightenment at first blush seems completely innocent of human corruption because it is defined as being totally selfless. Yet it is this sacrosanct concept of perfection that allows authoritarianism to manifest, and indeed to flourish. Two mental constructions work in tandem: Enlightenment provides authorities, and karma as a cosmic moral law provides metaphysical justification for why some rather than others come to be enlightened authorities. . .

Whereas monotheism makes the revealed Word of God sacred, Eastern religions [or culture] make presumed enlightened beings sacred. Thus the concept of enlightenment brings authoritarianism at the personal, charismatic level (gurus, masters, avatars, and buddhas). Here the authority comes from living people, not an institution -- although they almost always create an institution around themselves or are already part of one. Not coincidentally, surrendering to and obeying the master is presented as a (usually necessary) step on the path to enlightenment.

The very nature of any structure that makes one person different and superior to others not only breeds authoritarianism, but is authoritarian in its essence. Just as there is no way for humans to question a remote God, there is really no way for a non-enlightened person to question the words or actions of a presumed enlightened one. This is why gurus can get away with anything - they are judged by different standards that make whatever they do perfect by definition. The idea that someone is no longer susceptible to the corruptions of power ensures that corruption will occur, promulgating self-delusion in all involved. So the concept of enlightenment, precisely because it is so exalted, almost inevitably lends itself to abuse and corruption. It can be used to justify any behavior, privileges, or excesses, creating an insidious double standard for the superior ones.

I especially note "Whereas monotheism makes the revealed Word of God sacred, Eastern religions [or culture] make presumed enlightened beings sacred." Lee the presumed ascendant master could even pan the scriptures as fallen, natural, and low, as mere concepts of sinful men vainly imagining God and their place within the cosmos. Nothing of the NT reception of the OT, or Christian reception of the NT (or OT) lends to this, save perhaps a few intemperate remarks by Luther which he quickly recanted of. Yet Lee had free reign to carve up the Bible into "inspired" and "revelatory" sections and shockingly large "fallen" sections, which he called "complex sentiments" because he felt God's word was mixed with human thoughts. Only Lee the enlightened one, of course, could ferret this all out, and lead us through the minefield of scripture. Don't think, don't question, don't ask; just take in the interpreted Word from heaven's Deputy. .. (cough, cough, glug).. ..

Anyone who spent time in the Local Churches of Witness Lee can see how close to the bone this cuts. Jesus knew all this, of course, and built it into His teachings. He who was given "all power", lowered Himself into the dust, was the Servant of all, and taught His disciples to do the same. "If you want to be great, be nothing". On the other side of the Bema, there was indeed to be a place where star differs from star in glory, but on this side, while we are yet in the flesh, the only safe position was (and remains) to take the seat at the end of the table.

While yet here in the flesh, the only safe position is to assume that "we are men like yourselves, of like passions" and foibles. Al Knoch and John Ingalls and Godfred Ototeye and Bill Duane got to see the frail and feeble man behind the mask. A man just like the rest of us.