When New Age goes too far?

[Aupmanyav]

I don't think lavish lifestyles add much to credibility, given the supposed detachment to desire. But then we have that within Hinduism too with some 'Gurus'.

Charlatans.

Actually, how could some-one who takes a strongly advaita position object?

A strong advaitist will take it as Vyavaharika, different from Paramarthika.

 

[GoodbyeDave]

A strong advaitist will take it as Vyavaharika, different from Paramarthika.

Nicely fielded! I knew you'd have a good reply there.

 

[bubbleguppy]

Maybe I shouldn't be one to talk, but I do agree with you 100%. "New Age" belief systems should not have the right to rewrite the divine relationships between divine beings from any belief system, along with a ton of other really, really strange, awful, and definitely white-washing/modern westernizing/appropriative, ignorant reinterpretations of vital religious material from various cultures. There can be a definite lack of reverence, respect, and just plain common decency in regards to many, if not most, Pagan movements. It's part of the reason I don't identify with any Pagan group or belief system in particular... most (or at least many) of them are f'ed up like that.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Truth is not disrespect, and there are ways in which new and old both can be accommodated. Perhaps you do not know the way.

 

[Vinayaka]

Charlatans.

Maybe. Maybe not. Personally, I prefer not to use sweeping generalisations.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I know, Vinayaka. But with me Absolute and Pragmatic are two different things. I take liberties in Pragmatic. Tell me (just saying), why a guru should be interested in luxuries, in Rolls Royces or other such things (not described here for decency's sake)?

 

[Kapalika]

I kinda feel any degree of New Age takes it too far.

Maybe. Maybe not. Personally, I prefer not to use sweeping generalisations.

This wasn't directed at me but I find it pretty much impossible for someone to truthfully claim to be a proper Guru and not at least live modestly. I suppose it's more of a sliding scale though, but I don't see the point of it beyond a reasonable level of physical comfort. I greatly respect asceticism but I wouldn't say it's required, just to make my entire view on the matter clear.

All those "ascended masters" of New Age and anyone else who greatly involves money and the spiritual are highly suspect to me. If they have fees and also have a wealthy lifestyle... pretty much confirmed... in my view.

 

[Wu Wei]

What a "new ager" does has little effect on me. But I will tell you that it always makes me chuckle with I am in a book store in the New Age section and I find books on Taoism there.

 

[Vinayaka]

I kinda feel any degree of New Age takes it too far.



This wasn't directed at me but I find it pretty much impossible for someone to truthfully claim to be a proper Guru and not at least live modestly. I suppose it's more of a sliding scale though, but I don't see the point of it beyond a reasonable level of physical comfort. I greatly respect asceticism but I wouldn't say it's required, just to make my entire view on the matter clear.

All those "ascended masters" of New Age and anyone else who greatly involves money and the spiritual are highly suspect to me. If they have fees and also have a wealthy lifestyle... pretty much confirmed... in my view.

Agreed on that for sure. The monastery I'm associated with all live in personal 10 ft by 10 ft huts called guhas. This included the Guru.

 

[Aupmanyav]

I know, Vinayaka.

Clarification: that you like to keep to your philosophy (Sampradaya) and do not generally indulge in discussions like we do.

All those "ascended masters" of New Age and anyone else who greatly involves money and the spiritual are highly suspect to me. If they have fees and also have a wealthy lifestyle... pretty much confirmed .. in my view.

Totally agree with you.

But I will tell you that it always makes me chuckle with I am in a book store in the New Age section and I find books on Taoism there.

Written by New-Age writers.