Often times we hear of this or that person abusing a status as a so-called spiritual figure–yogis sleeping with numerous women, priests molesting little boys, old men checking up girls’ skirts for “demons,” and so on. Then we hear about rape and molestation outside of the religious scene, and we connect them. We think, “There is no difference between this ‘spiritual’ person and anyone else.” And we connect the dots of ignorance to take away all sense of recognition, but that sense does not come from an intellectual assessment, nor is it easy to develop. It takes keen inner observation, and a true inward desire for God. If that is not there, then we are just subject to the games of this world, where we determine that we cannot distinguish the real saints from the fake ones, and we conclude that they all most likely just want to get in our panties.

This is a shame, for we are closing ourselves off from true teachings which can lead us to real happiness and inner peace. But at the same time, this can also have its value in that it prevents us from being too open to any one person until they have rightfully proven in our minds that they are worthy of our respect. And this can be helpful, as long as we don’t make false accusations against those who we know nothing about. Do not go into things with the irrational fear that everyone just wants in your panties! Jesus said that you will know them by their fruits, and by fruits he means works. By an evil tree, good works cannot grow. This is his warning against false prophets. Yet, does Jesus warn that no one can prophesy? Nay! We know that there have been truly spiritual men throughout history who gave their entire lives wholeheartedly to helping humanity; unfortunately it is only a small group which usually realizes this while the person is still alive. The rest follow the hypnotic opposition which arises from the evil in this world. Jesus Himself is a prime example of such a person–strongly opposed in His life, even to the death, with only a relatively small number of supporters. But the great thing is, once we have found a good tree, it will often lead us to other good trees and away from bad ones, if we are putting their teachings to practice rather than trying to formulate them into a religion. For instance, through Samael Aun Weor’s teachings, I am able to destroy many negative aspects of myself and lift myself up to spiritual states utterly unimagined by common man, and through Samael’s continued legacy through Belsebuub, I became aware of such wonderful spiritual goldmines as the Nag Hammadi Library and The Flight of the Feathered Serpent. And through my associations with those who practice these teachings, I became aware of the master Yogananda (someone I know received teachings from him in the astral plane) and his wonderful book Autobiography of a Yogi. (Follow preceding links for free books.) And so, being on the inside, in a practical sense, one can come to recognize other saints.

But recognition is not possible for ordinary people. They are either on one side of the coin or the other. They either accept anyone as a guru who feeds them exactly what their countless egos wish to hear, or they reject any spiritual figure until he or she is long dead. This happens because they do not have the eyes to see nor the ears to hear. These are spiritual eyes and ears to which Jesus refers. In all truth, most people do not have these. These parts are painstakingly formed through an intense inner spiritual work and a singular focus on the path to Divinity. Some people have them from past lives, but they may not be very active due to the murkiness of the personality and ordinary state of mind. I must admit, I have long had a keen spiritual eye for saint recognition. Shortly have I been distracted here or there by some false figure of hope or spirituality. The real Men I have known have shown through good works to be truly Men of God. And though friends and family have rarely understood what I saw at first, these Men (and Women) have truly stood the test of time, and most of those I know who railed at first now understand the truth and good works behind these Men, as they have become more aware of their works through me. And hopefully, my life stands as a testimony to all those whom I hold in the highest regard.

Now for every real Man, there are a hundred and fifty men pretending to be a real Man, so be smart! (That’s just a figurative ratio. Statitistics would not know how to approach such a study!) Many men know how to fool the masses. These are the kind of people who you would see on Oprah or at a book signing, spouting just the right things to fill the masses with a false sense of hope. Their words are like poison wrapped in flowers. They are fragrant and sweet, yet more damaging to the soul than if one had never listened to anyone at all. It is better to be dead than to be a disciple to this kind of person, for they will wrap you in layer upon layer of illusion and drive you into spiritual complacency. They will drag you down to the abyss along with themselves, and you will not realize this until the day you die for you will be blinded, thinking the blind man is leading you to salvation, because you are addicted to the false hopes his words bring you, which you think you need in order to combat your despair. But you see, hope and despair are but a game of the mind. They have no substance. A real teacher will lead you to salvation and his words will aid in the development of spirit molecules within yourself which do not belong to time or duality, and this is not always a pleasant process. In fact, it is generally an unpleasant process but it is the one with true spiritual rewards. Revolutions are not pleasant, even inner ones, but that is what a real spiritual teacher will lead you toward. And this will increasingly strengthen your powers of election. As Judas states: we always recognize our own. (The Flight of the Feathered Serpent) Until then, focus intently on what you do know to be true, those great and sublime teachers who have stood the test of time, but do NOT become one of those who tries the living examples of spirituality to only realize the mistake at the end of your life; neither be one who tests a disciple who can see with his own eyes and hear with his own ears. Those who did not know St. Joan lumped her with any other deluded religious zealot. But those who actually knew her were different. But the truth did not out until her life had already been ended by the judgment of the masses. The same can be said of Jesus, and for many many Christian martyrs who came later. Many saints were strongly opposed in this life, and lies were spread about them. (Half-truths formulated to mislead are also lies.) This will be your loss, for it will cut you off from seeing and hearing the living words on Earth today, and few they are and difficult they are to find if one is not living for God wholly and with all his or her being. But blessed is the person who can recognize a true saint from the imposters, for he will receive that saint’s blessing, and he will, through his efforts and familiarity with his teachings, become one with that saint, and all saints are in communion with God, and communion with God is the highest goal anyone can have.

May the Lord bless you with the power of election so that you can find those words which will spur you truly and unapologetically Godward.