Warning by Swami Prabhupada as a safeguard against exploitation and abuse.

In the age of Kali Yuga, recognizing a false guru (jādi-guru) is of paramount importance to avoid spiritual exploitation and maintain one's integrity. Enlightened masters have provided several signs to help discern genuine spiritual teachers from imposters. Based on their teachings, here are the authoritative signs to recognize a false guru in Kali Yuga:

1. Lack of Divine Grace (Krishna Prema):
   • False gurus may possess mundane knowledge, charisma, or mystical powers (siddhis), but they lack the divine grace (Krishna prema) that characterizes genuine spiritual masters.
   • "One who is not in Krishna consciousness cannot understand the transcendental nature of the body. Therefore, the rascals and fools deride the devotees who are engaged in the worship of the Supreme Lord Krishna." (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 2.11, Purport)
2. Impersonal or Materialistic Teachings:
   • False gurus often promote impersonalist philosophies, materialistic lifestyles, or sensual pleasures, diverting their disciples from the path of pure devotion to Krishna.
   • "The so-called religious leaders, who are actually misleaders, have created a situation in which people are confused about the ultimate goal of life." (Teachings of Lord Kapila, Chapter 1)
3. Exploitation of Disciples:
   • False gurus may exploit their disciples financially, sexually, or emotionally, using their position of trust to satisfy their own desires.
   • "The pseudo-spiritual masters, under the spell of material energy, exploit their disciples in the name of spiritual advancement." (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.15.1, Purport)
4. Lack of Humility and Selflessness:
   • False gurus often display arrogance, pride, or a desire for fame and adoration, unlike genuine spiritual masters who possess humility and selflessness.
   • "A true devotee of Krishna is always humble and meek. He does not desire personal fame or adoration." (Chaitanya Charitamrita, Madhya 19.151, Purport)
5. Contradictory or Confusing Teachings:
   • False gurus may present contradictory, confusing, or ever-changing teachings, creating doubt and confusion in their disciples' minds.
   • "A false guru, being controlled by the illusory energy, will present confusing and contradictory teachings to mislead his disciples." (Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi 1.17, Purport)
6. Lack of Empowerment for Disciples:
   • Genuine spiritual masters empower their disciples by teaching them how to chant the maha-mantra (Hare Krishna), practice bhakti yoga, and follow the regulative principles. False gurus may neglect or discourage these practices.
   • "A true guru will empower his disciples by teaching them how to chant the maha-mantra, practice bhakti yoga, and follow the regulative principles." (Caitanya Caritamrita, Madhya 19.151, Purport)
7. Absence of Spiritual Transformation:
• False gurus may claim spiritual realization but lack the corresponding spiritual transformation in their character, behavior, and teachings.
• "One who is not in Krishna consciousness cannot understand the transcendental nature of the body. Therefore, the rascals and fools deride the devotees who are engaged in the worship of the Supreme Lord Krishna." (Bhagavad-gita As It Is, 2.11, Purport)

Source : Mike Adams, https://brightu.ai