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250 pages, paperback This book explores how associating with a spiritual guide can aid a seeker on the Path. Greg Bogart describes all phases of spiritual apprenticeship--including choosing a teacher, receiving initiation, embarking on a path of training and discipleship, and undergoing tests of faith and character. The author describes spiritual direction and the practices of guru yoga in Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist Yoga, Sufism, and Jewish and Christian mysticism, as well as experiences of enlightenment and illumination that may result. The book also explores separating from a spiritual teacher, finding the teacher within, and the path of teaching others. If you are searching for a teacher, The Nine Stages of Spiritual Apprenticeship provides a map of what to expect. If you already have a teacher, this book will help you avoid the pitfalls. If you had a teacher and got burned, this book can help you heal. It will interest practitioners of all traditions. Reviews "Sooner
or later every spiritual seeker needs expert guidance on the
path. Those who have arrived at this critical juncture will find
this book clarifying, balanced, highly readable, and above all
helpful. This is the best book available on spiritual apprenticeship
and the psychological issues involved." “Greg
Bogart has done an excellent job of describing the experience
of self-unfoldment under the guidance of a guru or spiritual
guide. His book is a clear and detailed map of the process--including
its difficulties, dangers, joys, and ultimate value. Highly recommended.” "Psychotherapist
and yogi Greg Bogart elucidates the path of the spiritual apprentice.
Drawing on his experiences with a number of teachers, notably
Swami Muktananda, as well as interviews with other students,
Bogart explores the subtleties of this special bond. This is
a clear, reasoned exposition that will help seekers of all persuasions." "This
is a thorough, well-rounded, and clearly written book on a very
delicate subject. Bogart obviously has years of experience attending
to the nuances of spiritual relationship, and is able to bring
that experience to bear in an intelligent, comprehensible discourse.
He unearths the many perils--and promises--of the apprenticeship
path, including false idolatry, false messiahs, and when it's
'time to leave the ashram.' Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Hindu,
and Buddhist paths all include some form of devotion to a teacher
or guru. In a voice that is personal and heartfelt, Bogart shares
his own experiences along this path, and offers numerous insightful
examples from the lives of well-known students and teachers.
Additional expertise in psychotherapy and astrology broaden the
scope of this wonderful examination of the nature of spiritual
mentoring." "Bogart
calls upon his expertise as a psychotherapist and his experience
as a mature spiritual seeker to discuss issues that are crucial
for Western students of inner pathways. The chapter on 'Separating
From a Spiritual Teacher' explores the issue of the fallen guru
from a particularly clear and heartfelt perspective. This is
a must-read for all spiritual seekers and their teachers." "Greg
Bogart's Spiritual Apprenticeship explores the roller-coaster
relationship between aspiring seekers and a variety of mentors,
gurus, and guides who inspire and beckon us to the heights of
human evolution. Solid, admirable, and wise, this book contains
valuable, even essential, words of wisdom to open the eyes and
minds of those who have a spiritual teacher in their past, present,
or future." "Greg
Bogart explains how an aspirant is transformed in a teacher's
enlightening presence and expands in awareness toward absolute
freedom. This uniquely insightful book will become a new classic
of contemporary spiritual literature." "Spiritual
Apprenticeship is an in-depth, well-documented and passionately
written study of the guru-disciple relationship that is sensitive
both to traditional views and to the unique concerns of seekers
in the West today. In this time of either naive guru worship
on one hand, or vengeful guru-bashing on the other, this book
provides a welcome voice of balance and clarity."
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The Nine Stages of
Spiritual Apprenticeship