This blog is about:
Authenticity in teachings & practices
Taking responsibility
Inner truth
Spiritual traditions
Mystical experiences
History & religion – Jesus Christ, Teresa of Avila & Sikh tradition
Societal norms & spiritual organisations
Continuous transformation & self-development
Spiritual teachers as an example
Judgement & principles
Despite a very clear initial direction, a spiritual school or religion may find itself swerving from its intended path as it grows. Some religions have become big and / or profitable, and prone to control by powerbrokers or authoritarian, political figures, and mired in dogma, the teachings dry and mechanical. So how can a teacher or a school be certain that a correction in its course is needed? Or that a genuine spiritual message, compelling them in a new direction, has been correctly received? In this article, Uriel Yariv, Tantra teacher from Mahasiddha Yoga School in Thailand, describes how one way for a spiritual school to remain free from dogma is for teachers and students to authenticate the teachings by taking responsibility for heart-felt practice, and for the truth of their inner spiritual experiences.
How can we stay connected to the truth?
Spirituality, at its essence, is a journey inward—a profound exploration that reveals the mysteries of human existence and the connection to something eternal. Yet, as history shows, spiritual movements that begin with transformative mystical experiences often drift into the rigidity of dogma over time. This process, both natural and cautionary, offers critical insights for anyone walking the spiritual path today.
The Shift from Mystical Experience to Rigid Structures
Every authentic spiritual tradition begins with a mystical spark—a direct experience of the sacred that transcends human suffering and illuminates life’s deepest questions. This experience is transformative and magnetic. Individuals and groups drawn to such profound truth naturally gravitate toward its source, forming movements centred around the awakened teachers or mystics who carry this light.
But this magnetism creates a paradox. As social and organizational structures form around the mystical core, they establish norms, roles, and systems to preserve and spread the teachings. Over generations, the fire of direct experience can fade, leaving behind a framework that becomes increasingly rigid and nostalgic for its origins. What was once alive with spiritual vitality becomes a hollow echo of itself, preserving the form but losing the essence.
This drift is well-illustrated in Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, where the Grand Inquisitor encounters Christ in a vision. Overjoyed by His presence, the Inquisitor ultimately concludes that Christ’s continued existence would threaten the Church’s authority, forcing him to kill the very being who inspired it. The story encapsulates a profound truth: the institutions born from mystical experience often see the revival of that experience as a threat.
Historical Examples of Dogma and Resistance
The tension between spiritual experience and institutional rigidity is a recurring theme across cultures and religions. Consider Christianity. Christ’s teachings emphasized humility and the difficulty of worldly wealth aligning with spiritual ascension (“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven”). Yet, centuries later, the Catholic Church amassed immense wealth and power, embodying the very materialism Christ warned against.
Figures like Teresa of Ávila highlight the struggle to revive the mystical essence of religion. A 16th-century Spanish mystic, Teresa’s visions of Christ and her attempts to reform the Carmelite order faced immense resistance from the Inquisition. Her seemingly harmless desire to establish a small, austere monastery—living on providence and embracing humility—was met with hostility from religious authorities. Teresa persevered, and while her name endures, the institutional opposition she faced has been relegated to history. Her timeless connection to the mystical truth outlasted the rigid structures of her time.
In contrast, the Sikh tradition offers an example of sustained renewal. Over ten generations of enlightened gurus, the teachings evolved while maintaining their spiritual integrity. This adaptability ensured that the core mystical experience remained alive, offering a valuable model for spiritual movements.
Eternal Principles in a Changing World
The essence of spirituality—principles like love, humility, kindness, and compassion—remains eternal. However, the context in which these principles are applied must evolve. Societal norms and roles, such as those concerning women, have changed dramatically over millennia. Spiritual teachings that once aligned with an agrarian society now require reinterpretation to resonate with modern realities.
This evolution demands a return to the mystical fire—an experience that transcends verbal and mental constructs. When individuals directly connect with this source, they bring forth teachings that are both timeless and relevant to their era. It is this ongoing renewal that prevents spiritual traditions from calcifying into dogma.
Dogma: An Inevitable Yet Controllable Drift
Dogma is as inevitable in spiritual organizations as dust in a lived-in house. It forms naturally as traditions are practiced and transmitted. However, it can be cleared away through continual renewal. This requires practitioners who prioritize direct spiritual experience over social hierarchy or intellectualism.
An organization becomes lifeless when it rewards superficial attributes—wealth, connections, or outward displays of devotion—over genuine spiritual attainment. Vitality is preserved when leadership is rooted in humility, practice, and ongoing transformation. In this way, the mystical experience remains at the heart of the tradition, guiding its evolution.
The Cycle of Renewal Through Direct Experience
The antidote to dogma is simple but challenging: maintaining the connection to the direct mystical experience. This process involves individuals actively engaging in practices that awaken the core truths within themselves. As teachers and students renew this connection, they act as custodians of spiritual vitality, ensuring that dogma does not stifle the living essence of the tradition.
The Role of Teachers in Keeping Traditions Alive
The responsibility of renewal often falls on teachers. For a spiritual school to thrive, its teachers must embody the teachings they impart. They must remain in a state of continuous transformation, reflecting on their own shortcomings and seeking feedback.
I’ve witnessed this in my own journey. Even after years on the path, moments of arrogance or judgment arise. Recognizing these tendencies and addressing them with humility ensures that the teachings remain alive and relevant. When teachers stagnate, they risk projecting their flaws onto the tradition, leading to dogmatic interpretations that stifle growth.
A teacher’s transformation inspires students. If a student sees their teacher grow over the years, they are motivated to pursue their own inner work. Conversely, a stagnant teacher erodes the faith of their students, potentially undermining the entire system.
The Barrier of Judgment
Judgment, while tempting, is a significant obstacle on the spiritual path. It creates a false sense of power, allowing the ego to dominate. True spiritual growth requires letting go of judgment, both of oneself and others.
This principle is echoed in religious teachings. Christ’s admonition, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” highlights the reciprocal nature of judgment. When we release the need to judge, we open ourselves to mercy—both from others and from the divine.
Judgment often masquerades as righteousness. For example, in my own journey, I’ve encountered moments where my spiritual aspirations led me to harshly judge those who seemed less disciplined. This rigidity, born of a sincere desire for progress, ultimately hindered my growth. By embracing compassion and humility, I learned to redirect my energy toward inner transformation rather than outward criticism.
The Power of Continuous Transformation
Continuous transformation is the antidote to stagnation. It requires ongoing practice, self-reflection, and a commitment to growth. This process is not limited to students; it applies equally to teachers and leaders within the spiritual community.
Over my 22 years on the tantric path, I’ve observed a pattern: those who embrace continuous transformation thrive, while those who “park” their progress often stagnate. The most inspiring practitioners are those who consistently strive to deepen their practice, refine their attitudes, and confront their shadows. Their dedication leads to extraordinary growth, both spiritually and personally.
One striking example is a former roommate of mine. Initially shy and unassuming, he dedicated himself to the path with unwavering persistence. Over two decades, he transformed into a spiritual giant, embodying purpose, wisdom, and strength. His journey is a testament to the power of steady, consistent effort.
Purification and the Tantric Path
In tantric teachings, purification is central to spiritual progress. This involves addressing subconscious impurities through practices like meditation, mantras, and retreats. By facing and transcending inner obstacles, practitioners align themselves with higher states of consciousness.
The tantric path also emphasizes the transformative potential of erotic energy. When approached with selflessness and devotion, the act of love becomes a profound tool for purification. This practice, known as amorous erotic continence, shifts the focus from selfish desire to divine fusion. It offers a powerful means of harmonizing the subconscious and awakening to deeper dimensions of love and connection.
For those without a partner, the longing for love can still be a source of transformation. By embracing that longing with hope rather than despair, individuals can channel their energy into inner growth, cultivating the qualities that will naturally attract a compatible partner. The process of becoming more loving is its own reward, leading to deeper harmony and fulfilment.
Longing as a Source of Growth
The longing for a partner can feel overwhelming, but when owned responsibly, it becomes a catalyst for transformation. Longing mixed with despair can lead to contraction and pain, while longing infused with hope becomes a powerful force for positive change.
When one shifts their focus inward and begins to harmonize their inner world, they naturally become more loving and aligned. Through practices such as meditating on love and engaging with others from a place of kindness, this inner transformation ripples outward. Over time, it attracts connections and relationships that reflect the individual’s growth and openness.
A Message of Hope and Responsibility
The spiritual path is not a destination but an ongoing process of growth and renewal. It requires taking personal responsibility for one’s journey, embracing humility, and remaining open to continuous transformation. By doing so, we ensure that the mystical fire at the heart of all authentic traditions remains alive.
Let us walk this path with courage, authenticity, and an unwavering dedication to truth. In doing so, we not only transform ourselves but also inspire others, contributing to a legacy of spiritual vitality for generations to come.
By Uriel Yariv