There is a common belief that spiritual students and spiritual teachers are different from others. They are perceived as naïve and weird in their habits. While they may indeed be different, in no way are they deluded. Hence, to call them naive and weird is not appropriate.
If one has spent some time in remote ashrams, it is possible to be somewhat out of touch with society. However, once one returns, with a sharp, direct, and accepting mind, it is not at all difficult for one to integrate with society.
What is weird about getting up early in the morning and doing meditation, japa or energy work? These practices are medically proven to be beneficial for both body and mind.
Yes, these students or teachers don't work for money in the conventional sense. They definitely handle money and set up institutions, but the work of teaching and social service is a deliberate choice.
What is weird about being vegetarian when a majority of the world is becoming vegetarian anyway? They may do "funny" exercises like yoga, but yoga is becoming popular all over the world. Going to a sweaty room and lifting weights that you would normally expect a porter to lift can also seem weird to them. As long as they are not imposing their perspective of life choices on you, it is fine.
True spiritual teachers are not interested in converting you to their line of thinking. They will share their knowledge and wisdom with whoever is interested in learning. They may conduct awareness programmes so people know that such teachings are available. If people try to brainwash you, it is an aberration.
One has to accept the fact that spiritual students and teachers are as normal as anybody else. The difference is that spirituality is a higher priority in their lives compared to others. So next time you see a spiritual teacher in a saffron robe, don't think of him as something weird or odd. Just understand that this is the uniform their work involves—nothing more, nothing less.
The writer is the founder of Aarsha Vidya Foundation. You can write to him at aarshavidyaf@gmail.com
