I hope you are well. Recently I was shocked to learn that some authors and scholars in my field were connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Some people were only connected loosely – they knew that Epstein funded research in alternative scientific fields (like parapsychology) and approached him about getting a grant. They claimed that this was before there was public knowledge about his abusive activities.

A couple of others were more seriously implicated. One author and researcher in consciousness studies and transpersonal psychology offered to share the secrets of enlightenment with Epstein, in return for millions of dollars and favours with girls. I once this person at a conference and felt there was something untoward and malign about him, which shows that intuitions are always right.

Unfortunately, it’s not completely unusual for spiritual leaders, gurus or 'transformational mentors' to behave unethically, with corruption and malevolence. If you think about it, the role of spiritual leader is perfect for people with a narcissistic personality. What better role for a narcissist could there be than a guru? It's easy to imagine an extreme narcissist proclaiming themselves as enlightened and putting themselves at the centre of a personality cult. 

Genuinely awakened people are humble, with little desire for attention and adulation - although they might become spiritual teachers in an organic way, as people are drawn to their wisdom and presence. I remember someone saying that thousands of enlightened people have passed away unnoticed in history, because they lived so unobtrusively. And of course, there are some genuine teachers around. I spent more than 20 years as a follower of Russel Williams, who certainly was a genuine awakened person. Likewise, I have spent time with Eckhart Tolle, who is also clearly altruistic and moral, as well as highly awakened.

It’s incredibly important that we call out corrupt behaviour and do not support or acquiesce to malevolent spiritual teachers. Perhaps even more fundamentally we need to have discernment and distinguish the genuine figures from the authentic ones. This is one of the reasons why in my research and writings (such as The Leap) I have tried to define spiritual awakening and all its qualities and characteristics. If a person doesn't possess those qualities, then they are not awakened, just pretending to be or deluding themselves.

Dialogue with Serge Beddington-Behrens

On Saturday March 28^th, I am holding an online dialogue with my good friend the psychotherapist and author Serge Beddington-Behrens. The theme of the dialogue is ‘Death and Resurrection.’ 

We will discuss this issue both from the standpoint of personal spiritual development and the collection evolution of the human race. Are crisis and catastrophe necessary for spiritual transformation? Do we have to descend into darkness to harness the light of rebirth? Is it possible that a new harmonious world will rise like a phoenix from the ashes of the old world? We will also include meditations and poems. The session will be recorded if you can't make the actual time.

For more information and registration, see here

Across the Universe 

I'\ve spent the last week or so correcting the proofs of my upcoming book Across the Universe. It has been quite a strange experience reading it. I wrote most of the book very quickly. Once I decided to write it, I couldn't stop - it just seemed to flow out of me whenever I had free time. So now when I read it, it seems almost like it was written by someone else. Perhaps in reality, it was stored up inside me for a long time. Without realising, I had been subconsciously writing about the Beatles for years. Some of you may know that I used to be a musician, and I still play my guitars or piano every day, so it was also a lovely opportunity to write about my love of music generally. 

Back to Stillness 

Thanks to everyone who has ordered a copy of my new book of poetry Back to Stillness. If anyone would like a signed copy I still have some available.

If you have bought a copy online I would be grateful if you could submit a review or rating. They are important part of the process of publishing and distributing books. The book is now available at all book retailers as well as Amazon. 

Poem

Returning the initial topic of this newsletter, it's worth remembering that spiritual awakening is often a very subtle phenomenon which expresses itself quietly in our lives. It doesn't necessarily manifest itself in explosive ecstatic experiences but in our relationships, and the way we help and serve others. Here is a poem on this theme from Back to Stillness. 

The Fruit of Spiritual Growth 

Don’t crave for spectacular moments
when your spirit soars beyond time and space 
and nature shines with glorious sentience 

and you sense ecstatic oneness 

with every object, and the entire universe.

And don't be disappointed 
if those moments don’t arise.

The fruit of our spiritual growth 
slowly ripens over years and decades 
strengthening and spreading 
over every branch of our lives. 

The fruit of our spiritual growth 
is not extraordinary experiences
but simple everyday moments
of helping and serving others.

The fruit of our spiritual growth 

is years of selfless service

to our family and community 

our gratitude to those who serve us
the kindness we offer to strangers
the respect we show to passersby 
and every act of kindness that we perform
without expecting any reward. 

The fruit of our spiritual growth 
is not what we add to our lives

but what we quietly give away. 

All best wishes and blessings   

Steve