Exploring the Influence of Colonialism on Ethics and Accountability in Alternative Spiritual Teaching and Proposing a New System of Accountability

Abstract: The contemporary spiritual landscape has witnessed a series of scandals and confusions involving spiritual teachers, prompting the inception of the Association for Spiritual Integrity (ASI). The ASI seeks to enhance the discourse, aiming for greater integrity and professionalism within the modern spiritual environment. This presentation will examine how the ever present impacts of colonialism have shaped the cultural status of power, leading to imbalances in the accountability and ethical aspects among alternative spiritual teachers. Many of these Western teachers draw their teaching from indigenous Indian teachings, some of which were brought to the West without the corresponding lineage support. ASI recognizes the vulnerabilities among unaffiliated teachers and their lack of established lineages, which traditionally address accountability and responsibility. However, the absence of any lineage support among Western alternative teachers has created a need for compensatory measures. The ASI proposes leveraging the Western affinity for psychology to fill this accountability gap.

Presenter bio: Jac O’Keeffe has followed a disciplined spiritual path for over 25 years including 15 years as an international spiritual teacher. Her books include Born to Be Free and How to Be a Spiritual Rebel. She is a Theology graduate with post graduate studies in Adult and Community Education. Further certifications include Facilitator of The Right Use of Power and Financial Coaching. Jac is a co-founder and President of the Association for Spiritual Integrity, supporting teachers and leaders in both their spiritual and personal development. www.jac-okeeffe.com www.spiritual-integrity.com

Affiliation: The Association for Spiritual Integrity (spiritual-integrity.org)