The Guru Scandals: Lessons from the Recent History of Power Abuse

Abstract: The series of sex-and-power scandals involving popular gurus beginning in the 1960s left an enduring mark on the alternative spirituality landscape. This presentation will explore the important lessons to be drawn from those upheavals regarding student-teacher dynamics, accountability among teachers with no institutional affiliation, empowering independent spiritual seekers, redefining power relationships, healthy responses to ethical breaches, and other related issues.

Presenter bio: Philip Goldberg is an author, public speaker, meditation teacher, and interfaith minister whose numerous books include the award-winning American Veda: From Emerson and the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation, How Indian Spirituality Changed the West; Roadsigns on the Spiritual Path: Living at the Heart of Paradox; The Life of Yogananda: The Story of the Yogi Who Became the First Modern Guru and Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. An adviser to the Museum of American Religion and a board member of Association for Spiritual Integrity, he hosts the Spirit Matters podcast and leads tours to India. See www.philipgoldberg.com.

Presenter affiliation: Spirit Matters podcast