Throughout history, people have sought to bring meaning to their lives and to awaken to their true natures through a variety of spiritual practices. Some of these practices, such as prayer, meditation, and yogas, are integrated into daily life.
Some people feel called to assist other individuals or groups along their spiritual paths.
In various traditions, people who serve in this capacity are given a title in the community such as priest, rabbi, minister, pastor, curandera, shaman, or master. A guide need not have exclusive or definitive knowledge of the terrain. Spiritual practices, and especially primary spiritual practices, are not without risk. Therefore, when an individual chooses to practice with the assistance of a guide, both take on special responsibilities. In an effort to integrate the yearning for spiritual discovery with present-day societal concerns, the Council on Spiritual Practices proposes the following Code of Ethics for those who serve as spiritual guides.