The Nine Stages of Spiritual Apprenticeship: Understanding the Student-Teacher Relationship
"Bogart calls upon his expertise as a psychotherapist and his experience as a mature spiritual seeker to discuss issues that are crucial for Western students of inner pathways. The chapter on "Separating from a Spiritual Teacher" explores the issue of the fallen guru from a particularly clear and heartfelt perspective. This is a must-read for all spiritual seekers and their teachers." --Judith Lasater, Ph.D., Yoga teacher, author of Relax and RenewGreg Bogart has done an excellent job of describing the experience of self-unfoldment under the guidance of a guru or spiritual guide. His book is a clear and detailed map of the processincluding its difficulties, dangers, joys, and ultimate value. Highly recommended. --John White, author of What is Enlightenment?Psychotherapist and yogi Greg Bogart elucidates the path of the spiritual apprentice. Drawing on his experiences with a number of teachers, notably Swami Muktananda, as well as interviews with other students, Bogart explores the subtleties of this special bond. This is a clear, reasoned exposition that will help seekers of all persuasions. --Yoga Journal, March/April 1998Sooner or later every spiritual seeker needs expert guidance on the path. Those who have arrived at this critical juncture will find this book clarifying, balanced, highly readable, and above all helpful. This is the best book available on spiritual apprenticeship and the psychological issues involved. --Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., Author of Shambhala Encyclopedia of YogaThis is a thorough, well-rounded, and clearly written book on a very delicate subject. Bogart obviously has years of experience attending to the nuances of spiritual relationship, and is able to bring that experience to bear in an intelligent, comprehensible discourse. He unearths the many perilsand promisesof the apprenticeship path, including false idolatry, false messiahs, and when its time to leave the ashram.Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist paths all include some form of devotion to a teacher or guru. In a voice that is personal and heartfelt, Bogart shares his own experiences along this path, and offers numerous insightful examples from the lives of well-known students and teachers. Additional expertise in psychotherapy and astrology broaden the scope of this wonderful examination of the nature of spiritual mentoring. --NAPRA Review, Spring 1998