The book also states that the guru disparaged secular education , and his prohibitions included the consumption of alcohol , caffeine , and meat ; dancing ; dating ; socializing with outsiders ; and owning pets , although he kept a collection of exotic pets in his Queens basement .
The book also states that the guru disparaged secular education , however it has also been documented that Chinmoy felt that school and work for his meditation students was important . 
 His prohibitions included the consumption of alcohol , caffeine , and meat ; dancing ; dating ; socializing with outsiders ; and owning pets , although he kept a collection of exotic pets in his Queens basement .