Sweat Lodge Guru James Ray charged with Manslaughter

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Permalink Reply by Cheryl Janecky on February 5, 2010 at 12:35pm

Hi Hugh, Thank you for your comment. Yes - I agree that the term "guru" has been used outside of it's original spiritual context - and words constantly change meanings from common usage. Many words appropriated from other languages take on a whole new flavor from usage in a different culture.

The media is reframing how we think of this term. Don't you think that the word "guru" will soon have a whole new mainstream meaning? Perhaps something akin to "charlatan or pretender" or at least "mis-guided" ??

"Sweatlodge Guru" implies someone knowledgeable about the native culture and the place of the Inipi lodge in community prayer. Doesn't that imply "pretender" as most know he was not Native American nor did he teach Native American ways.

My point is: "Guru" is used inappropriately. He was not knowledgeable - and if he was, then the charges would be "murder." I do think this trial will change usage of the term guru.

Perhaps that's a good thing - change may mean a greater truth is emerging. Respectful use of language is a prerequisite of good relationships cross-culturally. Now that India's spiritual traditions are becoming better known, terms such as Guru may revert to a more traditional spiritual meaning.

That would occur organically as Americans distance themselves - and no longer refer to themselves as "guru of this or that." Time will tell. I appreciate your insights and thoughtful comments. Good Fortune! Cheryl

Hugh Cole said:

Hi Cheryl,
I feel your pain and I am happy I participated even in a small way, in allowing you to vent it. Fact is that part of what you are saying is really foder for discussion here. I completely agree that the sweat lodge is a part of a unique spiritual tradition. It is from a tradition I don't pretend to understand completely, My perception is that Mr. Ray had little (real) respect or understanding of it either and to use it as a "disneyland ride" is highly offensive to me. The word "guru" is another story, it has been bent by common usage for many many years now to describe a person of exceptional knowledge. In our culture we have exercise guru's, computer guru's, cooking gurus, and even our own Hypnosis guru (Richard Nongard). The word has long passed from the sphere where it had only a spiritual or enlightenment context... unfortunate perhaps but true. I don't find it slanderous in that context, where perhaps I would of forty years ago. I don't find the story sensationalized either. It is what it is. A (perhaps well intentioned) huckster taking advantage of a bunch of sheeple looking for enlightment in a bottle, My heart bleeds on both sides of the equation. Something went terribly wrong.

Hugh Cole
The Pretty Goodest Hypnotist on the Planet.

Cheryl Janecky said:

Hi - so happy to find this forum on Twitter - saw this post and feel a sadness at the inadvertent message it is sending. Here's my thoughts on the media portrayal of James Ray.

"Sweatlodge Guru Indicted" is inexcusable media slander of religious views and faiths outside of the mainstream. In Native American traditions the sweatlodge is a sacred space to cleanse the body and mind and to speak with Great Mystery. It is not unlike entering a Church, Temple or Mosque to pray - to Source or God. In one Native culture the word is Inipi - meaning "spirit place" (Tipi meaning living space).

The term "Guru" is Sanskrit, meaning an enlightened one that leads others out of the darkness and into the Light of Source. It is a term used in the Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist traditions - with great reverence. It's been used inappropriately to apply to anyone with a personal growth mission and following. Spend a moment in the presence of a traditional Guru and you will realize how sincerely they embody (and live) the Light of Spirit.

Slander is always inappropriate. How long would our culture tolerate: "Temple Priest or Church Rabi or Mosque Minister" as a descriptive of someone outside those faiths? Awareness is all it takes to change this usage. Spreading slander - even unintentionally - only stops when we recognize it. Thanks for your consideration. Now I feel better.

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