Are in person Spiritual Programs safe to go to?

[UpperMaster]

Hey everyone, I wanted to get your thoughts on something important. Do you think it's beneficial to learn from spiritual teachers and mentors? I'm asking because I've been reading David Deida's work, and it feels really genuine and in-depth. I connect with a lot of his insights, which I don’t often find with other spiritual teachers. I even checked out his website and found a "Teacher Training for Men" he's hosting in March. I signed up to get more info, and the tuition is $7,500, which is a huge amount. I can't quite tell if the price is justified; he seems to be one of the best in his field, and I know that some business coaching costs even more due to the value provided. Also this isn't a regular training this is training for Teachers. So there's already a high barrier to entry.  So, I’m curious—do you think an event like this is worth it and safe to attend?

Another thing that crosses my mind is my uncle’s experience with a prominent spiritual teacher, Mata Amritanandamayi. He was very close to her organization, and they stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from him. I can't disclose how or why because I don't know, no-one tells me, and I didn't ask. But like that does scare me a lot, and I don't want to collaborate with corrupt organizations and people. 

I don't want to join a cult, I don't want to be brainwashed. I want to learn and grow.

So, my question is:

Are events like these safe to go to, and are they worth the investment?

What are some precautions to take before learning from a spiritual teacher?

 

ps: Im not planning to go to this specific David Deida event as its for experienced teachers I reckon. But I am interested in working with and learning from spiritual teachers in the future. So your important can be very helpful.

 

[Sucuk Ekmek]

I dismissed spiritual teachers long time ago, I found being present is the most spiritual thing I can do. 

You should know if it's safe or not that is the part of spirituality. Investment is a must and how it's done up to you.

Precautions hmm... For whom teacher is teaching for? 

[TreyMoney]

Are they physically safe to attend? Yes. 

Are they psychologically safe to attend? That depends on your level of critical thinking skills. I attended in person Scientology events in Toronto for 3 years prior to 2020 spending less than $300. Most groups will try to pressure sell. Just don't hand over your credit cards while under the spiritual influence. Whether or not a certain program is worth a certain price is relative to the buyer/consumer/receiver of the good service.

Some precautions:

- the teachings should be more important than than the teachers

- the seekers should eventually become finders and teachers to others

- if someone has been seeking for 20 years without finding, that's a red flag that they / the group are on a spiritual carousel, just going around in circles without breaking free from and out of samsara wheel 

- if the group refuses to see the value in other types of teachings or certain types of teachers that's a red flag

- the group teachings are exoteric rather than esoteric is a sign the group lacks the occult knowledge necessary for real spiritual evolution