In a time when many feel spiritually adrift, finding an authentic path becomes crucial for personal development and resilience. This guide offers ways to evaluate spiritual teachings and determine what resonates with your inner wisdom. A Wayist workshop guide.

by Jean Prieur du Plessis

  

Key Questions for Spiritual Discernment: 

  

Examine the Teaching: 

– Does it promote wisdom or blind faith? 

– Does it encourage questions or demand acceptance? 

– Does it empower growth or enforce dependency? 

– Does it inspire love or invoke fear? 

– Does it celebrate diversity or demand conformity? 

– Does it encourage personal thinking or group-think? 

– Does it support individual growth or institutional control? 

  

Study the Sacred Texts: 

– How does the deity treat humans? 

– What motivates divine action – love or control? 

– Are humans viewed as children to nurture or subjects to rule? 

– What happens to those who think differently? 

– How are women and minorities viewed? 

– What’s the attitude toward other paths? 

– Would you want this deity’s qualities in your life? 

  

Evaluate the Practice: 

– Does it promote personal growth? 

– Does it build resilience? 

– Does it enhance understanding? 

– Does it develop wisdom? 

– Does it encourage compassion? 

– Does it support authentic living? 

– Does it allow for evolution? 

  

Consider the Community: 

– Do they respect individual paths? 

– Do they welcome questions? 

– Do they support growth? 

– Do they demonstrate wisdom? 

– Do they show compassion? 

– Do they allow difference? 

– Do they encourage thinking? 

  

Red Flags to Watch For: 

– Demands for unquestioning acceptance 

– Claims of exclusive truth 

– Control over personal choices 

– Fear-based motivation 

– Rejection of other paths 

– Rigid hierarchy 

– Suppression of questions 

  

Signs of Healthy Spirituality: 

– Encourages personal growth 

– Welcomes questioning 

– Supports individual wisdom 

– Promotes universal love 

– Respects other paths 

– Allows natural evolution 

– Fosters independence 

  

Remember: 

– It’s okay to explore different paths 

– Growth often means changing understanding 

– Truth resonates in the heart 

– Wisdom comes through experience 

– Personal philosophy develops naturally 

– Spiritual growth is ongoing 

– You have the right to choose 

  

For Those Starting Out: 

– Begin with what resonates 

– Allow natural development 

– Trust inner wisdom 

– Question everything 

– Learn from experience 

– Stay open to growth 

– Keep moving forward 

  

The Importance of Personal Philosophy: 

– Provides inner guidance 

– Builds resilience 

– Supports decision-making 

– Enhances understanding 

– Develops wisdom 

– Creates meaning 

– Guides growth 

  

Understanding That: 

– Any path is better than no path 

– Beginning somewhere is essential 

– Growth means change is natural 

– Questions lead to wisdom 

– Experience builds understanding 

– Movement is life 

– Evolution is natural 

  

For Western Seekers: 

– Start where you are 

– Trust your questions 

– Follow your heart 

– Learn from experience 

– Build understanding 

– Develop wisdom 

– Keep growing 

  

The Path Forward: 

– Begin with simple practice 

– Develop personal understanding 

– Build inner strength 

– Grow through experience 

– Learn from challenges 

– Evolve naturally 

– Stay authentic 

  This isn’t about finding a perfect path, but about beginning the journey of conscious growth. Any authentic seeking is better than spiritual emptiness, and every step toward wisdom builds resilience for challenging times.