Why do you need a guru? If you fall down, then pick yourself up and continue to walk. ~Krishnamurti

I’ve been reading with interest the posts of my fellow Patheos blogger Ambaa, also known as the White Hindu, who does a fantastic job of opening a window into Hindu traditions and philosophy. She also writes a regular series titled “Find a Guru” where she introduces us to specific gurus, warts and all.

Like the warning that appears on any product with the potential to cause harm, Ambaa warns readers of the “Find a Guru” column to “exercise caution when selecting a teacher”. And I believe she does this for good reason. Time and time again, we read reports of gurus behaving badly. (Not that the Eastern philosophies have a monopoly on bad behavior.)

One recent case of a guru gone bad revolves around the renowned Zen…