Table of Contents

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgments

Introduction
The Catalyzing Role of Teachers

Stage One
Choosing a Teacher
In Search of a Trustworthy Guide

Stage Two
Initiation
The Kindling of Spiritual Life

Stage Three
Discipleship
Absorbing Instruction and Developing a Spiritual Practice

Stage Four
Testing
Trust, Surrender, and Refinement of the Personality

Stage Five
Grace and Guru Yoga
Receiving the Teacher's Spacious Gaze

Stage Six
At the Threshold of Awakening
Glimpses of the Goal

Stage Seven
Separating from a Spiritual Teacher
Maturation and Autonomy

Stage Eight
Finding the Teacher Within
Creating Your Own Synthesis and Paths of Self-Liberation

Stage Nine
Teaching Others
Sharing Knowledge Gracefully

Epilogue
The Cycle of Apprenticeship Complete

Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

About the Author

Greg Bogart, Ph.D., MFT, is a psychotherapist in private practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is a lecturer in psychology at Sonoma State University, a teacher at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and the author of numerous books on astrology, dreams, yoga, and spiritual depth psychology.

Reviews

"A clear, reasoned exposition that will help seekers of all persuasions." * Yoga Journal *
"Bogart calls upon his expertise as a psychotherapist and his experience as a mature spiritual seeker to discuss issues that are crucial for Western students of inner pathways. This is a must-read for all spiritual seekers and their teachers." * Judith Hanson Lasater, Ph.D., P.T., coauthor of What We Say Matters *
"This book is valuable for anyone who has been a student of a spiritual teacher or who is contemplating becoming one, and it helps prevent misconceptions so that a mature teacher-student relationship can develop." * Yoga International *
"Bogart's book is a clear and detailed map of the experience of self-unfoldment under the guidance of a guru or spiritual guide--including its difficulties, dangers, joys, and ultimate value. Highly recommended." * John Warren White, author of What Is Enlightenment? *
"If the recurring stories of gurus gone egregiously astray have you wondering whether teachers still have relevance on the spiritual path, I encourage you to read this wise and balanced book. Bogart makes a cogent case for the perennial value of awakening to who we are in relationship with one who already knows and can point the way." * Stephan Bodian, author of Wake Up Now *
"In this volume, which I regard as his best, Bogart brings an integrated psychospiritual perspective to his description of the guru-disciple relationship. I welcome this book and will recommend it frequently to clients and students of my own." * Bryan Wittine, LMFT, Ph.D., teaching and supervising analyst, C. G. Jung Institute of San Francisco *
"Based on decades of firsthand, inspiring, and life-changing experiences and scholarly research, Greg Bogart's In the Company of Sages astutely and caringly steers you through the winding terrains of the spiritual mentor and student relationship." * Stuart Sovatsky, Ph.D., author of Advanced Spiritual Intimacy *
"This is an excellent practical guide for anyone seeking a spiritual teacher and for those who are teachers. Bogart's openness and forthright storytelling may benefit parents or loved ones who are concerned about friends and family members who invest themselves in spiritual practice. I highly recommend this book. Well researched and documented, readable, and personal, it lights the way for those navigating the journey of transformation." * Laurel Clark, author of Intuitive Dreaming *
"This uniquely insightful book is a new classic of contemporary spiritual literature." * Master Charles Cannon, originator of Synchronicity High-Tech Meditation *
"Sensitive both to traditional views and the unique concerns of seekers in the West." * David Frawley, author of Yoga and Ayurveda *
"Valuable, even essential, words of wisdom to open the eyes and minds of those who have a spiritual teacher in their past, present, or future." * Dan Millman, author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior *
"Clarifying, balanced, highly readable, and above all helpful. This is the best book available on spiritual apprenticeship and the psychological issues involved." * Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., author of Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga *