Don’t be fooled by Meditation Scams – How to Spot the Fakes

Dont be fooled by appearances of saintliness, appearance of meditators

Meditation: A Journey or a Trap?

I used to believe that meditation was a path to peace. And in many ways, it is. But in today’s world, where meditation has turned into an industry, there are also those who prey on seekers looking for calm. Some of them wear flowing robes, some brand themselves as “enlightened,” and others make grand promises of instant awakening. But here’s the truth—real meditation doesn’t work that way.

If you think Meditation is like a pill, when taken regularly can make one enlightened being, then God bless you. It is far from the truth. Let’s take the instance of Hinduism, the most notorious villain of Hindu Mythology – Ravan. He was a great scholar and someone who meditated for years to please Shiva. In fact, there are many stories of Rakshasas (demons) meditating for years to achieve an evil gain. Even in the modern era, aren’t many so-called Gurus known for their exploitation tactics rather than their wisdom?

It is obvious Meditation is not the magical potion to convert yourself to goodness. My experience – it is a transformational tool but just that – a tool. And a tool is dependent on the user’s discretion. That is why we should not consider someone a saint just because they practiced Meditation regularly, or read religious books, and performed rituals.

The beauty of Meditation is it calms our mind, increases our concentration, and increases our mental capacity. But I may apply my newfound focus on finding ways to fool people, who knows. It does increase compassion and goodness and make people better humans. But for that to happen there needs to be the seed of goodness somewhere. If a person has been so wrapped up with his anger that he didn’t pay heed to his compassionate self. Meditation will resolve that. As it will get you a grip on your anger and let your inner beauty take over.

Many beautiful miracles sprout from the seed of Meditation when practiced progressively. But these are applicable only to those who have an inner compass pointing towards goodness. Thus, enjoy the supreme beauty of Meditation, but do not lock your common sense within.

Why Do People Fall for Fake Gurus?

It’s simple—because we’re searching. We want peace, clarity, or an escape from stress. And when someone presents themselves as the answer to all our problems, it’s tempting to believe them. But meditation doesn’t work overnight, and no external guru can do the work for you.

What to Look for in a Genuine Meditation Teacher

✔️ They encourage self-awareness – A true teacher helps you understand yourself rather than making you dependent on them.

✔️ They have verifiable experience – Check their credentials, their journey, and whether they have a solid practice backing their claims.

✔️ They don’t demand blind faith – Meditation is about awareness, not submission. If you’re told to follow without question, it’s a red flag.

✔️ They teach simple, accessible practices – Real meditation doesn’t need theatrics. It should be something you can do on your own, without expensive tools or rituals.

I have always believed in the goodness in people and have met trustworthy people. But it helps when I don’t assume beforehand if someone is good or bad, I just let life and my intuition guide me. It hurts me to know when someone gets duped in the name of spirituality. A little common sense can go a long way with all kinds of people.

Final Thoughts: Stay Mindful, Stay Free

Meditation is a transformative tool, but in the wrong hands, it can become a trap. Stay mindful—not just in your practice, but in choosing who you trust on your spiritual path.

Have you ever encountered a questionable meditation teacher? Share your story in the comments below! 👇

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Tags: More on my experiences with Meditation & Spirituality

Career Growth & Life Coach Shailaja Shankar

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