For those seeking a teacher worthy of their trust and devotion, or anyone who has been frustrated by their experiences with a spiritual teacher, Caplan offers a candid, practical, and daringly personal examination of the student-teacher dynamic, including:

• Are you ready to be a student? If and when you should consider making a commitment to a spiritual teacher

• The path of the conscious learner?how to retain your power and autonomy while accepting a mentor's authority

• Tips for the wounded seeker?the valuable lessons we learn from our encounters with false teachers

• Spiritual scandals and predatory gurus?guidance for avoiding the inherent pitfalls in the student-teacher relationship

• Strengthening the five factors of concentration and deep meditative absorption

• How to recognize the inner light of divinity as it manifests in the imperfect human guise of your teacher?and yourself

In a time when a distrust of authority has been proven to be a healthy trait, we tend to be justifiably suspicious of those who present themselves as gurus and spiritual masters. Drawing upon her knowledge as both a scholar of mysticism and lifelong practitioner of spiritual traditions, Mariana Caplan helps readers develop the discernment that is crucial when seeking an authentic teacher?and reveals the immeasurable rewards that can come from having a trustworthy guide on the spiritual path.