Choosing a Responsible Spiritual Consultant: A Practical Checklist

People seeking spiritual guidance are often anxious, which makes them easy to pressure. This checklist will help you choose carefully, whoever you consult. We encourage you to apply it to us as well.

Questions to ask

1. What exactly will you do, and what will you not do?
2. What is the full cost, and is it written down or messaged to me?
3. Can I stop at any time without penalty?
4. Will you tell me if a doctor, counsellor or lawyer should be involved?
5. What information do you need from me and why?

Green flags

• They listen first and speak plainly about limits.
• Fees are explained before anything begins.
• They encourage you to consult family, your own teachers and professionals.
• They accept a "no" and give you time.
• They do not claim certainty about supernatural causes.

Red flags

• Guaranteed results or a fixed number of hours or days.
• Fear: predictions of death, illness or disaster unless you pay.
• Escalating payments: new problems found after each payment.
• Secrecy: being told not to speak to family or police.
• Control claims: promises to control a partner or enemy.
• Personal data: requests for photographs, documents, passwords or OTPs.
• Dangerous instructions: stopping medicine, fasting dangerously or self-harm.
• Isolation: being told to cut off people who doubt them.

Protect yourself practically

• Never pay large sums in advance, and never pay under time pressure.
• Do not send photographs, ID documents or financial information.
• Keep records of calls, messages and payments.
• Talk to someone you trust before deciding.

If something has gone wrong

Stop paying and keep evidence. For digital payment fraud call 1930 or report at the cybercrime portal. For threats or blackmail, contact the police. If you are distressed, Tele-MANAS (14416) offers free support.

How we try to meet this standard

We do not guarantee results, do not predict disaster, do not ask for advance payments in exchange for protection and do not ask for personal documents. We tell you what a tradition says, what we can and cannot offer and when professional help is the right step.

Sources and further reading

• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (helpline 1930)
• Tele-MANAS mental health helpline (14416)