Inner searches can lead anyone to reasoning and teachings that can not only lead away from the truth, but also harm. This is especially evident in the era of a large amount of information and increasing laziness and idleness among people. As a result, critical thinking decreases, and personal responsibility is projected onto an image that is an authority for the individual.

Instead of active sincere searches in the darkness of ignorance with a lit torch of the bright fire of reason, a person stops searching and accepts a dubious teaching on faith, continuing to wander in the darkness of his erroneous ideas. Thus, he becomes a hostage to the cult.

The 20th century Sufi Idris Shah said that the main criterion for choosing a particular teaching, studying and accepting it is common sense. It is precisely the extent to which a teaching contradicts common sense that often shows how dangerous it is for a person. The next criterion according to the Sufi is the understanding and awareness of how much the studied corresponds to the lives of the people around. If it goes against the general foundations, aggressively and harshly takes a person away from the daily routine and measuredness of ordinary life and peace, then most likely this teaching is false and dangerous for a person.

Twentieth-century occultist and philosopher Manly P. Hall once commented on the need for a person to seek a teaching to which he or she is willing to commit one’s life:

“I still believe, however, that a few simple warnings are the best guide. Avoid beliefs that go beyond reason. In most cases, the simplest of principles is the most valuable. Consider carefully and thoroughly, with all your wisdom and insight, all claims and promises that seem to depart from the basic principles of common sense. Do not attempt to live in a world ruled by invisible beings. In truth, there is only one Being who cares for you, and that Invisible Being resides at the source of your being. Do not fill the atmosphere with fears, and do not allow others to rob you of your peace of mind by insidious threats or plausible-sounding promises. It is well to learn all that can be learned, but it is better still to value knowledge and accumulate those facts that have a direct constructive effect on your hearts and minds."

Remember, friends, that your only weapon is the fire of enlightenment and reason, whose inexhaustible source is your revealed noble and strong Spirit, whose life blossoms from serving the Good of all Humanity.