A transformational leader is one who “serves to change the status quo by appealing to followers’ values and their sense of higher purpose” (Gutworth, 2015). Samuel Sagan M.D. is a transformational leader who has impacted my life. He is the author of 15 books, holds a Doctorate of Medicine on the topic of chakras and subtle bodies and degrees in acupuncture and homeopathy. His Clairvision (CV) School of meditation was founded in 1987.
By participating as a CV student, I was taught that most of us live our lives constantly reacting to our emotions. The meditation techniques of the CV school can guide you on your spiritual journey to “See for yourself, Know for yourself” (Sagan, 1997). Followers of CV have a vision aligning with Samuel’s: spiritual awakening, awareness, and Truth. The work also requires interdependence. You simply cannot advance in the school if you’re not part of a team or group within CV.
Samuel knows how to change the space in a room. He is a talented teacher who I have both witnessed and experienced as having the ability to heighten emotional levels and ignite inspiration. Like many spiritual teachers, he encourages his students to work on themselves for the greater good of humanity and to become the best possible version of themselves.
Samuel is a charismatic, mysterious man. He gives so much to his community and seemingly dedicates his entire life to the spiritual awakening and transformation of his students. As a result, many students dedicate a great portion of their life to the awareness and developmental techniques of the school before applying them to the real world. They trust that Samuel has the vision to guide them on their spiritual journey.
Followers of the CV school rarely leave. For example, I attended a class in 2008. I was part of a group of about 20 people and only three of them have since left the school. Samuel and leaders of the school know how to create personal connections with all who are part of the school and support them through their learning path. All students who are involved with the school work hard to live up to high standards. The visions passed along to the students encourages them to challenge themselves to overcome fears, reach a level of deep understanding, bring awareness into every possible moment, etc.
Many who are content with their lives are unlikely to seek a spiritual teacher like Samuel. Crises could be to blame for students stumbling upon a school like CV that offers healing practices, one in particular for people with deep emotional traumas. I’ve seen enough positive outcomes in others and myself during my time with the school to know that these practices are effective for many, regardless of the reasoning behind it.
While I respect the vision of the CV school and occasionally practice the techniques myself, I decided to no longer actively participate. The amount of dedication I feel is necessary in order to keep up with my classmates is just not possible right now. Samuel’s leadership style is inspirational and I have yet to recognize another teacher quite like him.
References:
Sagan, S. (1997). Awakening the third eye. Roseville, N.S.W., Australia: Clairvision.
Gutworth, Melissa. Lesson 10: Transformational Leadership (web page). Retrieved from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/su15/psych485/002/content/10_lesson/printlesson.html.