A wealthy Englishwoman traveled to Tibet about a hundred years ago and had the great privilege of meeting the Dalai Lama of that time. He was escaping the invading Chinese forces at that time, and his devoted followers did their best to replicate the ornate luxury of his palace wherever he stopped to rest.
The Englishwoman was allowed to meet the Holy Dalai Lama and, along with her translator, sat in the room with the other devotees while she watched the Tibetans approach their leader with great humility and reverence (to receive his blessing).
She noticed a strange figure in the corner who seemed to view the entire scene with scorn. Her translator informed her that this was likely one of the Tibetan Magicians (they still followed the old ways and rejected Buddhism). Curious, she sought the Magician out after the event had ended, and managed to find him in a local temple where he was eating rice. He did not seem at all interested in the Englishwoman or her companion.
They politely asked him if he would be open to answering her questions and he grunted in reply. The woman asked him why he was not impressed by the Dalai Lama, and the Magician scornfully replied that, if he was truly a powerful spiritual leader, that no Chinese invasion could threaten him.
The Englishwoman’s translator approached the man with some money to leave as a token of gratitude. The Magician told them to go away and that he did not want their money. Undeterred, the translator continued to approach with the money in hand.
Suddenly, an invisible force struck the translator and threw him against the wall. The man was very frightened, and the woman had to help him up and out of the temple.

This story, an excerpt out of the book, Magic and Mystery in Tibet by Alexandra David-Neel, is fascinating to me. This Magician, whom I admit is not a shining example of a compassionate or loving man, has a point. If a person claims the right to a position of leadership, then they should show some proof of their abilities, of their powers. (I mean no disrespect to the Dalai Lama of the early 20th century).
It is not enough to present with pomp and ceremony, people need actual proof.

When you seek a healer, a spiritual teacher, or any kind of expert, make sure that they can truly make a difference. Do they have their own life in order and are able to manage their energy? Have they been able to demonstrate healing or intuitive abilities?
This applies to many different kinds of professions, and not only the metaphysical or spiritual arts. I have heard of fancy presentations and speakers in hotel banquet rooms who sell expensive investment packages… and their speaker is a paid actor! The presentation is so convincing that very few people take the time to research out the company and verify their claims.

This is why I ask clients for feedback and include reviews in my email campaigns. It is important to me that people can read about other people’s experiences. I do not claim that I have been able to heal everyone – no one can claim that. However, I have been blessed to have been a channel for many healings. Only the divine can truly heal us.