Okay Jai I believe we all have spiritual gifts but we do not know or believe we are worthy of such gifts and thus do not have the experience of using these. Many believe it is something that needs to be "learned" but this is the stumbling block to the gifts that it is believed that what is unknown needs to be learned instead of acknowledged.

If we acknowledge that the gifts are there that we have these and know them we will experience them. I do believe everyone can experience these as soon as they believe they have them. Like when I pick up a musical instrument and start playing it, I do not feel I need to learn it, I feel like I know it and then I can play it.

God gives us all gifts, these are hidden within us. There was a story of where God could hide his gifts so only those who are really sincere can find them. He chose to hide them within because most would choose to look anyplace but within.

There is a Zen story as well, a man was looking all over for his key, along came a monk and asked him what he is doing. He said "None of your business, if you have to know I am looking for my key!" The monk saw he was looking all over in front of his house and asked him, "Where did you lose the key?" The man replied "I lost it inside my house!" The monk replied "Why are you looking outside?" The man replayed "It's dark in there I would rather look out here."

Most are afraid to look at what is inside of them, that is where God is, remember you are the temple of God. Don't ever be afraid to look within, that is where all wisdom and understanding is because that is where the source is, that is where God is.

I don't think spiritual gifts are something we learn but, rather, are something we realize. I think those inherent qualities reside within each of us, and those who choose to come into alignment with their Source or God, develop the ability to access those spiritual gifts. When they do, they begin to live in the realization that those gifts are to be shared and used in the awakening of humanity as a Whole - their daily lives and interactions are lived from this perspective, affecting those who come into contact with them in a positive, uplifting way - that's my definition and also my quest :)

I would say that a spiritualy gifted individual is:

One who approaches life with an open mind.

One who is willing to change his/her mind.

One who is willing to be proved wrong.

One who is willing to sacrifice his group/church/sect doctrine for what he/she considers to be the truth.

Enlightenment and spiritual maturity cant come out of a dogmatic person.

They wont grow if your being spoon fed your beliefs and ideas from any organisation.

Thats my take.

Graham

A person that is spiritually gifted in my opinion: is someone who is willing to make a personal sacrifice to serve others, and has awakened to his/her true calling to service.

He/she has come to the realization of the nature of the eternal truth, and has therefore developed the consciousness of his/her spirituality and oneness with God, the universe, and has freed his/her self from the make belief of the physical world to connect to the spiritual world, and to share his/her wisdom/gift received spiritually to awaken mankind to his/her own spiritual gifts!

So, no, you do not have to learn from anyone, you just have to know how to use your own special gifts, and talents to enlighten, and inspire others in your world!