False disciples want a guru who can give them what they think they want, cheaply and easily. They want instant samadhi without the effort, and they think it’s the guru’s responsibility to give it to them. They don’t want a guru who is self-controlled; they want one who’ll participate in their licentious life. They want a guru who’s just like they are, who’s just one of them.
==========
God is greater than guru or disciple. But both guru and disciple are moving in the same direction, surrendering to that higher principle of oneness.
==========
In spirituality, the individual must let go of his or her ego, to in this sense “surrender” to the guru, whose function it is to undermine the ego, to commit “egocide.” But the fear this induces can make the disciple denounce the function of the guru.
For some, this surrender is easy. For others, resistance is easier. But the first group does not necessarily comprise the better students. The logical mind has a hard time surrendering. But even a struggle with a guru is a kind of devotion. Resistance and anger can be signs of devotion just as much as obedience and love.
==========
The guru takes 90 percent of the responsibility for the disciple’s growth. But the disciple must assume 100 percent responsibility for the remaining part.
==========
A guru’s words and actions affect not only his or her own reputation, but the reputation of all spiritual masters generally.
==========
Wonderful teachers are to be respected. Respecting oneself is even more important.
No comments:
Post a Comment