Devotee: What are the qualities of those great men, Swami?
They won’t prevent their disciples from approaching them; they won’t prohibit anyone from approaching them; they won’t relish the defamation of others; they won’t be vengeful against those who point out to them their own mistakes and wrongs.
They will look upon all with equal love; they will always spread truth, righteousness, peace, and love (sathya, dharma, santhi, and prema); they will ever yearn for the joy, welfare, and progress of the devotees. Seek such people. They are the true gurus.
Don’t even cast a glance at those who are afflicted with anger, anxiety, hatred, envy, etc., or those who worry about name and fame and honor and status, however pompous their personality, however resounding their reputation.
Devotee: Swami, you explained the relationship of the guru and pupil (sishya). Looking at present conditions, one who reveals the reality is not liked at all. Many of the gurus, swamis, and wise aspirants are, as you said, behaving wrongly and in many ways ruining their very name. Besides, they are acting contrary to the vows of renunciation and the dharma relating to the Lord.
Such people may not appreciate your statements. They may even develop animosity, because you’re laying bare their defects. Or, what is worse, they may try to justify their conduct and invent stories and arguments to make their actions appear correct.
Your remarks apply only to the wrong-doers, they don’t refer to those engaged in good activities. So, really good wise aspirants and those interested in upholding the ideas will be happy that You have spoken thus. But regardless of what people might say, please Swami, help spiritual aspirants to progress and reveal to us the glory of the Lord.
Your remarks apply only to the wrong-doers, they don’t refer to those engaged in good activities. So, really good wise aspirants and those interested in upholding the ideas will be happy that You have spoken thus. But regardless of what people might say, please Swami, help spiritual aspirants to progress and reveal to us the glory of the Lord.
Swami: Well, what does it matter to Me how people talk?
How can falsehood be supported, fearing comment? As the burden so the bearer, says the proverb. Only fakes will resent and comment adversely. The genuine gurus will rejoice.
As the saying goes, only a thief will feel his shoulder when someone announces the theft of a gourd, because he is afraid that the stolen gourd is actually on his shoulder! Those who don’t steal gourds won’t feel their shoulders.
Those who are genuine will have no fear or anger. The others can learn a lesson if they develop a sense of shame and resolve to mend their ways, at least, hereafter.
For deeds done in ignorance, repentance is the way to make amends and to earn pardon. Not to repeat the same deed is the sign of the morally strong.
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Dear All,
Swami has given the qualities of a true preceptor/ Guru in the 2 posts so far.
We shall summarize the same in the next post.
Love.
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