The Master-Disciple Relationship

‘It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma’, said Winston Churchill about Russia during World War II.

Without any reservation one could use this expression to describe a master’s behavior. Perhaps even: a puzzle in a riddle in a mystery inside an enigma!

Master once said to us,

‘To each one of you I am different. The way I interact with one person depends on the needs of the being of that person, which even that person may not understand. Do not discuss how I treat you with one another. You will only cause misunderstanding and confusion. Do not try and put me in a frame’. ‘You are Krishna; you are Shiva; you are Mother…’.

I will not allow myself to be put in a frame. The moment you box me in a frame I die. I am a living master. I change every instant. Do not try to predict my actions, my words, my thoughts; you will only have suffering.

There was a far deeper meaning in what the master said than was obvious. He wanted each one to flow with him as he was at every moment; savor him here and now. People worry about when they will see him next while still in his presence. He says, ‘What foolishness! Just enjoy my presence. By thinking about when you will see me next, you are wasting the opportunity to be joyful now!’

It is not for the disciple to unravel the mystery of his guru; not even to try and understand; the proposition is sure to be a failure. All one can do is to BE, and enjoy the bliss of that moment.

Master explained:

‘Who is a guru? A guru is a being in whom Nithya Ananda, eternal bliss, is expressed; one who creates and transmits a formula and the space for others to experience the same eternally. From time immemorial, the guru-disciple parampara (master-disciple lineage and relationship) started in the Himalayas. It is the oldest of relationships. The very idea of relating with one another started only after this relationship. It is also the last relationship before enlightenment. Before this, humans were like animals, barbaric, in whatever culture and religion; all civilizations started with the advent of the guru-disciple relationship.

Even Masters who taught that there was no need for a guru became gurus themselves, despite themselves. All knowledge, not just spiritual knowledge, needs a guru, the person who leads us from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge.

In this modern day, people tend to question the need for a spiritual guru, but not the other kinds of gurus. One respects those who teach a skill that helps you earn money, but spiritual masters are optional. If you respect spiritual knowledge you will not question the need for a spiritual master. If you are not guided by your master, some one will guide you even if that person is not capable. Man needs a master. It is your choice whether to select a spiritual master or an unenlightened person.

If you choose a political person as your master, he will rule you by fear. If you choose some other celebrity, that person will rule you by greed. Only a spiritual master rules you with love and liberates you.