Sadhana ke anubhav
Pages 14-16
Parma Pujya Gurumaharaj
02/13/22
🙏🙏🙏🙏

While it is not easy to find an able and complete Guru when trying to select the right spiritual practice for oneself, it is also very tough to become someone’s true follower in the real sense of the term. Just saying that ‘I am a follower’ is not enough. One has to be ready to make sacrifices related to material comforts, money, the mind, and a lot of other things, if one is looking to become a truly faithful follower. People who are willing to part with things that are dearest to them, and are ready to put themselves on the line in return for acquiring knowledge from the Guru, are the ones who are genuine followers. Just like an exotic food entree, if placed in an unclean serving dish, does not remain edible or enjoyable, extraordinary spiritual knowledge and ability in possession of an undeserving person does not work well. There is every chance that it might be misused. That is why Gurus first test their followers, and it is only when they feel satisfied, that they reveal the deeper truths and concepts to the follower. Aspiring followers, therefore, need to be highly vigilant. Ancient scriptures are riddled with stories describing the difficult tests followers were put through to prove that they had what it takes to be true followers. The gurus in modern times have moved away from putting their followers through these hard tests. The reason is that people these days are in a great hurry. They do not want to make too much effort, and yet expect to learn it all the very first day. Patience, putting in an effort, and dutifully following what the Guru desires, is not in their nature. They expect that their dealings in the physical world will remain undisturbed. They do not want to part with their money and wealth. They do not want to endure any bodily discomfort, and sometimes they do not even want to be respectful to their Guru, but still want the Guru to bestow upon them all their knowledge. They expect to start their meditation practice today and get to know it all yesterday. When things don’t transpire as quickly as they want, they quickly lose faith and also lose their way. With the present day followers in such a fast forward mode, the Gurus no longer put their followers through any tests or trials. Instead, they do not disappoint anyone and instruct and teach everyone who comes to them. They elevate everyone and let them enjoy the various experiences that come with it but do not consider them their true disciples or followers, with whom they would be ready to share everything right away. When, after years of practice, they feel that the person has elevated themself to be a true disciple or follower, it is then that they truly initiate them. If a person fails to elevate themselves to the desired level even after several years, they let them continue till they get there. A person who manages to develop great love and faith for the Guru, can develop an unwavering belief in the path shown by the Guru, keeps one’s progress and experiences on the spiritual journey to oneself, does not misuse any special power or ability one acquires along the way and always follows the rules laid down by the Guru, is the one who the Guru considers worthy of being their true follower. The Guru then takes on the responsibility of such followers. To succeed in this way, one needs belief that is larger than the sky, deeper than the ocean, heavier than a mountain and stronger than a Vajra. All this is not easy. But gradually, with practice and Satsang, an internal change happens, and one develops complete faith and a feeling of surrender. That is when the Guru will consider us their true follower and take on the responsibility for our spiritual progress.