Incorrect Conception

By Tejinder Narang

Many seekers of Living Gurus long for closeness with their Masters for transcendental attainment. The presumption that spiritual progression requires physical proximity has little relevance because spirituality cannot be “taught” but is “caught” through meditative concentration as preached, rather than external affiliation.


Otherwise, spirituality gets reduced to religious ritualism of visiting holy places. Mystics lead an inner life of Divinity, incomprehensible to disciples in outer life. The socalled nearness has the hazard of misleading an aspirant’s human perception and relativity, doubting the Divinity of the Master and reducing Him to a common man, culminating into lack of faith in Him and straying from the noble path.

Mystics too allude to allegorical forewarnings: is a teacher not pleased with the hard work of his students for educational excellence to have them around? The warmth of fire can be felt from a distance but physical proximity can inflate the seeker’s ego, akin to entering the flame of self-destruction and blocking own progression.

So, if attainment of radiant light within/or inner awakening is the goal, then searching with a lamp in daylight is self-induced delusion. AGuru was asked that if a disciple approaches Him with manipulative intentions, why does He compassionately assist him?

The Guru replied that He responds to the way facts are presented to Him, and the seeker’s craftiness have its own karmic retribution. The operation of karmic law is not diminished because of proximity to a Master, nor does it lead to any spiritual benefit.