F U N D A M E N T A L   E L E M E N T S   O N   T H E   M A S T E R - D I S C I P L E
R E L A T I O N S H I P
-    yoga    course   notes   -

by Gregorian Bivolaru

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PART 2
The beginner climber should take an inner oath not to leave his guide in the middle of the journey; but if, despite better his judgment he did so, he would take upon himself full responsibility and face the huge risks he will stumble upon. Also, the authentic spiritual aspirant must make the same oath - otherwise the master-disciple relationship can never truly work.

Because each GURU or spiritual guide leads his disciple on the path to Self revelation that best matches the disciple's qualities and his experience, it would be a stupid thing to simultaneously take the guidance of more than one GURU - just as a climber could not climb the mountain with different guides and on different routes simultaneously - anyone can see this would be impossible.

An analogy preferred by the yogis is that of an eccentric traveler who wishes to "safely" cross the sea but who has each foot in a different boat.

We cannot say we have a GURU until we are completely sure we found the right person, someone we are willing to follow unconditionally. Then we must be ready to apply his teachings with perseverance and dedication.

Also, we cannot say we are true disciples until we follow with self-abnegation all he asks us to do.

Every GURU has both disciples and devotees. The group of devotees includes those that although they are convinced of the authenticity of the master, have very little or no wish to make efforts to walk on the path towards Self realization.

These devotees often have a lack of trust and test their spiritual master and sometimes other masters at the same time, wasting time in their presence, mentally analyzing their behavior, character, teachings, gestures, etc.

The true disciples are only those spiritual aspirants who are firmly engaged on the spiritual path and do not have the need to test their GURU for anything, allowing him to help and support and even test them when necessary.

Once a true master-disciple relationship appears, the authentic spiritual journey towards Self revelation begins immediately, without delay. During this journey both GURU and disciple have to take on serious personal responsibilities.

Just as a mountain guide, the GURU pledges to take care of his disciple all the way, but, as we could never expect the guide to carry the beginner climber on his back, we cannot expect the GURU to make the spiritual journey for his disciple.

The ascension, though it is guided, assisted and even helped by the GURU must still rely on the personal effort of the disciple. The GURU always accompanies his disciple spiritually, energetically and telepathically all the way, step by step giving him/her advice, help and reminding him/her of the right way.

ONLY WHEN THE DISCIPLE IS TRULY PREPARED will the GURU teach the shortcuts and useful techniques/methods to easily surpass all the obstacles, will warn the disciple of the temptations they may face and will remove their doubts and fears with the help of his spiritual powers, huge knowledge and personal experience.

Also, the GURU inspires and guides his disciples through the power of his example, but we must understand that the GURU cannot do the work for his disciples, he cannot carry them "on his back" all the way.

The only exceptions are periodic SPIRITUAL EXEMPLIFICATIONS when we can benefit from his divine grace directly in proportion with our degree of spiritual openness.

Consequently it is entirely our responsibility to continue to walk this path without stopping or detouring, no matter what obstacles, difficulties or how much suffering we are facing.

The GURU does not have the responsibility to pamper us or carry us "on his back", permanently, all the way, because the Divine objective of spiritual ascension is not to become more and more dependent on our GURU but to become more and more independent and self sustained, as we evolve. After the disciple experiences real spiritual evolution, he becomes AUTONOMOUS.

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