Surrender And Grace
If you want to drink water at the tap, you will have to bend yourself. Even so, if you
want to drink the spiritual nectar of immortality which flows from the holy lips of the
Guru, you will have to be an embodiment of humility and meekness.
The lower nature of mind must be thoroughly regenerated. The aspirant says to his
preceptor: “I want to practise Yoga. I want to enter into Nirvikalpa Samadhi. I want
to sit at your feet. I have surrendered myself to you.” But, he does not want to
change his lower nature and habits, old character, behaviour and conduct.
One’s individual ego, preconceived notions, pet ideas and prejudices, and selfish
interests should be given up. All these stand in the way of carrying out the teachings and
instructions of one’s Guru.
Lay bare to your Guru the secrets of your heart. The more you do so, the greater the
sympathy, which means an accession of strength to you in the struggle against sin and
temptation.
The aspirant, before he desires the grace of the Master, should deserve it. The supply
of divine grace comes only when there is a real thirst in the aspirant, and when he is fit
to receive it.
Guru’s grace descends upon those who feel utterly humble and faithful to him.
Faith is confidence and trust in Guru. Faith is firm conviction of the truth of what is
declared by the preceptor by way either of testimony or authority, without any other
evidence or proof. The disciple who has faith in the Guru argues not, thinks not, reasons
not and cogitates not. He simply obeys.
The disciple’s self-surrender to Guru and Guru’s grace are interrelated.
Surrender draws down Guru’s grace, and grace of Guru makes the surrender complete.
Guru’s grace works in the form of Sadhana in the aspirant. If an aspirant sticks to
the path tenaciously, this is the grace of the Guru. If he resists when temptation assails
him, this is the grace of the Guru. If people receive him with love and reverence, this is
the grace of the Guru. If he gets all bodily wants, this is the grace of the Guru. If he
gets encouragement and strength when he is in despair and despondency, this is the grace
of the Guru. If he gets over the body-consciousness and rests in his own Ananda Svarupa,
this is the grace of the Guru. Feel his grace at every step, and be sincere and truthful
to him.
Divine Life Society Publication: Guru Tattva
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