AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI believes the world needs more genuine spiritual mentors and that we must consult them before making all major decisions of our lives
There will be less suffering in the world if we have a greater percentage of spiritual mentors amongst us. Who do I call a spiritual mentorIJ These are some of the qualities such a person must possess. First and foremost is sufficient knowledge of spiritual science. Next, he should be able to explain it to others and remove their doubts. He should be in a mood of disseminating such knowledge. Rather he must love doing so because he does not wish to leave his body without sharing with others; he is not miserly about it.
The third requirement is that he must be a practitioner of whatever he is preaching, and must show by his own example that spiritual knowledge is practical and not just theories or blind faith. He should never claim to be God; it is difficult enough for a common man to have faith in the real God; he only makes it difficult for people to develop faith in God. Such a person should not make false promises in the name of God; his job is just to make people aware of the spiritual reality.
Why have I avoided the term spiritual master, which is commonly usedIJ This is because people get confused about what the word master means. It is open to misinterpretation. The real meaning in this context is master of spirituality, and not a master of a person. The Sanskrit word ‘guru’ is much better because it cannot be misinterpreted. It only means: One who teaches. There is nothing like someone becoming someone’s master.
Such a teacher should not claim to have some kind of special privilege, the kind feudal masters exercised over their bonded labourers. Such a person should allow others to keep their independence of thought and action. The Bhagavad Gita guides perfectly in this regard, “Know that from the real knowers of truth by honouring them, properly enquiring from them and serving them. By approaching them thus, they will give you wisdom. (4.34)
Before I go any further, I must address the question of the need for a guru. The following two examples will clarify. Someone has an ear infection; should he go to a medical college to learn about the ear to try to cure his infectionIJ Someone bought a new computer, and needs to install it. There is an instruction manual of 600 pages. What is practicalIJ Get a technician from the supplier. Similarly, if we have a question on spirituality, it will be much easier and practical to approach a spiritually-wise person, rather than begin studying voluminous scriptures. Therefore, let us agree that we need a guru, all of us do. Even the most knowledgeable approach others for clarifications.
Today’s world needs gurus more than any other time in our history. The mode of darkness — the lowest mode — is becoming quite prominent, which is causing enormous damage to society. Absence of illumination (real knowledge), lack of motivation towards duty, carelessness and foolishness are the symptoms of this mode. (14.13) If we add greed, unrest and craving for sense gratification — the symptoms of the mode of passion (14.12) to the above — we have a very dangerous cocktail.
How will spiritual mentors help in making the world a better place to live inIJ They will be able to explain that there is no clash between religions. The underlying principles behind all of them are love, cooperation, serving, helping, etc. We don’t have to be divided due to the rituals we practise; we just need to stick to the core values behind every religion.
People will not be confused about what actual dharma is. Gurus will clarify that that dharma is not a set of rituals only. It is essentially what God expects us to. This includes doing duties according to time, place and circumstances; purity; equality; justice, which includes impartiality, what is justified; what is proper, and is lawful; good character; and moral values, which motivate one to be good, for doing good deeds. Finally, they should be able to tell what is proper and what is not in different situations from the spiritual perspective — the highest yardstick.
Can we now agree that the world needs more spiritual mentors — the genuine ones — and we need to consult them before taking major decisionsIJ Then, we can expect the world to be a better place.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com