Discipline Expected Of A Disciple

A disciple should maintain complete discipline and decorum in front of his Guru. He should not try to express his opinion or make comments on his Guru’s teachings. It is not advisable to even express his opinion on the Guru’s discourses by saying, “I personally believe that….” He should not try to give any advice or sermons to his Guru, telling him what to do and what not to do. This would be extremely discourteous. Even if there is some confusion regarding any of the Guru’s statements or if an explanation becomes imperative because the disciple finds something difficult to understand, he can always ask questions the way Arjuna asked Shri Krishna again and again, and Lord Krishna explained it in complete detail to him. The Guru finds great pleasure if his disciple shows inquisitiveness in acquiring more and more knowledge and feels great joy in transferring all his knowledge and wisdom to his worthy follower. One should never boast in front of his Guru, even if he is knowledgeable, and should also never tell a lie in front of him. He can benefit most by staying disciplined and observing decorum.

Any seeker who considers his Guru to be a mere mortal and indulges in self-praise in front of him, talks with vanity, shows off his intelligence by claiming he is well-versed in the Shastras, or boasts about being a big minister or working for the welfare of society, or possessing great wealth, is surely committing a sin. Such a man takes rebirth as an evil being and goes through hell. This is the punishment he receives for committing such a crime. The Guru’s body is not important; what is important is his wisdom and knowledge. King Janak gained knowledge by accepting a 12-year-old named Ashtavakra as his Guru. Naamdev gained wisdom by surrendering himself in front of a 16-year-old Saint Gyaneshwar. So, the Guru’s disposition does not matter; what matters is showing complete humility and devotion towards him.

A seeker should strictly follow the rules of his Guru’s ashram and show his obeisance towards his Guru while staying in the ashram. In no way should he try to establish his supremacy in the ashram. Any form of intoxication, unnecessary wandering here and there, initiating someone else into the sect by sidelining his Guru, giving sermons and discourses without the Guru’s permission, making an effort to establish his supremacy, giving instructions to his Guru, or interfering in his organization and behaving in a disorderly manner—all these things are completely prohibited and taboo for a disciple. He should not indulge in the practice of self-appraisal, trying to prove himself better than his Guru in any manner. This act would keep him away from his Guru’s compassion.

A disciple is not to decide whether whatever the Guru tells him is true or false; he just has to accept whatever the Guru says. Just as, in order to maintain order in society, workers are supposed to simply follow the instructions of the government. One should stay in front of his Guru like a servant and follow his instructions without any feud day and night. Anybody who can fulfill this can become a worthy subject of his Guru’s teachings, blessings, and wisdom. The Guru gives everything to his disciple in the form of ‘prasad’. It is the foremost duty of the disciple to prove his worthiness for that ‘sacred prasad’! Any seeker who goes to the Guru laden with his own wisdom comes back empty-handed.

Anybody whose mind is already filled with previously acquired knowledge would remain devoid of the wisdom that the Guru imparts. However, whoever goes with a clean slate will be showered with the Guru’s wisdom. Only an empty vessel can be filled; one that is already full will have no space for anything to be poured into it. In order to attain spiritual wisdom, the seeker needs to eradicate all of his worldly perceptions; only then would the wisdom imparted by the Guru be of any use.

Criticizing anybody is an immoral act in itself. Only a person with shortcomings indulges in condemning others in order to prove his own greatness. Anybody suffering from an inferiority complex actually gets critical of others. A person who is not superior himself tries to prove his greatness by making other people feel insignificant, but actually, this is a mental disorder. Only a sick mind enjoys criticizing other people. No one can achieve greatness by indulging in criticism. Moreover, the Guru who has been endlessly giving him knowledge and trying to uplift his life—what is the point in criticizing that True Master? This would only result in his own loss; he would be deprived of all that divine knowledge. Even if we see anybody indulging in criticizing an erudite Guru, it is our duty to make him realize that he is committing a great sin by doing so. But still, if he refuses to accept what is being told to him, then he should be sent away from there; and if he refuses to leave, then it is better for us to move away. But under no circumstances should we indulge in the Guru’s criticism or even listen to it from someone else’s mouth. Criticizing others or even listening to criticism pollutes our mind, and this act does not benefit anyone in any manner.

Summary:

The passage emphasizes the importance of humility, discipline, and respect for a disciple in their relationship with their Guru. It stresses that a disciple should not express opinions or critique the Guru’s teachings, as doing so would be discourteous and counterproductive. Instead, a disciple should ask questions humbly and accept the Guru’s wisdom without judgment. The passage also advises against any behavior that might establish the disciple’s supremacy over the Guru or interfere with the Guru’s organization. Such actions, including self-praise or criticism of the Guru, are deemed sinful and detrimental to spiritual progress. The essence of the relationship between Guru and disciple is one of complete surrender, humility, and open-mindedness, where the disciple must approach the Guru with a clean slate, ready to receive wisdom.

Important Points:

1. Discipline and Decorum: Essential for a disciple to maintain in the presence of the Guru.
2. Respect for the Guru’s Teachings: A disciple should avoid expressing personal opinions or critiques.
3. Humility: A disciple should not boast or attempt to establish superiority over the Guru.
4. Following Ashram Rules: Adherence to the rules and guidelines of the Guru’s ashram is crucial.
5. Avoiding Intoxication and Disorderly Behavior: Such actions are strictly prohibited for a disciple.
6. Complete Surrender: A disciple must accept the Guru’s teachings without judgment or doubt.
7. Receiving Wisdom: A disciple must approach the Guru with an open, empty mind to truly benefit from the teachings.
8. Criticism: Criticizing the Guru or others is considered immoral and counterproductive to spiritual growth.
9. Consequences of Criticism: Engaging in or listening to criticism can deprive a disciple of divine knowledge and pollute the mind.
10. Seeking Clarification: If confused, a disciple should humbly ask questions like Arjuna did with Lord Krishna.