A Sufi on the Guru/Chela relationship

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OM Spiritual Travellers

 

Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee, in his book, Sufism:The Transformation

of the Heart, makes this cogent point, "The seeker's relattionship

to the Guru or Sheikh [or Roshi] is so different from our normal

patterns of relationship that it is easily misunderstood or even

abused. In particular, the impersonal intimacy of this relationship

and the notion of the total obedience or surrender of the disciple

to the teacher need to be understood withing their esoteric

context."

 

This what the Sufi master, Abu Sa'id, has to say on the topic of

Guru and disciple:

 

Abu Sa'id was asked, "Who is the spiritual guide who has

attained to Truth, and who is the sincere disciple?"

 

The Sheikh replied, "The spiritual guide who has attained to

Truth is he in who at least ten characteristics are found , as

prood of his authenticity:

 

First, he must have become a goal, to be able to have a disciple.

Second, he must have travelled the mystic path himself, to be

able to show the way.

Third, he must have become refined and educated, to be able to

be an educator.

Fourth, he must be generous and devoid of self-importance, so

that he can sacrifice wealth on behalf of the disciple.

Fifth, he must have no hand in the disciple's wealth, so that he

is not tempted to use it for himself.

Sixth, whenever he can give advice through a sign, he will not

use direct expression.

Seventh, whenever, he can educate through kindness, he will not

use violence and harshness.

Eight, whatever he orders, he has first accomplished himself.

Nine, whatever he forbids the disciple, he has abstained from

himself.

Ten, he will not abandon for the world's sake the disciple he

accepts for the sake of God.

 

If the spiritual guide is like this and is adorned with these

character traits, the disciple is bound to be sincere and a good

traveller, for what appears in the disciple, is the qualities of the

spiritual guide made manifest in the disciple."

 

"As for the sincere disciple, the sheikh has said, "No less than

ten characteristics which I mention must be present in the

sincere disciple, if he is to be worthy of discipleship.

 

First, he must be intelligent enough to understand the spiritual

guide's indications.

Second, he must be obedient in order to carry out the spiritual

guide's command.

Third, he must be sharp of hearing to perceive what the spiritual

guide says.

Four, he must have an enlightened heart in order to see the

spiritual guide's greatness.

Five, he must be truthful, so that whatever he reports, he reports

truthfully.

Six, he must be true to his word, so that whatever he says, he

keeps his promise.

Seven, he must be generous, so that whatever he has, he is

able to give away.

Eight, he must be discreet, so that he can keep a secret.

Nine, he must be receptive to advice, so that he will accept the

guide's admonition.

Ten, he must be chivalrous in order to sacrifice his own dear life

on the mystic path.

 

Having these character traits, the disciple will more easily

accomplish his journey and more quickly reach the goal set for

him on the mystic path by the spiritual guide."

 

Jaya Guru

 

OM Namah Sivaya

 

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