To Be a Devotee or a Disciple?

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Namaste

 

In the book: "Before Becoming This", Maa and Swami are asked to

describe having a relationship with the Guru. In a brief excerpt from

the chapter called: "Having a Relationship with Your Guru", they

describe the difference between a devotee and disciple.

"That is the difference between the devotee and a disciple. The

devotee says: "I want to please the Guru." The disciple says "I want

to become the reflection of the Guru.". In Sanskrit, the term for

disciple is "shishya", which means mirror. You look in the mirror and

you can't tell which is the original and which is the reflection.

That's the relationship between Guru and disciple. The relationship

between Guru and devotee is the devotee comes to please the Guru, but

doesn't necessarily make changes in his or her life. They hold onto

the same old baggage that they are carrying around, even while they

are trying to please the Guru. The disciple automatically polishes

their image so that it reflects in the same way the Guru's image

reflects."

 

In the 10 years I have known Maa and Swami this life, I have made some

progress towards the goal of being their disciple. It is the most

demanding and rewarding experience I have ever had. I marvel daily at

the Grace which brought me here and at the same time watch the ego

try every trick in the book to keep me from achieving this goal.

But, They are stronger than the ego, and my heart tells me this is the

only life worth living, so daily I pray for strength and courage to

continue on this path.

You who post here help me, and I thank you. Please share how Maa and

Swami have helped you. It inspires us all to hear about their

intervention and Grace in our lives.

 

Jai Maa Jai Swami

 

love

 

vishweshwar