________________
Pupil's Enlightenment
Explanation & Discussion: The pupil now feels elated for the true knowledge that the Guru has passed to him. How could it be done, unless one is equipped with perfect knowledge and wisdom? The pupil is awe-struck by the way he gained internal peace by listening to the Guru. His state could be compared to a thirsty traveler coming across a clear lake. How would the traveler feel, when he quenches his thirst with cool water, especially if he had been traveling for long under the hot sun?
The traveler's case, however, relates to physical thirst, which is going to arise again after being quenched. The pupil's was the spiritual thirst, which has been so quenched that it would never arise again. In other words, he has been led to the path of liberation, which he no longer has to seek. He therefore feels immeasurably obligated to the Guru and experiences an incomparable level of contentment.
A question would arise here for our consideration, “The pupil heard from the Guru about six Fundamentals that we often listen or recite. How come, we do not get enlightenment?' One reason is our unworthiness and the other is the absence of personal contact with a Guru. Being in the physical presence of a Guru makes a big difference. There have been instances when people experienced realization merely by being in the presence of a Guru. This could happen, even if the Guru does not utter a single word; the accomplishment occurs merely by his presence!
Here the pupil does not merely have access to the true Guru; he has actually got the opportunity to listen to him and to get the doubts clarified. It can be imagined how much benefit he might have gained. The pupil is therefore
221
