________________
knowledge, association with that teacher is not desirable if he or she is lacking in moral character. As the aspirant is particularly affected by the teacher's moral character, it is imperative to avoid teachers without moral virtues. Purity of character is the essential quality of a teacher and if purity is lacking that teacher is no better than an animal. A teacher lacking purity of character or other essential virtues is a false spiritual teacher.
Kabir Sahab states:
"Guru se jnana jo lijiye, sisa dijiye dana.
Bahutaka bhomdu bahigaye, rakhi jiva abhimana. Tana mana tako dijiye, jake visaya nahim. Apa sabahi dari ke, rakhe sahiba mahim. Jhuthe guru ke paccha ko, tajata na kijai bara. Dvara na pave sabda ka, bhatakai barambara."
"If you ought to learn the holy science of attaining the Supreme from the master, sacrifice your 'sisa' (head, pride and ego) to him. For many having kept their pride, lost themselves in the current of ignorance.
"Surrender yourself to him who has no worldly desires, who is devoted to God and has forgone his ego. Do not take long in leaving the association of a false teacher for you will wander time and again and will not find the entrance to the Divine Sound."
The fruits of accepting a true master are immense. Unfortunately, true teachers are few and difficult to find.
37
