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world. We may say, why does not the Adept meét us? If we invite him to a convention, will he come? But he may not act according to our ideas or in any way that we may imagine. However, when there are people who are ready, the Adept affords opportunities for contacts, guidance, and teaching. The word 'Guru', like many other words, can mean different things to different people. It is said to denote someone who dispels darkness. But often people think the Guru is one who imparts knowledge. Knowledge which is mundane - the lesser knowledge- can be imparted; not so spiritual knowledge. No subjective, inner experience can be borrowed from another. The Vivekachudamani makes it clear that one cannot have a substitute to perform the actions which will bring bodha or awakening in oneself. The awakening has to take place in each individual as a result of his own preparation and work. But very often people think that they do not have to do anything; they have only to attach themselves to a so-called Guru, touch his feet or sit in front of him and then he will take over the responsibility. This is a very convenient philosophy, for it allows people to go on with their worldly life of ambition, jealousy, money-seeking, desire for power and so on. Because so many people find this way to their taste, there are others ready to play the complementary role. So there are pretenders who call themselves Gurus, who will give a feeling of security to those who ask for it. Turn your thoughts to me, says the self-styled Guru, and you will be protected from all trouble. If you want to indulge in pleasure-it does not matter what kind-go ahead and enjoy yourself, but turn the beads of the mala with my photograph on it and wear the uniform that I prescribe for you. The real Guru, on the other hand, is a true dispeller of the darkness in a person's mind and consciousness; he will not offer diversions or take away his sense of responsibility for his own actions. One of the 'Three Truths' of Theosophy is that 'Each man is his own absolute law-giver, the dispenser of glory or gloom to himself; the decreer of his life, his reward, his punishment.' It has been made clear by the Adepts what conditions must be fulfilled in order to receive their instruction, help and guidance. In The Mahatma Letters to A. P. Sinnett we are told that only a person's evolving spirituality can draw him near to the Masters - Page 2
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