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He who works under the supervision of a guru, gradually moves forward. Wherever he comes across a hurdle in his path, that hurdle is removed and the sadhak is never left in the lurch. In the absence of right guidance, there is always the possibility of going astray. Those who, after reading a few books or hearing about meditation from some friend, start their sadhana on their own, get bored within 5-10 days, and discontinue their practice, or they go astray. Being confused, their mind loses its balance. An unbalanced mind and sadhana do not go together. In such a situation, a man loses faith in himself as well as in the method of sadhana he has adopted. His lack of faith disperses the vibrations of his faithlessness all around. These may adversely affect some immature sadhak. From this point of view, for making progress in the field of sadhana, it is very necessary for a man to seek the guidance of a really capable guru.
Q. You say, the guidance of an able guru is essential — for sadhana. Such guidance will certainly bring about good results. But what is the criterion for determining a guru's worthiness? What touchstone have we to test our guide?
Ans. There can be no precise definition of a guru. Still
on the practical level, a man would want a definition. Unless unlimited space is confined within the bounds of a house, a man cannot live in it. A guru's grandeur beggars description. No words can adequately express it; it can only be defined on the ground of behaviour. On behavioral ground, a guru is one who is a mahavrati. The man whose soul is not impregnated with the spirit of the great vows cannot be an adept in the practice of meditation. Besides being a mahavrati, he must also have a deep interest in the practice of meditation. Because in the absence of such interest, he can neither
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