When the student
is ready the Guru comes! The student
does not go in search of the Guru. The Cosmic Principle sends the Guru
to the student. When Guru and student meet, the Guru is aware of the strong
points and drawbacks of the student. Where there is a need for overcoming some shortcomings, the Guru helps the
student, and makes him ready for receiving the knowledge and spiritual practices. The
student will not be aware of the actions of the Guru and why he is being asked
to do some things. When the student obeys the Guru implicitly, he is guided and
trained to receive the highest of knowledge as now he is fully ready in all
ways. This is the story of Surdas and
his Guru.
Surdas, a young
seeker yearned intensely for God. A Guru appeared in his life and promised to
guide him and show the way to God. The Guru was aware that Surdas had a major
imperfection in him. Surdas used to get angry very quickly and for small
things too. The Guru was aware that the anger of Surdas would cause inner disturbances
because of which Surdas would not feel close to God. He wished to help Surdas
overcome the defect of anger and make him ready to receive the spiritual
practices. He told Surdas: for a month
chant the name of God day and night during all your work and activities. On the day the new month starts, take bath
early morning and come to me. I will initiate you into path of God.
Surdas followed
the instructions of the Guru. He chanted the name of God day and night and
during all his activities. On the first day of the new month, he rushed to the
river at dawn, took a bath, wore fresh clothes and set off for the Guru’s
Ashram. As he neared the Ashram, a sweeper who was sweeping the pathway brushed
dirt over his clothes by mistake and they were muddied. Surdas was outraged and
screamed at the sweeper: You stupid careless fool! Because of you I will have
to go back and take bath again!
The Guru was
watching the incident from the Ashram. When Surdas came to him, he said: Dear
Surdas, you are still not ready. Please follow the same instructions for a
month and come back to me. Surdas
accepted the Guru’s dictum and left. He spent another month chanting the name
of God at all times of day and night. On the first day of the new month, he went to the
river, took bath and wore fresh clothes and set off for the Ashram. The sweeper was working outside the Ashram. He was sweeping the pathways and by mistake he brushed his broom on the clothes of Surdas. The fury of Surdas knew no bounds! He shouted at the sweeper. And the
Guru sent him back again to do japa for another month.
At the end of the
period of time, Surdas again took bath and went to the Ashram of Guru. This
time something unusual happened. The sweeper saw Surdas come towards him. He
recalled being shouted at for no reason. Rage filled him. He picked up the
dustbin full of dirt and emptied it deliberately over Surdas! And this time,
the reaction of Surdas was very different. He folded his hands and said to the
sweeper: You are my teacher. You taught me to overcome anger. I am thankful to
you!
The Guru rushed
out of the Ashram and gave Surdas a warm welcome. He said: you are now finally
ready to receive the spiritual lessons and practices!
The sweeper who
brushed dirt over Surdas did so by mistake. His error was not intentional. Yet
Surdas was angry with him. By continuously chanting the name of God day and night
for three months through all his work and activities, Surdas could overcome his
anger. This was due to the blessings of the Guru and his orders that Surdas should chant the name of God. Surdas obeyed his Guru and reaped the rewards. His Guru was instrumental in helping Surdas overcome his negativity.
Negativities like anger, lust, greed, attachment, pride, vengefulness create
distance between our soul and God and we will not be able to feel the presence
of God or enjoy the sweetness of Love of God within us. A Guru's guidance and blessings are essential.That is why a Guru is
needed!
