Disciples come to the Guru from all over the country and world. They travel many thousands of miles to reach the Guru at considerable expense and effort. They have waited for a long time and have prepared themselves for the sacred day when they have darshan of the Guru and can sit at his feet. Questions bubble up in their minds and they are bursting with doubts and queries. I would like to give you all a personal word of advice on how to conduct yourself with the Guru. Sit at his feet and sit in silence. Do not speak to the Guru!
This may sound strange. After all, you all come to the Guru to seek knowledge and get your doubts solved. How can your queries be resolved if you do not speak to the Guru? The Guru answers all your queries without your asking. When he speaks many of your questions are answered. And when he does not speak and you sit quietly, the divine vibrations, peace and stillness of the Guru fills your heart and entire being with a great silence and then there are no questions and doubts left! I learnt in similar way from my great Guru Dhyanyogi Madhusudandasji. And I advise you to do the same. Here is a story of Buddha and a philosopher which teaches the same:
It was in those days when there were no buses, trains, cars and planes. People travelled by walking on foot from one place to another. A great philosopher who had heard about the greatness of Buddha wished to meet him. He walked over a thousand miles across the country to meet Buddha. His mind was full of questions. He sought answers to so many puzzles in his mind. As he walked, his yearning increased. He was full of longing and hope. He was very tired too. For as he moved towards Buddha searching for him, every place he reached he was told that Buddha had just left for Buddha too was constantly travelling.
Finally, the day came when he stood in the presence of Buddha. There was great joy in him and all the pains of the journey were forgotten. The questions bubbling in him burst out like water from a dam. Questions after questions poured out of him. Buddha sat silently with a smiling face without speaking a word. Finally the man stopped asking questions. He was embarrassed and also flustered as he was asking such important and pertinent questions and Buddha sat there without answering any of them. Finally Buddha asked: Do you really want to know the answers? The philosopher replied: O Noble One, indeed I do. I have searched for you and finally found you after walking over a thousand miles! I have waited and yearned to meet you and sit in your presence and seek knowledge and you ask me – do you really want to know the answers?
Buddha asked again: Do you really want to know the answers? Say yes or no and all our future actions will depend on it. The philosopher nearly shouted in excitement: YES! Then Buddha said: You must sit by my side for two years silently. Do not ask questions, do not talk, do not ask. Just sit silently. After two years you can ask anything you wish to ask and I promise I will answer you! Another great disciple of Buddha who was sitting nearby, started laughing loudly; almost rolling on the ground. The philosopher was astonished and also a bit insulted at this behaviour of a close disciple of Buddha.
Buddha said: Go and ask him why he laughs. The man went and asked. The disciple said: I travelled two thousand miles and came to Buddha with so many questions. Buddha asked me to sit silently for two years. And I did so. As the days passed, a great peace entered in my heart and I did not wish to leave the side of Buddha. All my questions and doubts vanished. Finally after two years when Buddha asked me to ask my list of questions, I could not remember even a single one! I looked within me: there was no questioner and there were no questions. There was only total silence. I laughed because Buddha is playing the same trick on you! So - do not speak to the Guru! Sit in silence and absorb his divine love, wisdom and peace.
