Truth in a Nutshell

The Guru’s Disinterest

The guru sat in meditation on the river bank when a disciple bent down to place two enormous pearls at his feet, a token of reverence and devotion. The guru opened his eyes, lifted one of the pearls and held it so carelessly that it slipped out of his hand and rolled down the bank into the river.

The horrified disciple plunged in after it but, though he dived in again and again till late evening, he had no luck. Finally, all wet and exhausted, he roused the guru from his meditation: “You saw where it fell. Show me the spot so I can get it back for you.” The guru lifted the other pearl, threw it into the river and said, “Right there!”

Do not attempt to possess things for things cannot really be possessed. Only make sure you are not possessed by them and you will be the sovereign of creation.
_{Anthony de Mello, The Prayer of the Frog}

The saints’ teachings are free, like all the other bounties of nature such as air, water and sunlight. A true spiritual teacher, therefore, never charges anything nor does he accept donations for his teachings.
_{A Spiritual Primer}