Any Questions, Please?

From time immemorial, seekers embracing spirituality have sought answers to their numerous questions from their spiritual teachers. However, all mystics have the same message to deliver and the same truth to share.

On the path of Sant Mat, the Masters use question-and-answer sessions to provide a strong foundation for their disciples. Their answers form a practical guide on how to live a balanced life within the principles of the spiritual path. It is during these sessions that one bears witness to the deep bond of love, trust and friendship that exists between Master and disciple.

For the Masters, no person or question is unimportant. They understand every seeker’s disposition – where they are coming from and where they are headed. In one particular session, Hazur Maharaj Ji remarked, “I’m trying to understand you, rather than the question.”

The Masters’ answers reveal their understanding of the problems and struggles that their disciples go through. Their responses encourage their disciples to find solutions to their problems using a logical and practical approach. Rather than provide direct answers, the Masters offer perspective, encouragement, confidence, and the reassurance that there is always a solution to every problem.

The words of the Master became a cocoon of safety and a prism of beauty and light through which we could look at our lives, and our world, with fresh eyes.
_{Introduction, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. I}

Given that there is no dearth of books, question-and-answer recordings, and even satsangs, we often hear the same questions and answers repeatedly. Hazur Maharaj Ji would sometimes start a session in his inimitable humorous style by asking, “Any new questions?”

Whether the answer to your question is in six pages or in a book or in one line, the answer is the same: simran and bhajan! It depends upon how much time you want to take to understand that answer – whether by reading the whole book or by understanding only one or two words.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Die to Live}

The Masters interact with their disciples at their level, encouraging seekers to ask questions, talk about their spiritual difficulties, and clear their doubts. With utmost humility, the Masters treat every individual with kindness and respect. They respond with affection yet firmness, assuring us that the real Master, the Shabd, is always with us.

The words of the Master and the loving atmosphere at these question-and-answer sessions leave a profound and enduring impression upon the mind. They provide the inspiration needed to propel the disciple to meditate and grow on the spiritual path. This is perhaps the real reason why disciples ask questions. Undoubtedly, many of the questions are actually just excuses to stand before the Master and absorb his positive presence.

We always know the answer when we ask a question. It is in our subconscious. The answer is always there, but we only want a corroboration of that which we think is right, and we are happy when we find that it is right. That is all; otherwise all our books are full of answers.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. I}

As spiritual beings traversing this human journey, we need to make the most of these grace-filled opportunities to gain spiritual direction and motivation. These wonderful sessions bring to light different perspectives, offering a depth that goes far beyond the capacity of an ordinary mind. They nurture our ability to understand the teachings and apply them in a practical way in our daily life, while at the same time dispelling confusion from our minds.

These lively meetings bring about a certain clarity and understanding even though at the end of the day, everyone realizes that there is only one answer – meditation. 

Well, brother, you can ask me any number of questions, but I am sorry to say, I have only one answer. You see, I don’t mind attending to your questions, but my answer will be the same in a nutshell. Whether you take it in a simple word or whether you take it in a more complicated word, or whether I explain it to you intellectually or in a simple way, there is no difference. The answer will be the same.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. I}

Ultimately, the Master’s answers deliver the teachings in a nutshell – to live a balanced life, fulfilling both our worldly and spiritual responsibilities, devoting as much time to meditation as possible with sincerity and faith. Time spent in meditation is not time taken away from worldly duties; rather it provides the necessary strength to discharge them earnestly and efficiently. It helps us sail through life in a state of equilibrium, navigating all the highs and lows of our journey while clearing our karmic debts. Eventually, the Masters tell us, once we achieve this state of balance and we realize the truth, automatically our questions just fade away.

At that level of consciousness, what questions will you ask? You’re not interested in the world; you’re not interested in this creation at all. You’re so much absorbed in your love and being with your beloved, what questions will you ask? You may have a list of a thousand questions in your hand, but you forget everything, and all your questions are dissolved. Love helps you to rise above all those questions. Definitely he answers all your questions, but you will hardly have any question to ask .
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. I}