The Importance of the Master

When we consider what we know, we may realize that we only know a fraction of what there is to know, and this knowledge is confined to the material realm, being the only realm we are familiar with. From a higher perspective, this realm, in relation to the entire creation, is a mere drop of water in a vast ocean. It is insignificant when considering the magnitude of the material, astral, causal and spiritual realms. We may assume that we are very knowledgeable and wise, but how accurate is this assumption when our total knowledge can be compared to a grain of sand on an infinite shore?

What do we know of life, and how do we decide what is important and what direction we should take? We exist in the material world in physical bodies, believing we know enough to make intelligent decisions that will lead us to positive outcomes. But how have we fared so far? Have we achieved lasting happiness or freedom? Can we recognize the difference between reality and illusion?

We soon realize that we are lost in the world and have no idea where to take refuge or where to turn for advice and guidance. Is there anyone who is truly knowledgeable and wise who can guide us out of this situation? Or are we destined to endlessly repeat the same mistakes that have created our current predicament?

From their higher spiritual perspective, true mystics tell us that all living beings in the causal, astral and physical realms are lost in illusion, and consequently, suffer endless births and rebirths. Our karmas direct us from one incarnation to the next, where we reap the consequences of our own previous actions performed without the knowledge of the law of karma. Unwittingly, we incur endless karmic debts, in exchange for the paltry, transitory benefits of our actions. We do not realize that the creation is the home of endless cycles of action and reaction, birth and rebirth, pleasure and pain.

Mystics tell us that the true value of the human form is its potential for the eternal liberation of the soul, but under the influence of the mind, souls lose this golden opportunity. It is squandered in pursuit of momentary pleasures, sensual gratification, and obsession with wealth and possessions. Oblivious of the entrapment caused by its actions, the mind becomes even more securely bound to the wheel of transmigration, binding the soul with it.

Only the wise heed the advice of mystics and capitalize on the valuable opportunity of human birth, for it is only in this form that we can realize the Lord within us. But we are ignorant of this until the Lord, in his mercy, arranges for us to meet a true living master. The master teaches us how to use the opportunity of human birth to achieve the true purpose of life.

Company of the realized
Is fruitful,
Company of others
Is futile and vain.
The entire world is an enemy,
Only he who loves the Lord
Is your friend.
_{Kabir: The Weaver of God’s Name}

Kabir Sahib emphasizes that the company of unrealized souls is pointless. We know that most relationships are transactional, as they all have an element of self-interest – everyone prioritizes the pursuit of their own selfish ambitions. Although it may seem harsh to consider everyone other than realized souls as enemies, we need to reflect on who our true friend is. Surely, it is the one who has our soul’s best interests at heart – and that is our Master. His only concern is for our soul, as he guides us and helps us to extricate ourselves from this material realm. Without him, we would muddle on, driven by our desires and creating endless karmas, while in total ignorance and helplessness. If it were possible for us to achieve spiritual liberation by our own efforts, we would have done so by now.

The difference the Master makes is incalculable. His love, guidance, advice and encouragement keep us steadfast on the spiritual path. The sooner we submit to his will, the sooner we will achieve our goal of spiritual liberation, along with the realization that, apart from him, there is nothing in the creation that is worthy of our attention. Eventually, we will realize it is all him.

Many people devote their lives to family, community, country and religion, and from childhood, we have been influenced to do the same. Unfortunately, these interests are all part of the illusion we call life, and they have responsibilities that we must fulfil. Certain events may oblige us to prioritize our family obligations, but that does not imply that they will deter us from our spiritual goal.

The one certainty in life that we all ignore is our inevitable death. Keeping this in mind, we need to focus on where we build our treasure. The reality is that when we die, we leave this world empty-handed. Only our Master and our spiritual treasure will accompany us beyond death. It is therefore incumbent on us to build that treasure by focusing all our attention and effort on our spiritual practice while we have the opportunity of this human birth. Nothing else will be of any value to us at that crucial time.

When the Master initiated us, he gave us the key to the mystery of life – the gift of meditation. It is up to us to use the key to unlock our inner door and release our hidden potential. With steadfast devotion and dedicated spiritual practice all our doubts and questions will ultimately be resolved. The spiritual practice of meditation will also result in the emergence of our love for him. As this love grows, we become more positive and appreciative of all the blessings bestowed upon us by our Master.

We slowly realize just how truly blessed we are and how much we have to be grateful for. How fortunate we are to be disciples of a true master who will not only release us from our karmic bondage, but is also our guide and companion throughout our life and beyond our death.

The Master is the only one who will accompany us beyond this worldly existence. He will always be with us until he has delivered us safely to the lap of the Lord. Who could possibly be more worthy of our love and devotion than the Master?

In Quest for Light, Maharaj Charan Singh inspires us when he says:

There is hope for every disciple on this path. When the Lord has arranged for our initiation into this science it means he wants us to come back to him one day. And if that is the Lord’s wish, what power can keep us back here for long? It is only a question of time until our burdens are lightened and we are pure enough to stand in his presence. This is the greatest blessing that the Lord can shower on any human being, and we should be grateful for that. We can show our gratitude by attending to our meditation every day and by listening to the voice of the Lord with our entire attention. There is no other way to get out of this world. All intellectual reasonings, questions and arguments will lead us nowhere. It is a path of action, not of words.