How to be a true disciple

Swami Sivananda

A disciple is he who follows the instructions of the Guru to the letter and spirit, and who propagates the teachings of the Guru to less evolved souls in the path till the end of his life.

A true disciple is concerned only with the divine nature of the Guru. The Guru’s action as man is not the disciple’s concern. He is totally oblivious to it. To him, the Guru is Guru even if he acts unconventionally. Always remember that the nature of a saint is unfathomable. Measure not his divine nature with the inadequate yardstick of your ignorance. Criticise not your Guru’s action that is done on universal vision.

True discipleship opens the vision. It kindles the spiritual fire. It awakens the dormant faculties. It is most necessary in one’s journey along the spiritual path. Guru and disciple become one. The Guru blesses, guides and inspires the disciple. He transforms and spiritualises him.

The Guru will impart spiritual instructions only to that aspirant who thirsts for liberation, who has a calm mind and who possesses virtuous qualities like mercy, cosmic love, patience, humility, endurance, forbearance, etc. Initiation into the mysteries of Brahmn will fructify only when the disciple’s mind becomes desireless, and will produce Jnana in it.

September 8 is Swami Sivananda’s birth anniversary