Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj: A Spiritually Competent Teacher
"Do not live even a single day without inner meditation." -- Baba Devi Sahab
Living Teachers Reveal the Methods of Meditation and Mysticism
Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj, from, "The Harmony of All Religions":
Saints and sages have unveiled all the mysteries of the spiritual journey and of self-realization in their discourses. All these techniques have been documented in different books. But without an accomplished teacher, we will not be able to grasp the correct technique of true knowledge.
In the Bhagavad-Gita Lord Krishna says that for learning spiritual knowledge we must seek help from an accomplished seer [male or female]:
"For learning spiritual knowledge you should go to the one who is a seer. Pay your respect to him, serve him and question him and express your desire for learning. Then he will fulfill your desire and answer your questions." (Gita)
Consider for a moment the nature of knowledge you wish to learn. After high school, the student thinks his direction and chooses a field of study: liberal arts, commerce, or science. If, for example, the student wants to learn liberal arts but goes to a professor of science instead, will this teacher have much to offer? The student must choose a professor proficient in the knowledge he wishes to learn. In the same manner, if you want to learn spiritual knowledge, you must go to a spiritually competent teacher.
The appropriate spiritual teacher should be a person who has considered and discovered the realities of atma and anatma (bondage and liberation), and who practices a spiritual path. Such a teacher must have attained direct experience of Truth through spiritual disciplines. This is the kind of teacher you should take instruction from. The grace of teacher is also necessary for success in the spiritual pursuit. When you learn the methods for inner meditation, you should practice diligently. Moral rectitude is also very essential in this pursuit.
