The Grace of the Guru

"My tongue is forever speaking: Your ears are continually hearing. But what can the poor, true Guru do If his pupil is an ignorant fool?"
- Dadu -

 An experienced teacher has always been considered necessary in Yoga. But in the beginning, and sometimes for quite a time, a teacher may seem to do little more than encourage.

In ordinary life we would recognize that it is a waste of time to go to a science teacher when one cannot do even simple arithmetic. They would say, "Equip yourself first, and then come to me." In the same way, a Yoga student can equip him/herself with some study, discipline and practice; then when they do find a teacher (or is found by one), they will make real progress.

"Students came and generally went. Those who craved an easy path, that of instant sympathy and comforting recognitions of one's merits, did not find it here. My master offered his disciples shelter and shepherds for the aeons, but many students miserly demanded ego-balm as well. They departed, preferring before any humility, life's countless humiliations. They sought some lesser teacher, who, shading them with flattery, permitted the fitful sleep of ignorance...

The disclosure of Divine insight is often painful to worldly ears. (The) master was not popular with superficial students. The wise, always few in numbers, deeply revered him".

- Sri Yogananda Paramahamsa, speaking of his Guru, Sri Yukteshwar.