Frequently, I hear people say something like, “Where are today’s saints and enlightened gurus?” I like to respond, “Why are you not a saint or an enlightened guru?” My question is not an exercise in sarcasm! The goal of our spiritual practices is not ultimately to get along better in the world, to be happier, or to fulfill our every desire. The idea is to be Christ-like, Buddha-like, Krishna-like, and Mary-like. The great ones did not come to be adored, but to empower us to be God-realized like them. In today’s Gospel from Luke 6:39-45, Jesus explains, “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit? No disciple is superior to the teacher, but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher.”
I know that what I am suggesting sounds entirely unrealistic. However, once we commit ourselves to the guru and his/her tutelage, everything that happens to us serves one final purpose: the divinization of our minds, hearts, and souls. In this context, we do not expect too much from ourselves, but too little. Our lives take the form of our expectations, especially those expectations we have of ourselves. This is how life works.
The process is actually very simple, but not always easy. It begins with meditation, prayer, and the consistent choice to surrender to God. Perpetually attuning ourselves to the Guru’s consciousness elevates and divinizes our own consciousness. Then, in any and all situations, seek to be a humble, loving, and healing presence, not occasionally, but as a way of life. Such a life has nothing to do with a Messiah complex or trying to perfect the egoic personality. Rather, it is about two truths: the necessity of rediscovering who we are in God and being light in a world filled with darkness. Yogananda tells us. “Every time you give up a weakness and feel happy in being good, Christ is resurrected anew. You can bring Christ Consciousness within you right now…. that divine freedom is gained by many little victories. Christ’s reminder to love God with all one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, and one’s neighbor as oneself, shows us the way … Our innate divinity unfolds when — rather than expecting from others — we become givers of love, understanding, and forgiveness. The way of the world is retaliation and endless cycles of retribution; the way of Christ-love is the way that brings healing to our hearts and to others.”
Beloved God,
Beloved Guru,
Remind me:
Divine Freedom is gained
By many little victories.
Let me not live this life
Expecting too little
Of myself or of you.
