One of the most beautiful images that come to us from the spiritual world is that of the disciple sitting at the feet of the Guru. From the Gospel of Luke, we are told that Mary, Jesus’ disciple, “…sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.” Yogananda explains to us what happens when we take that posture before our Guru: “I always thrilled at the touch of Sri Yukteswar’s holy feet. A disciple is spiritually magnetized by reverent contact with a master: a subtle current is generated, the devote’s undesirable habit-mechanisms in the brain are often cauterized, and grooves of his worldly tendencies are beneficially disturbed. Momentarily at least he may find the secret veils of maya lifting and glimpse the reality of bliss. My whole body responded with a liberating glow whenever I knelt in Indian fashion before my guru.”
Given the fact that we no longer have access to the physical bodies of Jesus or Yogananda, how do we bridge this gap? I would like to offer a couple of suggestions. When I meditate, I do so in front of a photo of Yogananda and an icon of Jesus. Gazing at their images with childlike openness, I am drawn by an energetic bond into their blissfully blessed consciousness. Often, I will spend long periods of time doing nothing but focusing my attention on their images, repeating their names with loving devotion, and breathing in their grace. As I move through my day, I will often pause to view their images in my mind, which helps to create a degree of conscious contact with them. When I read the words of Jesus or Yogananda, I imagine I am sitting at their feet and that they are speaking directly to me. Again, this creates a sense of communion with them. However we get there, the goal is the same: to place our minds, hearts, and spirits at the feet of the Guru. Amen!
Beloved Master
When I sit at your feet,
May I know by a warm current of love
That you are glad I am there.
