Swami Shivapadananda on Guru-Chela (disciple) Relationship

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

Taken from Mother Radha’s
notes, written at Swamiji’s feet.

Day 285

If you must get angry, get angry with God. Say: ‘Why don’t you
reveal yourself to me, God?’ Purify the mind, till it becomes calm.

In the beginning there was God and nothing else. Satchidananda
[Existence, Knowledge, Bliss – Absolute]. The bubble on the ocean and the ocean
itself are one. If God is my strength, how can I be weak?

Krishna [God] is like a blazing fire that burns all.

We need enlightening faith. Ask and learn from the guru. Serve the guru
with devotion. God says, ‘Whatever you desire, I fulfill.’ God takes no part,
yet God takes all parts. Treat the means as the goal. Concentrate on the now
and you will reach God.

There were two islands who were quarreling. Then the big one said,
‘Look deep within, only the water separates us. We are one, on the bottom of
the ocean.’ But you have to have a strong mind to remember your source.

Those I love best, I push farthest away. There are two ways I can treat
you, either I let you [the Chela or disciple] sit here but far from me, or I have you sitting at my
feet, petting you, fussing with you and so on. The former is better.

Question: But surely Swamiji, if you are here, it is better to sit at
your feet than in the shrine? Swamiji: Yes, if I am here, I will call you,
attract you to me. But if I think the conversation will disturb you, then I do
not want you here.