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YogaIsLife
641 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 01 2009 : 5:46:51 PM
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I had been warming this in my heart for quite a while: whenever we read inspirational stories of someone having found a good master/teacher/guide or we resonate with the words of a particular wise man or woman (as we see him/her), we feel inspired, motivated, and filled with light and hope. At least that is what happens to me 
So I throw this challenge here for those who have felt it: name three gurus or masters, dead or alive, real or maybe not so real, that inspire you and why you would choose them if you had the chance. To give the example I will name my three and why:
- "Socrates" in the novel "The way of the peaceful warrior" by Dan Millman,
- "Devi" in the book Tantric Quest by Daniel Odier and
- Nisargadatta Maharaj (an Indian guru, this one 'actually' existed :))
Well, the first two are characters in (semi-)autobiographical novels and are supposed to have existed although they could have been romaticised a bit. The reason I liked this masters are because they were challenging and forever fresh in their approach to their teachings and to their students, not saying or acting exactly as the students might have anticipated or thought they should act, but always ready to bend the next corner of the mind in the direction of what is most true in each one of us. They also seemed to have very personal relationships with their disciples, treating each one as unique and giving to each one what each needs most, thus making the teaching unique in its nuances for each pupil, in space and time.
Now, let me know your list and why! |
Edited by - YogaIsLife on Oct 01 2009 5:47:20 PM |
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christiane
Lebanon
319 Posts |
Posted - Oct 01 2009 : 9:07:35 PM
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Hi YIL,
I'm already blessed to have met 3 guides..
- Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, still present in the body.
He initiated me to the yoga techniques I'm practising everyday..Deep gratitude for this gift, although my heart doesn't 'vibrate' to Him as 'my guru'. But I have deep gratitude and respect for Him.
- Osho...here, although He's left the body, He IS HERE..
in every word, and between the lines.. here it's a love affair for me .. I can't see Him as a guru..or a person.. rather the echo of the truth I feel in my inner core.. and there is a strong attraction to his grace and fragrance.. that's why, to me, it's a meeting every now. Each time my heart is in tune with Him, it's a merging.. Just Love Him.
- Maryam Nour: my actual guide.. an enlightened woman who opened my eyes 5 years ago through her TV show.. and who is guiding me and initiating me everyday now.. I'm simply in love with her, and there is true attraction like you would be attracted to your Lover. It's a kind of Erotic attraction but on a higher plane. I'm still looking forward to the ultimate merging, and She's opened her door. It's just that I have fear and I don't feel ready yet. But soon I will..! Thanks to her light, I had my latest deep experiences. She's an Osho Lover too, a friend, a sister, a living inspiration..
Like Osho, I can't really grasp her as a person, rather a quality of divine energy.. she's a channel to what I'm thirsty for..
So to sum up: in those 3 guides, in fact, the common guide is the same divine taste I'm seeking.. this is my true guide.. Those 3 enlightened beings are nothing but the opportunity to get in touch with the divine in a vibrant and instant way.. In that sense I'm an opportunist 
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Edited by - christiane on Oct 01 2009 9:11:49 PM |
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Ananda
3115 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2009 : 01:50:03 AM
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namaste friends,
mine are:
my first spiritual teacher who initiated me into experiential spirituality as i call it is named Tony but he's one of those who keep a very low profile concerning their spiritual life bcz of the work he does and doesn't teach but 1 or 2 students at a time and then kind of let's go... and i call him the ego basher and he is still alive and well but his teachings are more into bhakti via the esoteric way (they are experiential...) and looking back at it "that path seems to be like on another dimension than the path i am on right now but that lead to here so in deep gratitude for ever..."
the 2nd one is Kamal Joumblat and even though he has left the body; his presence is still felt as a burning bhakti and a longing to the beloved... through this guy's books i was lead to advaita and to where i am now and i heard about Kamal's books through a man who is from the druze sect when i was at a friend's store and it was all like it was meant to be and sort of had one of them dreams three days before the encounter...
the 3rd and the big grand daddy of them all is Yoganiji whom is a blessing and a grace in my life; i always wanted to meet a real saint and when Yogani came in to my life these prayers were answered and my heart knew that this is the the real deal and i am more and more a witness to that beauty everyday now... it's too bad i can't meet the guy face to face but his presence is felt as an unending outpouring of divine love as he calls it...
and a real guru always shows you that you do not need an outside guru and that the guru is in you and one of best things about Yogani is that he took on the stand of not being a guru (but he is one hell of a teacher none the less ) he took the stand of being a fellow practitioner who is there to help and guide others on the path... plus he's like us your normal average dude and he made it... now does that give you a clue or what
AYP WORKS!
and three is actually a bit too short of a list, i love the avataric incarnation Jesus and the prophet Muhamad, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi and the prophet of compassion the Buddha and Adyashanti and Anthony De Mello as well and many others...
in gratitude to all the graceful masters old and new, we couldn't have made it here without you...
in gratitude(f)
Oh and i wouldn't mind encountering someone like Sri Ramana; but nature provides in the right timing if there is a need that is (now i know that!)
let thy will be done not mine "in the bliss of loving acceptance..."
light and love,
Ananda |
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chinna
United Kingdom
241 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2009 : 10:06:18 AM
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Thomas Merton gave me a reason to live.
Da Love-Ananda gave me life overflowing.
Nisargadatta Maharaj gave me eternal life.
Dr Vijai Shankar gave me the confidence to speak of it.
OK that's four, but only one where I come from.
chinna
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CarsonZi
Canada
3189 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2009 : 10:26:21 AM
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"What 3 Masters would you like to meet and why?"
You, you and you
Because you give me inspiration and make my heart overflow with Love.
Love,
Carson |
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christiane
Lebanon
319 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2009 : 11:37:51 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by CarsonZi
"What 3 Masters would you like to meet and why?"
You, you and you
Because you give me inspiration and make my heart overflow with Love.
Love,
Carson
thank you  |
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YogaIsLife
641 Posts |
Posted - Oct 02 2009 : 4:57:33 PM
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Thanks a lot for the feedback guys.
Great to see how there appears always someone "out there" who seems to click with each of our particular situations at particular times.
The truth is "out there"! ...
Well, not really... |
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stevenbhow
Japan
352 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 01:29:21 AM
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I guess I'd just like to meet and know the Guru/God/Emptiness within. Then everyone I met would be the Guru/God/Emptiness as well.
But it would be nice to meet and talk to the Dalia Lama, Adyashanti, and Eckhart Tolle. |
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manig
India
88 Posts |
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Akasha
421 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 11:08:08 AM
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Namaste Everyone,
Yogani,
Osho,
& Everyone here.
Although i don't feel i have to meet them, as i feel they are here already.Not necessary;The guru/master/truth etc is within.Your life path is your own & unique;No one can walk it for you.
Self-realization ,with 'a little bit of help from my friends'(the Beatles)
I also like the idea of 'devi' too, a tantric goddess.
quote:
a channel to what I'm thirsty for..
Yes.
I want some of what they've got,and I've tasted the Light,so i know what it tastes like and i know it's in me,and it tastes so good.And i want as much as i can get.....Fill me up.......pleeease.
Thank you. |
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Etherfish
USA
3615 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 11:34:53 AM
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I have no desire to meet anyone. There are a lot of people and objects and places that increase our bhakti, or transmit energy to us. That is very helpful, but the inner guru is the best helper. I don't really like the idea of calling anyone a "master". I think anyone can make mistakes and get off the path. I think anyone can improve and get back on the path.
I think looking up to a master was a paradigm that has shifted. It was very helpful for a lot of people in the past, and I'm sure for some today. But for most people, what used to be looked for on the outside, is now inside.
I think the part of your mind that wants to meet great masters is not always the best guide to follow.
Having said that, I'm sure we will all experience meeting people (great and otherwise) and objects and places that are extremely beneficial to our path. We are guided to them without having to seek.
One bright side of this paradigm shift is spiritual life is much easier than it used to be.
People used to make great sacrifices and give up everything to go be with their master. Today people practice twice a day in comfort and find everything is brought to them.
And the sacrifices are much easier too - they give up all kinds of unnecessary things that have lost their value because of a new perception. |
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YogaIsLife
641 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 12:20:59 PM
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Hi Ether,
I agree with you - the inner guru is the best and the ultimate one, as we are all searching what we in fact are. But nevertheless I see no harm in having an inspirational teacher (we all have/had one or more). Still, like in everythign, there are "good" and "bad" teachers and one should choose with great care before "leaving everything to be with their master". A good and true "teacher" may not even call himself so and definitely does not pretend to "take you there" (only you can/are it!). In my view a good teacher or guide is someone (1) whose personality fits well with your own and (2) that has walked the path, knows the territory you want to travel and in short "lives what he talks about" and is willing to share that with you. This can be beneficial in my view, for the sole reason that it's inspirational. On the other hand you are right - spiritual life has never been easier and that is great! Blessed times indeed! And we should ALWAYS go back to our inner guide and self for guidance - that is our best and ONLY true ally. I think too many things have gone wrong in the teacher/disciple camp already, due to blindly following someone else's opinions, because that is what words in fact are...
In short - it is a very personal matter in my opinion. A teacher may suit some people, while others may prefer not having one at all, and yet others better not even get close to some for their own benefit! |
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Etherfish
USA
3615 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 3:03:40 PM
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Yes I agree. But here is the reason that AYP doesn't approve posts that bash gurus of any kind:
The same teacher can be good for one person and disastrous for another. I have seen people who have gained very much from a teacher who looks to me like a con artist! It's not logical. You can't look at the actions of a guru and say "See - that proves he is a fraud." and conversely, you can't look at the words or actions of a guru and say "See - that proves he is a master."
These are both the judgements of the logical mind which has nothing to do with spirituality.
So that leaves us with only inner silence as a true guide, bringing us one teacher today in the form of a newspaper article, maybe tomorrow our teacher will be a squirrel or a rock! |
Edited by - Etherfish on Oct 03 2009 3:04:32 PM |
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YogaIsLife
641 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 4:08:45 PM
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Yeah, ok Ether - but a rock for example may never teach me (or it may take a much longer time!) the nature of mind, because it simply is not conscious (or wonders)the way I am. A yogi or zen monk who have honestly dedicated years or a lifetime to the study and practice of meditation and the nature of the human mind and conscioussness may be in a much better position to teach me something quicker! Of course I am talking about the nature of the human mind and of conscioussness here.
But a rock can be a great teacher at certain times and for certain people I grant you that! |
Edited by - YogaIsLife on Oct 03 2009 4:40:04 PM |
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christiane
Lebanon
319 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 6:44:56 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Etherfish
I think anyone can improve and get back on the path.
you cannot 'get back': you are a new being each day.. at the most you can stagnate, get stuck, but not get back.
quote:
I think the part of your mind that wants to meet great masters is not always the best guide to follow.
the mind is never a good guide to follow :)
a guru/seeker 'healthy' relationship comes from the heart.
We tend to think that the seeker searches for his guru..
But it is actually the opposite! When the seeker is ripe and ready, his guide comes to find him.. because the seeker is still 'sleeping'.. he's not fully awaken.. the enlightened one comes when the ground is ready and he shakes him up!
You can progress without any master. But it's not always safe.. (here, I think about crown chakra opening which is best taken care of by the guru).
From the muladhara to the ajna, you may manage the progression with all its elements.
But for the crown and beyond, better be in the presence of an enlightened one you trust totally, unconditionnally.
So you don't really choose ur master, rather he comes to you at the right moment.. he's a key. You are always free to use it or not.
The guru is in me, yes, true. The 'outer' guru is nothing but the mirror of this inner guru.. if he's not, he's probably not for you, for that moment at least..
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Etherfish
USA
3615 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 10:56:03 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by YogaIsLife
Yeah, ok Ether - but a rock for example may never teach me (or it may take a much longer time!) the nature of mind, because it simply is not conscious (or wonders)the way I am. A yogi or zen monk who have honestly dedicated years or a lifetime to the study and practice of meditation and the nature of the human mind and conscioussness may be in a much better position to teach me something quicker! Of course I am talking about the nature of the human mind and of conscioussness here.
But a rock can be a great teacher at certain times and for certain people I grant you that!
Inanimate objects and animals don't teach the same way as old school teachers. Don't expect them to act like the "masters" you read about in stories.
And yes, what you are saying makes perfect sense to the logical mind. If you believe you can only learn from masters, then it is true for you. Of course there has to be no question in your mind as to what a master is. |
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Etherfish
USA
3615 Posts |
Posted - Oct 03 2009 : 11:02:07 PM
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| Christiane that makes sense to me; the seeker is not searching for his guru. I don't know how my inner guru would guide me to a crown opening, but i have complete faith. |
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Akasha
421 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 12:51:48 AM
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quote:
You can progress without any master. But it's not always safe.. (here, I think about crown chakra opening which is best taken care of by the guru).
From the muladhara to the ajna, you may manage the progression with all its elements.
But for the crown and beyond, better be in the presence of an enlightened one you trust totally, unconditionnally.
So you don't really choose ur master, rather he comes to you at the right moment.. he's a key. You are always free to use it or not.
The guru is in me, yes, true. The 'outer' guru is nothing but the mirror of this inner guru.. if he's not, he's probably not for you, for that moment at least..
Hi Christiane & All, Hope you're all having a nice weekend.:@)
Actually, I think your inner guru is the guide to a smooth wholesome crown opening.That said, outer guides,teachers are invaluable and necessary. Especially prudent to be wisely informed regarding the fact things can go wrong,what can go wrong etc..(risk assessment relative to self-pacing, i guess we might call it)..I have heard someone say 'from the third-eye to the crown, you're on your own buddy'--- yes , but you're always on your own, in some sense. But, yeah,even Einstein could not have not come up with relativity theory, without a few teachers.
I do believe the crown should open safely by itself if you do follow core AYP, particularly DM- that seems made for it, a great stabiliser.Indeed May have stabilised me a few yrs ago.. avoiding a lot of unecessary discomfort,life dislocation.
My nervous system probably is'nt the most sensitive out there,but Yogani has marked out a very clear,logical and safe path..if we take on board self-pacing,that is :@) (Proceed with caution- but don't unecessarily freak yourself out either ,with needless worry,concern. Sometimes making the "big" mistakes, or useful lessons early on can serve us better long--term anyway. Failing spectacularly (or learning the 'hard way' perhaps) inevitably makes us wiser,more compassionate,anyway. i have found in my life, learning is never-ending.Skillful and creative adaptation could be part of that,when one is face with new situations,fresh challeneges.It's all too often when we think we have it ALL worked out,Read- ego/pride,( & allowing complacency to more easily slip in-there is no room for it),that we set ourselves up for yet.. another lesson,Hell-ter Skelter roller==coaster-ride..The Universe's way of re-ordering itself,perhaps? What goes up or moves in one trajectory path does'nt always continue , or have to, in that pparticular direction..So the 'Enlightened' state is not permament;it being dynamic is probably closer to the truth. The illussion of a straight-ish " path" , where the twists and turns, the patterns of expansion/contraction, are expected, and usually predictable can be a cruel one.This is what Siva teaches, that what is created will eventually get destroyed, a cyclical dynamic is occurring conitnually.It's a process,not a big-bang event.No one can cheat death,in the normal sense implied , the Universe's space-time continuum dynamics,even with daily advanced yoga practices.& Nothing is certain, or should be taken for granted..
AYP has taught me this- that yoga is a definite science, practices are cause and efect, but you also have to accept your own karma.The latter is the challenging bit, the bit you don't have as much control over( if any) That's partly why a humble and joyful acceptance of where you are at any stage in the here & now, even if it involves some unpleasantnes and suffering,is key.This is where regular practice of DM is really helpful
Yes, If you trip up and fall over, in life,as you see it, yeah there is not much to serve you ( your dharma or sense of purpose in life--meaning) in getting down in the dumps about. Perhpas analyse your mistake(s)but carry on- :>)  The potential for Continual adaptation,how we respond to change is a useful trait of our continued evolution.And I'm sure we can all learn from each other, whether that be a a rock,a plant or a fully enlightened , self-realized 'Master' Everything is a teacher.Whichever teahcers appear ar anmy given moment on our unique & individual paths,i.e lives, is also tied in with karma(assuming you attach some kind of plausability to that notion).
Nothing is safe- (i.e entirely predictable) .....& Nothing is logical.
Lots of Love,
Akasha |
Edited by - Akasha on Oct 04 2009 9:27:47 PM |
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glagbo
USA
53 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 02:19:53 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Etherfish
Inanimate objects and animals don't teach the same way as old school teachers. Don't expect them to act like the "masters" you read about in stories.
So true indeed!
My beautiful metallic-green car was totaled in a high-impact collision an the highway a couple of months ago. I had become attached to that well-maintained luxury sedan more than I was willing to admit to. So on that fateful day the car was sacrificed to save my life.
The settlement money from the insurance company was not enough to cover the purchase of a comparably well-maintained model. Thus I was seriously considering repairing the severely damaged thing for a salvage title.
I had been agonizing over the salvage vs let-go decision for a few days when I noticed a dead cicada being scavenged by a army of ants right on the floor of the now-empty carport. Funny creature, with that stubby torso, but with those long gorgeously translucent green wings and the big, big eyes! I did not think much of any connection with my wrecked vehicle and soon enough the whole little scene was heavily sprayed with my trusty bottle of insecticide and discarded into the brushes at the far-end of the backyard.
A couple of days later I saw a second (less decomposed) cicada on the parking area a few feet from the carport. Same Green wings and big eyes! Now, in a moment of post-meditation clarity, I am keenly observing on the one end this dead cicada being slowly dragged away by these hundreds of tiny ants, and on the other end my wrecked car now sitting a few yard away in the grass by the carport.
The thought came by, that this dead insect is somewhat symbolic of my totaled vehicle, with the same metallic green color and big eyes representing the striking xenon lights on the car! Then a second though came, that the vehiclce is to be released, and parted to live on in dozens of other vehicles as this modest insect is being grateful and graciously recycled to partake in the ongoing live of these hundreds of ants. I seemed to "get the message" for a few moments there. But soon enough the whole non-sense was dismissed as imaginative scenery.
A few days later, as I was cleaning the little commuter car (for those long, slow, back road traffic), wouldn't you know it, there comes a third green cicada, flops down at my feet to surrender it last life force to Mother Nature. The signal went out almost instantly and Little recyclers/scavengers started to show up to reclaim the wise creature. Oh, how easy it seemed then, to just surrender this life when nature calls for it! I was silently watching the whole show as I continue to clean the little Geo metro.
Now I got the Message! Later that week I purchased another vehicle
and started reclaiming parts out of my old car. Good bye Old Friend!
Thank you for the lesson in service, surrender, and self-sacrifice.
Live on in Pieces! It did take the collaboration of three other messengers/teachers in the form of green cicadas, but the message has been received, loud and clear, for now.
Yes, indeed, my friends, Teachers are everywhere/everything.
BRV.
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YogaIsLife
641 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 04:30:47 AM
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quote:
Inanimate objects and animals don't teach the same way as old school teachers. Don't expect them to act like the "masters" you read about in stories.
And yes, what you are saying makes perfect sense to the logical mind. If you believe you can only learn from masters, then it is true for you. Of course there has to be no question in your mind as to what a master is.
I am not talking from the logical mind but from the heart/intuition. I also don't tend to demonize the mind and think that "it is never a good guide". The mind is as good a teacher or veicuhle for self-realisation as any, as the body or any external stimuli can be. In fact it has to be through the mind (and all the rest body/mind/soul - our whole being) that we come to realise. Everythting has to be included of course. So it does not seem like a good strategy to me to demonise the mind and leave it out of the equation as the "bad guy" (Yogani talked about this in one of the lessons).
But anyway I am talking about intuition and following one's heart here, this is the important thing. If my heart tells me an experienced and honest meditator has something valuable and helpful to teach me why can't I follow it? But I did not say that I DEFINITELY need a master. That is not the only way of course. In this thread I was merely trying to share the enthusiasm and heart's shinning that can occur when we read certain inspirational stories or dream to meet someone who can "take us there" quick and in a fascinating and wonderful way. That is all. Some resonate with it, other don't. That is alright. |
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christiane
Lebanon
319 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 04:53:59 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by YogaIsLife
The mind is as good a teacher or veicuhle for self-realisation as any, as the body or any external stimuli can be.
YIL, thank you for the reminder that nothing has to be disguarded to help your growth..
I was just pointing out that the mind is a servant, a wonderful servant. Not a demon at all!
It becomes a demon when you fall in its trap and becomes its slave.
As long as you're moving from your heart and awareness, you are the master of your house, and the mind will be a precious ally.
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YogaIsLife
641 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 07:28:31 AM
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| It's understood Christiane Thank you! |
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atena
113 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 07:56:59 AM
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Maybe not masters, but inspirational and funny characters. Am I naive or what If I met them that would have to happen in the proper context!
Han solo, Star wars, The charming rogue adventurer with attitude, a fast spaceship and a big universe waiting for him.
Chris Pontius, Jackass & Wildboyz, Very very amusing dude. Seems to be absolutely fearless. I hear he has even wrestled with bears, etc.
Captain Jack Sparrow, pirates of the Caribbean, is the unstoppable captain of his life, always properly confused about something and likes it that way |
Edited by - atena on Oct 04 2009 08:14:50 AM |
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YogaIsLife
641 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 09:39:59 AM
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You caught the spirit very well atena Yes, people that stir us up inside, that inspire us, that light some potentiality inside, or a sense of adventure, or something higher, bigger, better maybe, more pure sometimes...
That list reminded me of Corto Maltese as well! |
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Etherfish
USA
3615 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 12:59:27 PM
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Yes YIL, now I agree with you. If we follow our intuition which is pretty close to inner guru, we can learn from everything and everyone, including "masters".
What i was objecting to is the idea that masters are the only teachers. They are not the only teachers, sometimes they are not good teachers, and they are not really "masters"!
Master is just a misused word. I am a "master electrician", almost 30 years experience, but I don't consider myself a master of all electrical. Nobody is. The field of knowledge is too large and rapidly changing for anyone to know all of it. You can be a "master" of wiring houses, or maybe industrial motors, or of elevators, but anyone who says they know it all I can prove wrong in 2 minutes.
And i think it is the same for any field including spirituality. People think there is some stage where you are intimately connected to God and no longer make mistakes. Deep meditation will fairly easily make ALL of us connected to God. But we still make mistakes.
Why can't there be a "perfect" state, making you a "master"?
Because the highest spiritual state is to help everyone else become enlightened.
And there is no one path that can help everyone.
Different people need different things to become enlightened. Teachers need to be vastly different for vastly different students.
A true "master" should be able to teach everyone perfectly, but that is impossible. This is the flaw in religions, and why they can't stop fighting each other. No way is perfect for everyone.
But our inner guru (intuition; heart) will guide us to the teachers we need. |
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brother neil
USA
752 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2009 : 8:59:05 PM
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Jesus, he is like a superhero of light
buhda, he was just happy sittin by a tree
and
myself, so I could finially punch myself in the nose |
Edited by - brother neil on Oct 04 2009 9:16:14 PM |
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3 masters you would like to meet and why
