Guru and Disciple Guru and Disciple | Page 121

110 The Guru and the Disciple (energy effective in thoughts, speech and acts) behind it. He should be a sheelvan (purity); it should be someone in whom the kashayas (inner weakness of anger, pride, deceit and greed) are minimal and ineffective. Heed the Gnani’s warning about preaching All those who give sermons tell us, ‘Do this, do that,’ but when it comes down to them, they get irritated and exasperated. They keep giving sermons. In reality who has the right to give sermons? The one who does not get upset in the slightest extent, has the right to do so. However, these people are such that they will strike back the moment you say something against them. ‘I am someone who knows a lot. I am like this and I am like that.’ They speak under the influence of the illusion, ‘I…I…I…I…’ and this is precisely why there is no progress. This is the path of the vitarag Lords (the omniscient free from attachment). This path has many dangers for the preacher. To utter even a single word, carries tremendous liability. Currently all preachers carry a tremendous liability. But people do not or understand this and that is why they give sermons. You should check and test yourself to see whether you are an updeshak (a preacher). An updeshak should be free from artadhyan and raudradhyan (adverse internal meditation). It does not matter if one has not attained shukladhyan (the meditation as the Self) because his dharmadhyan (a state void of artadhyan and raudradhyan) is increasing. However, if he continues to experience artadhyan and raudradhyan, then the liability is his. The Lord has said that as long as there is anger, pride, deceit and greed within; do not preach to anyone. This is why I say, when you give sermons (vyakhyan), you simply have the right to do swadhyaya (study the Self); you do not have the right to give updesh (preach). If in spite of this you preach, then because you preach in the presence of kashayas within, you will go to hell. The one who listens to you will not go