Guru and Disciple Guru and Disciple | Page 27

16 The Guru and the Disciple that which is not. I cannot say, “It is” when it is not and, “It is not” where it is. A guru himself may tell you ‘Do not make anyone your guru.’ When he teaches this, what is he if not a guru? In the same way, people may claim that a nimit is not needed, so what are they if not a nimit, in claiming this? The Gnani nimit liberates Questioner: Yes, if you have the right spiritual development (upadaan), then you will automatically find the nimit. That is what they say. Dadashri: Amongst us, there are many who have a very high upadaan (spiritual development), but they wander around because they have not found a nimit (Gnani as the liberator). Hence, the statement, “When one has the upadaan, he will automatically find a nimit,” is completely wrong. It carries a grave liability. However, if you wish to speak against Gnan, then you are free to utter this statement. Questioner: Please give us some clarity between the nimit and upadaan. So if one’s spiritual level (upadaan) is ready, then the nimit will readily come on its own. And if the nimit is readily available, but the upadaan is not present, then what can the nimit do? Dadashri: All such statements that are written; are incorrect. What is correct is that there is a need for both the nimit and upadaan. However, if upadaan is lacking and one finds the right nimit, then the upadaan will increase. The nimit verily is beneficial. What if we did away with schools on the belief that, as long as the child and his educational development (upadaan) are present, a nimit (teacher) will automatically come along? What would happen if we did that? Can we do without schools?