28
The Guru and the Disciple
when he was alive, if you had won his love and received his
blessings, then if that guru passes away, it will still be beneficial.
You have to have met him at least once. Those who have not seen
or met a guru will not get their work done and after he dies, then
no matter what you do, even if you bang your head on the
monument of his samadhi, you will attain nothing.
Here images and idols of neither Lord Mahavir nor Lord
Krishna will help you. Only the one who is living and present can
help you. People have worshiped Lord Krishna and Lord Mahavir
for so many lives. Do you think people have ever lacked in their
worship? They have become weary from all their worship. Despite
going to the derasar (Jain temple) every day, they have not attained
dharmadhyan (contemplation or meditation without any adverse
effects, internal or external). And even here there is a time limit.
Medicines too are subject to an expiration date. You are aware
of that, are you not? You know what an expiration date is, don’t
you? That rule is also applicable here. But people keep singing
and chanting the names of those who have already departed long
ago and they do this without any understanding.
Questioner: Why is there so much expectation from and
importance of a living guru?
Dadashri: In the absence of a living guru, nothing can be
attained. Everything will be futile. One will benefit at the relative
worldly level because, for that amount of time, he is involved in
doing good work and thus benefits from it. If a guru were present
here, he would show you your faults and you would remove them.
You do not need a guru when you can see all your faults on your
own. I am the only one in the whole world who can see his faults
and, therefore, do not need a guru. Otherwise, everyone needs
a guru. And, it is pointless singing praise of those that have
departed.
Questioner: So a picture or a murti (idol) cannot be a
substitute for a guru?