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The Guru and the Disciple
and people accept it. You should not have to listen to such
reprimands but these gurus are constantly after the disciples,
constantly chiding them about what to do and how to do it.
Most seekers are humble and meek; not all seekers are
strong. So how will a meek person proceed? He would only show
his weakness. You have to say, ‘Sahib, why don’t you just do for
me, whatever you are asking me to do? As a guru you are in a
great position, yet you are asking me to do it for you? I am
crippled and weak. You must help me stand up. Should you be
the one carrying me on your shoulders or do I have to carry you
on mine?’ Should you not say this to the guru? But these meek
people of our country will say, ‘Yes, Sahib, I will do it tomorrow,’
anytime the guru tells them to do something. Why don’t you
speak up clearly? Can you not speak in this manner? Why are
you not saying anything? Whose side am I favoring when I say
all this?
Questioner: You are speaking for us.
Dadashri: Yes, you should say, ‘Sahib, you are strong
and I am weak. I am willing to do whatever you ask of me, but I
am not capable of doing it so you must do it for me. And if you do
not, then I will simply go to another shop (guru). Please tell me
either way if you have the capability, so that I can seek another
guru if need be. If it is not possible for you, then I will go elsewhere
and seek another guru.’
So whom would you call a guru? It is someone who does
not tell you to do anything; that is a guru. Ordinary people call
themselves gurus. They even claim, “A guru can even make a
crippled climb a mountain (pangu langayate girima).” He also
tells the disciple to carry him on his shoulders. Hey you! You are
telling me this when you yourself are asking me to put you on my
shoulders and walk? I am the one who is crippled, yet you are
asking me to carry you on my shoulders? Is this not a contradiction?
What do you think?