To the world, for all is a teacher. No authority is truly expressed over another. Such weighing and judging is a creation of the mind, viewing what is true in fragments. If the guru had led his followers down any particular 'path' in this valley of truth, was he not leading them back and forth? Truth lies in no single path alone, but in the entirety of the valley. Truth is not a destination, it is the first step - no, not even a step. Truth is here. The first step is thus our exploration of this valley. When we see the whole, we are free to wander, explore and walk where we may. When we can only see paths, we are limited to their narrow direction and perspective. Paths can be very misleading, revealing one beautiful mountaintop in the distance, and then an endless field stretching to the horizon. They lead the follower on, making them think they are 'on the way' somewhere, or they are getting closer to Truth. Certainly there is something to be gained in these pieces - awareness of 'what is' (Krishnamurti) may be hinted, but never will they see the entirety if they view through tiny eyes. Step off the path and see the valley as it is. Watch the sun fall beneath the west and then rise above the east. Observe the simplicity, beauty and peace of which this valley is. There is no journey here, for you are already there. Open your eyes to the valley.
The guru's mission is complete; it's time for his followers to put to the test what they have learned. If another teacher is called for, he/she will appear soon enough.....
What has gone is only the body of the Guru. But the Guru is beyond the body, everywhere and in everything.
A teacher that I had studied with for over ten years left the body seven years ago. It was a shock. Only now after so many years am I considering another teacher. There is a book, “Graceful Exits” by Sushila Blackman that might be a comfort to read. Namaste
"It is not necessary to meet your guru on the physical plane. The guru is not external." - Neem Karoli Baba My guru left his body 9/11 in 1973, and he contacted me through visions, dreams, and other such ways. When I look at his picture, I can feel his presence, and often communicate with him. Basically its a mirror to see myself and talk to myself. Kind of like a burning bush. He is with me reguardless of whether he is in a physical body or not... And I also have a living guru, Amma... and everybody... let's not forget that... hehehee, Mahrajji helps me see everybody as the guru and hear divine wisdom come through bums like me. "Everybody is the guru." - Ram Dass
Yes, the guru is within everyone and is everywhere. Another name for it is the infinite intelligence for it is not personal to any one guru or person. It comes into or manifests into the empty mind that is sufficiently still to receive the inpsiration or truth it communicates. This is universal guru, the valley of truth here and now our friend speaks of. The truth received from this infinite intelligence is specific to the karma of that individual at that point. So realising this within is always better than through the generalised teaching of an external physical guru. Every external or self proclaimed guru should acknowledge this to be the case. That he or she is not special from everyone else. True guruhood is egoless for the bliss of truth is unconditional and requires no approval or adulation. The true guru makes himself or herself dispensable, so his or her disciples can move beyond discipleship to living mastery. Dependency is dissolved by the true guru. There are not many true gurus but there are many more who crave others to call them guru. Peace and love to all Jnanic
