Where or when a self realized soul appears we may not know, nor does location or time make much difference, It is confined to neither.
I believe that the guru within is the ‘real’ goal, and from my limited reading that is the approach that all guru’s have taken. They offer inspiration for us to be.
Guides may be encountered along the path, yet only with self ‘realization’ through an internal effort can we learn to assimilate these lessons with practical application and not lip service. The self realized may not have written books themselves, yet without these written accounts, the past would dissolve like forgotten civilizations. I’ve read that no religion can continue without a book, a tangible for others to follow. It was not the self-realized that wrote the accounts that make the Bible or Koran or Torah and most others. Their followers did so, perhaps with encouragement from the originator of the thought, as their ‘real’ message the dogma and ritual contained therein - this was only a tool along the way based on the current culture. Like anything it is then a reflection based on perspective and coloured so. Much like the game where a whisper is started and continues around a circle…it is never the same at the end as it was at the origination.
Should we worship a book? They are only words of man; the essence of the message perhaps would be a better thing to understand. Should we worship the guru? I think not, but worship the Source that is in each and every one of us. Should we pledge allegiance to the guru? I think only to the light incarnated beyond the human form - a dance with the universal.
The steps of the dance itself are merely details; the lessons learned are the rhythm of life.
1. To stand on my own two feet. My experience accounted for more that what I had given it credit.
2. Listen. A lesson in discernment that came at the dissolution of the relationship; the “me” and “mine” of ownership that I heard was a faint signal that should have rung more loudly in my heart. What is heard in speech may ring empty in the heart.
3. Forgiveness. No matter what occurred asking for forgiveness to the higher selves of each and for my part in the situation included. We are each on our own path and struggle as best we can to end that suffering.
4. Trust. I do my best in any situation and with awareness and stillness the answers will unfold - a revelation within the self will manifest.
5. Faith. In my self, the path that is mine to follow will shine no matter the circumstance. The direction to follow is one that is suited to my incarnation, others must lead their own.
6. Acceptance & Understanding. Each of us has our own issues or karma to address, we can assist each other or remain fixed in these samskaras, all can be used to best effect along the way no matter the weight we define these impressions or characteristics.
7. Gratitude. I was able to learn from the experience and deal with in a manner that I felt was gracious and non-injurious. An opportunity to reflect was offered and taken to reveal my own path to light. © T.S. (Tim) White All rights reserved