CHAPTER NINETEEN

 

 

PERFECT MASTER

 

(Murshid-i-Kamil)

 

IN ORDER to derive full benefit from Para Vidya (Science

of Spirituality), it is absolutely necessary to have the

guidance of a living Master, or an adept both in the

science and art of spirituality. He must be a Murshid-i-Kamil

or perfect Saint who can lead aspirants to perfection. If

the blind leads the blind, both fall into a ditch is a common

aphorism too well known to need any comment.

 

There are various grades and stages on the spiritual

path. A Saint of the highest order alone can safely take

the jivas to the pinnacle of spirituality. One who is a

novice or has climbed half-way cannot take a jiva to the

top.

 

In an educational institution we see that there are

different types of teachers for different classes. In this

science also there a number of grades and degrees, as

for instance, Sadh, Sant, and Param Sant.

 

For a proper understanding of the theory and practice

of spirituality, we need the help of at least a Sant

or Saint. A Sadh (one who has successfully transcended

the physical, astral, and causal planes, and is above body

and mind consciousness) can give us a lead, and befit us

for further training from a Saint; but one who is not

yet a Sadh cannot be of any help. For complete liberation

from the cycle of birth and death, a Master Saint

is necessary.

 

A perfect Master has no hallmark on his person. It

is by personal contacts that one gradually begins to

know something of his greatness, just as a student when

he advances in studies gets to know little by little

something of the ability of his teacher.

 

Again, the Master cannot disclose all his greatness

at once, but only in proportion as an aspirant shows

his keenness and makes progress on the path. The Master

starts just like an ordinary teacher and imparts

instructions as any friend or well-wisher would do. In

course of time, he demonstrates the authority of a Murshid

or Master on the path, and finally is seen embedded in Sat

or Truth as Satguru or the Master of Truth; until there

comes a stage when he and God appear merged in each other

with no line of demarcation between them.