The Company of a Saint
Today let us reflect upon two paths—the path of worldly pleasure and the path of supreme blessedness. At first glance, the worldly path appears to be very easy. Dogs, cats, birds, fishes, donkeys and monkeys—even the worms—manage to pass through it. You, at least, have been blessed with a human body. Surely it is even easier for you. Look carefully, in this world, even if no one truly stands with you inwardly, you are still surrounded by millions of people. If there are a thousand who push you down, there are also thousands of others who, even if only outwardly, extend a helping hand. There is sunlight throughout the day, and when there is none, artificial light is available. Roads are built, maps are already drawn, signboards point the way, and distances are clearly marked. We spend our days talking to people, surrounded by countless forms of entertainment, friends, and relatives. Something or the other is always happening to keep the mind occupied. Yet, even with all these advantages, people find the journey through the world difficult. Every step feels burdensome. There is anxiety, sorrow, restlessness, confusion, stress, and endless inner turmoil. The suffering becomes so intense that almost everyone, at some point, has wished to run away from life itself.
Now consider this: if walking the worldly path is so difficult despite all its visible supports, how will you walk the spiritual path—the path to God—where there seems to be no external support at all? The way is unknown. The destination appears distant. There is no visible light, only what seems to be deep darkness which must be traversed. No one can tell you exactly how long the journey will take. The full path is not known by you; only faint traces can be seen. Silence surrounds you. The journey must be made alone, for here two persons do not stand. Nor can you afford to stop midway. To stop is to lose your way. Every step brings obstacles and slippery ground, and if you fall, you must rise again yourself.
If you struggle to walk even the path of the world—how will you walk the path to God?
There is one simple way. Quietly take someone with you—a companion.
Whom? Take a saint with you.
Carry the image of the saint secretly within your heart. Light the lamp of his wisdom within your intellect.
Remember, the saint is the embodiment of light. He is a guide, a helper, an inspiration, and eternal friend. He knows this path because he has walked it himself—and therefore, he can lead you along it as well.
The experience is that once you have the company of such a saint, all confusion disappears. There is no more anxiety or uncertainty. From that moment onward, both of your eyes and ears, all of your mind's thoughts, are on that saint.
This is the meaning of the first line in this Mantra:
Dhyānamūlaṁ Gururmūrtiḥ
Pūjāmūlaṁ Gururpadam
Mantramūlaṁ Gururvākyaṁ
Mokṣhamūlaṁ Gururkripā
- Skanda Purana, Uttara Khanda, "Sri Guru Gita" Mantra #76
The Source of Meditation is Guru's Form.
The Source of Devotion is Guru's Feet.
The Source of Mantra is Guru's Word.
The Source of Realization is Guru's Grace!
His company is all a sincere devotee needs. Take hold of Him!
May all Yoga aspirants, worldwide, be blessed by Sri Guru on this most auspicious, sacred occasion of Guru Purnima.
Serve, Love, Meditate, Realize Him!
Thine In Loving Light — Sri Sudarshan J.
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(Feel free to quote, cite the author, and share with everyone) Blessings!
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Sri Sudarshan Jyotirmayananda is the founder at SKYLIGHT YOGA and president at Soul Commonwealth Inc., the spiritual state, humanitarian charity and nonprofit organization. Residing in Miami Beach, Florida — he has attained "Brahma Jnanam." Sri Sudarshan was initiated into direct discipleship by two fully-illustrious and Self-realized masters of Yoga, His Holiness Pujyatman Sri Swami Jyotirmayananda and H. H. Sri Swami Rajarshi Muni. Their insightful teachings on Yoga and Vedanta are available through the SKYLIGHT YOGA University.
To explore Yoga deeply and profoundly with proper guidance, we invite you to enter the Yoga Life Coaching spiritual mentorship portal, with intimate study, direct instruction, and customized practice plans by Sri Sudarshan; join his original acclaimed worldwide spiritual adventures, Yoga Expeditions and immersive wellness retreats; or inquire about the upcoming international Yoga Teacher Training Certification with Sri Sudarshan in Miami, FL.
