Master should have equal vision
A master's teaching adapts to the student's background but arises from a place of non-discrimination. Teaching varies based on a student's inherent culture, like learning to cook at home versus from scratch. Language also shapes the delivery, as perfect translation of meaning is difficult. However, the true master holds no distinction in heart, like a sun shining on all. The story of Eklavya illustrates this: though formally rejected, his devotion to his guru as a statue made him a great archer. The master teaches from within, beyond speech, through divine love. Disciples who perceive favoritism are mistaken. The master knows each student's needs and administers many tests. True service is to see oneself not as a successor, but as eternally serving the guru.
"Love does not require any words. Love does not need any explanation."
"The master is like a sun, and the disciples are like all of us who benefit from the sunlight."
Filming location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Up next
The Four Aspects of Grace and the Path to Self-Love
The four aspects of Kṛpā illuminate the path to self-love. Deva Kṛpā is the mercy of the gods, granting the human incarnation necessary for liberation. Śāstra Kṛpā is the mercy of the holy scriptures, which contain the teachings of the gurus. Guru Kṛpā is the mercy given by the guru, triggered by the disciple's devotion and service. Kuṭkī Kṛpā is the mercy one gives to oneself. This self-love is not ego, which is a low vibration of taking, but a high vibration of giving. Many avoid self-love, fearing it is ego, yet one cannot truly love others without loving oneself. A practical form is sending loving, healing energy to one's own body, which can have profound physical effects. The process to cultivate this begins with self-acceptance, proceeds through self-understanding via inquiry, and culminates in the desire to give and forgive oneself. This inner work is essential for spiritual growth.
"Love each and every living being, if not more, then at least as much as yourself."
"We cannot really love others if we don’t love ourselves."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
Diwali Celebration
The Guru brings light to darkness, incarnating to liberate devotees and unite them in divine light. This Diwali commemorates Lord Rama's return, symbolizing the inner lamp Guru ignites within each heart through mantra and devotion. That flame must burn eternally, like the continuous lamp in the ashram. The Guru built this sacred space not for himself but for future generations; our duty is to preserve it. His grace alone is the disciple's auspiciousness.
"The Guru is the one who brings light to darkness."
"Once lit, that dīpa should not go out."
Filming location: Jadan, Rajasthan, India
The Journey of the Soul: From the Ocean to the Drop
The soul's journey is from separation from the divine source back to union with it. The individual soul, or jīva, originates from the supreme oneness, like a water droplet separating from the ocean through evaporation. This droplet then longs to return. The cycle of the soul mirrors the water cycle: it ascends, travels, and descends back to earth, entering vegetation and bodies. Satsang is the boat to cross the ocean of separation, guided by the Guru or the holy scripture, which embodies the Guru's presence. Constant repetition of the divine name, like "Ram," is a highway to that goal. However, our physical actions create karma. We poison the earth and water with chemicals from soaps, cosmetics, and medicines, which is violence against nature and ourselves. True spirituality requires internal purity and non-violence in all conduct, as everything is counted. Liberation comes from realizing you cannot hide your actions from yourself or the divine.
"From the ocean, the jīva is in the water, the soul is in the water."
"This drop is called Jīva. And when this drop falls into the ocean, the Jīva becomes the Ātmā."
Filming location: London, UK
The Sole Necessity of Guru's Grace
Guru's grace is the sole reality. Without it, nothing is possible. All life exists within a web of interconnected grace. Parents give life and inherent blessings. The community, village, and even street animals provide protection and sustenance, reflecting divine care. This interconnected life is to be respected and loved. True spiritual duty may conflict with worldly attachments, as family may not comprehend or support a deeper calling. The ultimate test of devotion reveals that no worldly relationship can sacrifice for one's spiritual path. Only the guru's unconditional grace grants the disciple peace and fulfillment.
"Guru kṛpā hi kevalam. When Gurudeva’s blessing is present, then everything is possible."
"Only the guru's unconditional grace grants the disciple peace and fulfillment."
Filming location: Strilky, Czech Republic
