The concept of gurubhakti has been lately described as fantasy, idealism, romantic illusion (as that of a teenage girl in love with a movie star with whom she has no real connection).
There is validity in these criticisms.
They deal primarily with the perception/belief of the guru (man) as God.
Only a fool would deny this is an aspect of Sant Mat, and other bhakti traditions.
Yet Wesley is consistently making a point about his personal take on the matter that deserves some real attention.God is the Guru/God as the guru.
Part of the problem with modern Sant Mat is that there is very little personal contact and guidance from the teacher (assuming he/she is genuine, and that such even exists). It is a contextual problem inasmuch as personal interaction alone allows for the type of personal assessment and contact that is the prerequisite for trust and love (and therefore real relationship and discipline). Otherwise love remains the type of fantasy that Ratnagao and Dr. Lane describe. And yet even that might have some value spiritually for some.My personal experiences and contacts with Kirpal Singh were limited to two letters and two public talks. Yet I do not consider my relationship to him to be entirely of fantasy or impersonal. I offer just a few of the reasons:
He would, and this is relatively unique as I see it, regularly circular letters to the initiates.
These were often generic restatements of the teachings, yet always seemed to offer some fresh ideas or inspiration. They were also practical, in regards to drug use, the draft (Viet Nam era), spiritual progress, education, world peace in the Atomic age, and other suchlike topics. There were those issued as birthday, bhandara, and holiday messages, and so regular parts of life.They also were practical and profound.
Circular 3, entitled "Ends and Means" is a truly wonderful piece describing how the outer aspects of Sant Mat, diet and the like, were not themselves the goal. And "The Psychology of Mysticism" (circular 17) is of equal importance in my mind.When I was invloved in such things, I would not recommend anyone for initiation until they had read them. I still read them today and find them fresh and relevant. And in his talks, I always found very practical advice. His suggestion to
"do one thing at a time, wholly and solely, this will bring success even in the worldly life"
has become part of my life. Indeed I realized long ago that I could not do all the things that seemed to be required. So I devoted myself to being a good painter and a good father. Maybe one day I will also become a good person and then possibly a good disciple (of God).
I am a good painter, my children tell me I am a good father. Sach Khand (if it exists) will still be there when I get there. But my duty here will be done lovingly and well.
I consider this success in sadhana.
Kirpal Singh was capable of the type of inspired writing Ratnagarao tells us Gopi Krishna feels is part of the awakened state. He also used common sayings, homely and simple (and often shamelessy paraphrased).
"To thine own self be true"
"Go jolly"
"No acting and posing"
"No high, no low", etc.Most of you are familiar with this aspect of Kirpal Singh's communication. And since these are from the well of common sayings, even common sense, they cannot be attributed to him directly.
But he was the source of them for me.
And it was these types of things, only some of which I mention, that allowed me to then say, and now post on public forums that Kirpal Singh was, and is, my master.
And that I love him.1972, November
I see a small ad that a Sant Kirpal Singh was speaking at the Wilshire Ebell theatre in Los Angeles.
I get some friends together and we go.
Sitting upstairs in the balcony, I cannot understand a word he says due to accent and reverberation in the theatre.
I see a man on the stage, he keeps clearing his throat and sipping water, obviously quite ill, breathing heavily and thickly.
I see a column of light descending and ascending from this nam, originating and returning to a formless brilliance above him, in the theatre yet above it, it is joyous concious light, silent and profound.I cannot understand a thing he says, and know nothing about him.
As he leaves, someone is announcing about initiations and meeting. He stops at the exit into the lobby, turns around and says
"Come: come there".The force of love hits me like an invisible wave, and I go into ecstasy.
I return home and sit for meditation ( I had the sound current for many years with no idea of what it might be, until a year or so before, but would sit or lay down for hours absorbed in it).
Suddenly my breath becomes labored and thick, exactly as was that of this man I had just seen.
Some power comes from infinitely far above me through the top of my head and I feel as if I had been taken into heaven by both of God's hands.I say to myself as this breathing and other thing is going on:
"Oh, that's who that was".
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