Book review of "Be Here Now" by Baba Ram Dass
Book Review by Bill Schaeffer
copyright (c)2014
William A. Schaeffer
*****
p. 4
"Question: I have read in many holy books that you need to have a guru, a spiritual guide, to realize an e…
Book review of "Be Here Now" by Baba Ram Dass
Book Review by Bill Schaeffer
copyright (c)2014
William A. Schaeffer
*****
p. 4
"Question: I have read in many holy books that you need to have a guru, a spiritual guide, to realize an enlightened state. If this is true, how do I go about finding one?
Answer: At certain stages in the spiritual journey, there is a quickening of the spirit which is brought about through the grace of a guru. When you are at one of the stages where you need this catalyst, it will be forthcoming. There is really nothing you can do about gurus. It doesn't work that way. If you go looking for a guru and you are not ready to find one, you will not find what you are looking for. On the other hand, when you are ready the guru will be exactly where you are at the appropriate moment.
All you can do is purify yourself in body and mind. Each stage of purification will make you sensitive to new levels of perception. Finally you arrive at a level where the guru is. There is no one who is ready for the grace of a guru that does not receive it at that very moment.
*****
p. 6
"Question: There are many beings who profess to be gurus. Should I follow one of them? How do I choose from among them?
Answer: You can't choose to follow a guru. It doesn't work that way. If you are in doubt, don't. When the correct manifestation of the guru for you appears, you'll know it with all your heart. It is surrender which is no surrender. It is inevitable and totally compelling.
Now it is possible that a being who is ultimately to be known to you as your guru comes forward and says, "I am your Guru." And you hold back. That's because you are not yet ready. You can't honestly do otherwise. Don't worry. When you are ready, he'll be back. Just relax and trust the process."
