Characteristics Of A Spiritual Master
(anonymous)
Here are a few pointers that I found circulating anonymously on the internet, and I think these are some good pointers to go by:
* A Master expresses and is sensitive to beauty in all forms.
* A Master never directs attention to himself/herself. S/He is egoless.
* A Master has respect for all members of the Nature kingdoms.
* A Master’s very presence radiates lovingness and benevolence, even if s/he might be a little stern.
* Unconditional love is a basic quality of a Master. A Master never judges, is detached and yet compassionate.
* A true Master is a Master of Wisdom. Her/His understanding of life and Cosmic laws far exceed those of the average person.
* A Master, though possessing some or all spiritual and psychic powers renounces their use except for emergencies and urgencies. S/He therefore will hardly ever reveal to anyone that s/he has them.
* A Master never commands, s/he simply suggests, s/he never instills fear but awakens courage. S/He never makes you feel bad about yourself; on the contrary, s/he helps you build self-esteem.
* As a rule, a Master never predicts a person’s future and s/he never flatters the human ego.
* A Master will always lead and direct you to the ultimate goal. Though s/he may teach the lower laws, truths and forces applicable to the improvement of mundane life, s/he will not place too much emphasis upon them, instructing that the phenomenal world is nothing but a dream and is illusory from the absolute perspective.
* A Master seldom speaks of her/his past, herself/himself, her/his background, unless it is pertinent and useful as illustrations in the conveyance of spiritual teachings to others.
* A Master is universal and non-sectarian in her/his attitudes. S/He sees all humans as an expression of the Supreme, regardless of their religious leanings, their color, race, sex, etc.
* A true Master is creatively original. Being enlightened by her/his own divine essence, a Master would teach or even write books directly from her/his heart and own experience. S/He would never plagiarize the work of another or teach things that are outmoded.
* Masters do not argue. They know that no amount of argument would convince the skeptic, and to those who are true seekers no argument would be necessary.
* A Master tries her/his best to embody most, if not all, of the divine virtues.
* Although compassionate, a Master never sympathizes with the feelings of the human ego for s/he does not recognize imperfection. S/He is simply aware of the perfection of God in-dwelling in the divine spark within microcosmic man.
* A Master has no longer any egoic desires, s/he no longer functions from the personality level; s/he has long given up her/his human will in favor of the expression of the Divine Will of God.
* A true Master does not hasten a student’s psychic growth prematurely by any “transference” of power. S/He always predominately concentrates upon raising the consciousness, improving character, spirituality, and increasing the wisdom and the understanding of her/his students.
* A Master never judges the outer person of others but looks into the depths of their souls for value.
* A Master never makes others feel guilty in any way.
* Although detached, impersonal, sometimes seemingly aloof, a Master is full of affection for her/his students.
* A Master appreciates every small service offered to her/him and the work of manifesting the Divine Plan.
* Perhaps one of the most outstanding and admirable characteristics of Spiritual Masters is that they do not consider themselves Masters. This is their humility. They know that they still have a considerable amount of things to master and learn. They are so aware that they are still undergoing the learning process that they are embarrassed to call themselves “Masters” or have anyone else call them that. In performing their divine and spiritual duties, Spiritual Masters declare: “It is not I that works but the ‘Father’ within me.”
It is often said that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. This does not mean that one should sit at home and expect the teacher to appear, although in this day and age of television and radio perhaps it is quite possible! Rather, it is best to learn from whatever sources you can, even if this is only to begin with books, tapes, videos, workshops, retreats, and meditation. There is no one who has had a true desire to find God, freedom, self-realization, and peace, whose prayers for guidance have gone unanswered. If you persevere on the spiritual path, learning what you can as it is presented to you, and if you still need a teacher after all, one will show up in your life. It may be that you must become “ripe” first, and reach a certain level of awareness before a teacher is really able to help you, before you can even understand what he or she is saying. Do not despair if a life-long teacher has not appeared to you. This may or may not be your path. There are more spiritual seekers than there are gurus to go around, so being your own guru is the best thing to do. The veils around enlightenment have been lifted, and even an ordinary person who has not had years of spiritual training can awaken in an instant. Learn from the teachers who are available to you, even if only in books and tapes, and move on if you outgrow them without being upset with them for not being able to “take you all the way there.” Remember, the teacher cannot make you enlightened. All he or she can do is hold a space for you to do it yourself. It may take more than one teacher to get you to the point where you can finally let go, relax, and realize yourself as Oneself, Godself, the container that all these dreams appear and disappear in.
Spiritual wisdom is a journey. Keeping to a spiritual path requires a great deal of guidance for most of us as well as putting intentional energy into spiritual healing practices. Many seek divine energy for healing. Meditation time with a healer or psychic can help lead to the path of spiritual enlightenment. A teacher or healer is not always necessary to open the cosmic doors of consciousness; many people have experienced enlightenment and growth through a book or a quote. Choose what is good for you.