Grace is Constant and Universal

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Questioner: It is our repeated experience that the disciples do much harm to their Gurus. They make plans and carry them out, without considering the Guru's wishes. In the end there is only endless worry for the Guru and bitterness for his disciples.

M: Yes, it does happen.

Q: Who compels the guru to submit to these indignities?

M: The guru is basically without desire. He sees what happens, but feels no urge to interfere. He makes no choices, takes no decisions. As pure witness, he watches what is going on and remains unaffected.

Q: But his work suffers.

M: Victory is always his - in the end. He knows that if the disciples do not learn from his words, they will learn from their own mistakes. Inwardly he remains quiet and silent. He has no sense of being a separate person. The entire universe is his own, including his disciples with their petty plans. Nothing in particular affects him, or, which comes to the same, the entire universe affects him in equal measure.

Q: Is there no such thing as the guru's grace?

M: His grace is constant and universal. It is not given to one and denied to another.

Q: How does it affect me personally?

M: It is by the guru's grace that your mind is engaged in search for the truth and it is by his grace that you will find it. It works unwaringly towards your ultimate good. And it is for all.

Q: Some disciples are ready, mature and some are not. Must not the Guru exercise choice and make decisions?

M: The Guru knows the Ultimate and relentlessly propels the disciple towards it. The disciple is full of obstacles, which he himself must overcome. The guru is not very much concerned with the superficialities of the disciple's life. It is like gravitation. The fruit must fall - when no longer held back.