Scriptures highly extoll the virtue of being near a saint. This makes us, who have realised the expanse of Guru, greedy and we want to be with our Guru time and again at short interval without giving sufficient time to allow his teachings to get absorbed and without living in accordance with his instructions.
In this regard, an answer by Nisargadatta Maharaj is very relevant to all sadhakas (page 126 of the book 'I am that') :
"Q : It is a part of Indian spiritual tradition that mere living in proximity of a saint or sage is conducive to liberation and no other means are needed. Why don't you organise an ashram so that people could live near you?
Maharaj : The moment I create an institution I become its prisoner. As a matter of a fact, I am available to all. Common roof and food will not make people more welcome. 'Living near' does not mean breathing the same air. It means trusting and obeying, not letting the good intentions of the teacher go waste. Have your Guru always in your heart and remember his instructions - this is real abidance with the Guru. Physical proximity is least important. Make your entire life an expression of your faith and love for your teacher - this is real dwelling with the Guru."
While on the issue, I would also like to share response of my Guru when, a few days back, I wanted his appointment for next visit to him (I had been with him on 24th of last month). Perhaps sensing my anxiety about getting from him everything I can till he is there, he said something like (not his exact words), if I remember correctly, "अरे मैं हूँ आपके साथ, और अगर मैं आपसे पहले चला भी गया, तो भी मैं आपको गाइड करुंगा। ऐसा आश्वासन है गुरू तत्व का।"
In this regard, an answer by Nisargadatta Maharaj is very relevant to all sadhakas (page 126 of the book 'I am that') :
"Q : It is a part of Indian spiritual tradition that mere living in proximity of a saint or sage is conducive to liberation and no other means are needed. Why don't you organise an ashram so that people could live near you?
Maharaj : The moment I create an institution I become its prisoner. As a matter of a fact, I am available to all. Common roof and food will not make people more welcome. 'Living near' does not mean breathing the same air. It means trusting and obeying, not letting the good intentions of the teacher go waste. Have your Guru always in your heart and remember his instructions - this is real abidance with the Guru. Physical proximity is least important. Make your entire life an expression of your faith and love for your teacher - this is real dwelling with the Guru."
While on the issue, I would also like to share response of my Guru when, a few days back, I wanted his appointment for next visit to him (I had been with him on 24th of last month). Perhaps sensing my anxiety about getting from him everything I can till he is there, he said something like (not his exact words), if I remember correctly, "अरे मैं हूँ आपके साथ, और अगर मैं आपसे पहले चला भी गया, तो भी मैं आपको गाइड करुंगा। ऐसा आश्वासन है गुरू तत्व का।"
