(Sri Swamiji has a unique way of answering questions - asked or unasked - which pop up in the minds of the devotees. Though Sri Swamiji has time and again reiterated that the transformation in the heart is the real answer to all questions, He does not discourage inquiry, for they form the first bonds between the Guru and the disciple. This column is dedicated to publishing Sri Swamiji's answers to various questions posed by the devotees)
We perform annual ceremony for a dead person. Will it really reach that person? It is said that after death, the person will take rebirth. Such being the case, is performing annual rites for the dead not a waste of money?
By accepting that there is rebirth, you are acknowledging your belief in the scriptures. The same scriptures have ordained to perform annual rites for a dead person. Why are you doubting its purpose?
Now the question is "Why have the scriptures ordained us to perform the annual rites?"
Assume that your friend finds a good job for you. You become happy and try to exhibit your happiness by, say, distributing sweets. You develop a feeling of indebtedness towards your friend. If you feel indebted for a small favour, how much more indebted you should be for your parents who gave you this body! It is to display your indebtedness that you should perform the annual rites in their memory. "Do the dead eat?" is not a relevant question. "Are they in heaven or hell?" is also not material. Whether they have taken another birth is also none of our business. What is important is that we are ever grateful to them wherever and however they are. It is to cherish the fond memories and to display our gratitude that we should perform their annual rites.
When there are so many Gurus around, how can I find out who my Guru is?
First, decide for yourself as to what you are looking for. Next, find out who can give it to you. He who has what you need is your Guru.
If your Sadhana is intense enough, the Almighty will send your Guru to you. Because your spiritual appetite is weak, you indulge in tasting one guru after the other. You do not stop in one place and eat to your stomach's content. One who eats in one place to fill his belly is a real disciple. One who eats for taste is merely a devotee. One who strictly follows the Guru is a true Shishya. A true disciple will never ask "why should I do this?" Nor will he grumble "Why this punishment for me? Why this test for me?" One who says "punish, but protect" is a real Shishya. One who only says "protect me" is merely a devotee. When you become a real disciple, you will easily find your Guru.
What is the difference between a Avadhoota and a Guru? Are all Avadhootas really Gurus? Are all Gurus really Avadhootas?
There is no certificate which will declare "This is a Guru" or "This is a Avadhoota". In fact, Lord Krishna is the only Guru. Those who have achieved oneness with Lord Krishna are Avadhootas. Another name for Avadhootas is Digambara. The colloquial meaning of the word Digambara is 'one who is naked'. The real meaning of Digambara in this context is one who pervades the entire universe.
When the disciple qualifies to grasp the preaching of the Guru, the teaching will come to him automatically. As long as the disciple harbours desires in his mind, he will not qualify to receive the teachings. We see many people asking "give me Upadesha. Dispel my ignorance. I do not want anything else". It must be borne in mind that even this desire should vanish. When the disciple comes to that level, a silent vow of the Guru itself becomes a teaching.