JOIN USSri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa distinguished between three kinds of doctors and each had its distinctive characteristics. He said: “Doctors are either first class, second class or third class. The third class doctor feels the pulse of the patient and advises him to take some drug; he then goes away and does not care to enquire whether the patient actually takes the medicine or not.
The second class doctor tries to impress upon his patient that he will come round by using the medicine prescribed and adopts all gentle means to induce his unwilling patient to take it.
The first class doctor, when he finds that his patient is determined not to take any medicine, does not hesitate to put his knee on the chest of the patient and force the medicine down his gullet.”
“In like manner, the Guru who having given religious instruction to his disciple, takes no further notice of him is a Guru of the third class. He who for the sake of the disciple’s good, hammers his instructions into him until they are grasped and shows that he is interested in the disciple’s welfare, is a Guru of the second class.
And he who, finding that his disciple does not properly listen to or follow his teachings enforces obedience by compulsion, is a Guru of the first class.”
These are indeed profound observations as they seek to demonstrate the principle of ownership and responsibility in the relationship between the Guru and the disciple. Self-realized masters make the best Gurus as they are in communion with Universal Consciousness.
They are aware of their real identity and remain indifferent to blame or praise. Whether people believe in them or not, respect them or not and heed them or not, they will go about doing what they are about.
They will complete the purpose of their missions and overcome any challenges that they encounter.The true master will never desert the disciple. This is a permanent and powerful bond. It is said that it is easier to find a good Guru than it is to find a good disciple. A genuine Guru is the epitome of sacrifice.
His entire life is devoted to selfless service, teaching both by precept and example and creating multiple contexts for the growth of the disciple. He will not let go off his hold until he reaches his objective. The foundation is cemented by love.