How does one know as part of a Master/Disciple connection when that dynamic has come to a close. A disciple, in order to benefit from a Guru, must display and feel humility, obeisance, and be a true supplicant. As a disciple evolves and grows through this relationship, a true Master will let you know subtly when it’s run its course.
In my case, Professor Lakshmi Bharadwaj let me know in the most obscure of ways, and yet I knew immediately ( he taught me well). I was visiting in the Milwaukee area one holiday season and he invited me to his house. I excitedly came with eagerness anticipating as to what inspiration and profundity he was going to impart, as he did so many times before.
The professor introduced me to his wife and offered me a seat. He gave me a present: a tie dyed bandanna for my head. Then with a twinkle in his eye, after catching up on surface things, he looked into my eyes with that look I became very accustomed to. He said “Jeff, you know you should never teach your wife to drive a car.” It was challenging to not burst out laughing as I noticed a grin on his face spread to a full blown smile.
That was the moment we were two old friends hanging out as equals and enjoying our time together in a totally different way. I say equals though I knew fully well his intellect and spiritual awareness was still far above my development. Yet the Master/ Disciple connection was finished. He graduated me.
Oh my, what a simple, yet stunning post!
It’s a Sacred Moment, when a Student completes their
education, and the Teacher knows it is time for it to end.
I am delighted to find that a ‘guru’ can also become an ‘equal’
with time… Thanks for Sharing, Jeff.
Thanks Chris!