Mystery

A real master doesn't give you rules to follow, or a path. A real master frees you from the rules, and wounds your heart with love. Then you enter your wound and follow your waylessness deeper and deeper, until you reach the kingdom that was always your true nature.

This is why I bow to the master - not because I am bound, but because I am free. Bowing is the sign of the miracle of gratitude. Jai Guru Dev.

Above is a painting by Dr. Varna of Sri Brahmananda Sarasvati Guru Dev, Shankaracharya of North India, who died in 1947. He was my Master's Master's Master. Why a picture of him?

Because the surrender never stops. The bow is groundless. Your forehead never touches bottom. Each flame bows to the flame that lit it, though there is only one fire. Here's the secret: a real master is not just one individual, but an ancient river of light, one unending breath. And somehow that sourceless stream of thanksgiving pours into you, out of you. This is the mystery of the Guru.