In His Footsteps

A satsangi’s daily conduct must bear the hallmark of excellence and must reveal that he is the follower of a true Master.
_{Maharaj Jagat Singh, The Science of the Soul}

When we read about the lives of the spiritual Masters, we observe how they conducted themselves in accordance to the teachings of the path. Always a kind word, a sense of humour even in the most tense of situations, spreading love wherever they went, and generally following their own Master as they continued to spread the teachings.

Sometimes when we admire a child whom we find to be very disciplined, well-mannered and kind, we ask about his parents, because we are curious to know who could have raised a child with such good virtues. Some of us may even go a step further and praise the parents.

As disciples of a perfect living Master, we have a responsibility to be like that child. How often does our behaviour or our attitude raise questions about who our Master is? Do we, in our everyday actions, reflect the teachings of Sant Mat?

Just like the Masters, do we see the Lord in everyone, or are we quick to judge and criticize others? When an unkind word is said to us, do we ignore it and forgive the other person, or do we respond with unkind words in return? Do we try our best to keep the harmony and peace around us, or is our ego always at the forefront demanding that we get our way?

In Legacy of Love, there is an interesting anecdote written about Maharaj Charan Singh:

Wherever Maharaj Ji went, people noticed him and asked who he was. Yet he never sought attention. The fact was that his dignity and noble bearing combined with gentleness and good humour in such an extraordinary way that people were drawn to him as to one who possessed a unique and precious treasure. On many occasions – in restaurants, in hotels or even on the street – people asked whether he was a ‘maharaja’.

Just as strangers were drawn to the unique presence of Hazur, so should we strive to attain this quality. Sure, we may feel that he was a Master, and we are merely disciples who are struggling on the path. Yet, as disciples we should aim to walk in the footsteps of the Master; that is, to be like him, and to do our best to live according to the teachings. We should learn to live our everyday lives in such a manner that eventually our entire being becomes an expression of Sant Mat. The question is: how do we go about doing this?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
_Confucius

What is the step that we can take which will help us eventually be like our own Master? Our journey begins and ends with one word: meditation.

When we take that step to ensure that we are doing our very best in order to complete our daily meditation with utmost love and devotion, then we will begin to notice the change in ourselves. That is when we will be ‘living the teachings’ in the truest form.

We have heard in satsangs how the Masters consider their disciples to be their legacy. It is now up to us to decide whether or not we would like to live up to that. Just as an obedient and loving child is the pride and joy of every parent, so too is an obedient disciple the pride and joy of his Master.

Walking in the ‘footsteps of the Master’ means that whatever teaching the Master has given us, we have to follow it. We have to adhere to those teachings, live that way of life and attend to our meditation. That is walking in the footsteps of the Master.
_{Maharaj Charan Singh, Spiritual Perspectives, Vol. III}

It is a law of spirituality that if a disciple takes one step on the path indicated by the Master, the Master takes a hundred steps to meet him.
_{Maharaj Sawan Singh, Philosophy of the Masters, Vol. III}