To assess our own eligibility, it is essential to stay in the company of holy men (satpurusha) and true gurus. Every person considers themselves omniscient, but in reality, this is not the case. Only when we come close to the feet of the guru will the true guru tell us where we stand and what our eligibility is, in clear and fearless words.

    One should serve the feet of the true guru as much as possible. This reduces one's ego. This teaching is extremely beneficial; it can give you a new life. The false notions about oneself disappear, and the true situation becomes clear, revealing one's faults (dosha). How can we remove the faults (dosha) within us? Only by being in the company of holy men (satpurusha) can these faults (dosha) be removed. New faults (dosha) that enter from outside are immediately removed. If rust forms on iron, it must be wiped with kerosene to remove it; simply trying to wipe the rust off will not work, and it will spread on the iron. Realizing this, one should go to the true guru and have their faults (dosha) removed.

    Ordinary people do not understand why they should visit holy men (satpurusha). They present their worldly problems to the true guru. In reality, the holy men (satpurusha) can give what is truly needed. Their authority is so great. However, a person must first make every effort themselves. The blessings of the guru do all the work. One must see how to obtain those blessings.

    When washing clothes in water, a little dirt comes out each time. After some time, the cloth becomes clean. One should not think about how much water was used. Various faults (dosha) have accumulated on our minds. They will not come out on their own. One must wait until they find the right guru and the right guidance. No matter how many scriptures or books one reads, true knowledge is not obtained through reading alone. One cannot find a way out on their own. For this, the guidance and company of the right holy men (satpurusha) and true gurus are useful.

    In the company of holy men (satpurusha), the disturbances of the mind decrease. As the disturbances of the mind decrease, the maturity of the intellect increases.

|| shree gurudev datta ||