Everyone must follow the rules and discipline of our ashram. After arriving at the ashram, wash your hands and feet, first take darshan of the deities, and then take darshan of the guru. Where there is the presence of deities or the guru, one should not behave freely. Do not pretend to be meditative in front of the guru. Remember that the place where you go to listen to a few good words from the guru is not a place for meditation. When coming to the ashram, your attitude should be good and you should have firm faith. Show respect and feelings for the guru through your behavior and be careful while behaving.

    When sitting in front of the guru, do not sit with one leg over the other. Sit properly with crossed legs. Do not keep raising your legs. Also, do not lean against the wall. Do not eat anything while sitting in front of the guru. Always remain humble in front of the guru. Forget your prestige, greatness, and degrees.

    While sitting in front of the guru, whether in the ashram or at a devotee's home, devotees should not talk among themselves. Do not make silly jokes or mockery. Do not laugh loudly or softly. Do not make gestures to each other. No one should speak except the guru. Whatever you want to ask the guru, ask briefly; sit quietly and listen to the decisive and beautiful answers given by the guru to whoever asks with curiosity. Absorb them into your life. Remember, contemplate, and reflect on the grace given through the discussion when you return home, as many meanings of the answers become clear.

    When the guru comes to a devotee's home, it is the moment of utmost joy in the devotee's life. The best tradition is to welcome the guru with a fully filled pot by the housewife. Fill the pot completely with water. Place Ashoka or mango leaves on it and place a coconut on top. Then perform the aarti with a lamp. There is no need for Haldi kumkum. The method is to pour milk and then water on the feet. This padya puja worships all gurus from Shri Shiva onwards. You receive their blessings. Take their blessings in large numbers. These blessings bring welfare. When the sadguru comes home, perform their padya puja.

|| shree gurudev datta ||