The question is asked about the correct (or proper) relations between pupils and spiritual teachers. Should a pupil give money to the spiritual teacher? What is the proper focus of such a relationship if money is involved? What about those fees for spiritual teachings?
Master, I have questions concerning the relationship between a pupil and a spiritual teacher. Is there any spiritual dependence of the pupil on his teacher?
No. Dependence concerns the world of phenomena and spirituality is beyond this.
Many schools maintain, for example, that only thanks to guru the pupil can progress on his spiritual path.
A good guru understands that God is the giver of all goods, and not himself. A good teacher can be helpful in the world of phenomena. It is necessary for aspirants to ask Divinity for the possibility of contact with such a person. But remember, the Teacher is present everywhere. The omnipresent Love is your most important teacher. It teaches you at every moment.
One can also come across the view that the pupil should provide for the teacher, if he can.
There is no unambiguous answer. Sometimes it is ‘yes’, and sometimes ‘no’, depending on what pupil’s heart tells him.
Some schools claim that initiation by a qualified master is necessary for good results on the spiritual path. This refers in particular to various techniques of meditation and often to the dangers related to them.
This situation is similar to the plight of the sick. They go to a doctor, because they know that taking medicines independently is not effective and may even be dangerous.
This does not lead to dependence.
Except that the doctor is usually paid for his service.
Yes, if you go to a private clinic. But, there are also physicians who are paid from the public purse. And if you remember, I am here as someone who is a kind of administrator and I provide people with everything they need. This also concerns pupils and mundane teachers.
Of course, if you feel the need, share what you have; there are no contraindications. Behave naturally and express your gratitude if you want. If you know that you do not have to, it will be all the more joyful and pure.
Then there are clairvoyant persons (who give readings) and mediums (who relay spiritual communications); both of these take fees as per rate. Master, what do You think of such dealings? Does material so obtained have any value?
It has no value if it does not turn you towards God. In the earthly life it can have a value if it gives you support or strategy to face everyday problems. Whether you pay or you do not pay is of secondary significance. For a spiritual person it is not purposeful to get involved with such communications. It is more important to gradually get rid of all props and get to the Source on one’s own. It is necessary to trust Love.
I wish you would say more about those fees for spiritual teachings.
Here is the answer: do what your heart tells you. Learning and a step forward is what matters, not money. Goodness has no price. Money is just paper, the equivalent for work put in. Spiritual awareness belongs to a different world, the world of true values.
I am revolving around this issue because of a book by Neale Donald Walsch, where You say that if one finds a genuine teacher, one should give him even more than he needs. In any case, one should reward him well.
It is true.
Then we have a certain problem…
Not in the least. A spiritual teacher first of all needs love for God and not money. In that book I remind you that it is good to share what you have with your fellow man, because people have simply forgotten about generosity of heart, the generosity that first of all serves them — by offering something to their teacher they change themselves. Give from the heart, not under compulsion. This is what I wanted to say. There is no duress, there is love and it does not care about payment. Love itself is the greatest prize. My clue was aimed at instructing what you can do and with what you may make God happy. Money, given out of joy, without demanding anything in return, brings rejoicing and blessing to the donor. You can give money to the teacher but you can also ask Divinity to show you how to make proper use of money. Then you may hit on the idea to donate money in support of homeless animals, children in orphanages or people in difficult financial situations.
There are people who provide for masters, teachers and charities; they consider it their duty and set aside a part of their income for this.
Many people understand this need. They financially support spiritual undertakings on the Earth, constantly providing for them. They do this with humility and in silence of heart. This is praiseworthy. It is but natural that you support something that you consider valuable.
So, there is no unambiguous answer.
There is no one rule for everybody. Do what your heart and love therein dictate. And do not demonize the issue of money. Take it easy and use your imagination. Money is the gift of love from God. Let them serve Love.
“Money is the gift of love from God”, nicely said.
Words fit to be framed. Harness money for the service of Love.
