Qualities of a Guru; Heaven and Hell

A cyber devotee asks how does one tell the qualities of a guru. Gurudeva says that those who surround the guru are a reflection of his inner qualitites. The duty of the guru is to take 9 steps toward the devotee when the devotee has taken one step toward him. Another cyber devotee from Trinidad asks if there is a heaven and a hell. Gurudeva says those who are living in heaven practice ahimsa (non-violence) and those who are living in hell practise himsa (violence).

Unedited Transcript:

A cyberspace devotee from Houston, Texas is wondering, "What are the qualities and duties of a Guru?" He knows what a sishya or devotee should do toward the guru.

To discern the qualities of a guru, in choosing a guru, you must look at those who surround the guru because they are a reflection of his inner qualities. The duties of a guru are to fulfill nine steps toward the devotee, once the devotee takes one step towards the guru.

What does that mean? That means the devotee gives permission to the guru to enter his life by taking a step forward to the guru. Many, many gurus today are looking for devotees, are looking for followers.( I,) On the other hand, we have so many, that each one must qualify to become a devotee or a follower and we have a methodology of study that leads one in a proper direction.

So, cyberspace devotee in Houston, Texas ... Happy guru-shopping! When the devotee is ready, the guru will appear.

A cyberspace devotee in Trinidad asks, "Is there heaven? Is there hell? if there is, does that not make the law of reincarnation wrong?"

Those who are living in heaven are practicing ahimsa - non-hurtfulness physically, mentally or emotionally - of anyone.

Those who are living in hell practice himsa. They never miss an opportunity to hurt someone mentally, physically or emotionally.

The heaven-and-hell concept can be translated into higher nature or lower nature.