The Atma Jyoti Blog

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Answers to questions posed by our blog readers

Q:Since it is all a matter of our personal development, why do Masters come into the world at all?

A:The presence of a perfected being enables those who are ready to experience a more open state of spiritual awareness. Actually, such a person does in a sense “awaken” those who are capable of awakening. People are changed by encountering them if they are so inclined. Those who truly awake then listen to the teachings being given and follow them. The teachings of a real master are only minimally philosophical and theoretical. They teach practical ways for their hearers to gain realization for themselves. The last thing they want to do is start a religion. All master-teachers are yogis and so are their disciples. Theologians and “believers” are those that move into the station and live there, never taking the train. “Why, the kingdom of God has come on earth!” they say. And never get anywhere. But, as Jesus said: “They have their reward.” And to them he inquires: “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and DO NOT the things which I say?” It is in the DOING, not the “believing,” “trusting,” “hoping,” “obeying,” “dedicating”–no, not even “loving”–that we truly follow a Great One.