“But even then, there are huge benefits to being in close proximity to a spiritual teacher who is either very realized or enlightened depending on one’s terminology.”
The problem is that there are as few authentic masters as there are authentic disciples, both are like pearls in the desert. But if one happens to come into contact with a master, then still there is a great danger on behalf of the disciple. In fact, it is even a greater danger than crossing paths with a “master” who has yet to come to one’s liberation. Because the presence of such a one is of such tremendous proportions - that there is every possibility that you may become far too entangled in it. The possibility of a psychological attachment to the master is enormous. That is why a master is going to try and create every opportunity to dissolve that attachment, so that one can function out of one’s own intelligence. Even if Truth is given to you, ready made on a golden platter, unless it is of your own direct discovery, it is not going to be fulfilling at all. That is why your own efforts and your own inquiry is needed to create an inner atmosphere which is prepared for transformation. The master is just a trigger for this - to point you in the right direction, but unless you are willing to walk even on fire - then even infinite pointing will not be of any help. In fact, it is possible for a master to do far more than just raising a finger to the moon - there are masters who can just through a mere glance - create a direct transmission of the consciousness of enlightenment. But the problem is that if you receive anything which you are not prepared for - it is bound to create far more damage than good, it may even destroy any possibility of growth. And the reality is that a master not only wants you to function out of your own intelligence, but that you should surpass even the master himself. Only then, can the science of awakening continue expanding itself - unfolding, reaching higher and higher peaks and potentials. And in such a case, it may even be that one day a disciple will not longer need to seek the help of a master - one may be capable from the beginning of discovering one’s own eye on the forehead out of one’s own inner resources. But at present, the possibility of one coming to one’s awakening without guidance is such, that it is just like an ant trying to conquer the force of the whole ocean. Only an individual of enormous discipline, focus, attention, and intelligence is capable of coming to the space entirely by one’s own, it requires a very particular personality type.
I feel pranayam (breathing exercises) might help in this case. Try Anulom-Vilom and Kapalbhati. Pranayam regulates the prana in one’s body and disentigrates negative emotions. But it has to be practiced regularly early morning and evenings… ideal time is betn 4:00AM to 6:00AM in the mornings and 5:45PM to 6:45PM in the evenings.
