Reminiscences

Once the manager of a match-manufacturing factory saw ShriMaharaj. In the course of conversation, he asked, ' Is it absolutely necessay to have aSadguru ?' ShriMaharaj replied, ' You need a special quality of wood to make matches from. You then treat it in a particular way. Then you split it to a particular size and impregnate the pieces in a particular solution. In a similar manner, one must first observe a certain discipline to train the mind, and saturate it with devoutness. You then provide a particular inflam­mable tip to the matches. Even that, however, needs a roughened surface against which it has to be 'struck'. Your supervision to ensure all this is necessary. In a similar manner a Sadguru's direction and supervision are neces­sary in the spiritual quest.¹