42 - Characteristics of an Ideal Spiritual Seeker | Swami Tattwamayananda

-4th chapter: verses 34, 35, 36, 37<br />-18th chapter: verses 64, 67, 72, 73<br />-The lecture was given by Swami Tattwamayananda on June 19, 2020.<br />-34th verse: “A seeker of spiritual wisdom should approach a wise teacher with humility, do service to him and ask him questions with all sincerity and shraddha. Then the teacher will instruct him with true spiritual knowledge.”<br />-In terms of inquiry, there are two types of seekers. (1) Those who are humble, straightforward and inquisitive. Once they are convinced of the truth, they become champions of that truth. Swami Vivekananda was such a seeker. (2) Those who ask questions without any seriousness. They pretend to be convinced, but they keep asking the same questions again.<br />-When we have reverence towards the teacher, and a pure thirst for knowledge, our dedication to the subject is intensified. This leads to natural tendency for further inquiry. This characteristic is demonstrated even in the secular world by great scientists.<br />-There is famous verse in Vedanta that summarizes the concept of Guru-shishya parampara, long succession of teachers and students: “I bow down to those great masters, succession of great teachers, who expounded Vedantic ideas, and thanks to whose efforts, I am able to study the same ideas today.”<br />-18th chapter, 67th verse: “Do not teach this spiritual wisdom to those who have no austerity, no devotion, no self-restraint, no humility to do service, and who after listening will belittle you or the wisdom you are imparting”<br />-Unless we are mentally ready with the right attitude, spiritual instructions will not provide real benefits. Our innate tendencies, from past samskaras, can create a mental block.<br />-Listening to great ideas is beneficial only if we approach with humility and purity. If a glass is empty and we pour pure milk in it, we get a glass full of pure milk. If the glass already has some dirty water, and we pour pure milk in it, we won’t even drink the resultant mixture. Humility and purity allow us