Guiding light: the test of faith

Milarepa, the great Tibetan Yogi, came to his _guru_ one day and begged to be accepted as a disciple. “Master, my faith in you is beyond words,” asserted Milarepa. “What is the extent of

your faith?” asked the _guru_. “It is as wide as the limitless skies,” came the answer. The _guru_ heard the words but wanted to put the disciple to a test. “Here are some bricks,” he told

Milarepa. “Build a platform right here, with these.” Milarepa set to work immediately. He built a beautiful platform that he felt should please his _guru_. When the _guru_ arrived, he

exclaimed, “What a fool you are, Milarepa! You have wasted all your time and energy. I did not want a platform here, at this corner, but at the other corner.” Milarepa thought, “I clearly

remember the _guru_ pointing to this spot, but I shall not let my faith be shaken. I must be wrong, and the _guru_ is always right!” He dismantled the platform and started building a new one

at the other corner. After a few days, the second platform was ready, and Milarepa approached his _guru_. Once again, the _Guru_ was dissatisfied and said, “What a careless fellow you are!

I did not want the platform here!” Milarepa was exasperated but controlled himself and said, “Let me not doubt the _Guru_!” He built a third platform. The process was repeated several times.

And now, Milarepa could take it no longer. He lost his patience. His faith was completely shaken. He wanted to run away from the _guru_. _The_ _guru’s_ wife sensed it and came to his

rescue. “The _guru_ is only testing you!” she comforted him. “It was you who told him that your faith was limitless as the skies. Where is your faith now?” Milarepa’s faith was renewed. He

built yet another platform. When it was ready, the _guru_ embraced him, saying, “You are truly my own. Let me share with you the secret which I have shared with none else.” Milarepa sat at

the feet of the guru and received from him what only a _guru_ can pass on to his disciple. He was enlightened. _(DADA J.P. VASWANI IS A HUMANITARIAN, PHILOSOPHER, EDUCATOR, ACCLAIMED WRITER,

POWERFUL ORATOR, MESSIAH OF AHIMSA, AND NON-SECTARIAN SPIRITUAL LEADER.)_