“He Can Stop Me”

[Listen to Asha read this story]

A young man who called himself a disciple, but who lacked the necessary receptivity, was determined on a course of action that Swamiji thought unwise.

When Swamiji hinted that perhaps it was not the best decision, the man responded arrogantly, “If Master doesn’t want me to do it, he can stop me.”

Later, after the man left, Swamiji said, “Why would Master stop him? The guru lets us do as we please, if we so please! If you want him to respond, you have to approach him with openness, devotion, and humility.”

Indeed, Master did not stop the man, who soon afterward forsook his spiritual practices.