One of the concept that you will discover in inner spiritual
teaching especially about the Guru-Chela relationship (or Master- Pupil
relationship) is that a Real Master desires that his chela or pupil will come
up higher even if he surpasses his own attainment in this world of form. His
love to his pupil was so great that he wanted to see him increase in wisdom and
spirituality and if possible exceed his. This relationship sometimes extends
even to their next incarnation on earth. This is rather exemplified in the life
of Prophet Elijah and Elisha (Book of Kings in the Old Testament) who according
to Ascended Master teachings were embodied later as John the Baptist and Jesus respectively.
As portrays in the Old Testament account, Prophet Elijah is the Master of
Elisha. When the work of Elijah was
finished he was taken up into heaven on chariots of fire, which means he
ascended into heaven thus becoming an Ascended Master. Then Elisha took the
mantle of Elijah and stood in his place as the next prophet albeit in the
spirit of Elijah. It will be realized that Elijah, being an Ascended Master is
not supposed to be reincarnated. His re- embodiment as John the Baptist is a
special dispensation by the Lords of Karma according to Ascended Master
Teaching through The Summit Lighthouse as far as I can remember. It will be
seen that Jesus acknowledged the great attainment of John the Baptist when he
says in Luke 7:28 “Among those born of women, no man is greater than John the Baptist”.
Presumably Jesus knows that John is the Ascended Elijah, who was his Master
when he was Elisha. But in their next incarnation John the Baptist takes the secondary
supporting role preparing the way of the great day of the Lord Jesus. John the
Baptist even states, referring to Jesus that “He must increase and I must
decrease”(John 3:30 ). He knows full well that Jesus became the Christ and will
fulfill his great divine mission to be the world savior. Thus he said of Jesus
as “the one mightier than him who will baptize with Holy Spirit and fire and
whose sandals he is not worthy to wear” (Matthew 3:11). Herein we will see the great story of Guru-
Chela relationship where the Master willingly supports his pupil’s greater
mission for the greater good.
I was inspired by this story that made me tell some of my
classes when I was teaching in the University of the East in the Philippines
that I would be happy if I see them surpass my knowledge. I believe that my top
student in Engineering Economy was inspired by my statement that he often gets
perfect score in the examination. He even approached me to discuss certain
difficult points on the subject.
The reason why I am telling this is because I think this concept of He-must-increase-and-I-must-decrease can in some way be applied in almost every relationships and therefore every constructive field of endeavor. Everyone should progress in whatever field he is doing and each one should rejoice in one another’s improvement. A progress in almost any field of endeavor is an indication of gain in mastery of chakras (spiritual centers) and must be channeled to express the Great Spirit. If there is one who is at the higher level - be it in terms of expertise and skills, knowledge, experience and qualification – he/she should help those who are at the lower level to come up higher to reach or even surpass his level of attainment. It is of course our aim to improve ourselves at the current specialization we are handling, but it would be better if we encourage and build up others as well, it doesn’t matter if they will be on top if that is for the greater good. Remember that we are all one. We are all sons and daughters of God and will someday be one with God in the ritual of Ascension. In heavenly octave there is no competition, only oneness. The Brotherhood of Light is one yet each has his own individuality. Our life on earth has to be the reflection of that in heaven. As above so below.
It is hard to imagine what it is like in heaven but it is
definitely a glorious experience as there will be no pain, no disease, no
death, but eternal harmony, joy and happiness. Some people who had near-death
experiences as you can find in several books have described the blissful
experience there, thus they do not fear death anymore and see those who passed
away in a positive light.
It seems, however, that they are not aware that the City
Foursquare or the New Jerusalem will be lowered into physical octave to
manifest Heaven on earth. I believe this is just a question of time from
earthly point of view where we are somehow imprisoned in time and space but in
Heaven this is already a reality.
Back here in this current imperfect world, we know that
there are always problems, conflict and negative competition in almost all
areas of life. I believe this is not to
be so. Simply adopting the He-must-increase-and-I-must-decrease attitude can
lead to oneness, unity and collective progress in our society, nation, and the
world. The example of Elijah and Elisha then John the Baptist and Jesus may
seem too perfect as a model because John the Baptist is cognizant of Jesus as
the Christ and his divine mission to be the world savior and raise up mankind.
Hence John, obedient to the will of God, was willing to take the secondary role.
We, however, can regard the variant of He-must-increase-and-I-must-decrease as
a practice of selflessness and humility to advance an ordinary constructive
goal for the benefit of the greater whole. This is not to say that we will not
advance our own self and take a higher position to be of service to God and man.
It is just we sometimes have to acknowledge that there are others who maybe
more fitted and capable to perform the same service. There should not be
jealousy but instead be happy and praise or congratulate the other person for
you know that he will do the same service that you desire that will benefit the
society. You must even be willing to support and help him on performance of his
duty. He in turn should reciprocate and elevate you and others up.
Take for example politics under DEMOCRACY. Suppose there are
candidates running for the highest position of the land. The motivation of each
of these candidates to run for the highest office of their country should be
love and selfless service at greater capacity. Not money, fame, power or other
selfish motives. We can say that each believes that he has relevant experience,
knowledge and capability as well as having excellent plan and program that will
greatly enhance the welfare of their nation. This can probably be put to the
test by means of debate or public dialogues that should be done harmoniously without
resorting to personal attacks. (In my opinion, debates can be useful if done
with courtesy and if the aim is to come up with the truth or find the best
practices, policies, strategies, plans and programs. It can also engender new ideas and knowledge).
If they are selfless or egoless, each will not fear to lose in the election and
should not resort to any type of black propaganda, manipulation of voters or
any unholy practices just to win the election. Because these negative acts do
not bespeak of the good leader. They can of course expose any bad and corrupt
practices of other candidate because we would not want to have a leader that
will put at risk the nation’s welfare. Each should respect the election result
and congratulate the winner; except if there were evident cheating which should
be exposed and be brought into court, for that would mean the said dishonest candidate
is not fit to rule. If the candidates’ motive is selfless service, losing only
means they will not be able to render that service and implement their own plan
and program as the leader of the nation. But they know that they can be of help
to the nation through other avenues and creative civic projects or many other activities.
They can of course be vigilant and look for mistakes of the current
administration (without playing politics) but should do so in a spirit of cooperation
and offer advice, solutions or alternative programs. In turn, this newly-elected
leader and his parties should then do their God-given duties and
responsibilities without any political agenda but simply honestly render their
services to the public. If there were
established viable plans and programs by the past administration, they can
continue implementing it regardless of which political party created it.
I believe that the present political practices in the world
where there are always heated arguments, criticisms, mudslinging and sometimes violent
conflicts between political parties must be reformed. Probably, it generally stems from ego who
always want to win, desirous of popularity and power, if not money. These are not
good for our spiritual growth as well as national progress. We
hope that there will be many politicians whose intention and joy is selfless
service to God and man. I believe that various political parties can have
differing opinions, ideas, goals, strategies and programs for the good of their
country but they need not fight over these differences but instead be willing
to find out whichever is the best to implement regardless of its source – be it
from other political party or even from citizenry.
I reckon that this virtue of selflessness and humility can
be practice even in any kind of constructive competition like for example in
some sports, educational, arts or office competition. Though one is aspiring to
get to the top, he is also prepared to give way to the other who is probably
more talented, skillful or knowledgeable. The latter is a way of acknowledging
that the other party has more attainment of mastery of one of the chakras or
spiritual centers. It is something to be
rejoiced for. He can be regarded as someone whom you can learn from to improve
one’s self. Maybe the primary purpose in participating in the competition should
be to improve one’s self, enjoy the social interaction and friendship, and not merely
winning. Should you find yourself to be the one on top, it is good to remain
humble, share one’s talent, skills, knowledge and experience to elevate others
even as you also aspire to come up higher. Should they reached or surpassed your
level, that doesn’t matter, it is again something to rejoice for because that
means they are improving. I believe that any constructive activity can be a way
to express the Spirit of God or a way to attain oneness and union with God
Presence. If there be competition in the activity, it will not be regarded as
competition at all but a means to help one another to progress on the spiritual
path.
I hope I have given some nuggets of wisdom for your
inspiration and spirituality.
Thank you and Godbless.