Marek Reavis wrote: > But, based on everything I have heard or > read about Guru Dev, I feel that his > character and personality are totally > worthy of emulation, reverence and respect. > >From what I've read, Rajaram Mishra fully supported the Indian varnashramadharma system. That's why he didn't include Mr. Varma on the list of worthy successors in his will. Mahesh was of the Sudra caste from a family of scribes, and thus not eligible for the title of sannyasin.
It may be that Rajaram was am arch conservative as well - not a single woman was included in his will either. Which is odd, since he supposedly worshipped the Goddess Saraswati. I wouldn't be surprised if Guru Dev fully supported the conservative party in Indian politics as well. Apparently Mr. Mishra was addicted to betel leaves and enjoyed a good chew after every meal. So, how are you going to emulate these qualities, not to mention the idea of total celibacy and skipping the whole stage of a householder? I mean, it's great to respect holy men, but emulation of them is not for this age. I once read a story about Ramakrishna that related how he refused to sleep with his own wife. Go figure. Yes, I like Brahmananda, Maharishi and Yogananda, and lots of other teachers too, but it's probably counterproductive for anyone on the spiritual path to indulge in a cult of personality and insinuate that their teacher is divinity itself and thus try to emulate their behavior. MMY is a case in point - so is Trungpa or Fredrick Lentz. One drank hisself to death and the other killed hisself with a dog collar around his neck. Be your own Guru.
