We all wish to receive Guru's grace and also see the guru according to our expectations, aspirations and impressions. We do not accept the guru as the guru is. If this is the mindset, then how can we expect to receive the grace? We tell our Guru or God, "You are the master but become my servant and do my bidding." We order Him in our prayers to help us with this problem, to help in treating a disease or by providing someone with a child. By praying like this we hope for grace to descend.

Guru's grace or God's grace does not descend until there is absolute selfless prayer. For the selfless projection to take place, all the dross of human nature and personality has to be removed first. People say, "surrender". Surrendering is not easy. People say, "love." Loving is not easy. People say, "obey." Obeying is not easy. People say, "have pure intentions." Even that is not easy.

Nothing is easy in life. One has to work to make things happen. One has to work to purify oneself and to open the channel by which grace can come. The channel is of sincerity, innocence. Learning to be innocent, humble, simple, uninhibited and free from effects of ego is sadhana. It is much more complex and difficult than any yoga practice which one may perfect.

Therefore, although we talk about Guru's grace or God's grace, it is a very distant reality in our lives. One has to strive to purify the mind of raga and dvesha, of the experiences which give pleasure, satisfaction and contentment, and of the experiences which give displeasure, dissatisfaction and discontent. This is the first level of purity that is demanded -- not recommended, but demanded.

The second level of purity is being innocent. When you are innocent you don't apply your intellectual mind to decide things according to your choices and wishes. Rather you become like an empty flute through which new melodies can come when played by an expert player.

So Guru's grace will only last for the time that you have uncorked yourself. Sometimes we even fear removing the cork - "I will lose myself, I will lose my identity. What will happen to me?" The insecurities bind us to this plane. If these things did not exist, then we would not exist, and we would all be enlightened. So it is important that they have a say in our life, but only a say. They should not control our life - we should be able to control our life. Do that and you will see the sky burst and a ray of light fall on your head.