S p i r i t ua l i t y S t u d i e s 3 - 2 Fa l l 2 0 1 7 2 7 Mark Graceffo creatively engaged with the world, to be fully present to life in all its manifestations. At the guru’s feet, metanoia and magis merge and all seems attainable. Thoughts are purified, doubts fade, and selfish desires disappear. The heart swells and the yearning to be more, to embrace more, overwhelms. I imagine this is how Jesus’ disciples felt when they sat at his feet. In the guru’s company, my thoughts often turn to the stories in the Gospels, and how Jesus’ disciples and followers would often be at his feet. I envision Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive oils, and then drying them so tenderly with her hair (John 12:3). I think of Mary Magdalene at Jesus’ tomb, when after realizing that the person she thought was the gardener was really Jesus, drops to the ground and cups his feet in her hands, "Rabboni (Master)" she sighs (Matthew 28:9). I imagine all the time Jesus’disciples sat at his feet listening to him teach and tell stories, asking questions, relaxing, enjoying his company. I think too of the Last Supper and the way in which Jesus bowed to and venerated each of his disciples by washing their feet, encouraging them to do the same, to live for others, to be more. Having been in a guru-disciple relationship for a number of years now, I no longer feel any hesitation to bend down and take hold of the feet of my guru, who is affectionately called Guruji by his initiates and students (in Indian culture, "ji" is a suffix attached to a name to convey respect and affection). But as much as I love Guruji, it is not really him that I bow to. What we call "the guru" really has no body or mind. The guru resides in each of us. It is our Highest Self, our Inner Light, the Kingdom of God within (Luke 17:21). Thus the guru in physical form is only reflecting back to the disciple that which is inside the disciple as well. The guru just helps one to see, to remember that the Divine Nature so easily seen in the guru, dwells just as fully in us. Didn’t Jesus tell us this, that his Spirit will abide in us? Isn’t this the gift he left us? (John 14:17). Touching the feet of the guru is about humility and learning to surrender. I surrender to the guru in order to surrender elsewhere in life. The guru helps me cultivate a propensity to put others before myself, to consider even the smallest of daily actions as being an offering to God and neighbor. And with every offering I surrender a little more of the selfish desires that separate me from God and all that God created. At the guru’s feet something deep within my heart is awakened. It is a grace filled moment where the ego withers a bit, my noblest intentions become palpable, and a greater, more complete turning towards God seems imaginable. When metanoia meets magis both God and guru delight, pleased by our desire for transcendence, as they patiently wait for the magis to be given expression.
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