Reflections on the Essence of a True Sage: An Inquiry into the Specialness of Indian Seers

The query about the 'greatness' of a teacher often echoes the critiques of renowned 20th-century philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, who frequently reminisced about the 'gurus' of various kinds. Krshipnamurti vehemently opposed the notion of followers attaching any special distinction to one 'guru' over another, arguing that such a practice fosters a culture of competition and ranking. This critique is not just directed at spiritual leaders but is also a broader commentary on human society's obsession with labels and rankings.

The Culture of Rankings and Competitions

Krshipnamurti’s primary objection stemmed from what he perceived as the impulse to build up a following, often based on the idea that choosing one individual over another elevates them to a special status. He argued that this mentality perpetuates a competitive and ranking-driven society where people vie for positions of prestige and recognition, which is inherently absurd.

The notion of ‘enlightenment’ or its degree of attainment is equally fraught with similar pitfalls. People often ask who is more enlightened or if someone in their life is truly enlightened. Yet, a more constructive approach for individuals to consider is whether a specific teacher or individual can provide genuine guidance in their life.

The question of 'greatness' or enlightenment cannot be divorced from the broader culture of ranking and competitiveness. Values, prices, earnings, and expectations are constructs that only serve to inflate conflict and division instead of fostering genuine connection and understanding. This can be particularly harmful when entire religions and philosophical traditions become collateral in human conflicts.

A Sage True to Themselves

Indian seers, revered throughout history, embody the idea of a sage who is truly in harmony with themselves and their environment. Not all of these figures are hailed as 'great' in the typical sense, but they are deeply true to their essence. For example, Ramana Maharshi is a prime example of such a teacher. He did not seek to place himself above others, but he provided genuine guidance to those who sought it.

Ramana Maharshi’s approach was not about seeking greatness but about providing true guidance. By focusing on one's own path and becoming true to oneself, such a sage transcends the artificial constructs of 'greatness' and 'personal advantage.' In this way, the true sage serves as a role model for individuals seeking genuine spiritual understanding and personal growth.

It is this authenticity that is truly valuable. When a teacher or a seer is true to themselves and their mission, they offer guidance that comes from a place of genuine wisdom and compassion, not from a place of ego or ambition. This kind of teaching is transformative and fosters a deeper, more meaningful connection between teacher and student.

Life as a True Measure of Value

The worth of a teacher or a sage is not to be measured in rankings or positional terms but in the impact they have on the lives of those they guide. The goal of a true sage is not to win an accolade or achieve a prestigious title but to bring genuine insight and understanding to the individual seeking wisdom. In this sense, a true sage is not someone to be worshipped or idolized but someone to be emulated in the pursuit of one's own truth.

Instead of measuring a teacher’s 'greatness' against others, we should ask ourselves whether we are truly being guided and transformed by their teachings. The true measure of a facilitator of wisdom lies in their ability to facilitate self-realization and personal growth. When we seek a teacher or sage, we should focus on whether they can provide us with genuine guidance and whether their approach resonates with our own journey.

Conclusion

The pursuit of truth and enlightenment is an individual journey that cannot be measured by external benchmarks or comparisons. The true sage is one who is true to themselves, and by extension, true in their guidance. This authenticity is the hallmark of a truly valuable teacher, and it is this authenticity that we should seek in our own lives.

Ultimately, the integral value of a sage or teacher lies not in the ranks they hold but in the transformative impact they have on our lives. Whether we call someone a sage or a teacher, the essence of what they offer remains the same: a path to truth, authenticity, and self-realization.