How to Recognize a True Master - Dr. M W Lewis

From a talk given at Self-Realization Fellowship Temple, San Diego, California

It is difficult to recognize a true master until we have learned to know the real values in life; yet there are certain fundamentals by which almost anyone can distinguish a real master from those who are merely self-appointed teachers.

Jesus spoke about this subject; in the twenty-third chapter of Matthew he talks to the people about the scribes and Pharisees who gave orders to others. But "all their work," he says, "They do for to be seen of men: They make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments"—indicating their indulgence of the ego consciousness—"and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues"; that is, they want to be in positions of prominence. And they want "to be called of men, Rabbi,Jesus spoke about this subject; in the twenty-third chapter of Matthew he talks to the people about the scribes and Pharisees who gave orders to others. But "all their work," he says, "They do for to be seen of men: They make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments"—indicating their indulgence of the ego consciousness—"and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues"; that is, they want to be in positions of prominence. And they want "to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi." But Jesus cautions, "be not ye called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ: And all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth, for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: For one is your Master, even Christ."

© "Dr. M W Lewis : The Life Story of one of the Earliest American Disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda" published by Self-Realization Fellowship, 3880 San Rafael Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90065-3298, USA. Website: www.yogananda-srf.org. Reprinted with permission.

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