Question: How many first-class disciples do you have?

Sri Chinmoy: Very few. They can be counted on the fingertips. They are very few, very, very limited. I can expect only those disciples to maintain their inner connection with me. But there is no certainty. Second-class disciples can become first-class. Provided he really wants to be a good student and sincerely tries hard, one who is not good now may become good. Again, some first-class disciples have gone down from first to second, third, fourth. I have written a book called The Ascent and Descent of the Disciples, all about this kind of movement. Some started from fifth class and slowly and steadily they have gone up. Some have maintained their standard. They are like good students who always do well in their studies. Some students have maintained their high standard right along.