Question: Would one of them become the Guru and lead the services?

Sri Chinmoy: No, unfortunately or fortunately, no. Unfortunately I say, because some of them may want to become Gurus. But their desire will not be fulfilled. Fortunately I say, because to become a Guru is to suffer constantly. I do not want my disciples to suffer the way I and every other true Master suffers.

Each of my Centres has a president or a leader. I have taught them how to conduct the meetings in my absence. But when it is a matter of real inner guidance, unfortunately they have not been able to attain the spiritual stature for that. While I am alive if one of my disciples attains God-realisation, then naturally I will say that he or she will succeed me. But right now I see that this is not likely to happen, and in that case there will be a good leader conducting everything, but he will not be my spiritual successor.

I take the role of a conscious messenger who carries the aspiration of the seekers to the Supreme. Others are not able to do this in the same way. Again, it all depends on how much progress the disciples make. Unfortunately, still we have not got any God-realised souls. But I am proud of them. They are really progressing.

From:Sri Chinmoy,AUM — Vol. 2, No. 9, 27 September 1975, Vishma Press, 1975
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