How much is necessary for self realization and how much is sufficient?

Background

Necessary (the bare minumum) and sufficient (complete) are interesting words. Lets understand this in the context of spiritual dimension, self realization, etc.

Hunger

The hunger for self realization is just like hunger for food. You have to cook for yourself here and eat your own food. Just like, me eating will not fill your stomach, you have to progress on the path on your own. There is no magic wand here.

An exception to this is gurukrupa, which can transform a person immediately. But such gurus are hard to find today. Most are commercial.

Necessary and Sufficient of cooking

It's like knowing how to cook dal rice roti subji to make food to ensure you don't go hungry. This is necessary.

If you learn Chinese, Italian etc. That is additional. There are so many recipies to learn. But the basic procrss of cutting, heating, Mixing remains the same. Remember that it is never sufficient.

Similarly, when the basics are clear, you will better appreciate the other recipeies for food and sporitual paths of others. The stand that only my path is right falls apart. Compassion and support for everyone develops.

Where is the guru to guide us?

As adwaita is one, guru is in all the forms. A book, a person, a thought etc. It's not a person at a place at a time. Be confident that the gurutatva, the element of the guru is always within us. We just have to be aware of the guidance and be open. thats all.

The realm of the self

There is no business in the self. Hence many Babas and gurus don't speak about it. They speak about experiences, which are still in the mind domain.

Those who do, are doing, silent work for humanity. Eg ramakrishna mission.

Ramkrishna Mission

Why the word mission and not ashram? I started looking at answers. Their mission is

आत्मनो मोक्षार्थं जगद्धिताय च (Atmano Mokshartham Jagaddhitaya Cha), meaning “for one’s own liberation and for the welfare of the world” is embodied in an aphoristic principle given by his Master Sri Ramakrishna: शिव ज्ञाने जीव सेव (Shiva jnane jiva seva), that is, “service of man is worship of God” or “service of God in man”. This is the guiding philosophy for all the philanthropic activities of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Blessing

May your life be aligned to the Ramkrisha Mission to add tremendous value to humanity on an ongling basis.