The Perfect Relationship: The Guru and the Disciple (ISBN 0911307761)

The Guru-disciple relationship is key to spiritual progress:
This book shows us how to recognize a true Guru, and having found one, how to enhance that relationship. I have been meditating for many years, but until recently I did not see the need for a Guru. I had no concept of it. It seemed so illogical to me. But now that I do follow a Guru, I find that there is something very mysterious and magical about the relationship. Something very powerful. I find that, just as the book says, by surrendering to and serving the Guru, it allows his Shakti or spiritual energy to automatically come into me and work its miracles. Specifically, and most importantly, it brings my meditation to a much higher level. Meditation becomes effortless and much more productive. I am amazed by the power of this Guru-disciple principle. The author, Swami Muktananda, was a great yogic master who achieved spiritual liberation through his relationship with his Guru. I recommend this book to spiritual seekers who are aware of the importance of the Guru-disciple relationship, and want to enhance it in order to get the most out of it.

Helpful words for understanding a Guru:
This gem of a book has been a valuble help for understanding my Guru and how to appreciate the relationship more fully. When you don't understand the principles behind the Guru and disciple relationship, dealing with your Guru can be difficult. Understanding his words as love, his directions as the gentle proding of a parent, and his requirements as grace makes relating to him so much easier! This is what Swami Muktananda conveys in his book about the Perfect Relationship. Nothing can be more refreshing or complete than the relationship between a disciple and their Guru. Swami Muktananda writes in a loving way about the qualities of a 'true' Guru, weeding out the 'false' ones as well as what is required to be a disciple that is pleasing to the Guru. He says that what the Guru teaches can be difficult at times but in the end it leads to supreme bliss. The book is also filled with Swami's ever insightful stories that aid in complete understanding of the concepts he is sharing with the reader. This is a powerful work about a truly precious relationship.