Have you seen God?

He was a young boy. Though young he had deep interest in spiritual matters. Even in his childhood he used to meditate for long hours. He was desperately looking for someone who can make him realize the God.

Once upon a time he went to a spiritual teacher who was taking bath in a holy river. He stood in front of him and asked - "Have you seen God?". The teacher didn't expected such a straight question and was bit confused. Instead of answering the young boy's question he said - "O Child! Your eyes look like a Yogi". The young body understood that the teacher has not seen God yet. He repeated the same question to many spiritual teachers but in vain. No one gave positive answer.

His search for the answer continued. Once upon a time he went to meet with a priest of Kali temple. He asked the same question to the priest. To his surprise the priest firmly said - "Yes. I have seen the God. I have seen Him more clearly than I see you all."

The priest was no one else but Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the young boy was Swami Vivekananda.

This story teaches many important aspects:

• In today's commercial world where everybody claims to be a great Guru it is important to identify who is real and who is fake. How many can give the same answer as Ramakrishna? Possibly very few.
• Before you become disciple of a Guru ensure that he is enlightened first. If your Guru himself is not self-realized then his guidance may or may not take you to the destination. Such Guru can guide you to some extent but he may not be able to show you the light. So, be careful while choosing your Guru.
• Don't think that you should ask the same question to each and every spiritual personality you meet. Here intention is not to test somebody or prove his lack of knowledge but to get a right Guru.
• For asking this question you should have the same burning desire as that of the young boy