Question: How does one begin on a spiritual path?

Sri Chinmoy: If one wants to follow a spiritual path, then to start with, one needs inspiration. He can get this inspiration from spiritual books, preferably written by the genuine spiritual Masters. Then, if he does not get adequate inspiration from the books, or if the books are not satisfying the seeker, he should mix with the disciples of some Masters in order to get inspiration. If he mixes with aspirants who have already found a path, then he gets encouragement and assurance. Finally, he should find a teacher. If there are quite a few teachers available, he has to make a choice.

The easiest way to select a Master or a path is to see which one gives you the greatest joy. The teacher who gives you the greatest joy is meant for you: you have some inner affinity with that particular teacher. Once you have chosen your Guru and your path, then you have to have all loyalty to your Master and all faith in him and in his path.