A disciple of the great Chinese mystic philosopher Lao Tsu narrates the following story. A young man joined the gang of a robber chief named Chi. One day the young apprentice asked his leader, "Can the Tao (the right Way) be found is thieving?". And Chi replied: "Pray tell me of anything in which there is no Tao, a law or right way. In thieving there is the wisdom by which the booty is located, the courage of going in first: the heroism of coming out last, the insight of calculating the chances of success, finally, there is justice in dividing the spoils equitably among the robbers. There never was a successful thief who did not possess these five qualities."

There are principles to be learned in every activity of life, even in thieving. An apprentice in any profession needs training. This is all the more true of spiritual life. The disciple of Lao Tsu continues, "The doctrine of the wise is equally indispensable to the good man and to the robber. Since good men are few and bad men are in the majority, the good the sages do in the world is little and the evil done by the rest is great." In the course of my travels in the West I have been amazed at the amount of energy which is constantly expended on destructive activities. How many soldiers, pilots, technicians and even scientists are being trained for war? Why can't even a fraction of the same time and energy be used for training in the spirit, in making ourselves receptive to divine illumination, bliss and peace?

The highest goal can be shown only by person who has attained it or by one who has least gone very near it. Regarding the importance of right guidance in spiritual life, the Upanishads declare:

Many do not hear about the Self. Many others, though they hear it, do not understand it. Wonderful is he who speaks of it. Wonderful he who learns of it. Blessed is he who taught by a good teacher, is able realize it. (Katha Upanishad)

The truth of the Self cannot be fully understood when taught by inferior person, for there are different opinions regarding it. Subtler than the subtlest is this Self, beyond all logic. When taught by teacher who has realized himself one with Brahman, a person attains the goal and becomes free from transmigration. (Katha Upanishad)

Let a man devoted to spiritual life examine carefully the ephemeral nature heavenly enjoyment. To know the Eternal, let him humbly approach guru established in Brahman and well versed in the scriptures. To a disciple who approaches reverently, who is tranquil and self-controlled, the wise teacher gives that knowledge, faithfully and without stint, by which is known the truly existing, changeless self. (Mundaka Upanishad)

Reference: Meditation and Spiritual Life by Swami Yatiswarananda (p.124,125)