Masters tell us to be child-like. What does "child-like" mean?

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

The teachings of the Master are a treasure of divine wisdom and offer a positive approach to the problems of life. The Questions and Answers are meant to give outer guidance for present-day concerns using the timeless teachings of Sant Kirpal Singh.

QUESTION: Masters tell us to Be child-like. What does “child-like” mean? 

ANSWER: Sant Kirpal Singh conveyed the story of Mukta Muni as told by Sant Kabir, (Dialogues of Kabir). It is a perfect example of what the scriptures and Masters mean when they counsel us to be child-like.

Mukta Muni was a young boy whose parents were disciples of Sant Kabir. He was asked by the Saint if he wanted anything.  Mukta Muni replied that he had practically everything which he needed, so asked Kabir to choose for him what might be the most precious thing. Kabir then asked the boy what he thought was the most precious thing, to which Mukta Muni replied, “If I knew I would have named it. I leave it to you to think of what would be best for me.”

Kabir: “All right, you will get the best and the most precious gift, even while you play. You will not have to burn midnight oil over it. I will grant you what yogis achieved after a lifetime of effort and practice.”

Why did Sant Kabir grant the most precious boon to this child who had done nothing to deserve it, something he had not given even to His most devoted disciples?  

"Children don't need explanations, only elders (adults) do. Since the children do not intellectualize and follow a mere hint with simplicity of mind, they are quicker to grasp the truth and innately experience it.” Sant Kabir

 When we lose our child-like simplicity and purity, we think we must always control everything, that we have to become or do something to deserve something; always looking out for our own self-interests. But children innately trust their parents will do everything for them; simply, with no intellect, no doubts, just surrendering in full faith, knowing only good can come. And in the same way, Masters say such trust and simplicity are essential for spiritual growth. "God's love is the love of thousands of parents"(Sant Kirpal Singh) so to become like a child, we should simply trust God from heart.

"He (the seeker) will have to develop the faith of a child who, having trusted himself to a loving hand, moves as directed, never questioning anything…. If we develop childlike qualities, we can reach our Goal." Sant Kirpal Singh

Surrendering to God does not mean slavery: it means liberation. You can leave all your cares and anxieties to God. He will guide, protect and care for you.

Now in the already rising Golden Age, total control is in the hands of Sant Kirpal Singh. He is not the body, He is the Power, the spirit of all saints, past and present. Only He can reveal to you the God in you; you can repose your full faith in Him. One day you will see He is the competent One. No one is like Him.

Sant Kirpal Singh

Sant Kirpal Singh giving a flower to a small child