Q&A: The practical problem solver

Is it really necessary to seek help when we are suffering from mental problems? Can't we just meditate by ourselves and find the answer?

Suppose you say, "I am suffering from certain mental difficulties, but I know the answer is inside. Now it is all night, but I feel that there is light inside my heart." This is what you feel, but you find it difficult to go deep within and discover the light. Then you have to go to someone who can bring to the fore the light that you have within you. It is as if you have misplaced the key to your own house and you don't know how to open the door. But a friend of yours comes with a light and helps you look for the key. After you find it with his help, you open the door and then he goes away. If you are ready to search in the dark for the key that you have lost, then you can try. But if you have a friend who has a light, then you can have more confidence in finding the key. So the teacher is a helper, an eternal friend who helps you in your search. When he helps you find the key, he won't keep it. He as won't say it is his key. No! It is your key, your house, your light. Then you will enter into the house and get everything that you needed and wanted.