Association with the spiritual master is in two forms: vapuh (personal presence) and vani (through his instructions). Associating with the vapuh helps develop the ability to associate with vani. Thus we should seek our spiritual master’s personal association. Then, when we hear his instructions, we can carry out our real business of following them. We want to associate with the spiritual master so we can hear. By hearing we will develop our faith in his instructions. If we are in his presence, we will also be able to see his example of applying his own guru’s instructions. That too helps us develop our faith. Certainly if we are fortunate enough to come into our spiritual master’s presence, we should take advantage of the opportunity in order to strengthen our ability to follow his vani.
Lectures from a disciple, Vol 1, Pg 68, 3rd paragraph