In Eastern traditions, coaching is considered one of the noblest arts. A coach, often referred to as a guru, is respected more than parents and even more than God. Kabir famously said, “If asked to choose between my Guru and God, I will choose Guru because it is he who showed me the way to God.”

Serving others through nondual coaching is indeed a noble profession.

Historically, the method of coaching followed these principles:

1. A seeker would stay in a subject-specific resident school (Ashram) run by a Master in that subject for a preset period.
2. The seeker would not pay fees upfront but would help the Master manage the Ashram while learning, primarily through practical experience and direct interaction with the Master.
3. Once the Master was convinced that the seeker had achieved their goals, the seeker would be relieved.
4. Upon leaving, the seeker would pay the Master what the Master needed or whatever the seeker could give.
5. These Ashrams thrived on voluntary support from past students, who expressed their gratitude through ongoing contributions.

This method continued for centuries until the commercialization of education and the establishment of state-run schools introduced the concept of “fees,” thus distancing seekers from the traditional Master-disciple relationship.

While this historical method of coaching has its merits, it is entirely normal and appropriate to charge for coaching services today. Just as Ashrams once relied on voluntary support, modern coaches offer their valuable expertise, time, and guidance, which deserves fair compensation. Charging for coaching ensures that coaches can continue their important work.

To accommodate different financial situations, consider a tiered payment system. This could include options for those with limited means to pay a reduced fee, a standard fee for those who can afford it, and a higher fee for those who can contribute more. This approach makes coaching accessible to a broader range of people and allows those with greater financial flexibility to support others in need, fostering a community of mutual support.