The master is within; meditation is meant to remove the ignorant idea that he is only outside. If he is a stranger whom you await, he is bound to disappear also. What is the use of a transient being like that? But so long as you think you are separate or that you are the body, an external master is also necessary and he will appear to have a body. When the wrong identification of oneself with the body ceases, the master will be found to be none other than the Self.
Ramana MaharshiThat is the ego which rises and sinks periodically. But you exist always. That which lies beyond the ego is consciousness - the Self.
Ramana Maharshi