Maulana Amin Owrakzai shaheed (Allah have mercy on him) said,

These days people have made Tasawwuf and sulook a petty issue. Bayiah is a mere ritual. Neither the disciple does anything nor does he have an intention to do (in future). Moreover khilafet is bestowed on mediocre actions and capabilities.

Previously searching for a Shaikh was like finding a suitable spouse.

After demise of (my first Shaikh) Maulana Gorghashti I approached Allama Yusuf Binori (Allah have mercy on them) for bayiah. He instructed me to recite salutations (durood) 50,000 times , istegfar 50,000 times and make istekhara every Thursday. After istekhara I saw in dream that Prophet (Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) poured his blessed saliva into my mouth. On reporting this to Shaikh he accepted my bayiah. After he passed away I struggled a lot searching for another Shaikh. After much contemplation and discussion with pious elders I settled for one. On visiting him I was instructed to recite istegfar 127,000 times in a month and do istekhara. Even after that in light of istekhara he guided me to another Shaikh.

To cut the story short, in past for bayiah one had to struggle excessively. Only after that one was able to sit at the feet of Shaikh and be in his company.

Nowadays Pirs visit mureed. Disciple has to do no significant effort. People are encouraged to commit (bayiah) using lame excuses. Shuyuk do not have self-reliance (istegna) and seekers lack yearning. Whereas, in reality a perfect (kamil) Shaikh is always in a state of fear for being accountable to Allah (for guiding others). Then, how can he invite others for his bayiah?

Risala al-Mazhar, Kohat. special issue 2017