The Role of the Guru

The Guru is God Himself manifesting in a personal form to guide the aspirant. Grace of Guru is united with God. He inspires devotion in others. His presence purifies all.

To light a candle, you need a burning candle. Even so, an illumined soul alone can enlighten another soul.

All great ones had their teachers. All the sages, saints, prophets, world teachers, incarnations, great men have had their own Gurus, howsoever great they might have been. Svetaketu learnt the nature of Truth from Uddalaka, Maitreyi from Yajnavalkya, Bhrigu from Varuna, Narada from Sanatkumara, Nachiketas from Yama, Indra from Prajapati; and several others humbly went to wise ones, observed strict Brahmacharya, practiced rigorous discipline, and learnt Brahma-Vidya from them.

Even Devas have Brishaspati as their Guru. Even Sanatkumar, the greatest among the divine beings, sat at the feet of Guru Dakshinamurti

Choosing the Guru

If you find peace in the presence of a Mahatma, if you are inspired by his speeches, if he is able to clear your doubts, if he is free from greed, anger and lust, if he is selfless, loving and I-less, you cantake him as your Guru. He who is able to clear your doubts, he who is sympathetic in your Sadhana, he who does not disturb your belief but helps you on from where you are, he is whose very presence you feel spiritually elevated – he is your Guru, implicitly follow him. God will guide you through the Guru.

From a doctor, you get a prescription. From two doctors, you get consultation. From three doctors, you get your own cremation.

Even so, if you have many Gurus, you will be bewildered. You will be at a loss to know what to do. One Guru will tell you: “Do Soham Japa.” Another will tell you: “Do Japa of Sri Ram.” A third Guru will tell you: “Hear Anahata sounds.” You will be puzzled. Stick to one Guru and follow his instructions.

Guru is the holiest of the holy

The Sun shine in the day; the moon in the night and lamp lights the house destroying the darkness therein. But the Guru keeps his disciple’s heart illuminated at all hours of the day. He destroys the darkness of ignorance in the heart of his disciple completely. Therefore, for the disciples, Guru’s feet are the most sacred of sacred places.