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Q: What
is the meaning of Guru? Who can be called a Guru?
A: Our
ancient scriptures have defined the meaning of Guru through various
illustrations. A Guru has been described as one who leads us from
darkness to light, from untruth to truth and from ignorance to the
knowledge.
I would say
that a Guru is one who leads others the path of spirituality and
ultimately takes one unto God. A Guru acts as a spiritual mother of
the disciple and takes utmost care so that the disciple can reach his
ultimate destination of self-realization.
Q: Is it
true that a person can not advance on the spiritual path without a
Guru?
A: I
personally don’t believe so. For example even without having a Guru,
one can get up early in the morning, pray to God, sit in meditation,
read inspiring books, perform Japa, sing bhajans, make
efforts for the purification of the mind, perform introspection and
try to overcome one’s weaknesses. One does not have to wait for a
Guru in order to practice such austerities.
If you have
bad habits, does it make sense to wait indefinitely for a Guru before
attempting to rid yourself of them? Why should you wait for a Guru
before implementing good habits? So according to me, a Guru is not
inevitable in order to advance on the path of spirituality.
When one
reaches a certain point in sadhana and truly needs someone to
guide them for spiritual advancement, God will send someone in the
form of a Guru. Until then one should continue to march forward on the
path even without a Guru.
Q: When
a person comes into contact with his Guru for the first time, how does
he know that this is the Guru for him? Does some special attraction
take place?
A:
Sometimes a special attraction does take place and sometimes it does
not. Sometimes a person feels indefinable peace in the first meeting
with his Guru whereas sometimes nothing happens. There is no universal
law in this regard.
I would say
that a person should take time in deciding about his probable Guru.
One should observe the different facets of his Guru's life. If after
such prolonged observation one’s soul is attracted towards him then
one should accept him as his Guru.
The
relation of a Guru and shishya (Disciple) spans a lifetime and
has profound effects upon one’s life, so one should take utmost care
before accepting someone as his Guru.
Q: Tell
us about the characteristics that one should consider before selecting
a Guru.
A: Never
select your Guru in haste. First, have a closer look at your Guru's
daily routine. Second, ask yourself whether or not the Guru’s ideas
and thoughts are acceptable to you. Ensure that the Guru is interested
in sadhana and whether he himself has some experience in
sadhana; verify that the Guru’s nature matches with yours; check
whether the Guru has any bad habits or any material desires.
In ideal
Guru should have love for God and should have attained
self-realization or self–knowledge. Try to have frequent contact with
your probable Guru and ascertain that the Guru's philosophy and
attributes are ideal in all aspects and then make your decision
accordingly.
Once you
select a Guru, maintain a deep attachment with him. Have complete
faith in your Guru. Never forsake your Guru for trivial reasons. Never
say malignant words about your Guru. Even in adverse situations,
remain loyal to your Guru with utmost faith and devotion.
Q: How to find an ideal Guru?
A:
I would
say that one would not always be able to come by an ideal Guru. The
main criteria is that one has to prove themselves to be deserving of a
Guru. I mean, one has to become an ideal shishya to come across
an ideal Guru.
If you are
submerged in material pleasures and worldly desires, lust and anger
etc. how can you
come across
an ideal Guru? First, you must rise above such things and earnestly
yearn for the grace of God or Guru. Then the Guru will come and find
you instead of you finding them.
In the
present time it is more difficult for a Guru to find an ideal disciple
than vice versa! First, try to be an ideal shishya and God will
take care of the rest.
Q: Can a person have/make more than one
Guru?
A: Yes, one
can. A Guru is one who provides inspiration, who guides one on the
spiritual path. A person can have more than one such Guru. It is for
the individual to decide as to who his Guru should be.
Ideally a
person should take refuge unto the feet of only one Guru. A Guru, who
inspires an individual for spiritual progress and leads one to the
Divine. A Guru is one whose vision is enough to fill one's heart with
complete dedication of his being, his identity and his ego. A Guru is
an entity with whom one establishes a lifelong relationship as ‘Guru-Shishya’.
Ramakrishna
Dev said that there can be many Shiksha Gurus (from which one
can take inspiration) but there can be only one Diksha Guru
(ultimate guide for the advancement on the path of spirituality).
Complete dedication should be in only one Guru’s lotus feet.
Q: How can I ideally serve my Guru?
A:
Depending upon the requirements and interests of your Guru, there are
different ways to serve him. However according to me the best service
of your Guru lies in following the path he has shown for your
spiritual advancement.
You should
have an unconditional and indubitable faith in your Guru. You should
sincerely
try to follow your his teachings. You should never try to see
your Guru's
faults but instead try to see faults within yourself. If you can not
praise or spread the glory of your Guru then be silent but never say
anything negative about him. By following these, you will serve your
Guru in an ideal manner. |
