by Gurani Anjali
The great texts of the world acknowledge that the essence of the entire universe is a mighty, powerful force which is within and without, permeates the entire universe, one without a second, undying and unborn; the absolute.
This knowledge comes through realization by the guidance and grace of the Guru.
Guru is a small word consisting of two parts: gu meaning darkness or ignorance and ru meaning illumination, light or knowledge. Thus, the Guru means “one who leads one from ignorance to knowledge.” The Guru is the intermediary. To a sincere and devout aspirant the Guru is the messenger of the absolute. The goal of human pursuit is to be one with the absolute (God) and the Guru makes this possible, for the absolute is unmanifest (unseen). The Guru can be seen and is manifest.
Human existence is continuously going through changes. Our experiences are filled with pain, pleasure, home, friends, and family. They are like the waves of the ocean; they rise and they fall, then they disappear, and the essence of these experiences is known as samskara. We are left with mental images within. Mind is the power between the manifest and unmanifest; therefore, undecaying from birth to birth, mind carries past impressions, the subtle residua of all of life’s experiences.
The Guru is essential as long as ignorance prevails. On the path to Self-realization one encounters many obstructions constructed by illusions [of maya]. Confusion and uncertainty are challenged by way of discrimination [discerning the real from the unreal]. The Guru in life’s spiritual journey faithfully imparts wisdom to the seeker, remembering that at one time the Guru was a disciple, a follower. As the Guru remembers [his/her own] Guru, in humbleness and respect, his/her power and strength is renewed to uphold the dignity of man. With power and insight the Guru leads one. The Guru embodies the totality and is able to infuse this within the devout aspirant. The Guru awakens the knowledge that lays dormant and is able to awaken the powers that are within to become effective. Therefore, anyone who can infuse the vibration of spiritual awakening can become a Guru. But remember this; the Guru is born of the Guru.
In all fields of endeavor, whether one wants to be a doctor or an educator, one needs a teacher.
Guru is Brahman – nistham srotriyam, indicating that the Guru is the embodiment of the teachings and is fixed in the knowledge of transcendence.
Ramakrishna, the great sage of Calcutta, India, was illiterate, yet he acquired knowledge and became fixed in the absolute. Today his name is known all over the world. There have been many great lives that have lived and are here no more, yet they still live amongst us.
Guru Purnima is a celebration, especially for the aspirants on the path. It is on this day that the greatness of the Guru (respected teacher) is worshiped with extra vigor. Not that we don’t pay our respects every day, in thought, word, and deed, but on this day of all days we collectively gather together and arouse feelings of gratitude, love, and above all, respect. For it is this human, known as teacher/guide/Guru, who is a most necessary and important personality in one’s life. No progress on the spiritual path can be accomplished without the grace of the Guru.
It is said that one’s mother is the first Guru; she gives us entry into this physical world and introduces us to our particular cultural life styles. Similarly, the Guru is needed to guide us into our spiritual living. Without this most important personality, Self-realization will be very difficult to attain even for the highly competent individual.
However, finding the perfect teacher (Guru) is very difficult. Be very careful in choosing a spiritual guide.
The Guru leads.
Learn the truth by coming before the Guru.
Offer up your services and inquire.
Knowledge can be imparted because the Guru has seen the truth.– Bhagavad Gita Chapter IV.34
The primary qualification of a sincere aspirant is sincerity of purpose.
Relationship between Guru and disciple is strengthened on three principles:
- Pranipatana – appear before the Guru in respected faith.
- Pariprasnena – inquire in humbleness.
- Sevya – selflessly rendering of menial services.
– Bhagavad Gita Chapter IV.34
The watchful eye
The care-filled touch
Words of wisdom lead me on
From the unreal to the real
Incessantly it was given
Patiently I waited
For my Guru to lead me on– Gurani Anjali
Om shanti,
Gurani Anjali