‘Guru pad pankaj seva teesri bhakti amaan’-‘The third type of devotion is selfless service to the Guru’s lotus feet without any desire or pride’. These words of Shri Raam to Shavari in Shri Raam-charitra- manas show clearly the significant role of the spiritual teacher in the life of the spiritual aspirant. Indeed, according to the tenets of Sanatan Dharma, the Guru’s role is most substantial, with him often acting as the intermediary between the soul and the Supreme. The Guru Gita aptly describes the Guru as “dispeller of darkness” (from gu, ‘darkness’ and ru, ‘that which dispels’). He is one who, in his attainment of self-mastery, has realized his identity with the omnipresent Spirit. Such a one is uniquely qualified to lead the seeker on his or her inward journey toward perfection.
Hindu scriptures regard the Guru along with the mother and the father as the most venerable teachers of an individual. The maxim ‘Aachaarya Devo Bhavah- The teacher is God’ speaks volumes of the necessity of the Guru in one’s life. In Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavan Krishna speaks to Arjuna of the importance of finding a Guru. He says:
‘Acquire the transcendental knowledge from a Self-realized master by humble reverence, by sincere inquiry, and by service. The wise ones who have realized the Truth will impart the Knowledge to you.’
The Guru-shishya tradition is one that focuses on the transmission of teachings from a Guru to a ‘shishya’ (disciple). In this relationship, subtle and advanced knowledge is conveyed and received through the student’s respect, commitment, devotion and obedience. The spiritual teacher beholds God’s presence in everyone and guides the shishya on the road of self realization. He prescribes the ‘saadhan’ or spiritual discipline and instructs the student in the use of the mantra (sacred formula) to assist in his meditation and in the journey towards attaining his ‘saadhya’ or goal. This goal, the ultimate one in man’s purpose on earth, is the attainment of the state of self-realization.The conscientious student recognizes that no amount of theoretical study is of any avail and eventually masters the knowledge that the Guru embodies.The example of the Guru who, though human, having achieved spiritual enlightenment, leads the devotee to discover the same potentialities within himself.He is a living embodiment of scriptural truth. Without doubt, the real way to freedom lies in following one who has traversed the forest of the world process and can lead one safely to God.
The institution of the Guru has evolved over the years as a means of passing along the various basic tenets of Hinduism and transmitting spiritual and fundamental knowledge to the world at large. In India Gurus formed the axis of the ancient educational system and ancient society, and have enriched various fields of learning and culture by their creative thinking. The Guru tradition has had lasting significance in the betterment of mankind.
Speaking of his Guru, ParamahansaYogananda said, “Only he who knows God can show others how to know Him. When I found such a one, my Guru, Swami Sri Yukteswarji, I realized that God doesn’t teach through mystery, but through illumined souls. God is invisible, but He becomes visible through the intelligence and spiritual perception of one who is in constant communion with Him. There may be many teachers in one’s life, but there is only one Guru.”
About the importance of the Guru, Swami Vivekananda says: “This insufficiency of books to quicken spiritual growth is the reason why, although almost every one of us can speak most wonderfully on spiritual matters. When it comes to action and the living of a truly spiritual life, we find ourselves so awfully deficient. To quicken the spirit, the impulse must come from another soul. The person from whose soul such impulse comes is called the Guru – the teacher; and the person to whom the impulse is conveyed is called the shishya – the student.”
Tribute must be paid to all the Gurus of SWAHA, the most esteemed Pundits who have been working tirelessly to spread the illumination of enlightenment across the length and breadth of this land and internationally. SWAHA remembers the ground-work laid by its founding Guru, the late Shankaracharya Pt Hari Prasad. Acknowledgement and deepest gratitude must also be extended to the Spiritual Head of SWAHA, Paramacharya Pt. Hardeo Persad who continues unceasingly to build upon these strong pillars through his indefatigable work.
The unending sacrifice made by Gurus in improving the human condition is indeed unique and it is on such firm foundation that many shishyas are guided towards enlightenment.
