The Guru Tattva or the Guru principle is the eternally valid principle for the development of consciousness that leads the creation from unreality to reality, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of reality. In its purest form, this cosmic principle manifests and reveals itself on earth as a divine incarnation or a spiritual Master. On the occasion of Guru Purnima, let us delve deep into the concept of Guru. Here is what the founder of Yoga in Daily Life, Swamiji, says on the subject.
Just as a residential building receives its supply of electricity directly from the power station, a direct and conscious connection also exists between the realised Master and God. Through spiritual and mental work, meditation and practice, the Realised Masters have attained enlightenment and become one with the Divine Will. They are the wise ones who guide all those who are still living in ignorance towards the truth, instructing them and cautioning them.
At whatever level each process of development occurs, it also involves a growth in knowledge. The process of transmitting knowledge is often illustrated with the lighting of candle. The master lights the light of knowledge within the disciple, who-when he has assimilated the teachings of the Master and internalised the Guru principle of the Master – finally becomes the Master himself.
The essence of the Guru principle is described in the following slokas.
Dhyana Mulam Guru Murti
Puja Mulam Guru Padam
Mantram mulam Guru Vakyam
Moksha Mulam Guru Kripa
The root of meditation is the Guru’s form
The roots of worship is the Guru’s feet
The roots of mantra are the words of the Guru
The root of liberation is the grace of the Guru.
Yoga is a path we are able to travel along independently up to a certain point. We are able to achieve almost everything through the practice of Yoga; we are capable of expanding our consciousness through the entire Cosmos (Bhramanda) and experience absolute emptiness (Shunyakasha), but we are unable to attain liberation (Moksha) this way. To free ourselves from the fetters of Karma and the cycle of rebirth and death, we need the help of the spiritual Master as the transmitters of Divine Grace. Only with the help of God and the Master are we able to complete our journey.
The essence of Parabhraman exists within each of us This spark of the Divine Light is the “motor” of our spiritual drive and our mental development. The “Guru” principle also works within us, guiding our soul towards the light of knowledge and truth.
The development towards our spiritual goal can be supported by external and internal influences, but can also be hindered by them. From amongst the favourable influences there are four specific occurrences that are a great blessing:
• To be born as a human
• To be raised by loving and spiritual parents
• To have a yearning for knowledge and truth
• To meet a Realised Master.
If these four beneficial occurrences come together in one lifetime, there is a great chance of reaching the spiritual goal. But if this golden opportunity is allowed to slip by unused, there may not be another opportunity for a long time.
In life we encounter six types of Gurus:
1. Parents are the first Gurus. The influence and example of the parents, especially of the mother, are of great importance in the continuing development of the child.
2. Playmates and school friends are the second Guru. Character and habits are formed by the society that we predominantly keep.
3. Third are our school teachers and professors. They help us acquire the knowledge and skills required for our profession and within society.
4. The fourth Guru is the religious teacher or the priest who introduces us to the religious teachings and ceremonies of our culture.
5. The fifth Guru is the Satguru, the spiritual Master, who shows us our spiritual Dharma. He teaches us the true religion and our connection to God (Sat Sanathan Dharma), which stands above all denominational differences. The spiritual teacher shows us the way to our real Self (Atma). He opens the door to liberation and God-realisation for the disciple.
6. Ultimately, the sixth and final Guru is the inner Master that exists within each and every one of us. As the disciple attains mastery he becomes his own Guru and also becomes capable of passing on the light of knowledge and wisdom to others.
Excerpt from “The Hidden Power in Hhumans – Chakras and Kundalini” by His Holiness, Vishvaguru Paramahansa Swami Maheshwaranandaji.
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