It all started with Devi Parvati requesting Her Lord to impart the 'Knowledge' (jnyan) the creation (srushti), sustenance (sthiti), dissolution (laya), appearance and disappearance (tirodana) and Grace (anugraha) the inherent powers of the Lord. Thus, Shiva became the first Guru. Then, we have Rishi Agastya who requests Shiva, who in turn guides him to Vishnu, who in turn sends Varaha Deva to impart these secrets. Mahalakshmi who imparts this 'knowledge' to Shakra (Indra) is a known as Lakshmi Tantra, a prominent agama shastra! Then, we have the great sages performing rituals of fire sacrifice and there came a number of Agama Shastras, and the like. Vyasa Deva became the first guru imparting us through the great Veda, Upanishads, Purana, and the like. Bhagavan Shree Krishna is virtually our Guru imparting yoga shastra and brahma vidya. Thus, we have a great tradition of Gods and Goddesses, learned sages, and great teachers teaching us! It is this divine grace that protects us. The very feeling of gratitude to our teachers is enough!
The tradition of guru Vandana is widely practiced in Nepal where the Buddhist monks worship the Buddha. So also, the Jains worship their Tirthankaras. Now, this is a widespread tradition all over the world.
Today, Sunday, the July 5, 2020 is the day of Full moon celebrated as Guru Purnima. It is customary to remember the 'Guru' and pay obeisance and respects to Guru on this day. There is a custom of tracing the clan of the guru that takes us to Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshvara and sakshat Parabrahma as our mula guru. What we then trace is the Mother, Father, and the Teacher as our Guru. There is a guru parampara and each one is a transmitter, deeksha guru who initiates the disciples giving the secret sacred mantra (in his ears).
The tradition of guru Vandana is widely practiced in Nepal where the Buddhist monks worship the Buddha. So also, the Jains worship their Tirthankaras. Now, this is a widespread tradition all over the world.
Today, Sunday, the July 5, 2020 is the day of Full moon celebrated as Guru Purnima. It is customary to remember the 'Guru' and pay obeisance and respects to Guru on this day. There is a custom of tracing the clan of the guru that takes us to Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshvara and sakshat Parabrahma as our mula guru. What we then trace is the Mother, Father, and the Teacher as our Guru. There is a guru parampara and each one is a transmitter, deeksha guru who initiates the disciples giving the secret sacred mantra (in his ears).
Now, the question of a true guru arises. Who is a real guru? It is difficult to get a guru in these days of materialistic attitude of people. In the strict sense of the term, a 'guru' is one who does not sell vidya. But, it is stipulated that some dakshina, fee, has to be paid in return for the services of the guru. This is evident from the puranas where Dronacharya asks Ekalavya the very thumb for learning dhanur-vidya by proxy (keeping his picture and practicing archery!). This is not the true meaning a d purport of the term 'guru'. A true 'guru' does not teach anything and he/she need not be well-versed in any vidya to impart? Guru is like a burning fire-pot. Anyone who wants to purify oneself to attain to the highest spiritual state shall go and offer his ego in the fire-pot! There is no compulsion. There is no fee to be paid. In fact, a true guru will not allow anybody to go near him/her, let alone touch and bless! Yes, A guru maintains his distance from the world, the worldly, and all that is external. The guru is established in his/her Self. Atmanyevaatmana tishthah | One who is not established in one's self cannot be a guru. In this strict sense of the term, the guru just nor exist! I fact, anybody who is enjoying the sensuous life is not worthy of becoming a guru! A guru is a true sanyasi, renunciate, devoid of all worldly desires! He is a sarva asha parityagi, sarvarambha parityagi !
We have heard of great yogi who stays aloof in distant forests and on hill tops. People search for such attained souls and get their blessings by mere darshan! Such is the power of a yogi. A true guru is devoid of all human trivialities like greed, anger, selfishness and miserly behavior, Do we find one such a guru in our system?
People should not run to all and sundry and waste time. They should pray the supreme Lord and He will send, literally send, a guru to your door steps? Nodoubt about this. What is within only will manifest?
The relation of a guru with a disciple is limited only so far as imparting divine knowledge and blessings. Beyond that, there should not be any bondage. In fact, the duty of a guru is to liberate the embodied souls, to attain to mukti. The role of a guru is important in this task of liberation of the embodied souls! Mukti or liberation is not possible without the aid of a guru! Atrue guru is like the lineman of the power supply company who connects the houses with the electric supply line on the electric poles! One may have all the electrical fittings done but the current should flow from the street poles to the Meter Boards of the houses? The Electrical engineers do not come to do this job of giving connection. One may have already paid the requisite fee for connection, but the linesman should come. Thus, the role of a guru is great!
The relation of a guru with a disciple is limited only so far as imparting divine knowledge and blessings. Beyond that, there should not be any bondage. In fact, the duty of a guru is to liberate the embodied souls, to attain to mukti. The role of a guru is important in this task of liberation of the embodied souls! Mukti or liberation is not possible without the aid of a guru! Atrue guru is like the lineman of the power supply company who connects the houses with the electric supply line on the electric poles! One may have all the electrical fittings done but the current should flow from the street poles to the Meter Boards of the houses? The Electrical engineers do not come to do this job of giving connection. One may have already paid the requisite fee for connection, but the linesman should come. Thus, the role of a guru is great!
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