Realisation of one’s own true nature happens by the removal of ignorance through Self-knowledge. Guru is the one who removes our ignorance by imparting knowledge.The meeting of a sincere spiritual seeker and his Guru happens through divine intervention. To fulfil the sincere thirst for Knowledge, the Lord sends to the student a Guru, well-versed in the scriptures and rooted in Knowledge. Self-knowledge being extremely subtle can be gained only by a well-qualified student. It is therefore imparted and effective only when the recipient approaches the Guru with the right attitude. This right attitude is symbolised by the following five attunements.2. The right attitude is symbolised by the following five attunements: i. Falling Prostrate: Traditionally this means to fall at the feet of the Guru, like a stick, dandabat- danda means stick and bat means like, without any reservations, and with the attitude of surrender. This signifies total surrender and complete humility. ii. Asking Questions: The Guru likes questions from the disciples; the type of question, the eagerness to know indicates the quality of the student. Asking indicates an enquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge. Disciple should not waste the rare opportunity in asking questions out of idle curiosity or about worldly matters. The spiritual aspirant should ask questions like, Who am I? What is my goal of life? What should I do and what I should not do? What is bondage and how I can attain Liberation? iii. Faith: faith is needed in gaining any knowledge, be it secular or spiritual. Faith always has a locus. For knowledge, we need to have faith in the efficacy or validity of the means of knowledge, the existence of the object of knowledge and in the ability of the knower to know it. iv. Readiness to Act: Without readiness to act on what is understood, nothing is gained. A student must be prompt and efficient in carrying out the wishes of the Guru. A disciple, lazy in thought and action, achieves nothing. Self-knowledge involves initially preparing the mind through spiritual practices and thereafter listening, understanding, reflecting and contemplating on the Truth. v. Self control: An uncontrolled and indulgent mind gets distracted and dissipated. Such a weak mind fails prey to every temptation. A self-controlled mind remains focussed on the goal to be achieved.
Posted on: Sat, 21 Sep 2013 04:54:40 +0000