There is a fundamental difference between a teacher and a guru. There is a fundamental difference between a teacher and a guru. Teacher is the one who teaches us about the objects and processes of the external world, while guru teaches us the techniques of exploring the reality of our inner being- i.e. self, by which our life changes. Progress in life is possible by learning from a good teacher, but real peace and happiness comes only by learning from an enlightened guru. The word guru in Sanskrit means one who removes your darkness or ignorance. Scriptures talk elaborately about the qualities of a guru. Guru should be not only well-versed in knowledge, he should also be free from unnecessary desire for external objects, name, fame, etc. Then only can he be focussed on internal knowledge. Another word used for guru is Acharya- Swayam acharati iti acharya, meaning, one who conducts self as per his preachings is the acharya. The main learning comes from the conduct of a guru. There are very few gurus who can qualify to be an acharya. The real gurus are all hidden, and the celebrity gurus are seen everywhere. Celebrity gurus talk about futility of wealth, name, fame, etc., but they themselves are not free from desire for these things. Some gurus take away your wealth but not your anger, greed, jealousy, attachments. People who want quick gains fall for them. The only way our life can change for better is by getting correct knowledge. So, one should expect nothing else but knowledge of inner self from a guru. And by following this knowledge one should experience inner happiness. It is very rare to find a genuine guru. But where do you search for a real guru? The cardinal principle is that when there is an intense desire in you to go inward and search for inner happiness, a guru will automatically come in your life. The knowledge of inner world is presented in our scriptures. But it is not easy to imbibe that knowledge by merely reading their English translation. That is why we need a real guru to interpret this knowledge for us. Sometimes words may have different intended meaning. You know the real meaning of words only by understanding the communication style of the person. Since correct communication between guru-shishya is essential, it helps to remain in close contact with the guru. That is possible when you offer to serve the guru in whatever little way a guru may want. That is why acharya upasana is indicated as one of the 20 fundamental spiritual values in Bhagvad Gita. Sewa is an expression of the attitude we have. When devotion is there, it is bound to get expressed. Acharya upasana is an attitude of gratitude to a guru. Purity of mind is required before the esoteric knowledge of the soul is internalised by us. Otherwise no amount of preaching goes inside. And even if we understand knowledge, it does not create happiness in us. Purity of mind comes only though poonya karma. In the process of serving the guru, we create some poonya karma. The ultimate test of whether correct knowledge is being passed down, or not, lies in the fact that the disciple has to feel greater happiness and peace. The inferiority has to go. One feels the joy of complete freedom after knowing the reality of our soul as sat-chit-ananda.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 05:51:16 +0000
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