The Hindu Article - Valuable advice given by 'Gurus'

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Date:01/02/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/01/stories/2003020100160600.htm

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Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Valuable advice given by 'Gurus'

 

CHENNAI FEB. 1 . The problems, which stare at people naturally, make

them feel distressed and helpless. No doubt they pray to God to

enable them to surmount these difficulties. But they have in their

midst "living gods" who, by virtue of their spiritual powers, can

give them solace and offer solutions to get over even baffling

situations. What distinguishes them from laymen are their penance and

austerities. All can approach them and they are often likened to a

cool park, giving asylum to one and all. They live for the good of

everyone. Tormented souls can approach them and like the Ganga in

which anyone can take bath and get their sins obliterated, they will

extend their grace and compassion to all. A great tradition has

evolved that every believer in God should seek a "Guru" or a

religious leader whose advice is valuable.

 

The noble guide lights up the imperishable lamp of wisdom in the

deserving with true affection, as their only desire is that the

entire world should be happy, prosperous, should enjoy peace and

their distress removed. The grief-stricken, on their part, by their

conduct, should become eligible to earn their grace. It is in this

context that the modern generation is fortunate to have secured the

guidance of the Sankaracharyas of Kanchi, who continue to shed lustre

on all. By his divine vision, the Sage of Kanchi was able to choose a

proper successor to carry the torch, said Sri P.M. Vijayaraghava

Sastrigal, in a lecture on the occasion of the Jayanthi of the

present senior Acharya.

 

The "Guru" tradition has been in vogue from time immemorial as seen

even in God's incarnation as Rama, whose spiritual mentor was

Vasishta. Just prior to Rama's proposed coronation, the sage gave a

candid advice to Him asking Him not to engage Himself in war with the

neighbouring countries (as others used to do when in power). "The

fame of one who does not quarrel with others will spread far and

wide", Vasishta added. "Ayodhya" itself meant "no war". This advice

later made Rama to be lenient to even the sinner Ravana. Pointing out

how the Lord, in His incarnation as Krishna, took the guidance of a

master, Smt. Sudha Seshaiyan said when He came to Mathura, His

important enquiry was whether He could learn the scriptures under an

Acharya and He received training under Sage Sandeepani. Holy texts

say that the Guru leads a man to God. The compassion such saints

shower on all is akin to a mother's kindness to her wards.

 

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