The Hindu Article - Guru shows the proper path

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Date:22/07/2003 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2003/07/22/stories/2003072201410900.htm

Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Guru shows the proper path

 

CHENNAI JULY 22. What can make even a spiritually oriented, well

versed and duly qualified person to become fully evolved and

perfectly disciplined as to serve as an example to others? The answer

is: the guidance given by an enlightened teacher who himself has

acquired the grace of God by his austerities. Such a person can make

others who come to him to become purified and be in the presence of

God. The master, who is called the "Guru", will transmit his

knowledge, discipline him and lead him to the path of self-

realisation. Everyone anxious to tread this spiritual path should

keep his mind free from impurities and when he is ready there will be

someone competent who will impart spiritual lessons and knowledge.

The responsibility of such a teacher will be to remove the ignorance

of his disciples. Such an elevation of mind can be achieved only

through the help of a Guru who will teach him the Truth and make him

realise that God and he are one as spelt out in the Upanishad. The

Guru removes the clouds and darkness in his mind.

 

In the earlier stages of a man's life the mother provides him with

worldly knowledge. After this it is the duty of the father to train

him and later in his life when he is immersed in family he feels the

need for Divine help and when problems crop up he seeks peace and

then he desperately goes to God. Here the Guru, through whom he has

to go, will enable him to tread the proper path and show him

the "power" that will give him what he needs. The Guru makes the soul

perfect and qualified to march towards God. What is required of the

latter is absolute faith in the preceptor.

 

Among the disciples of Adi Sankara was one who was deeply devoted to

him and was highly obedient. The other disciples were indeed jealous

of him. Once Sankara, standing with others on one bank of the river,

which was in spate, beckoned this disciple who was on its other side

to come to him. Unmindful of the depth of the river and the distance

to be covered he rushed towards his Guru. As he laid his steps, lotus

flowers sprang up from beneath enabling him to cross the river

effortlessly and reach his master. That is the example of devotion to

one's spiritual guide, said Swami(ni) Gnanananda Saraswathi in a

discourse. That extraordinary disciple was hence called "Padmapada".

Apart from this deep faith everyone should show interest in the work

he is entrusted with. As Sankara said, God should be experienced

within and outside.

 

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