Introduction, Part 2

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Introduction, Part 2

 

There is no tradition for us that does not sing the

glorified descent of one's own Guru beginning with

either SadaSiva Samarambham or Narayana Samarambham.

In all our stotras (recitals) of gods and goddesses,

there is none which does not speak of the god or

goddess as Guru Roopa. The reciting of any part of

the Veda begins with Sri Gurubhyo Namah.

 

Like this, in any path of worship Guru is invoked and

the incantation of other deities merges with that of

Guru. So the Mother of the Universe, Parvathi Devi,

Herself, questions Parameshwar, "What is Guru and how

is Guru worshipped?" In their heavenly abode of

Kailas and in the presence of seven great Rishis

(saints), a conversation ensued between the Primordial

couple, Parvathi and Parameshwar for the good of all

Sadhakas (practicants) and Maharishis.

 

It is, however, our Dattatreya Swami who propagated

the Guru tradition and its knowledge in the human

world for the first time and thereby He became Parama

Guru (supreme spiritual mentor). He is thus

known as 'Guru Maarga-Pravartak' (preceptor of the

path of Guru.) Later, Bhagavan Vyas propagated the

same through his Puranas and the discussion that took

place between Siva and Parvathi has thus come to

be called Gita in his "Skanda Purana". Later, Sri

Sankaracharya , the founder of six religious branches

interpreted the glory of Guru in its true light and

preached it to the mankind.

 

Since it is unique, it has been concluded that this

wonderful tradition of Guru is laid down for

fulfilling the basic desires and which otherwise is

impossible for the whole world. Needless to say,

that it is not such an easy one. How to approach

Guru? How to serve? How to please? How to meditate

upon? How to worship? -- All these are wrought with

several conditions, dedication, determination,

faith and hard work. This book is the sum total of

these details. Those who are not cautious and alert

at all times can never get the grace of Guru. Lord

Shankar revealed all the clues to Mother

Parvathi regarding worshipping a 'Guru' without any

inhibition in this "Guru Gita."

 

It might occur that if only one could first select

Guru, the point of serving him arises. Indeed, you

cannot select Guru by yourself, for you cannot know

whether one is a Jnaani (knowledgeable person) or

not.

 

A doubting student studying the first standard asked

his teacher whether he knew the hundredth

multiplication table. The teacher replied in the

affirmative and read it out quickly. The student

could

not understand whether it was right or wrong. He

asked a gentleman nearby, "Sir, is it alright?" The

gentleman replied that it was perfectly right. Now

the student was haunted by another doubt-- whether the

gentleman knew it or not. The poor fellow doesn't

know. He doesn't trust others for fear of deceit.

Then how does the boy know the capacity of the

teacher?

 

The boy with his little knowledge cannot estimate the

knowledge of his teacher though many testify to it.

But with the teacher's skill in reciting the

multiplication table, his demonstration of

self-steadiness, testimony to his knowledge by others

and the love that teacher showers on him, the boy

gradually gets influenced and begins to believe in his

teacher. With that faith, he studies well and becomes

an expert in mathematics and comes to understand that

his teacher not only knows the hundredth

multiplication table but has a thorough

knowledge in mathematics. He also then realizes that

the hundredth multiplication table that he thought a

big thing in his childhood was the least important.

 

Similarly, in the spiritual path, we ourselves cannot

recognize and decide upon the selection of Guru.

 

 

 

 

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