Is there a substitute to a Guru?

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The concept of Guru is unique. With careful observation, one might appreciate

the existence of the concept of Guru in every way of life, in one form or the

other. This includes all civilizations and cultures mankind has seen thus far.

Could there be a substitute to Guru? If we can say that books can substitute

teacher, we could probably say that one needs no Guru. Let us not forget that

such a conviction should also precede an assumption that everyone can read!

Could exercises such as meditation or performing a ritual compensate the

benefits of having a Guru? Experiences can be felt or realized through several

sources. However, pursuit of such an experience without the right objective

does not constitute a spiritual experience. On the other hand, it may just be a

temporary state of well being, without any permanent gains. Exercises such as

meditation have been scientifically proven to exert a positive influence on the

human mind and body. Several great men have practiced and preached different

ways of such activities. However, temporary spurts of feeling good do not lead

to any permanent transformations. This is evident from the rate with which such

phenomenon have arrived and vanished. One reason for the failure to accomplish

any thing major through these exercises may be the fact that enough importance

is not placed on the importance of completely understanding the concept of

Guru.

Sri Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swamiji during a discourse challenged, "Is it

possible to meditate upon something unseen or unheard?". How many of us can

truthfully do this? If this could be possible, then where is the necessity for

Guru, for the objective of a meditation is the merger of meditator and the

object meditated upon. Human intellect responds to attributes that it can

easily relate to. Such an object makes the pursuit of the unknown easier. In

fact, it becomes absolutely necessary for some, given the frivolous nature of

the mind. Reference to Satan in some religions and Maya in some others probably

indicate the same predicament.

The necessity for a Guru is well explained in scriptures. Guru’s manifold

functions, and the fact that Guru is the closest to God one can experience is

also well illustrated. Realization that Guru is none other than God and He is

nothing but the all pervading conscious, is truly a blissful experience. We

find several examples for this phenomenon in Sri Sai Satcharitha including the

episode of Madrasi Bhajani Mela and Dr. Pandit. Who might say that there is no

need for Guru? The Guru Himself? How could a soul that personifies humility and

modesty say such a thing? Baba said always, "Allah Malik, God is Great!" and

yes, He Himself has referred to His Guru many a times!

source:saibaba.org

Arun Reddy Nukala

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