To Chetan Merani about Guru Pournima

[Guest guest]

Dear Chetan ~ I really appreciated what you had to say about the meaning of

the passage from the Guru Gita as posted by Swamiji on the website. Because I

am caught up in very personal issues at the moment, that was how I related to

the passage. What I read in your interpretation is more universal, and this

is extremely meaningful to me. Without the universal principles, as

represented by the Guru, by Brahma, by Vishnu, by Shiva, it is very easy to become

caught up or lost in the sea of objects and relationships. I am a bit lost in my

grief, so your words aided me in regaining some balance. Also, I have heard

Swamiji talk about the first meaning of Gu and Ru, which you present. But I

had never heard the second where Gu means "not limited by attributes" and Ru

means "not affected by appearances." This too is very helpful. Thank you ~

Linda

 

Chetan Merani wrote:

 

"Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu

Gurur Dcvo Mahesvarah

Gurur Saakshat Para Brahma

Tasmai Shrce Gurave Namah" The above stuti addressed to Guru mentions

'salutations to the noble teacher Who is Brahma, Vishnu and Lord Parmeshwara and

Who is verily the supreme Brahman'. The Guru is like Lord Brahma because he

creates the character in children. The Guru is like Lord Vishnu because he

protects the good qualities in his students. The Guru is like Lord Shiva because

he destroys the bad habits and bad qualities of his children.

Guru poumima is observed as the day for honouring the Guru. The word 'Guru'

is a Sanskrit word. 'Gu' means "darkness", 'ru' means "removal". So the word

'Guru' means the one who illumines the intelligence and removes ignorance

that is obstructing the full development ol his pupils. The word 'Guru' also has

another meaning 'Gu' means, "not limited by attributes" and 'ru' means, "not

affected by appearances". So the Guru is one who is free from prejudice and

treats all pupils with equal love.

Lord Shiva Himself accepted his son Subrahmanya as His Guru, when He learnt

the meaning of Pranava (Omkar) from him. Avatars like Rama and Krishna also

submitted themselves to their Gurus, Vasishtha and Sandipani respectively, for

getting self-realisation and that only virtues necessary for such progress

are faith and patience. Sai Baba also surrendered lo His Guru Venkusa lo open

the gates of wisdom and for attaining spiritual powers.