Our Sadguru

[Guest guest]

Dear friends and devotees,

 

Bhakti is eternal.

 

Most of us wonder some time or the other who a sadguru is, why God does

not punish wicked forces before they cause harm and whether we can see

God.

 

In this connection, I reproduce some of the profound answers to such

questions, furnished by Parama Pujya Guruji Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda

Swamiji, for your information.

 

Who is a real Guru?

 

One who has attained pefection is a guru. He pricks the inflated balloon

of our ego. He embodies what he teaches. He guides disciples towards

eternal bliss and liberation.

 

Can we see God?

 

Man alone among all living creatures possesses an inner light. Man can

see this inner light if he can overcome the limitations of the mind.

This inner light is God.

 

Why does God not punish arrogant wicked persons before they can cause

harm?

 

As in the case of Ravana, God allows one's profound bhakthi of even and

arrogant person to move mountains, before he inflicts punishment. From

God, even punishment is an act of His grace.

 

Is knowledge alone the means of God's realisation?

 

No. Among other sure means of God realisation is " Divya naama

sankeerthana " or continuous chanting and singing of God's numerous

devine names.

 

Why do the saastras exhort us to tread the path of Dharma?

 

The common concept of Dharma is incorrect. According to the Saastras,

renunciation is the foundation of the dharmic path. It leads one and

all to permanent happiness. This also requires the righteousness of

attitude,righteousness of action and righteousness of deeds. The stress

in Dharma is the welfare of all by individual action.

 

What is the true meaning of " tapas " ?

 

Sitting in a forest with uncut hair and chanting japas is not tapas.

In theory, tapas is inquiry about God persued with burning desire and

deep concentration. The Vedas pescribe several ways to put this theory

into practice. One way is to adhere to truth, another to control the

senses and the third, to engage in charitable activities. All these

become tapas only when the intention is to benifit others. Any action

performed with unselfish intention is tapas. Performing one's assigned

duties with dedication, be it household work or agriculture, also

amounts to tapas.

 

What are the basic features of true worship?

 

The ideal way to worship God is to make all living beings happy by all

available means. Efforts to relieve other's hunger, thirst and

suffering, expecting no praise or reward of any kind in return is true

" Ishvara pooja " . To such worshippers, God gives himself.

 

How can one attain liberation or Moksha?

 

Man is unique among all beings because he has a personality beyond the

body, mind and intellect. He is a spiritual being. The prime purpose

of human life is to discover the spirit in man. Moksha is the

successful quest for the devine presence in ourselves. Moksha can be

achieved during the lifetime, with great effort and precise guidance

from a learned Guru.

 

How is music linked to the divine?

 

The Creator is a master musician, constantly playing sublime music. We

only have to attune ourselves to receiving that music and even turn

ourselves into instruments in His hands. This certainly ensures harmony

and balance in life.

 

With love and regards,

 

Sastry.