Some people can be very knowledgeable in certain areas; proficient, for example, in intellectual wisdom, but still lacking in the embodiment of Truth and its integration in all aspects of their being. This being the case, they are still in their own spiritual darkness and cannot lead anyone else where they have not been themselves. The ego is still their dominant operating system. An essential part of making our way from darkness to light is, in fact, seeking out various teachers.
Like in asana practice where we cannot realize the full expression of most postures on the first try, neither are we given the full understanding of ourselves by our first teachers.
There is a process to Self-realization. The practice of learning deeper surrender into a posture and also into the humility needed for a guru-disciple relationship takes time.
But our prostrations in forward bend on our mats prepare us for the final bow at the feet of the master. The yoga sutra is fulfilled and we become free:. Of course, it is true that the Divine Light lives within each of us.
And that a true guru enters into us and accepts us. But if our awareness is still steeped in forgetfulness of our true nature, we are in darkness.
And darkness cannot perceive light within itself. Left to our own devices, the ego will forever run the show. But if the switch is turned on by one already embodying the light, then we can perceive our true nature as it has always been. The battle between dark and light, between the ego and the soul , is the fundamental action in this world of duality. It is a great blessing that true gurus have come in every age to lead us back to Truth and the realization of our innate light and love.
So, now that we've discussed what does not make a true guru, let's discuss what does :. Finally, a true guru does not have to be embodied to continue guiding devotees. A master such as Paramahansa Yogananda left extensive writings with his darshan blessing , which continue his lineage and message.
But many students prefer the personal connection they feel with a living teacher. One easily accessible, fully Self-realized master embodied today is Amma Mata Amritanandamayi. She is known throughout the world as the "hugging saint," purely exemplifying love and compassion as well as serving humanitarian needs worldwide.
Continue reading about How to Find Your Guru. Dadashri: Where your heart rests; make that person your guru. Do not call him your guru until your heart becomes completely still. That is why I have said if you make someone your guru; make sure it is someone whose image does not leave your 'eyes'. Dadashri: When a young man wants to get married, he goes to look at different young women.
He will meet and see many girls. What is he looking for? He is looking for the kind of woman who would be acceptable in every way. If she is fat, she will feel heavy to his eyes. If she is very skinny then he feels hurt; he understands by looking into her eyes. So what do we mean by 'a guru that does not leave your eyes? His speech fits you; it is tailor-made for you, his conduct also fits. This is the kind of guru you need!
Questioner: Yes, that is correct. The total dependence ashritpanu on the guru demands such qualities. Dadashri: Yes, if ever a guru is such that he can dwell in your heart and you like everything he says, then you can become dependent on him. Thereafter you will be free from all suffering. A guru is a very big phenomenon.
With him, you should feel that you are at peace and that you have come home and your heart rests there. Just by looking at him, you forget the world, you become oblivious to the world; such a person can be made a guru. Otherwise, the guru loses his worth and importance. This is natural.
Nothing else! Everything else will decrease. One person asked me why I disclose everything I know instead of holding some knowledge back. I told him that this Gnan increases by giving. Both mine, and his, will increase so what am I losing? What is the need for Guru? Spiritual texts such as the Srimad Bhagavatam mention some individuals having multiple guru, as their spiritual quest progresses. In Hindu culture, prostrating yourself before someone is a sign of deep respect. You will see devotees do this before a guru and in temples before murti images of the divine, used to focus devotional attention.
This is done, in both cases, not because the devotee literally believes they are bowing down to God, but rather because of their devotion to the Divine principle embodied or manifested before them. You will also often see people touching the feet of their parents and other people whom they respect and imbue with authority and devotion.
The feet are the focus in both cases, as the book What is Hinduism? All nerve current terminate there. The vital points of every organ of the body…are there. Touch the feet and we touch the spiritual master. Touching them shows respect for the totality of that person. Hindu spiritual texts are often quite strict in their description of how students should behave towards their guru strict obedience, not questioning their instructions, giving over personal belongings, etc.
But just as society as a whole has trended towards more egalitarian and less hierarchical attitudes in the past 50 years, so too have expectations around the behavior of students to a guru.
Respect, deference, and devotion is still fully the expectation, but the complete submission that traditional texts mention is usually not the norm anymore. Students are expected to be humble in front of their guru, and when sharing teachings with others, make sure to credit the guru. Guru may be special, but they are also still human. Such behavior is increasingly and rightfully condemned when it occurs.
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