Guru is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘gu’ meaning darkness or dispeller and ‘run’ meaning light or dispeller. So, a guru is an individual, who dispels darkness and illuminates the path to knowledge. The Guru is seen as a guide on the path to spiritual realization, helping the disciple to understand the meaning and significance of the scriptures and attain higher wisdom.

The Guru is considered to be a living embodiment of spiritual truth and is often identified with the deity, representing the divine in human form. The classical definition of Guru is a personal, religious teacher and spiritual guide.

In our ancient, Hindu spiritual texts, the guru is described as the source and inspirer of the knowledge of the Self, the essence of reality. Rig Veda hymn 4.5.6. In the Vedic tradition knowledge of the Vedas was transmitted orally from Guru to pupil, emphasizing the importance of personal instruction and guidance. The Upanishads, which are speculative commentary emphasize the importance of the guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship in religious instruction. Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Once the Guru purifies himself both externally and internally and assumes the body of the deity he worships, his disciples receive his grace and illumination.

Compassion and empathy are essential

The attributes of an ideal Guru are many. Knowledge and wisdom are the characteristics of a Guru and thus the Guru is able to guide others on the spiritual path. Self-mastery is another ability of the Guru which leads one to control one’s own mind and emotions and to live in accordance with truth and virtue. Compassion and empathy are essential qualities of a Guru. Patience and perseverance are cardinal virtues which enable a Guru to guide the students.

Now let us understand a Guru, who is a human being. The guru is imperfect but is blessed with Jnana Shakti. The Guru has clay feet and can make grave errors. The relationship between Guru and shishya is one of teacher and student and not based on fear. A shishya can question the Guru as the guru awakens one’s buddhi (wisdom) and therefore one learns to be fearless and cannot be misled. One cannot blame the Guru for one’s missteps. The Guru awakens one’s awareness and guides one to use one’s moral compass.

How to become detached

Lord Krishna in the Uddhava Gita, tells one that one does not have to go far to find a guru. There are many around us. He gives a list of Gurus to follow and the list includes the earth, elements, and animals. He states that one must observe them and follow their examples. The Uddhava Gita’s origin was when Krishna’s avatar was about to end. Uddhava was Krishna’s cousin and he was a messenger. He was heartbroken that Krishna would leave. So, he asked Krishna to bless him with the knowledge and how to become detached. Then Krishna pointed out various facets of nature as being teachers. He simplified the task of finding a guru.

So dear ones, I hope you can find your Guru.

Aim Hrim Klim