Role of a Guru

Guruji: The word Guru is so misused that it hurts sometimes. It is such a noble word, such a wonderful word. After your mother has given birth to you, and your parents have raised you, then the role of the guru begins and she helps you fulfill the purpose of your life.

 

A Guru is different from a teacher. Guru is a compound of two words, gu and ru. Gu means darkness; ru dispels it. That which dispels the darkness of ignorance is called guru. An enlightened master or Guru is called Gurudeva.

There is a vast difference between an ordinary teacher and a spiritual master. All followers of a Guru, despite their age, even if they are eighty years old, are like children to him. He will feed them, give them shelter and teach them without expecting anything in return. A Guru has no other desires but teaching those aspirants who are prepared.

The relationship between guru and disciple is a pure one that no other relationship is comparable. The Guru imparts a word and says, “this will be an eternal friend to you. Remember this word. It will help you.” That is called mantra initiation. Then he tells how to use the mantra. He removes obstacles. Since the student has desires and many problems, one does not know how to make decisions properly.

So the Guru will teach him how to decide and how to remain peaceful and tranquil. He will say, You are powerful and my blessings are with you. One may try to do something for him, but one cannot because Guru doesn’t need anything. Such a compassionate one spontaneously attracts your attraction, for you are bewildered. We wonder, “Why is she doing so much for me? What does he want from me? She wants nothing, for what he is doing is his duty, the purpose of his life.

As the sun shines and lives far above, the guru gives his spiritual love and remains unattached. Guru is not a physical being. Those who think of the guru as a body or as a man do not understand this pious word. If a Guru comes to think that his power is his own, then he is a guide no more.

The guru is tradition; he is a stream of knowledge. The stream of knowledge goes through many channels. Don’t ever believe anyone who comes and demands, Worship me”. Many fanatics think they should worship a Guru. A guru should receive our love and respect – that is different from worship. Genuine Gurus live selflessly, for selfless love is the very basis of their enlightenment.

They radiate life and light from the unknown corners of the world. The world does not know them, and they do not want recognition. Let us never forget that Guru is not the goal. Guru is like a boat for crossing the river. It is very important to have a good boat.

If my guru and the Lord both come together, I will go to my guru first and say, “Thank you very much. You have introduced me to the Lord.”I will not go to the Lord and say, “Thank you very much, Lord. You have given me my Guru

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When I switch on a computer, the monitor comes alive and I interact and work with the programs. The computer and the power switch enable my experience of the programs. The guru is like that: it is just an enabling device. Without it, there is no experience of the program. With it, the experience is still not guaranteed, but the conditions have been met for it to occur. The conditions are (1) having the computer, with electricity and programs; and (2) having the willingness to sit in front of it and work. Ultimately, you are the architect of your own realization

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The Guru is just the toll gate, the Guru-dwara that gets you onto the highway. The journey itself is yours. Strive to be self-directed. Decide what you feel is right. Don't listen to me; don't listen to any guru if we contradict the thoughts inside you. Do what you feel is right for you. Be a light unto yourself.

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The guru and shishya [disciple] relationship is like that of a transmitter and receiver. When I’m talking and you’re listening, I’m the guru and you are the shishya. When you’re talking and I’m listening, you’re the guru and I’m the shishya. In that sense the relationship between guru and shishya is just being in tune with yourself 

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Attachment to any physical form slows us down. The real feet of the Guru, those which you must not leave, are analysis and enlightenment. That is why we never, ever try to coerce or tie down in any way the people who come to seek near us. It is because we really love you that we want to set you free.

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Your Guruji is, first and foremost, yourself. Secondly, your mother and father, who together in their happiness gave you the great gift of life, are your Gurujis. Anyone who contributes to any kind of improvement in you – be they a brother, sister or friend – is your Guruji, your beloved. Kindness and compassion and genuine concern for your welfare are the characteristics of your Guruji.

I am one particular individual who is a Guruji, one among many, who likes to see joy welling up in every heart, a compassionate being whom you can speak to and whom you can relate to in any way you wish