By
SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA
A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION
Sixth Edition: 1998
(2,000 Copies)
World Wide Web (WWW) Edition : 1999
Website: http://www.divinelifesociety.org/
This WWW reprint is for free distribution
© The Divine Life Trust Society
ISBN
81-7052-069-X
Published By
THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
P.O. Shivanandanagar—249 192
Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal,
Himalayas, India.
CONTENTS
In spite of much that has been written on the concept of a spiritual
Guru, there is still a good deal of confusion, misunderstanding, and
skepticism in the public mind on this vital matter.
Is a Guru absolutely necessary? Who is a Satguru? How far can he help
his Chela (disciple)? What are the duties of a disciple? What is the
meaning of Initiation? Want of clear-cut and definite answers to these
and related questions often impedes the spiritual progress of earnest
aspirants.
Under the circumstances, the present book by Satguru Sivanandaji Maharaj
should come as a boon to many. Within its pages, the reader will find
an authoritative, succinct and bold elucidation of the entire subject
of Guru-disciple relationship.
We have great pleasure in releasing this book for the benefit of spiritually
thirsty men and women all over the world. May the blessings of the Lord
and the Brahma-Vidya Gurus be upon all!
—THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
Chapter One
Ajnana-Timirandhasya Jnananjana-Salakaya;
Chakshurunmilitam Yena Tasmai Sri Gurave Namah.
Prostrations to that Guru who, by the collyrium-rod of Knowledge, opens
the eyes of those who are rendered blind by the darkness of ignorance
(Guru Gita).
The Guru is God Himself manifesting in a personal form to guide the
aspirant. Grace of God takes the form of Guru. To see the Guru is to
see God. The Guru is united with God. He inspires devotion in others.
His presence purifies all.
The Guru is verily a link between the individual and the Immortal.
He is a being who has raised himself from this into That,
and thus has a free and unhampered access to both the realms. He
stands, as it were, upon the threshold of immortality; and bending down,
he raises the struggling individuals with his one hand, and with the
other lifts them up into the empyrean of everlasting joy and infinite
Truth-Consciousness.
The Satguru
Mere study of books cannot make one a Guru. One who has studied the
Vedas and who has direct knowledge of Atman through Anubhava can only
be enrolled as a Guru. A Jivanmukta or a liberated sage is the real
Guru or spiritual preceptor. He is the Satguru. He is identical with
Brahman or the Supreme Self. He is a Knower of Brahman.
Possession of Siddhis is not the test to declare the greatness of a
sage or to prove he has attained Self-realisation. Satgurus do not exhibit
any miracles or Siddhis. Sometimes they may exhibit them in order to
convince the aspirants of the existence of super physical things, give
them encouragement, and instil faith in their hearts. A Satguru is endowed
with countless Siddhis. He possesses all divine Aisvarya, all the wealth
of the Lord.
The Satguru is Brahman Himself. He is an ocean of bliss, knowledge
and mercy. He is the captain of your soul. He is the fountain of joy.
He removes all your troubles, sorrows and obstacles. He shows you the
right divine path. He tears your veil of ignorance. He makes you immortal
and divine. He transmutes your lower, diabolical nature. He gives you
the rope of knowledge and saves you when you are drowning in this ocean
of Samsara. Do not consider him to be only a man. If you take him as
a man, you are a beast. Worship your Guru and bow to him with reverence.
Guru is God. A word from him is a word from God. He need not teach
anything. Even his presence or company is elevating, inspiring and stirring.
The very company itself is self-illumination. Living in his company
is spiritual education. Read ‘Sri Granth Sahib’. You will
come to know the greatness of Guru.
Man can learn only from a man, and hence God teaches through a human
body. In your Guru, you have your human ideal of perfection. He is the
pattern from which you wish to mould yourself. Your mind will readily
be convinced that such a great soul is fit to be worshipped and revered.
Guru is the Moksha-Dvara. He is the gateway to the transcendental Truth-Consciousness.
But, it is the aspirant that has to enter through it. The Guru is a
help, but the actual task of practical Sadhana falls on the aspirant
himself.
The Need For A Guru
For a beginner in the spiritual path, a Guru is necessary. To light
a candle, you need a burning candled Even so, an illumined soul alone
can enlighten another soul.
Some do meditation for some years independently. Later on, they actually
feel the necessity for a Guru. They come across some obstacles in the
way. They do not know how to obviate these impediments or stumbling
blocks. Then they begin to search for a Master.
Only the man who has already been to Badrinath will be able to tell
you the road leading to it. In the case of the spiritual path, it is
still more difficult to find your way. The mind will mislead you very
often. The Guru will be able to remove pitfalls and obstacles, and lead
you along the right path. He will tell you: “This road leads you
to Moksha; this one leads to bondage.” Without this guidance, you
might want to go to Badrinath, but find yourself in Delhi!
The scriptures are like a forest. There are ambiguous passages. There
are passages that are apparently contradictory and others that have
esoteric meanings, diverse significance and hidden explanations. There
are cross references. You are in need of a Guru or Preceptor who will
explain to you the right meaning, who will remove doubts and ambiguities,
who will place before you the essence of the teachings.
A Guru is absolutely necessary for every aspirant in the spiritual
path. It is only the Guru who will find out your defects. The nature
of egoism is such that you will not be able to find out your own defects.
Just as a man cannot see his back, so also he cannot see his own errors.
He must live under a Guru for the eradication of his evil qualities
and defects.
The aspirant who is under the guidance of a Master or Guru is safe
from being led astray. Satsanga or association with the Guru is an armour
and fortress to guard you against all temptations and unfavourable forces
of the material world.
Cases of those who had attained perfection without study under any
Guru should not be cited as authoritative against the necessity for
a Guru; for, such great men are the anomalies of spiritual life, and
not the common normality. They come into existence as spiritual masters
as a result of the intense service, study and meditation practised in
previous births. They had already studied under the Guru. The present
birth is only its continuative spiritual effect. Hence, the importance
of the Guru is not lessened thereby.
Some teachers mislead their aspirants. They say to all: “Think
for yourself. Do not surrender yourself to any Guru.” When one
says, “Do not follow any Gurus,” he intends to be the listeners’
Guru himself. Do not approach such pseudo-Gurus. Do not hear their lectures.
All great ones had their teachers. All the sages, saints, prophets,
world teachers, incarnations, great men have had their own Gurus, however
great they might have been. Svetaketu learnt the nature of Truth from
Uddalaka, Maitreyi from Yajnavalkya, Bhrigu from Varuna, Narada from
Sanatkumara, Nachiketas from Yama, Indra from Prajapati; and several
others humbly went to wise ones, observed strict Brahmacharya, practised
rigorous discipline, and learnt Brahma-Vidya from them.
Lord Krishna sat at the feet of His Guru Sandipani. Lord Rama had Guru
Vasishtha who gave Him Upadesa. Lord Jesus sought John to be baptised
by him on the banks of the river Jordan. Even Devas have Brihaspati
as their Guru. Even the greatest among the divine beings sat at the
feet of Guru Dakshinamurti.
A neophyte must have a personal Guru first. He cannot have God as Guru
to begin with. He must have a pure mind. He must have ethical perfection.
He must be intensely virtuous. He must be above body-consciousness.
Then alone can he have God as Guru.
Choosing The Guru
If you find peace in the presence of a Mahatma, if you are inspired
by his speeches, if he is able to clear your doubts, if he is free from
greed, anger and lust, if he is selfless, loving and I-less, you can
take him as your Guru. He who is able to clear your doubts, he who is
sympathetic in your Sadhana, he who does not disturb your beliefs but
helps you on from where you are, he in whose very presence you feel
spiritually elevated—he is your Guru. Once you choose your Guru,
implicitly follow him. God will guide you through the Guru.
Do not use your reason too much in the selection of your Guru. You
will fail if you do so. If you fail to get a first-class Guru, try to
follow the instructions of the Sadhu who is treading the path for some
years, who has purity and other virtuous qualities, and who has some
knowledge of the scriptures. Just as a student of the Intermediate Class
will be able to teach a student of Third Form when a professor with
M.A. qualification is not available, just as a sub-assistant surgeon
will be able to attend on a patient when the civil surgeon is not available,
this second-class type of Guru will be able to help you.
If you are not able to find out even this second-class type of Guru,
you can follow the teachings contained in the books written by realised
saints like Sri Sankara, Dattatreya and others. You can keep a photo
of such a realised Guru, if available, and worship the same with faith
and devotion. Gradually you will get inspiration, and the Guru may appear
in a dream and initiate and inspire you at the proper time. For a sincere
Sadhaka, help comes in a mysterious manner.
Mysterious Help From The Lord
Just see how the Lord has helped the devotees in the following instances.
Ekanath heard an Akasa-Vani, a voice from the sky. It said, “See
Janardhan Pant at Deva Giri. He will put you in the proper path and
guide you.” He acted accordingly and found his Guru. Tukaram received
his Mantra “Rama Krishna Hari” in his dream. He repeated this
Mantra and had Darshan of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna directed Namadev
to get his higher initiation from a Sannyasin at Mallikarjuna. Queen
Chudalai assumed the form of Kumbha Muni, appeared before her husband
Sikhidhvaja in the forest, and initiated him into the mysteries of Kaivalya.
Madhura Kavi saw a light in the firmament for three days consecutively.
It guided him and took him to his Guru Nammalvar who was sitting in
his Samadhi underneath a tamarind tree near Tinnevelly. Bilvamangal
was very much attracted to Chintamani, the dancing woman. The latter
became his Guru. Tulasidas received instructions from an invisible being
to see Hanuman and, through Hanuman, to get Darshan of Sri Rama.
Competent disciples are never in want of a competent Guru. Realised
souls are not rare. Ordinary ignorant-minded persons cannot easily recognise
them. Only a few persons, who are pure and embodiments of all virtuous
qualities, can understand realised souls, and they alone will be benefited
in their company.
So long as there is a world, there are Gurus and Vedas to guide the
struggling souls in the path of Self-realisation. The number of realised
souls may be less in the Iron Age when compared with the Satya Yuga,
but they are always present to help the aspirants. Let each man take
the path according to his capacity, temperament and understanding. His
Satguru will meet him along that path.
Siksha Gurus And Diksha Gurus
Man has a twofold duty here on earth—to preserve his life, and
to realise his Self. To preserve his life, he has to learn to work for
his daily bread. To realise his Self, he has to serve, love and meditate.
The Guru who teaches him the knowledge of worldly arts is the Siksha
Guru. The Guru who shows him the path of Realisation is the Diksha Guru.
Siksha Gurus can be many—as many as the things he wishes to learn.
Diksha Guru can be only one—the one who leads him to Moksha.
Stick To One Guru
From a doctor, you get a prescription. From two doctors, you get consultation.
From three doctors, you get your own cremation. Even so, if you have
many Gurus, you will be bewildered. You will be at a loss to know what
to do. One Guru will tell you: “Do Soham Japa.” Another will
tell you: “Do Japa of Sri Ram.” A third Guru will tell you:
“Hear Anahata sounds.” You will be puzzled. Stick to one Guru
and follow his instructions.
Listen to all, but follow one. Respect all, but adore one. Gather knowledge
from all, but adopt the teachings of one Master. Then you will have
rapid spiritual progress.
Guru-Parampara
Spiritual knowledge is a matter of Guru-Parampara. It is handed down
from Guru to his disciple. Gaudapadacharya imparted Self-knowledge to
his disciple Govindacharya; Govindacharya to his disciple Sankaracharya;
Sankaracharya to his disciple Suresvaracharya. Matsyendranath imparted
knowledge to his disciple Gorakhnath; Gorakhnath to Nivrittinath; Nivrittinath
to Jnanadeva. Totapuri imparted knowledge to Sri Ramakrishna, and Ramakrishna
to Swami Vivekananda. It was Ashtavakra who moulded the life of Raja
Janaka. It was Gorakhnath who shaped the spiritual destiny of Raja Bhartrihari.
It was Lord Krishna who made Arjuna and Uddhava get themselves established
in the spiritual path when their minds were in an unsettled state.
Initiation—Its Meaning
A Bhakta will be initiated by a Bhakta saint in the path of devotion.
A Jnani will initiate a student of Vedanta in the Mahavakyas. A Hatha
Yogi or Raja Yogi can initiate another in his particular path. But,
a sage of perfect Realisation, a Purna Jnani or Purna Yogi, can give
initiation in any particular path. A sage or saint like Sri Sankara
or Madhusudhana Sarasvati can initiate a Sadhaka, in any particular
path for which the aspirant is fit. The Guru will find out by close
study of the aspirant his tastes, temperaments and capacity, and decide
for him the most suitable path. If his heart is impure, the teacher
will prescribe selfless service for a number of years. Then the Guru
will find out for what particular path the student is fit and initiate
him in that.
Initiation does not mean reciting a Mantra into another’s ears.
If Rama is influenced by the thoughts of Krishna, the former has got
initiation already from the latter. If an aspirant treads the path of
truth after studying the books written by a saint, and imbibes his teachings,
that saint has already become his Guru.
Sakti-Sanchara
Just as you can give an orange to a man, so also, spiritual power can
be transmitted by one to another. This method of transmitting spiritual
powers is termed Sakti-Sanchara. In Sakti-Sanchara, a certain spiritual
vibration of the Satguru is actually transferred to the mind of the
disciple.
Spiritual power is transmitted by the Guru to the proper disciple whom
he considers fit for Sakti-Sanchara. The Guru can transform the disciple
by a look, a touch, a thought or a word or willing.
Sakti-Sanchara comes through Parampara. It is a hidden mystic science.
It is handed down from the Guru to the disciple.
Lord Jesus, through touch, transmitted his spiritual power to some
of his disciples. A disciple of Samartha Ramdas transmitted his power
to that dancing girl’s daughter who was very passionate towards
him. This disciple gazed at her and gave her Samadhi. Her passion vanished.
She became very religious and spiritual. Lord Krishna touched the blind
eyes of Suradas. The inner eye of Suradas was opened. He had Bhava-Samadhi.
Lord Gauranga, through his touch, produced divine intoxication in many
people and converted them to his side. Atheists even danced in ecstasy
in the streets by his touch and sang songs of Hari.
The disciple should not rest satisfied with the transmission of power
from the Guru. He will have to struggle hard in Sadhana for further
perfection and attainments. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa touched Swami
Vivekananda. Swami Vivekananda had super conscious experience. He struggled
hard for seven years more, even after the touch, for attaining perfection.
Grace And Self-Effort
Realisation cannot come to you as a miracle done by your Guru. Lord
Buddha, Lord Jesus, Rama Tirtha have all done Sadhana. Lord Krishna
asks Arjuna to develop Vairagya and Abhyasa. He did not say to him,
“I will give you Mukti now.” Therefore, abandon the wrong
notion that your Guru will give you Samadhi and Mukti. Strive, purify,
meditate and realise.
Guru-Kripa, grace of the Guru, is very necessary. That does not mean
that the disciple should sit idle. He must do rigid Purushartha, spiritual
practices. The whole work must be done by the student. Nowadays, people
want a drop of water from the Kamandalu of a Sannyasin and desire to
enter into Samadhi immediately. They are not prepared to undergo any
Sadhana for purification and Self-realisation. They want a magic pill
to push them into Samadhi. If you have got such delusion, give it up
immediately.
Guru and Sastras can show you the path and remove your doubts. Anubhava
of Aparoksha kind or direct intuitive knowledge is left for your own
experience. A hungry man will have to eat for himself. He who has a
severe itching will have to scratch for himself.
No doubt, Guru’s blessings can do everything. How can one have
his blessings? By pleasing the Guru. A Guru can be pleased with his
disciple only if the latter carries out his spiritual instructions implicitly.
Carefully follow, therefore, the instructions of the Guru. Act up to
his instructions. Then only will you deserve his blessings, and then
alone his blessings can do everything.
Chapter Two
Yasya Deve Para Bhaktir-Yatha Deve Tatha Gurau;
Tasyaite Kathita Hyarthah Prakashante Mahatmanah.
He whose devotion to the Lord is great, and who has as much devotion
to the Guru as to the Lord, unto him, that high-souled one, meanings
of the sacred texts stand revealed (Svetasvatara Upanishad).
A disciple is he who follows the instructions of the Guru to the letter
and spirit, who propagates the teachings of the Guru to less evolved
souls in the path till the end of his life.
A true disciple is concerned only with the Divine Nature of the Guru.
The Guru’s actions as man is not the disciple’s concern. He
is totally oblivious of it. To him, the Guru is Guru even if he acts
unconventionally. Always remember that the nature of a saint is unfathomable.
Judge him not. Measure not his divine nature with the inadequate yardstick
of your ignorance. Criticise not your Guru’s action which is done
on universal vision.
True discipleship opens the vision. It kindles the spiritual fire.
It awakens the dormant faculties. It is most necessary in one’s
journey along the spiritual path. Guru and disciple become one. Guru
blesses, guides and inspires the disciple. He transmits, transforms
and spiritualises him.
Who Is Qualified To Approach The Guru?
To approach a Guru, you must be a proper Adhikari. Correct understanding,
non-attachment to worldly objects, serenity of mind, restraint of the
senses, absence of base passions, faith in the Guru and devotion to
God are necessary equipment with which the aspirant has to approach
the Guru.
The Guru will impart spiritual instructions only to that aspirant who
thirsts for liberation, who duly obeys the injunctions of the Sastras,
who has subdued his passions and senses, who has a calm mind, and who
possesses virtuous qualities like mercy, cosmic love, patience, humility,
endurance, forbearance, etc. Initiation into the mysteries of Brahman
will fructify only when the disciple’s mind becomes desireless,
and will produce Jnana in it.
Guru-Seva
Aspirants should direct their whole attention in the beginning towards
removal of selfishness by protracted service of Guru. Serve your Guru
with divine Bhava. The cancer of individuality will be dissolved.
The captain of a ship is ever alert. A fisherman is ever alert. A surgeon
in the operation theatre is ever alert. Even so, a thirsting hungry
disciple should be ever alert in the service of his Guru.
Live to serve the Guru. You must watch for opportunities. Do not wait
for invitation. Volunteer yourself for the Guru’s service.
Serve your Guru humbly, willingly, unquestioningly, unassumingly, ungrudgingly,
untiringly and lovingly. The more you spend your energy in serving your
Guru, the more divine energy will flow into you.
He who serves the Guru serves the whole world. Serve the Guru without
selfish ends. Scrutinise your inner motives while doing service to Guru.
Service must be done to Guru without expectation of name, fame, power,
wealth, etc.
Obedience To Guru
Obedience to Guru is better than reverence. Obedience is a precious
virtue, because if you try to develop the virtue of obedience, the ego,
the arch-enemy on the path of Self-realisation, slowly gets rooted out.
Only the disciple who obeys his Guru can have command over his lower
self. Obedience should be very practical, wholehearted and actively
persevering. True obedience to Guru neither procrastinates nor questions.
A hypocritical disciple obeys his Guru from fear. The true disciple
obeys his Guru with pure love for love’s sake.
Learn how to obey. Then alone you can command. Learn how to be a disciple.
Then alone you can become a Guru.
Give up the delusive notion that to submit to the preceptor, to obey
him, and to carry out his instructions is slavish mentality. The ignorant
man thinks that it is beneath his dignity and against his freedom to
submit to another man’s command. This is a grave blunder. If you
reflect carefully, you will see that your individual freedom is, in
reality, an absolutely abject slavery to your own ego and vanity. It
is the vagaries of the sensual mind. He who attains victory over the
mind and the ego is the truly free man. He is the hero. It is to attain
victory that man submits to the higher spiritualised personality of
the Guru. By this submission, he vanquishes his lower ego and realises
the bliss of Infinite Consciousness.
Happy-Go-Lucky Disciples
The spiritual path is not like writing a thesis for the Master of Arts
Degree. It is quite a different line altogether. The help of a teacher
is necessary at every moment. Young aspirants become self-sufficient,
arrogant and self-assertive in these days. They do not care to carry
out the orders of a Guru. They do not wish to have a Guru. They want
independence from the very beginning. They think they are in the Turiya
Avastha when they do not know even the ABC of spirituality or truth.
They mistake licentiousness or “having their own ways and sweet
will” as freedom. This is a serious, lamentable mistake. That is
the reason why they do not grow. They lose the faith in the efficacy
of Sadhana and in the existence of God. They wander about in a happy-go-lucky
manner, without any aim, from Kashmir to Gangotri, and from Gangotri
to Ramesvaram, talking some nonsense on the way, something from Vichara-Sagara,
something from Panchadasi, and posing as Jivanmuktas.
Surrender And Grace
If you want to drink water at the tap, you will have to bend yourself.
Even so, if you want to drink the spiritual nectar of immortality which
flows from the holy lips of the Guru, you will have to be an embodiment
of humility and meekness.
The lower nature of mind must be thoroughly regenerated. The aspirant
says to his preceptor: “I want to practise Yoga. I want to enter
into Nirvikalpa Samadhi. I want to sit at your feet. I have surrendered
myself to you.” But, he does not want to change his lower nature
and habits, old character, behaviour and conduct.
One’s individual ego, preconceived notions, pet ideas and prejudices,
and selfish interests should be given up. All these stand in the way
of carrying out the teachings and instructions of one’s Guru.
Lay bare to your Guru the secrets of your heart. The more you do so,
the greater the sympathy, which means an accession of strength to you
in the struggle against sin and temptation.
The aspirant, before he desires the grace of the Master, should deserve
it. The supply of divine grace comes only when there is a real thirst
in the aspirant, and when he is fit to receive it.
Guru’s grace descends upon those who feel utterly humble and faithful
to him. Faith is confidence and trust in Guru. Faith is firm conviction
of the truth of what is declared by the preceptor by way either of testimony
or authority, without any other evidence or proof. The disciple who
has faith in the Guru argues not, thinks not, reasons not and cogitates
not. He simply obeys.
The disciple’s self-surrender to Guru and Guru’s grace are
interrelated. Surrender draws down Guru’s grace, and grace of Guru
makes the surrender complete. Guru’s grace works in the form of
Sadhana in the aspirant. If an aspirant sticks to the path tenaciously,
this is the grace of the Guru. If he resists when temptation assails
him, this is the grace of the Guru. If people receive him with love
and reverence, this is the grace of the Guru. If he gets all bodily
wants, this is the grace of the Guru. If he gets encouragement and strength
when he is in despair and despondency, this is the grace of the Guru.
If he gets over the body-consciousness and rests in his own Ananda Svarupa,
this is the grace of the Guru. Feel his grace at every step, and be
sincere and truthful to him.
How The Guru Teaches
The Guru teaches through personal example. The day-to-day conduct of
the Guru is a living ideal to the disciple who is observant. The life
of the Guru is a living sermon to the sincere disciple. By constant
contact, the disciple imbibes the virtues of his Guru. He is moulded
gradually. Study Chhandogya Upanishad. You will find that Indra stayed
with Prajapati for a period of a hundred and one years and served him
wholeheartedly.
The Guru only knows the spiritual needs of his disciples. He will give
Upadesa according to the disciple’s temperament and evolution.
This Upadesa should be kept a secret. Discussion among disciples will
lead to criticism of Guru and slackness in Sadhana. There will be no
spiritual progress. Follow the Guru’s Upadesa to the very letter.
Remember it is meant for you only. The other disciples have received
Guru-Upadesa, too. Let them follow it. Do not impose the Upadesa you
have received on others.
The student can imbibe or draw from his teacher in proportion to his
degree of faith. When the Guru comes to the aspirant to give spiritual
instructions, if the aspirant does not pay any attention, if he is self-sufficient
and heedless, if he bolts the door of his heart, he is not benefited.
Guru’s Tests
The Satguru communicates the secret knowledge of the Upanishads to
his trusted disciples only after repeated entreaty and severe testing.
Sometimes, the Guru may even tempt his disciple, but the latter should
overcome by firm faith in the Guru.
In days of yore, the tests were very severe. Once Gorakhnath asked
some of his students to climb up a tall tree and throw themselves, head
downwards, on a very sharp trident or Trisula. Many faithless students
kept quiet. But one faithful student at once climbed up the tree with
lightning speed and hurled himself downwards. He was protected by the
invisible hand of Gorakhnath. He had immediate Self-realisation.
Once Guru Govind Singh tested his students. He said: “My dear
disciples! If you have real devotion towards me, let six of you come
forward and give me your heads. Then we can have success in our attempt.”
Two faithful disciples offered their heads.
Guru Govind Singh took them inside the camp and cut off the heads of
two goats instead.
The Guru tests the students in various ways. Some students misunderstand
him and lose their faith in him. Hence they are not benefited.
Four Classes Of Disciples
The best disciple is like petrol or aviation spirit. Even from a great
distance, he will instantly react to the spark of the Guru’s Upadesa.
The second class disciple is like camphor. A touch awakens his inner
spirit and kindles the fire of spirituality in him.
The third class of disciple is like coal. The Guru has to take great
pains in order to awaken the spirit in him.
The fourth class of disciple is like a plantain stem. No efforts will
have any effect on him. Whatever the Guru may do, he remains cold and
inert.
Two things are necessary for a beautifully finished idol or image.
One is a perfect, faultless, good piece of marble; the second is the
expert sculptor. The piece of marble should but unconditionally remain
in the hands of the sculptor in order to be carved and chiselled into
the fine image. So too, the disciple has but to cleanse himself, purify
himself, and make himself a perfectly faultless piece of marble, and
placing himself under the expert guidance of his Master, allow to be
carved and chiselled into the Image of God.
Chapter Three
Sankaram Sankaracharyam Kesavam Badarayanam;
Sutra-Bhashya-Kritau Vande Bhagavantau Punah Punah
I adore Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu, Bhagavan Vyasa and Sri Sankaracharya.
I again and again prostrate to Sri Vyasa who wrote the Vedanta Sutras,
and to Sri Sankaracharya who wrote the commentaries thereon (Guru
Vandanam).
The full-moon day in the month of Ashada is the extremely auspicious
and holy day of Guru-Purnima. On this Ashada Purnima Day, sacred to
the memory of the great sage Sri Vyasa Bhagavan or Sri Krishna Dvaipayana,
Sannyasins settle at some place to study, do Vedantic Vichara, and discourse
on the thrice-blessed Brahma Sutras composed by Maharshi Vyasa. Sri
Veda-Vyasa has done unforgettable service to all humanity for all time
by editing the four Vedas, writing the eighteen Puranas, the Mahabharata
and the Bhagavata. We can attempt to repay this deep debt of gratitude
we owe him only by constant study of his works and practice of his teachings
imparted for the regeneration of humanity in the iron age or Kali Yuga.
In honour of this divine personage, all Sadhakas and devotees perform
Vyasa Puja on this day; aspirants worship their Guru. Mahatmas and Sadhus
are honoured and entertained, and acts of charity done by all Grihastis
with deep faith and sincerity. Chaturmasa for Sannyasins begins from
this day. Sannyasins stay in one place during the rainy season for four
months, study the Brahma Sutras, and practise meditation.
Significance Of The Guru-Purnima Day
Mark fully the deep significance of this great day. Ashada Purnima
heralds the Chaturmasa, or the setting in of the eagerly awaited rains.
The water, drawn up and stored as clouds in the hot summer, now manifests
in plentiful showers that usher in the advent of fresh life everywhere.
Even so do you all begin seriously to put into actual working all the
theory and philosophy that you have stored up in you through patient
study. Commence practical spiritual Sadhana right from this day. Generate
fresh waves of spirituality. Let all that you have read, heard, seen
and learnt become, through Sadhana, transformed into a continuous outpouring
of universal love, ceaseless loving service and continuous prayer and
worship of the Lord seated in all beings.
Live on milk and fruits on this day and practise rigorous Japa and
Dhyana. Study the Brahma Sutras and do some lakhs of Japa (Anushthana
or Purascharana) of your Guru Mantra or Ishta Mantra, during the Chaturmasa.
You will be highly benefited.
As the day of Guru-Puja or worship of one’s preceptor this is
a day of pure joy to the sincere aspirant. Thrilled by the expectation
of offering his reverent homage to the beloved Guru, aspirant awaits
this occasion with eagerness and devotion. It is the Guru alone that
breaks the binding cords of attachment and releases the aspirant from
the trammels of earthly existence. The Sruti says: “To that high-souled
aspirant, whose devotion to the Lord is great and whose devotion to
his Guru is as great as that to the Lord, these secrets explained, become
illuminated.” Guru is Brahman or Isvara Himself. He guides and
inspires you from the innermost core of your being. He is everywhere.
Behold The Entire Universe As Guru-Svarupa
Have a new angle of vision. Behold the entire universe as Guru-Svarupa.
See the guiding hand, the awakening voice, the illumining touch of the
Guru in every object in this Creation. The whole world will now stand
transformed before your changed vision. The Virat Guru will reveal all
the precious secrets of life and bestow wisdom. The Supreme Guru, manifest
in visible Nature, will teach you the most valuable lessons of life.
Worship daily this Guru of Gurus, the Guru who taught even Avadhuta
Dattatreya. The silent all-enduring earth with its lofty forbearance,
the shady fruit-bearing tree with its willing self-sacrifice, the mighty
Banyan tree (Pipal) reposing with patience in the tiny seed, the dripping
drops whose persistence wears away the rocks, the planets and the seasons
with their orderly punctuality and regularity are divine Gurus to him
who will look, listen and receive.
Purify And Progress
Become a personification of receptivity. Empty yourself of your petty
ego-sense. All the treasures locked up in the bosom of Nature will become
yours! You will have progress and perfection in an amazingly short time.
Become pure and unattached as the mountain breeze. As the river flows
continuously, steadily and constantly towards its goal, the ocean, by
moving every moment of your life towards the Supreme State of Existence-Knowledge-Bliss,
let all your thoughts, all your words, all your actions be directed
only towards the Goal.
The moon shines by reflecting the dazzling light of the sun. It is
the full-moon of Purnima-Day that reflects in full splendour the glorious
light of the sun. It glorifies the sun. Purify yourself through the
fire of service and Sadhana, and like the full moon, reflect the glorious
Light of the Atman. Become the full reflectors of Brahmic splendour,
the Light of lights. Make this your goal, to become a living witness
to Divinity, the brilliant Sun of suns!
Tat Tvam Asi
Brahman or the Supreme Self alone is real. He is the Soul of all. He
is All in all. He is the Essence of this universe. He is the Unity that
never admits of a duality under all the varieties and diversities of
nature. Thou art this immortal, all-pervading, all-blissful Brahman.
Thou art That—Tat Tvam Asi. Realise this and be free.
Remember the four important verses of the Brahma Sutras: (i) Atha-Ato
Brahma-Jijnasa—Now, therefore, the enquiry into Brahman. (ii)
Janmadyasya Yatah—From which proceed the origin, etc. (iii)
Sastra-Yonitvat—The scriptures being the means of right
knowledge. (iv) Tat Tu Samanvayat—But that because It is
the main support.
Now sing: Jaya Guru Siva Guru Hari Guru Ram,
Jagad-Guru Param Guru Sat-Guru Syam.
Remember and adore Sri Vyasa and the Brahma-Vidya Gurus. May their
blessings be upon you all! May you all cut asunder the knot of Avidya
and shine as blessed Jivanmuktas, shedding peace, joy and light everywhere!
Chapter Four
Namostu-Te Vyasa Visala-Buddhe
Phullaravindayatapatra-Netra;
Yena Tvaya Bharata-Taila-Purnah
Prajvalito Jnanamayah Pradipah
Salutations unto thee, O Vyasa of broad intellect and with eyes large
like the petals of full-blown lotuses, by whom the lamp of Knowledge,
filled with the oil of the Mahabharata, has been lighted (Gita Dhyanam).
In ancient days, our forefathers, the Rishis of Aryavartha, went to
the forest to do Tapasya during the four months following Vyasa Purnima—a
particular and important day in the Hindu calendar. On this memorable
day, Vyasa, an incarnation of the Lord Himself, began to write his Brahma
Sutras. Our ancient Rishis did this Tapasya in caves and forests. But
times have changed and such facilities are not common nowadays, although
Grihasthas and Rajas are not wanting, who are able and willing to place
at the disposal of the members of the fourth Ashrama such help and facilities
as they could afford. The forests and caves have given place to the
rooms in their own Gurudvaras and Mutts. One has, of necessity, to suit
himself to places and times; and change of place and situation should
not be allowed to make such a difference in our mental attitudes. Chaturmasa
begins from Vyasa Purnima Day when we are, according to our Sastras,
expected to worship Vyasa and the Brahma-Vidya Gurus and begin the study
of the Brahma Sutras and other ancient books on ‘wisdom’.
The Birth Of Krishna Dvaipayana
Our mythology speaks of many Vyasas; and it is said that there had
been twenty-eight Vyasas before the present Vyasa—Krishna Dvaipayana—took
his birth at the end of Dvapara Yuga. He was born of Parasara Rishi
through the Matsya-Kanya—Satyavati Devi—under some peculiar
and wonderful circumstances. Parasara was a great Jnani and one of the
supreme authorities on astrology, and his book ‘Parasara Hora’
is still a textbook on astrology. He has also written a Smriti known
as Parasara Smriti which is held in such high esteem that it is quoted
by our present-day writers on sociology and ethics. Parasara came to
know that a child, conceived at a particular moment of time or Ghatika,
would be born as the greatest man of the age, nay, as an Amsa of Lord
Vishnu Himself. On that day, Parasara was travelling in a boat and he
spoke to the boatman about the nearing of this auspicious time. The
boatman had a daughter who was of age and awaiting marriage. He was
impressed with the sanctity and greatness of the Rishi and offered his
daughter in marriage to Parasara. Our Vyasa was born of this union and
his birth is said to be due to the blessing of Lord Siva Himself who
blessed the union of a sage with a Jnani of the highest order, although
of a low caste.
His Stupendous Contribution To Hindu Scripture
At a very tender age, Vyasa gave out to his parents the secret of his
life that he should go to the forest and do Akhanda Tapas. His mother
at first did not agree, but later gave permission on one important condition
that he should appear before her whenever she wished for his-presence.
This itself shows how farsighted the parents and the son were. Puranas
say that Vyasa took initiation at the hands of his twenty-first Guru,
sage Vasudeva. He studied the Sastras under the sages Sanaka and Sanandana
and others. He arranged the Vedas for the good of mankind, and wrote
the Brahma Sutras for the quick and easy understanding of the Srutis;
he also wrote the Mahabharata to enable women, Sudras, and other people
of lesser intellect to understand the highest knowledge in the most
easy way. He wrote the eighteen Puranas and established the system of
teaching them through Upakhyanas or discourses. In this way, he established
the three paths, viz., Karma, Upasana and Jnana. To him is also attributed
the fact that he continued the line of his mother, and that Dhritarashtra,
Pandu and Vidura were his progenies. His last work was the Bhagavata
which he undertook at the instigation of Devarshi Narada who once came
to him and advised him to write it, as without it, his goal in life
would not be reached.
Vyasa is considered by all Hindus as a Chiranjivi, one who is still
living and roaming throughout the world for the well-being of his devotees
and appears to the true and the faithful. It is said that Jagadguru
Sankaracharya had his Darsana in the house of sage Mandanamisra, and
that he appeared to many others as well. Thus, in short, he lives for
the welfare of the world. Let us pray for his blessings on us all and
on the whole world.
The Brahma Sutras And Its Different Interpretations
Everybody knows that there are six important systems of thought developed
by our ancients known as the Shad-Darsanas or the Six Orthodox Schools
of Philosophy, viz., Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaiseshika, Purva Mimamsa
and Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta. In each system there is a different shade
of opinion. Later, these thoughts became unwieldy, and to regulate them
the Sutras came into existence. Treatises were written in short aphorisms
called Sutras in Sanskrit, meaning, clues for memory or aids to long
discussions on every topic. In the Padma Purana, the definition of a
Sutra is given, which says that the Sutra should be concise and unambiguous;
but the brevity was carried to such an extent that the Sutra has become
unintelligible and particularly so with respect to the Brahma Sutras.
Today we find the same Sutra being interpreted in a dozen ways. The
Brahma Sutras written by Vyasa or Badarayana—for that was the name
which he possessed in addition—are also known as Vedanta Sutras
as they deal with Vedanta only. They are divided into four chapters,
each being subdivided again into four sections. It is interesting to
note that they begin and end with Sutras which read together mean, “the
inquiry into the real nature of Brahman has no return,” meaning
that “going by that way one reaches Immortality,” and that
“they no more return to the world.” About the authorship of
these Sutras, tradition attributes it to Vyasa. Sankaracharya, in his
Bhashya, refers to Vyasa as the author of the Gita and Mahabharata,
and to Badarayana as the author of the Brahma Sutras. His followers—Vachaspati,
Anandagiri and others—identify the two as one and the same person,
while Ramanuja and others attribute the authorship to Vyasa himself.
The oldest commentary on the Brahma Sutras is by Sankaracharya; he was
later followed by Ramanuja, Vallabha, Nimbarka, Madhva and others who
established their own schools of thought. The chief of them who are
five in number, as mentioned above, mostly agree on these two points,
viz., (1) that Brahman is the cause of this world and (2) that knowledge
of Brahman leads to final emancipation. But they differ amongst themselves
on the nature of this Brahman, the relation between the individual soul
and the Supreme Soul, and the condition of the soul in the state of
release. According to some, Bhakti, and not Jnana as interpreted by
Sankara, is the chief means of attaining Liberation.
Vyasa’s life is a unique example of one born for the dissemination
of spiritual knowledge. His writings still inspire us and the whole
world, even to this day. May we all live in the spirit of his writings!
Chapter Five
Nidhaye Sarva-Vidyanam Bhishaje Bhava-Roginam;
Gurave Sarva-Lokanam Dakshinamurtaye Namah.
Salutations to Dakshinamurti, the Abode of all learning, the Physician
to all those afflicted with the disease of worldly existence, the Teacher
of all (Guru Gita).
On the Mount Kailas, with Parvati Devi by His side, Lord Siva was sitting
in a hall beautifully decorated by precious stones. At that time, Devi
worshipped the Lord and requested Him to alter the name of Dakshayani
given to her before for being the daughter of Daksha. This Daksha was
killed by Lord Siva for his disrespect and arrogance. On hearing this
request, Lord Siva ordained that Devi should be born as the daughter
of Parvata Raja who was doing rigorous Tapas for getting a child. He
also told Parvati that He would come over to her and marry her. Thus
ordained, Parvati Devi was born as the child of Parvata Raja, and since
her fifth year, began to do rigorous Tapas for being the bride of Lord
Siva.
During the absence of Devi, when Lord Siva was alone, the sons of Brahma
Deva—who are sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumara—came
to have Darshan of Lord Siva and prostrated before Him. They entreated
the Lord to teach them the way to remove Avidya and attain Salvation.
They expressed that in spite of the vast study of scriptures, they had
no internal peace, and they were in need of learning the inner secrets
by knowing which they could attain Salvation.
Lord Siva, hearing this appeal made by the sages, assumed the form
of Dakshinamurti, and remaining as the Guru Supreme, began to teach
them the inner secrets by keeping Mauna and showing the Chinmudra by
His Hand. The sages began to meditate on the lines shown by the Lord
and attained the state of inexpressible and illimitable joy.
Thus Lord Siva came to be known as Dakshinamurti. May the blessings
of Lord Dakshinamurti be upon us all. May you all dive deep and enjoy
the everlasting Peace and Bliss through His Grace. Om Santih Santih
Santih!
Chapter Six
Adau Brahma Madhye Vishur-Ante Devah Sadasivah;
Murtitraya-Svarupaya Dattatreya Namostu-Te.
Salutations to Lord Dattatreya who is of the form of the Tri-Murtis,
who is Brahma at the beginning, Vishnu at the middle and Sadasiva at
the end.
Brahmajnanamayi Mudra Vastre Chakasabhutale;
Prajnanaghanabodhaya Dattatreya Namostu-Te.
Salutations, again and again, to the Lord of Girnar Hills whose Mudra
is Brahma-Jnana, whose garments are the sky and the earth, who is verily
an embodiment of dense Consciousness-Knowledge (Sri Sankaracharya).
Anasuya is generally quoted as the model of chastity and she was the
wife of Atri Maharshi, a great sage and one of the Sapta Rishis. She
was well established in Pativrata Dharma. She served her husband with
intense devotion. She did severe Tapas for a very long time in order
to beget sons equal to Brahma, Vishnu and Siva.
Once, Narada took a small ball of iron—the size of a gram grain—to
Sarasvati and said to her: “O Sarasvati Devi! Please fry this iron-ball.
I will eat this iron-ball-gram during my travel.” Sarasvati laughed
and said: “O Rishi Narada! How can this iron-ball be fried? How
can this be eaten?” Narada afterwards went to Mahalakshmi and Parvati,
and requested them to fry the iron-ball. They also laughed at Narada
Rishi. Then Narada said: “O Devis! See, I will get it fried by
Anasuya, wife of Atri Maharshi, a great Pativrata who lives in the earth-plane.”
Then Narada came to Anasuya and requested her to fry the iron-ball-gram.
Anasuya put the iron-ball in the frying pan, meditated on the form of
her husband, and put a few drops of water which were used in washing
the feet of her husband, on the iron-ball. The iron-ball was at once
fried. Narada went to Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Parvati, ate before them
the fried iron-ball gram, and gave them also a little of it. He greatly
praised the glory of Anasuya and her chastity. Then Narada resolved
to fulfil the wish of Anasuya in her begetting sons equal to Brahma,
Vishnu and Siva.
He said to Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Parvati: “You also could have
fried the iron-ball, if you all had done service to your husbands with
faith, sincerity and devotion. Make a request to your husbands to test
Anasuya’s Pativrata Dharma.”
Then Sarasvati, Lakshmi and Parvati requested their husbands to test
the Pativrata Dharma of Anasuya, wife of Atri Maharshi, and ask her
to give them Nirvana Bhiksha, i.e., giving alms in a naked condition.
The Tri-Murtis came to know through Jnana-Drishti of the action of
Narada, and the Tapas and the wish of Anasuya. They agreed. The Tri-Murtis
put on the garb of Sannyasins, appeared before Anasuya, and asked her
to give them Nirvana Bhiksha. Anasuya was in a great dilemma. She could
not say ‘No’ to the Bhikshus. She had to maintain her Pativrata
Dharma also. She meditated on the form of her husband, took refuge in
his feet, and sprinkled over the three Sannyasins a few drops of water
which were used for washing the feet of her husband. The Tri-Murtis
were converted into three children on account of the glory of the Charanamrita
water. At the same time, there was accumulation of milk in the breasts
of Anasuya. She thought that these children were her own children and
fed them with the milk in a nude state and put them to the cradle. She
was eagerly expecting the arrival of her husband who had gone for taking
his bath.
As soon as Atri Rishi came back home, Anasuya related to her husband
all that had happened during his absence, placed the three children
at his feet, and worshipped him. But Atri knew all this already through
his divine vision. He embraced all the three children. The three children
became one child with two feet, one trunk, three heads and six hands.
Atri Rishi blessed his wife and informed her that the Tri-Murtis themselves
had assumed the forms of the children to gratify her wish.
Narada went to Brahma-Loka, Vaikuntha and Kailasa and informed Sarasvati,
Lakshmi and Parvati that their husbands had been turned into children
through the power of Pativrata Dharma of Anasuya when they asked her
Nirvana Bhiksha, and that they would not return unless the Devis asked
for Bhartri Bhiksha (Bhiksha of husband) from Atri. Sarasvati, Lakshmi
and Parvati assumed the forms of ordinary women, appeared before Atri,
and asked for Pati Bhiksha: “O Rishi, kindly give us back our husbands.”
Atri Rishi duly honoured the three ladies and with folded hands prayed
to them that his wish and the wish of Anasuya should be fulfilled. Then
the Tri-Murtis appeared in their true form before Atri and said: “This
child will be a great sage according to your word and will be equal
to us according to the wish of Anasuya. The child will bear the name
of Dattatreya.” Then they disappeared.
Dattatreya attained manhood. As he had the rays of the Tri-Murtis,
and as he was a great Jnani, all Rishis and ascetics worshipped him.
He was gentle, peaceful and amiable. He was always followed by a great
multitude of people. Dattatreya tried to get rid of them, but his endeavours
were all in vain. Once, when he was surrounded by many people, he entered
a river for bathing and he did not come out of it for three days. He
entered into Samadhi inside the water. On the third day, he came out,
and found that the people were still sitting on the banks of the river
awaiting his return.
He did not succeed in getting rid of the people by this method. He
adopted another plan. He created a beautiful girl and a bottle of wine
out of his Yogic power. He came out of the waters holding the girl in
one hand and the bottle of wine in the other. The people thought that
Dattatreya had fallen from his Yoga and so they left him and went away.
Dattatreya threw away all his personal possessions, even the scanty
clothing he had, and became an Avadhuta. He went out preaching and teaching
the truths of Vedanta. Dattatreya taught his Gita named Avadhuta Gita
to Lord Subrahmanya or Kartikeya. This is a most valuable book which
contains the truths and secrets of Vedanta and the direct experiences
of Self-realisation.
Once, while Dattatreya was roaming in a forest happily, he met king
Yadu, who on seeing Dattatreya so happy, asked him the secrets of his
happiness and also the name of his Guru. Dattatreya said that the Atman
alone was his Guru, and yet, he had learned wisdom from twenty-four
individuals and that they were, therefore, his Gurus.
Dattatreya then mentioned the names of his twenty-four Gurus and spoke
of the wisdom that he had learnt from each:
“The names of my twenty-four teachers are: 1. Earth, 2. Water,
3. Air, 4. Fire, 5. Sky, 6. Moon, 7. Sun, 8. Pigeon, 9. Python, 10.
Ocean, 11. Moth, 12. Bee, 13. Honey-gatherer, 14. Elephant, 15. Deer,
16. Fish, 17. Dancing-girl Pingala, 18. Raven, 19. Child, 20. Maiden,
21. Serpent, 22. An arrow-maker, 23. Spider and 24. Beetle.”
1. I learnt patience and doing good to others from the EARTH, for it
endures every injury man commits on its surface, and yet it does him
good by producing crops, trees, etc.
2. From WATER I have learnt the quality of purity. Just as the pure
water cleanses others, so also the sage, who is pure and free from selfishness,
lust, egoism, anger, greed, etc., purifies all those who come in contact
with him.
3. The AIR is always moving through various objects, but it never gets
attached to anyone of them; so I have learnt from the air to be without
attachment, though I move with many people in this world.
4. Just as FIRE burns bright, so also the sage should be glowing with
the splendour of his knowledge and Tapas.
5. The air, the stars, the clouds, etc., are all contained in the SKY,
but the sky does not come in contact with any of them. I have learnt
from the sky that the Atman or the Soul is all-pervading, and yet it
has no contact with any object.
6. The MOON is in itself always complete, but appears to decrease or
increase on account of the varying shadow of the earth upon the moon.
I have learnt from this that the Atman is always perfect and changeless,
and that it is only the Upadhis or limiting adjuncts that cast shadows
upon it.
7. Just as the SUN, reflected in various pots of water, appears as
so many different reflections, so also Brahman appears different because
of the Upadhis (bodies) caused by the reflection through the mind. This
is the lesson I learnt from the sun.
8. I once saw a pair of PIGEONS with their young birds. A fowler spread
a net and caught the young birds. The mother pigeon was very much attached
to her children. She did not care to live, so she fell into the net
and was caught. The male pigeon was attached to the female pigeon, so
he also fell into the net and was caught. From this I learnt that attachment
is the cause of bondage.
9. The PYTHON does not move about for its food. It remains contented
with whatever it gets and lies in one place. From this I learnt to be
unmindful of food and to be contented with whatever I get to eat (Ajagara
Vritti).
10. Just as the OCEAN remains unmoved even though hundreds of rivers
fall into it, so also the wise man should remain unmoved among all sorts
of temptations, difficulties and troubles. This is the lesson I learnt
from the ocean.
11. Just as the MOTH, being enamoured of the brilliance of the fire,
falls into it and is burnt up, so also, a passionate man who falls in
love with a beautiful girl comes to grief. To control the sense of sight
and to fix the mind on the Self, is the lesson I learnt from the moth.
12. Just as the BLACK BEE sucks the honey from different flowers and
does not suck it only from one flower, so also I take only a little
food from one house and a little from another house and thus appease
my hunger (Madhukari Bhiksha or Madhukari Vritti). I am
not a burden on the householder.
13. Bees collect honey with great trouble, but a HONEY-GATHERER comes
and takes the honey easily. Even so, people hoard up wealth and other
things with great difficulty, but they have to leave them all at once
and depart when the Lord of Death takes hold of them. From this I have
learnt the lesson that it is useless to hoard things.
14. The male ELEPHANT, blinded by lust, falls into a pit covered over
with grass, even at the sight of a paper-made female elephant. It gets
caught, enchained and tortured by the goad. Even so, passionate men
fall in the traps of women and come to grief. Therefore, one should
destroy lust. This is the lesson I have learnt from the elephant.
15. The DEER is enticed and trapped by the hunter through its love
of music. Even so, a man is attracted by the music of women of loose
character and brought to destruction. One should never listen to lewd
songs. This is the lesson I learnt from the deer.
16. Just as a FISH that is covetous of food falls an easy victim to
the bait, so also, the man who is greedy of food, who allows his sense
of taste to overpower him, loses his independence and easily gets ruined.
The greed for food must therefore be destroyed. It is the lesson that
I have learnt from the fish.
17. There was a DANCING GIRL named Pingala in the town of Videha. She
was tired of looking for customers one night. She became hopeless. Then
she was contented with what she had, and then had sound sleep. I have
learnt from that fallen woman the lesson that the abandonment of hope
leads to contentment.
18. A RAVEN picked up a piece of flesh. It was pursued and beaten by
other birds. It dropped the piece of flesh and attained peace and rest.
From this I have learnt the lesson that a man in the world undergoes
all sorts of troubles and miseries when he runs after sensual pleasures,
and that he becomes as happy as the bird when he abandons the sensual
pleasures.
19. The CHILD who sucks milk is free from all cares, worries and anxieties,
and is always cheerful. I have learnt the virtue of cheerfulness from
the child.
20. The parents of a MAIDEN had gone in search of a proper bridegroom
for her. The girl was alone in the house. During the absence of the
parents, a party of people came to the house to see her on a similar
object in reference to an offer of marriage. She received the party
herself. She went inside to husk the paddy. While she was husking, the
glass bangles on both hands made tremendous jingling noise. The wise
girl reflected thus: “The party will detect, by the noise of the
bangles, that I am husking the paddy myself, and that my family is too
poor to engage others to get the work done. Let me break all my bangles
except two on each hand”. Accordingly, she broke all the bangles
except two on each hand. Even these two bangles created much noise.
She broke one more bangle of each hand. There was no further noise though
she continued husking. I have learnt from the girl’s experience
the following: Living among many would create discord, disturbance,
dispute and quarrel. Even among two, there might be unnecessary words
or strife. The ascetic or the Sannyasin should remain alone in solitude.
21. A SERPENT does not build its hole. It dwells in the holes dug out
by others. Even so, an ascetic or a Sannyasin should not build a home
for himself. He should live in the caves and temples built by others.
This is the lesson that I have learnt from the snake.
22. The mind of an ARROW MAKER was once wholly engrossed in sharpening
and straightening an arrow. While he was thus engaged, a king passed
before his shop with his whole retinue. After some time, a man came
to the artisan and asked him whether the king passed by his shop. The
artisan replied that he did not notice anything. The fact is that the
artisan’s mind was solely absorbed in his work and he did not know
what was passing before his shop. I have learnt from the artisan the
quality of intense concentration of mind.
23. The SPIDER pours out of its mouth long threads and weaves them
into cobwebs. It gets itself entangled in the net of its own making.
Even so, man makes a net of his own ideas and gets entangled in it.
The wise man should therefore abandon all worldly thoughts and think
of Brahman only. This is the lesson I have learnt from the spider.
24. The Bhringi or the BEETLE catches hold of a worm, puts it in its
nest, and gives it a sting, the poor worm, always fearing the return
of the beetle and sting, and thinking constantly of the beetle, becomes
a beetle itself. Whatever form a man constantly thinks of, he attains
in course of time that form. As a man thinks, so he becomes. I have
learnt from the beetle and the worm to turn myself into Atman by contemplating
constantly on It and thus to give up all attachment to the body and
attain Moksha or liberation.
The king was highly impressed by the teachings of Dattatreya. He abandoned
the world and practised constant meditation on the Self.
Dattatreya was absolutely free from intolerance or prejudice of any
kind. He learnt wisdom from whatever source it came. All seekers after
Wisdom should follow the example of Dattatreya.
Chapter Seven
Jatilo Mundi Lunchita-Kesah
Kashayambara-Bahukrita-Veshah;
Pasyannapi Cha Na Pasyati Mudho
Udara-Nimittam Bahukrita-Veshah
For the sake of this belly, what sort of disguise man puts on? One
grows Jata on the head, another shaves his head, another puts an orange-coloured
robe. Ignorant, he sees not though he sees (Sri Sankaracharya).
India, the sacred land of Advaita Philosophy, the land which produced
Sri Sankara, Dattatreya, Vamadeva and Jada Bharata who preached oneness
of life and unity of consciousness, is full of sectarians now. What
a great pity it is! What a lamentable state you see now! You can even
count the grains of sand on a seashore, but it is extremely difficult
to count the number of sects that are prevailing now in India. Every
day, some kind of ‘ism’ is cropping up like mushroom
to swell up the discord that is already present here. Hopeless discord
and disharmony reign supreme everywhere. Fighting is going on between
different sects. Dissensions and splits, suits in law-courts, skirmishes,
hand-to-hand fights and scandal-mongering prevail everywhere. There
is neither peace nor harmony. The disciples of one Guru fight with the
disciples of another Guru in streets and marketplaces!
Yogic Charlatans And Posing Gurus
A young man with a little training in harmonium and a little power
of speech ascends the platform, poses for an Acharya or a Guru in a
couple of years, publishes a few rubbish pamphlets and songs and establishes
a sect of his own. India still abounds in profound stupidity and any
man can have his own following in a short time.
Another young man with some training in Asanas, Bandhas and Pranayama
shuts himself up in an underground cell with some eatables that are
secretly kept to last for forty days. He eats some roots that destroy
hunger and thirst for some days. God only knows what he is doing in
the cell! He sleeps in the cell. He then comes out with pretended Samadhi.
This is a little practice of Titiksha only. His Samskaras and Vasanas
are not at all destroyed. He is the same worldly man. He knocks about
hither and thither to collect money and make disciples. He poses for
a Yogi Guru. Ignorant, worldly people are easily deceived. The sad part
of the tale is that people lose faith even in real Yogis who enter into
real Samadhi, on account of the foolish actions of such posing young
men who have no responsibility. These young men have not understood
the gravity of Yoga and spiritual life. Samadhi is certainly not meant
for demonstration on public roads. Samadhi is a sacred act. Samadhi
is not jugglery or Indrajala. This practice has become contagious. Many
young men have started this show or feat.
Beware of these Yogic charlatans, daylight dupes or posing Gurus, black
sheep who are infectious parasites and burden on society, who are a
menace to the country and who are vultures that prey upon the resources
of the ignorant and the credulous!
Some make disciples to get services when they grow old. They do not
care for the advancement of their disciples.
A Caution To Ladies
Ladies are very easily duped by the so-called Gurus and Acharyas. Ladies
are very simple-minded and credulous. They are very easily attracted
by sweet music and melody. They fall easy victims to melodious sounds.
These Gurus try to hoodwink naive womenfolk. They easily influence them
and trap them without any difficulty. They make them their tools or
instruments. They exploit them and fill their stomachs and move about
in silken clothes and pump shoes. Householders have not got the least
sanction from scriptures to make lady disciples. Those who make lady-disciples
for the sake of earning a decent livelihood are worms that revel in
filth. There is no Prayaschitta for these hypocrites. They are thrown
mercilessly into the Raurava and Maha Raurava hells.
O Devis! Wake up now! Open your eyes. You are all educated now. Use
your reason. Do not be carried away by mere lectures and music. Beware
of posing Gurus. Never make a householder as your Guru. Never get Diksha
from him. You will weep in the end and reap a bad harvest if you do
so. That man whom you select as your Guru should be of an exemplary
and spotless character. He should be absolutely selfless and be free
from lust and greed. He should be free from all sorts of worldly taints.
He should have knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures. He must have inner
spiritual strength and Self-realisation to elevate you and lead you
in the spiritual path.
Husbands should not allow their wives to take anyone as their Guru
without proper scrutiny or thorough examination and understanding of
the person whom they want to take as Guru. If they really feel so much
for taking a Guru, they should select one after careful study and enquiry
and after living with him for a long time. Husband and wife should not
have different Gurus. Fighting comes in. They should have a common Guru.
The Menace Of Sects And Cults
Lord Chaitanya, Guru Nanak, Swami Dayananda were all catholic, exalted
souls. All their teachings were sublime and universal. They never wanted
to establish sects or cults of their own. Had they lived now, they would
have wept at the actions of their followers. It is the followers who
commit serious mistakes and blunders. They have not developed a large
heart. They are petty-minded. They create dissensions, party-spirit
and all sorts of trouble.
A spiritual leader should never establish a sect of his own. He should
have a far-reaching insight. Founding a sect means creation of a fighting
centre to disturb the peace of the world. He does more harm than good
to the country. He can have an institution with broad, universal principles
and doctrines that will not at all conflict with the principles and
doctrines of other religions and can be universally accepted and followed
by all.
Characteristics Of A Real Guru
Here are the characteristics of a real Guru. If you find these qualifications
in any man, accept him at once as your Guru. A real Guru is one who
is a Brahma-Nishtha and a Brahma-Srotri. He has full knowledge of the
Self and the Vedas. He can dispel the doubts of aspirants. He has equal
vision and balanced mind. He is free from Raga-Dvesha, Harsha, Soka,
egoism, anger, lust, greed, Moha, pride, etc. He is an ocean of mercy.
In his mere presence one gets Santi and elevation of mind. In his mere
presence, all doubts of aspirants are cleared. He does not expect anything
from anybody. He has an exemplary character. He is full of joy and bliss.
He is in search of real aspirants!
Salutations to the Lotus-Feet of a Guru! I fully believe in a real
Guru. I have great adorations for a Guru. My heart longs to serve his
Lotus-Feet for ever. I believe that there is no purifier more powerful
than the service of a Guru in removing the impurities of the mind. I
fully believe that the only safe boat that can take us to the other
shore of Immortality is the company of a Guru.
Commercial Gurudom
But I dislike commercial Gurudom. I strongly resent the actions of
hypocrites who pose for Gurus and Acharyas and move about making disciples
and collecting money. You will all agree with me on this point. There
cannot be any two opinions in this direction. They are the pests of
society. Gurudom has come to be mere business. It must be thoroughly
eradicated from the soil of India. It is doing great havoc and harm
to the people of India. It is creating a very bad impression in the
minds of the Westerners and people of different countries. India is
losing its spiritual glory on account of this Gurudom business. Drastic
steps should be taken immediately to nip this serious malady and destroy
it to its very root. No stone should be left unturned in its eradication.
It has assumed a hideous shape. It has become very contagious. Many
have taken to this Gurudom business as an easy means of decent livelihood.
Poor ignorant ladies and gentlemen are exploited by these pseudo-Gurus
on an enormous scale. What a shame!
Many Gurus move about hither and thither. They deliver lectures and
conduct discourses. They know Brahma Sutras and Gita by heart, but they
have no knowledge and meditation. They are easily irritated. Their Abhimana
is very stiff. They lack in divine attributes and Sadhutva. They have
no spirit of service. They speak ill of service, Kirtan, etc. They catch
many people by the arm. They bless them by placing their hands on their
backs. But, they are not able to send one man across to final Salvation
or beatitude.
The public will take a man to be a Guru only if he exhibits some Siddhis.
It is a serious mistake. They must not be over-credulous. They will
be easily duped by these Yogic charlatans. They must use their power
of discrimination and reasoning. They must study the ways, habits, nature,
conduct, Vritti, Svabhava, etc., of the Guru and test his knowledge
of scriptures, before they come to any definite conclusion.
It is better to take Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Lord Siva, the Indweller
of your heart as your Guru and repeat His Mantra instead of approaching
these black sheep who mislead and ransack the people of this country.
May the glorious India abound in real Gurus like Sri Sankara or Sri
Dattatreya! May she be absolutely free from these pseudo-Gurus and Gurudom
itself which is a deadly curse! May the universal principles of Sanatana
Dharma flourish in the world! May the spiritual leaders try their level
best to unite the various sects and cults! Let them not establish new
cults. May this sectarian fighting and quarrel cease for ever! May this
land always keep up the reputation and prestige of a spiritual country
with saints, seers, Yogis, Bhaktas and Sannyasins with Tyaga, renunciation
and Self-realisation as the goal! May unity, peace and harmony prevail
throughout the world! May the blessings of Gurus be upon us all! May
they guide us in the path of spirituality!
Chapter Eight
Apatavairagyavato Mumukshun
Bhavabdhiparam Pratiyatumudyatan;
Asagraho Majjayatentarale
Nigrihya Kanthe Vinivartya Vegat.
Those seekers after Liberation who are endowed with only an apparent
dispassion and are endeavouring to cross the ocean of Samsara or conditioned
existence are seized by the shark of hankering; and so seized by the
neck and forcibly dragged into the middle, are drowned (Vivekachudamani).
Hari Om! Adorations to Brahman! Salutations to Sri Sankara, Maha Purushas
and Sannyasins!
A Sannyasin is one who has renounced (nyasa) the Deha-Adhyasa
(body-idea), selfishness, Vasanas, egoism, Abhimana. The four Kumaras
of Brahma (Sri Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatkumara and Sanatsujata), Sri
Dattatreya and Sri Sankara are the pioneers in this path of pure Nivritti-Marga.
They are the fathers for this Order of Sannyasins.
Trend Of The Times
The world wants economic, racial, social, political, psychological,
industrial and also spiritual advancement. The spiritual side should
never be ignored. That is the basis. That is the be-all and end-all.
In these days, leaders in the Karma-Yogic field lay stress on action
alone. They have totally ignored the spiritual side of life. Even Sannyasins
of various institutions are doing social service only. Some Sannyasins
have scholarly erudition only, and they command a little respect for
sometime. They, too, have thrown aside the meditative side of life.
They are not able to produce a real and lasting impression on the minds
of the public, because they have not got the real spiritual stuff or
inner Atmic strength at their back.
Spiritual men, Yogins, Jnanins and Sannyasins should appear on the
platform like the comet or the second-day moon of the month of November
(Karttika), like Lord Jesus for a short time, should pour forth their
energy and turn out tremendous work and disappear from the field. The
work of holding spiritual classes for longer time and starting Ashrams
belongs to the junior Sannyasins. It will not suit the temperament of
fiery spiritual giants. They will inundate the land with spiritual waters
or the nectar of immortality (divine knowledge) in a short time, just
as the Ganga does for four months in the year.
Temptations Of Comfortable Living
No Sannyasin or householder should start an Ashram for the sake of
his comfortable living. Many Sannyasins are pure in the beginning when
they start an Ashram, I mean when they are poor. When they become rich,
when they have got enough admirers and Bhaktas, the spirit of selfless
service dwindles away, giving place to selfish motives in their hearts.
The object with which they started Ashrams gets frustrated. Then it
becomes a money-making institution. People have no attraction. If the
head of the institution leads a life of Vairagya and absolute renunciation,
the Ashram stands as a centre or nucleus of perennial peace, bliss and
joy. It attracts millions of people. The world is always in need of
such Ashrams with such spiritual giants as their heads.
Some young Sannyasins take a course of nux vomica seed, swallow
a hundred and twenty seeds in two years, study Laghu Siddhanta Kaumudi
and Nyaya for three years, imagine they have become real Siddhas, and
mix freely with worldly-minded persons. This is a very grave mistake.
Nux vomica produces impotency. Impotency is not establishment
in Brahmacharya. They will have soon a downfall. This goes without saying.
Even perfect Jnanins and full-blown Yogins should be very careful. They
should avoid indiscriminate, promiscuous mixing with worldly-minded
persons. The sight of pairing of fish excited a developed Rishi. The
jingling sounds of the bangles of a lady, the sight of even bordered
or coloured clothes, causes severe excitement in the mind. They have
got their own impure associations. Passion is very powerful. Mysterious
is Maya. Beware, O aspirants!
It is the tongue and the palate that force the undisciplined young
aspirants, Brahmacharins and Sannyasins, to come in close contact with
householders under the garb of doing Satsanga. O aspirants! Is it for
satisfying the tongue you have left your parents, and renounced position
and property and embraced Sannyasa? Or, is it for attaining Self-realisation?
If it is for the former, you would have done very well by earning money
in the world. Do not bring disgrace to the order of Sannyasa. If the
tongue is uncontrollable, remove the gerua garb and go back to
the world, do some work and earn money. Evolve through Karma Yoga. No
control of mind is possible without control of tongue.
Is This Satsanga?
Satsanga has degenerated in these days. It has dwindled into some kind
of mental recreation or amusement. Mere Vedantic gossiping for one hour
in the evening between Sannyasins and householders with a mixture of
some idle, worldly talk, some politics, some scandal-mongering and backbiting,
some silly giggling, guffaw and namby-pamby sentimental outpourings
in vague platitudes is labelled as Satsanga. The minds of the Sannyasin
who does Satsanga and the hearers remain in the same state even after
a course of Satsanga for several years. There is no elevation and spiritual
progress.
When Sadhus and Sannyasins move in the world, they should show an exemplary
life of Vairagya to the householders. They should get from the householders
the bare necessaries of life only. They should not mix with them very
freely. They should live in a solitary place outside the village or
town. They should conduct spiritual classes in a serious manner. They
should not talk on worldly matters in the interval. They should not
bring in too many stories that excite laughter. They should not cut
jokes. There must be solemn serenity. The whole audience must be spellbound.
There must be pin-drop silence. Then only the householders will be influenced.
They will feel they have got something from the Satsanga.
Kheer-Parottah Birds
The moment a Sannyasin begins to ask from householders several things
frequently, he loses his respect and influence. He is forced to leave
the place immediately. Some shameless Sannyasins live as parasites amongst
householders for months together. They are ‘Kheer-Parottah’
birds. They are not real Sannyasins. In the coming census report, the
authorities should be very careful in forwarding their reports. These
persons should not come under the category of Sadhus and Sannyasins.
They are professional beggars in coloured garb, like the wolf in the
skin of a lamb. There must be a genuine record of true Sannyasins. What
is the use of swelling the number of Sadhus and showing a figure of
74 lakhs of Sadhus? You will not find more than 2,000 good, cultured
Sannyasins who are useful to themselves and to the country at large.
A real Sadhu or Sannyasin is like a glorious sun. He shines during day
and night.
Training Of Aspirants
Rishikesh is the only best place for Sadhus and Sannyasins. Free food,
free Kutirs and free cottages are available. There is a beautiful library.
Medical help can be had. You can be as free as a bird. Why do you wander
then here and there? If a Sadhu or Sannyasin or an aspirant really wants
to attain spiritual progress and Self-realisation, he must stick to
this place without stirring out even for a day, at least for a period
of twelve years, and must do rigorous, constant Sadhana. Change of place
is not necessary. The Ganga and the Himalayas are eternally inspiring,
elevating and health-giving. A change to other places is the foolish
imagination of weak-willed and deluded doctors and rich people.
A Sannyasin or Sadhu can do more solid and efficient work at the very
threshold of his cottage than by moving about from place to place and
delivering lectures on platforms. When the flower blossoms, it does
not send any invitation to the bees. The bees come by themselves. Even
so, real seekers after Truth will flock to the real Sannyasins at their
very door. Sannyasins need not move about and advertise. In platform-lectures,
there is only temporary stimulation for half an hour. There are some
noise, fights, quarrels, claps, “hear, hear” sounds from some
corners. Only real Adhikarins will go to meet Sannyasins at their cottages.
The hearts of these aspirants can be really pierced by the instructions
of Sannyasins. Training of aspirants is the highest service which a
Sannyasin can do. Each aspirant will become a spiritual nucleus, or
radiating or broadcasting centre of Joy, Peace and Knowledge. When a
Sannyasin moves, his time is wasted. All sorts of people come to meet
him out of curiosity. Nowadays, householders do not attend to their
wants. They have become extremely selfish. They show some lip-sympathy
by saying: “Swamiji Maharaj! Kuch Seva Bathlayiye Mere Layak”
This is pure humbug, hypocrisy and cunning.
When one puts on the orange-coloured robe, he must remember that he
has entered a noble order of life and that great responsibility rests
on his shoulders and that he is going to become soon a religious and
spiritual teacher for the world. He must try his level best to possess
all the noble, divine virtues and to lead an ideal life of purity and
Vairagya.
Real Sannyasins are the beacon-lights and torchbearers of the world.
Just as the lighthouse sends its light to the distant steamers in the
far-off sea, so also the Sannyasins radiate their divine light to people
of far-off climes who are immersed in the mire of darkness and ignorance.
They can move the whole world.
Glory to real Sannyasins who have renounced everything, who are treading
the path of Truth! Hail, hail to Sannyasins who are resting in their
own Svarupa, the Brahma-Nishthas! Glory, glory to Parivrajaka Acharyas,
the Brahma-Vidya Gurus who are disseminating the Knowledge of the Self
far and wide! May their blessings be upon us all!
Chapter Nine
Just as Kirtan-Sadhana has been made the special Kali-Yuga Sadhana
for quick God-vision, even so herein you have the new Yoga, a Yoga most
eminently suitable for this age of doubt and scepticism, pride and egoism.
It is Guru-Bhakti Yoga. This Yoga is marvellous. Its power is tremendous.
Its efficacy is most unfailing. The true glory Of Guru-Bhakti is indescribable.
It is the Yoga par excellence for this age, which makes God appear here
before you in flesh and blood and move with you in this very life. The
hard Rajasic ego is the arch enemy of the Sadhaka. Guru-Bhakti Yoga
is the surest and best Sadhana to destroy arrogance and to dissolve
the vicious ego. Just as a particular deadly germ can be annihilated
only by a certain specific chemical germicide, even so, to destroy Avidya
and Ahankara, this unique Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the peerless specific.
They are the gravest ‘Mayacide’ and ‘egocide’. They
become quite powerless and no longer afflict the fortunate soul who
saturates himself with the spirit of Guru-Bhakti Yoga. Blessed indeed
is the man who earnestly takes to this Yoga; for he will obtain crowning
success in all other Yogas. TO him will accrue the choicest fruits of
perfection in Karma, Bhakti, Dhyana and Jnana.
The qualification for taking to this Yoga is the simple trio of sincerity,
faith and obedience. Be sincere in your aspiration for Perfection. Be
not vague or half-hearted. Then have perfect faith in the one you have
accepted as your Guru. Do not allow even so much as a shadow of doubt
to approach you. When once you have reposed absolute faith in him, then
know that what he instructs you is indeed for your highest good. Therefore,
obey his word implicitly. Follow his teachings to the letter. Be earnest
in doing thus, and take my word: you will attain Perfection; I assure
you emphatically.
Now then an exposition of Guru-Bhakti-Yoga.
1. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is total self-surrender to Satguru.
2. The important eight limbs of the Guru-Bhakti Yoga are: (i) the real
lasting aspiration to practise Guru-Bhakti Yoga; (ii) absolute faith
in the thoughts, words and action of Satguru; (iii) doing Sashtanga
Namaskara with humility and repeating Guru’s name; (iv) perfect
obedience in carrying out Guru’s commands; (v) doing personal service
to Satguru without expectation of fruits; (vi) daily worshipping of
the lotus-feet of Satguru with Bhava and devotion; (vii) self-surrender
or dedication of Thanu, Mana and Dhana in the cause of divine mission
of Satguru; (viii) meditation on the holy feet of Satguru for obtaining
his benign grace, and hearing his holy Upadesa and sincerely practising
it.
3. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is a Yoga by itself.
4. It is not possible for an aspirant to enter the spiritual path that
leads to the union with God unless he practises Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
5. He who understands the system of Guru-Bhakti Yoga Philosophy can
only surrender to his Guru unconditionally.
6. The highest object of life, i.e., Self-realisation, is achieved
through the practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
7. Yoga of Guru-Bhakti is the real safe Yoga which can be practised
without any fear.
8. The essence of Guru-Bhakti Yoga lies in utter obedience in carrying
out the Guru’s orders and translating his teachings in life.
9. The aim of Guru-Bhakti Yoga is to free man from the thraldom of
matter and fetters of Prakriti and make him realise his absolute independent
nature, through complete surrender to Guru.
10. He who practises the Yoga of Guru-Bhakti can annihilate the egoism
without any difficulty and he can very easily cross the quagmire of
Samsara.
11. Guru-Bhakti Yoga bestows immortality and eternal bliss on one who
practises it sincerely and regularly.
12. Practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga gives peace and steadiness of mind.
13. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the master-key to open the realm of elysian
bliss.
14. The goal of life is to obtain the benign grace of Satguru by practising
Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
15. With humility approach the adorable feet of Satguru. Do prostrations
to the life-saving feet of Satguru. Take shelter under the lotus-feet
of Satguru. Worship the sacred feet Of Satguru. Meditate on the holy
feet of Satguru. Offer the valuable gifts on the sanctifying feet of
Satguru. Dedicate your life to the service of glorious feet of Satguru.
Become the dust of the divine feet of Satguru. This is the secret of
Guru-Bhakti Yoga
16. Self-surrender to the sacred feet of Satguru is the very foundation
of Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
17. All that is wanted of you is sincere and earnest effort in the
path of Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
18. Devotion to Guru is the greatest factor in the practice of Guru-Bhakti
Yoga.
19. Faith in the Guru is the first rung in the ladder of Guru-Bhakti
Yoga.
20. The cream of Guru-Bhakti Yoga is absolute (blind) faith in the
thoughts, words and actions of the Brahma-Nishtha Guru who is well-versed
in the sacred scriptures.
21. The highest and easiest Yoga to practise in this age is the Yoga
of Guru-Bhakti.
22. The greatest point in the philosophy of Guru-Bhakti Yoga is to
identify the Guru with the Absolute.
23. The practical aspects of philosophy of Guru-Bhakti Yoga is to realise
the oneness of Guru with his Ishta-Devata.
24. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is not a system which can be taught by lectures
or correspondence courses. The student should live under a preceptor
for many years and lead a rigorous life of austerity, discipline, celibacy
and practice of deep meditation.
25. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the Science of all sciences.
26. Guru-Bhakti Yoga confers immortality, eternal bliss, freedom, perfection,
perennial joy and everlasting peace.
27. The practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga induces non-attachment and dispassion
for worldly objects and bestows Kaivalya Moksha.
28. The practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga will help the disciple to control
the emotions and passions, and will give him power to resist temptations
and to remove the disturbing elements from the mind and make him fit
to receive Guru’s Grace which takes him to the other shore of darkness.
29. The practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga bestows immortality, supreme peace
and perennial joy.
30. The practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga will enable you to get rid of
fear, ignorance, pessimism, confusion of mind, disease, despair, worry,
etc.
31. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the transformation of the ego-sense which consists
in transmutation of individual feeling, willing, understanding, determining
into infinite Consciousness.
32. The Sadhanas laid down in the Guru-Bhakti Yoga are very simple
and sure ways to take to the other shore of fearlessness.
33. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is a method of strict discipline achieved through
the grace of Guru.
34. Service of Guru without expectation of fruits and ever-increasing
devotion to the lotus-feet of Guru is the integral Sadhana according
to the Guru-Bhakti Yoga system of philosophy.
35. He who practises Guru-Bhakti Yoga without ethical perfection, devotion
to Guru, etc., cannot obtain the grace of Guru.
36. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the foundation of all other Yogas, viz., Karma
Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, Hatha Yoga, etc.
37. He who has turned his face from the path of Guru-Bhakti Yoga goes
from death to death, from darkness to darkness and ignorance to ignorance.
38. Practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga offers a clear definite path for the
realisation of the highest end of life.
39. Practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga is open to one and all. All great
souls, all masterminds have done great work through the practice of
Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
40. Guru-Bhakti Yoga includes all other Yogas. Without taking recourse
to Guru-Bhakti Yoga nobody can practise other Yogas which are hard to
tread.
41. Guru-Bhakti Yoga school of thought gives great importance to obtaining
Guru-Kripa through Acharyopasana.
42. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is as old as Vedic and Upanishadic time.
43. Guru-Bhakti Yoga teaches the way to wipe out all pains and sorrows
in life.
44. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the only unfailing remedy for the ills of life.
45. The path of Guru-Bhakti Yoga brings fruits quickly only for a worthy
disciple.
46. Guru-Bhakti Yoga ends in the annihilation of ego and attainment
of bliss immortal.
47. Guru-Bhakti Yoga is the best Yoga.
48. Shyness to do Sashtanga prostration to the sacred feet of Guru
is a great hindrance in the practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
49. Self-sufficiency, self-justification, vanity, self-control, self-assertion,
procrastination, obstinacy, fault-finding, evil company, dishonesty,
arrogance, lust, anger, greed and egoism are the great stumbling-blocks
on the path of Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
50. Annihilate the fluctuating potency of the mind through ceaseless
practice of Guru-Bhakti Yoga.
51. When the dissipated ra
