Need for the Guru
Who is a Sadguru
Discipleship
Role of Guru and Significance of Initiation
Mantra Initiation
Changing the Guru
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Sadhaka : Who can be a real guru, a Sadguru? How to know him?

Gurudev : To be a guru one must have a command from God. One who has direct Knowledge of Atman through Experience can only be enrolled as a guru. Mere study of books cannot make one a guru. A jivanmukta (liberated sage) is sadguru. He is a knower of Brahman. He is identical with the supreme Self. The sadguru is Brahman Himself. He is an ocean of bliss, knowledge and mercy. He shows you the right path. He tears your veil of ignorance. He transmutes your lower, diabolic nature. Sadgurus do not exhibit any miracles or siddhis.

If you find peace in the presence of a mahatma (great soul), in whose very presence you are spiritually elevated, and if he is selfless, I-less and loving, you can take him as your guru.

Swamiji : The guru sows spiritual seeds in us, so that it may yield the delicious fruit of Self-realisation.

Swami Krishnananda: A guru is one who initiates a person into the technique of God-realisation, and guides that student continuously as long as necessary. A guru does not mean the one who just teaches you something. His connection is with the Spirit. If anybody can guide you towards that purpose until such time as guidance is necessary, that person is the guru.