Importance of Guru
Who is
a Guru?
According to a traditional verse in Sanskrit, Gu means
darkness and Ru means remover. Therefore, guru means remover of ignorance. Knowledge removes ignorance. Knowledge is transferred through systematic teaching of the vision of the Shastras. Therefore, Guru is the one who gives knowledge through the act of teaching.
The
Role of a Guru
A Guru is indispensable in spiritual pursuit. The role of
a Guru in moulding the spiritual life of a disciple can be summed up as follows.
1. Teaching the Dharma
The
righteousness revealed by the shastras (scriptures) is called Dharma. It includes the values, duties, rituals
and so on. While some of them are universal, some other Dhramas are
specific to an individual based on various factors like his walk of life, temperament etc. An individual is expected to learn his dharma from his Guru.
2. Inspiration to follow the Dhrama
Knowledge of Dharma is of no use without adherence to Dharma. There are occasions in life,
when, in spite of the knowledge of rights and wrongs, we are tempted to
compromise with the values. Holding on to the values in spite of temptations need constant reminder of Dharma and inspiration.
Association with a Guru serves the purpose of constant reminder of Dharma. Also,
the Guru becomes a source of constant motivation to tread the path of Dharma by leading
an exemplary life.
3. Inspiration to Depend on Bhagavan
Dependence on Bhagavan
(Ishvara or The God) is an essential part of spiritual life. It is difficult to
cultivate dependence of Bhagavan without constant guidance and inspiration from
a Guru. A Guru leads a life of surrender to Bhagavan.
4. Teaching the Knowledge of Brahman (The Absolute Truth)
The ultimate goal of human life is Moksha
(Liberation). Brahmajnana (Knowledge of Brahman) is the means for Moksha. The
Guru imparts the knowledge of Brahman to a competent student through systematic
teaching of the vision of Vedanta.
Qualities
of a Guru
A spiritual aspirant should choose a competent Guru. Some
of the most important qualities which a genuine Guru should be endowed with are
summed up as follows.
1.
Commitment to the
Shastra (Shastra-nishtha)
The Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavadgita are our primary
shastras (Scriptures). These scriptures are time-tested sources of wisdom. A Guru should have reverence to these scriptures and he should align his
teaching with the words of these scriptures.
2.
Commitment to the
Tradition (Sampradaya-nishtha)
The Guru should know the traditional way of understanding
the vision of the scriptures. His teaching should be in conformity with the tradition.
The tradition has come down to us through a lineage of Gurus and disciples and
has been refined by the contributions of hundreds of wise beings.
3.
Commitment to Dharma
(Dharma-nishtha)
The Guru should align his lifestyle with the principles of
Dharma. He should follow the values of Dharma and be a role model to his
disciples.
4.
Broad-mindedness
(Audarya)
A Guru should be interested in helping the disciple in
his spiritual growth as well as psychological well-being. He should be able
to teach and guide the student without any selfish motive. Therefore, a Guru
should be a repository of unconditional love and compassion.
Qualities
of a Disciple
A disciple can benefit from his Guru only if he has the
qualities of a good shishya (disciple). Some of the qualities of an ideal disciple
are summed up as follows.
1. Shraddha
A shshya should have
shraddha in his Guru. Shraddha is generally translated as faith in English. On
a closer look, it is the openness to receive the words of the Guru. We pay proper
attention to an individual only when we have a proper attitude towards him, only
when we consider his words to be valid and useful.
2. Bhakti
Bhakti is a reverential
devotion to the Guru. A shishya should maintain and enhance his devotion to his
Guru by identifying the virtues and greatness of his Guru.
3. Seva
Offering seva (service)
to the Guru is an important part of shishya’s spiritual life. Seva enables the
shishya to receive the grace of his Guru in the form of teaching and guidance.
Closing
Note
Even in modern times, there are many genuine and competent
Gurus in our country. Some of them are well known and many are not. One should
not get carried away by media reports and propaganda against our ancient
cultural heritage. The spiritual culture of Hinduism has been kept alive even
to this day by thousands of pure hearted Gurus in the tradition, who have
sanctified this land with their footprints.
