Life and the Guru are inseparable. Life itself teaches so many things. When you consciously reflect on it you can distinguish the things you have done right and those which were clearly wrong. The wisdom that allows you to differentiate is the guru principle that resides in each one of us.
What is the role of a Guru? Doing all that you can for someone else’s growth and development without expecting anything in return is being a Guru. Have you played this role to at least one person with a pure heart and clear mind? When you are guiding someone not wanting anything in return from them know that the Guru Tattva or Guru Principle is working through you.
There are three aspects of the Guru principle or Guru Tattva. The first one is in its absolute form which is all-permeating and exists beyond time, then it is in the form of knowledge and the thirdly in the physical form.
When we are ignorant of our true nature we become miserable. When our mind is miserable we look for the cause, which could be a situation, a person or an attitude. This is a cycle of ignorance. Our identification of the Self is limited by thoughts or emotions. So instead of blaming a situation or person for your misery wake up and see that you are caught up in small things, having forgotten who you really are. The knowledge of the Self burns down all karma and brings you closer to the cause of all the causes which is your being. Experiences keep changing but the unchanging experiencer remains at the centre. Again and again, make the effort to know the one who is experiencing.
A Guru’s job is not to fulfil materialistic desires. These are just accessories of life that will happen effortlessly when you have your eyes on the real goal, which is to seek liberation and which is not possible without a Guru. Only he can make you recognise the beauty of inner freedom and the light within.
In Sanskrit, a disciple is called Antevasi-one who dwells within a Guru and in whom the Guru resides. The one who has realised that there is nothing other than the all-permeating Guru principle that surrounds him is called a disciple. This ‘feeling of connection’ with the infinite is made possible by the presence of a Guru alone. When you feel connected to knowledge, wisdom and to the Guru, there is no lack in life, celebration happens instantaneously.
There have been many great souls who have walked the path of true knowledge and have shown that it is possible to attain the pinnacle of life’s purpose through surrender and devotion. Their lives serve as an example for humankind.
A Guru’s job is not to fulfil materialistic desires. These are just accessories of life that will happen effortlessly when you have your eyes on the real goal, which is to seek liberation and which is not possible without a Guru. Only he can make you recognise the beauty of inner freedom and the light within.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian leader, spiritual teacher and an ambassador of peace.