1. The Conceptualization of Guru
When the path of spiritual development is contemplated it is important to remember that consciousness of a guru leads to greater freedom of mind, liberation and cessation of all material ego structures, in the mental, astral and physical world. Vaikuntha or Vaidurya are the Masters of Pure, Formless Planes which are independent and free in their teachings and doings. They keep themselves free from any shadow of jealously and pride. The term material means the whole world including the mental, astral and physical world – the Prakrit.
Self Liberation Path Of A Guru
It is only a Guru who can lead one along the self liberation path, towards heaven and then enlightenment so that it is possible to reach the Formless Planes and enter the eternal life path.
As per Himavanti Sampradaya, though there are many methods to cover successive stages, there is just one path called the Return Song. No pride or jealousy is felt by the Masters of Pure, Formless Planes. They work with great humility and dignity, never feel jealous of their students or the type of path they are following, they do not prevent contact with other practices or instructions or impose an oath and stamp of secrecy not to declare anything about the kind of practices their disciples follow. They maintain constantly that there is just one divine truth, one religion and one path.
Beware Of Fake Teachers And Prophets
Fake prophets and teachers are often jealous of their disciples and prevent them from trying to follow other paths other than theirs, in an effort to condemn other religions and schools. In the process of guarding their disciples they fail to liberate them and instead become possessive of them. They develop an opposing attitude towards other religion followers and spiritual path followers and are aware that their path could lead to nowhere.
Claim is made by the schools of Ravana that all spiritual and religious schools, including their own are evil. The lack of belief indicates that the material world is hellish and has nothing similar with teachings of liberated Saints, Prophets and Masters that represent the Spiritual Hierarchy.
Importance Of A Guide
If there is no guide then the journey along the spiritual path takes the person to an overconfident and blind egoism. A leading Founder, Master, Owner and Teacher of all yoga systems states clearly that souls that believe that there is no Guru above them and have the right to follow their own path are souls that have been forced out into the darkest blind alleys and have strayed away from spiritual development due to ego forces of the Demons.
2.The Spiritual Yoga Master
In Sanskrit, Guru is one that has great wisdom, knowledge and authority in a specific spiritual area and as a teacher provides guidance to others. A guru manifests in others in the form of school teachers, parents, own intellectual discipline and books. To attain self realization, enlightenment and Samadhi, a prerequisite is to find a true guru.
Meaning Of Guru In Contemporary India And Western Countries
The word guru means ‘guide’ or ‘spiritual leader’ in contemporary India, while in Western countries it means anyone obtaining followers, who attains authority due to perceived skills or knowledge. In Hinduism guru is generically addressed as Gurudeva. The difference between a guru, spiritual master and an ordinary teacher is vast. A guru is one that dismisses the darkness of ignorance.
The sacred word Guru is associated with highest wisdom, holiness and used with reverence. It is mostly used with a suffix like Deva (enlightenment being). Gurdeva is the enlightened guru or master. Taking a bundle of dry sticks, the student goes to the guru, bows down and offers him the sticks as a symbol of surrendering his actions, mind and speech for the sole desire of achieving highest wisdom. He imparts the mantra initiation in the form of a word called mantra and states to his disciple that the word is an eternal friend that will help at all times. The guru explains the method of using the mantra to the disciple.
Mention Of Guru In Languages
In Hindi and other languages it is ‘guru’ while in Sanskrit it is ‘Guruh’. Guruh is a noun meaning ‘guide’ or ‘teacher’. As a noun it means the knowledge imparter, as an adjective it means ‘heavy in knowledge’ or ‘heavy with realization and good qualities of scriptures’. The ‘gu’ syllable means shadows while ‘ruh’ means the one who disperses the shadows or the darkness. The Guru is thus named because of the power of dispersing darkness that is vested in them. Certain texts indicate that the syllables gu and ruh stand for darkness and light respectively. In the Guru Gita, another etymology of the word ‘guru’ indicates as the one who bestows that nature that transcends qualities is termed as a guru. Traces of meaning of the word ‘gu’ and ‘ruh’ in the Sutras indicate concealment and its annulment.
A Gurus Purpose In Life
Guru, or the gurudeva is a genuine spiritual teacher, looks out for good disciples and teachers as per tradition. He checks out symptoms and signs for the one who is prepared to become a disciple. The purpose of his life is to do his duty and he desires nothing. It is only a genuine guru who cannot live without fulfilling his duty, without selflessness, does not want recognition, remains unattached, does not want the world to know them. They radiate light and life from unknown corners of the world.
- The True Vedic Guru – Rishi
In Devanagri or Sanskrit, the term rishi indicates the spiritual master composers of Vedic hymns. When Vedic Hinduism started taking shape, the rishis were prominent and many of them were rishikas (women) in Sanskrit. As per modern techniques there are many notable rishikas that contribute to the Vedic scripture composition.
Existence Of Rishis
While composing Vedic hymns one foundational quality of the rishi is being satyavāc (one who speaks truth). The rishi exists in a unified field of consciousness (Higher World). In the Himalayas, the upper Ganges area of Rishikesh is as per tradition the abode of the Himalayan Gurus or the Vedic rishis. The Ursa Major constellation is formed by the Seven Rishis (Saptarsi) in Hindu astronomy.
Rishis As Per Indian Tradition
Rishi, in the Indian tradition is derived from the 2 roots ‘rsh’. The word has been derived by Sanskrit grammarians from the second root which means (1) To move or to go (2) To move nearby flowing or to flow. The derivations and meanings given above are based upon Monier-William’s Sanskrit English Dictionary.
A derivation from drś “to see” was suggested tentatively by Monier-Williams, more than a century ago. Monier-William also quotes Hibernian (Irish) form ‘arsan’ (a man old in wisdom, a sage) Hibernian and (age, ancient, old) ‘arrach’ as related to rishi.
Forms Of Rishis In Sanskrit
Forms of the root ‘rish’ in Sanskrit become ‘arsh’ in a number of words for example, arsh. Monier-Williams, the second Boden Professor of Sanskrit at Oxford University, England also conjectures that the root ‘drish’ meaning to see may have given rise to ‘rish’, an obsolete root which means ‘to see’. However it has an Avestan cognate ərəšiš “an ecstatic”, which is quite close. Yet, Julius Pokorny’s Indo-European dictionary connects the word to a PIE root *h3er-s meaning “protrude, rise” in the sense of “egregious, excellent”. As per Manfred Mayrhofer’s modern etymological explanation, he prefers a connection with German ‘rasen’ to be in a different state of mind or ecstatic.
Rishis With Reference To Rgvedic Hymns
The word rishi indicates a poet inspired by Rgvedic hymns. With his poetry he alone or with others invokes the deities. Rishi has reference to authors of the Rigveda hymns. Rishis have been considered as ‘saints’ or ‘sages as per the post-vedic tradition constituting a specific human beings class in the early mythical system as well defined from the mortal men, Devas and Asuras. In the Rigveda-Anukramanis and the Brahmanas, the main rishis recorded include, Angiras, Vamadeva, Gritsamada, Atri, Vishvamitra, Bharadvaja, Kanva and Vasishta.’
Mention Of The Seven Rishis
In the Brahmanas and later works, the Saptarshi (Seven Rishis) are mentioned in the Shatapatha Brahmana, often as typical representatives of the mythical or pre-historic period. They have been mentioned as Atri, Bharadvaja, Kashyapa, Vishvamitra, Vasishtha, Jamadagni and Uddalaka Aruni. In the Ashvalayana-Shrauta-Sutra, additions of Narada, Bhrigu and Daksha have also been made to the saptarshis risis.
4.Jupiter – The Priest and Guru
In Hindu and Vedic astronomy, Jupiter is known as Brihaspati, Cura, Devaguru, Guru or Brahmanaspati and is the teacher of astronomy and astrology. It is believed that Jupiter, the heaviest and biggest of all planets, bestows successes and anyone favored by Jupiter, earns respect from others. Jupiter prefers cleanliness, rules the Moon and Sun and controls movement of other planets. If the Guru-Jupiter is powerful, ill effects of other planets can be encountered easily. Anyone who considers Jupiter as true guru favors Yellow color and the Yellow Sapphire and worships Goddess Parvati, Indra, Lord Shiva and Brahma.
Different Chants Of Jupiter-Guru
Various chants of the Jupiter, Guru Mantra are – ‘Om Graam Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah!’, – ‘Aum Hreem Kleem Hoom Brihaspataye Namah!’ – ‘Aum Brim Brahaspataye Namah Aum!’, – ‘Om Vrim Brihaspataye Namah!’, — ‘Om Graam Greem Graum Sah Brihasptaye Namah!’.
Different tasks are followed as per Indian mythology to increase good effects and minimize ill effects. Some people maintain a vow of silence and fasting on Thursdays and avoid consumption of banana and salt. People wear the 11 faced and 5 faced or 5 Mukhi Rudraksha beads, please Jupiter by donating a yellow cloth, honey, yellow sweets, turmeric, gold, books, gems, etc on Thursdays to Vedic teachers and Brahmins, feed an ox with gram pulse and raw sugar, chant Brihaspati mantras, donate copper or gold or distribute sweets, wear Topaz-Pukhraj from any Thursday for a long period on the index finger, pour butter oil on Lord Shiva’s Idol and worship for a week to seek blessings, etc.
About Jupiter The Guru
Jupiter signifies, fortune, luck, is a beneficial planet, rules progeny, wealth, spirituality and philosophy. Qualities signifying Jupiter are jovial, buoyant, masculine, optimistic and fruitful. If the planet is favorable it gives wealth, name, honor, success, fame, progeny and better relationship with progeny and is beneficial to other planets it associates with. Jupiter rules over the signs Meena (Pisces) and Dhanu (Sagittarius) and is prominent in Karka (Cancer) and in his fall in Makara (Capricorn). In Vedic astrology, Jupiter is considered to be of the Akasha (Sky,Space/Aether; Tattva or ether (Space) = Truth/Category/Essence which is an indicator or expansion, growth and vastness in the life and horoscope of the person.
For a female, Jupiter is important as it determines her marriage and the relation she has with her husband. The planet rules over blood circulation in the arteries, thighs, liver and fat in the human organism. Any indisposition to the Guru indicates bad luck, skin issues, heart troubles, litigation loss, blood impurity, malfunctioning liver, diabetes, etc. It influences a person during the 15th, 16th, 22nd and 40th year of life. The belief is that Jupiter related diseases are a result of negative or bad karma in connection with any guru in previous birth.
5.Emphasis Of A Guru In Hinduism And Vedadharma
In Hinduism the significance of identifying a guru that can provide vidya (transcendental knowledge) has been emphasized.
The Guru-Disciple Relationship
A dialogue between Krishna (a godly man) and Arjuna (his disciple and friend and a Kshatriya prince) in the Bhagavad Gita (the main Hindu text), accepts Krishna on the battlefield as his guru, before a large battle takes place. Theirs is an ideal relationship of Guru-Shishya. Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita talks about why it is important to find a guru, acquiring astral knowledge by humble reverence from a self-realized master.
Disciple Succession
The term guru indicates a satpurusha or a true teacher, who resides along with his disciples in a gurukula or the ashram (the guru’s household). The guru parampara is the guru’s lineage by which, the guru’s message is spread to other people, by the disciples. As per beliefs of certain Hindu denominations, it is essential to live with the embodiment of God (the guru) while seeking moksha.
The guru provides direction to the disciple to attain salvation, become a liberated soul (jivanmukta) in his or her lifetime. As per Hindu traditions, the spiritual guide on earth for any person is the guru. As per other mystical traditions, it is the guru who helps in the awakening of dormant spiritual knowledge called the shaktipat, within the disciple.
In Brahmanism, Hinduism and other Vedadharma traditions, a guru is a respected person who enlightens the disciple’s mind, possesses saintly qualities and provides the initiatory mantra and instructs in religious ceremonies and rituals.
Influential Gurus In Hindu Tradition
In the Hindu tradition there are a number of influential gurus including, Shree Shiva Yogeshvara, Shree Kannappa Nayanar, Shree Agastya Rishi, Shree Kabir or Kabira, Shree Swami Vivekananda, Shree Shirdi Sainatha, Shree Swami Sivananda, Shree Aurobindo Ghosh, Shree Brahmananda Saraswati, Swami Chinmayananda and many more. In modern Hinduism, some of the well known representatives include Rajneesh, Maha MahaRishi Paranjothiar and A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Balyogeshwar.
The Diksha Initiation
An individual without a teacher or guru was looked down upon as mentally damaged, unfortunate or an orphan, in the Hindu culture. The spiritual awakening is called the disksha initiation given to the disciple by the grace of the Guru. With the diksha bestowed upon him or her, the disciple progresses ahead continuously along the divinity path. It is as far back as the early Upanishads, where the concept of the ‘guru’ can be traced to. The gurudeva or guru (divine teacher) manifested from early associations of the Brahmins. The guru is instrumental in leading the disciple to God.
6.Gurutattva – The Guiding Principle
Within each one resides an undying and unborn tattva (a subtle principle), a central location of infinite auspiciousness, strength, abundance and an infinite sky of supreme wisdom. It witnesses everything silently, is not bounded by conditions, space or time and is the inner guru which leads the person to the Ishvara-Pranin (true living guru). It longs for true surrender before the guru (the true living master).
The tradition of guru-shishya
The guru transmits subtle and advanced teachings or knowledge to the disciple, in the guru-shishya tradition. The student receives the teaching with obedience, devotion, commitment and respect. In Hinduism, Brahmanism and Vedadharma, the fundamental component, is the dialogue between the disciple and guru. Knowledge embodied by the guru is mastered eventually by the student.
Vision Of The Guru
Darshana is having a vision of the guru or meeting with the guru. Blessings or darshana can be received from the guru or from a deity in the temple. It means to see with devotion and reverence or being in the presence of a person who is highly revered. With darshan, the devotee develops more devotion for the Guru or God and in turn the Guru or God develops affection for the devotee.
The event is an interaction in consciousness between a sculpture or image and the devotee, or between the guru and devotee, which calls out and focuses the deveotee’s consciousness.
Darshana The Special Link Between Guru And Devotee
In the culture of India, Darshana is an integral part between the relationship of guru and devotee, where the devotee touches the feet of the great guru or God. During poojas there is a special link between guru and worshipper, where the people out of respect touch the feet of the guru or wipe away dust from his feet before touch their own head on the guru’s feet.
In Indian culture, touching the feet or doing the charana-sparsa or pranama is a customary as a mark of respect or greeting. It is an important part of darshan. Accidentally if the foot touches any written material, money, book, a body part or another person’s leg, then the offending person offers an apology by first touching the object or body with the finger tips and then touching the head or chest. In Vedadharma spiritual culture, there are 6 types of Pranam.
- Shastanga – touching the ground with nose, chin, hands, knees, toes
- Dandavata – bowing forehead and touching the ground with forehead.
- Ashtangana – touching the ground with temple, nose, knees, chin, elbows, hands, chest, belly.
- Abhinandan – folding hands touching the chest and bending forward.
- Panchanga – touching the ground with chin, knees, chin, forehead, temple
- Namaskaram – folded hands touching the forehead
Guru Padodaka
Guru Padodaka is the holy water obtained in a ritual of bathing the guru’s feet or Linga which is used to call upon celestial blessing and good fortune in many sacred occasions. It is sprinkled on purchasing a new vehicle or entering a new home, etc.
- The Holy Scripture And Types Of Gurus
The most holy scripture for all tantra and Vedadharma spiritual tradition from India, Bengal, Tibet, Lanka, Himalaya and Nepal is the Guru Gita. Rishi Vyasa authored this Hindu scripture which is a part of the larger Skanda Purana. Conversation between the Lord Shiva Yogeshvara, the Hindu God and Parvati his wife and Hindu Goddess is described in the Guru Gita. She asks Shiva to teach about the Guru and he replies by giving a description of the Guru principle, the right ways of guru worship and benefits and methods of repeating the Guru Gita.
Brilliant Expressions In The Couplets
Each and every couplet brilliantly expresses the direct experience of Suta. Remedies for the long lasting disease of death and birth are provided in couplets of the Guru Gita. For the Sadhakas, this is the sweetest nectar. Once a person drinks the Guru Gita’s nectar, it leads to Absolute Knowledge and Peace of one’s real nature.
This Hindu scripture of 216 with additions 273 versus is a retelling of a conversation in which Parvati asks Shiva to teach her about the Guru.
The one who embodies the principle of the Guru is called a Satguru. The Guru principle is a light that eliminates darkness and helps the disciple in discovering his or her True Self. At the heart of the ancient Vedic tradition lies the chanting of the Sri Guru Gita along with the Guru Bhakti Yogas other devotional practices.
Assessing Prospective Disciples
Specific criteria are followed while assessing a prospective disciple. The disciple should have renounced the desire for wealth, son, be at peace with himself or herself and should not be attached to anything that is impermanent. He should be compassionate and a master of his senses. The applicant disciple’s Vedic knowledge, behavior, caste and earlier generations of the family is checked by the Guru.
In the past it was not a universal right to have knowledge, unlike today. A very small majority had the privilege to access knowledge via the Guru. The erudite Sanskrit knowledge was used in knowledge transmission without any translation. Hence it was essential to master Sanskrit. In the Vedas, was founded the ultimate knowledge and instruction of the texts was followed by the guru. The Shudras were disallowed from accessing the texts besides with foreigners and women were also excluded.
Types Of Gurus
Four types of gurus in India
- Gurus of 4 types are distinguished in India
- The enlightened master (the one who derives authority from achieving enlightenment)
- The spiritual advisor (for higher caste Hindus)
- Guru (in book form)
- The Avatar (an incarnation of God or who is recognized by others as an incarnation of God)
