Guru Mahima : Why teachers are exalted - Swami Tejomayananda
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Monday, January 11, 2021. 09:48. AM.
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In the Yoga Vasishta, Rama states that nothing is superior to knowledge of the Self and to the spiritual teacher who knows thatSelf. We can neither describe the glory of this knowledge nor the exalted state of the teacher — all our words will always be inadequate.
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Guru mahima refers to the glory or greatness of the master. But, the guru's exalted status cannot easily be fathomed by those who have not come in contact with one. It is said, the Upanishads reveal their meaning to that student who has the same supreme devotion for the guru as he has for God. They state that even if a person is totally ignorant spiritually, but serves an enlightened master with complete sincerity and dedication, he will be liberated. Such is guru mahima.
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The greatness of the guru is that he teaches us about our own true nature— the infinite and eternal Self; this directly realised knowledge makes us complete. The guru reveals the absolute truth. He is the one who removes the cataract of ignorance from our eyes and opens them to the Truth. He burns the bondage of karmas acquired over countless lifetimes by the fire of Self-knowledge and liberates us forever.
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He is capable of bestowing worldly prosperity as well as liberation. Such a guru needs and demands nothing. Other than namaskar, there is nothing we can give to the teacher. He does not wait to receive anything in return, not even gratitude or appreciation. He desires nothing; for he is totally self-content and fulfilled, satisfied in the Self, by the Self.
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This is the greatest glory of the teacher who constantly revels in his own splendour. He does not depend upon the world for satisfaction, contentment or joy; there is nothing for him to gain. He has attained the supreme goal of human birth.
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The second mahima of the guru is that even though he is totally fulfilled and there is no need for him to act, he is a dayasindhu, an ocean of compassion. This infinite compassion prompts him to share knowledge with others so that they too may be liberated, fulfilled and complete.
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There are two types of people: one kind wants greatness only for himself; the other kind attempts to elevate others, so that they, too, become great. The guru does not proclaim, “I am Brahmn, but you are a trivial creature.”Out of his immense kind-heartedness, he says,“You too are Brahmn, but you are not aware of it.”
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The greatness of the guru is that even after giving so much, he doesnot order his students. In Sanyasa Diksha, when the guru initiates his disciples in the order of renunciation,he states,“You are totally free;even I cannot give you an order or command. You are under no obligation.”However, the beauty of this knowledge is that a true disciple will always reply,“I may be free, but I will do whatever you say.”
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This, in short, is the glory of the guru; it can never really be described.Many saints, sages and devotees have attempted to do so, but without success. Blessed are those who have hadthe saubhagya, great good fortune, to be with such noble mahatmas. (The author is an acharya with the ChinmayaMission.
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