Message:
Guru’s reflection must be harbored in one’s mind so that Guru’s teachings can be remembered as a mantra and etched like footprints in our hearts. We can not attain moksha without Guru’s grace. When our minds stray due to our vices it is Guru’s guidance that brings us back on the spiritual path.
The true Guru empowers us to renounce worldly attachments and connect ourselves to Paramatma. The fear of birth and death is thus defeated. There are no words to describe the glory and greatness of one’s Guru. Through our Guru we get to know the almighty, Paramatma, who created us. Through Guru’s guidance and grace, we are convinced of the Creator’s existence. Guru lays the seed of knowledge within us and has the power to nourish this seed and guide us to Paramatma. Guru in this way is the true reflection of Paramatma itself, because without a Guru liberation is not obtained.
Reflection:
The knowledge that we gain from our Guru is key. Keeping our Guru as a conscious thought in our mind illuminates it and dispels darkness. Guru’s teachings allow us to overcome our own vices and inspire others around us; just as the villagers inspired the Sanyasi Sadhu Yogi who came to their village looking for a place to stay. The yogi had commenced his journey with ideologies set in inequality and pride. He wanted to stay only with the best person in the village. The villagers, however, were sevadars of sadhus. They did not hold themselves better than anyone else. Each household responded by saying that the other was better. This way, they showed the Yogi the importance of being humble.
If we start to look at shortcomings in others, our thought process becomes like that of an ant who is always looking for cracks in the ground. The best virtue is to keep oneself below others and look at others as better than oneself. This virtue helps to eliminate ego, anger, and jealousy; thus, bringing a state of peace to the mind.