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What is a Guru? Part 2 of 2
Part 2 of 2
23 Feb 2003
PART 2 of 2
Do I need one? Can I find God without a Guru? How do I recognize and shop for a quality Guru? What about False Guru’s - I was hurt by one, how can I tell if they are the ‘Real Thing’? I don’t want to be a student (we are all equals here), or disciple, (that’s just weird): can’t they just be ‘Friends’? Who do they think they are, calling themselves ‘Guru’, or ‘Master Spiritual Teacher’ anyway !? We are adults here, and I know a thing or two about Spirituality as well!. Hey, real Gurus are only from India, are men, have long white beards, wear flowing robes of orange or white or are almost naked, are really poor, don’t charge a penny for their services, can make miracles on demand, and are supposed to be…..!
In Part 1 of "What is a Guru?", (see Archives), we explored and teased out the multiple meanings and layers of 'Guru' from modern western mythology and popular press ideas. Also, in light of this we answered the question, "Do I need a Guru?" and "How do I find God without a Guru?". In this much anticipated second and final installment, we will go on to explore the rest of the common opinions, attitudes and burning questions about Gurus and Master Spirtual Teachers and their place in our spiritual lives.
How do I recognize and shop for a quality Guru?
“When the Student is ready, the Master shall appear”. This age old saying is still very true today. No amount of seeking or demanding for your true Master Spiritual Teacher/Gurus’ appearance will produce one, until your heart is worthy and ready. This also applies to receiving the gifts of the Gurus’ Grace, (known as gurukrpayoga in Sanskrit), namely the gift of Shaktipat or the awakening of the Shakti Kundalini, (Holy Spirit), in the case of a true Shaktipat Master Spiritual Teacher. This begins the process of yogic purification, inner transformation and Self-Realization. Most often, these great events of the Gurus appearance and receiving Shaktipat will happen unpremeditatively, spontaneously and synchronistically from the students perspective.
It’s clear at this point ,that we are not referring to the common slang term ‘guru’ for teacher or intellectual expert in some field of study. To step into the world of asking for your Master Spiritual Teacher is to step off-the-cliff of the currently known and controlled; from the rational, linear and mundane world of intellect, (riddled with faulty assumptions and illusional filters), and into the irrational, non-linear quantum world of Grace and Divine Will, (something we have absolutely no control over, and little awareness of, at this stage).
In effect, you are asking for a living or in-spirit Saint to entire into your life within you, as the Self or God-Within, and with the intention of surrendering and abandoning your egoic, false-self completely to this Saint, with selfless love and tender devotion. The greatest caveat is actually being awake enough in Higher Consciousness to recognize your Guru when they DO appear! If you doubt that this can even remotely apply to you or your ancestors, re-examine all the countless instances through history that a great saint was unrecognized, ignored, ridiculed, mistreated or eventually killed in the hands of spiritually pious peoples, only to be recognized, canonized and worshipped as a true saint long after their death!
Recognition. Swami Muktananda, a great Siddha Saint of Kashmir Shaivism of last century, who became famous for bringing this venerable and ancient wisdom tradition to the western world in the 1970’s, once said, “Mainly, it is Disciples who can test (recognize) a Guru; casual observers cannot know who a true Guru is….only a Guru can fully test (recognize, authenticate) another Guru”. This is because it requires a more refined and powerful awareness, and also knowledge, to be able to perceive the more subtle level of existence and consciousness characteristic of these holy beings; outward appearance and behavior are not definitive characteristics.
Even so, there is a general Guru Classification system in India that does differentiate the various roles and functions of types of Gurus. Make note that ultimately, the ‘Guru’ is the Guru-Principle, or God as All. Through the power of Grace ever present in our lives, anyone can spontaneously and momentarily relate to another as ‘Guru‘, (I.e., of ‘divine will‘, through Grace, in the moment), indeed this happens countless times in all our lives. The difference with the true Guru is that the person has completely died as an ego-being and is now firmly established in divine union continuously and completely, (jivanmukti). According to the Kularnava Tantra, an eleventh century sacred text, there are six kinds of physical Gurus. The physical Guru may be understood to be the manifestation or outer expression of the Inner-Guru of the Disciple. The six kinds are identified as, “one who sets (the disciple) in motion, one who shows (the way), one who explains (the teachings), one who reveals (the truth), one who possesses effective knowledge, and one who awakens (the disciples’ spirit, aka Shaktipat)”.
In the book, “Meditation Revolution”, coauthor William K. Mahony writes, “Of those listed here, the sixth - bodhaka, ‘one who awakens’ - is, according to the Kularnava Tantra, the most important, for ‘the first five are the result, as it were, of the last, (which serves as their) cause’ . By this the Tantra means that the Guru as bodhaka awakens the disciple into all other forms of spiritual learning and spiritual life. Such a Guru is one ‘who performs the full initiation’ , (purnabhishekakartr).”
Another important and fundamental Guru Classification is the ‘Right Path’ (dakshinachara), and the ‘Left Path’(vamachara) Guru. In both instances, the true Guru is unfathomable and unpredictable. However, the ‘Right Path’ Guru has essentially made the sacrifice to continue to conform to social norms of behavior and culture in order to be the living example, or Role-Model of ‘right action’ for the benefit of their students. Remember that with Self-Realization and complete absorption into the Absolute, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, nor ‘good’ or ‘evil’ anymore. It is a state of utter and complete freedom (of choice), wholeness and contentment in unity with All, devoid of any ‘external’ stimulus to obey, conform or ‘fit in’ with the crowd. So to play any role for the benefit of their disciples is in fact, a sacrifice. This leads us to “Left Path’ Gurus.
These true Gurus have chosen to not necessarily be role-models to society or their students, and do as they please. Again, ultimately, as the eyes of God, there is not ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, and through their training and worthiness, they are able to live in a state of completion self-realization, yet within worldy affairs and the enjoyment them. In this perspective, the ‘Left Path’ Guru is also a fully integrated holy being, but has chosen to not necessarily teach by example to students, especially in the case of neophytes who are stuck in the mire of their own worldly existence. Spiritual seekers will do well to know about these two categories when approaching a true Guru.
Another important distinction of the “Left Path’ Guru is the creation of a hierarchy of truths and practices, and a strict hierarchy of disciples distinguished by their ‘qualification’ for certain teachings and practices, similar to the Christian church system, martial arts schools and Qigong Masters of Asian wisdom tradition. Since the highest hierarchical position is the ‘Left Path’ Guru themselves, this frees them of any accountability for standards and behavioral conduct which still do apply to all their students and disciples. This brings up the question of whether a ‘Left Path’ Guru can be mistakened for a False Guru, since in both cases, social norms, ethics and personal boundaries do not apply.
What about False Guru’s - I was hurt by one, how can I tell if they are the ‘Real Thing’?
A significant, though seemingly small consolation to being 'burned' by a False Guru, is the greater discerment and awareness about what the nature of a True Guru will be like! Also, this is not only a matter of identifying a False from a True Guru, but also identifying a true and good Disciple/Student from a false one. One can create pain and suffering for oneself not only from engaging the company of a False Guru or true 'Left Path’ Guru, but also by blindness and ignorance of the consequences of ones' own ego-based beliefs and behaviors, even in the company of a true, ‘Right Path’ Guru, if one is a false student/disciple. Also, bear in mind that the best, truest ’Right Path’ Guru is by definition an ’ego-crusher-and-destroyer’! The greater the resistance and ego of the disciple, the more painful and humiliating the lessons, as well described in Swami Muktanandas experiences with his own Guru, Swami Nityananda in his book, ‘Play of Consciousness, a Spiritual Autobiography.
The Kularnava Tantra and other sacred texts such as the Guru Gita, the Bhagavad Gita, the Devata Mantrasvarupini, the Tatha Hdraya-dismays Visvametaccaracaram and the sacred writings of the great saint Sundardas, describe the nature and differences between true and false gurus and disciples. Many volumes of sacred works expound on this topic, but here is a sampling of the difference between True and False Guru from these texts.
"The True Guru is clad in spotless clothing, carries a bewitching smile that reveals the current of inner bliss that permeates his entire being, radiating as an orb and stream of love ,ecstasy and effulgence of the Absolute. He awakens the Kundalini, (Holy Ghost). He as conquered desire and anger, and banished infatuation and attachment from his heart. No anguish should arise in him. He should be ecstatic in the intoxication of supreme bliss and virtue. Notions of inequality and disparity should have left him. He sees no fault in anyone, he gives joy to all and has banished sorrow in the worthy. While in the body, he has attained Liberation, the supreme state of God. Through him, a worthy one can reach this state instantly. He is beyond the three gunas (three forces of worldly existence). The Guru is the embodiment of Shiva and his mantra embodies him. He dwells in everyone’s’ hearts as the Witness, is the Knower of the essence of all doctrines, the seed of the world; he is eternal and the giver of Knowledge. The true Guru puts differences to flight, roots out impurities and destroys duality to reveal the perception of unity with God. He is proficient in distinguishing between correct and incorrect thoughts, ideas and behavior according to scriptural doctrines. Although his eyes are fixed on inner Self, he is omniscient, and supernatural powers follow him. He knows space, time, past, present and future. If he commands someone to do something, it always bears fruit. He bestows grace and metes out punishment. He can pierce the chakras, and transmit his shakti to others; is serene, and has conquered the six enemies, (desire, greed, anger, lust, envy and infatuation). He reveals the meaning of wisdom and righteousness. He holds equanimity in the face of praise and censure, and free of conflicts, desires and thoughts. He carries no business but Guruhood and regards praise and blame equally."
In the third chapter of Kamaksha Tantra, it describes the characteristics of a False Guru: “samskara-rahito murkho veda-shasta-vivarjitah, pura-yajana-jivi ca naro voidance kamukah, kruro dambhi matsari ca vyasani krpanah khalah, kusangi nastiko bhito mahapaka-cinhitah…”. These sanskrit verses state that the False Guru did not himself have a Guru, is uninitiated and lacks knowledge of scriptures. He does not regularly bath, meditate or perform yogic disciplines. His words are meaningless and he demonizes and condemns all those who disagree with him. Swami Muktananda also has said, “He lives by performing rituals, a giver of (illicit) drugs, is passionate, cruel, hypocritical, jealous, a slave to addictions, miserly and a cheat. He entices and impresses followers with displays of psychic powers and magic, or attracts people by giving them herbs, roots or other medicines. He indulges himself completely in sense pleasures. He overeats. He is by nature harsh and pretentious. To obtain fame and money, he performs actions prohibited by the scriptures. He engages people in worldy pleasures and deceit and makes corruption flourish. He tells lies, behaves shamelessly, is a cunning swindler.” Such a False Guru seeks only to profit from his disciples. He is miserly, wicked, bestial and does evil to others. He is a gossip. This kind of Guru is totally false. Such a one can never be a giver of liberation.
Hey, real Gurus are only from India, are men, have long white beards, wear flowing robes of orange or white or are almost naked, are really poor, don’t charge a penny for their services, can make miracles on demand, and are supposed to be…..!
We have spoken above to the blindness and ignorance induced by cultural blinders, faulty assumptions, and illusional filters of the limited, egoic mind. In a future article, we shall explore what the ancient sacred texts of India, and historical texts of the Siddha Yoga lineage say about the characteristics of a worthy student and a true and good disciple. The mythology of the poor and disparate Guru as a necessity of ‘true pedigree’ has also been discussed above. Business engaged in the normal requirements and course of Guruhood is sanctioned by the scriptures. Also, true Gurus often have taken a Vow of Poverty, and their ministries are non-profit organizations in the United States. As ‘wards of the ministry/church’, the organization is responsible for providing basic living essentials in exchange for the gifts and services of the Gurus’ Grace.
It is clear and completely understood with all ministries and non-profit religious organizations that the Master Spiritual Teacher provides the services, and that the sangham, (congregation) provide the enabling support to the Guru if they wish to benefit from him. In Asia, monastics and clergy are always offered food, shelter and all their needs are gladly taken care of, in order to receive the teachings, Grace and Divine Blessings, however, this ancient tradition does not exist in the western world. In the western world, money donations, fee-for-service and actual charges have come to substitute the non-monetary tithing and dakshina offerings of spiritual seekers and disciples of Indian religious philosophies and wisdom traditions.
Either way, it is clearly written in the Bhagavad Gita that to receive the Gurus’ Grace, one must give, and to not, is to be a thief. These are rather strong words, especially considering the common idea that all things from non-profits should be free to the public, especially if of a spiritual nature. Let's look a little closer at the meaning behind these words in the Gita. This concept of giving before receiving is couched in the language of offering sacrifice (of the ego and of attachments) to God, and in fulfilling sacred duties (following divine will, god-within, and grace as 'righteous action' ). In this context, offerings of support in all manners, including financial contributions, loving devotion and selfless service to the Guru is a divine yoga discipline in its own right, which has produced many Saints over thousands of years.
Verse 11 and 12 of the Gita states, “By this (sacrifice), may you nourish the Gods and may the Gods nourish you; by nourishing each other, you shall attain the ‘highest welfare’. The Gods, nourished by the sacrifice will indeed give you desired enjoyments; he who enjoys these gifts while not offering to them in return, is a thief”. Jnaneshwara, a great Siddha Saint and commentator of the Bhagavad Gita continues, “If a person…loses his devotion to the Guru…and fails to perform his duty (turns away from God/Guru),….great harm will come to him, he will lose all that he possesses, his happiness will be cut off from its source. Just as when a lamp is extinguished the light disappears, if a person departs from his own nature, then he is no longer free… it will call him a thief and take everything away from him…..”.
I don’t want to be a student (we are all equals here), or disciple, (that’s just weird): can’t they just be ‘Friends’? Who do they think they are, calling themselves ‘Guru’, or ‘Master Spiritual Teacher’ anyway !? We are adults here, and I know a thing or two about Spirituality as well!
I have also observed this universal truth of give-and-take, or universal law of energy exchange, as those worthy seekers and lovers of God who surrender completely to the Guru (God-Within) are often instantly and profoundly rewarded. But those who willfully hold back due to fears, self-doubts, distrust, anger and arrogance (the ego), and who even attack the Guru, receive nothing but their own reflection of blindness and ignorance. We must remember that the true Guru is not only the embodiment of Self and God, but also therefore a 'mirror' to others. We have all heard of 'what goes around, comes around', and this is no exception.
The Guru is in, and of all sentient and insentient living creatures and inanimate objects. He is the heart of all and is aware of all, omniscient and omnipresent. In this Unity Consciousness, fully absorbed into God, what need is a friend or any attachments? The true Guru is completely free and in perfect contentment simply Being. They have no need of ‘anyone’ or ‘anything‘. Truly, engaging in the material world of duality is a conscious choice for them, and a sacrifice! There are no needs, not even to provide services to you! It is the need and desire of the seeker to unite with God and to be fully liberated and complete that the Guru avails himself to, far more than ‘friend’ or ‘teacher’. When you finally know the truth of what the perfect relationship of the Guru-Disciple relationship really is, you will see egoic one-upmanship, competition and power-jocking as illusional and shamefully ridiculous! Indeed, all terms of (subject-object) relationship fall away, useless dust; back into Source Itself, in the silent stillness of pure awareness, bliss and existence as One.
In regards to performing miracles on demand as proof of the ‘real thing’ Guru, we have already seen that this is one of the activities and characteristics of an utterly false guru, a swindler, a thief of Truth! The Great Teachers warn us - do not ask for magic or ‘proof’ of supernatural powers, and do not be impressed with displays of such. Do not flatter or try other ways of deceiving or manipulating the true Guru, (as all is transparent to him), and do not demand shaktipat, healings and teachings as nourishment for your soul without first offering yourself completely to the Gurus' Grace. Follow the instructions of the Guru (divine will) as a sacrifice of your very own self (ego and attachments). Remember, taking something and offering nothing is theft and a sure source of ill fortune according to the Bhagavad Gita, one of the most sacred and famous text of all India, and of all time.
Devi ma
copyright IBASI 2003-5.
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