Intro To The Guru Blog: What is 'Guru'? (Part One)

The East Indian culture is rich in the wisdom of the ages and for over 3000 years has produced a treasure trove of sacred texts which have aided the seeker in discovering the guarded mysteries revealing the nature of existence. This store of knowledge was considered secret and only passed on to the chosen and initiated  few by the sages and saints who authored them. The holy teachings of antiquity are still considered to be the basis of daily life in modern India and are familiar to a vast population of religious and nonreligious alike in India. The difference from the time they were written to present day is that these teachings, once considered secret, are now widely available to any one who is drawn to the valuable life lessons they offer. Here in the west, it has barely been a century since this knowledge has crossed the ocean in the form of yoga and meditation. Now, with so much accessibility through literature and internet, there is no limit or restriction to the many translations of these ancient and respected volumes of sacred knowledge. It is one of India's most valuable exports.  

A common and respected tradition of Indian spiritual practice, which is the main way in which these teachings are passed on today, is that of seeking out and following a guru. Even before knowing exactly what the term 'guru' means, some opinions reflect a negative and even suspicious attitude regarding the subject. Many are quick to criticize and chastise anyone who is associated with a guru in the sense of following one as a spiritual teacher. It may be considered naive, backward, and ridiculous to bow (figuratively and literally) before anyone ("What?! How could you be so gullible?'). Many, in the West especially, will automatically think of brain washing cults and religious fanaticism in relation to the mere mention of a guru. Then there are all those sensationalized scandals which are obviously the rule rather than the exception. 

I have encountered these judgments personally, but this has not at all been my experience in the last couple of years knowing and following my respected and dearly loved Guru Anantaji who also follows, as I do, the teachings of a revered and globally renowned spiritual teacher called Mooji. It is also not the experience of the millions of beings who have discovered the joy and lightness of having an awakened teacher as a mentor and guide. So, for anyone curious, open and interested enough to listen, I want to use this blog to share my experiences along with anecdotes, videos, pictures and other material related to the devotional and spiritual homage of guru.

Before getting into that, let me try to shed some light on the word 'guru'. In Hindi it simply means a venerated and respected teacher. In the spiritual arena, from sanskrit translations of it's use in the various vedic texts, it denotes an enlightened being referred to as someone who leads the seeker from darkness to light. The use of the phrase 'dispeller of darkness' is a very popular usage. Suffice it to say that 'guru' is a very ancient word that has been translated in various ways but, generally it means 'illumined teacher'. This is a basic generic definition and throughout this blog I hope to expand on this classic understanding of 'guru' to create one that fits with the experiences of a modern world, especially in the western hemisphere. As a reader, (if there is one or two out there) your input, feedback and direct experiences with gurus (good or bad) are very welcome, as I expect there must be a lot more devotees than just this one. 

I had a guru before I even knew I had one. Throughout my 53 years, the 'teachers' I encountered didn't call themselves guru but went by names like: 'life coach', 'personal trainer', 'motivational speaker', etc.. And indeed they weren't gurus but they were what was available at the time to an unsatisfied, disheartened soul such as myself 25 years ago. Gradually the forms the teacher showed up in were more and more spiritual in nature and step by step, I found myself on a path to something greater than my 'self'. Finally, it wasn't the messenger, but rather the message ( finding a deep resonance within) that led me to the feet of the one I call my beloved Guruji. ('Ji' is a suffix used in Indian culture to express great respect). Before I could say 'guru' I was following the pointings of a gentle, kind man who I only later realized was and is my guru.

Actually many people follow some form of guru whether they know it or not. The 'guru' can show up in all kinds of guises to point the unsuspecting 'student' in a more fortunate ('auspicious') direction. Life tends to teach the lessons of a guru when an actual one is not physically present. It can sometimes be a much harsher, more uncompromising teacher where there is presented a great challenge to overcome which can lead to  greater understanding and insights into the deeper meaning of life. Sickness, financial loss, death, broken relationships are those situations that may lead to inner reflection on the meaning of existence and can be the best guru for those who, at some point feel 'enough is enough'. This is often the impetus that brings beings to the actual feet of their embodied guru. 

Guru's don't have to be in any particular form either, like that of another human. Sri Ramana Maharshi, (1879-1950) was drawn to the holy mountain Arunachala in Tiruvannamalai as a sacred form of Lord Shiva, where he received his instruction in silence while he lived in a cave for more than 20 years. He claimed Arunachala was his guru and once his devotees convinced him to live among them at the base of the mountain, he began to verbally share his teachings of Self-enquiry. 

Wherever, whenever or as whatever the guru shows up, it will always be the best for the one who discovers this precious union of heaven and earth.  For now, as my first post, I guess that's enough. This is all fairly new to me and I don't claim to be any kind of expert. I'm just a lay person, (laying my 'person's' head at the lotus feet of my guru), who feels like opening up this beautiful experience to those who may be curious or slightly interested in knowing what it's like for one who is associated with a true guru, 'illumined teacher'.  I'll continue exploring and sharing the beautiful and rare opportunity of a lifetime whenever inspired to by the grace and blessing of Anantaji (Father) and our beloved Master Sri Mooji. May this be found by those who wish to go beyond their own ideas of autonomy and find a greater freedom that knows no physical bounds and which the guru has already discovered. May all beings know peace. Om Shanti, Shanti Shanti 

~Shanti Mauna