The Guru

Your personal spiritual teacher
The word 'guru' has become a part of many languages of the world apart from languages of India. But there are many misconceptions and prejudices about this term both in the East and the west. It would be worthwhile to dwell on the term Guru.

While the word is used for many things in the English language, we are talking about the Spiritual Teacher, not the technician or scientist or politician.  They barter their expertise with their students for name, fame or money, therefore, such teachers do not qualify to be labeled a Guru.

Second point of interest is to understand the need of a qualified Guru for a spiritual aspirant if he or she wants to progress on the Spiritual Path. It is not possible for ordinary students to comprehend and grasp the essence of spirituality by mere book reading or listening to lectures. For this mode of transfer of knowledge falls far short for anyone harboring a misconception is easily misled and distracted from the true path of spiritual attainment.

Of course anyone can call himself or herself as Guru. Such self-annointed teachers are found througout the world. They are either self-deluded or in it for selfish reasons. The selfish  give themselves away by demanding great sums of money for their teachings.  But, many gullible fools fall a victim to their designs. In fact, the word guru is falling to disrepute because of such self-proclaimed incompetent persons  soul.
Anyone and everyone can't be a Guru. A huge load of solid timber floats on the water and can carry men and animals across the bank, even in rising waters. But a piece of worthless ordinary wood sinks as soon as one steps on it and drowns the person. Therefore, throughout the world, God has selected many individuals as spiritual teachers to teach humanity. 

A Guru looks into the nature of the people before making them his disciples. All men look alike but have different natures.. Accordingly, Guru gives differing instructions for spiritual aspirants. Therefore, faith in Guru's words and instructions is the most vital part in the progress on the spiritual path; howsoever, odd or contradictory his instructions may appear!

Without a Guru one can  proceed on the path of spiritual development.. But then the journey becomes full of obstacles and pitfalls. Without a Guru it takes long time to reach the destination. Seeking a spiritual destination without a Guru is like trying to cross the ocean in a small boat. Having a Guru is traveling with a huge steamer to which one has tied one's own boat. That huge steamer is sure to take the chela to the other shore. The dangers are minimized and the delay cut down.

If we are fortunate enough to find such a Teacher, then a lofty kind of love can begin to blossom in our heart. Everything that happens between The Guru and the disciple happens through love and compassion. It is said in Indian religious lore, "If the disciple is ready, the Guru will appear, he will come to us." Intense yearning and effort to realize God is sure to help the aspirant find his or her Guru. Let us prepare ourselves to receive such a noble

Finding a Guru