[Chaturamnaya] Jagadguru Speaks: Seek Refuge Under a True Guru

[S Jayanarayanan]

(Around the beginning of the month, a nugget of Wisdom from the Jagadguru may be posted
on the Chaturamnaya list : http://lists.advaita-vedanta.org/cgi-bin/listinfo/chaturamnaya )
 
 
Man's progress in life depends on varied factors, such as 
education, conduct, right association and blessings of elders. By 
executing his ordained karmas and engaging in satsanga 
(association with the noble), man can sanctify his life. 
 
Association with noble people will generate noble thoughts and 
serve to purify a person's mind. As a result, the mind remains 
sattvic. Such a person may gradually engage in adhyatmic vichara 
(contemplation on the Self) and spiritual practices, such as dhyana 
(meditation). For all this, a Guru is of utmost necessity. 
 
In current times, there are many self-declared gurus and it is no 
easy task to identify a genuine Guru. However, if a person were to 
repose unshakeable faith and belief in the Lord, the Lord himself 
will eventually lead him to a true Guru. Our forefathers have 
declared: 
 
अवद्यमुक्ते पथि यः प्रवर्तते प्रवर्तयत्यन्यजनं च निःस्पृहः।
स सेवितव्यः स्वहितैषिणा गुरुः स्वयं तरंस्तारयितुं क्षमः परम्‌ ||
 
It means that only that Guru, who by adhering to the Jnana 
Marga, has himself crossed the ocean of life and death and 
selflessly helps liberate others who surrender to him with faith, 
can be considered a Jnana-Guru (one who can bestow the Supreme 
Knowledge). Only such a Jnana-Guru is to be accepted as our Guru. 
 
By virtue of past merits, if a person were to be blessed with such 
a Jnana-Guru, his practices could in due course lead him to Moksha 
(Liberation). Our blessings for all to understand this well and 
attain sreyas (spiritual welfare).