The Role of the Guru

[brag]

Indians/Hindus in addition to direct God-worship always worship the Guru as God. Guru worship was later prescribed in the Indian/Hindu tradition by Jesus in the words, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

The link below provides a most beautiful strotram or sacred hymn in surrendering at the feet of the Guru. It takes you to heaven and back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNDxkg1sInc&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Esi--LSpio&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkMRBHz-XH8&NR=1

English translation.
http://www.vmission.org.in/files/pdf/gu ... totram.pdf (http://www.vmission.org.in/files/pdf/gurupadukastotram.pdf)

Another link below describes the importance of the Guru and his works as the teacher of all teachers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lEHb5ff ... re=channel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lEHb5fff4g&feature=channel)

[alieninthecaribbean]

Hi brag, I am going to take some time and watch all those links you posted.

I am just curious to know your thoughts on what you mentioned about Jesus saying that he is the way, truth and life and that no one comes to the Father except through him.

Did he mean it as a guru would as in, "I will help you gain closer access and understanding to the Ultimate One, because It has manifested It's Power in me"

Or

Did he mean, "Worship God through me and ONLY me" as Christians believe.

What are your thoughts?

[brag]

For Hindus, it is irrelevant as to how any teaching is explained, as many lessons are taught in "sutras", a one word message that contains the universe in it, and allows you to go on meditating on it for new or full meaning.

As long as we explore a concept and come to a satisfactory undersanding of all the subtleties thereof, that is all that matters. The same "sutra" later brings new meaning, much different from the one first understood.

But who can really say for sure how Jesus meant it, as we see many of the teachings of Jesus are still being debated for true meaning even today. Even in contradiction some most powerful messages can be received. That is what koans do for us by pushing us into self knowledge, self inquiry, awareness, etc., by intuitiion that comes from the world within.

[alieninthecaribbean]

For Hindus, it is irrelevant as to how any teaching is explained, as many lessons are taught in "sutras", a one word message that contains the universe in it, and allows you to go on meditating on it for new or full meaning.

As long as we explore a concept and come to a satisfactory undersanding of all the subtleties thereof, that is all that matters. The same "sutra" later brings new meaning, much different from the one first understood.

But who can really say for sure how Jesus meant it, as we see many of the teachings of Jesus are still being debated for true meaning even today. Even in contradiction some most powerful messages can be received. That is what koans do for you by pushing you into self knowledge and awareness by intuitiion.


Interesting!

I too believe it is not the HOW that is so relevant. It seems most relevant to religions and their sects as a means to corral people into "the same mind" so as to better control their actions and have them control each other as well.

My beliefs and relationship with Christ have certainly evolved over time. He has become less of literal a God-figure and more of a guru or symbol of something more profound about The Ultimate, as you mentioned. Even my beliefs about his death and what it truly means has changed.

When I have more time, I'll probably share it in a separate forum.

Thanks for the insight though. :mrgreen:

[brag]

Truly, we can never know God in His Spirit, but only experience Him/Her and his Spirit of Truth when He comes as an Avatara, a Messiah or a Prophet. It is often from faith in our scriptures, intuition and a yearning for God that people recognize Him when He comes in his many higher and lower forms as true teachers or Gurus.

We may still have doubts about his many forms as God's, and we often refer to them as false prophets, magicians, liars and cheaters. Generally, after they leave the earth plane, only then we recogizne them as God.

But it really does not matter, because it is mostly by the teachings of great masters that we transform our lives and our culture from the less desirable to the more desirable, and that is mostly the purpose of God and religion in our lives.

For Swami Ramana Maharishi, the Arunachala mountain was God, for it inspired him as he felt the spirit of God in it.

[brag]

The most auspicious day of Sri Guru Poornima or Vyasa Poornima as it is also called is on July 7th.

Dhyaana moolam guror murtih;
Pooja moolam guror padam;
Mantra moolam guror vakyam;
Moksha moolam guror kripa

The full Moon day in the month of Hindu month of Ashadha (July-Aug) is known as Guru Poornima. This sacred day honours the ancient lineage of enlightened beings that have graced the world with their presence, imparting the knowledge of the Self to those who seek inner transformation to get the Mission of this rare Human Life.

The word 'Guru' in Sanskrit as dispelled of darkness (Maya, Avidya or Ajnana). Hence the Guru dispels the darkness and leads the aspirants on the path to enlightment imparting Knowledge.

A Guru is like a road map, without the guidance of such a teacher one may eventually reach the desired destination, but wander in the samsara for a very long time with multiple of births & deaths as we all are having. This sacred day of Guru Poornima is traditionally the time when seekers offer the Guru their gratitude and receive His blessings. Guru Poornima is also considered a beneficial day to start to practice yogic sadhna and meditation.

Traditionally, Veda Vyasa is considered as Adi Guruvu and it is highly auspicious to read about Veda Vyasa on this Guru Poornima day by clicking the below link :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyasa

[brag]

Once you have secured a Guru, leave every thing to him, even the desire to achieve Liberation. He knows you more than you yourself ever can. He will direct you as best as is good for you. Your duty is only to obey and smother the tendency to drift away from him. You may ask, how are we to earn our food, if we attach ourselves to a Guru like this? Be convinced that the Lord will not let you starve. He will give you not only food but also immortality.

The world is suffering today from too much knowledge; virtue is not increased in proportion to the advance of knowledge. That is the root cause of misery in human society.

Source: Sai Veda