The Significance of Guru's Teachings

          The Significance of Guru's Teachings
              (Guru ke Vachan ka Mahatva )

Shree Hari

Salvation is not attained by making someone a Guru, rather, by listening and imbibing in the words of the Guru, one attains salvation. Because factually Guru is the words (utterance), not the body -

Jo tu chela deha ko, deha kheh ki khan |
Jo tu chela sabad ko, sabad brahm kar maan ||

A Guru is not the body and the body is not the Guru - "na martyabudhyaasooyet" (Srimad Bhaagwat 11/17/27). Therefore a Guru never dies. If the Guru dies, how would the disciple attain salvation? The body has been called lowly -

Chiti jal paawak gagan sameeraa |
Pancha rachit ati adham sareeraa ||(Manas, Kishkindhaa. 11/2)

If someone's body made of bones and flesh is regarded as Guru, then it is lowly. It is like Kaalanemi. Therefore regarding the Guru as a body and a body as a Guru is a grave mistake. This is evident in an extra-ordinary manner in the life of Saint Ekanathaji. According to spiritual texts, first one goes for a pilgrimage, then he engages in worship and thereafter is endowed with wisdom. But it was just the other way round in the life of Ekanathaji. He was first enlightened, then he engaged in worship and then he was allowed to go on pilgrimage by his Guru. During his pilgrimage, a Brahman from his village Paithan went to his Guru in Devagarha and said, Maharaja, your disciple, Ekanatha's grand-parents are very old and keep on crying remembering him." Guruji was surprised that even after staying with him for so many years, Ekanatha never mentioned about his grand-parents. Then he gave a letter to the Brahamana to give it to Ekanatha , as the Guru was confident that just because he had told Ekanatha he would definitely come to Paithana. The Brahmana left with the letter. While Ekanathaji was wandering and reached paithan, he did not visit his grand-parents, and stayed outside the village. When the Brahmana saw Eknathji, he took Eknath's grandfather to meet him, Incidentally they met him on the way, the grandfather spoke affectionately and handed over the Guru's letter to him. Ekanathaji was overwhelmed. He spread a cloth on the floor, kept the letter on it, circled around it, prostrated down in front of it with respect. Inside the letter it was written, "Ekanatha, you stay there only". Ekanathaji sat there itself and didn't go anywhere for the rest of his life. His house was built right there. Satsang began out there. His grand-parents began to live with him. Thereafter, he never went to meet even his Guru. Think about it, is Guru the body or his words? When his Guruji's body passed away, he said "if the Guru dies and the disciple laments, what knowledge did he gain?" It means, the Guru never dies, he is immortal and the disciple never cries and laments.
From book "Is Salvation Not Possible without a Guru?" by Swami Ramsukhdasji

Ram Ram

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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 31st August, 2012 ( Guru ke Vachan ka Mahatva ) http://www.satcharcha.blogspot.in

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Question and Answers about a Guru

Question and Answers about a Guru
( Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter )

Shree Hari

After much time had passed, and I had suffered many losses in my business, and faced a great shortage of money, at that time I thought that I made a big mistake that I let the young girl go away. If I had beaten her, I would have got her jewelry worth 10-15 thousand. Then I would not be in the financial crunch that I am in at present. Her father-in-law was giving me the money, but that too I refused. But what can be done now, the time has slipped away ! It was about that time when your father was ruling. Now O' King! I feel ashamed to even speak in front of you; because you are like my grandson. But since you are asking, I am telling you. Now the thought that comes to my mind is that it would have been good if I had threatened that lady and somehow tricked her to become my wife, then I would have her, as well as, her jewelry! At such a time, both would have been of use to me. I have shared with you my thoughts. How am I to say how you are ruling your kingdom? The king understood that this man is very intelligent and wise! By talking about his own condition he conveyed the message, that as the king is, so are his people - "yatha raja, tatha praja."

The point is, that we are not capable of testing or cross examining a Guru, but we can surely test our self that by having their association, what kind of effect has it had on our feelings and sentiments. What kind of result has it had on our conduct? How much have the like-dislikes (attraction-aversion), desires-anger reduced?

Question: There are examples in history which clearly indicate that it is imperative to have a Guru?

Answer: Truth cannot be determined based on history. Talks of history are not rock solid, rather they are quite weak. The reason is that the decisions arrived at by an individual, in a certain relationship, in a particular situation and why he acted in a certain manner, all that cannot be known completely and fully. Therefore, the good points that were brought out from history can provide direction, but the decisions pertaining to Truth can only be determined based on the dos and don't from the scriptures. The laws and legislations are more powerful than history, and more potent than laws is the things that are to be avoided (nisched).

The messages pertaining to Guru-Disciple have been propagated by those only who are fond of being a Guru. Therefore in present times, of Kaliyug, it is imperative to be extra careful.

Narayana ! Narayana !! Narayana !!!

From book "Is Salvation Not Possible without a Guru?" by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Ram Ram


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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 30th August, 2012 Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter http://www.satcharcha.blogspot.in

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Question and Answers about a Guru

Question and Answers about a Guru
( Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter )

Shree Hari

In reality, one is not testing or cross examining a Guru, rather they are testing their own self. There is a story on this subject. There was a youthful king. He invited all the elders and grown-ups and wise men in his kingdom, and he asked them to please tell him the truth, was his grand-father's ruling better or his father's or his ruling? You all have seen all the three kings rule, then which one was the best? On hearing this question, all became silent. Then an old man spoke up, O' Maharaj ! We are your subjects, and you are our ruler. How can we decide about you? We cannot test you, but if you ask me, I will tell you my own story. The king said, please continue and share your story. The old man said, that when your grand-father was ruling, at that time I was about 20-25 years old. I used to carry a stick. I knew how to fight. One day I was going somewhere, then in the forest I heard the sound of someone crying. It sounded like a female voice. When I went there, I saw a young female dressed in beautiful clothes and adorned with ornaments, sitting there and crying. I asked what was wrong, and why was she crying? She was startled and scared on seeing me. I consoled her, saying my child, do not fear, tell me what is wrong? She said that I left with my relatives to go to my husband's home. On the way, we came across some dacoits and got into a fight with them. I became scared and ran into the forest. Thereafter I did not know what transpired. Now what should I do? Where should I go? I do not know which direction is my husband's home? And which direction is my father's home? I asked the name of the husband's village and she shared it. I told her that that village is close b, I can take you there, do not fear. I asked her the name of her father-in-law. She wrote it down on the floor. I told her that I know your father-in-law. I will take you there safely.

It was late night. Taking that lady, I reached the father-in-law's house. Everyone there were worried stiff that while they were engrossed in fighting with the bandits, those robbers had possibly taken away the new bride and killed her! She was wearing jewelry worth thousands, they must have definitely robbed her. Now how are we to find her etc. etc ? Seeing the young bride, their daughter-in-law, they were all very pleased. The girl also said to the women in the family that this man, behaved like a father, very caringly and with great respect has brought me here. They offered a reward of 400-500 Rs. And insisted that I take. I said that I have not done this for money. I have not done anything difficult. I have regarded this to be my duty and done so. One much insistence also, I did not ake anything and left. I was very pleased within, that today I was able to serve one in distress ! This was the incident that took place when your grand-father was the king. (to be continued) (to be continued)

From book "Is Salvation Not Possible without a Guru?" by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Ram Ram

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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 29th August, 2012 Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter http://www.satcharcha.blogspot.in

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Question and Answers about a Guru

Question and Answers about a Guru
( Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter )

Shree Hari

Question: Some people claim that there is nothing wrong in making such people disciples who otherwise would be converted to Islam or Christianity?

Answer: This is a totally wrong statement. Those who wish to become Muslims or Christians, shall never come to a Guru. Alternatively if somebody becomes a Muslim or Christian on Guru's refusal to initiate him, the Guru will not be held guilty. But if the Guru initiates a disciple and does not allow him to go anywhere else for attaining salvation and he himself is not worthy to lead the disciple to salvation, he will certainly be held guilty. Such a Guru is certainly not a Guru. By becoming a disciple a person is restrained from taking refuge in God; instead, he takes refuge in the Guru, he is forced to bind himself with the guru instead of God it is a great sin and injustice.

Question: "Guru kijai jaan ke, paani peejai chaan ke" It is said that "know a spiritual master before making him a Guru; filter water before drinking it", then what is the means to get to know a Guru? How to cross-examine a Guru?

Answer: You are not capable of testing or cross-examining a Guru. If you were able to test a Guru, then you have become the Guru of the Guru. Can one who can test a Guru be any thing less than the Guru? The one who can examine a Guru, is great. In such a state, it is best that you not make anyone a Guru and simply engage in spiritual discourses and self-study, and whatever talks appear to be appealing, imbibe them in your life. Have association of such saints in whose company, your intensity for God Realization increases, bad conduct and bad qualities naturally go away on their own, and good qualities and good conduct come on their own, when God is remembered in a special way, when faith and trust in God increases, without even asking questions, the doubts are resolved on their own and the spiritual guide desires to take nothing from us. Benefit from them without engaging in a Guru-Disciple relationship. If you see any faults in him, or something appears to not be right, then leave that place. (to be continued)

From book "Is Salvation Not Possible without a Guru?" by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Ram Ram

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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 28th August, 2012 Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter http://www.satcharcha.blogspot.in

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Question and Answers about a Guru

Question and Answers about a Guru
( Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter )

Shree Hari
continued .....
Question:

Vishvaamitraparaasharprabhrutayo vaataambu parnaashanaa-
Steapi strimukhapankjam sulalitam dooshaidvava moham gataah |

Shaalyannam saghrutam payodadhiyutam bhunjanti ye maanavaa-
Steshaamindriyanigraho yadi bhavedvindhyastaretsaagare || (Bhartruharishatak)

"Even sages like Vishvaamitra and Paraasara etc., who led a life of extreme austerity merely by breathing air or drinking water and eating dry leaves, could not resist their lust for beautiful women and were deluded. It shall be a great wonder and rather an impossibility if people surrounded by all types of foods and luxuries can control their sensual cravings."

Under such a situation, it is unbelievable, rather impossible, that those people who initiate young women as their disciples and keep them in their Ashramas (hermitages) can attain liberation in their life time. How can such persons help you? It would be a pure and simple breach of trust.

Question: It is sometimes said that a realized exalted soul is not adversely affected even if he indulges in worldly pleasures. Is it correct?

Answer: It is just impossible. Total liberation and indulgence in worldly pleasure can never go together. Craving for pleasures vanishes even during the period while the aspirant practices spiritual discipline. The question of such pleasures does not arise at all for a realized soul. Such nonsense utterances are made and spread bu selfish unscrupulous element for their selfish end. It is said in Ramayana:

Mithyaarambh dambh rat joyi | ta kahun sant kahayi sab koyi ||
Niraachaar jo shruti path tyaagi | kalijug soyi gyaani so biraagi || (Manas, Utter. 98/2)

Par triya lampat kapat sayaane | Moha droha mamataa lapataane ||
Teyi abhedbaadee gyaanee nar | dekhaa mein charitr kalijug kar (Manas, Utter, 98/2, 4)

Budhadvaitasatattvasya yetheshtaacharanam yadi |
Shunaam tatvedrushaam chaiva ko bhedoashuchi bhakshane ||

"Even after attaining the Supreme knowledge of real self, if a person remains engaged in irresponsible conduct such as impure food (meat and wine etc.) then what is the difference between that so called realized soul and a dog?

Yatsu pravrajito bhootvaa punah sevet maithunam |
Shashti varsh sahastraani vishthaayaam jaayate krumih ||
(Skandapuran, Kaashi. Pu. 40/107)

"One who indulges in sex with a woman even after renouncing the world, such a Sannyasi has to spend sixty thousand years as an insect in excrement".

Desires are real cause of worldly pleasures and a person attains liberation (salvation), only after completely getting rid of such desires. Worldly desires disappear even of an aspirant when he starts spiritual practice. If at all it is mentioned somewhere in a volume that a liberated soul is not spoilt even on indulging in material pleasures, it is there to show the dimension of his greatness and glory. It is not a rule. For example , it is mentioned in Gita that a liberated soul who has diluted his ego and whose intellect is not tainted, is never regarded gulty of killing even if he does so nor he is bound. It does not mean that he actually kills anybody. (to be continued)

From book "Is Salvation Not Possible without a Guru?" by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Ram Ram

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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 27th August, 2012 Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter http://www.satcharcha.blogspot.in

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Question and Answers about a Guru

Question and Answers about a Guru
( Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter )

Shree Hari
continued .....

Question: May a woman make someone a Guru?

Answer: A woman should never make someone a Guru. If she has already made one, then she should give him up. For a woman, her husband itself is her Guru. Scriptures say –

Gururgrirdvijaateenaam varnaanaam braahmano guruh |
Patireva guruh strinaam sarvasyaabhyaagato guruh ||
(padmapuran, 51/51, brahmapuran 80/47)

Fire is regarded as Guru of the twice born, a Brahmin is the Guru of all the four castes (Varnas), while the husband is the only Guru for a woman and a guest is the Guru of all.

Vaivaahiko vidhih sweeyaanm sanskaaro vaidikh smrutah |
Patiseva gurou vaaso gruhaarthognparikriyaa || (Manusmruti 2/67)

For women obedience to the marital rites is the only vedic activity (sacred thread), service of the husband is the only period of study and household duties are her only religious sacrifice (agnihotra).

A woman should not develop any type of relationship with anybody other than her husband. It is my personal request to the ladies not to get involved with any Sadhu or monk. These days various types of frauds, deception and superficialities are being practiced. I receive such letters and victimized women also come to me and explain their unfortunate experiences; from which I have formed a strong opinion that in the present days it is disastrous for a woman to make a Guru or to develop relationship with any person other than her husband.

A monk should also not initiate any woman his disciple. At the time of initiation ceremony, a Guru is required to touch the chest (breast) etc., of the new disciple. Whereas it is strictly prohibited for an ascetic even to touch a woman. In Srimad Bhagwat it is prescribed – not to talk of a woman in flesh and blood, an ascetic should not even touch a woman's figurine (statue) made of wood and that too not only by hands but even by feet.

Padaapi yuvatim bhikshurn sprushed daaraveemapu (Sri. Bhagwat. 11/8/13)

The scriptures even go on to say:

Maatraa swastraa duhitraa vaa na viviktaasano bhavet |
Balavaanindriyagraamo vidvasamaoi karshati || (Manu. 2/215)

A man should not stay even with his mother, sister, and daughter in solitude, because sensual temptations are very strong which even the learned persons cannot overcome or resist."

Sangam na kuryaatpramadaasu jaatu
Yogasya paaram paramaarurukshah |

Matsevayaa pratilabdhaatmalaabho
Vadanti yaa niryadvaaramasya || (Srimad Bhagwat. 3/31/39)

"A person who wants to attain the supreme state of yoga or one who has realized the truth of the self and the non-self by rendering service to Me, should never indulge with women because the women have been declared to be the open gateway to hell for such a person." (to be continued)

From book "Is Salvation Not Possible without a Guru?" by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Ram Ram

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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 26th August, 2012 Guru Vishayak Prashnoutter http://www.satcharcha.blogspot.in

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