Sambodhi 2003 Vol 26

SR No.: 520776
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jitendra B Shah, N M Kansara
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2003
Total Pages: 184
Language: English, Sanskrit, Prakrit, Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Sambodhi, & India
File Size: 4 MB

Page 13

Vol. XXVI, 2003
THE CONCEPT OF 'GURU' IN THE UPANISADS
आहारनिद्राभयमैथुनञ्च सामान्यमेतद् पशुभिर्नराणाम् । धर्मो हि तेषां अधिको विशेषः धर्मेण हीनाः पशुभिः समानाः ॥
Nītiśatakam Spirituality is the basis of our tradition. On the path of our spiritual journey, guru plays vital role. Here, Guru is not any ordinary person. A 'Guru' must be properly qualified and should possess knowledge of the scriptures in order to dispel doubts of the aspirants. The most important qualification of Guru is, he must have direct experience of Brahman. Books may give information or even mental stimulation, but it is the Guru only who helps to awaken spiritual consciousness. God, no doubt dwells in all men/women and is their inner guide. But at the outset a man's / woman's impure thoughts usually distort the divine voice. He/She needs a guide to show him/her, the right path. The Guru is the right guide who quickens spiritual awakening. Religious history shows that even the greatest saints and mystics have taken help from a qualified Guru. In our tradition, Guru is addressed as Brahmā, Visnu and Maheswara. Guru is called Brahmā (creator) because on the path of our spiritual journey, our Sādhanā begins with the guru's initiation to spiritual learning. It is a kind of second birth given by the guru. In each and every step of the seekers of knowledge, in the spiritual journey, it is guru alone who guides and nourishes the seekers of truth with his nector like knowledge and experience, provides great inner strength and sustains the seeker like Vişnu, so Guru is called Visnu. Guru dispels our ignorance, destroys our egoism, and helps us to attain perfection. So, Guru is called Maheswara ( El Toroou: Tuca: HENR:, TS: HTTCL USE TH siia 74: II) Upanisads are the foundation of Indian spirituality. The term Upanisad itself indicates the importance of Guru in the Vedic tradition. One of the many possible interpretations of the term is : to be seated (nişad) at the feet of the Guru (Upa). It is sitting near the preceptor to receive spiritual instruction. The Upanisads represent the teaching received at the feet of Guru, supposed to have realised Brahman, the Absolute. According to Sankarācārya, Upanisad means that which destroys the ignorance and leads to knowledge of Brahman. Sankara, while commenting on Mundaka Upanişad, says that 'this is called an Upanisad because, it mitigates (Vināśayati). Such numerous evils as birth in a womb, old age, disease, etc., for those who approach this knowledge of Brahman, with loving eagerness that is preceded by faith and devotion or it is called so, since it leads to the supreme Brahman and completely destroys (avasādayati) the ignorance etc., that are the causes of the world.(7 5Hİ Ealy, 3441 311644T07 TG74f44: : i