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PRABUDDH JEEVAN
SEPTEMBER 2014
who will help us to swim across. How can a man who letters are still coming in. Some tell me actually where knows no swimming save others? Even if such swim- to go and whom to see. But let them and others realize mers exist in modern times, they are not a common that my difficulty is fundamental. Nor does it trouble sight.'8 Mahatma Gandhi said, 'I believe in the insti- me. It is fundamental because my conception of a guru tution of gurus, but in this age millions must go without is perhaps not of the ordinary. Nothing but perfection a guru, because it is a rare thing to find a combination will satisfy me. I am in search of one who, though in the of perfect purity and perfect learning. '9
flesh, is incorruptible and unmoved by passion, free Another etymology of the word 'guru' found in the from the pairs of opposites, who is truth and ashimsa Guru Gita, includes guru as beyond the qualities and incarnate and who will therefore fear none and be guru as devoid of form, stating that the who bestows feared by none. Everyone gets the guru he deserves that nature which transcend the qualities is said to be and strives for. The difficulty of finding the guru I want guru.' Mahatma Gandhi told, 'I am aware, all scriptures is thus obvious. But it does not worry me; for it follows and certainly, the Indian scriptures hold a quru to be from what I have said that I must try to perfect myself absolutely indispensable, but if we cannot get a real before I meet the guru in the flesh. Till then I must conguru, a sham substitute is not only useless but injuri- template him in the spirit. My success lies in my conous. 10 Mahatma Gandhi guided, A student used to tinuous, humble, truthful striving. '15 prostrate himself before the guru and entreat him to Mahatma Gandhi told, "It is straight and narrow. It is guide his steps and stuff his brain with anything that he like the edge of a sword. I rejoice to walk on it. I weep chose. These days an all-round guru is not available when I slip. God's word is: "He who strives never perand the question of complete surrender does not arise. ishes.'I have implicit faith in that promise. Though thereHowever, you need here the assurance that the teach- fore from my weakness I fail a thousand times, I will ers are leading you along the right path and not other- not lose faith but hope that I shall see the Light when wise. Many things are bitter in the beginnig but benefi- the flesh has been brought under perfect subjection cial in the long run. With this faith you should swallow a as some day it must. I wonder if the kind corresponbitter pill. This is my advice as well as prayer to you.'11 dents will now understand my position and cease to
Mahatma Gandhi told, 'My guru was very particular worry about me but join me in the search, unless they about this matter and told me that, in the interest of the are satisfied that they have found him.'16 Mahatma spiritual effort I have undertaken, I must give up meat- Gandhi wrote, "A gentleman writes as follows in supeating.'12 Mahatma Gandhi wrote, A person in search port of my note explaining the qualities of a true guru: of a guru is vigilant and in the process acquires merit. Ramdas Swami has actually said in so many words So I go along unperturbed. It is by God's grace that that man need not search for any guru outside of himone is blessed with a quru. Therefore, I shall get a quru self; that one should follow the path indicated by one's at the time and place that I come to deserve one. In the own sense of discrimination born of one's faith in God, meanwhile I always pay my obeisance to the guru I am be guided by that sense of discrimination and always yet to see. 13 Mahatma Gandhi told, 'God is one. I do work in a spirit of sacrifice. That saint of Maharashtra not understand your difficulty in conceiving Him as form- has said in these few words all that needs to be said.'17 less. That which has a form cannot be all pervading, it Mahatma Gandhi told, A man who sets out to find needs must be the subtlest. It can therefore be only the right guru, should, I believe, become free himself formless. All must admit the need for a guru but one from faults and passions. Being free from faults and may not hastily accept someone as a guru. In this age passions does not mean being absolutely perfect. It is to seek guru is to believe in one, because to acquire a only modest to feel the need for a guru. A Guru need perfect guide one must perfectly qualify oneself.'14 not necessarily be a living person. Even today I regard
Mahatma Gandhi said, 'As a result of my statement as my guides some who, though not yet perfect, have in chapter I, part II of My Experiments with Truth that I reached a high stage of spiritual development. There was still in search of a guru, numerous correspondents, is no point in trying to know the difference between a Hindus, Mussalmans and Christians, have favoured me perfect man and God. Since it is impossible to get a with long letters telling me how to find a guru. More perfect answer, one must find a reply through one's
