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Guru – Introduction

Guru is a Sanskrit word, ‘Gu’ means darkness, and ‘Ru’ means the dispeller of darkness. Thus the term refers to the ‘one who dispels darkness. Though in the broader sense, any individual playing the role of a mentor, guide, expert, or master of specific knowledge or field is called a guru, generally the term Guru is used to a person imparting spiritual knowledge. 

Who is a Guru

Any individual playing a mentor, guide, expert, or master of specific knowledge or a particular field can be called a guru. In ancient India, Gurus were accorded high respect and reverence and were equated with God.

After one’s parents, the Guru was given utmost respect by a person. An ancient adage declared that to succeed; a person must have the grace and blessings of his ‘Matha, Pitha, Guru and the Dheivam’ (Mother, Father, Master, and God)

The Gurukula System

The Gurukula system that existed during ancient India is a shining example of the ancient Guru-Sishya tradition. Usually, a child starts with gurukul after the upanayana ceremony (the sacred thread-wearing ceremony). The thread-wearing ceremony happens when a child is running his odd number age. i.e. , 5, 7, 9 or 11.

The child leaves his home and goes and stays with the Guru till they learn all the Vidhya. The child will dress modestly and would eat simple healthy food. He will have the company of other sishyas and will learn valuable life lessons.

Gurus of those days were staying nearby forests in humble dwellings. The wife of the Guru is Gurupatni. The Guru and gurupatni lead a simple life and treat the children who come to them as their children. The children address them as ‘Gurudev’ and ‘Gurumata.’ The children living with them were known as sishyas (disciples). The Guru takes complete charge of protecting and teaching the sishyas, and Guru Mata takes care of their food and nourishment. 

The Guru treated the sishyas equally and did not discriminate against or favored depending on their wealth or social status. The sishyas develop a deep bond with the Guru and gurupatni over the years and serve them with complete devotion and dedication. After mastering the requisite Vidhya, the sishyas bid farewell to the Guru and gurupatni and went back to their parents. Depending on the knowledge they learned from their Guru, they plan their lives and prosper. The sishyas maintain a lifelong bond with their Guru and Gurupatni and help them during times of need.

Types of Guru

As per Guru Gita, there are seven types of Guru. Let’s see the characteristics of each type of gurus.

Suchaka Guru 

This Guru will possess Mastery over anyone worldly science or art. e.g., Ayurveda Guru – mastery of Indian medicine, Sangita Guru – the teacher of Indian Classical Music. 

Vachaka Guru 

A Vachaka Guru initiates people into the spiritual path. He will give Diksha Mantra to the seekers to transform their life.

Bodhaka Guru 

Bodhaka Guru will provide instructions relating to caste, creed, religion. Moreover, his guidance would help the people to follow the religious and social rituals and practices as per laid customs. 

Nishiddha Guru

This type of Gurus are selfish and practice forbidden practices. They try to invoke God’s Secret powers for personal benefit or with evil intention.

Vihita Guru

Shows Vairagya (Dispassion) in Society. They seldom connect with people and always try to connect with superior energy. The life of Vihita Guru itself proves to be a message to the people. 

Karanakhya Guru 

Karanakhya Guru is the one giving Sanyasa Diksha (initiating the disciples into Monkhood). He is the remover of ignorance and removes one’s attachment to this mundane world.

Param Guru 

He is the dispeller of doubts and apprehensions and removes the fear of birth and death. Param Guru is the highest form of Guru. He is the Supreme Guru who teaches and shows the path of moksha (Liberation).

Importance of A Guru in our Lives

A guru occupies a vital position in our lives. He plays a significant role banishes our ignorance and ego and imparting fundamental knowledge and wisdom. The Guru teaches us the truth of life and helps us understand the people and situations well. 

Earlier, every family had a Kula Guru to whom the family went for counsel and advice. The Kula guru played a vital role in the well-being of his followers. He comes to bless the marriage and other auspicious occasions and perform rituals like Yagna and Pooja.

Some gurus even provided valuable counsel to Kings on running the country daily and during emergencies. Styled as Rajagurus, they were part of the King’s court.

Today, the Gurukula and Kulaguru system have gone extinct, but you need a Guru for your spiritual progress. The spiritual path is very complicated, and only with a guru’s help, you succeed in your spiritual goals. Receiving spiritual initiation from your Guru and practicing the rituals recommended by him will ensure your spiritual success. 

The Guru Poornima and Vyasa Pooja are two important days dedicated to the Guru. You can visit your Guru on these days and receive his blessings and prosper in life.

 

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