The world is unaware of the difference between a Master/Preceptor and a True Supreme Master.
A Master/Preceptor is someone who leads from darkness towards light. The first Preceptor is the mother, who nurtures infancy. The second Preceptor is the father. After that, the teacher (acharya) is revered as the guru/Master who enlightens their disciples with the light of knowledge, showing them the path of progress. So, who is to be considered a True Guru/Mater?
A True Guru/Supreme Master is someone who would reveal the essence of religious scriptures, ensuring the path of devotion and by imparting the knowledge of one’s own true nature (Nij swaroop) and of the Supreme Lord of Truth, Consciousness and Bliss, show the path of liberation (Mukti). It is rightly said about the glory of a True Guru/Supreme Master.
यह तो बात प्रगट है साधो, शिव सुकमुनि श्रुति गाई । बिना सदगुरु कोई पार ना पावे, कोट करे चतुराई ।।
Yah tho baath pragat hai saadho, shiv sumuni shruti gaaee. Binaa sadguru koyee paar naa paave, kot kare chaturaayee.
गुरु कंचन गुरु पारस , गुरु चन्दन परमान । तुम सदगुरु दीपक भए , कियो जो आप समान ।।
Guru Kanchan guru paaras, guru Chandan parmaan. Tum sadguru Deepak bhaye, kiyo jo aap samaan.
Let us look at the above verse in English.
“This fact is evident, O seeker, as sung by saints and sages of yore. No one can cross over without a True Guru despite engaging in countless clever tactics.”
The Guru is like gold; the Guru is like the philosopher’s touchstone; the Guru is like the highest quality sandalwood. O’ True Guru, you have become a lamp, illuminating all like yourself.”
The Guru is like pure gold, possessing a luminous character. It is also like the philosopher’s touchstone with Mida’s touch, transforming the disciple into a seeker akin to gold in spiritual essence. Alternatively, the Guru is akin to sandalwood, spreading the fragrance of their virtues in all directions. However, the true Guru is like a lamp, illuminating others and making those who come into their refuge akin to themselves.
The first step towards attaining the Supreme Being is to seek out the True Guru/Supreme Master.
Shri Prananath Ji said:
“O saints! Many have made great efforts to find the Supreme Being by searching for a True Guru. It would be best if you searched for that true Guru, too. As you continue your search, you will surely attain the Supreme Being when you finally meet the True Guru.”
(Kirantan 26/1)
Whom should we consider as the True Guru? How can one be recognized?
On this subject, the Supreme Eternal Lord, Shri Prananath Ji, says:
“Despite seeking among scholars of scriptures and puranas, among great souls adorned with various attires, and exploring various paths, the true essence of the True Guru would remain elusive. The True form of the Guru is entirely distinct from all these. Indeed, there will be only one True Guru in this Kali Yuga (Iron Age).”
(Kirantan 5/7)
The ones you serve, considering as the True Guru, inquire from them this much: Where will our original abode be when we leave the body after the great dissolution?
(Kirantan 10/3)
The TrueGuru is the one who elucidates the real truth through the scriptures. The fundamental essence of all scriptures is the same. There is uniformity in the statements of all wise individuals, but ignorant people perceive them differently.
(Kirantan 3/4)
The same Supreme Being is described in various ways in the Vedas, Upanishads, Darshanas, saints’ sayings, the Quran, and the Bible. The creators of these six scriptures have given different explanations for the six causes of creation. Essentially, there is no difference, but ignorant people continue to fight over distinctions. The statements of truth-seekers remain consistent throughout history.
“O’ saints! The True Guru/Supreme Master is the only one who can bestow the direct experience of that Supreme Being, which no mind or intellect has ever been able to attain. Only such a Guru/Supreme Master can impart knowledge of the limited (transient universe) and the limitless (unbounded realm) and dispel all doubts of the mind.”
(Kirantan 4/12)
The True Guru/Supreme Master is the one who reveals the true nature of the self and imparts the understanding of the illusory/delusory world (transient world) about the Supreme Lord and of our original abode. It is through the grace of such a True Guru/Supreme Master that the recognition of the hereafter (great dissolution) occurs, enabling the individual to attain eternal salvation by reaching the feet of the Supreme Being.”
(Kirantan 14/11)
‘Sathgur so’ee jo aap chinhaave, maayaa dhhanee aur ghar.
Sab cheenh pare aakhir kee, jyon bhooliae naheen avasar.”(Kirantan, 14/11)
Meaning: One who can give awareness of inner self and recognition of Maya, Opulent Lord and His eternal abode alone, qualifies to be a Sadguru. Only with the grace of such a Sadguru can the Jeevas gain knowledge about the last deluge (Mahapralay) and not lose the opportunity to attain eternal salvation.
