! O’, Seekers of Dharma and Truth !!
The True Distinction Between Guru (Spiritual Mentor/Master) and Sadguru (supreme Enlightened/Attained Master) According to Kabir Saheb and the Nijanand Sampradaya
Saint Kabir made a clear distinction between a Guru and a Sadguru. In today’s world, the number of so-called gurus has grown vastly, but finding a true Guru or Sadguru in this age of Kaliyuga is extremely difficult. This is because Kabirji remained untouched by Maya, while today almost everyone—even those involved in religious practices—is entangled in it.
Every religion reveres the role of a Guru, but such a Guru usually serves only as a guide or instructor. Worshipping such a Guru or performing rituals like Aarti for him cannot take a soul across the ocean of worldly existence (bhavsagar), because the Guru himself is yet to cross it. A physical or body-bound Guru can only give worldly or limited knowledge.
Only a Sadguru can provide the realisation of the Supreme Truth (Paramtatva).
This leads us to ask: Can we attain God without a Guru? Is it possible to realise the Divine simply through our own devotional practices?
Kabirji answers this in one of his verses:
Guru bin maala pherate, Guru bin dete daan.
Guru bin sab nishphal gaya, poochho Ved Puraan.
Without the guidance of a true Guru, all spiritual practices are in vain—this is affirmed by the Vedas and the Puranas.
Why is this so? Because the conscious power speaking within us is called the Jiva (individual soul), which is bound with mind, constantly drawn toward the senses and external pleasures. We do not know the Jiva, nor our true Self (Atma). Speaking of the Supreme Self (Paramatma) is a further leap.
A Sadguru is a fully realized, divine being who knows the Jiva, the Atma, and the Paramatma. Only such a Sadguru can separate milk from water—Brahman from Maya.
Reading medical textbook doesn’t make one a doctor. One must qualify, get admitted to medical college, and undergo five years of intense study under experienced professors. Similarly, a Sadguru is an experienced, enlightened master who guides us to Supreme-realization and walks with us like a parent holding a child’s hand.
In Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji proclaims:
Bin Sadguru ki na paayi Paramgatay
(Prabhati, p.1348)
Without the Sadguru, none can attain the Supreme Goal.
A Sadguru gives knowledge that transcends the finite (Had), the infinite (Behad), the imperishable (Akshar), and leads to the Supreme (Aksharatit).
Kabirji further says:
Had mein rahe so maanavi, behad rahe so saadh.
Had behad dono tajai, taaka mata agaadh.
The one who knows the finite world is called a human; one who reaches beyond is a saint. But the one who transcends both finite and infinite to realise Aksharatit is truly enlightened. Only such a person qualifies as a Sadguru.
Nijanand Order and its Fourfold Classification of Gurus
Let us now turn to the Nijanand Order for the clarification of Gurus and the identity of a Sadguru. In fact, sadgurus, truly, can be found only within the Nijanand Order/School.
The Nijanand tradition beautifully classifies the types of Gurus in a verse:
Guru kanchan, Guru paaras, Guru chandan pramaan.
Tum Sadguru deepak bhaye, kiyo jo aap samaan.
Let us understand this categorization:
1. Guru as Kanchan (Gold)
Gold is pure and without impurity but cannot purify other metals. Similarly, a kanchan guru is virtuous but cannot transfer or awaken the same virtues in the disciple. He cannot make the disciple like himself.
2. Guru as Paaras (Philosopher’s Stone)
The paaras mani can turn iron into gold with mere touch. Likewise, a paaras guru can purify the disciple of vices, but cannot make the disciple another philosopher’s stone—he uplifts, but not to his own level.
3. Guru as Chandan (Sandalwood)
Sandalwood spreads fragrance to nearby trees, but they remain what they are—mango, acacia, etc. A chandan guru influences the disciple through his aura but doesn’t transform their fundamental nature.
4. Sadguru as Deepak (Lamp)
If one lamp is lit and then used to light many others, all shine equally. You cannot tell which one was lit first. A Sadguru is like such a lamp who ignites the same divine flame in the disciple, removing all distinction.
The Sadguru is a Brahmajnani, a living embodiment of divine wisdom, who bestows not only knowledge but his own light, without distinction.
Sadguru in Kuljam Swaroop Saheb and Prannath Vani
Khoj badi sansar re tum khojo re saadho, khoj badi sansar.
Khojat khojat Sadguru paiye, Sadguru sang Kartar.
Seekers are urged to search the world wisely and vigilantly to find a Sadguru, for only in His presence can one find the Supreme Lord.
Prannath Ji poses a key test to discern a Sadguru:
Ja ko tum Satguru kar sevo, taako itni poochho khabar.
Sansar chhod chaleinge aapan, tab kahaan hai apno ghar?
Ask your Guru: When we leave this world (i.e., die), where will our real home be? A Sadguru should be able to reveal our origin and our destination beyond death.
Further from the Vani:
Sadguru saadho waako kahiye, jo agam ki deve gam.
Had behad sabhe samjhaave, bhaane man ko bharam.
The true Sadguru is one who gives access to the inaccessible (Agam), explains the realms of Had, Behad, and Akshar, and removes all doubts from the mind.
And again:
Sadguru soyi jo aap chinhaave, maya dhani aur ghar.
Sab chinh pare aakhir ki, jyon bhooliye nahin avsar.
The true Sadguru reveals the Self, Maya, and the true abode of the soul. Missing the opportunity to find such a Sadguru is a grave spiritual loss.
Three fundamental spiritual questions must be answered by a Sadguru:
- Who am I?
- Where have I come from and where do I go after death?
- Who is the Lord (Husband) of my soul?
Only by knowing these can one awaken spiritually.
From Mahamat’s Vani:
Mahamat kahe gur soi kije, jo alakh ki deve lakh.
In ulati se ultai ke, piya preme kare sanmukh.
The Sadguru reveals what has never been seen (Alakh). He turns our outward-bound senses inward toward the Beloved.
Beware of false gurus:
Baithat Satgur hoye ke, aas kare shishya ki.
So doobe aap shishyan sahit, jaaye pade koop andheri.
One who sits as a Guru and expects offerings from disciples drowns himself and others into the dark pit of ignorance.
Sadguru soi jo watan batave, moh maya aur aap.
Paar Purush jo parakhaave, Mahamat taasoon kije milaap.
Sadguru is one who reveals our true homeland (Paramdhaam), explains Maya and ego, and makes us recognise the Supreme Being. Only such a Sadguru can truly liberate.
Today, many claiming to be Sadgurus are trapped in desire, attachment, and indulgence. Such individuals cannot uplift others.
Sadguru sab ko kaha nahi jaata.
Today, the title ‘Sadguru’ is often bought or self-proclaimed, rather than earned. Unfortunately, neither the self-proclaimed Sadguru nor their followers truly understand the meaning of a Sadguru.
Only one who guides us with the wisdom of eternal truth and with no personal gain is a true Sadguru. Be vigilant and discerning.
