𝐉𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐮 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐣𝐢 has always reminded us during the discourses that “Learning is an endless journey. Even after completing their studies, a shishya (disciple) should never feel that they have learned all their Guru possesses. He should never entertain the feeling that he has learnt everything that the Guru knows, and that he is no longer less than him. It could be factually true that the student has put in a lot of effort and has learnt as much as what the Guru knows. But he should never develop the feeling that he is at par with the Guru. He should continue to revere his Guru with utmost humility and respect.” The need for a Guru, a preceptor, in any field, is paramount. But in one’s spiritual path, the Guru is not only necessary but also vital. How does one benefit from the Guru’s teachings? And what should be a student’s attitude towards the Guru? Let us delve into this phenomenon known as Guru and also try to understand how to make the best out of the Guru’s teachings. In the Yoga Vasishta, the teachings emphasize the pivotal role of the guru in spiritual development. Understanding and assimilating the guru’s guidance are crucial for achieving spiritual success and inner fulfilment. The following verse highlights this fundamental principle. गुरुपादोदकं तत्त्वं यस्तु शृणोति तत्त्वतः | सर्वसिद्धिं प्रप्नुयात् सदा सन्तुष्टमात्मनः || One who listens to the teachings of the guru, with a true understanding of their essence, will attain complete success and fulfillment. Such a person is always content within themselves. This verse from Yoga Vasishta highlights the significance of not just hearing the Guru’s teachings but truly understanding their essence. It stresses that a deep, sincere comprehension of the guru’s wisdom leads to comprehensive success and spiritual fulfilment. True understanding of these teachings results in inner contentment and peace, reflecting the transformative impact of the guru’s guidance. This illustrates the guru’s vital role in guiding seekers towards profound spiritual growth and lasting inner satisfaction. Thus, to attain the final goal of our spiritual path, the self, it is essential that we surrender to the Guru, listen, imbibe and inculcate the teachings, and also always venerate the Guru.
