The Hindu : Valuable advice given by 'Gurus'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Feb 01, 2003

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Valuable advice given by 'Gurus'

CHENNAI FEB. 1 . The problems, which stare at people naturally, make them feel distressed and helpless. No doubt they pray to God to enable them to surmount these difficulties. But they have in their midst "living gods" who, by virtue of their spiritual powers, can give them solace and offer solutions to get over even baffling situations. What distinguishes them from laymen are their penance and austerities. All can approach them and they are often likened to a cool park, giving asylum to one and all. They live for the good of everyone. Tormented souls can approach them and like the Ganga in which anyone can take bath and get their sins obliterated, they will extend their grace and compassion to all. A great tradition has evolved that every believer in God should seek a "Guru" or a religious leader whose advice is valuable.

The noble guide lights up the imperishable lamp of wisdom in the deserving with true affection, as their only desire is that the entire world should be happy, prosperous, should enjoy peace and their distress removed. The grief-stricken, on their part, by their conduct, should become eligible to earn their grace. It is in this context that the modern generation is fortunate to have secured the guidance of the Sankaracharyas of Kanchi, who continue to shed lustre on all. By his divine vision, the Sage of Kanchi was able to choose a proper successor to carry the torch, said Sri P.M. Vijayaraghava Sastrigal, in a lecture on the occasion of the Jayanthi of the present senior Acharya.

The "Guru" tradition has been in vogue from time immemorial as seen even in God's incarnation as Rama, whose spiritual mentor was Vasishta. Just prior to Rama's proposed coronation, the sage gave a candid advice to Him asking Him not to engage Himself in war with the neighbouring countries (as others used to do when in power). "The fame of one who does not quarrel with others will spread far and wide", Vasishta added. "Ayodhya" itself meant "no war". This advice later made Rama to be lenient to even the sinner Ravana. Pointing out how the Lord, in His incarnation as Krishna, took the guidance of a master, Smt. Sudha Seshaiyan said when He came to Mathura, His important enquiry was whether He could learn the scriptures under an Acharya and He received training under Sage Sandeepani. Holy texts say that the Guru leads a man to God. The compassion such saints shower on all is akin to a mother's kindness to her wards.

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Valuable advice given by 'Gurus'

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