THE REAL TEACHER

                                                                         

“ Gurus  can be had by hundreds but chela ( disciple) there is not one” is an ancient saying! In other words many are the persons who can give good advice but those who follow are few. Today we find a large number of self proclaimed Gurus who have established their ashrams in various parts of our country! They attract a number of disciples and followers. From different types of spiritual practices and yogas, these Gurus guide their followers and disciples. On the eve of GURU PURNIMA, dedicated to the greatest of all Gurus, Sage Vedavyasa, let us understand  his contribution to society and the significance of his voluminous work he has left behind for the well being of humanity. But for his yeomen service the world would not have seen the Vedas that he codified, the Upanishads, the Mahabharatha, the Bhagavata Purana and the Bhagavadgita! At present, many self styled Gurus have taken avatar and proclaim to reform society! We have to be very careful about them!

    The greatness of sage Vedavyasa has been recognized from time immemorial. “ Vyasaya vishnurupaya Vyasa rupaya Vishnave”-Sage Vyasa is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Lord Vishnu is the avatar of Vyasa. He is considered as the form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara! “ achatur vadano Brahma dwi bahu raparo harihi aphala lochanas Sambhuhu bhagawan Badarayanaha” Sage Vyasa is Brahma without four heads, Lord Vishnu with two hands, and Lord Siva without the third eye! Guru Purnima is also called VYASA PURNIMA in memory of the preceptor responsible for the moral and spiritual upliftment  of  humanity. The word Acharya  denotes a person who practices what he teaches! “ acharati iti acharyaha” He has to be a friend, philosopher and guide to his disciples. He should be of spotless character and have absolute control over the senses. He should have realized the Brahman or obtained Self Realization. Guru is the personification of the Trinity, Brahma, Vishnu  and  Maheawara! It is enough if one attains the grace of his Guru. He can achieve any impossible task. There is no need for him to worship some other God! The main object of the Guru is to remove the ignorance or avidya of the disciple and put him on to the path of spiritual salvation!

     Who is a Real Teacher? It is very difficult to answer as there are innumerable persons calling themselves by that sacred name. “ He alone is the true Teacher who is illumined by the light of True Knowledge.” Says Sri  Ramakrishna. Empty vessels make the loudest sound. But a realized soul does not talk much. The classical example is of Lord Dakshina murthy whose silent message with the Chinmudra was much more eloquent than speech itself! “ mouna vyakhya prakatitha parabrahma tatwam yuvanam” Elucidation of the nature of the Absolute through Silence to the young disciples who happen to be the great sages .Sanaka, Sananda and others. Sankara calls the Lord, “ acharyendram kara kalitha Chinmudra mananda rupam.” There are two types of Teachers—those who after realization become silent and enjoy the bliss all by themselves and the second type who cannot keep quiet. They cry out in a trumpet voice to all! Like the bees and ants that are attracted to flowers and sweets respectively, people are drawn to the pure and perfect Teachers. The Teacher need not go in search of disciples or audience! The Real Teacher is one who takes pain to obtain for his disciple, emancipation from the cycle of birth and death! Hundreds of people flock to such a teacher from all sides anxious to be taught!

        Lord Krishna is acclaimed as’ Jagadguru’ as he delivered the message of the indestructible ever lasting  atma to the doubting  Arjuna! He made Arjuna  understand  the futility of ahankara- egoism and mamakara-attachment. Our land can boast of illustrious  Gurus in the past like the great acharyas Sankara, Ramanuja and Madhwa who brought in a spiritual and devotional renaissance in society. In modern days we have avatars like Shiridi Sai and sri Sathya Sai Baba and sri Ramakrishna and swami Vivekananda. They have attempted transformation of society from the selfish to the selfless state. Kanchi Paramacharya is another example of total selflessness and compassion and an inspiration to thousands of his disciples. Let us turn to such lofty Gurus who have realized themselves and get guidance from them!!