The power of satsang with a true guru

Jan 24, 2010, 12.00am IST


Today our attention is mainly on external things; so we hardly ever look inward.
Even when we have a spiritual goal, the mind slips away from it due to the pressure of our vasanas or latent tendencies. To control such a mind, a satguru is essential. But after a certain stage, no help is needed for the guru within is awakened.
Ordinary gurus can only explain spiritual principles. But a Sadhguru who has realised the Self imparts part of her spiritual power to the disciple. This enables the disciple to reach the goal quickly. The Sadhguru's thoughts awaken spiritual powers in the disciple.


Satsang and spiritual books have the power to turn our minds towards good thoughts. That alone, however, will not enable us to go forward with steady steps. Physicians will examine the patient and prescribe medicines. But if an operation is required, one has to see a surgeon. Likewise, to rid our minds of all dirt, and to progress towards the ultimate goal, we have to take refuge in a realised master.


Although everything is within us, it is useless if we don't actually experience it. For that, sadhna or spiritual practice is absolutely necessary. Rishis who gave us the mahavakyas or great sayings such as `I am Brahmn' and `Thou art That' were individuals who had reached that plane of experience. Their way of life was very different from ours. They viewed all living creatures as being equal; they loved and served all beings without distinction. In their eyes, nothing in the universe was separate from themselves.
While they had god-like qualities, we have the qualities of a fly. A fly lives in dirt and excreta. So, our minds can see only mistakes and defects in others. This has to change. We have to be able to see the good in everybody and everything. Until we directly experience the Truth through sadhana and contemplation, there is no sense in repeatedly claiming that everything is there within us. Learning from books and giving speeches is not enough. To experience the Truth, one has to do sadhana, and discover the real `I' with a guru's help.

The guru knows that the disciple's ego-driven impulses will cause danger to him and to others. To know the Truth, we have to get rid of the ego-based, false `i'. It is hard to achieve this just by doing sadhana on one's own.

When we bow down before the guru, we are not bowing to that individual, but to the ideal in her; just as by saluting the flag, we are not paying homage to a piece of cloth, but to the nation that the flag represents. We can rise only through humility. The seed contains the tree within it, but if it is content to lie in a storeroom somewhere, rats may eat it. Only by going under the soil will its true form emerge. It is to become the King of kings later on that the disciple takes on the role of a servant now.


The guru is the embodiment of selflessness. We are able to learn what truth, dharma or righteousness, renunciation, and love mean because the guru lives those qualities. Obedience to the guru is not slavery. The guru's aim is only the salvation of the disciple. A true guru will never see her disciples as her servants. She is filled with love for the disciple. She wants to see the disciple succeed, even if it means hardship for herself. The true guru is indeed like a mother.

Discourse: Amritananda Ma