NKB

 A

Bullet Gist

• One cannot easily approach the scriptures directly because they are vast and meant for all types of seekers.

  • The Guru extracts the essence, selects what is suitable, and presents it in a practical, usable form.

  • The Guru understands the disciple’s nature and prescribes the appropriate Sadhana.

• Ocean–Rain Analogy:

  • We do not drink water directly from the ocean.

  • Clouds take ocean water, purify it, and give it as rain.

  • Similarly, the Guru distills the scriptures and gives what is needed for the disciple’s spiritual growth.

• Pharmacy Analogy:

  • A pharmacy has countless medicines, but without knowledge we cannot choose the right one.

  • The Guru is like a skilled doctor who gives the correct prescription for our “spiritual disease.”

• Role of the Guru:

  • The Guru is the Sun of knowledge.

  • He dispels the clouds of Maya like a strong breeze.

  • He overcomes obstacles such as dry intellectualism, like a lion before which elephants retreat.

  • To such a Guru, salutations are offered.

• Guru, Scripture, and God are not separate:

  • God stands behind the Guru–disciple relationship.

  • God is the very breath of the Vedas.

  • Honoring the Guru and scriptures does not exclude God; they are part of His plan.

  • The Guru is God reaching the seeker in person.

• Attitude (Bhava) towards the Guru:

  • Trust in the Guru’s nobility, selflessness, and compassion.

  • Feel deep gratitude and a sense of indebtedness.

  • Surrender with faith that the Guru will lead one to the Supreme Truth.

• Attitude towards the Scriptures:

  • Revere the scriptures as Mother Sruti.

  • Acknowledge their power in liberating countless seekers.

  • Approach them with humility, faith, and devotion, seeing them as compassionate guides to freedom.