The following is from an article by Shubalananda who is a Kirtan Wallah from Western Massachusetts. He offers some very interesting insights about the nature of a true teacher or guru.
"Kirtan is part of
the practice of Bhakti Yoga, or the yoga of love. The practice is enhanced when guidance from a
guru, and love for a guru, becomes included. At this point it is important to
say that there are many false gurus in the world. For every 100 you meet, 99 of them will be
teachings rather than teachers, “almost theres” or “Wannabees”, offering
practices and initiations before they have completed their own work.
Remembering this,
it equally important to know that meeting a true guru is a transforming
experience. I strongly suggest that
everyone take every opportunity to meet every teacher you possibly can. You never know when you will meet the one who
resonates with your soul and awakens a consciousness within you which you could
not imagine. Just remember what my friend
Chris says, “Open Heart Open Eyes”.
“Now I see though
a glass darkly, but when that which is perfect is come, then I see as I am
seen.” This is from the Christian bible,
according to Paul, and it is the key to the relationship with the guru.
“Now I see
through a glass darkly”, the glass being our desires, our psychology, our
projections, the veil in front of our eyes that keeps us from seeing things as
they are; our persona, all that must go, all that is in our way.
“But when that
which is perfect is come”…now, no one is perfect, as Shree Maa says “as long as
you have a body you have more to learn”.
But there are a few beings that have found completeness in themselves,
and therefore do not want or need anything at all from the outside. These
beings are deep in the awareness that there is only One, that we all are really
waves in an ocean of consciousness. So this being, wanting nothing, seeing only
oneness, has complete unconditional love for you, as She does for Herself. So when you meet a being who is very close to
this perfection…
“I see as I am
seen”. So when you meet a being with these qualities, you can get a glimpse through the eyes of
this being, a glimpse of Her highest consciousness, which awakens you and puts
you firmly on the path, and dispels all doubt, and heals many wounds, and gives
the strength to heal the rest. It is
something to be held in great awe, this secret miracle of India.
So the Guru is
merely a reflection of your own highest self (since they project nothing, they
are able to reflect accurately back to you your own divinity). But when I
wanted to learn how to play guitar like BB King, I went to BB and asked him to
show me, and when I wanted peace of mind, happiness, personal strength, and
love for all, I went to someone who has this and asked Her, “will you show me?”
That’s the what and why of a guru."
