Guru Krupa - the Golden touch

You are going to a temple casually... What will you do if a complete stranger casually stops you, come to you and says, “You are a Brahmin belonging to _______ gothra. You were not born for this purpose . . . Your lifetime purpose is different. Learn Sanskrit and enter the Upasana Marga”?

99% reaction will be - you come to a conclusion that you are dealing with a madman or yet another way to make money. 

But Ambika Dattan,a young school boy did not leave... He stopped and listened or.... something made him to stop... The face of the mysterious man was very very familiar.

Ambika Dattan was actually in a confused mind set - for the past few days... He was unable to come to a conclusion. Life bound him to disown responsibilities but renunciation was equally enchanting.

It so happened that one tuesday evening, during the month of Maasi he was casually moving inside a temple entrance. Ambika Dattan was encountered by this person... He stopped the boy and started questioning him...

The boy actually didn’t know what to do. Out of sheer desperation, he stood up, thinking of running. But, he heard a voice which clearly ordered, “Iam a Parabrahma vasthu and Ive manifested here just for you ! Iam here to answer your prayer ! be here !” 

Ambika Dattan was perplexed as he couldn’t make out anything. But the person soon started narrating many personal instances, "His" connection with the boy's family for generations.. Still Ambika Dattan was very hesitant in staying back.. Finally he spoke about one personal prayer made by the boy at an Adhishtanam - during his childhood. Finally he revealed his identity and started explaining the reason for his visit. What was heard only in stories -was happening in reality. Divinely inspired, the boy even forgot to salute the great person standing in front of him.  

The person spoke to the young boy for more than half an hour and explained him the reality of the Mahavakhyams given in the four Vedas. He gave him few more insturctions to be carried out and finally He imparted the knowlege of Devi Upasana to Ambika Dattan. 

(There are many more highly miraculous incidents and informations which was imparted, but due to their sanctity, Ambika Dattan requested me not to publish it here.)

He instructed Ambika Dattan to return home and continue the upasana and assured rest will automatically happen.

When the parting moment came, the boy was totally awestruck to say anything... The mysterious person stood there, blessed him and walked away!

Ambika Dattan then returned to his place, and lives happily embraced by the person’s blessings. This became the turning point in Ambika Dattan's life. 

The ‘person’ who stopped the young boy is actually not a "mere person". He is more than that. The main purpose of this post - is intended to show the glory of a compassionate gurunatha who came to lend a helping hand to the boy whom he had promised janmas ago... he had come back after 70 years of his Maha Samadhi...

Yes ! 70 years after the Maha Samadhi - the person who came there was none other than the Great Mystic -  Shri Seshadri Swamigal.  

Sri Seshadri Swamigal is one of the greatest Indian saints who lived Thiruvannaamalai. He was beyond the description of a saint, a reality that cannot be clutched and clasped by the mind leading one to realization.

Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, Maha Periyaval of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam said once "will I attain a state like Seshadri Swamigal?". Such was the greatness of Gurunathar Sri Seshadri Swamigal

Yesterday I had a golden chance of going to Thiruvannamalai and had a blissful stay at Seshadri Swamigal's Adhishtanam. This reminded me of the above encounter of Ambika Dattan and Seshadri Swamigal. 

Seshadri Swamigal, well known as Hiranya Bahu - "Saint with a golden hand", whose touch can bring fortune even to an ordinary mortal.

Ambika Dattan is a living example as to what Guru Krupa can do to a person... 

Naasti Thathwam Param Gurum

There is no thathwam other than Guru 

Guru is a father, a friend, a guru and a savior, all in one. 

Guru - Mantra Upadesham

After the reply to Mr.X regarding mantra upadesham.. Iam receiving many mails and messages personally from people expressing their doubt regarding this "Mantra Upadesham" and Upasana...

1. How to Get Mantra Upadesham

2. How to approach Guru for Upadesham

-----

Let me throw some light in this Area...

But before that read my following articles (Read in Once again... EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY READ IT)

Guru - Sishya Relationship

http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/06/guru-sishya-relationship.html

Guru - Sishya Relationship Part 2

http://shanmatha.blogspot.com/2010/06/guru-sishya-relationship-part-2.html

Mantra Upadesham goes two way - The first one is for exceptional cases where a Mahan or Guru takes Karuunya towards a Sishya and gives him mantra upadesham even without asking. - please note this happens only for exceptional cases due to the accumulated merits of upasana of Purva Janma and this cannot be examples.

The next way  -

a Sishya has devotion towards a particular God and he identifies himself with a particular person as his Guru. First he must openly declare his surrender to his Guru.

He has to literally plead to the Guru for getting a mantra upadesham. It is said that even the Guru has to wait until the sishya asks or rather beg for the upadesham at least three times. Once the Guru is satisfied that the Sishya is a "Sat Patram" he can consider him. (please note : Only Consider).

Because the guru gives mantra to a disciple and because she or he embodies the spirit and life of that mantra. According to the Kularnava Tantra, there is no difference between devata, mantra and guru. "Devata in truth is the same as mantra; mantra in truth is the same as the guru. The fruit of the worship of the devata, mantra and guru is the same."

Moola Mantram is actually going to take you to the divinity. When one is not ready to shed his Ego even for the sake of Mantra upadesham to his Guru, then how can one attain salvation?

I have personally seen both extreme cases of  "so called Sishya" either demanding mantra upadesham from the Guru or his ego preventing in surrendering to the Guru for asking Mantra upadesham.

(Here again the Age, Qualification or Status of a Guru is not a criteria. I wish to quote a real life experiece known to me personally. A 58 year old sishya was a very great devotee and wanted mantra upadesham. He developed a Guru Bhava towards 18 year old person. The young Guru in turn took the person to many other Upasakas including his own Guru.

But the Sishya was very clear... "All these Upasakas are great undoubtedly... But you are my Guru... and I shall wait till u give me upadesham". He literally waited for about a decade to get his first mantram from his Guru.

This is true Guru Bhakthi !!! )

So I come back to square one - Ultimate surrender to Guru is the best way to get mantra upadesham.

Tatviddhi Pranipatena Pariprashnena Sevaya 

Upadekshyanti Te Jnanam Jnanina Stattwadarshinah

Understand the true nature of knowledge by approaching a Guru. If you prostrate at their feet, serve them and question them with an open & guileless heart, those wise person will give you the upadesham of the divine. - says Krishna in Geetha.

However great a person may be, his close associates cannot understand his greatness, often they take him to be as ordinary human being like them. This is the effect of Maya.

A sishya must not get into this trap.

One has to really feel blessed for getting each oppurtunity to serve Guru,salute Guru, Pray to guru, doing namaskarams to Guru. "Whenever/wherever you see your  Guru do namaskaram - says Kularnava Tantram.

Even if you think over the feet of Guru (Guru Paduka) it gives  the result greter than puja or Khetra Darshanam. So if you can see him in person - never miss the oppurtunity to do Namaskaram to him.

Once you see you guru, even if it is a crowded hall or road - fall like a danda(stick) and do sashtanga namaskara.

I have seen many such sishyas doing namaskarams without even a trace of ego.

From my personal experience I can say - this act instantaneously kindles the Karunya of Guru towards the Sishya.

(Beleive me - the same person mentioned above is around 70 years now. He will still, at once , fall down at the feet of his much Younger Guru - wherever he sees him)

My association with many illustrious Gurus have taught me this basic lesson called Guru Bhakthi. So Iam really surprised or rather shocked to see the deteriorating form of Guru Bhakthi...

Many people approach me me for instruction, clarification and initiation. Most of them are sincere who are highly devoted. They need mantras to get their problems solved, achieve something or gain some material or rarely some spiritual benefit. Many other are interested in gaining powers and benefits in the society we live in today.

Only a handful of few are really having the mix of bhakti, inner drive and wisdom. I still find myself searching for a person "who crave to reach the Lord" and seek mantra upadesham for that purpose.

I pray to the divine lotus feet of Lord Bhaktaparipala who is the Lord, the mantra, the Guru, the Sishya, the question, the answer and everything.

Shishya and Guru

The shishya is expected to follow certain rules and regulations which have been detailed in the Rudrayamala:

1. He should never visit the Guru empty handed. He should carry with him fruits and flowers as marks of respect.
2. A shishya, who tries to disprove his Guru’s words and tries to prove his own words as truth, will attain the worst of the hells.
3. A shishya should never take his Guru’s name openly other than during Guru Paduka Anusandhana.
4. Leftovers of Guru’s meal should be consumed as Prasadam by the shishya.
5. Whenever Guru is nearby, that day or that time should be considered as very auspicious.
6. A shishya should never neglect or insult the parents, wife and children of Sri Guru.
7. While performing Pooja or Japa, if Guru or Gurvamba arrive, the shishya should halt his Japa or Pooja and welcome the Guru and his Shakti.
8. While walking with Sri Guru, care should be taken to never stamp his shadow.
9. One should never sit with Guru on the same seat nor sleep in Guru’s presence.
10. Whenever the shishya sees the Guru, he should immediately stand up and prostrate full length at the holy feet of Guru.
11. One should never speak unnecessarily in front of the guru.
12. One should never lie to the Guru.
13. One should never ask Guru for loans or have any financial transactions with him.
14. One should never initiate another person in the presence of Guru. Also, one should not discourse in front of the Guru or try to exhibit one’s knowledge or talents.
15. One should give up one’s own bed, seat, grand clothes, ornaments and footwear in front of the Guru.
16. The same respect should be shown to Guru’s physical form as the deity in temples.

Courtesy : Shri Ramesh Kutticad, Chennai

Sadhuram Swamigal

Yesterday at Banglore, I met a devotee from Srividya Charities  - devotees of Arutkavi Shri Sadhuram Swamigal. This reminded me of my encounter with Sadhuram Swamigal- which happened some fifteen years ago at Oonjaloor, during the Aradhana of my Gurunatha Sri Seshadri Swamigal. The then small school boy and the Sanyasi - we both belong to same Guru Parampara... My Guru Seshadri Swamigal was his Parama Gurunatha. It was an unforgettable event.

He was a living example as to what is Guru Krupa can do to a person... His ability to compose divine hyms was amazing and was a scholar par excellence.
Please hear the Thiruppugazh rendered by him and enjoy

Guru - Sishya Relationship - Part 2

In continuaton with our previous post on Guru Sishya relationship, we received the followed comment.

Excellent guidelines, but general query with every one is how to select Guru. what is the qualification to get Deeksha.

After seeing media, people are very sacred of selecting guru and some people argue why to have middle man to speak to god and will try to reach god directly with our own prayers etc.,

Also some people accepted there guru as Maha periava, Ramana maharishi, Rama krishna, Arabindo, Seshathri swamigal (Even the person never met him).

Also give some information regarding Thruvannamalai Giri vallam. some people says they could able to see SITHAR SWAMIGAL LIKE PAPMPATTI SITHAR etc., is it true. I never get opportunity to visit that temple and attend Giri vallam.

Can you clarify.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Let me try to answer this one by one
General query with every one is how to select Guru. What is the qualification to get Deeksha.
How can one select a Guru?
Did we select our father or mother ?

The Guru Thatwa is an embodiment of karunya and it is he who select us as a sishya and not vice versa.

We may think that we are choosing a Guru. But in no way its going to happen.  Whoever may be the Guru, Guru is "Sakshat Parabrahma"

The Guru Sishya relationship doesnot happen by appointment or designation. It emerges automatically.
The first and foremost quality for a sishya is vinaya ie humbleness and 0% Ego.

When a person thinks of  choosing his Guru, definitely he may compare him with others (please read my previous post - which is a very great sin) And also this  shows he is egoistic and If one thinks that he is choosing his guru, Iam sure he is fooling himself.

When the sadhaka is ready and ripe - God sends the Guru in the right time.
"Thottu Kaatta Guru Thane Varuvaar"

Guru is not a post or position - its an eternal commitment and phenomena.

The qualification for deeksha is decided by the Guru alone. Right or wrong he takes up the responsibilities of the sishya (including his karma)

After seeing media, people are very sacred of selecting guru and some people argue why to have middle man to speak to god and will try to reach god directly with our own prayers etc.,
Again the question of selecting a Guru does not arise

I would like to quote from  my previous post - "Mostly we will try to judge and always make a wrong judgement."

This is what is happening today. Only a Guru has to select a sishya.
If you think you are selecting your Guru then you are not on the right track.  Your faith and Viswasa with the Guru is also not that strong. This ultimately leads to disaster.

Most of the people have a feeling that there is not need for a Middle Man to show God.
Each and every living being has to rise gradually in each janma after janma and only then reach a level of Jeevan Mukthi and only then attain moksha.  This can happen only with Guru's grace.


One has to make one point clear - the purpose of human birth is to attain moksha and for this guru is must. If one thinks the purpose is to get the blessings of God for a comfortable livelihood, luxurious life, wealth etc then Guru is surely a middle man.

The path to our destination called moksha is a forest  full of animals and we need a guide to cross the place. Guru is the only guide who can take you along with him safely and help you reach your goal.

Instant moksha and instant gnana is not at all possible. If a person says I doent need a middle man - its again sheer Ego and you cant expect anything more from that sort of a person.  (I know a person who has all the "Good Qualities"  including consuming alcohol but claims that he doesnt need a Guru and he is going to get moksha because his astrologer has said so)
-----------------
Next qery
Also some people accepted there guru as Maha periava, Ramana maharishi, Rama krishna, Arabindo, Seshathri swamigal (Even the person never met him).

Also give some information regarding Thruvannamalai Giri vallam. some people says they could able to see SITHAR SWAMIGAL LIKE PAPMPATTI SITHAR etc., is it true. I never get opportunity to visit that temple and attend Giri vallam.

Some people consider Maha Purushas like Seshadri Swamigal, Ramana or Mahaperiyava as their Guru. This is a very great oppurtunity. But these Maha purushas bless us as a divine force and guide our life. But in case of upadesha or mantra deeksha what will be the case?

To a very rare and lucky few, they themselves manifest before them and give their blessing. YES !!!this is true and happens even today.  But its said vindavar kandilar - many people who claim this get carried away in the waves called publicity, self and benefits of the ocean called Ego. There are still few pure souls who are blessed with such rare opportunity.

But in most other cases the Mahapurushas again send some physical Gurus in order to guide the souls. One has to accept that fact. A physical Guru's presence is the most necessary thing and a guiding force for any normal aspirant.

So for a true sadhaka, the need of a Guru is inevitable.

Naasti Thathwam Param Gurum
There is no thathwam other than Guru

Guru - Sishya Relationship

Is it true that a person should always be under his guru and should not go beyond him? Will this not affect his 

individuality?  

Some people say one must learn from his guru and vacate the place and not be too close to his guru. 

Also is Guru Dakshina a must?

V.R. Rajaraman

Senkottai

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First let me make it clear that Iam talking only about Guru - who is for your Atma sadhana. ie who gives you mantra deeksha or upadesham and guide you towards the Lord. Iam not talking about your Music teacher or bhajan Guru.

Guror anugruhenaiva puman purna prashantaye

Only by the grace of guru can a person become a self realised soul

Any sadhaka when his devotion to his favorite god is ripe, its pulls the Guru towards the sishya. 

And please remember there is no lakshanam for a guru. He is not limited by age, education or relatioship. Mostly we will try to judge and always make a wrong judgement.

The significance of Guru and Guru Bhakthi is immesurable.

"Gurur Sakshat Parabrahma" - Guru is the Lord Himself. Generally people confuse among themselves with an acharya and guru. 

The person who teaches a subject or something like music etc is an acharya. But the person who gives the mantra of a diety is Guru - he is God. He may not be a person jumping from the sky; he may look very ordinary and move along with us; But please understand - unless you have a feeling that He is God himself,one can never get salvation. Even he is an ordinary person, once if you accept him as your guru - please dont forget He is God to you.

Today the mantra siddhi is very rare phenominon to see. This is because of lack of Guru bhakthi. 

Guru Santhushta Matrena sidyathi

One gets mantra siddhi - once the guru is pleased.

By giving you a mantra upadesham - the Guru takes you along with him to the divinity and actually is shouldering your responsibilty. Please understand - until the sishya get proper gnana - the Guru doesnot get moksha. For this debt - even if you serve him for the entire janma, it cannot be equated. 

Dos and Donts with a Guru

I dont want to give any more of my personal opinion. But i'l quote only one single paragraph from Lalithopakhyana - which shows the greatness of Guru

• A sishya must dedicate one's body, wealth and life to the service of Guru and always live according to his instructions. He must never try to supercede him.

• The most difficult thing in the entire world is getting a proper Guru.Once this Guru is happy with the sishya - Moksha Lakshmi comes to him within half a second.

• Even if he scolds - understand that it is a blessing.

• And analysing your Guru and comparing him with others is the most sinful act. And accepting one person as your Guru and changing to another Guru - will lead to eternal darkness.

• Before commencing any vaidheeka or Lowkika karmas, you must get his blessings/approval.

• One must never call his Guru in singular terms (like Nee, Vaa etc) and must never argue with his guru 

• The most sadhachara is Guru bhakthi and the maha papam is Guru Droham 

• Even telling a lie in front of your Guru is a great sin - this is more sinful than Brammahathi or Go hathi

• One who ponder overs the feet of Guru (Guru Paduka) gets everything that is good - this is greater that all maha yagas or pujas or temple worship

• Guru Vaakyam pramaanam - Even the mere words from Guru has to be follwed strictly. The mere words are shastras to the sishya

• Once you see you guru , fall like a danda(stick) and do sashtanga namaskara and do a pradakshina

• Worship your favorite God as your Guru's form

Most of the above statements may look "unfit" in today's world. But still there are persons who follow it strictly and are coming up in their life - both spiritually and also in worldly life. Iam seeing, admiring and wondering about the Guru bhakthi of these few persons (even today) and their attachment towards their Guru.

(Iam seeing all the following personally even today) Just imagine

• Not even uttering the name of his Guru
• Considering their puja moorthi as Guru and Guru Patni himself
• An officer and highly placed person falling at his guru's feet in the middle of the road
• A politician sitting on the floor refusing to sit on a sofa along with his Guru

Unfortunately, Ive also seen persons, who hesitate greatly even for doing a namaskaram to his Guru. There are worst cases ie when the sishya is in Guru's place, he keeps quiet while the Guru serve the disciple.  This is  a very great sin.

Once a Guru  named meykaNdAr took one pot of cellulose (kanychi) kept for the cloths and drank it. While he was drinking it, some of it dripped through his elbow. The ardant disciple umApathi chivAchchAriyAr drank that, which was dripping through the master's elbow. This is Guru Bhakthi. 

Today a poor Guru is carrying the tiffin plate of a sishya. ( A guru - out of his sheer kindness or affection may do this to his disciples; but a Sishya should NEVER allow this happen and infact he must grab each and every oppurtunity to serve his Guru).

Proximity to Guru

Now you might have understood the concept of being close to his Guru. Leaving one's Guru must never happen.

Lalitopakhyanam again gives the following list as to how a sishya should be close with his Guru and offer his namaskarams :

If a person lives very next to his Guru he must meet him and do namaskarams thrice a day.

If a person lives near his Guru within a Krosa (the distance at which a man's call could be heard) he must do this daily.

If a person lives near his Guru within half a yojana (6.5 Km) he must meet his Guru atleast during the 5 parvas of a month.

If a person lives more than one yojana (13 kms) to twelve yojans(156 Kms) he must meet him according to the distance( ie 13 kms - Once a month, 26 Kms twice a month to 156 kms atleast once a year)

Apart from this, whenver a person wants he can anytime come to his Guru and offer his pranams

Guru Dakshina

And coming to Guru Dakshina - there is a saying in malayalam

"Kriya Avasanam Dakshina" - each action gets fulfilled only with a dakshina

The Hindu tradition of guru dakshina is a means to show the sishya's gratitude. He is paying his respects to the Lord who has appeared as Guru covered by a human skin. 

In general at the time completing Gurukulam or during Mantra upadesham Guru Dakshina is a must. Only with the Guru Dakshina - he may get the result fulfilled.

Also during important occasions, rituals, poojas and Vijaya Dasami days is the duty of the sishya to submit his offerings to his Guru. 

The dakshina may not not always monetary. At times, the Guru may ask his sishya to execute an important task as his dakshina.

So please remember - No book or mantra can bestow the Knowledge of Self. Only by gurukripa a sadhaka can attain his self or reach his Ishtadevata