Miscellaneous - Religion   

Man of wisdom

CHENNAI : A spiritual seeker can progress on the spiritual path only with the guidance of a preceptor. According to tradition there are two types of preceptors, the first being the one who can teach the scriptural teachings to his disciple and be an exemplary role model himself in the practice of the injunctions of the scriptures. Such a teacher who is concerned only with the dissemination of spiritual knowledge and in the welfare of his disciple without any ulterior motive like gaining name and fame or acquiring wealth for himself is known as an Acharya.

In his discourse, Sri N.Veezhinathan said the second type of preceptor is the Guru. The term `Guru' meaning "he who removes ignorance" indicates that he is a man of Self-realisation (Jnani). In some cases such a man of wisdom if he is a recluse (Samnyasin) will be the very epitome of renunciation and hence can guide seekers by his very presence as he is always established in the Self (Atman). A Guru can also be an Acharya in some cases when he assumes the responsibility of teaching his disciples. The distinction between Acharya and Guru is made in tradition to highlight that the Guru is a class apart, verily God in human form, who is capable of removing the ignorance of his disciple to enable him to experience the bliss of the Self. His initiation can be by touch or a glance or by simply thinking about the welfare of his disciple. These three types of initiation have a hoary tradition and explained in scriptural texts.

Self-knowledge, unlike all other knowledge, cannot be imbibed through instruction alone. Only one who is Self-realised can illumine the mind of the seeker and remove the remaining vestiges of ignorance. Thus a Guru's role is unique and hence the reverence shown to him. In the Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna highlights his pre-eminence, "Understand the true nature of that knowledge by approaching illumined souls. If you prostrate at their feet, render them service, and question them with an open and guileless heart, those seers of Truth will instruct you in that knowledge."

This Gita statement substantiates that a Jnani, who does not have anything to accomplish in the world, continues to live after his realisation for the sake of others. It also establishes that liberation is possible while living (Jivanmukti) and that it is not a state to be realised after death.

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