Years ago, when I met my mentor Meena Om ji, my friends and family were distraught. My mother thought I had abandoned her for someone else, my ex-boss assumed I was possessed and controlled by a shaman and my friends looked at me as if I was someone weak — dependent on a stranger for guidance!

Till today, whenever I meet my buddies of yore, an eerie silence settles on their sagacious selves … the kind you get perhaps when you encounter an alien!

It is strange that for a country that has evolved and thrived upon gurus and their disciples, this glorious parampara, tradition is frowned upon.

 Of late, in some exalted circles having a guru is either too middle class or if your guru happens to be famous, wealthy and well connected, it is ‘cool’ on the surface but deep down you are still viewed as a freak! It is the favourite topic of many stand-up comics who poking fun at this, serve us some short-sighted comedy and this is disturbing to say the least, because the youth who watch them are sure to emulate their disdain.

So, what is the purpose of sharing all this?

Well, let me begin by saying that the recent lockdown made me binge watch the many dharmic serials being relayed on good ol’ DD Bharati. And how refreshing these were!

Even though human trials and tribulations have remained the same, it was insightful watching these quasi-divine beings conduct themselves. The Gurus were always the ultimate resort, the final word and constant guide in every age. It made me wonder how and when our society begun to look down upon this beautiful relationship of a guru and shishya…. Maybe it was the strong influence of foreign education streams that slowly weaned us away from this tradition. Today, the guru-shishya parampara is restricted to some pockets far from the mainstream, perhaps to the arts and a few maverick gurukuls.

In recent times there has been a strong revival of ancient wisdom and many like ayurved, yog etc. are gaining acceptance in the mainstream. However, no student of these can reach their ultimate goal without a guru.

So, what does a guru do?

A guru is not a control freak or an ‘ego-centric’ individual who wants to thrive on the servitude of others.

A guru is a catalyst. Just like in some chemical reactions a catalyst is needed to set off a chain reaction, a guru becomes an instigator of change by providing the right perspective, insights and wisdom. A true guru transforms all that she or he touches and instills a sense of equanimity that assists us to go through life with ease peace and grace.

A guru is a friend philosopher guide parent and therapist – all rolled into one! No wonder that side-stepping this tradition has resulted in people rushing to therapists, psychologists, healers and astrologers!

Ever wondered why ‘Guru Poornima’ is on a full moon night?

Because it is only the guru who can help us reach our full potential so that we too can glow like the moon. The moon is the source of creativity, healing and beauty. These are essential for human life. Some may say it is the sun that is most needed, true, but only through the moon we experience rasas or flavours of life. The Supreme is Raso Vai Sah — the source of all kinds of rasas. When we are connected with Him, all our desires are satisfied. Life gets a new meaning and purpose.  

Like the moon, a true guru is also constantly waxing and waning in personal sadhana. Remember how our Rishi munis of yore were frequently doing penance etc.? Gurus go inwards in dhyan to connect to the source, receiving directives for further evolution and then relay it further. Besides this, the shishyas also go through their cycle of evolution, bright like the moon when in surrender to the guru tattva and dark when in doubt and disconnected.

Centred in their ashrams, one really never heard of them looking out for more disciples! The disciple had to prove his or her worthiness to get admission.

 A realised guru helps us channelise our inherent spirituality (not religion), moulding us slowly and steadily by honing our individualities. She or he relies on the guru-shishya parampara which is actually customised guidance and hand holding through our unique experiences in life.   

On Guru Poornima, it is my sincere prayer that we all connect to the visible and invisible gurus around us to help us realise our true selves for collective evolution. Like stated in the Upanishad –

ॐ सह नाववतु ।
सह नौ भुनक्तु ।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै ।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Om Saha Nau-Avatu |
Saha Nau Bhunaktu |
Saha Viiryam Karavaavahai |
Tejasvi Nau-Adhiitam-Astu Maa Vidvissaavahai |
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

Meaning:
 Om, Together may we two Move (in our Studies, the Teacher and the Student),
Together may we two Relish (our Studies, the Teacher and the Student),
Together may we perform (our Studies) with Vigour (with deep Concentration),
May what has been Studied by us be filled with the Brilliance (of Understanding, leading to Knowledge); May it Not give rise to Hostility (due to lack of Understanding),
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

Pranam.