Why
Why the Need for a Guru?
Mention the word ‘Guru’ and it conjures up different meanings to different people. Yet few of us really know the true meaning of the word.
The word ‘Guru’ is a Sanskrit word and can be divided into two syllables – ‘Gu’ and ‘Ru’. The first syllable ‘gu’ means darkness resulting from ignorance, and the latter syllable ‘ru’ means illumination or enlightenment from ignorance, from darkness to light. Therefore the term ‘Guru’ is not only a physical development, but also a symbolic transformation from ignorance to enlightenment.
A person can be described as a Guru, but more importantly it is the knowledge that he imparts that is the true Guru.
Teach your-self books and DIY aids are the rage today, but some practical difficulties remain, which can only be resolved by referring the problem to an expert in that particular field. If books were the be all and end all of learning then teaching institutions would become obsolete. As it stands things are not that simple.
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE
A student in any field needs expert guidance throughout his education, even when he has the necessary textbooks and other learning materials. Teachers and lecturers are therefore akin to Gurus. The need for a Guru in one form or another is absolutely essential. Similarly in the realm of spiritual learning the guidance of a Spiritual Master is imperative. He is the living person, who being one with God is the link with the finite and infinite.
A Master need not necessarily speak the same language, but their sheer presence is inspiring, elevating and self illuminating. Mahraz Jee explains that when God is pleased with you, He will bring you into contact with a Spiritual Master. The relationship of Guru and disciple is unique in that like your birth, it is preordained.
SURRENDER
The Guru’s purpose is to reawaken the soul, which is our inherent and eternal link with God. The soul stifled by the webs of worldly attachment is constantly battling to steady our fleeting mind. This is where the Guru comes to his own, and is essential in redirecting the soul’s path onto a higher spiritual plane.
We often hear of people who have reached their highest expectations. Their ambitions have been fulfilled, yet peace of mind still eludes them. To attain true peace of mind one must surrender to a living Spiritual Master. The truth of this statement cannot be proved by written words, but can only be experienced in our lives by entering into a personal relationship with a living Spiritual Master.
Naturally when your mind is seeking peace, it is hounded by questions and doubts, which require satisfactory answers. To satisfy both the spiritual and worldly questions a living guide is required, who can patiently listen to your doubts, whilst tolerating all your weaknesses and foibles, forgiving your mistakes and guiding you in the right direction.
Mahraz Darshan Das however emphatically states that you should always question your Guru before accepting him and never follow him blind. You must be satisfied by the answers before any firm relationship can be built.
NEW AWAKENING
The Guru leads by example. Although the scriptures are part of his medium, he nonetheless creates a new line of thought, a new awakening. He follows the old, yet simultaneously creates anew.
Mahraz Darshan Das Jee expounded his message throughout his life to people from all walks of life. He preached 5 basic principles; namely speak the truth; be contented; attend the congregation of a Spiritual Master; do good for others and to sacrifice and conquer your vices which impede your spiritual development.
These principles form the core of his Mission and is epitomised in his slogan “Nanak Naam Chardi Kala Tere Bhane Barbat Da Bhala”. This slogan is the Guru, the knowledge he imparts. It is your shield to help you as you go forward through life, and defends you from life’s calamities.
Today the torch of the mission of Sachkhand Nanak Dham International is borne by her holiness Maharani Pali Darshan Das who was appointed ‘Mother of the Mission’ in 1980. She continues to fulfil the spiritual role left vacant by Mahraz Jee, professing his Mission to the world as the Mother of the Mission with compassion and love.