Then what must one do to find a sadguru, and what to do till then?
Any discourse on ‘Guru’ can lead to only two outcomes- complete silence or unending discussion. In spiritual life, the paramountcy of guru is unequivocally established. Finding a guru has been considered a necessity for life in Oriental cultures, in some form or other – priest, teacher or invisible subtle presence. Here, the question we face is how to find guru and what to do till then.
A basic rule of the spiritual path can help us here. The process of spiritual upliftment is not exerting efforts towards a goal but rather a kind of evolution or opening up. It’s like untangling fine thread. Patience is more important than strength. Everything is where it is supposed to be, waiting to be revealed. But how will the helpless hatchling find its mother, it hasn’t sprouted wings yet? It can only cry out. And it cries only because it doesn’t realize that the mother, gliding high up in the sky over mountains and valleys, is keeping an eye on her child. Then what should the child do? It must NOT create hindrances when the mother tries to hold it.
No child is motherless – she is always there- when you were thinking of her, and also when you were not; when you knew her and also when you couldn’t recognize her. Recognizing her is difficult because you have preconceived likes and dislikes. You cannot choose your mother. The guru can come in a thousand forms; if you are ready you will be able to identify him. You must prepare yourself to fly. Believe it, whether you know or not, guru is – very close, with you. Here also a basic spiritual practice can be helpful. And that is to try going beyond intellect. Intellect is a vital instrument but not the end. Accepting the world perceived through sensory experiences and reason as whole and ultimate is not enough. A sense of incompleteness, desire for something more, a discontent remains. Without this, what would necessitate the journey ahead? It’s a question of consciousness
Normally we understand things at the level of intellect. For going ahead we need better instrument. Everything you need is available – it’s only a matter of perception. Ordinarily we call it the heart. It helps us move from gross to subtle to consciousness. It helps us meet our guru. Harboring doubts and disbelief until then is not a problem. Doubts ultimately strengthen belief. Just ensure that the doubt isn’t rooted in fear because then it is not suspicion but a justification for fear. Similarly, ensure that your belief is not rooted in greed or fear. However, to go beyond doubt you must have at least that much faith that you may be able to doubt. It is said –
Pani pijai chhanakar, guru kijai jankar
Drink water after filtering it, accept guru after examining him. A guru does not have followers, he has disciples. Be a disciple, the guru is already there. Whether you know it or not, you are being watched. So don’t worry, but be careful.
On practical level, until your guru comes for you, praying and putting your faith in Hanuman ji will help. Lord Hanuman is the bearer of the element of guru. Illuminating the path and helping you stay on it is his expertise. For him it is said –
Kripa karahu gurudev ki nai
Bestow guru like mercy on me. The bigger part of worshipping Hanuman ji should include learning from Him. Hanuman tore open his chest to show where the Lord resides. This is of utmost significance. He didn’t open his forehead. Understanding this lesson clears the path to guru – heart, not mind. Seek your guru, but it is also true that you cannot find him. He will find you – or let you find him.
Prepare yourself not to find him, but to surrender yourself to him. Mind cannot help you here; it is for the heart to do. Intellect is needed, but it cannot take you to the end. It is a dilemma of purpose and survival. So Hanuman says, listen to the heart. Its voice might not be clear because of all the noise. So learn to sit silently – then only the guru will speak. There is no need to exert yourself to achieve something very difficult. Chanting any stuti or prayer that appeals to you is helpful. The positive energies of sacred places or Tirths should be utilized. Instead of diving into complex philosophical debates, read biographies of saints and sages. All in all, that seat where the guru and the lord reside has to be cleaned.
Author Baba Pagaldas is a practicing initiate of the Tapapur lineage.