Guru - the ultimate guardian

One day, Mother Parvati, mother of universe, out of concern for her children, requested Lord Shiva, who was engaged in intense meditation, to answer her question. She asked “O Swami, what is that way by which all jivas can attain a state of unsullied and uninterrupted happiness which is a state of parabrahma. Lord Shiva said “O Devi, you have asked really a good question, in favor of all jivas. Such question was never asked by anybody. O Varanane, for one who wants to attain a state of parabrahma, the easiest and best way is to serve Sadguru. By serving lotus feet Sadguru, one can easily cross the ocean of Samsara.”

This dialogue between Mother Parvati and Lord Shiva was recorded as Gurugita in Skanda Purana. Indian culture or rather Sanatana Dharma lays a very high importance on serving Guru. In fact Sanatana Dharma highly recommends not to remain without Guru. Person without Guru is a like a boat lost in a sea. To become secured in all aspects it is in best interest for every human being to have Guru.

If Guru is available in person then one should serve Guru. However if Guru is not available in person, then reading stories of Guru e.g. Saptashati Gurucharitrasaar, Saisatcharita with utmost devotion is also a service to Guru.

Gurupournima is an auspicious day when one can resolve to start a discipline of reading stories of Guru or refine already started discipline.

This year, Gurupounima falls on Tuesday July 3.