Ask The Master: 11 Oct 2007

Q. Who is the Master, the Guru?

The Guru is a being in whom Nithya Ananda or Eternal Bliss is expressed; one who creates and transmits a formula and the space for others to experience the same eternally -- without the need for formula and space. From time immemorial, the Guru-sishya parampara (Master-disciple relationship) started in the Himalayas. It is the oldest of relationships. The very idea of relating with one another started only after this relationship.

It is also the last relationship before enlightenment. Before this, humans were like animals, barbaric, in whatever culture and religion. All civilizations started with the advent of the Master-disciple relationship. Even Masters who taught that there was no need for a Guru, like J Krishnamurthy, became Gurus despite themselves. All knowledge, not just spiritual, needs a Guru, the person who leads us from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge.

In modern days, people tend to question the need for a spiritual Guru, but not the other kinds. People respect those who teach a skill that helps them earn money, but spiritual Masters come by as optional. Spirituality is not an option, something esoteric, something magical, something unattainable. It is the state in which we are in mentally and physically -- sound and happy, our relationships with one another are productive and fruitful, and in addition we have the awareness of what we are doing at every instant. This awareness makes us spontaneous, grounds us in the present, and makes us truly responsible for our thoughts, words and actions. Each individual needs to attain this state for one's own good as well as that of others around.

If you understand this truth and respect spiritual knowledge, you will not question the need for a spiritual Master. Man needs a Master. It's your choice to select a spiritual Master or an unenlightened person as your Guru. If you are not guided by your Master, some one will guide you and if that person is not capable, you will suffer.

If you choose a political person as your Master he will rule you by fear; if you choose some other celebrity, he might rule you by greed. Only a spiritual Master rules you with love, and liberates you.

A spiritual Master liberates you from greed, fear and fantasies.

He who leads from darkness to light is the Master, the Guru.

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This excerpt has been taken from the biographical book: Nithyananda Vol 1.