Guru
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While the word many meanings in the English language, New Agers use it to mean a spiritual teacher, not a technician, scientist or politician. Because, as a rule, they are not exclusively spiritual such teachersshould not be labeled a Guru.
New Agers understand the usefulnessof a qualified Guru for anyone seeking to progress on the Spiritual Path. It is not likely that an ordinary students will absorb the essence of spirituality by merely reading a book or listening to lectures. For this kind of knowledge falls to produce true spirituality in anyone with misconceptions who had been misled and distracted from the true path.
Anyone can call himself or herself a Guru. Such self-annointed teachers are found throughout the world. They are either self-deluded or have selfish reasons. The selfish give themselves away by demanding great sums of money for their teachings and. many gullible fools fall victim to them. In fact, the word guru is falling to disrepute because of them.
Just anyone cannot be a Guru. Throughout the world, many individuals have been moved by Spirit to be spiritual teachers to humanity.
A Guru looks into the nature of the individual before making them his disciples. Each of us have different natures. Therefore the Guru gives differing instructions for each spiritual aspirants. Therefore, it is vital that one must trust the Guru's words and instructions however, odd or contradictory they may appear!
Anyone can proceed on the path of spiritual development.. But when the journey becomes full of obstacles and pitfalls it takes long time to reach the destination. without a Guru . Gaining a spiritual destination without a Guru is like trying to cross the ocean in a small boat.It is unlilkey to make it across. But with a Guru, it is like traveling with one's own boat tied to a huge steamer. If he or she remain tied to the guru, the chela is certain to make the other shore.
If we are fortunate enough to find such a Teacher, then a lofty kind of love can begin to blossom in our heart. Everything that happens between the Guru and the disciple happens through love and compassion. It is said in Indian religious lore, "If the disciple is ready, the Guru will appear, he will come to us." Intense yearning and effort to realize God is sure to help the aspirant find his or her Guru.