Guru, Goddess, Self, astrology,mantra, yantra and Sanskrit all play an important and vital role in the study of Tantra, a branch of Hinduism. In fact, one cannot claim to be a true tantrika unless one has the expertise and mastery of these disciplines through the affiliation of a tradition passed on (usually orally) through a successive lineage of gurus.
As each of these disciplines could fill volumes of books, here we can only briefly introduce the importance of the Guru.
The term “Guru” comes from the Sanskrit “Gu” meaning darkness, and “Ru” meaning light. So Guru is the one takes us from the darkness of ignorance to the light of consciousness.
Why do we have to have a “guru”, or a teacher, for our spiritual practices?
Surrendering to a Guru doesn’t mean we have no will. It simply means giving up the ego. Through surrender of the ego comes incredible empowerment and freedom. Surrender does not mean being at the mercy of another, or being subservient to anyone. It does not mean we will be brain washed, or in some sort of cult against our will, or in the case of a husband and wife, in a passive/dominant, superior/inferior situation. We can have teachers and still have complete control, power and will over our own lives. (True, there may be some “false” gurus out there, but remember that “whom we are with is who we are.”) Use viveka (discrimination) when seeking a Satguru, a “true” Guru.
The Guru guides us along the path, setting an example for us to follow, inspires and instructs us in the teachings of the Vedas, Puranas, Tantras. Without the refuge of a Guru we are on our own, and with no direction or map, it is so easy to get lost, take the wrong turn, and come face-to-face with issues (demons)that have haunted us for years. Our Guru is our refuge, our guide and roadmap. Just as we needed a teacher to learn to read and write, to attain enlightenment we need a spiritual teacher, the Satguru to show us the journey to the Self.
All the scriptures and enlightened Masters extol the blessings of their Gurus. Profoundly humbled with gratitude, every great spiritual leader has had a Guru to show him or her the way.
In tantra, committed couples learn the art of worshipping each other. In this way, tantrics and their mates become Gurus to one another…surrendering, trusting and worshipping each other. Their karma is to illuminate one another, and to perform seva…doing things for the other without any expectations, but as an expression of their pure love and devotion.
Baba said, “See God in each other”. This is the highest honor, the greatest worship.
The Guru is Brahma, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru is Lord Maheshvara. The Guru is the Supreme Divinity, and therefore we bow down to the respected Guru.
