As she narrated the events in detail, Laduba, Jivuba, and Harji Thakkar all stood listening attentively. When she had finished, Maharaj related, “Look at this devotee’s understanding. She experiences happiness even when her young son died. Whereas here, ever since five-year-old Hiruba (Panchuba’s daughter) passed away, everyone has been grieving. They have been so overcome with sorrow, that they have even stopped preparing my thal.” Shriji Maharaj continued, “If anyone should lament, it should be Harji Thakkar, since Hiruba was his mother in her previous birth. Because she had a desire to offer me food, she was born in this darbar and passed away soon after feeding me milk and puris.” Laduba and Jivuba’s grief disappeared and they all mentally bowed with great respect to Devjibhai’s wife.
10. GURU – SHISHYA (PRECEPTOR – DISCIPLE) In the word ‘guru’, ‘gu’ means darkness, whereas ‘ru’ means light. A guru is someone who removes darkness, in the form of ignorance, by light in the form of truth. All souls are enveloped in maya’s dark veil of ignorance. As a result they are ignorant of their true identity, vain and possessive. However, a guru is someone who is never affected by maya. Shriji Maharaj reveals in the Vedras: “The guru is Brahman.” While playing ras during the Pushpadolotsav festival in Sarangpur, Shriji Maharaj recited Kabir’s poem “Sadguru khele Vasant” and asked, “Who is the Sadguru that Kabir is referring to in his poem?” You are the Sadguru that he’s talking about,” answered the sadhus. Maharaj then touched Gunatitanand Swami’s chest with the end of his stick and revealed, “The Sadguru that Kabir is referring to is Gunatitanand Swami. He is my abode – Brahmadham (Akshardham).” The Brahmaswarup Satpurush, who is gunatit, that is, beyond the influence of the three gunas – sattva, rajas, and tamas – is the only true guru. The guru is the gateway through which one can reach Shriji Maharaj. The guru purifies the soul by making it brahmarup, free from maya, and attaches it in service of God. The Kathopanishad guides, "Arise! Awake! Attain the Satpurush and the knowledge of the soul." The Shrimad Bhagvat also advises that an aspirant should go to a guru who is brahmanishth – always engrossed in God, and shrotriya – knows the true meaning of the shastras.
Kishore Satsang Pravesh
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