Sri Guru Gita – 9 February 2014 – Episode 52

Jaya Guru Datta. English summary:

We discussed that Akrura conveyed Kamsa’s command to Balarama and Krishna to bring them to Mathura. Balarama and Krishna agreed and boarded the chariot. Akrura drove the chariot, all the while pining intensely for the grace of Lord Krishna. Balarama and Krishna, seated it the chariot, feigned ignorance, laughing and immersing themselves in the beauty of nature. They saw wonderful forests, strange and exotic birds and happy beasts along the way. They came up on the sacred Yamuna River. Akrura promptly stopped the chariot and requested permission from Balarama and Krishna to worship the river saying “Rama, Krishna: Yamuna washes away sins. I worship River Yamuna. I will offer my prayers to the river and come back”. He asked Balarama and Krishna to be seated in the chariot.
Akrura went up to the river and began reciting mantras while dipping in the water.

To his great surprise, he saw the same Balarama and Krishna in the water, happy and smiling, looking exactly like they did in the chariot. Even though Arkura was great devotee, his own ignorance prevented him from realizing that the Lord was seated right next to him in the chariot. So, to teach him a lesson, they appeared in the sacred water of Yamuna river. Akrura stood up and shook his head. He found Balarama and Krishna seated in the chariot and smiling. They were in the water, but they were also outside in the chariot. He was confused. He dipped in the water again and witnessed the same form and smiles in the water. Sri Krishna then appeared to him as Lord Vishnu and blessed him. He gave him darshan of Vaikuntha. Did you see? The cowherd, Jagadguru Sri Krishna, appeared as Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha, to clear the confusion and wipe away the sorrows of Arkura and bless him.
Similarly, the Guru also blesses the disciples who are devoted to him.

Why is it that humans do not understand the Guru Principle despite many spiritual practices? What is preventing them from grasping that concept? What is it? Tell me, what is it? [The bird says “Raga”]. Raga. It’s called Raga. Did you see, even Suka Brahma says so. Raga-Dvesha (like and dislikes) engulf us. That is why humans can’t comprehend Guru Tattva. Suka Braham is the one that gave us the sacred Bhagavatam. It is the great Principle advocated by him that Lord Shiva is now telling us through the question asked by Mother Parvati . It is the same principle that Suka Brahma gave us. He said it one word. What is it? What did you call it? [Bird says “Raga”]. It’s called Raga.
That is why, through this sloka, Lord Shiva, on account of the question posed by Supreme Mother Parvati, is teaching us not to waste all the merit accumulated through one’s spiritual practices by forgetting Guru Tattva and doubting the qualities of the Guru.

Therefore, it becomes evident that one must explore the concept of Guru. So, who is Guru? Let’s get to the core of the matter. What can he do? What are his degrees and qualifications? There are many questions that come up. Questions always keep sprouting. Many wonder and even ask about the degrees, certificates and the qualifications of a Guru. They also wonder if he’s capable of transforming them. Those are not a good question to ask. The Guru’s qualifications, certifications, popularity and his ability to transform you are not the right questions to ask in search of a Guru. To understand what really a Guru is, we should follow the next two slokas that provide a summary of the qualities of a Guru. Jaya Guru Datta.