Guru, the Self

— Guru Nithya Chaithanya Yati

Physical perception is a perception in contrast; it is a contrast of light and shadow. All objects of perception are finite bodies that are illuminated by light. Where there is only pure light, and there is nothing illuminated by it, there is no physical perception. The Guru is pure light.

For the physical eye to see, objects need to be illuminated with light, and there also has to be a light within that animates the eye and which is transfigured into the shape of the illuminated object. Thus, what actually sees is an eye behind the eye, which is also the ear behind the ear, the mind behind the mind, and the value that evaluates everything. This is Self.

The Guru is none other than the Self. The Self resides in the heart of all. Thus, it is nearer than anything else and yet, it seems to be far and difficult to approach. It is hardly known to anyone. We are so excited by what is seen that we even forget to ask who sees. Only one who has awakened from the hypnosis of sensuous life can recall the original and eternal verity of the ever-luminous Self. Only he will be able to arouse others from their intoxication of ignorance. One who can play this noble role among individual beings is called a Guru. This is for the simple reason that he is a Knower of the Guru.

According to Sankaracharya, the Guru is like a burning coal who lies buried in the ashes. He says that buried in the ashes there lies a source of energy. This source of energy can blow up into a conflagration and burn away all the dross of ignorance. Sankaracharya further describes the Guru as a peaceful person who has so much sympathy that he is able to embrace all in his loving compassion, for no reason whatsoever. Such a wise and kind guru who goes from place to place like a raincloud, showering his compassion on all and greening the spiritual vitality of people yearning for wisdom, is compared to the spring season that gently and silently spreads its beneficence around the globe, bringing rejoicement to all those who have the refined sensibility to appreciate higher values.