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Inner Guru

Many people know that the sages, Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, had no formal guru. Some took it as a sign that Bhagavan had no need for a guru because he had already seen the path, while others believed that he simply didn't express the need for a guru. Yet, they said that Bhagavan existed as the guru in human form, and his role was to guide seekers towards self-realization. They also mentioned that Bhagavan had said that the self in every being is the guru, and God resides within. Although Bhagavan never existed as a guru in human form, he resided as Arunachaleshwara in their hearts, and that was their guru.

They said that Arunachaleshwara was the one who transformed into a guru, guiding them towards self-realization within their hearts. Therefore, to them, the self was the guru. Bhagavan revealed many essential teachings to his devotees about the guru. Some said that Bhagavan told them that the guru is not just anyone who claims to be one, but one who possesses the capability to show the seeker their true state. The most important thing for a disciple is devotion. However, devotion alone is not enough; the guru must also be qualified. With great devotion, even a blade of grass can be divine.

A true guru leads others towards self-realization, becoming a true guru themselves. Bhagavan saw the guru, God, and the self as one and the same. In every being's heart, the guru exists as the self, guiding and expanding their power. An external guru with a physical form is essential for seekers to recognize the guru within themselves. Bhagavan emphasized that the ability to recognize the guru lies within the seeker. The guru's grace is necessary for self-realization. A seeker who wishes to attain knowledge must win the favor of their guru with their devotion. Only then will the guru bless them, merge their self into theirs, and liberate them from their bondage. The guru removes all obstacles hindering the seeker's path to self-realization. When the seeker attains self-realization, the guru's task is complete.

Bhagavan described the guru in this way:

  1. The guru should maintain tranquility and humility.
  2. They should attract everyone with their aura of knowledge.
  3. They should possess impartiality without discrimination.

Bhagavan explained the nature of the guru as follows: One must first realize their own nature and then see the world as the guru. They must recognize the guru within every being. When a seeker desires liberation, the guru becomes necessary. Bhagavan stated that no one could become a guru. They said that a seeker initially worships the divine for their own benefit, but eventually, they should worship the divine for the sake of devotion alone. When the seeker's devotion matures, they will renounce their desires and focus solely on worshipping the divine. Only then will the seeker realize that they are the soul, which is why the guru is necessary. The guru is the guide who removes all obstacles to self-realization. Until one attains self-realization, the guru is necessary. In truth, the guru is the self. Bhagavan concluded by saying, "The real guru is the self. You are only looking for the external guru when the guru is the self. Once you find yourself, you will realize that the guru is within.

Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi...

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Location: Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India

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