GURU

A guru is one who is regarded as having great knowledge, wisdom and authority in a certain area,
and who uses it to guide others (teacher). As a principle for the development of consciousness it
leads the creation from unreality to reality, from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge.
In its purest form this principle manifests on earth as a divine incarnation (saint), a person with
supreme knowledge about God and all creation. Other forms of manifestation of this principle also
include parents, school teachers, non-human objects (books) and even one's own intellectual
discipline.Finding a true guru is often held to be a prerequisite for attaining self-realization. Guru
Nanak, founder of the Sikh religion said: "Even if a thousand suns and moons rose, they would be
unable to remove the darkness of ignorance within the heart. This can only be removed through the
grace of the Guru."

GURU MAHIMA A SHORT STORY

Once upon a time a Guru was living with his disciples. One day, one of
his disciples dies. The Guru was furious that the disciples life had been
taken away without his knowledge. He approached Lord Brahma and
thundered, O! Brahma Deva! How can you terminate my disciples
life? Brahma replied, I am the creator of the universe and not the
destroyer. Hence, I am not responsible for this.

The angry Guru approached Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu retorted, My

work is but protection. Destruction falls under Lord Shivas department.
You have to ask him. The Guru asked Lord Shiva who answered, I may
be the head of the department but my supervisor, Yama Dharma Raja,
can alone answer your question. So please approach him.

Taking the disciples body with him, the Guru went to Yama loka. Yama,
divining the Gurus intentions rushed to meet him. The Guru placed the
body at the entrance and threatened Yama, How can you take away the
life of my disciple, without my knowledge?

The frightened Yama called Chithra Gupta and asked for the details.
Chithragupta answered, According to this disciples fate, the Guru
himself shall bring the body to Yama loka Thus the Guru with the
powers of his penance could reach Yama loka and redeem the life of his
dead disciple.Hence those who place their total faith in a true and
eternal Guru, are protected even from death as there exists no power
superior to that of a Guru. This truth should be comprehended by all.

"Guru" also refers in Sanskrit to Brihaspati, a divine figure in Hinduism. In Vedic astrology, guru or
Brihaspati is believed to exert teaching influences. [clarification needed] Indeed, in many Indian languages
such as Hindi, the occidental Thursday is called either Brihaspativaar or Guruvaar

Guru is composed of 2 letters, the former signifying 'darkness', and the latter signifying 'the destroyer
of that [darkness]', hence a guru is one characterized as someone who dispels spiritual ignorance

The guru-shishya tradition is the transmission of teachings from a guru (teacher, ) to a 'iya' . In
this relationship, subtle and advanced knowledge is conveyed and received through the student's
respect, commitment, devotion and obedience. The student eventually masters the knowledge that
the guru embodies. The Vishnu Smriti and Manu Smriti regard the Acharya (teacher/guru), along with
the mother and the father, as the most venerable individuals. The mother and father are the first
"guru," the spiritual guru is the second.

ANOTHER SHORT STORY

Once there was a man, who indulged himself in malicious gossip about a
Guru. He approached the Guru one day and told him, I misspoke a lot
of things about you. I have spread wild rumors against you through
malicious gossip. Now I have come to realize that you are a very good
person. Please forgive me for all the sins that I have committed and
provide me with a remedy which can absolve me of all sins I have
committed.

The Guru said Take a pillow from your house to a junction where
several streets meet and rip the pillow of all the cotton inside it. After
doing so come back and see me. The man did as the Guru said and he
went back to inform him about the same.

The Guru said, If you are really interested in a remedy which could
absolve you of all your sins, then I suggest you go back to same place,
pick all the cotton you had ripped off from the pillow, stuff it back into
the pillow case and bring back the pillow to me. The man was confused
and he asked the Guru how can I collect the cotton which I ripped off
from the pillow yesterday and stuff it into the pillow case as they have
all got dispersed?
 The Guru said, Yes. You cannot reclaim the cotton that got dispersed
when the pillow was ripped. In the same way there is no remedy that
will absolve you of your sins. The only solution for the problem is to
abstain yourself henceforth from committing any sins.