The Sun, The Spiritual Teacher

“The term “Guru” comes from the word Zoroaster which means Teacher from the Sun. The Guru symbolizes the Light.” (Master Choa Kok Sui, 2004, p. 1)

In fact the term Guru, which often refers to the Spiritual Teacher, based on Advayataraka Upanishad (14-18, verse 5) means the dispeller of darkness; gu meaning darkness and ru, the dispeller. Darkness in esoteric teachings symbolizes the ignorance which can be removed by shedding light. Basically the only way to diminish darkness is to spread light!

In this case teacher is often compared to a mini-sun, who always radiates light. This light involves the transference of energy and teachings which help the disciple understand and see the higher truth. In fact this light makes the teachings simple and clear. “Mysterious subjects become easy to understand due to the transmission of the teachings to the students. Transmission is both received internally and externally.” Master Choa Kok Sui

Basically having a spiritual teacher or guru is considered as one of the priceless gifts given to ones who are lucky enough and ready to enter the spiritual path. The importance of having a guru has been emphasized by many spiritual teachers and authors.

According to Ramana Maharishi, “The Guru is absolutely necessary. The Upanishads say that none but a Guru can take a man out of the jungle of intellect and sense-perceptions. So there must be Guru.” 

The reason why one needs a guru is basically because entering the spiritual path is accompanied by many challenges, the guru in this case acts as a spiritual guide who can show the way and protect the disciple from fall. According to Master Choa Kok Sui, “the Spiritual Path is more complicated that the Amazon. The Guru has already been through the “forest.” Follow the guidance of the Teacher to avoid getting hurt.” Master Choa Kok Sui

However not everyone who are called guru can be trusted. It is always recommended to keep a sharp and discriminating mind. One should not accept things blindly! Buddha said “do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. Do not believe anything because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything because it is written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and the benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.” Chew

But once one finds a proper guru, it is also highly important to have certain degree of respect and receptivity, often called faith, to be able to receive the teachings more effectively. Since the spiritual teacher or guru acts as energy transformer, bringing down the high spiritual energies to the level that the disciple can handle, the more receptive a disciple is the more energy will be brought down to him.

In order to increase the receptivity MCKS suggest that we mentally repeat:

“You are like the Sun! All I have to do is to open my inner windows and doors to receive the Blessings!”

Master Choa Kok Sui

References

1. Chew, R. (1995-2012). The Essence of Buddha’s Teaching. Retrieved from Lucidcafe: http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/96jun/buddha2.html
2. Master Choa Kok Sui. (2003). Beyond the Mind, The Golden Lotus on Meditation. Institute for Inner Studies Publishing Foundation.
3. Master Choa Kok Sui. (2004). Creative Transformation, The Golden Lotus Sutras on Spiritual Practice. Institute for Inner Studies Publishing Foundation.
4. Guru. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guru
5. Spiritual Quotes on Master – Guru. (n.d.). Retrieved from Buddhasangha: http://www.buddhasangha.com/quotes/quotes/spiritual_master_quotes.htm
6. Wiktionary.org. (1998-2012). Definition of Guru. Retrieved from Allwords: http://www.allwords.com/word-guru.html