SRI GURU GEETA

The holy scripture, " Sri Guru Geeta" reveals how Lord Shiva in His lessons on "Guru" to Goddess Parvathi strongly condemns fake "Gurus". Sri Guru Geeta is a part of Skaanda Puranam, authored by Sage Vyasa. This sacred scripture contains 351 slokas. Gems like excerpts about fake Gurus as Lord Shiva addresses the following slokas to Goddess Parvathi:-

198)Gnaanaheeno Guru Sthyaajyo Midhyaavaadee Vidambakaha
Svavishraanthim Na Jaanaathi Parashaanthim Karothi Kim.

Meaning:Do not recognise a foolish man as Guru. One who is quarrelsome and deceptive cannot achieve his own peace. When that is the case, he is not eligible to bring peace to his devotees.

199)Shilaayaaha Kim Paragnaanam Shilaasangha Prathaaraney
Svayam Tharthum Na Jaanaathi Param Nisthaaraye Thkadham.

Meaning:Such a person is like a big stone. He has the tendency to cheat few devotees. When this fellow himself does not know how to cross the shore of human life, how can he lead others?!

200)Na Vandaneeyaa Sthey Kashtam Darshanaa Dbhraanthikaarakaaha
Varjaye Ththaanguroon Doorey Dheerasya Thu Samaashrayeth.

Meaning:Fake Gurus who terrorise devotees just by their gaze are not fit to be worshipped. Such a Guru is to be chased away. Always worship a Guru who has knowledge of Self.

201)Paashandinaha Paaparathaa Naasthikaa Bhedabudhdhayaha
Sthreelampataa Duraachaaraaha Kruthaghnaa Bakavruththayaha.

Meaning:Pompous Gurus who are interested in bad vices, self-advertisement, atheism, propagation of controversial subjects, debaucherous, ungrateful and indulging in fake prayers are to be discarded.

202)Karmabhrashtaaha Kshamaanashtaa Nindyatharkaishcha Vaadinaha
Kaaminaha Krodhinashchaiva Himsraashchandaashshathaa Sthadhaa.

Meaning: Gurus who are unethical, immoral, impatient, who indulge in wasteful arguments, full of desires, aggressive and short-tempered and like to harass/torture, who are adamant and horrific by nature, yet advertise themselves as Gurus are also to be rejected and discarded.

203)Gnaanalupthaa Na Karthavyaa Mahaapaapaa Sthadhaa Priye
Ebhyo Bhinno Guru Ssevya Ekabhakthyaa Vichaarya Cha.

Meaning:Never consider a foolish man or a sinner as Guru. After careful inquiry, identify the correct person who has knowledge of Self and worship Him with faith.

204)Sishyaa Danyathra Deveshi Na Vadhey Dhyasya Kasyachith
Naraanaam Cha Phalapraapthau Bhakthi Reva Hi Kaaranam.

Meaning: Devi, please do no preach this to anybody other than the best devotee. A devotee attains the fruit of knowledge only through devotion.

Tantra in daily life (Part 4)

LORD SHIVAGods and Goddesses are characterized by specific 'tattva' (nature) exuded by Their respective forms. We pray to particular Gods in the forms of Maha Vishnu, Shiva, Subrahmanya etc., and Goddesses in the forms of Maha Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Durga, Kali, Annapoorna Devi, Kamakshi, Meenakshi, Visalakshi etc. because they are our family deities ("kula deivam"), or as a ritual to fulfill a certain religious commitment. Rarely it is also due to love for the deity.
By worshiping a particular deity over a significant amount of time, the 'tattva' of the deity is imbibed by the devotee as he is gradually able to create a fine thread of connection with the particular 'tattva'/nature or quality of the deity. Therefore the devotee is succesfully able to perceive the 'tattva' by sponging off the quality or nature of the deity through effective chanting of mantras or meditation on the chosen deity.
Here are a few 'tattvas' imparted by Gods and Goddesses ( material benefits are not mentioned here):-

Lord Maha Vishnu: Tranquilising, peaceful and coolness of mind.Chanting of Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam is the Maha Shanthi mantra which yields enormous peace and wisdom. This stotra, combined with Lakshmi Ashtotharam bestows great peace of mind, clarity of thought, elevation of mind and wisdom. Chanting of this Maha Shanthi mantra solves critical problems in life. When "Aapadudhdhdaaraka Stotra" is chanted after Sahasranamam, even the most critical health problems are solved. The essential 'tattva' one derives by chanting this stotra are wisdom, maturity and a peaceful demeanour. Worship of Maha Vishnu through Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam or Ashtaakshari (Om Namo Narayanaya) is highly suitable for hyper-active, highly strung,aggressive, nervous and sensitive people. Suited for people with high blood pressure.

Lord Rama: Willpower, mental strength and self confidence. Worship of Lord Rama enhances self-esteem, will power, strength of mind, ability to get rid of bad vices. The mere chanting of Rama nama yields astounding benefits. "Sri Rama" (Sri-yin, Rama-yang) balances the ida-pingala nadis in the body ensuring proper blood circulation and general good health.

The mela raga Hari Kambodhi is a Vishnu Tattva raga, extending to Rama Avathaara. "Rama Nannu Brovara", "Dinamani Vamsa", "Undedi Ramudu Okkadu", "Enthara", "Enduku Nirdaya"... etc. are vibrant krithis of Saint Thyagaraja providing deep insights into the majesty of Lord Vishnu and Rama Avathara. The rendition of these krithis are to be treated as meditation on Lord Vishnu/Rama for great spiritual elevation.

Lord Krishna:- Contentment. The Jagath Guru, Giver of Knowledge of the Ultimate Truth, He offers solace to the deprived. Srimad Bhagavatham is an ice pack for the agitated mind as Lord Krishna makes Himself felt through this grand scripture even in this day and age!!!!
Combined worship of Lord Krishna and Radha balances the yin and yang in oneself bringing about contentment and ending the search for temporary and worldly love. Quest for external love and companionship is discovered within through worship of Radha and Krishna. The worship of the Divine Lovers results in filling the void in the practitioner.

Raga Mohanam and Bilahari.

Lord Venkateswara/Balaji: Aptitude and attainment of high profile life, luxuries, material enjoyments and spiritual contentment.
The Sri Yantra, which is the yantra of Goddess Balatripurasundari was installed in the sanctum santorum of Lord Venkateswara Temple in Tirupathi. It is because of this "Bala Yantra" that the Lord is known by the name "Balaji!"

Raga Abheri and Surati.

Lord Shiva:- Spiritual bliss and detachment.For people pursuing the spiritual path. Equanimity of mind.

Raga Panthuvarali, Hamsanandi and Kambodhi.

Lord Vighneswara::- Rejuvenation. Worship of "Muladhara Murthy" (One who resides in the muladhara chakra or base chakra) activates the chakra, removing blockages and rejuvenating the entire system. The practitioner is able to perceive a burst of energy within and the rush of adrenalin. Suitable for depressed, dispirited and weak people.

Raga Nata, Gowla, Hamsadhwani and Malahari.

Lord Subrahmanya:- Dynamism, optimism, outgoing and action-oriented.Worship of Lord Shanmukha is highly suitable for the pessimistic, shy and vulnerable lot. Worship of this God makes one assertive and bold in confrontational situations. Ideal for fighting court cases and defeating enemies.

Raga Shanmukhapriya.

Lord Anjaneya:-Fearlessness, courage and valour.Worship of Lord Hanuman is ideally suited for people wanting to get rid of their phobias. Also for people to come out of imprisonment, fighting critical situations and mental ailments such as schizophrenia, paranoia and hallucinations.

Raga Athana and Kanada.

(To be continued......)