The Twenty four Gurus

The Twenty - Four Gurus (1)

The Guru helps us in using our intellect. We should, therefore, strive to differentiate between the real and the unreal and thus enjoy peace.

This world is only temporal. There can be no essence in that which has been created by the mind. Though the Upanishads and the Gita contain words to the effect the daily events in this world are enough to confirm this. Hence, the Mahatmas on their own free themselves from sense objects.

One is one's own friend or enemy! How? He is a friend unto himself, when, realising the illusory nature of the world ignores it and places his affection and attachment on God, the Truth. He is an enemy unto himself, if he takes the world to be real and ignores the words of the Mahatmas.

We cannot expect God to produce Himself before us and point out the rights and wrongs at all times as we do not possess such subtle perception. With the intellect blessed by Him and the innumerable 'upadesas' bestowed upon us by Him we can differentiate between the real and the unreal.

Each and every creation of God show us, in one way or the other, the illusory nature of the world. But, if only we used our intellect to comprehend and be conscious of it at all times, it would be of immense help in reaching our goal.

For example, in a school a student who is totally indisciplined suffers insults and untold miseries. If another student learns a lesson from this and is disciplined and turns all his efforts to his studies he is wise. If, on the other hand, he follows the footsteps of the indisciplined student he is a fool. He is also a fool who just ignores it all and leads an indifferent life.

The above is only for the spiritual aspirant who is unable to move away from worldly matters. However, for one who is totally devoted to God and has earned His Grace there is nothing to learn from the happenings around him.

There is a reference to this in the eleventh canto of Srimad Bhagavatham.

To be continued...

Source :Madhuramurali , e-journal