What qualifies one to be seen as Guru? And, who is authorised by whom to tell the qualia/content of Guru, in the first place? How does one determine who is one’s Guru? Though, none can tell all this in its entirety yet, some indications may be given. When someone is seen in someone else’s eye/experience as embodiment of Shaashwat-lok-parlok-vivek (eternal wisdom) that one alone may be assumed as Guru. Thus, the relationship is entirely personal, yet its nature is free from personality, that is what makes guru an all-pervasive (universal) experience which is acknowledged by all such initiates who could perfect the discipline with reciprocal acceptance by the person in whom they see the guru individually.
Since this relationship has been in place incessantly from the very beginning, it is addressed as Santatan-Guru-disciple-Parampara. Content of all Upanishads have sprung forth from this yoganushasan (union & unison) between the Guru and disciples. How many of us make efforts to become worthy of the realisation that we have eternally been existing in one or the other form? The ones who wake up to higher consciousness realise that it necessitates the presence of vivek (clairvoyance) to realise that.
When one’s vivek (intellect) is blurred then one becomes incapable in upholding the choices which one may have made when one’s vivek (intelligence) would have been comparatively free from impressions/beliefs/taboos
In the absence of vivek (enlightenment) some end up believing blindly and, the rest begin to sing fox like raga of sour grapes. Both these ways they suffer. Making wise decisions is the evidence of the presence of vivek (balance & clarity) in our life. Wise never suffer. Quantum of clarity (vivek) is an indicator of presence of quality and peace in life.
Though, what really constitutes quality in life, this perception also depends on consciousness (vivek) yet, it has been observed by many that in many situations perception (vivek) itself ‘assumes’ the form of quality or fact or reflection.
For example, many individuals have acknowledged that one hour’s time entirely devoted to guided meditation and exploring inner dimensions have added value to the quality of their daily lives, they have become more climate conscious, nature-friendly and acquired few good habits too. Despite this data speaking for itself, many hesitate to practise it fearing sheepishly considering it either tabooed or blasphemous by the dictates of dogmas that are stuck to religions (mazhabs) even now, in this age of science and reason. Now, who is authorised in a democratic space to pass a judgement on the aforesaid choices/priorities exercised by different individuals having one or the other kind of perception? Isn’t it a clear instance of clarity (by lack of it) in perception (vivek)? Hasn’t perception itself become a fact in this case? Thus, it is a proven fact that daily practice of meditation leads to tranquillity of mind, yet individuals alone can choose voluntarily whether they wish to meditate.
Though, we can clearly see that incidences of individual decisions have social impact, as society is constituted of individuals yet given the value that we attach with civil liberties, who will decide whether we should have a society constituted of individuals with tranquil state of mind or, a society in which individuals glorify only indulgence in unnecessary pursuits?
Who is authorised to set the compass of tendencies of the human mind pointing always in the direction that liberates every member of the society harmoniously?
Don’t you think that vivek (higher consciousness) is a prerequisite of democracy (free/liberated society)? As, it is the vivek (perception) that makes choices. When one’s vivek (intellect) is blurred then one becomes incapable in upholding the choices which one may have made when one’s vivek (intelligence) would have been comparatively free from impressions/beliefs/taboos. Democracy becomes more democratic only when balance and vision keep touching higher and higher points in finding the solutions for the problems surfacing in the course of our forward journey. Rise in discipline as well as level of awareness among common people makes it happen.
Strive to attain that stage of consciousness, where the order existing between quality, perception and consciousness-that self becomes clear. Look within fearlessly and you will find that becoming wise is your—nirvikalp-dhyey (destiny). Yog (oneness) impacts vivek (consciousness) in its entirety but it needs a certain level of consciousness (vivek) to choose to explore yog. Do you still think yog is not synonymous with vivek? Indic wisdom maintains that the relationship between the two is that of adwait (oneness). That’s how all earthlings should become yogi to experience fulfilment or ultimate potential that the human frame can experience. I propose to all the earthlings to prepare yourselves to become yogi.
(Writer is the propounder of Sahaj Smriti Yog System of Self Realisation. Founder Darpan Foundation @ Bengaluru, Karnataka and Darpan Ashram@ Urigam, Krishnagiri Distt, Tamil Nadu)
