SRI DATTA YOGA CENTRE (U.K.)
JAI GURU DATTA
Registered Charity No. 1003856
SRI GURU DATTA
Euro Datta Centre
Guru-The Remover of Ignorance
Ignorance is the root cause of all our suffering, miseries and sorrows in the world. It is due to ignorance that we believe that happiness exists outside in the
world. Ignorance gives rise to desires, which in turn, impulse us to act in order to fulfill these desires. This wonderful combination of ignorance, desire, action,
(avidya, kaama, karma) is called the Hridaya granthi (knot of the heart). To cut this knot, no theoretical knowledge will be of any avail; the guidance and grace
of Sadguru is a must.
The dispeller of ignorance is called Guru. In this two-lettered word, ‘gu’ stands for darkness, and ’ru’ means, the remover of darkness. It is the ignorance of
one’s own self that causes all misery and suffering. This ignorance can be removed only by a person who himself has known or realized the Self.
According to Sri Vedanta Desika, the chief characteristics of a Guru are: He must be Siddha (Perfect), and have complete knowledge of the parampara
(tradition); well-versed in scriptures (shaastras), firmly rooted in Brahman (the Supreme Self); truthful and saatvik (Godly and pure); should have unblemished
conduct, and be free from vanity and jealousy; a master of the sense-organs and a dependable friend; compassionate and ready to punish a student, when
he goes astray, and dedicated to the spiritual welfare of himself and others.
Those, sincerely desirous of obtaining the knowledge of the ‘Self” and the consequent liberation from samsaara (worldy bondage) i.e, the cycle of births and
deaths, should aspire for and approach such a ‘Guru’.
- Sri Swamiji
