What is my relationship with my Guru?
Relationship of Guru with his devotee is similar to the relationship between a soul and God. However, the spiritual capability of the Guru needs to be known to see the exact connection. The Param Sadguru who is actually an incarnation of God encompasses everything both living and non-living in the world. He is the soul within every creature.
Gurus can be classified into the following categories depending on their spiritual level and capability:-
a) Initiator (spiritual Guru at the initial level):-
These kinds of Guru initiate devotees into Naam Jaap or recitation of God’s name. They are the first steps on the spiritual path. They may or may not have God-realization themselves. They may also be devoid of spiritual learning.
b) Gyanis (The knowledgeable):-
These kinds of Guru have textual knowledge of God. They might have mastered spiritual texts. They understand God purely on the basis of what they have studied. Generally, these kinds of Guru work as a “pracharak” (advertisers) of their faith. They may also be devoid of God-realization.
c) Siddhas (spiritually attained):-
These Gurus are at the higher level than the gyanis. They are generally God-realized. Their connection with supreme power makes them charismatic. They have access to spiritual energies. They can use these energies to help the devotees and fulfil their wishes. They also have the power to heal incurable diseases.
d) Sadgurus (ascendant masters):-
They are Gurus at a very high level. They are beyond God realization. They generally establish oneness with God. Speaking to or seeing such a Sadguru is just like seeing or talking to God personally. Once a Sadguru enters a devotee’s life he becomes the sole custodian of the devotee. For any further progress in spiritual path his grace becomes essential.
e) Param Sadguru (God incarnate):-
Being an incarnation of God he is on the highest hierarchy on spiritual path. He is the spiritual head of all Sadgurus. No other puja, worship or meditation is necessary once a devotee establishes a connection with the Param Sadguru. Worship of Param Sadguru is complete puja.
Samarth Sadguru Shri Sai Nath of Shirdi is the Param Sadguru of the present era. Worshiping him is equal to worshiping God. Worship of Samarth Sadguru Shri Sai Nath of Shirdi can help in achieving anything at physical and spiritual realm.
To establish relationship with Gurus on lower hierarchy like initiator or gyanis past life relationship with them is important. To establish relationship with Gurus on higher hierarchy God’s grace is important. Sometimes, Param Sadguru, Sadguru and Siddhas may also come in the life of the devotee because of past life connection or debts.
After a devotee surrenders to the Param Sadguru, he may either choose to guide the devotee himself or may send his servants to guide or help the devotee. His servants enter in the life of the devotee as Guru. Such Gurus are in direct command and control of the Param Sadguru. It is not necessary to have any past life relationship with the servants of Param Sadguru. However, it is important to have past life relationship with Param Sadguru. The Param Sadguru can assign any Sadguru or Siddhas or other Gurus as servant depending on the need and spiritual level of the devotee.
Hence, to understand the exact connection with the Guru, it is important to understand the spiritual level of the Guru. The devotee should also be able to understand their own spiritual level.
Written by: Anand Sagar Pathak
