Role of the Guru

A truly holy or spiritual book is distinguished by the depth and resonance of its compositions, much like a mantra that echoes through eternity. Such sacred compositions share three fundamental qualities: the ṛṣi (seer or guru), the devatā (deity), and the chhanda (metre). Each of these elements plays an essential role in transforming a composition from mere words into something deeply powerful, capable of awakening the divine within each of us.

The Role of the ṛṣi: The Guru as the Guide

The first and most important factor is the ṛṣi (ऋषि), often referred to as the "composer" by many scholars, but in traditional spirituality, they are revered as the guru (गुरु). To reduce a ṛṣi to the title of "composer" is to miss the profound role they play. The guru is not merely a person who teaches—he or she is the embodiment of the divine teacher, the one who opens the doors to spiritual awakening. A true guru is cherished more than one's own life, for it is only by the guru's grace that a human form is attained and meaningful learning takes place.

The guru's place in our spiritual makeup is significant. The guru is symbolically seated in the śikhā, the crown of the head, where the guru-chakra is situated. The ṛṣi, however, resides in the sahasrāra chakra, the crown chakra, in line with Śiva—the ultimate form of knowledge and liberation. This is the seat of Soma, the nectar of immortality, symbolizing pure consciousness. When a spiritual book carries the energy of a ṛṣi, it carries the grace that flows directly from the seat of the highest wisdom, and it becomes a true vehicle for transformation.

Devatā: The Deity as the Embodiment of Divine Energy

The second factor is the devatā (देवता), or deity. Every true spiritual composition has a devatā, a divine presence that embodies the knowledge within the text. The devatā sits in the hṛd chakra, the heart center, which is also called the anāhata or manas chakra. This chakra is associated with the Sūrya mandala (the solar energy), representing divine light, radiance, and compassion. When the devatā is present, the spiritual text connects with the reader's heart, awakening devotion and a deep personal connection to the divine. The devatā is the very life force of the mantra, the presence that turns intellectual understanding into heartfelt devotion.

Chhanda: The Metre as the Connecting Force

The third element is chhanda (छंद), the metre. The metre of a hymn or verse acts as the rhythmic link between the guru and the devatā. It resides in the mouth, symbolizing expression and articulation. The chhanda not only gives structure to the words but also allows the vibrations of the sacred sound to flow in harmony, creating a bridge between the teachings of the ṛṣi and the divine presence of the devatā. This link is crucial because it ensures that the spiritual composition resonates at the level of both the mind and the heart, allowing the knowledge to be absorbed at a deeper, more transformative level.

The Importance of the Guru: Learning Without Guidance

Learning without a guru is like navigating a dense forest without a guide—the mind easily gets lost, creating its own interpretations, which may or may not align with the true essence of the teachings. Without the guru's guidance, the mind becomes restless, weaving its own tales, and losing sight of the deeper, more beautiful knowledge that exists beyond intellectual comprehension.

Many of us read the sacred texts like the Purāṇas through the "mind-eye," interpreting the words without understanding their true spiritual essence. To grasp the profound teachings of these texts, we must engage dhī (the higher intelligence), which is composed of four aspects:

1. Buddhi – the capacity of intelligence, memory, and understanding. It is the mental force that allows us to grasp the meaning of the words.

2. Śuddhī – the purity of intent, honesty of approach, and cleanliness of body, mind, and soul. It determines whether our pursuit of knowledge is genuine or clouded by selfish motives.

3. Vrddhi – the ability to grow thoughts in multiple directions, to expand and understand ideas as a tree grows from a seed and eventually bears fruit.

4. Siddhi – perfection and mastery. In a race, all competitors may be qualified, but only one wins the gold. This mastery is known as siddhi—the ultimate achievement, often called the ākāśa lagna, the highest point of accomplishment.

   
   

Unfortunately, many scholars today, even those from prestigious universities like Oxford, may possess great buddhi but lack śuddhī. Their study may be clouded by hidden agendas, lacking faith in the divine, and thus the purity needed to grasp the true essence of sacred texts. Such scholars may never reach vrddhi (growth) or siddhi (mastery), as they have already lost their way.

The Path to Knowledge Through Dhī

The process of understanding and assimilating true knowledge requires engaging dhī (higher intelligence) in all its aspects. This process allows us to reach jnāna bhava, the state of pure knowledge, by the grace of the divine represented by ॐ (Om). When we process the teachings with the mind and reach the heart of the divine knowledge, we arrive at the seat of all knowledge, symbolized by the Sun (🌞)—the source of light, wisdom, and truth.

Walking the Path with Grace

A truly holy book or spiritual scripture is much more than a collection of words—it is a powerful vehicle for spiritual transformation. Such a text must possess the qualities of the ṛṣi (the seer or guru), the devatā (the divine presence), and the chhanda (the metre), each of which plays a crucial role in creating a pathway to the divine.

Without the guru’s guidance, our mind can easily get lost in intellectual pursuits that lack true depth. To learn and grow spiritually, one must develop the four aspects of dhī—buddhi, śuddhī, vrddhi, and siddhi—and engage with the teachings from a place of purity and devotion. When we connect with these sacred texts using our higher intelligence, with the grace of ॐ, we reach the seat of knowledge—the Sun, representing ultimate illumination and divine wisdom.

By honoring the role of the guru, recognizing the divine presence in the devatā, and understanding the importance of chhanda, we create the ideal conditions for the teachings to unfold within us. This allows us to walk the path of knowledge with grace, transforming not only our understanding but also our very being, leading us towards the ultimate realization of the self.

Om Tat Sat