Pujya Bala Swamiji's message during Guru Namana Program
Following is Pujya Sri Bala Swamiji’s message during the Guru Namana program by ‘Vijaya Karnataka’ newspaper, held at Ashrama.
One who burns ignorance and grants knowledge, who removes void and grants rebirth, is Guru, says Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha Swamiji, the junior pontiff of Avadhoota Datta peetham, Mysore.
He spoke during Vijaya Karnataka’s Guru Namana program that was held at the ashram. He said, “Guru Namana program organised by Vijaya Karnataka is indeed wonderful. Without remembering Guru and bowing to Him, this life is incomplete. Let there be Guru’s grace and may this pandemic be eradicated soon.
“Parents are the first Gurus. One who teaches in school, is the Guru in the material world. One must earn everything, including food and wealth, righteously. Life doesn’t become complete with just this much. In one’s retired old age, answers to questions like ‘Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I headed? What should I do?’ are given by Sadguru and He shows the way.
Guru gives us the nectar of spirituality. He shows us the way to the Supreme Lord. In His presence, one develops the mindset to engage in noble company. Those who spend time with Guru, listen to His words, walk in the path shown by Him, serve Him, perform social service and consider that to be Guru seva, are great people. Guru has the capacity to bring about such a transformation and change in us, without our knowledge. He does not have to speak anything. Just being in His presence brings a positive change in us. We see this quality in our Pujya Sadguru. He does not have to speak to individuals, He gives discourses to gatherings of devotees. We must absorb what is necessary and relevant for us. Some engage in sadhana, while others don’t. One who gives us lessons and elevates us spiritually is Guru. Guru has the capability to turn ignorance to knowledge.
One must never forget one’s parents who have given us birth and the Gurus who have given us rebirth by imparting knowledge. We should serve them. We must not leave this world without clearing the debts we owe them. Serving Gurus doesn’t mean worshipping them physically. We must tread the noble path shown by them. Pray for everybody’s well-being. Perform charity and live a righteous life. Make sure people around you are also happy. All creatures should be happy. Keep this in mind. We follow this only when our Guru instructs us.
This journey of life is like a great flood with high currents! Spirituality may seem very insignificant. We forget everything. We only focus on our body. We do not think of God or our country. Guru reminds us of this. The path we are walking in is dark. Guru shows us the way and points us to our goal”, said Sri Swamiji.
Jaya Guru Datta