The literal meaning of the word Guru is “dispeller of darkness.” The darkness referred to here is ignorance.
Nowadays, most teachers are called Gurus, but traditionally, Guru is a religious or spiritual teacher. The Guru is someone who possesses deep knowledge that can lead to moksha (liberation or enlightenment), as well as direct experience of divine grace.
In the ancient days, it was the tradition for students to live with their Guru for a few years, and the Guru would play the role of a parent to them.
Not all Hindus have a Guru. But in Hinduism, it is believed that having a Guru is very beneficial for one’s spiritual progress. Though you do not need a Guru to attain enlightenment, the process is easier with a Guru.
It is like going on a journey with someone who has already made the trip and knows how to reach the place easily. If they are not physically present, one can also follow their written directions. Of course, one can always journey alone and still reach the destination, but the progress may be slower, and one can also wander off in the wrong direction.
The Guru guides the students on their spiritual path and facilitates their spiritual progress. With the help of the Guru’s spiritual, psychological, and practical insights, the student will be able to learn and advance spiritually.
What is Guru Mantra?
A Guru imparts a mantra to their shishya or disciple, who repeats it as a spiritual practice. This helps them in their personal growth. The Guru removes darkness, and the Guru Mantra is a spiritual tool to attain liberation.
A Guru Mantra basically comprises the name of a deity. It may be one word or a set of phrases. By chanting this Mantra, the student seeks guidance or expresses gratitude to their Guru.
Guru Mantra
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru devo Maheshwara, Guru sakshat, Para-Brahma, tasmai Shri Guravay namah
This very popular Guru Mantra pays tribute to the Trimurti of Hinduism. The Trimurti, or holy trinity, includes Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Guru Brahma is the Creator of the universe, the Vedas, and all knowledge.
Guru Vishnu is the one who preserves the universe. He is the deity who sustains and protects it.
GuruMaheshwara, or Shiva, is the Destroyer. He destroys so that everything can be created anew. He is also the deity of death and time.
Guru Sakshat is the Guru who is physically present and accessible, and Param Brahma is the Guru who is beyond the physical realm.
The Mantra ends by offering homage to the Guru and expressing gratitude to them for removing one’s darkness. The last phrase, “Shri Guravay Namah,” means that one bows down before the Guru.
Significance of Guru Mantra
Reciting this powerful Mantra with gratitude and reverence brings the Guru’s blessings in all our endeavors. The Mantra reminds us of the importance of the Guru and the blessings we stand to receive by loving, honoring, and serving the Guru. For the Guru is nothing but the inner light within us that guides us to enlightenment.
Difficult situations in life bring the greatest opportunities for personal growth and transformation. Destruction and change make possible enlightenment. Sometimes, we may have preconceived notions about Gurus, and this can prevent us from seeing the Guru in the form of a teacher or mentor. But if we can see beyond the teacher’s appearance and recognize the Guru in everything, we will attain a true understanding of life. Even a child, a flower, an insignificant object, or an animal can be a Guru in this sense. We can learn so many things if we keenly observe our surroundings and the things around us. Ultimately, all knowledge has only one purpose – to make us better human beings and help us achieve spiritual growth.
The Shree Guru Mantra ends by emphasizing the importance of humility and surrendering the ego to recognize the Guru. Only when we give up the desire for recognition and credit can we fully embrace the Guru and become spiritually enlightened.
Other Guru Mantras
1.Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
Ong Namo: I bow to the creative power, the divine energy, the force that created this entire universe, this cosmos
Guru Dev Namo: I bow to the great divine teacher who is within me.
This is a powerful Guru Mantra to start Kundalini Yoga. We all come from one source, and a part of that source, its energy and wisdom, is inside all of us. This mantra enables us to focus on the inner self and seek the wisdom within us.
2.Tvameva Mata Ch Pita Tvameva |
Tvameva Bandhush-Ca Sakha Tvameva |
Tvameva Vidyaa Dravinnam Tvameva |
Tvameva Sarvam Mam Deva Deva ||
Meaning: Oh, My Dear Guru, You are mother and father to me,
You alone are my relative and my friend.
You are my wisdom and my wealth
you are my divine light, my god.