Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

Sadhvi Bhagawati Sarasvati: In theory, we do not need a Guru. The ultimate relationship is between me and God, and my path is to move closer and closer to a full union of consciousness. However, while we don’t need a Guru, theoretically, most of us do need one practically. Enlightenment, or even deep, lasting peace and joy, is certainly possible without a Guru, but practically it’s just not very likely. The ego is really insidious and fantastic at weaving its stories, wrapping us up in its sticky veils. We are fabulous rationalizers, and most of us are convinced that the way we see the world is the truth. This is why so few of us are able to reach the goal, to reach that state of peace, of bliss, and of oneness. There is too much other junk in our way: our grudges, pain, expectations, identifications, and illusions. We are so identified with the small self that there is no room for the emergence of the Real Self or True Self. The Guru comes in and sets fire to that which stands in our way. He or she metaphorically slaps us awake, out of the clutches of our own ignorance, our ego, and our identification with the past. The Guru pulls back the curtain on the false identifications, personalities, and masks, and gives us the beginning of a glimpse of who we really are.

In Sanskrit, the word “Guru” literally means the remover of darkness. Gu means darkness, and Ru means one who removes. So the Guru is one who removes the darkness of our ignorance. If you can do it on your own, fabulous. However, for most of us, the ignorance is so alluring and so deceptive that it’s hard to find our way out of it. Also, the Guru serves, from my experience, as a channeler of Grace. Grace is, of course, always there and available for all. The presence of the Guru seems to bring it a lot closer and a lot stronger.