Sri Sathya Sai International Organization

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Editorial

True Guru

Part 1 of 2

Guru Poornima is an auspicious occasion celebrated in the month of Ashadha, on the sacred Full Moon Day, to express our gratitude, reverence, and love for the Guru, who shows us the guri–the goal of life.

The Guru is the one who reveals the supreme goal and ultimate purpose of human existence. As the scriptures declare, and as Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often reminds us, the purpose of human existence is to realize our true nature–that we are the embodiments of divine love, the divine Atma, and divine bliss.

Inner Significance of Guru Poornima

This sacred festival is celebrated every year by spiritual seekers around the world. However, Baba has often emphasized that festivals should never be observed merely as rituals. We should understand and live their inner spiritual significance.

Guru Poornima honors one of the most profound truths of spiritual life–that God, out of His infinite compassion and love, assumes the role of the Guru to guide humanity from darkness to light, from ignorance to wisdom, and from the ephemeral to the eternal.

Every authentic spiritual tradition recognizes that the journey from the finite to the Infinite requires guidance, and that the Guru is the guiding light. This day is also celebrated as Vyasa Poornima, honoring Sage Veda Vyasa, who codified the Vedas, gave us the Fifth Veda, the Mahabharata, and composed the 18 Maha Puranas (sacred religious legends). Therefore, in his honor, this day is also called Vyasa Poornima.

The title of this magazine, Sathya Sai – The Eternal Companion, beautifully captures this timeless truth. Sathya Sai is not just a historical figure remembered only on special occasions–He is the true Guru.

The Guru is the Eternal Companion, guiding, supporting, and staying with us through every joy and sorrow, every success and setback, every birth and death, until we attain the final realization of our true nature.

Parents: Our First Teachers

The Guru appears in many forms throughout a spiritual seeker’s life, from the very beginning of the journey until the realization of the ultimate truth. The first Guru is the mother, who is the child’s first teacher. She not only teaches the child how to eat, walk, and speak, but can also be the first guide who points the child toward God.

Thereafter, she introduces the child to the father, who also becomes a guide on the child’s spiritual journey. To be blessed with parents who have genuine spiritual interest and live a God-centered life is truly a testament of divine grace.

In this regard, I was very fortunate. My mother was a devotee of Lord Sri Rama, and from childhood she taught my brother and me how to worship the Lord regularly, punctually, and with devotion. Every morning and evening, we performed devotional practices, offered prasadam, sang devotional songs, and practiced writing the sacred name of God (likhita japam). In 1995, when I happened to be with Bhagawan in Kodaikanal, He acknowledged this aspect of my life and told the audience, “He got this devotion to God from his mother.”

My father was well-versed in scriptures such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita, so I was also exposed to Vedanta from early childhood. Thus, he too helped us understand the spiritual concepts and inner significance of the scriptural texts, strengthening the foundation in the path toward God. Because of his deep spiritual interest and devotion, he also brought us into contact with many great saints and sages. From early childhood, we visited Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi’s Ashram, met monks of the Sri Ramakrishna Order, and had the privilege of meeting many great saints of the day.

Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita that those who have accumulated noble merits in previous births are born into families of sages or spiritually evolved people–or at least into families that possess deep spiritual values (BG: 6.41-42). Thus begins the seeker’s journey in an environment conducive to spiritual development.

Then, by God’s Grace, a person comes into contact with holy people–saints and sages whose exemplary lives illuminate the spiritual path. Because of association with the holy, one steadily advances in the spiritual path.

Holy Company and the Saints

Adi Shankaracharya, a saint and a staunch proponent of non-dual philosophy (Advaita Vedanta), beautifully extols the transformative power of holy company (satsang):

Thus, satsang itself becomes a Guru, gently guiding the seeker toward Self-realization. One of the finest illustrations of the transforming power of holy company is found in the Ramayana, in the life of Sabari.

Sabari, a woman saint, possessed no formal scholarship. Yet through her association with great sages and rishis, she silently absorbed spiritual wisdom just by listening to them with profound devotion. More importantly, she developed an intense longing for God. Finally, when she beheld the beautiful form of the Avatar of the age, Lord Rama, a single darshan was enough for her to merge with Him and attain God.

Such is the transformative power of Satsang.

Scriptures as Teachers

The scriptures are our guides and signposts on the journey to the ultimate goal. They are divine revelations–the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Itihasas, Torah, Dhammapada, Bible, Quran, and other sacred texts–in which eternal truths have been revealed through most profound spiritual inquiry and realization.

When we study these scriptures with sincerity, delve deeply into their teachings, and practice them, the darkness of our ignorance is dispelled, and we are guided toward the light of truth.

Three Blessings

Then, by the grace of God and through the influence of holy company and the scriptures, one comes into contact with a Mahapurusha–a great, realized soul.

Adi Shankaracharya beautifully explains that there are three blessings attainable only through divine grace. In the scripture Vivekachudamani (the crest jewel of discrimination), he says that these blessings are:

• Human birth (Manushyatwam)
• An intense longing for God or liberation (Mumukshutwam)
• The company of a great, realized soul–a Mahapurusha (Mahapurusha Samshrayah)

Among the 8.4 million species of living beings, both scriptures and Swami have declared that human birth is the pinnacle of creation because only a human can consciously strive for Self-realization. There are more than 8 billion people on this planet, yet only a handful possess a sincere and earnest longing to know the truth and realize the Self. Even for those who have such a longing, one still requires the guidance of a realized Master.

To come into contact with such a great soul like Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, Samartha Ramdas, Swami Vivekananda, or another enlightened Master is possible only through divine grace.

The Universe: A Great University

The Srimad Bhagavatam teaches us that the entire universe can serve as our teacher. The universe, in fact, is the greatest university of life. We all live in this university, learning its lessons, until we finally graduate with the degree of God-realization, realizing our true identity as the children of immortality.

Swami beautifully and eloquently explains this experience as an evolution. First, He says, “Nature is a gift from God.” Then He says, “Nature is the manifestation of God.” Finally, He declares, “Nature is God.” Therefore, we should regard the whole of Nature as our Guru. Nature presents us with many gurus. 

Many Teachers of Lord Dattatreya

Lord Dattatreya is the embodiment of the Trinity–Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara. 

Our Swami, as well as Shirdi Sai Baba, have been declared to be Datta Avatars. On one occasion, when someone asked Swami who He really was, He asked them to take a photograph of Him. Lo and behold, when the Polaroid photograph was developed, it revealed the glorious form of Lord Dattatreya instead of Swami’s physical form, thereby affirming His identity as Lord Dattatreya.

One of the most inspiring examples of learning from Nature is found in the life of Lord Dattatreya, who is regarded as the embodiment of the Guru Principle and is documented in the Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 11, Ch. 7, v. 33-35. His life teaches us that the entire universe becomes a Guru when we cultivate humility, awareness, and discrimination.

Legend has it that King Yadu once encountered Dattatreya, who was wandering freely in perfect peace and bliss. Impressed by his extraordinary serenity, freedom, and bliss, the king asked him the secret of his inner peace and inquired, “Who is your Guru?”

Dattatreya replied that he had learned from twenty-four Gurus. Remarkably, these Gurus were not limited to just human beings. They included elements of Nature, birds, animals, insects, and even everyday incidents of daily life.

The Earth teaches patience, forbearance, forgiveness, and selfless service. Although it is constantly trodden upon and exploited, it continues to nourish all beings without complaint.

Water symbolizes purity, humility, adaptability, and the ability to refresh and sustain life wherever it flows.

Fire embodies purity. Whatever is offered into it is transformed. Likewise, the spiritual aspirant should burn away impurities and radiate light and warmth to the world.

Air flows freely everywhere without attachment. It reminds us to live in the world while remaining inwardly detached.

Space accommodates everything without being affected by anything. In the same manner, the Atma remains untouched by the activities of the body and mind.

The Sun tirelessly performs its sacred duty, giving light and life to all without expecting anything in return. It also appears reflected in countless bodies of water, reminding us that the one divine consciousness is reflected in every heart.

The Moon appears to wax and wane, but the Moon itself never actually changes. Similarly, birth, growth, old age, and death belong only to the body, never to the eternal Atma.

The Ocean remains full despite receiving countless rivers. It neither overflows with gain nor diminishes through loss. It symbolizes equanimity amidst life’s changing experiences.

The Python accepts whatever comes without anxiety or restless striving, teaching contentment and complete surrender to divine providence.

The Honeybee gathers nectar from many flowers without damaging them. Likewise, a seeker should gather wisdom from many noble sources while taking only what is essential.

Dattatreya also learned another lesson from the Honey Gatherer, who takes away the honey painstakingly collected by the bees. Excessive accumulation ultimately causes anxiety and loss. Therefore, we should avoid greed and unnecessary possessions.

The Moth, drawn to the flame, destroys itself. It warns us against becoming enslaved by the allure of sensory pleasures.

The Fish becomes a victim, unable to resist the bait, thereby teaching the importance of mastery over the tongue and control of taste.

The Deer, enchanted by sweet music, reminds us to beware of becoming too captivated by pleasant sounds and sensory distractions.

The Elephant, trapped by its attachment, demonstrates how uncontrolled desires bind the individual.

The Pigeon, overcome by excessive attachment to its family, teaches that love should never degenerate and turn into possessiveness.

The Hawk, harassed while carrying a piece of meat, finds peace only after letting go of it, teaching that renunciation brings freedom from anxiety and confrontation.

The Serpent, which has no permanent home and lives without unnecessary possessions, teaches detachment, simplicity, and the value of living without worldly entanglements.

The Spider spins its web from within itself and finally withdraws into it. Similarly, the entire universe emerges from God, exists within Him, and ultimately dissolves back into Him.

The Wasp teaches the transformative power of constant contemplation. Dattatreya observed that one gradually becomes what the mind dwells on continuously. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often illustrated this Truth through the well-known Bhramara-Kita-Nyaya. 

According to this Vedantic illustration, the worm, held captive by the wasp, contemplates it so intensely and constantly that it is eventually transformed into its very likeness. Likewise, Bhagawan teaches us that the devotee who lovingly and unceasingly contemplates God is gradually transformed into divinity itself. Constant contemplation of the Guru makes us like the Guru. According to the traditional illustration, the insect that constantly dwells on the wasp eventually becomes transformed. Similarly, by continuous remembrance of God, we gradually become one with the divine.

The Courtesan teaches that true peace comes only when someone gives up worldly expectations and places their hope entirely in God.

The Child teaches spontaneity, innocence, freedom from ego, and the ability to stay joyful without anxiety or worry about the past or future.

The Maiden, removing her bangles to prevent their clattering before serving guests, teaches that solitude and silence are conducive to spiritual life, whereas unnecessary company leads to distraction.

The Arrow-maker, so completely absorbed in shaping an arrow that he does not notice even the king’s procession passing by, demonstrates the power of one-pointed concentration.

Thus, for Dattatreya, every experience became a lesson. Every encounter became an opportunity for growth. Every circumstance became a Guru.

Many Teachers, According to Swami

Swami often says in His discourses that we can learn forbearance from the Earth. Water always flows downward; it never flows upward. Thus, water teaches us humility. It also purifies everything it touches. Fire burns away all impurities, while air, which is all-pervading, does not discriminate. Air serves everyone equally–whether one is rich or poor, saint or sinner, learned or ignorant. Air represents the life force dwelling in every being. Then, Akasa (space) teaches us expansiveness, inclusiveness, and non-attachment. While clouds may come and go, space itself remains completely unaffected.

Similarly, He tells us that we learn faithfulness, gratitude, and loyalty from the dog. Once you show kindness to a dog, it remains devoted to its master with unwavering loyalty. From the donkey, we learn patience and forbearance. It carries heavy burdens without complaint. From the ant, we learn foresight. Ants gather grains and store them for the future, teaching us foresight and preparedness. From the Spider, we learn perseverance. Even if its web is repeatedly destroyed, the Spider patiently rebuilds it again and again without giving up.

Swami says that even human beings can be our teachers. Swami once jokingly–but very truthfully–remarked that we learn from some people what to do, because they lead noble lives and embody virtue. From others, we learn what not to do, because their mistakes serve as valuable lessons of what to avoid or shun.

Swami also says that we should learn many lessons from Nature. Trees give fruit and shade for the good of others. Rivers flow for the benefit of others. Cows produce milk for the nourishment of others. Similarly, we should remember that the human body has been given to serve others, for their welfare, through selfless service.

Other teachers also viewed Nature as a teacher. A beautiful example is Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi, who regarded the sacred hill of Arunachala itself as his Guru, seeing it as the manifestation of Lord Shiva. He also encouraged devotees to perform giripradakshina (circumambulation of the sacred Arunachala Hill).

Coming in Contact with a Realized One

Swami has warned us that many so-called gurus, whom He calls “badha gurus” (teachers who cause pain), themselves live in darkness and lead others into darkness. It is like “the blind leading the blind.”

But coming into contact with a truly holy person and saintly teacher (bodha guru)–one who has realized the Truth–is truly by God’s grace. Today, the word Guru is often used loosely, as if it simply means ‘teacher’. However, there is a profound difference between a teacher and a Guru.

A teacher imparts knowledge in a particular field. One might be a teacher of physics, biochemistry, music, literature, arts, or the sciences. Such teachers are indispensable for worldly life and deserve our respect and gratitude. However, the knowledge they impart, despite being valuable, cannot by itself lead us to the supreme goal of Self-realization.

That is why Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad Gita, “Among all forms of knowledge, I am the knowledge of the Atma.”(BG 10.32)

Only spiritual wisdom can permanently remove ignorance. That supreme wisdom is imparted by the Sadguru–the true Guru and the divine Guru. Thus, only God’s grace can lead the sincere seeker eventually to the true Guru in human form.

The Testimony of the Great Masters

In the Hindu tradition, the primordial Guru is Lord Dakshinamurti, another manifestation of Lord Shiva. He is depicted as a young teacher seated beneath the sacred banyan tree, surrounded by aged, wise disciples whose doubts are dispelled–not through lengthy discourses–but through the power of silence.

The famous verse declares:

In the Dakshinamurti Stotram, Adi Shankaracharya beautifully conveys that the highest truth, the Supreme Parabrahman, is ultimately communicated from heart to heart through silence. 

Swami has a beautiful image of Lord Dakshinamurti installed in front of His Higher Secondary School, underscoring the fact that the deepest wisdom transcends words.

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa expressed the same truth very simply, “Sat-Chit-Ananda alone is the Guru.” When the human Guru awakens spiritual wisdom within the disciple, it is God Himself working through that human form as the true Guru.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, similarly proclaimed that the eternal Guru is the Shabad—the Divine Word echoing within the heart.

He also praised Nature as God’s own household, declaring:

Pavan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat. (“Air is the Guru, Water the Father, and the Great Earth the Mother.”)

Lord Jesus also pointed His disciples toward Nature as an open scripture revealing divine love, and said:

Through the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, He taught complete trust in divine providence. Centuries later, St. Francis of Assisi praised God through Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Brother Wind, and Sister Water, greeting the whole of creation as one divine family.

Thus, every teacher, every scripture, every saint, every experience, and every aspect of Nature serve as a stepping stone on the seeker’s pilgrimage to God. They prepare the mind, purify the heart, and awaken the yearning for the highest Truth. Yet, their purpose is ultimately fulfilled when they lead us to the Supreme Guru–the Avatar, who not only illumines the path but also awakens us to the Eternal Guru dwelling within as our own Sat-Chit-Ananda. It is this beautiful progression–from the many outer manifestations of the Guru to the realization of the Inner Guru–that forms the culmination of the Guru Principle.

In the September 2026 issue of Sathya Sai– The Eternal Companion, we shall explore the Avatar as the Supreme Guru, His unique mission of dispelling ignorance, His profound insights into the scriptures, and His constant guidance that leads every sincere seeker to discover the Inner Guru–their own true Divine Nature.

Jai Sai Ram.

To be concluded in Part 2 in the September 2026 issue.