Dead Guru

Viveka talks – exercise 5

Read the 5. chapter from the book “Viveka – the Voice of Inner Guru” entitled “Dead Guru” on Mirror.

Remember: this article/chapter is tokenized, and you may buy it as “writer’s NFT!”

Points to consider

After telling a personal story of “killing” my Guru, this chapter explains why the whole idea of a person transferring knowledge to another person is dubious. Traditionally, it seems that there is no alternative to that. Even Vivekachudamani spends quite a lot of words trying to establish the need for a Guru. There are two explanations for that: dubious authorship and possible meddling with the original text, and the need to satisfy social structure at the time Adi Shankara was exposing his revolutionary ideas.

On the other hand, the idea that all knowledge is in consciousness, readily available to everyone brave enough to look is strongly emphasized in Vivekachudamani. To honor that, as a motto of the book I used one anecdote from the book „Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi“.

I’ll repeat it here:

What about the guidance of a Guru? Is he a necessity?
Yes, but the supreme Guru is within.
How can I reach that inner Guru?
You don’t have to. The inner Guru is already within.
But, I want a visible Guru to guide me.
The visible Guru says that he is within.

In the chapter, I even made up a fantasy story about Ramana dealing with people indoctrinated with the idea of Guru – someone who will carry them over, to the “other shore”, where they will be liberated. (I must admit here, it is a story from personal experience.)

To be short and clear: it will not happen. It never happens. It is impossible, but people like to believe that. It is easier for them to stay in the illusion. They actually do not want over there, on the other side. They want comfort in “knowing” that someone will take care of them.

If you fell into the trap of believing in a Guru, you’ll have to “kill” him (as I did). It is not the easiest thing to do. Quite a contrary – it may be the hardest thing you ever did. Isn’t it better that you understand that the only Guru you’ll ever need is the one that is already within you?

I’ll finish this summary with a quote from Vivekachudamani, 477.

 taṭasthitā bodhayanti guravaḥ śrutayo yathā |
prajñayaiva taredvidvānīśvarānugṛhītayā

 

 Masters, like the scriptures, teach while remaining on the shore. The learned must cross by their own wisdom backed by the natural flow of things.

Questions for thinking

1. Do you understand the difference between a teacher, a guide, and a traditional idea of a Guru?
2. Do you believe that enlightenment is an experience that someone can give you, through their presence, advice, or techniques?
3. Did you, or are you now, living in a belief that you have your own Guru – a person who will by their grace, take care of your enlightenment?
4. What is your understanding of a Buddhist saying that if you meet a Buddha along the way, kill him?

It is your turn now. Write your thoughts, comments, or questions.

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