Role of a ‘Guru’ in Indian Traditional Knowledge System

From the Vedic Culture Perspective

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All the sages, saints, prophets, world teachers, incarnations, great men have had their own Gurus, however great they might have been. Lord Krishna sat at the feet of His Guru Sandipani. Lord Rama had Guru Vasishtha who gave Him Upadesa. Lord Jesus sought John to be baptized by him on the banks of the river Jordan. 

So, from the above great men life stories, it’s became so clear that, an aspirant need a Guru (Master) in the path of knowledge system because; to light a candle, you need a burning candled even so, an illumined soul alone can enlighten another soul.

The scriptures are like a forest. There are ambiguous passages. There are passages that are apparently contradictory and others that have esoteric meanings, diverse significance and hidden explanations. There are cross references. Hence, one is in need of a Guru or Preceptor who will explain the right meaning, who can remove doubts and ambiguities, who can place before you the essence of the teachings.

It also said from the Vedic culture that;  It is only the Guru who will find out our defects. The nature of egoism is such that one can not be able to find out his own defects. Just as a man cannot see his back, so also he cannot see his own errors. He must live under a Guru for the eradication of his evil qualities and defects.

Therefore, we can conclude that;

Guru-Kripa, grace of the Guru, is very necessary. Guru and Sastras (Scriptures) can show the path and remove doubts. So long as there is a world, there are Gurus and Vedas to guide the struggling souls in the path of knowledge and Self-realization.

Thank you, Ravi Kumar