T Ram Sewak

GURU SEWA

Shri Ram narrates the third form of bhakti to Sabari in Shri Ramcharitmanas (3.35)

"Guru pada pankaj sewa teesari bhagati amaan".

" Humble service of the Guru's lotus feet is the third form of devotion".

This pronouncement of humbly serving the Guru mirrors Shri Krishna's discourse in Gita 13.8. One of the most challenging obstacles in the spiritual journey is our ahamkara, the ego.Here, Shri Ram gives us the mantra to surmount it.

It is not without reason that sant-sang and fondness for katha have been mentioned earlier as forms of bhakti. Being in the company of sants and fondness for HIS katha creates opportunities for a bhakt/mumukshu (seeker of truth and liberation) to be spotted by a Guru. After that, serving his Guru with humility helps a bhakt overcome his ahamkara. The satsang of the Guru infuses him with bhakti and leads him to salvation.

There is an episode in Shri Ramcharitmanas where Rishi Matanga, recognising Sabari's unqualified devotion while serving him, initiates her into the japa of Shri Ram maha-mantra. When she inquires about Shri Ram, the Rishi blesses her, saying that HE will reach her on his own accord. This is the efficacy and potency of humbly serving the Guru.

Sant Kabir writes in his famous doha:

Guru Govind dowoo khade .. Govind diyo bataye.

If you meet the Guru and the Almighty together, prostrate to the Guru first because he has guided you to the Almighty.

On the bhakti marg, the Guru is HIS messenger. Responding on HIS behalf and assuring the bhakt during the highs and lows that HE cares for and loves him. Our shastras identify the Supreme as the Sun and the Guru as the Moon no light of its own and only reflecting the light of the Sun. However, like the moonlight, the Guru's radiance is cool, calm and soothing. Guiding the bhakt steadily

but surely to HIM. / DAILY WORLD /

Namami Ramam Musings-25

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com