Swadharma

In Bhakti Yoga, Swami Vivekananda discusses how at times we may require help from “outside” for us to grow.

“But this, the shaping of our own destinies, does not preclude our receiving help from outside; nay, in the vast majority of cases such help is absolutely necessary. When it comes, the higher powers and possibilities of the soul are quickened, spiritual life is awakened, growth is animated, and man becomes holy and perfect in the end.

This quickening impulse cannot be derived from books. The soul can only receive impulses from another soul, and from nothing else. We may study books all our lives, we may become very intellectual, but in the end we find that we have not developed at all spiritually.”

This makes complete sense. Even in school, a textbook can only take us to a certain level of understanding, we need a teacher to properly show us the concepts so that we may master them. There are so many gurus in the world to help us advance spiritually. However, choosing a guru is like choosing a religion. It is not traditional to choose more than one guru. Although all gurus will help you grow spiritually, the methods will vary from guru to guru. To prevent confusion between the teachings of the gurus, it is advised to not have more than one guru.

If this is the case, then how must we choose the guru that is right for us? Perhaps it is the ideals of a certain guru that appeal to some. Or, perhaps it is the different sorts of lifestyles certain gurus encourage that appeal to some.

This is a very difficult decision to make as it is a decision that will remain with you for life. But keep in mind that we should question the teachings so that we can test to make sure we are not being taught false spirituality. After all, Swamiji tested Sri Ramakrishna countless times before he began to believe in his guru’s teachings.

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1. Silence, and the modern guru
2. Forgiving Yourself
3. We help ourselves, not the world
4. Seeing God in Ourselves and in Others
5. Alcohol in Hinduism