“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”– Col 1:16
Kabir – The couplet
जगत जानियो जिहि सकल, सो जग जानियो नाहि ।
ज्यो आँखें सब देखिये, आँखें न देखि जाहि ॥
Transliterated:
Jagat Janiyo Jihi Sakal, So Jag Janyo Naahi |
Jyo Aankhen Sab Dekhiye, Aankhen Na Dekhi Jaahi ||
Translation:
He who makes us aware of the world, the world is unaware of Him |
Theses eyes that show us everything, we cannot see them ourselves ||
My understanding:
This is the simplest way to understand the need for the guru, the guide. I cannot see my own eyes, but without them, I see nothing in the physical world. I need someone to tell me that I have eyes, for else I would be unaware of them – obviously, since I cannot see them!
All power, all realization, all knowledge sources from inside of me, but I stay unaware of my own depths until the proper guide introduces me to the complete me, and educates me on how to work with me.
And this is where the internet, the library and my ability to read, comprehend and understand fail me by either misleading me or blinding me to the WHOLE truth. For to read is one thing – but I can only look for something based on what I know, what I understand, what I infer. I cannot look for and therefore learn that which I do not know of. And if I do not know of it, I will never be able to find that one elusive thread that will link everything in a way that makes complete sense.
The guru, the guide, the one who lights the path – He is the one who can not only show me the next appropriate path to walk on, but also keep awakening the right response in me so I can look for, understand, comprehend and then develop myself to the next level at every moment.
So now the prayer –
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheswara
Guru Saakshaat Parabhrahma, Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha
गुरुर ब्रह्मा गुरुर विष्णु गुरु देवो महेश्वरः
गुरु साक्षात परब्रह्म तस्मै श्री गुरवे नमः
Guru – the Guide – is the one who dispels darkness – in the mind, in the soul, in the heart. Guru is the one who is beyond the Gunas (fundamental subtle qualities) of Tamas (ignorance/darkness), Rajas (activity/aggression) and Sattwa (happiness/benignness) and beyond form.
To that Guru, my obeisance – for without His guidance, I am but a clay doll without rational function.