Hari OM
Last week you were introduced to a Shanti mantra used to unite all at a gathering, be it a conference, a discourse or a class. In the case of learning (class), it is often the case that there is an honour given to the paramparaa - the teaching lineage as represented by the Guru.
Gurur-Brahmaa Gurur-VishnuH
Gurur-devo MaheshvaraH |
GuruHsaakshaat paraBrahma
tasmai shri Guruve namaH||
Meaning:
The Guru is as Brahma (the creator). The Guru is as Vishnu (the preserver)
The Guru is as Mahesvara (Shiva - the one who dissolves of all)
The Guru is The Absolute
Salutations to the True Guru.
Paramparaa is of importance when taking up serious study. In just the same way as you may seek the best available course in the optimum university due to the track record in academia of that institution, so it is in the Sanskrit tradition. In the Chinmaya Mission, our lineage is through the Sringeri Mutt and thus the swamis may append their names with 'Saraswati Maharaj.'
Understanding that the teachings have been handed down verbatim for more centuries than can be counted, and accepting the value of their proven record as demonstrated by the many saints and gurus through the timeline, is to acknowledge the learning and gained wisdom of one's teacher/s. In doing this we can surrender our ego minds, always seeking to show off our current knowledge, and prepare ourselves to receive the greater Knowledge... (see tomorrow's "whisper").
Here is how to chant this mantra:
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