Principles of Spirituality
Path of Guru's Grace (Gurukrupayoga)
Continued from the previous issue.
Types of Gurus
Gurus based on the form and absence of a Guru:
The table below gives the types of Gurus according to the form, and an outline of Their missions. It clarifies points such as the necessity of a Guru, who needs a Guru, etc. In this context, the point to consider from the worldly viewpoint is that until the thoughtless state (70% spiritual level) is attained, spiritual evolution occurs faster under the guidance of a Guru in human form. Thereafter, for further spiritual progress a disciple receives guidance mostly from within.
|
The form of a Guru |
Absence of a Guru |
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Human |
Book |
Idol |
Others |
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|
Possible |
Impossible |
Little |
Impossible |
- |
||
|
Possible |
Impossible |
Little |
Impossible |
- |
||
|
Less |
More |
Far more |
Most |
Most |
||
|
Less |
More |
Far more |
Most |
Most |
||
|
One who feels a great need for guidance |
One with an independent attitude |
One who feels the need for support |
One with an independent attitude |
One with an even more independent attitude |
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*If one is not currently doing any spiritual practice, or to complement one's current spiritual practice, one can begin with the simple, but powerful spiritual practice of chanting or constantly remembering God's Name according to one's religion. Chanting also acts as a useful complement to any spiritual path one may be already following. It is a practice recommended for the current times by Holy texts and Saints of all religions.
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To begin with, one can repeat God's Name according to their religion (refer to Issue 3 Clarification of Doubts section for a list of God's Names as per various religions), or the Name that they feel most comfortable chanting.
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Interested readers can determine the exact chant for them from the experiment given inIssue 124, Message to Seekers section.