The Guru is in Everyone
Guru (Sanskrit) meaning “dispeller of darkness”.
From a Spiritual perspective, darkness = ignorance ~ therefore, it is that which we are not yet aware of, or see. In yoga, as with any great spiritual teaching, we learn that the most valuable and profound lesson is to know who we are in Truth ~ or, Self-realization. In Sanskrit the true Self is ‘Saakshaat’ and referred to as one’s ultimate guru to seek, for it is when we connect with that truest part of ourselves that all darkness, as the ‘illusory’ self, or ego-self, is dispelled. As long as we remain identified with the ego as who we think we are, then we remain trapped within the constant fear-based struggles of the ego-mind, or ‘Ahamkara’ in Sanskrit. The ego knows no peace and is constantly either seeking pleasure or avoiding pain. The ego is identified with its story of self and is easily ‘triggered’ by outside influences, people and circumstances. The ego believes in a separate sense of self and does not know itself to be ONE with everything; therefore, it typically perceives ‘the other’ as a threat of some kind.
From the yogic perspective, everyone you meet is a reflection of you in some way. If they irritate, anger, or sadden you.. there are parts of you surfacing to be healed. It may simply be that you are still learning how not to let other people’s energy impact you, which is a wonderful place to be because, it means you’ve realized that blaming another for how you let them make you feel is to play the victim and ultimately give your power away. A shift in perspective such as this may seem insignificant, but the impact on our lives is significant.
When we realize that life is not happening “to us” but FOR us ( and ultimately through us), then we step into a wonderful position of power and acceptance, and that changes everything. When everything and everyone that is occurring around us is there for us, to guide us and teach us and even help us on our path, then life becomes our ally and a great joy to live.
We may ask ourselves:
What does it take for me to become unbothered by someone who bothers me?
What part of myself am I unwilling to see? to know? to accept & forgive? Why?
What aspect of myself is ready to be more compassionate because I am willing to see ignorance in another without judgment?
Will I allow my Divinity to shine?
When we judge another person we are revealing a part of ourselves we have not yet forgiven, for all judgment reveals itself to be self-judgment in the end ~ a projection of some part within, hiding in darkness.. Often the ego does not want to look at these shadows for it does not want to lose its dualistic view of the world where one is “good” and the other “bad” ~ the ego wants to be righteous or victim, either way it always wants to be “right” because it survives by projecting its ignorance onto everyone “else”.
The guru teaches us that we are ONE ~ everyone is a mirror to knowing our higher and true Self… to dispel the darkness & make room for our Souls to enter and let go of attachment to the illusions ~ it is the loving practise of devotional nonduality.
The word “guru” may have become a “four letter word” in the West, but that is simply because it is grossly misinterpreted and misunderstood. There have been many poor examples of people who have called themselves “guru”, but that can be said of just about any title in the world. However, a true guru wants nothing from you except for you to discover your own guru within. A true guru is simply a guiding light, pointing the way to help you see more of your own true Self and can help you further your spiritual growth by offering simple teachings, practices and techniques that strengthen your energy and expand your ability to perceive.
The spiritual practice then is learning how to listen, see, reflect, contemplate & let go of the attachments that keep us servant to the ego and the illusory separateness of the world. The spiritual practice is expanding one’s consciousness to see beyond the limited self so that the divine unity of all may be realized ~ not as a belief, but as an experience of true Self.
Spiritual growth does not mean isolating ourselves from the world. Our expanded awareness includes our family, coworkers, partners and especially those we judge, blame and criticize the most. What are they here to teach us?.. maybe we are wiser, stronger, more loving than we have realized? If we humbly ask to be shown, the Divine will guide us.
When we seek to know our true Self, our consciousness expands; we become devoted to Truth and learn how to speak from Love.. we surrender.. having faced many shadows, we are less likely to fear the unknown and can now openly ask to be shown how to listen, see and grow…then everyone we meet becomes the guru.