October 3rd


Sanskrit Pearl of the day:
ध्यानमूलं गुरोर्मूर्तिः पूजामूलं गुरोः पदम् ।
मन्त्रमूलं गुरोर्वाक्यं मोक्षमूलं गुरोः कृपा ॥

Transliteration:
dhyānamūlaṃ gurormūrtiḥ pūjāmūlaṃ guroḥ padam ।
mantramūlaṃ gurorvākyaṃ mokṣamūlaṃ guroḥ kṛpā ॥


Meaning of the subhAShita:
The form of the guru is the root of meditation; the feet of the guru are the source of worship; the words of the guru are the origins of mantras (guidance); the grace of the guru is the basis of (attaining) liberation.  

Commentary:
The guru is exalted as God.  He is revered as divine, placed at par with one’s Mother and Father. The Sanskrit expression गुरुत्वात् गुरुः (gurutvāt guruḥ) translates to: “One is called a guru due to the weight of his profound qualities.” The guru is not just someone who imparts a few lessons or skills. In the truest sense, a guru is the one who leads us to Self-knowledge, the realization of our true essence beyond body, mind, and intellect.

In the presence of such a guru, one experiences an unshakable peace of mind, free from fear and anxiety. Only such a master, capable of dissolving ignorance and guiding us toward the Self, deserves the title of “guru.”

Self-knowledge offers the deepest understanding of who we truly are. It is only through the grace and guidance of a guru that one can access this wisdom. By ourselves, we remain entangled in the illusion of samsāra, the cycle of worldly sorrows. Our habitual identification with the body, mind, and intellect binds us to suffering. However, the guru's teachings break these shackles, leading us toward inner freedom. The knowledge he imparts frees us from ignorance, thereby dissolving all our attachments and illusions.

There is no adequate way to express our gratitude to the guru.  All question marks bow down in front of the exclamatory experience of the Guru! His wisdom transforms our lives, pointing us to the ultimate truth.  

It is said that "When the disciple is ready, the guru appears. When the disciple is truly ready, the guru disappears."  This reflects the selfless nature of a guru. A true teacher never fosters dependence but instead empowers the disciple to become independent in the quest for truth. The guru gives the right knowledge, guiding the student to awaken to the truth on his own. 

Hence, the verse rightly proclaims that the very form of the guru is a focal point enough for meditation.  His feet are the perfect place to offer our worship, symbolizing surrender and reverence.  His words are the very source of mantras (Vedic words that give us ultimate knowledge).  We would not be able to understand the mantras without the guru's counsel.  Finally, with his divine grace, we can attain liberation, realizing our oneness with the Absolute. He is not merely a teacher but a bridge between ignorance and realization, bondage and freedom.

Thus, the guru is the one who shows us the way beyond worldly illusions, guiding us toward the truth of our being, where all separation dissolves. Through his guidance, we awaken to the truth of who we are, and through his grace, we achieve liberation.

May the guru help us cross the ocean of samsāra with ease!

pada vigrahaH:
ध्यान-मूलं गुरोः मूर्तिः पूजा-मूलं गुरोः पदम् ।
dhyāna-mūlaṃ guroḥ mūrtiḥ pūjā-mūlaṃ guroḥ padam ।

मन्त्र-मूलं गुरोः वाक्यं मोक्ष-मूलं गुरोः कृपा ॥
mantra-mūlaṃ guroḥ vākyaṃ mokṣa-mūlaṃ guroḥ kṛpā ॥

Alternate Transliteration:
dhyaanamUlaM gurormUrtiH pUjaamUlaM guroH padam |
mantramUlaM gurorvaakyaM mokShamUlaM guroH kRupaa ||

dhyaanamUlaM guroH mUrtiH pUjaamUlaM guroH padam |
mantramUlaM guroH vaakyaM mokShamUlaM guroH kRupaa ||


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