How does one find a genuine Guru?
The Vedas, scriptures, and Puranas present apparently contradictory statements on nearly every subject. By merely reading them, no one can reach a definitive conclusion about which statement is correct.
One such subject is this: How does one find a genuine guru?
- On one hand, it is written that a genuine Guru is attained only through the grace of God. Otherwise, one encounters a fraudulent guru.
- On the other hand, it is also written that without immense virtuous deeds from past lives, one cannot find a true Guru.
What role does God's grace play if finding a genuine Guru is a result of virtuous deeds? Conversely, if a true Guru is attained solely through God’s grace, then why are virtuous deeds necessary?
The Vedas say - prāpya varānnibodhata - Do not merely read or listen to the Vedas. Instead, approach a true Guru and understand their meaning through him. Similarly, the Bhagavad Gita emphasises - tadviddhi prāṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā - Do not simply read or listen to the Gita. Go to a Guru, serve him with devotion, surrender to him, and humbly ask your sincere questions. Then, he will reveal the true meaning of the Gita. Similarly, all scriptures assert that one must understand the Vedas and other texts under the guidance of a saint. Those who believe they can comprehend them through self-study alone are left with endless doubts and confusion.
Thus, both statements are correct. If a genuine Guru were attained purely through God’s grace, then everyone should find one. Yet many end up with a false Guru and spend their entire lives following them blindly.
Andhenaiva nīyamānā yathāndhāḥ - If the guru lacks philosophical knowledge of the Vedas and scriptures or practical experience, it is like one blind man leading another. One says, "Hold my hand, and I will lead you to your destination." The other blind man becomes deceived, holds his hand in faith, and both ultimately fall into a ditch.
This is what predominantly happens in the world today. 99.9% of so-called gurus deceive people by whispering a mantra in their ears and instructing them to practice devotion using the senses, such as performing rituals, worship, and chanting. They instruct visiting the holy pilgrimages and claim that this alone will take you to Vaikunth after death. They don't even mention the role of the mind in devotion. Upon death, one realizes they are headed toward hell. If they ask, “Why is this happening?” they are told it is because they practiced devotion only through their senses. If they protest, “But this is what my Guru taught me,” the reply will be, “Then why did you follow a false Guru?” At that point, one cannot argue, “How was I supposed to know who is genuine and who is not?” It is your responsibility to find out.
It is understandable through logic that if a bona fide Guru is found solely by one's virtuous deeds and not by God's grace, then there would be no need for God’s grace. Conversely, if a genuine Guru is found solely by God's grace, then everyone would attain one - no one should end up with a fraudulent one. But this is not the case.
So, if a Guru is found only through virtuous deeds, what is the need for God's grace?
First, understand what virtues are. Virtues are the fruits of your past actions. If, in a previous life, you served a true guru with your body, mind, and wealth, then you should reap the fruit of those virtuous actions by meeting a true guru in this life. However, actions are inert; they cannot bear fruit on their own. You do not even know what actions you performed in your past life. There must be someone who does. That someone is the omniscient God. He alone knows your actions and grants the fruits of those actions. Therefore, meeting a true Guru ultimately happens by God's grace.
So, how does one find a true guru?
It happens through a combination of God's grace and virtuous deeds. If you have accumulated virtuous deeds from previous lives, God does two things:
- He connects you with a genuine Guru, in accordance with the nature of your virtuous deeds.
But simply meeting a saint is not enough. If you meet him without faith, you will judge him using your limited intellect and may reject him, thereby committing nāmāparādh. To prevent this, God does a second thing: - He instils faith in our hearts toward that Guru so you surrender to him, engage in true devotion, and achieve the ultimate goal.
Conversely, if you have committed sinful actions in past lives, you will end up meeting and associating with a fraudulent Guru.
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