Importance of guru in life

Swami Atmeshananda, Vedanta Centre Springfield Lakes

PNP application. She also said that it was discrimination based on her race, colour, ancestry, and place of origin because Singh took advantage of her vulnerability as a newcomer to Canada with a precarious immigration status. Singh said he treated Kasagoni well throughout her employment but ultimately lost trust in her when he determined that she had lied about her fall. In addition, he denied terminating Kasagoni's employment, and said she simply never returned to work.

"As a newcomer to Canada, Kasagoni was not familiar with employment laws and minimum standards. She trusted Singh and counted on him. Singh knew this," tribunal member Devyn Cousineau wrote in her written decision.

between Shri Ramakrishna and Vidyasagar (a great educationist and reformer) recorded in the ‘Gospel of Shri Ramakrishna (5 August, 1882):

Sri Ramakrishna: “Just see how picturesque this universe is! How many things there are! The sun, moon, and stars; and how many varieties of living beings! – big and small, good and bad, strong and weak – some endowed with more power, some with less”. Vidyasagar : “ Has he endowed some with more power and others with less?”

"While this may seem like a nice sentiment, it can create conditions for abuse in an employment context, as I find it did here. It can allow employers to impose obligations on employees out of a sense of obligation, gratitude, or debt, outside of the contractual exchange of labour for pay," Cousineau added. The tribunal ordered Singh to pay Kasagoni nearly $25,000 in compensation for lost wages, including the wages that she would have earned working regular full-time hours at the gas station if her employment had continued until December 2018, two years after her fall. As a result of the end of her employment, the PNP withdrew its support for Kasagoni's permanent residency.

1) Srotriya, that is, he should have the knowledge of the scriptures. But actually, he should know the spiritual essence of the scriptures. Personal experience of what the scripture says is of utmost importance to become a Guru.

2) Avrjina, that is, his conduct should be above reproach. He should live strictly in conformity with the scriptural ideal. There should be purity in thought, word and ded.

He who can, does; he who cannot, teaches.’ said Bernard Shaw. His wise crack is but an echo of an old adage ‘example is better than precept’ – Guru tradition lays emphasis on this practicality on the part of Guru. – brahma vit tamah; the best among the knowers of Brahman’. In our tradition, one of the terms for guru is ‘Acharya’ – a-charati iti. He is an exemplar – leads a life that the disciple can emulate. He is the mould from which is fashioned the personality of the disciples - he is the model and students are copies.

Next to the great philosophies of Hinduism, the institution of Guru occupies the central place. No other religion or culture venerates the teacher as Hinduism does. All our ceremonies, study, prayer, meditation etc. begin only after paying proper respect to Guru.

Gurushakti

Shri Ramakrishna says, ‘Sat-chitAnanda is the ONLY Guru’ So, Guru is actually the manifestation of the Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient Divine That is of the nature of Existence-KnowledgeBliss Absolute in ‘a form ‘! It is a power! Not a person! Guru is actually a ‘Shakti’. One may argue that if the Gurushakti is the manifestation of the power that is everywhere, why do we need to accept a form of a person as our Guru. To answer this, we refer to a conversation

Shri Ramakrishna : “ As the All-pervading Spirit He exists in all beings, even in the ant. But the manifestations of His Power are different in different beings; otherwise, how can one person put ten to flight, while another can’t face even one? And why do all people respect you? Have you grown a pair of horns? (Laughter) You have more compassion and learning. Therefore people honour you and come to pay you their respects. Don’t you agree with me? “

Vidyasagar smiled.

Who can be a Guru?

The scriptures point out three characteristics for a Guru:

3) Akamahata, that is, his relation with his disciple should not have any kind of selfish motive. Otherwise, the relationship between the disciple and Guru will be a ‘business’ relationship! (Guru Purnima was observed at the Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes on the 2nd July 2023).

The Vedanta Centre in Springfield Lakes is an intercultural faith and community hub engaged in benevolent activities like food assistance, educational workshops, activities for children and youth, classes on Vedanta and volunteer opportunities. The Centre has a Café, Soup Kitchen, community garden and reading library. All are welcome. Email: info@vedantabrisbane.org