The Need for a Guru

There is no seeker, there is no sought. You are God, there is nothing in this world that is alien to God. There is none other than God, there is nothing else but God. This is our only principle.

But, assume you suddenly wish to visit Badrinath (Holy Town). You do not know where Badrinath is, the facilities there, how long it will take you to reach that place, or how much the trip would cost. You need to find out this information, as also the rituals conducted at temples there. So what would you do? You will enquire from pilgrims who have earlier visited Badrinath: ‘Is it a difficult trek? Will it be cold? Can we rent horses or should we trek?’

You can also ask, ‘Can’t I go directly to Badrinath?’ the answer is -– yes, you can go. You need not seek guidance. But when you are guided, the path is made easy. Your mind is set -– you know how much it would cost, how many days it will take. So to avoid the risk element –- that is, in the effort to do yourselves, you may have some gain and you may lose something. You may incur unnecessary expenses -– maybe spend Rs.5000 on a pooja (worship) that normally costs Rs.30. Some such embarrassing incidents result when you go inexperienced, without the Guru as escort.

If there is someone called God, in the journey towards Him, if you chance upon a Guru as a fellow traveler, it will be helpful. Why should you think that he is higher than you? You can look on him as someone with more experiences.

What do you lose by coming to Siva Shankar Baba? I don’t ask for any fees, donation or money. Whatever flowers or fruits or sweets you bring to me, I return to you. In fact, I help you along your way. So what do you lose by coming to me?