Sadhana Panchakam, Instruction 14

Translation and Commentary by Jayaram V

2.6.

The literal implication of this instruction is that a student shall worship the sandals of his guru. In Indian tradition it is a mark of honor to worship the sandals of an elderly person, a teacher or a deity as a mark of respect, honor and gratitude. By doing it, you show humility and willingness to bow to the feet of a saintly person, acknowledging his knowledge, wisdom, character, age and experience.

The belief is that if a guru is pleased by the behavior and attitude of his disciple, he will readily accept him and impart to him the secret knowledge which he desires to learn. At times, he may be so impressed with the potential and promise of his disciple that he may not only teach him the knowledge but also transmit to him spiritual energy (tapobal) through his blessings to cleanse his past sins and imperfections and help him quickly progress on the path.

The Bhagavadgita (4:34) suggests that one should practice the yoga of knowledge (jnana yoga) with the help of a guru and use that knowledge as the raft to cross the ocean of sin, misery and evil. For that he has to approach the guru, fall at his feet, ask questions and do service. If he is satisfied, he will initiate the student and impart to him the knowledge.

A guru is God in human form. He is the link between you and your goal of liberation. He has the means to take you across the ocean of samsara. You cannot do it by yourself, unless you are an extremely special person who has accumulated enough merit in the past lives and is already blessed. If you have a guru, you must show him humility and obedience and treat him with utmost reverence. By respecting your guru and serving him with devotion, you extending the courtesy not only to him but also the entire lineage of the gurus who preceded him and preserved the teaching through him.

If you do not have guru, but follow the teachings of ancient teachers, seers and masters, you can extend the same respect and reverence to them. You can worship them with sincerity, offering them your love and respect and expressing gratitude for the knowledge you learned and the progress you made. A guru is not the only teacher in your life.

On the path of liberation and in your daily life, you will come across many valuable teachers, some real and some in disguise. They can be anyone, friends, strangers, children or even animals who open your eyes to some facet of life or yourself. You learn from them about the world, suffering, love, relationships, joy, happiness, liberation, dependence, independence and so on. You can reciprocate their guidance by extending them the same courtesy and showing your gratitude.

God is the highest guru. He is the source of all. All knowledge and wisdom arise from him and subside in him. In your spiritual journey, he is the ultimate guru, support and goal. Just as your guru is equal to God, God is also equal to a guru. Therefore, you can treat him as your ultimate guru and worship him, putting yourself at his feet and letting him guide you. By selflessly offering him everything that you have and you can be, you will open your heart to the love of God.

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