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I never expected to be someone who would have a guru. In fact, prior to meeting my own teacher, I would have told you I was completely put off, daresay disgusted by the whole thing…
The word guru means spiritual teacher, mentor or guide. In the East, it is quite normal and accepted to have such a teacher. This label has been given a bad rap in the West, where we are ultra-independent and sensitive to issues of power and power over – for good reason.
But what if it’s necessary? What if it happens anyway? What’s it like to have a guru?
My own Teacher and guruji, Ramesh Balsekar (1917-2009), was a sage, retired businessman and householder living in the metropolis of Mumbai, India. His final guru was Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897-1982) – I Am That being his most well-known collection of talks. Nisargadatta lived and taught in a neighborhood called Khetwadi, South Bombay.
The whole juicy story of how I met Ramesh is recounted in my memoir, Truth Seeker. As it happened via Ramesh and the teachings of Advaita (non-duality), I encountered the gifts of liberation from persistent existential suffering and, by grace, the end of seeking.
In this short video clip of a recent Zoom satsang with my own sangha members, I tell a few stories of being with Ramesh in Bombay. I also discuss the role of bhakti (divine love, devotion) in the relationship with a teacher, who is there to help us connect with the Satguru, or teacher within.
Relationships with spiritual teachers, masters, and gurus are complex, powerful, and completely unique to the situation and student. They can also be crushing, enlivening, strange, and blessed. Do you feel like running when you hear of these topics? Are you intrigued? Inspired?
Perhaps you’ll hear something that piques your interest, pricks your ears. Storytime!
Your comments are always welcome.
