GURUTATVA: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

We have many preferences and priorities. We have different role models. We have different individuals whom we respect. We find different idols in society. In the quest of truth we find many phenomena to adore.
Usually there is confusion and hence conflicts in our lives.

The spiritual literature usually affirms that guru is the ultimate. There is nothing beyond guru. But there are others who maintain that KULADEVATA is most important. There are many other opinions as well.

For many of us; accepting guru as the ultimate sounds difficult to accept and digest; in view of the human form of the guru. The guru (and even prophet or incarnation) in human form with though stupendous, yet limited accomplishments when compared with eternal, omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent God.

Often there is a nagging question as to whether the KULADEVATA should get preference or a guru?

While KULADEVATA is usually accessible to many Hindus; this phenomena is usually not found in many Hindus and Non-Hindus. Further, there is perennial confusion about guru; in view of their credentials and capacity to guide us to God.

For those who have access to KULADEVATA and guru; there is a dilemma about whom to give priority. Objectively looking at it; the KULADEVATA as well as the human form of the guru are the products of the same omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent God.

Whom should we give preference?

In the course of practicing NAMASMARAN according to the advice of our guru; we gradually realize that kuladevata is a bounty of the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent God; through which we are oriented to Him; and the guru is the bounty through whom we get closer to Him.

Later; through NAMASMARAN; we realize that; the essence of KULADEVATA and the essence of guru; is actually extremely pleasant, empowering, vitalizing and immortalizing bounty; very much present and evident in our conscience.

This perception gradually gets culminated in the realization that this essence of KULADEVATA, guru and all the deities and adorable entities; is the same as GURUTATVA.

This GURUTATVA; is truly the direct communion with God i.e. ultimate truth.

This can be (though not exactly, accurately or appropriately) compared with motherhood and fatherhood. We love and adore our mother and father and in the course of maturity; begin to worship the motherhood and fatherhood in nature.

GURUTATVA is a universal, eternal and the most sublime bond between us; and God (truth). When we happen to follow, dedicate and consume ourselves in the preachings of our guru; we actually imbibe or get merged into the source of our consciousness and our conscience; the GURUTATVA!