In the Indian culture, we all have heard hundreds of times since childhood that we need a Guru. But is there any definition of who a true Guru is?

The word “Guru” has now been adopted by the English language as well, and so we hear terms such as Marketing guru, Economics guru, Finance guru, etc.  However, when you refer to the true Guru, you are enquiring about the spiritual connotation of the word as described in the scriptures.  The meaning of the word “Guru” is:

Gu shabdastvandhakarasyat ru… ( Advaya Tarakopanishad 16)

   “The syllable “gu” means “darkness,” and “ru” means “to destroy.”  Hence, one who dispels the darkness of our nescience, and brings us to the light of true wisdom, is the Guru.

   The true Guru must have two qualifications.  Firstly, he or she should possess theoretical knowledge of the scriptures – this is called shrotriya.  Secondly, he or she should have realized that knowledge and be seated in the Truth – this is called brahm nishth.  Hence, a true Guru is one who is both Shrotriya and Brahm Nishth. 

   In these, the second criterion is most important, i.e. the Guru must be God-realized.  Only one who has attained God can help others attain Him.  If one is a beggar himself, how can he give money to others; if one has no knowledge himself, how can he teach others.  If one has not attained the Bliss of Divine love, he cannot give it to others.  

What is The Right 'age' to start your devotional practice?

"Having attained the human form, we do not realize how precious it is. We indulge ourselves in material pleasures for sensual gratification. We devote our full attention to our family and their needs. When somebody asks a little boy/girl to do devotion, he/she replies – this is not the age to start devotion. There is still time and we can do that when we are old. When you ask a young person to do devotion, he/she flatly refuses and says that it is for old people and life is for enjoying.

When you ask a middle age person to do devotion, he/she replies that there is still time for it after retirement. Now is the time to earn money, enjoy life and look after the welfare of the family. By the time retirement comes, many ailments plague the body and there is very little strength left in the body, thereby making it difficult to perform devotion.

We forget the fact that death can come to anybody at any age at any time.

It is ironical that a father, who is taking son's body for burial, does not think about his own death, though the reality may be that he dies of a heart attack on his way to the cremation ground.

Life is very uncertain. Do not think that you will live in this human form forever.

Whatever your age is, start doing devotion!!!"