We are preparing to celebrate Sri Gurudev Birth Centenary from May 08, 2015 through May 08, 2016. Maha Samadhi Camp (MSC) 2015 will be held in New Jersey and falls right in the middle of the birth centenary celebration.
Yesterday, Jayanti Anandalwar, Suresh Bathala and Anupama Bathala gave us an overview of the MSC, all the mahatmas that will be attending this camp and our opportunity to learn from Gurudev through the satsangs with the Mahatmas.
On this occasion, I'd like to share a few thoughts on Gurudev.
To understand a Guru, one has to be a qualified student first. Only then there is a possibility of true appreciation, understanding and learning. Student must be qualified, ready to receive ( ग्रहणम् ) and serve the teacher with devotion; then the teacher will teach out of compassionation (अनुग्रहः).
Totakacharya is one of the four students of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. Totakacharya was not considered a well educated or bright student but has devoted himself in the service of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. Totakacharya prayed to Adi Sankara as follows:
विदिताखिल शास्त्र सुधा जलधे, महितोपनिषत् कथितार्थनिधे |
हृदये कलये विमलं चरणं, भव शंकर देशिक मे शरणम् ||
Oh Gurudev, you know the breadth of spiritual sciences which are compared to ocean of nectar. You are the respository of all the meaning and expositions on the Upanishads. I offer my heart at your pure feet. Please give me the ability to serve and help me understand the essence of the Upanishads and gain the vision of oneness.
Pleased with his devotion and service to the teacher, Adi Sankara gave the knowledge of Brahman to Totakacharya.
May Sri Gurudev give us the ability to study together and empower us to work together very well for the camp.
May Sri Gurudev also be pleased with our devotion and service and help us gain the vision of oneness through satsang with the Mahatmas attending the Mahasamadhi Camp 2015.
Hari Om.
