Gurus based on the form and absence of a Guru
The table below gives the types of Gurus according to the form and an outline of Their missions. This will clarify points such as the necessity of a Guru, who needs a Guru, etc. In this regard, from the worldly point of view the point to be considered is that till the thoughtless state, that is a spiritual level of 70 % is attained, spiritual evolution occurs faster if one has a Guru in human form. Thereafter for further progress a disciple mostly receives guidance from within.
| The form of a Guru | Absence of a Guru | |||||
| Human | Book | Idol | Others | |||
| 1 | Deciding the study according to the disciple's capability | Possible | Impossible | Impossible | Impossible | - |
| 2 | Clarification Possible of doubts as soon as the doubt arises | Possible to a small extent only after doing a lot of reading | Impossible | Impossible | - | |
| 3 | Duration Very required for little faith to develop | More | Even more | A great deal | - | |
| 4 | Encourage- ment, Possible teaching and testing | Impossible | Impossible | Impossible | - | |
| 5 | Guidance with regard to decreasing destined and wilful actions and overcoming distressing energies which obstruct spiritual practice | " | " | " | " | " |
| 6 | Benefit derived by remaining in the company of the Guru due to His divine consciousness (chaitanya) |
" | " | Little | " | " |
| 7 | Benefits of the Guru's grace | Possible | Impossible | Little | Impossible | - |
| 8 | Number of disciples abandoning spiritual practice midway | Less | More | Far more | Most | Most |
| 9 | Duration required for spiritual progress | " | " | " | " | " |
| 10 | According to psychology the personality of a disciple which most matches the Guru's form | One who feels a great need for guidance | One with an independent attitude | One who feels the need for support | One with an independent attitude | One with an even more independent attitude |
| 11 | Generally the spiritual level % at which a disciple can derive the benefit | 55 | 40 | 60 | 30 | - |
| 12 | Efforts that a disciple /seeker has to make % | 60 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 100 |
| 13 | Qualities that a disciple requires | Service and sacrifice | Understanding the implied meaning | Guidance from within | Depends on the type | High ego * |
| 14 | Amount of annual spiritual progress % | 2-3 | 0.25 | 0.75 | 0.25 | 0.001 |
* Here ego refers to faith in oneself. If faith in oneself is not high then one cannot make spiritual progress without taking guidance from someone.
(Ref: Sanatan's Publication - 'Path of Guru's Grace (Gurukrupayoga)')
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