We have always believed that a spiritual teacher, a guru, is an important part of an individual’s spiritual growth.
Gurudev often said, “Every person, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, nationality or social status in life, is on the path of spiritual evolution. Those who are lucky, may find a spiritual teacher, who will guide their progress in life.”
Someone once asked him, “Swamiji, how will I know that I have found the right guru?”
Gurudev replied, “Whoever you meet at the time you feel a requirement for a guru, will be the right guru for you at that time. Learn to trust the Lord. YOU be sincere. The right guidance WILL come at the right time.”
Someone then asked, “Swamiji, is a guru necessary? Do we really need a guru? Isn’t it enough to read a scriptural text-book?”
Gurudev replied, “You cannot ask a book questions to sort out your confusions. In that sense, yes, a guru’s help becomes valuable for us on our life’s journey.”