In this heartfelt address during the last Guru Purnima, Sadgurudev Anandmurti Gurumaa reflects on the Guru–disciple tradition, the stream of gyana, and the grace that flows through the lineage of sages. Let us mark this day by recognising the priceless value of the Master’s presence in our lives, and resolve to become true, worthy disciples.

“bhavāraṇyapraviṣṭasya diṅmōhabhrāntachētasaḥ ।
yēna sandarśitaḥ panthāḥ tasmai śrīguravē namaḥ ॥“

For a seeker of liberation, there is nothing more invaluable than the presence of a Self-realised Master in one’s life. Only by the grace of past virtuous karmas is one fortunate enough to meet and be associated with a Sadguru.

To be able to meet a guru in your present life is a great fortune. Some people might take it lightly, however this is a result of past good karmas. There are millions of people on earth who have never even heard of a guru and might never meet one in this lifetime. It is the fruit of your karmas that a day comes when you start searching for a deeper meaning of your existence. Then you suddenly come...

The one who knows and who has realized the truth. The one who knows the scriptures and who has direct experience of the knowledge. The one who dispels darkness and breaks the shackles of bondage. Such an enlightened, liberated being is a Guru.

Grace happens not because of efforts but on its own. It cannot be created or controlled in any way. It is like a glimpse of the aspirant’s goal that’s meant to motivate him to keep treading the path, to keep internalizing the mind, to keep eradicating the vasanas and so on. But more often than not it is mistaken to be a doing – people think that have worked at getting this grace. What they don’t understand...