Guru Charitra

Shree Guru Charitra

1. The life story and teachings of Shri Guru (Shri Narsimha Saraswati) are narrated in "Shri Guru Charita".
2. Shri Guru was a highly revered spiritual leader who performed miracles and taught the principles of self-realization.
3. The book emphasizes the importance of serving Shri Guru, as it is considered the greatest penance and the deepest knowledge.
4. Shri Guru is depicted as the lord of the universe (Jagannath) and the guru of the three lokas (realms).
5. The book encourages devotion to Shri Guru and belief in the knowledge of self, which atones for sins of several births.
6. The book also warns against pride in penance, knowledge, and worldly affairs, likening such persons to pots on a potter's wheel.
7. The book suggests reading "Shri Guru Charita" with a pure mind and performing specific rituals during the week for its completion.
8. Shri Guru is said to give darshan (appearance) in dreams and fulfill desires of those who read the book with devotion and a pure heart.
9. The book includes prayers, shlokas (verses), and descriptions of various holy shrines and places associated with Shri Guru's life.

The Guru Gita

The Guru Gita is a sacred text that emphasizes the importance and role of a spiritual teacher (Guru) in the spiritual journey of an individual. It is presented as a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and is part of the Skanda Purana.

The text describes the Guru as being equal to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva; a father, mother, and true friend. The service of a Guru is considered a great purifier and essential for attaining Self-God realization. The Guru Gita highlights that the knowledge of the self can only be attained through the grace of the Guru.

The text presents various aspects of the Guru-disciple relationship, including:

1. **Guru-seva-dhurandhara**: An adept who bears the brunt of serving the Guru.
2. **Guru-Sishya Samvada**: The dialogue between the disciple and his Guru.
3. **Loka-Prasiddha Guru**: A world-renowned preceptor.

The text also discusses various benefits that one can gain by serving a Guru, such as:

1. Success in Vashya (influence) when facing north.
2. Success in Marana (death) when facing south.
3. Acquiring plenty of wealth when facing west.

The text also emphasizes that one must prostrate before their Guru with humility and self-surrender, seeking guidance on attaining unfailing devotion to the Guru's lotus feet. It encourages delight in the glory of the Guru and narrating his glory to others, as this will truly lead to attaining the Guru's grace.

The text concludes by glorifying the most exalted Guru who is God-visible, the sacred scriptures that have sung the praises of the Guru, and the true disciple that has found his sole refuge in such a Guru. It emphasizes that the realization of God can only be achieved through the grace of the Guru.

In summary, the Guru Gita is a text that highlights the importance of a spiritual teacher in the spiritual journey of an individual and emphasizes the benefits of serving a Guru with devotion and humility. It encourages delighting in the glory of the Guru and narrating his glory to others as a means of attaining the Guru's grace, which is essential for realizing God.