Tradition Speaks - Significance of paying respects to Guru
The yogic practices are intended to enable one to realize one’s ultimate state of consciousness, which is considered the only true knowledge. Such knowledge cannot be acquired through hereditary or other means, rather one can receive such knowledge only through a Guru who is part of the lineage of the yogic tradition. It is important here to understand the difference between a Guru and a Teach er. A teacher is one who teaches what they learned.
GURU
Hathavidya Traditional school of yoga, MY
3/6/20231 min read
A Guru is one who shares the eternal knowledge acquired through direct experience by dissolving and becoming one with that experience. We are trying to understand the wealth of such unexplainable wisdom from the Guru. It can neither be described nor it is possible to share through mere words. One can receive such knowledge only with the grace and blessings of the Guru who has truly experienced it. Any amount of practice, intellectual understanding, or other efforts would be totally meaningless without the blessings of the Guru and the lineage of masters. Thus, in traditional yogic practices, reverence to Guru and the entire lineage of masters is of utmost important.
When we pay reverence and salutation to one’s immediate Guru, it implies offering respects and gratitude to the many and all the masters in the entire Parampara (lineage). To pay respect to each and every master in the lineage is not just a mark of respect and gratitude but also recognition of the fact that knowledge is received only by the grace of the masters. Such a practice is not only more appropriate but rather the only way. Therefore, salutation and respects are offered to the Guru Param para before commencing Hatha Yoga practice or teachings, to invoke the blessings of the known and unknown masters for the right guidance.
