Necessity of Guru

Sri Ramana Maharshi

Q. It is said that Guru can make his disciple realize the Self by transmitting some of his own power to him? Is it true?

M. Yes. The Guru does not bring about Self-Realization. He simple removes the obstacles to it. The Self is always realized.

Q. Is there absolute necessity of a Guru for Self-Realization?

M. So long as you seek Self-Realization the Guru is necessary. Guru is the Self. Take Guru to be the Real Self and your self as the individual self. The disappearance of this sense of duality is removal of ignorance. So long as duality persists in you the Guru is necessary. Because you identify yourself with the body you think the Guru too to be some body. You are not the body, nor is the Guru. You are the Self and so is the Guru. This knowledge is gained by what you call Self-Realization.

Q. How can one know whether a particular individual is competent to be a Guru?

M. By the peace of mind found in his presence and by the sense of respect you feel for him.

Q. If the Guru happens to turn out incompetent, what will be the fate of the disciple who has implicit faith in him?

M. Each one according to his merits.