Last year in India, I met a teacher who I feel is my guru. Simply, I see God in him. I want to learn to be that to others. He gives me guidance now, but I’ve never specifically asked him to be "my guru." He prefers to be a humble servant, not a leader. I think it could embarrass him. Do both student and guru have to acknowledge the relationship for it to be legitimate? Or is simply being guided by who you feel is the right person enough to know you’ve found your guru?
—Sundari, USA
Sundari,
You ask a very interesting question. I cannot state definitively nor at present can my memory recall any stories like yours, but I will venture to say that it is possible to enter into such a relationship without labeling it. After all, as Paramhansa Yogananda often said: “God is the guru!”
So, continue with your relationship and see where it leads. Always stay open to guidance in this way: that God may bring to you this person, but just for a time; then, you may be guided elsewhere. One cannot say in advance, for once we place our lives in God’s hands we must stay open to His guidance. Each of us has a unique path to God.
Blessings and light to you on your journey to Self-realization,
Nayaswami Hriman
