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{{Short description|True guru in Sanskrit}} {{Short description|Religious teacher}}
{{italic title}} {{Italic title}}
{{use dmy dates|date=October 2018}} {{use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}} {{Use Indian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Multiple issues|
⚫ '''''Satguru''''' ({{lang-sa|सत्गुरु}}), or '''''Sadguru''''' ({{lang-sa|सद्गुरु}}), means the 'true ]' in ]. However, the term is distinguished from other forms of gurus, such as musical instructors, scriptural teachers, parents, and so on. ''Satguru'' is a title given specifically only to an enlightened '']'' or ] whose life's purpose is to guide the initiated '']'' on the spiritual path, the summation of which is the realization of the ] through realization of ]. Technically, Satguru or Sadguru is someone who has returned from Nirvikalpa Samadhi. Nirvikapla Samadhi is the last stage of Yoga where the Yogi becomes one with the Nirguna Brahma or Parambrahma and doesn't return to his body. It is very rare to find a Yogi who has attained the Nirvikalpa Samadhi. So, attaining Nirvikapla is extremely rare and someone who has returned from Nirvikalpa is a Sadguru.
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{{Refimprove|date=September 2022}}
{{Religious text primary|date=September 2022}}
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⚫ '''''Satguru''''' ({{langx|sa|सत्गुरु}}), or '''''sadguru''''' ({{langx|sa|सद्गुरु}}), means a "true ]" in ]. The term is distinguished from other forms of gurus, such as musical instructors, scriptural teachers, parents, and so on. A ''satguru'' has some special characteristics that are not found in any other types of spiritual guru. ''Satguru'' is a title given specifically only to an enlightened '']'' or '']'' whose life's purpose is to guide the initiated '']'' on the spiritual path, the summation of which is the realization of the ] through realization of ].{{cn|date=September 2022}}
⚫ A ''satguru'' has some special characteristics that are not found in any other types of spiritual guru. The words ''sant'' and ''satguru'' were prominently used in the spiritual ideology of ] in the 15th century. Kabir says ''Satpurush Ko Jansi, Tiska Satguru Naam'', meaning the one who has seen the supreme lord of truth- Satya Purush is ''satguru''.<ref>'Kabir Sagara'</ref> ''Devi dewal jagat mein, kotik poojey koye. Satguru ki pooja kiye, sabb ki pooja hoye''.<ref>Kabir Sagara</ref> Kabir says that worship of ''satguru'' includes in it worship of all deities. In other words, ''satguru'' is the physical form of God (''Sat Pursh'').


== Hinduism ==
⚫ In Sikh philosophy, ], defines ''satguru'' as truth itself and not a physical entity. This truth emanates from reality and requires no blind faith. In the ] he writes ''Ek onkar, satguru prasad'' (There is one creator, this knowledge I have learnt from reality). The ] (student) learns from reality as presented by the creator. Truth (''sat'') itself is the teacher (guru).
⚫ According to ], a Hindu ''satguru'' is always a '']'', an unmarried renunciate,{{sfnp|Subramuniyaswami|2001|loc=}} but not all writers include this stricture.{{sfnp|Meher Baba|1955|pp=150,158,196, 291}} ], a Hindu ''satguru'', is known to have had a family. Satguru Kabir had a son, Kamal, who was very devout.{{sfnp|Kalacuri|1986|p=92|loc=Footnote 1}}


⚫ The words ''sant'' and ''satguru'' were prominently used in the spiritual ideology of ] in the 15th century. Kabir says "''satpurush ko jansi, Tiska satguru naam''", meaning the one who has seen the supreme lord of truth (''] purush'') is ''satguru''.<ref>] Sagara</ref>{{full citation needed|date=September 2022}} Kabir wrote "''Devi dewal jagat mein, kotik poojey koye. Satguru ki ] kiye, sabb ki pooja hoye''",<ref>] Sagara</ref>{{full citation needed|date=September 2022}} meaning that worship of ''satguru'' includes in it worship of all deities. In other words, ''satguru'' is the physical form of God (''sat ]'').
"There is no one greater in the three worlds than the guru. It is He who grants divine knowledge and should be worshipped with supreme devotion." - Atharva Veda, Yoga-Sikha Upanishad 5.53. yt, 26


⚫ In one of Kabir's songs the ''satguru'' is described as the real '']'':
== Ancient and traditional sources ==
{{Poem quote|
⚫ The recommendation says that the first and the foremost qualification of the True Master (''satguru'') is that he must have known the True Lord (]) himself.<ref>]: 286</ref>

⚫ In one of Kabir's songs<ref>LVI I. 68. bhâi kôî satguru sant kahâwaî</ref> the ''satguru'' is described as the real '']'':
<blockquote><poem>
He is the real Sadhu, who can reveal the form of the Formless to the vision of these eyes; He is the real Sadhu, who can reveal the form of the Formless to the vision of these eyes;
Who teaches the simple way of attaining Him, that is other than rites or ceremonies; Who teaches the simple way of attaining Him, that is other than rites or ceremonies;
Line 24: Line 26:
The infinite dwelling of the Infinite Being is everywhere: in earth, water, sky, and air; The infinite dwelling of the Infinite Being is everywhere: in earth, water, sky, and air;
Firm as the thunderbolt, the seat of the seeker is established above the void. Firm as the thunderbolt, the seat of the seeker is established above the void.
He who is within is without: I see Him and none else.<ref>''Songs of Kabir'' LVI, I. 68 - Translated by ] New York, The Macmillan Company (1915)</ref> He who is within is without: I see Him and none else.{{sfnp|Tagore|1915|loc=LVI, I. 68}}
}}
</poem></blockquote>


], ]'s guru, was the ''satguru'' in the ]. Swami Shankar Purushottam Tirtha quoted the '']'': ], ]'s guru, was the ''satguru'' in the ].{{cn|date=September 2022}} ] Shankar Purushottam Tirtha quoted the '']'' regarding the "real preceptor" (''satguru''):


<blockquote>A real preceptor is one who can produce blissful sensation in the body of the disciple by their sight, touch, or instructions.<ref>{{cite book | last=Tirtha | first=Swami Shankar Purushottam | title=Yoga Vani: Instructions for the Attainment of Siddhayoga | publisher=Sat Yuga Press | year=1992 | location=New York | pages=27}}</ref></blockquote> {{Blockquote|A real preceptor is one who can produce blissful sensation in the body of the disciple by their sight, touch, or instructions.{{sfnp|Tirtha|1992|p=27}}}}


⚫ In ] and ], the living ''satguru'' is considered the path to God-realization.{{sfnp|Lewis|1998|p=62}}
⚫ According to ], a Hindu ''satguru'' is always a '']'', an unmarried renunciate,<ref>Subramuniyaswami, Satguru Sivaya. ''Living with Siva'', . Himalayan Academy Publications. {{ISBN|0-945497-98-9}}</ref> but not all writers include this stricture.<ref>''God Speaks'', Meher Baba, PUB Dodd Meade, 1955, 2nd Ed. pp. 150,158,196, 291</ref> ], a Hindu ''satguru'', is known to have had a family, and ] also had children. Satguru Kabir had a son, Kamal, who was very devout.<ref>''Meher Prabhu'', Bhau Kalchuri, Manifestation, Inc. 1986. p. 92 - Footnote 1</ref>


== Sikhism ==
⚫ In ] and ], the living ''satguru'' is considered the path to God-realization.<ref>Lewis, James R. ''Seeking the Light'', p.62. Mandeville Press, {{ISBN|0-914829-42-4}}</ref>
⚫ In ], ], defines ''satguru'' as truth itself and not a physical entity. This truth emanates from reality and requires no blind faith. In the ] he writes "''], satguru prasad''", which means "there is one creator, by the grace of God". The ] (student) learns from reality as presented by the creator. Truth (''sat'') itself is the teacher (guru).


⚫ The recommendation says that the first and the foremost qualification of the ''satguru'' is that he must have known the True Lord (]) himself.<ref>]: 286</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date= |title=Satguru |url=https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/4993/satguru}}</ref>
⚫ ] equated worship of the ''satguru'' with worship of God: "Consciously or unconsciously, directly or indirectly, each and every creature, each and every human being — in one form or the other — strives to assert individuality. But when eventually man consciously experiences that he is Infinite, Eternal and Indivisible, then he is fully conscious of his individuality as God, and as such experiences Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Power and Infinite Bliss. Thus Man becomes God, and is recognized as a ], Satguru, or ]. To worship this Man is to worship God."<ref>] (2000). {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927073028/http://www.ambppct.org/meherbaba/Book_Files/POL.pdf |date=2011-09-27 }}. Myrtle Beach: Sheriar Foundation. pp. 28–29. {{ISBN|1-880619-23-7}}.</ref>


== Syncretic traditions ==
{{anchor|Satsang}}
] equated worship of the ''satguru'' with worship of God:
⚫ Satsang is an audience with a ''satguru'' for religious instruction.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Seven Days of Nectar: Contemporary Oral Performance of the Bhāgavatapurāṇa|last=Taylor|first=McComas|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2016|isbn=9780190611910|location=Oxford|pages=187}}</ref>
⚫ {{Blockquote|Consciously or unconsciously, directly or indirectly, each and every creature, each and every human being — in one form or the other — strives to assert individuality. But when eventually man consciously experiences that he is Infinite, Eternal and Indivisible, then he is fully conscious of his individuality as God, and as such experiences Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Power and Infinite Bliss. Thus Man becomes God, and is recognized as a ], Satguru, or ]. To worship this Man is to worship God.{{sfnp|Meher Baba|2000|pp=28–29}}}}


According to ], a ''satguru'' must maintain ]:
According to ]: {{quote|It is very difficult to define and identify someone as a satguru. In the language of the scriptures, whom can you call a satguru? Sat is the Atma (the Soul, the Self); so, whoever has attained the Soul, that guru is a satguru! Therefore, an 'Atmagnani (knower of the Soul, Self-realized) can be called a satguru, for he has experienced the Self. Not all gurus have Atma Gnan. So, the one who continuously remains as the eternal element - the Self - is a satguru! The Gnani Purush is a satguru.<ref name="Satguru">{{cite web|url=https://www.dadabhagwan.org/path-to-happiness/relationship/guru-disciple-relationship/who-is-a-satguru/ |title=Who Is a Satguru?}}</ref>}} {{Blockquote|It is very difficult to define and identify someone as a satguru. In the language of the scriptures, whom can you call a satguru? Sat is the Atma (the Soul, the Self); so, whoever has attained the Soul, that guru is a satguru! Therefore, an 'Atmagnani (knower of the Soul, Self-realized) can be called a satguru, for he has experienced the Self. Not all gurus have Atma Gnan. So, the one who continuously remains as the eternal element - the Self - is a satguru! The Gnani Purush is a satguru.<ref name="Satguru">{{Cite web |title=Who Is a Satguru? |url=https://www.dadabhagwan.org/path-to-happiness/relationship/guru-disciple-relationship/who-is-a-satguru/}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2022}}}}


==See also== == Satsang ==
A ''satsang'' is an audience with a ''satguru'' for religious instruction.{{sfnp|Taylor|2016|p=187}} The name ''satsang'' is a Sanskrit word that means "gathering together for the truth" or, more simply, "being with the truth". Truth is what is real, what exists.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Satsang |url=https://endless-satsang.com/about-satsang |access-date=2021-03-04 |website=endless-satsang.com}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=September 2022}}
* ]

* ]
== See also ==
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]


==References== == References ==
{{Reflist}}
⚫ {{reflist}}{{Sant Mat}}

=== Works cited ===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book |title=Songs of Kabir |title-link=Songs of Kabir |publisher=The Macmillan Company |year=1915 |location=New York |last=Tagore |first=Rabindranath |author-link=Rabindranath Tagore}}
* {{Cite book |last=Kalacuri |first=Bhau |title=Meher Prabhu: the biography of Avatar Meher Baba |year=1986 |publisher=Manifestation |location=North Myrtle Beach, SC}}
* {{Cite book |last=Lewis |first=James R. |title=Seeking the light: uncovering the truth about the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness and its founder John-Roger |publisher=Mandeville Press |year=1998 |isbn=0-914829-42-4 |location=Los Angeles, CA |oclc=46383119}}
* {{Cite book |last=Meher Baba |title=God Speaks |publisher=PUB Dodd Meade |year=1955 |edition=2nd |author-link=Meher Baba}}
* {{Cite book |last=Meher Baba |url=http://www.ambppct.org/meherbaba/Book_Files/POL.pdf |title=The Path of Love |publisher=Sheriar Foundation |year=2000 |isbn=1-880619-23-7 |location=North Myrtle Beach, SC |oclc=972708944 |author-link=Meher Baba |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927073028/http://www.ambppct.org/meherbaba/Book_Files/POL.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2011}}
* {{Cite book |last=Subramuniyaswami |first=Sivaya |title=Living with Siva: Hinduism's contemporary culture |publisher=Himalayan Academy |year=2001 |isbn=0-945497-98-9 |edition=2nd |location=India |oclc=49558385 |author-link=Sivaya Subramuniyaswami}}
⚫ * {{Cite book |last=Taylor |first=McComas |title=Seven Days of Nectar: Contemporary Oral Performance of the Bhāgavatapurāṇa |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2016 |isbn=9780190611910 |location=Oxford |pages=187}}
* {{Cite book |last=Tirtha |first=Swami Shankar Purushottam |title=Yoga Vani: Instructions for the Attainment of Siddhayoga |publisher=Sat Yuga Press |year=1992 |location=New York |pages=27}}
{{Refend}}

{{Hindudharma}}
⚫ {{Sant Mat}}
{{Sikhism}}


] ]
]

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Satguru (Sanskrit: सत्गुरु), or sadguru (Sanskrit: सद्गुरु), means a "true guru" in Sanskrit. The term is distinguished from other forms of gurus, such as musical instructors, scriptural teachers, parents, and so on. A satguru has some special characteristics that are not found in any other types of spiritual guru. Satguru is a title given specifically only to an enlightened rishi or sant whose life's purpose is to guide the initiated shishya on the spiritual path, the summation of which is the realization of the Self through realization of God.

Hinduism

According to Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, a Hindu satguru is always a sannyasin, an unmarried renunciate, but not all writers include this stricture. Tukaram, a Hindu satguru, is known to have had a family. Satguru Kabir had a son, Kamal, who was very devout.

The words sant and satguru were prominently used in the spiritual ideology of Kabir in the 15th century. Kabir says "satpurush ko jansi, Tiska satguru naam", meaning the one who has seen the supreme lord of truth (satya purush) is satguru. Kabir wrote "Devi dewal jagat mein, kotik poojey koye. Satguru ki pooja kiye, sabb ki pooja hoye", meaning that worship of satguru includes in it worship of all deities. In other words, satguru is the physical form of God (sat purusha).

In one of Kabir's songs the satguru is described as the real sadhu:

He is the real Sadhu, who can reveal the form of the Formless to the vision of these eyes;
Who teaches the simple way of attaining Him, that is other than rites or ceremonies;
Who does not make you close the doors, and hold the breath, and renounce the world;
Who makes you perceive the Supreme Spirit wherever the mind attaches itself;
Who teaches you to be still in the midst of all your activities.
Ever immersed in bliss, having no fear in his mind, he keeps the spirit of union in the midst of all enjoyments.
The infinite dwelling of the Infinite Being is everywhere: in earth, water, sky, and air;
Firm as the thunderbolt, the seat of the seeker is established above the void.
He who is within is without: I see Him and none else.

Vasishtha, Rama's guru, was the satguru in the Treta Yuga. Swami Shankar Purushottam Tirtha quoted the Yoga Vasistha regarding the "real preceptor" (satguru):

A real preceptor is one who can produce blissful sensation in the body of the disciple by their sight, touch, or instructions.

In Sant Mat and Advait Mat, the living satguru is considered the path to God-realization.

Sikhism

In Sikh philosophy, Nanak, defines satguru as truth itself and not a physical entity. This truth emanates from reality and requires no blind faith. In the Japji Sahib he writes "Ek onkar, satguru prasad", which means "there is one creator, by the grace of God". The Sikh (student) learns from reality as presented by the creator. Truth (sat) itself is the teacher (guru).

The recommendation says that the first and the foremost qualification of the satguru is that he must have known the True Lord (God) himself.

Syncretic traditions

Meher Baba equated worship of the satguru with worship of God:

Consciously or unconsciously, directly or indirectly, each and every creature, each and every human being — in one form or the other — strives to assert individuality. But when eventually man consciously experiences that he is Infinite, Eternal and Indivisible, then he is fully conscious of his individuality as God, and as such experiences Infinite Knowledge, Infinite Power and Infinite Bliss. Thus Man becomes God, and is recognized as a Perfect Master, Satguru, or Kutub. To worship this Man is to worship God.

According to Dada Bhagwan, a satguru must maintain self-knowledge:

It is very difficult to define and identify someone as a satguru. In the language of the scriptures, whom can you call a satguru? Sat is the Atma (the Soul, the Self); so, whoever has attained the Soul, that guru is a satguru! Therefore, an 'Atmagnani (knower of the Soul, Self-realized) can be called a satguru, for he has experienced the Self. Not all gurus have Atma Gnan. So, the one who continuously remains as the eternal element - the Self - is a satguru! The Gnani Purush is a satguru.

Satsang

A satsang is an audience with a satguru for religious instruction. The name satsang is a Sanskrit word that means "gathering together for the truth" or, more simply, "being with the truth". Truth is what is real, what exists.

See also

References

  1. Subramuniyaswami (2001), glossary.
  2. Meher Baba (1955), pp. 150, 158, 196, 291.
  3. Kalacuri (1986), p. 92, Footnote 1.
  4. Kabir Sagara
  5. Kabir Sagara
  6. Tagore (1915), LVI, I. 68.
  7. Tirtha (1992), p. 27.
  8. Lewis (1998), p. 62.
  9. Adi Granth: 286
  10. "Satguru".
  11. Meher Baba (2000), pp. 28–29.
  12. "Who Is a Satguru?".
  13. Taylor (2016), p. 187.
  14. "About Satsang". endless-satsang.com. Retrieved 4 March 2021.

Works cited

  • Tagore, Rabindranath (1915). Songs of Kabir. New York: The Macmillan Company.
  • Kalacuri, Bhau (1986). Meher Prabhu: the biography of Avatar Meher Baba. North Myrtle Beach, SC: Manifestation.
  • Lewis, James R. (1998). Seeking the light: uncovering the truth about the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness and its founder John-Roger. Los Angeles, CA: Mandeville Press. ISBN 0-914829-42-4. OCLC 46383119.
  • Meher Baba (1955). God Speaks (2nd ed.). PUB Dodd Meade.
  • Meher Baba (2000). The Path of Love (PDF). North Myrtle Beach, SC: Sheriar Foundation. ISBN 1-880619-23-7. OCLC 972708944. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 September 2011.
  • Subramuniyaswami, Sivaya (2001). Living with Siva: Hinduism's contemporary culture (2nd ed.). India: Himalayan Academy. ISBN 0-945497-98-9. OCLC 49558385.
  • Taylor, McComas (2016). Seven Days of Nectar: Contemporary Oral Performance of the Bhāgavatapurāṇa. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 187. ISBN 9780190611910.
  • Tirtha, Swami Shankar Purushottam (1992). Yoga Vani: Instructions for the Attainment of Siddhayoga. New York: Sat Yuga Press. p. 27.
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