The greatness of the Guru is that he reveals to us our own true nature – the Infinite and Eternal Self; this directly realised Knowledge makes us complete. He is the One who removes the cataract of ignorance from our eyes and opens them to the Truth. He burns the bondage of karmas acquired over countless lifetimes by the fire of Self-knowledge and liberates us forever. He is capable of bestowing worldly prosperity as well as Liberation. Such a Guru needs and demands nothing. Other than namaskar, there is nothing we can give to the Teacher. He does not wait to receive anything in return, not even gratitude or appreciation. He desires nothing; for he is totally self-content and fulfilled, satisfied in the Self by the Self.

This is the greatest glory of the Teacher who constantly revels in his own splendour. He does not depend upon the world for satisfaction, contentment or joy; there is nothing for him to gain. He has attained the supreme goal of human birth.

An ocean of compassion – dayasindhu he is totally fulfilled he does not need to act. Infinite compassion prompts him to share Knowledge with others so that they too may be liberated, fulfilled and complete.

Bhagawan Shankaracharya was a Man of Enlightenment, the abode of the Vedas, smritis and puranas but he was also an abode of compassion.

Out of his immense kind-heartedness, he says, “I am Brahman, but You too are Brahman but you are not aware of it.”

He does not order his students. In Sanyasa Diksha when the Guru initiates his disciples in the order of renunciation, he states, “You are totally free; even I cannot give you an order or command. You are under no obligation.” However, the beauty of this Knowledge is that a true disciple will always reply, “I may be free, but I will do whatever you say”.

Many saints, sages and devotees have attempted to describe without success. the glory of the Guru. Blessed are those who have had the great good fortune, saubhagya, to be with such noble Mahatmas. I have seen this Truth personified in the form of Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda

.