Importance of a Guru

Sri Lakshmana Swamy

Q: You say that Arunachala is the Self. Ramana Maharshi speaks of it as his Guru. It is not a living guru but through its grace alone Ramana Maharshi realized the Self.

LS: Ramana Maharshi was one of those rare exceptions who realized Self through the inner guru alone. Devotees who are not as advanced as he was cannot hope to succeed without a living guru.

Q: Is not the power that comes from Arunachala the same as the power that comes from the human guru?

LS: Yes, it is the same power, but only the human guru is able to use this power to bring about the final destruction of the ego. 

Q: If Arunachala alone cannot do this, what is the point in staying here (at Arunachala)?

LS: Staying here is very beneficial. The power that is flowing from Arunachala stills and purifies the mind. Devotees who live and meditate here will make good progress. The grace of Arunachala can take one to the final state of sadhana,which is the effortless thought-free state, but for the final destruction of the ego a human guru is required.