Introduction
Importance of Guru is supreme, Guru is none other than God personified. It is said that God cannot come to earth and give his vision to everyone that’s why he sends Guru in our lives who leads us to God and Godhead through the path of spirituality and discrimination. In end in the last stage, Guru meets with God. Guru and God are one and they are never different.
Introduction to Text
Wikipedia Says Guru Gita [1] (Song of the Guru) is a Hindu scripture that is said to have been authored by the sage, Vyasa [2]. The verses of this scripture may also be chanted [3]. The text is believed to be part of the larger Skanda Purana [4]. There are several versions of Guru Gita, varying from around 100 to over 400 verses. Another view is that Guru Gita is part of Viswasara Tantra [5].
The text of Guru Gita describes a conversation between the Hindu God, Lord Shiva and his wife, the Hindu Goddess Parvati [6], in which she asks him to teach her about the Guru and liberation. Shiva answers her by describing the Guru principle, the proper ways of worshipping the Guru and the methods and benefits of repeating Guru Gita. The text also gives the etymology of the word Guru, where the root gu stands for darkness, while the root ru stands for light. The term Guru is therefore explained as the remover of darkness, who reveals the light of the heart.
Footnotes on above Introduction by Shubham Alock
- Geet literally means a song, Gita is a male form of the same word. In my humble opinion when Gita is attached to any scripture it means “An easy form of knowledge which was compiled by singing and to be learned by everyone. Hence, essential knowledge”. Let me explain this. In Vedic times books were not written students were supposed to memorise complete texts. However, not everyone had same intellectual level. For those of normal intellect were sent to Guru’s home and Guru taught them Dharma Shastra [Code of Conduct] and their education was complete. Those of high intellect were taught other things after their normal teaching of Dharma Shastra. This special teaching included things such as Veda’s and Puranas etc. Now there was some very important knowledge which was of the calibre of Advanced students only but was to be taught to Normal Students too. All these teachings were compiled in poetical hymns and they became what we today know as Gita [There are different Gita like Bhagwat Gita, Guru Gita, Ganesha Gita, Avadhut Gita etc]. See for example Vedanta teaches us about the supremacy of Atma and establishes it’s oneness with God. The same thing is said in Bhagwad Gita but in a simple manner where Shri Krishna Says all Gods are me hence only meditate on me and leave all differentiations arising in your mind. Bhagwad Gita also teaches Karma yoga, Gyan Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Rajyoga in such simple manner which is difficult to be understood from Veda’s and Upanishad’s by common people. Hence Gita not only means Song of God but it also means divine and essential knowledge which must not be missed at any cost
- Vyasa, There have been many Vyasa’s. Which Vyasa compiled this is difficult to say. However, mail work of any Vayasa is to compile and segregate knowledge for easy learning of common people. Like it is said that Vedas’s have all the knowledge which is commented in Upanishad’s but Veda and Upanishad both are very difficult to be understood by men of normal intellect. Hence those teachings are composed in Purana’s in a normal language in form of stories and simple examples. Vyasa compiled all 18 Vedas.
- Any Vedic Scripture be it Gita or Ramayana can be chanted and they give miraculous results. In local Hindu literature, there are many things like “Siddha Ramayana Mantra” [Proven Mantra from Ramayana]. It gives mantras from Shri Ramcharit Manas written by Goswami Tulasidas. Hindu people chant them like a mantra and see their effects. But how they work, we know Ramcharit Manas is not a mantra book. But still it works, How? It works when we understand the meaning of the Given Chaupai [A style of writing in Hindi, Which contains four lines where last letters of the last word of 2nd and 4th lines are the same sounding; like A and Aa]. Take for example a mantra for having learning/knowledge “गुरु गृह पढ़न गए रघुराईI अल्प काल विद्या सब आईII This literally means that “Rama goes to Guru’s home [Ashrama] for learning and learns complete knowledge in Short time [as compared to other normal people]. This highlights the intellect of Rama If you keep on repeating this mantra nothing will happen. You need to visualise it, You need to visualise in heart about Shri Rama and his learning capacities as given in this shloka and then you need to realise that Shri Rama lives in your heart and because he and you are same hence you also can learn everything in a short time. This realization [Known in modern times as self-motivation, self-esteem or confidence works miracles. Those who want to know more on this topic are advised to read “Think and Grow Rich” By Napoleon Hill a Bestseller Book which I have read more than 15 times.] gives you the power and the ability. The same funda works for Mantra. Until and unless you realise that the Mantra and You are same you are not going to receive the effects, Will write on Mantra some other time. The same goes for Guru Gita. If one chant it’s mantra then he is bound to constantly think of the Verse which in turn open the pandora box of knowledge in front of the person which ultimately will transform the person into question. However, in my opinion, these mantras [Not Vedic Mantra’s] should be translated into the language of the person if one really want to see the results.
- Skanda is a name for Lord Kartikeya, Skanda Purana deals with many matters from significance and importance of Kashi [Varanasi/Benaras] to the story about Shiva and Sati. Such an extensive text dealing with this indicates it’s importance in Shaiva Tradition. Shiva is considered the supreme Guru in almost all Hindu Traditions. His Guru form is called Dakshinamurthy [Whose image is cover image of this article]. Daksinamurhty gave knowledge to Sages. Being a Veda it also poses emphasis on the importance of Guru in Vedic Texts such as Vedas and Upanishad’s whose commentary and explanation is Purana’s.
- Viswasara Tantra is a Tantra text, this indicates importance to Guru in Tantric Tradition. Without Guru one cannot and should not enter the path of Tantra. Tantra literally means functioning. In the sense we know engineering today Tantra is the same form of Vedic Knowledge. Tantra gives us the mechanism for things. Scriptures say us to leave sexual attraction, but how are we to do this. It is easily said than done. Tantra gives us the way in form of Kumari Pujana where one worships [Mind it is worshipping not what scoundrels do in name of Tantra] a young girl. By doing this ones sexuality is purified and he need not suppress it now. Suppression is always bad. This way we come to know that Tantra gives us the practical part to what Veda’s and Upanishad’s teach but in the process it may sometimes differ with Purana’s but that is not an issue because the main motive is to practise the knowledge of Veda’s only which propounds Sanatana Dharma [The eternal religion].
- Shiva is the supreme Guru and Maa Parvati is his eternal consort. For a woman, her first and ultimate Guru is her husband. Without her husband’s permission, she is not advised to have any other Guru. Because Parvati is the wife of Shiva he is her Husband and Guru and hence she imparts her with wisdom [Eternal Knowledge].
The Text
श्री गुरु गीता
अथ प्रथमोअध्यायः
Now first chapter
अचिन्त्याव्यक्तरूपाय निर्गुणाय गुणात्मनेI
समस्त जगदाधारमूर्तये ब्रह्मणे नमःII१II
The Brahma [Supreme Soul] that is Achintya [beyond comprehension], Vyakt Roopay [But shows his form, To those who perform austerities to know him], Nirgunay [Without any Guna, He have all Guna’s but never gets affected by them. To know more on this read my Article on Srsti and Avatar] Gunatmane [But also have Guna – Explained in the previous comment]. Who is the basis of [creator of] this complete world [Earth including every planet and milky way etc], salutations to him.
सूत सूत महाप्राज्ञ निगमागमपारगः I
गुरुस्वरूप् मास्माकं ब्रूहि सर्वमलापहमII२II
Soot [Name of a Vedic Sage] Soot [Repeated twice to indicate calling him in hurry] the one endowed with the learning of all things and well versed in Nigam [Vedic rituals] and Aagam [Tantric rituals]. Tell me the Swaroop [Form, Nature] of the Guru which purifies all kinds of Mal [Imperfection, Impurities]
यस्य स्रवनमात्रेण देहि दुखादिमुच्यतेI
यत्प्राप्य मार्गेन मुनयः सर्वज्ञत्वं प्रपोदिरेII३II
Whose listening only [Of nature of Guru] gives one freedom from misery. O sage you have found that path and you know everything please establish that path for us [Tell us about Guru, Establish is the literal translation of प्रपोदिरे]
यत्प्राप्य न पुनर्याति नरः संसारबन्धनम्I
तथाविधं परं तत्त्वं व्यक्तव्यमधुना त्वयाII४II
Knowing which knowledge man gets liberated from the bondage of this world. Please tell us that method and that element [Tattwa means an element in sense of basic building blocks, here means basic building blocks of how to worship Guru, how to know him and contemplate on him]
गुह्यादगुह्यतमं सारं गुरुगीता विशेषतः I
त्वतप्रसादाच्च श्रोतव्या तत्सर्व ब्रूहि सूत नःII५II
The knowledge that is hidden into hidden knowledge [That means extremely secret] known as Guru Geeta specially [specifically] please tell us essence of that. By your grace we will listen to it, please tell us that O Soota [Name of Sage]
इति संप्राथितः सूतो मुनिसंघैमुहुर्मुहुःI
कुतुहलेन महता प्रोवाच मधुरं वचःII६II
Being requested like this continuously by sages, Sage Soota said compassionately to other sages.
सूत उवाच
श्रुणुध्वं मुनयः सर्वे श्रद्धया परया मुदाI
वदामि भवरोगघनीं गीता मात्रस्वरूपिणीमII७II
Listen sages with complete faith and happiness now I am telling Geeta who is like mother [Nourishes] and who removes diseases known as this world [miseries of this world]
पुरा कैलाशशिखरे सिद्धगन्धर्वसेवितेI
तत्र कल्पलतापुष्पमान्दिरेअत्यन्तसुन्दरेII८II
In earlier times worshipped by Siddha’s [Accomplished men in knowledge, here Spiritual knowledge] and Gandharva [Celestical beings related with playing music, here in sense of singing glories]. There seated under a temple [Natural formations in forests] made of stems [of trees] and flowers, Very beautiful [This word can be for the God Shiva about whom this verse is talking which seems more appropriate rather than being about the formation]
व्याघ्रजिने समासिनं शुकादिमुनिवन्दितंI
बोधयन्तं परं तत्त्वं मध्येमुनिगणंक्वचित्II९II
Seated on skin of tiger [In earlier times skin of animals such as tigers and others were used to sit over and sitting over them and chanting mantra was considered very potent and auspicious], being praised by Sages like Suka [Face resembling a Parrot indicates he remembers everything being told to him]. [He who unites, Shiva unites] supreme tattwa [Basic element of the building, mainly employed in sense of saying one who knows very finer principles of creation which ultimately is spirituality]. He is seated between different Sages. [See the cover image of the Article. Shiva is in between and Suka Maharaj is left to him].
प्रणम्रवदना शस्वन्नमस्कूवन्तमादरातI
दृष्ट्वा विस्मयमापन्ना पार्वति परिपृच्छतिII१०II
These sages were constantly bowing their heads to Shiva [offering salutations] noticing this Parvati [Life of Lord Shiva] in amazement asked Shiva
पार्वत्युवाच
ॐ नमो देव देवेश परात्पर जगद्गुरो I
त्वां नमस्कुर्वन्ते भक्त्या सुरासुरनराः सदाII११II
Om [Primoridial sound used to give an idea about the presence of the Supreme Godhead who is everywhere omnipotent and omnipresent] salutations to Deva [One following Sun – Knowledge] King of Deva’s [Supreme being those following knowledge of the truth – Deva] all pervading teacher of this world. I am saluting you whose devotees are all three beings namely Men [Those who try to follow Sun; Read Sun as Knowledge and Dharma], Sur [Those who follow Sun] and Asur [Those who oppose Sun] They always worship Shiva.
विधिविष्णुमहेन्द्राधौवन्ध्ः खलु सदा भवानI
नमस्करोषि कस्मे त्वं नमस्काराश्रयः किलःII१२II
You are worthy of obedience like Brahma [Creator God] Vishnu [God of Sustenance] and Indra [God of power] [Like they are worshipped you also must be worshipped. You are such praiseworthy [So able to be saluted by eveyone] but who you salute/worship/think of
भगवन सर्वधर्मज्ञ व्रतानां व्रतनायकम्I
ब्रुहि मे कृपया शम्भो गुरुमहात्म्यमुत्तममII१३II
Oh, Bhagwan [Bhagwaan – endowed with grandeur and fame] knower of all Dharma [Personlised right path] Knower of all Vratas [Austerities] lord of all austerities [for pleasing whom austerities are done]. Please tell me Shambhu [Another name of Shiva] The greatness of Guru which is best amongst best [things to be known]
इति संप्रथिर्तः शस्वन्महादेवो महेश्वरः I
आनन्दभरितः स्वान्ते पार्वतिमिदमब्रवीतII१४II
Like this being constantly told by Parvati, Shiva fill of Anand [Bliss] told like this
महादेव उवाच
न व्यक्त्व्यमिदं देवी रहस्यातिरहस्यकमI
न कस्यापि पुरा प्रोक्तं तवत्भक्त्यर्थं वदामि तत्II१५II
Don’t tell this to anyone O Devi [Female form of Deva – The one who follows Sun], This is secret of the secret [extreme secret]. I never told this to anyone but because of your devotion, I am telling this to you.
मम रूपासि देवि त्वमतस्तत्कथयामि तेI
लोकोपकारकः प्रश्नो न केनापि कृतः पुराII१६II
Oh, Devi, you are my Roop [One with me, knows all of my knowledge, half part of me. In Hindu traditions wife is called Ardhangini which means the one who forms half part of the body indicating sharing and authority of wife over everything ruled and possessed by a person] only for that reason [Because you are my half – one with me] I am telling this to you. This question of yours is for the welfare of the complete world, none have asked this before.
यस्य देवे परा भक्ति यथा देवे तथा गुरौ I
तस्यैते कथिता ह्यर्थाः प्रकाशन्ते महात्मनःII १७II
One who has the best/highest devotion to God [Highest devotion to God is when you realise your eternal oneness with him], and same highest devotion to God in his Guru. Only those great soul can understand what I am going to tell you.
यो गुरु स शिव प्रोक्तो यः शिवः स गुरुस्मृतःI
विकल्पं यस्तु कुर्वीत स नरो गुरुतल्पगः II१८II
Guru is Shiva [Eternal being] and Shiva is Guru, the one who differentiates between them is a sinner like one indulging in satisfying carnal desires with his Guru’s wife [Most condemned sin one can commit in hinduism]
वेदशास्त्रपुराणानि चेतिहासादिकानि चI
मन्त्रयन्त्रविद्यादिनिमोहनोच्चाटनादिकमII१९II
शैवशाक्तगमादिनि ह्यन्ये च बहवो मताःI
अप्भ्रन्षा समस्तानां जीवनाम् भ्रान्तचेतसामII२०II
जपस्त्पोव्रतं तीर्थं यज्ञो दानं तथैव चI
गुरु तत्त्वम् अविज्ञाय सर्वं व्यर्थं भवेत् प्रियेII२१II
Veda, Shastra, Purana, History etc. Mantra, Yantra, Knowledge, the power to control people, creating disgust between people etc. Shaiva and Shakta Tantra tell different ideologies. All these are fragmented knowledge [from a large source] and confuses people. Japa, Strotra, Teertha, Donations etc are all futile [Of no usse] if one does not know about Guru
{Veda’s are the source or eternal knowledge, Shastra means other books of knowledge in Hinduism such as Purana’s which comments to teachings of Vedas and Purana’s which explains knowledge of Veda’s by examples and stories.
The mantra is a science of divine syllables, Yantra is the science of divine paintings.
The power to control people, creating disgust between people, killing people, stopping someone from moving are accomplishments that one gets from practising Tantra seriously.
Shiva is a religious philosophy which puts Shiva at supreme whereas Shakta is a religious philosophy which considers Mother Goddess as the supreme being. }
गुरुबुध्यात्यमनो नान्यत सत्यं सत्यं वरानने I
तल्लभार्थं प्रयत्नस्तु कर्त्तवयश्च मनीषिभिःII२२II
In this world nothing is true except the knowledge of Guru, it is the duty of all human beings to work in direction of its achievement [Work in the direction to achieve the proper understanding of Guru]
गूढाविद्या जगन्माया देहशचाज्ञानसंभवःI
विज्ञानं यत्प्रसादेन गुरुशब्देन कथ्यतेII२३II
The secret knowledge that this body is made of abstruse Maya [illusion], that secret knowledge is only possible to be achieved by the Prasada [Offerings of knowledge] by Guru’s words
देहि ब्रह्म भवेधस्मात तवत्कृपार्थंवदामि तत्I
सर्वपापविशुद्धआत्मा श्रीगुरो पादसेवनात II२४II
By his blessings one gets to know Brahma [Supreme Soul], One becomes pure of all sins by serving his Guru’s feet
शोषणं पापपङ्कस्य दीपनं ज्ञानतेजसःI
गुरोः पादोदकं सम्यक संसार्णावतारकंII२५II
The Padodaka [A wearable made of wood worn by ascetics] of Guru is able to free one from all sufferings of this world, it is enough to rectify the mud of bad deeds and enlighten the lamp of knowledge
अज्ञानमूलहरणं जन्मकर्मनिवारकंI
ज्ञानवैराग्यसिद्ध्यर्थं गुरुपादोदकं पिबेत्II२६II
The one who sips the water falling down from Guru’s sandal’s his Gyana [Knowledge] Vairagya [Reuniciation] is accomplished and the root of ignorance is destroyed [From his intellect] and all his Karma’s [Which causes sufferings] are rectified
स्वदेशिकस्यैव च नामकीर्तनंI
भवेदनन्तस्यशिवस्य कीर्तनंII२७II
स्वदेशिकस्यैव चनामचिन्तनंI
भवेदनन्तस्यशिवस्य नामचिन्तनंII२८II
Thinking of Guru’s name is equal to thinking on the name of Shiva [The supreme god is the sense here]
काशीक्षेत्रं निवासन्च जहान्वि चरणोदकमI
गुरुविश्वेस्वरः साक्षात तारकं ब्रह्मनिश्चयःII२९II
Where Guru lives is the place scared as Kashi [Holiest place of Hindus] Where guru put’s his feet is the place from where Jhanvi/Ganga flows [Most sacred rivers of the Hindu’s]. Guru is Vishweshawara personified [The form of Shiva worshipped in Kashi – Purest form of Shiva capable of giving Moksha] Guru himself is Taraka Brahma Mantra [Which is uttered in ears of a soul only after that soul attains salvation – Taraka Brahma Mantra for this Kaliyuga is हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरेI हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरेII]
गुरुसेवा गया प्रोक्ता देहः स्यादक्षयो वटः I
तत्पादं विष्णुपादं स्यात् तत्रदत्तमनस्ततंII३०II
Serving Guru is like Gaya [Where Hindus perform last rites of their ancestor, one of the holiest places], Guru’s body is like Banyan Tree which is eternal [Will never die – Banyan tree is considered sacred by Hindu’s] One thinking of Guru becomes one with Guru
गुरुवक्र्त्रे स्थितं ब्रह्म प्राप्यते तत्प्रसादतः I
गुरोध्यानं सदा कुर्यात पुरुषं स्वैरिणी यथाII ३१II
In the mouth of Guru Brahma [The god of creation] is seated who is achieved by his blessings [One knows the essence of his birth/spirituality]. One should always think of his Guru like a unwholesome women thinks of her lover
स्वाश्रमं च स्वजातिम् च स्वकिर्ति पुष्टिवर्धनम्I
एतत्सर्वं परित्यज्य गुरुमेव समाश्रयेत II३२II
Leaving ones Ashrama [Phase of life he is residing in, They are four Bachelor-Married Man-middle aged and reuniciate; Vedic division of life into four parts] Ones caste [Based on Karma; One is either engaged in learning pursuits, pursuits of protecting his kinsmen; according to Indian thought everyone because for Indian’s whole world is their home वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम. Pursuit of Trade and Pursuit of Service] One’s achievements and one’s upbringings leaving all these one should take the shelter of his Guru
गुरुवक्त्रे स्थिता विद्या गुरुभक्त्या च लभ्यतेI
त्रैलोक्ये स्फुत्वक्तारो देवर्षिपित्रमानवाःII३३II
In the mouth of Guru wisdom is situated which is gained by service to Guru. This is known [and said] by all people living in all three worlds [Earth, Above earth and below earth] by all Gods, Sages, Manes and Human’s.
गुकारश्चान्धकारो हि रुकारस्तेज उच्यतेI
अज्ञानग्रासकं ब्रह्म गुरुरेव न संशयःII३४II
The word “Gu” means darkness and The word “Ru” means light. The divine light which destroys darkness is Guru there is no doubt in this
गुकारश्चान्धकारस्तु रुकारस्तन्न्निरोधकृतI
अन्धकारविनाशित्वात गुरुरित्यभिधीयतेII३५II
“Gu” is darkness and “Ru” is the one destroying it because he ends the darkness of ignorance he is called “GuRu”
गुकारश्च गुणातीतो रुपातीतो रुकारकः I
गुणरूपविहीनत्वात गुरुरित्यभिधीयतेII३६II
“Gu” is beyond Guna’s [Qualities] and “Ru” is beyond Roop [Form] because of this reason he is called GuRu
गुकारः प्रथमो वर्णो मायादि गुणभासकःI
रुकारोअस्ति परं ब्रह्म मायाभ्रान्तिविमोचकमII३७II
The first letter “Gu” indicates qualities like Maya [Illusion] and the word “Ru” is Brahma [Divine Knowledge] which destroys the illusion created by false representation.
सर्वश्रुतिशिरोरत्नविराजितपदांबुजमI
वेदान्ताथँ[प्रवक्तारं तस्मातसंपूज्येद गुरुमII३८II
Guru’s feet is shining by jewels of Shruti [Heard knowledge known to be eternal in hinduism] and he tells the meaning of Vedanta [Knowledge compiled in Veda’s; Veda is basically written accounts of eternal knowledge which is the basis of Sanatana Hindu Dharma]. That’s why one should worship his Guru
यस्यस्मरनमात्रेन ज्ञानमुत्पधते स्वयम्I
सः एव सर्वसंपत्तिः तस्मात्संपूजयेद गुरुमII३९II
Only by contemplating him knowledge starts revealing itself to the person. such as asset [Guru] must always be worshipped
संसारवृक्षमारुडाः पतन्ति नरकार्णवेI
यस्तानुद्धरते सर्वान तस्मै श्रिगुरुवे नमःII४०II
People climbing on tree of world falls in the sea of Naraka [Hell], Guru gives them freedom/salvation [from sea of Hell], Salutations to Guru
एक एव परो बन्धुविर्षमे समुपस्थिते I
गुरुः सकलधर्मात्मा तस्मे श्रिगुरुवे नमःII४१II
He is the only kinsmen who are always at your side in every uncomfortable situation. Guru is the embodiment of Dharma [Righeteousness] salutations to Guru
भवारण्यप्रवीस्टस्य दिडमोहभ्रान्तचेतसःI
येन सन्दर्शितः पन्थाः तस्मै श्रिगुरुवे नमःII४२II
After entering the forest of this world, one lost his ways lives in a delusion of the soul. Guru shows one the way [in that time] salutations to Guru
तापत्रयाग्नितप्तानां अशान्तप्राणिनां भुविI
गुरुरेव परा गन्गा तस्मै श्रिगुरुवे नमः II४३II
In this world burned by three tapas [adhi-vyadi-uphadhi; extremeties-diseases-honours] one becomes restless then only Guru gives him calmness of holy Ganges. Salutations to Guru
सप्तसागरपर्यन्तं तीर्थस्नानफलं तु यत्I
गुरुपादयोबिन्दोः सहस्त्रांशेन तत्फलंII४४II
If one bath in all Teertha’s [Teertaha is holy places of Hindus and bathing there is considered very auspicious with an assumption that with bath one will shed off his mental as well as physical malice and will emerge out pure] then the result he gets is one thousandth part of the result of drinking one drop of waters flowing from Guru’s feet.
शिवे रुष्टे गुरुस्त्राता गुरौ रुष्टे न कश्चनI
लभ्धवा कुलगुरुं सम्यगगुरुमेव समाश्रयेतII४५II
If Shiva [Supreme God] is angry, Guru can save one from his wrath but if Guru is angry then who will save a person. That’s why one should find a Guru and must live in his company
गुकारं च गुणातीतं रुकारं रूपवर्जितं I
गुणातीततमरूपं चयो दधात सगुरुः स्मृतःII४६II
The word “Gu” indicates ones beyond qualities and “Ru” indicates one beyond form. The one giving both these qualities is known as Guru
अतिनेत्रः शिवः साक्षात द्विबाहुस्च हरिः स्मृतःI
योऽचतुर्वदनो ब्रह्मा श्रीगुरुः कथितः प्रियेII४७II
Guru is Shiva with thousand eyes, Guru is Shri Hari [Vishnu] with two hands and Guru is Brahma with four faces. Guru-Brahma-Shiva and Vishnu are one.
देवकिन्नरगन्धर्वाः पित्रयक्षास्तु तुम्बुरुः I
मुनयोअपि न जानन्ति गुरुशुश्रूषणे विधिम्II४८II
Deva’s [Celestial Beings], Kinnara [Celestian people who have crossed the notion of Gender], Gandharva [Celestial Musicians], Pitra’s [Manes], Yaksha [Celestial Dancers] Tumburu [A kind of celestial musician], and sages even don’t know the correct method of serve Guru
तर्किकाशछान्दसाश्चैव देवगज्ञाः कर्मठः प्रियेI
लौकिकास्ते न जानन्ति गुरुतत्त्वम् निराकुलं II४९II
Tarkik [One indulged in logical thinking], Vaidik [One indulged in teachings of Veda’s], Jyotishi [Astrologers] Karmakandi [One performing Vedic rites given in Vedas and Puranas] and Laukikajana [Wordly people] don’t know the Guru element [Real nature of Guru – Tattwa is real nature of anything]
यज्ञिनोअपि न मुक्ताः स्युः न मुक्ताः योगिनस्तथाI
तपसा अपि नो मुक्त गुरुतत्त्वात्पराडमुखाःII५०II
If one is adverse towards Guru then one engaged in Yagya never gets salvation, Yogi never gets salvation and Tapasvi also never gets salvation. [It is said that one engaged in Yagya, One doing austerities [Tapa] and one engaged in meditation [Yogi] gets salvation but if they are adverse towards their Guru then they are denied for having Salvation]
न मुक्तास्तु गन्धर्वः पित्रयक्षास्तु चारणाःI
ऋषयः सिद्धदेवध्याः गुरुसेवापराडमुखाःII५१II
Celestial Musicians, Manes, Celestial Dancers, one worshipping foot of God, Sages, accomplished people, and God’s are also denied salvation if they don’t serve their Guru well.
इति श्री स्कन्दोत्तरखण्डे उमामहेश्वरसंवादे श्री गुरुगीतायां प्रथमोअध्यायः
Hence ends Guru Gita which is a dialogue between Shiva and Uma given in latter part of Skanda Purana
अथ द्वितियोअध्यायः
Now starts the Second Chapter
ब्रह्मानन्दं परमसुखदं केवलं ज्ञानमूर्तिंI
द्वन्दातीतम् गगन्शद्रिष्यं तत्त्वमस्यादिलक्ष्यंII५२II
एकं नित्यं विमलमचलं सर्वधीसाक्षीभूतमI
भावातीतं त्रिगुणरहितं सद्गुरुं तं नमामिII५३II
One who is like the happiness of creator [His happiness {deviod of misery} is like the creator who never loses his nature of happiness] who gives ultimate happiness, his nature is like knowledge [transcendence], he is free of duality, who is eternal like sky and all-pervading, who is the aim of words like “Tat-tvam-asi” [Essence of Veda’s], who is one, who is in everyone, who is free of vices, who is fixed in everyone, who watches all kind of intellect and ideas but never becomes affected by them, free of emotions, free of all Guna’s such as Sattva Rajas and Tamas, salutations to such [whose nature is this] Guru.
गुरुपादिस्टमार्गेन मनः शुद्दिः तु कारयेतI
अनित्यं खण्डयेत्सर्वं यत्किंचिदात्मगोचरम्II५४II
One must purify his mind with the way told by his Guru. Whatever perpetual things become enjoyment of senses must be thrown away. [perpetual means things that will end one day, things such as sex, taste etc comes in this category]
किमत्रं बहुनोक्तेन शास्त्रकोटि शतैरपिI
दुर्लभाचित्तविश्रान्तिः विना गुरुकृपा परामII५५II
What is the benefit of saying so much, without the divine grace of Guru it is not possible to have calmness of mind even after reading a hundred lacks Shastras
करुणाखड्गपातेन छित्वा पाषाष्टकं शिशोःI
सम्यगानन्दजनकः सद्गुरु सोअभिधीयतेII५६II
एवं श्रुत्वा महादेवि गुरुनिन्दा करोति यःI
स याति नरकान घोरान यावच्चन्द्रदिवाकरौII५७II
With the sword of compassion, the one who cuts all eight bondage [Doubt, Mercy, Fear, Hesitation, Condemnation, Prestige, Ego of one’s birth in high caste and Wealth/Assets] of his student and gives him bliss is known as Sadguru. Even after hearing this much if one condemn Guru then he rots in hell until Sun and Moonshine in the sky.
यावत्कल्पान्तको देहास्त्वादेवि गुरुं स्मरेतI
गुरुलोपो न कर्तव्यः स्वच्छन्दो यदि वा भवेतII५८II
Oh, goddess! one should worship his guru until the end of this creation and even after attaining enlightenment one should not leave the refuge of his Guru
हुन्कारेन न वक्तव्यं प्राज्ञशिष्ये कदाचनI
गुरुराग्रे न व्यक्तमसत्यं तु कदाचनII५९II
A prudent student must never speak words having I in front of his Guru [I did it, It was done by me etc.] and should never lie to his Guru
गुरु त्व्यंकृत्य हुन्कृत्य गुरुसन्निध्यभाषणःI
अरण्ये निर्जले देशे संभवेद ब्रह्म’राक्षसःII६०II
The one who uses the word I in front of his Guru or the one who calls his Guru with disrespect or with words like You [No equivalent translation in english] lives in a lifeless desert in form of Brahma Rakshasa [A demon aware of his oneness with God but unable to practise it]
अद्वैतं भावेन्नित्यं सर्वावस्थासु सर्वदाI
कदाचिदपि नो कुर्यादद्वैतं गुरुसन्निधौII६१II
One can practise duality with everything but one should never practise duality with his Guru. [One should never see himself and his Guru differently]
दृश्यविस्मृतिपर्यन्तं कुर्याद् गुरुपदाचँनम्I
तादृशस्यैव कैवल्यं न च तदव्यतिरेकिणःII६२II
Until one is free of delusion of this visible world one should worship feet of his Guru, the one who does this gets ultimate salvation and the one doing the opposite to this doesn’t get it [Salvation].
अपि संपुणँतत्त्वग्यो गुरुत्यागी भवेद्ददाI
भवेत्येव हि तस्यान्तकाले विपेक्षमुत्कटमII६३II
If one knowing all the tattvas abandons his Guru then at the time of death he suffers great deflection/madness.
गुरौ सति स्व्यम देवी परेषां तु कदाचनI
उपदेशं न वै कुर्यात तदा चेद्राक्षसो भवेतII६४II
Oh, Goddess! In front of Guru, one should not give discourses to anyone, the one doing this becomes Brahma Rakshasa
न गुरुराश्रमे कुर्यात दुष्पानं परि सर्प नमI
दीक्षा व्याख्या प्रभुत्वादि गुरोराज्ञा न कारयेतII६५II
One should not indulge in intoxications in Guru’s hermitage neither one should wander there, Initiating someone, be preaching something, be displaying authority and be ordering Guru is prohibited
नोपाश्रमं च पर्यकं न च पादप्रसारणंI
नान्गभोदादिकं कुर्यान्न लीलामपरामपिII६६II
One should not make his shelter or bed in Guru’s hermitage, one should not spread his legs in front of guru neither should one enjoy physical comforts their nor should one do other pastimes in Guru’s hermitage
गुरूणां सदसद्वापि यदुक्तं तन्न लङ्घयेतI
कुर्वन्नाज्ञां दिवारात्रौ दासवन्निवसेद गुरौII६७II
Either Guru tells truth or false one should disobey Guru’s words. One should remain obedient to Guru day and night and must like a servant with him
अदत्तं न गुरोद्रव्यमुपभुञ्जीत कहिचिर्तI
दत्तं च रन्कवद ग्राह्यं प्राणोप्येतेन लभ्यतेII६८II
Material not given by guru must not be used. any material given by Guru must be accepted as a beggar, anything given by Guru is so useful that one can even get his life [after that] from that material.
पादुकासनशय्यादि गुरुणा यदभिष्टितमI
नमस्कुर्वीत तत्सर्वं पादाभ्यां न स्पृशेत् क्वचित्II६९II
Footwear, Bed, Seat anything used by Guru must never be touched by feet, and one should worship all these materials [used by Guru]
गच्छतः पृष्टतो गच्छेत गुरुच्छाया न लङ्घयेतI
नोल्बणं धारयेद्वेषं नालं कारास्ततोल्बणानII७०II
While walking one should walk behind Guru, even one should not cross over his shadow. One should not wear ornaments, or precious attire before Guru
गुरुनिन्दाकरं दृष्टवा धावयेदथ वासयेतI
स्थानं वा तत्परित्याज्यं जिह्वाच्छेदाक्षमो यदिII७१II
If anyone is talking ill about then one must cut his tongue, if it is not possible then discard that person from the gathering if even this is not possible then one himself must leave the place
मुनिभिः पन्नगैवाँ सुरैवा शापितो यदिI
काल्मृत्युभयाद्वापि गुरुः संत्राति पार्वतिII७२II
Oh, Parvati! Guru can save his disciple from curses of Pannaga [A name of snake Vasuki] Sages and Gods, and from death before time.
विजानन्ति महावाक्यं गुरोश्चरणसेवयाI
ते वै संन्यसिनः प्रोक्ता इतरे वेषधारिणःII७२II
The one who understands “Mahavakya [Tat-Tvam-Asi essence of Veda’s] by serving their Guru’s feet are the real hermits; all others are just wearing clothes.
नित्यं ब्रह्म निराकारं निर्गुणं बोधयेत परम्I
भासयन ब्रह्मभावं च दीपो दीपान्तरं यथाII७३II
Guru is eternal, free of all qualities, without shape, like eternal creator gives knowledge [of creation] to everyone, in the same way, Guru gives the sense of oneness with the creator to his students like a lamp lights another lamp
गुरुप्रादतः स्वात्मन्यात्मारामानिरिक्षणातI
समता मुक्तिमर्गेन स्वात्मज्ञानं प्रवर्ततेII७४II
With Guru’s blessings, one finds bliss in himself and then with the path of equality and salvation the students get knowledge of the self [Identifying one’s nature with the creator of this world]
स्फटिके स्फाटिकं रूपं दर्पणे दर्पणो यथाI
तथात्मनि चिदाकारमानन्दं सोअहिमित्युतII७५II
Like one can see Sphatika Mani in Sphatika Mani [A crystal-like stone] and mirror in a mirror, in the same way, I am the one enjoying consciousness and soul.
अङ्गुष्ठमात्रं पुरुषं ध्यायेच्च चिन्मयं हृदिI
तत्र स्फुरति यो भावः श्रुणुः तत्कथयामि तेII७६II
One should meditate on a conscious man [creator] in his heart whose height is of a thumb; the emotion which rises there I will tell you
अजोअःममरोअहं ह्यनादिनिधनोह्यहमI
अविकारश्चिदानन्दो ह्यणियान महतो महानII७७II
I am never born, I am immortal, I am without beginning, I have no death, I am without any shape, I am always living in eternal bliss, I am smaller even than an atom and I am greater than the greatest.
अपूर्वमपरं नित्यं स्व्यम् ज्योतिनिरामयंI
विरजं परमाकाशं ध्रुवामनन्दमव्ययमII७८II
अगोचरं तथाअगम्यं नामरूपविवर्जितंI
निषब्दं तु विजनीयात्स्वाभावाद ब्रह्म पार्वतिII७९II
O, Parvati! Brahma [creator] is to be understood as the one before whom none existed, unparallel, everlasting, in the form of light, disease free, immaculate, like the eternal sky, invariable, of the nature of bliss, indestructible, impassable, inconspicuous, without any name and form and without any words.
यथा गन्धस्वभावत्वं कर्पूरकुसुमदिषुI
शीतोष्नस्वभावत्वं तथा ब्रह्मणि शाश्वतंII८०II
Like there is a fragrance in camphor and flowers, heat in fire, coldness in water, is natural. In the same way, sempiternal is nature of Brahm [Creator]
यथा निजस्वभावेन कुण्डलकटकादयःI
सुवर्नत्वेन तिष्ठन्ति तथाहं ब्रह्म शाश्वतंII८१II
Like armour and ornaments are gold by their nature, in the same way, I am eternal Brahm [Creator] by nature.
स्व्यम् तथाविधो भूत्वा स्थातव्यं यत्रकुत्रचितI
कीटो भृन्ग इव ध्यानात यथा भवति तादृशःII८२II
Being like thee but not residing anywhere, Like insect thinking of bee becomes bee one day in the same manner, one thinking on Brahm [Eternal creator] becomes one with him
गुरोध्यानेनैव नित्यं देहि ब्रह्ममयो भवेतI
स्थितश्च यत्रकुत्रापि मुक्तोअसौ नात्र संशयःII८३II
By always meditating on his Guru one becomes one with Brahm, He can live in any place but he is free [Salvated], there is no doubt in this
ज्ञानं वैराग्यमैश्वयं यसः श्री समुदाहृतंI
षडगुणैश्वयैयुक्तो हि भगवान श्री गुरुः प्रियेII८४II
O, beloved! Like God Guru is endowed with six qualities of wisdom, quietude, grandeur, fame, blessings and sweet voice
गुरुः शिवो गुरुदेवो गुरुबन्धु शरीरिणांI
गुरुरात्मा गुरुजीवो गुरोरन्यन्न विद्यतेII८५II
For men Guru is Shiva, Guru is Deva, Guru is kinsmen, Guru is soul, Guru is Jeeva [life]. There is nothing except Guru
एकाकी निस्पृह्य शान्तः चिन्तसूयादिवर्जतिःI
बाल्यभावेन यो भाति ब्रह्मज्ञानी स उच्यतेII८६II
Alone, without any desire, calm, without anxiety, free of envy, like a child who is glorious is Brahmagyani [One who have understood the secret of creation]
न सुखं वेदशास्त्रेषु न सुखं मन्त्रयन्त्रकेI
गुरोः प्रसददन्यत्र सुखं नास्ति महीतलेII८७II
There is no happiness in Vedas and Shastras, no happiness in Mantra and Tantra, In this world, there is no happiness except the grace of Guru
चावार्कवैष्णवमते सुखं प्राभाकरे न हिI
गुरोः पादान्तिके यद्व्यत्सुखं वेदान्तसम्मतंII८८II
The happiness that is in feet of guru which is directed by Vedanta, that happiness is neither in the belief of Charvaka nor in Vaishnavism or Samkhya [These are ancient Indian philosophies]
न तत्सुखं सुरेन्द्रस्य न सुखं चक्रवर्तिनामI
यत्सुखं वीतरागस्य मुनेरेकान्तवासिनःII८९II
Happiness enjoyed by sages living in seclusion is neither enjoyed by Indra [king of God’s] nor by kings of this whole world
नित्यं ब्रह्मरसं पीत्वा तृप्तो यः परमात्मनिI
इन्द्रं च मन्यते रन्कं नृपाणां तत्र का कथाII९०II
Always drinking the nectar of Brahma [identifying with him], the one who is fulfilled with the great soul [Parmatma], that sage considers Indra as beggar then what to talk of kings of this world
यतः परमकैवल्यं गुरुमर्गेन वै भवेतI
गुरुभक्तिरतिः कार्या सर्वदा मोक्षकाङ्क्षिभिःII९१II
One desirous of salvation must pay devotion to their Guru because the only Guru can give the highest salvation
एक एवद्वितियोअहम् गुरुवाक्येन निश्चितःI
एवमभ्यास्ता नित्यं न सेव्यं वै वनान्तरमII९२II
अभ्यासान्निमिषनैव समाधिमधिगच्छतिI
आजन्मजनितं पापं तत्क्षणादेव नश्यतिII९३II
Having decided with the words of Guru that I am one and unique, and the one engaged in this practice need not live in any other exile. Because with practice one gets into meditation in a moment and in the same moment sins till this moment gets destroyed
गुरुविष्णुः सत्त्वमयो राजसश्चतुराननःI
तामसो रुद्ररुपेन सृजत्यवति हन्ति चII९४II
Guru endowed with Sattva guna sustains this world in form of Shri Vishnu, endowed with Rajas guna creates this world in form of Brahma and endowed with Tamas guna destroys this world in form of Rudra
तस्यावलोकनं प्राप्य सर्वसंगविवर्जितःI
एकाकी निःस्पृहः शान्तः स्थातव्यं तत्प्रसादतःII९५II
Having his [Guru’s] vision, by his blessings leaving aside all kind of attachment one should live alone, clean [by Body, Mind and Heart] and calm
सर्वज्ञपदमित्याहुदेर्हि सर्वमयो भुविI
सदानन्दः सदा शान्तो रमते यत्र कुत्रचित्II९६II
The one who travels in this world as Sarvamaya [identifying himself with everyone – realising that one soul is inside everyone], Anandmaya [One who enjoys this world realising that it is all illusion of the senses], and calm; is known as Sarvagya [knower of everything]
यत्रैव तिष्ठते सोअपि स देशः पुण्यभाजनःI
मुक्तस्य लक्षणं देवी तवाग्रे कथितं मयाII९७II
The place where such person lives is a holy place, O, Goddess! I told you the symptoms of free person [free from the bondage of birth and death]
यधप्यधीता निगमाः षडङ्गा आगमाः प्रियेI
आध्यामादिनि शस्त्राणि ज्ञानं नास्ति गुरु विनाII९८II
O, Beloved! even after reading four Vedas and six limbs of Veda’s and reads all other shastras such as Shastra of spirituality etc but still one doesn’t get knowledge without Guru
शिवपूजारतो वापि विष्णुपूजारतोअथवाI
गुरुतत्त्वविहीनश्चेत्तत्सवॅ व्यर्थमेव हिII९९II
Either engaged in the worship of Shiva or Vishnu one without knowing the essence of Guru is waste [putting his worship into waste]
सर्वं स्यात्सफलं कर्म गुरुदीक्षाप्रभावतःI
गुरुलाभात्सर्वलाभो गुरुहीनस्तु बालिशःII१००II
Effect of Guru’s initiation results in successful completion of all undertakings. Having benefitted from the acquisition of Guru one gets all other benefits, the one without Guru is foolish.
तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन सर्वसङ्गविवर्जितःI
विहाय शास्त्रजालानि गुरुमेव समाश्रयेतII१०१II
That’s why being detached from all kinds of efforts, leaving the illusion of Shastra the one should come in refuge of Guru
ज्ञानहीनो गुरुत्याज्यो मिथ्यावादी विडंबकःI
स्वविश्रान्ति न जानाति परशान्ति करोति किंII१०२II
Knowledgeless, lier and one engaged in showoff such Guru must be left because the one who himself haven’t attained peace how will he give peace to anyone else
शिलायाः किं परं ज्ञानं शिलासंघप्रतारणेI
स्व्यम् तर्तुं न जानाति परं निसातारेयेतकथम्II१०३II
How to swim stones over water, can the knowledge be into stones? The one who himself is incapable of swimming how can he teach swimming to anyone else.
न वन्दनियास्ते कष्टं दर्शनाद भ्रन्तिकारकःI
वर्ज्येतान गुरून दूरे धीरानेव समाश्रयेतII१०४II
The Guru that deludes his students by show-off must not be greeted, one should leave such Guru from distance [even being close to him is dangerous], in such a situation one should take refuge in feet of patient Guru
पाखण्डीनः पापरता नास्तिका भेद्बुद्द्यःI
स्त्रिलंपटा दुराचारा कृतघ्ना बकवृत्तयःII१०५II
कर्म्भ्रस्ट क्षमानस्टाः निन्ध्यत्कैश्च वादिनःI
कामिनः क्रोधिनस्चैव हिन्स्त्राश्चंडाः सठस्तथाII१०६II
ज्ञानलुप्ता न कर्तव्या महापापास्तथा प्रियेI
ऐभ्यो भिन्नो गुरुः सेव्य एक्भक्ता विचार्य चII१०७II
One creating duality in mind of his students, engaging with other women, engaged in bad deeds, talking ill about those who give him food, one cheating like a heron, not having the quality of forgiveness, who argues with logic which is worth condemning, sensual, angry, violent, fierce, rascal, ignorant, felonious persons must not be even addressed as Guru. Thinking like this one should serve such a person with extreme devotion who have opposite qualities than those told above.
सत्यं सत्यं पुनः सत्यं धर्मसारं मयोदितमI
गुरुगीता समं स्त्रोत्रं नास्ति तत्त्वम् गुरोः परंII१०८II
There is no other hymn such as “Guru Gita”, There is no other tattva [essence] such as Guru, This is the essence of all religions this is a truth, this is truth and this is many times truth
अनेन यद भवेद कार्यं तद्वदामि तव प्रियेI
लोकोपकारकं देवी लौकिकं तु विवर्जयेतII१०९II
O, Beloved! the things that get accomplished by reading this Guru Gita is what I will tell you, O, Goddess this is beneficence over people, only wordly must be sacrificed
लौकिकार्ध्मतो याति ज्ञानहीनो भवर्णेवेI
ज्ञानाभावे च यत्सर्वं कर्म निष्कर्म शाम्यतिII११०II
Anyone who will use this for wordly desired will fall into this sea of the world after becoming foolish. With a sense of knowledge in whatever action it is used that action will be turned into no Karma and thus will become calm. [Indian religion believes that whatever we do turns into Karma and we need to suffer its consequences. Here it says that no consequences will be there]
इमां तु भक्तिभावेन पथेद्वै शृणुयादपिI
लिखित्वा यत्प्रसादेन तत्सर्व फलमश्नुतेII१११II
Reading, writing or listening to this Guru Gita with devotion one enjoys all fruits [of this life]
गुरुगीतामिमां देवी हृदि नित्यं विभवयःI
महाव्याधिगतैदुखेः सर्वदा प्रज्पेन्मुद्राII११२II
O, Goddess! with an emotional attachment remember this Guru Gita by heart, miserable people suffering from great misery should chant this with great bliss
गुरुगीताक्षरैकैकं मन्त्रराजमिदं प्रियेI
अन्ये च विविधा मन्त्राः कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशींII११३II
O, Beloved! Every mantra of Guru Gita is king of Mantra’s, Other mantras are not even one-sixteenth part of this.
अनन्तफल माप्नोति गुरुगीताजपेन तुI
सर्वपापहरा देवीसर्वदारिद्र्यनाशिनिII११४II
O, Goddess! chant of Guru Gita gives endless results, Guru Gita frees from sins and destroys poverty
अकालमृत्युहन्त्री च सर्वसंकटनाशिनिI
यक्षराक्षसभूतादिचोरव्याघ्रविघातिनीII११५II
Guru Gita saves one from an untimely death, destroys every adversity, ambush bad celestial beings, demons, spirits, thieves and tigers.
सर्वोपद्रवकुष्ठदिदोषनिवारिणीI
यत्फलं गुरुसान्निध्यात्तत्फलं पठनाद भवेतII११६II
Guru Gita removes all kinds of nuisance, leprosy and bad diseases and defects. The effect that one gets from the company of Guru same benefit one reaps from reading this Guru Gita.
महाव्याधिहरा सर्वविभूतेः सिद्धिदा भवेतI
अथवा मोहेन वश्ये स्वयमेव जपेत्सदाII११७II
Reading this Guru Gita one gets liberated from the great ailment, gets grandeur and all accomplishments, in the practice of attracting someone towards oneself or in practice of controlling someone one should recite this himself.
मोहनं सर्वभूतानां बन्धमोक्षकरं परंI
देवराज्ञाम् प्रियकरं राजानं वस्यमानयेतII११८II
Everyone gets fascinated by the one who chants Guru Gita, one gets supreme liberation from bondage, he becomes liked by Indra [king of gods], and kings remain under his control
मुखस्तम्भ्करं चैव गुणानां च विवर्धनम्I
दुष्कर्म्नस्नं चैव तथा सत्कर्मसिद्धिदंII११९II
Reading this Guru Gita shuts the mouth of the enemy [So he can make no harm], increases qualities of a person, ends bad deeds committed by one and gives accomplishment in good deeds
असिद्धं साधयेत्कार्यं नवग्रहभयापहंI
दुख्स्वप्ननाशनं चैव सुस्वप्नफलदायकंII१२०II
Reading this gives accomplishments in tasks which seems very hard to accomplish, ends the fear of nine planets, destroys bad dreams [effects of bad dreams], and gives effects of good dreams
मोहशान्तिकरं चैव बन्धमोक्षकरं परंI
स्वरूपज्ञाननिलयं गीतशास्त्रमिदं शिवेII१२१II
O, Shive! This Shastra known as Guru Gita calms temptation, gives freedom from bondage and gives knowledge about one’s eternal nature
यं यं चिन्त्यते कामं तं तं प्राप्नोति निश्चयंI
नित्यं सौभाग्यदं पुण्यं तापत्रयकुलापाहमII१२२II
A man whatever he desires by reading of this Guru Gita he gets those things, This Guru Gita gives good fortune and sanctification and ends three types of sufferings [Extremeties-Diseases and Honours]
सर्वशान्तिकरं नित्यं तथा वन्ध्यासुपुत्रदमI
अवैधव्यकरं स्त्रीणां सौभाग्यस्य विवर्धनम्II१२३II
This Guru Gita gives every kind of peace, gives children to infertile women, ends the fear of death of husband in lives of women devoted to their husband, and increases good fortune
आयुरारोग्यमैश्वर्यम् पुत्रपौत्रविवर्धनम्I
निष्कामजापि विधवा पठेनमोक्षमवाप्नुयातII१२४II
This Guru Gita gives [it’s recitation] longevity, good health, grandeur and progeny and progeny of progeny [enhances lingeage], If a widow reads this without any desire she attains salvation
अवैधव्यं सकामा तु लभते चान्यजन्मनिI
सर्वदुःखभयं विघ्नं नाशयेत्तापहारकमII१२५II
If that widow reads this Guru Gita with a desire then in next birth she gets a long life for her husband, her miseries, fears, obstacles from her life and anguish is destroyed
सर्व्पाप्प्रष्मनं धर्मकामाथंमोक्षदंI
यं यं चिन्त्यते कामं तं तं प्राप्नोति निश्चितंII१२६II
Reading this Guru Gita ends all types of sins, It gives Dharma [righetiousness], Artha [Money] and Moksha [Salvation], whatever one desires he gets by it’s reading
लिखित्वा पुज्येधस्तु मोक्षश्रियम्याप्नुयातI
गुरुभक्तिविषेषेन जायते हृदि सर्वदाII१२७II
If anyone writes this Guru Gita and worships it then he gets good blessings of life [Lakshmi], and salvation, and especially his heart is always filled fo devotion to Guru
जपन्ति शक्ताः सौरश्च गान्पत्यस्च वैष्णवाःI
शैवाः पाशुपताः शर्वे सत्यं सत्यं न शङ्सयःII१२८II
Those following the tradition of Shakti [Shakta], Surya [Saur], Ganpati [Ganpatya], Shiva [Shaiv] and Pashupati [Pashupatya], reads this Guru Gita, it is [my statement] is the truth, is the truth, there is no doubt in this
जपं हेनासनं कुर्वन हीन्कर्माफलप्रदंI
गुरुगीतां प्रयाणे वा संग्रामे रिपुसंकटेII१२९II
जपन जयमवाप्नोति मरणे मुक्तिदायिकाI
सर्वकर्माणि सिद्ध्यन्ति गुरुपुत्रे न शङ्सयःII१३०II
Japa done without Asana [without sitting on Asana] is a low deed and it becomes useless, In travel, fight and nuisance caused by enemy reading this Guru Gita gives victory, chanting it at deathbed gives Moksha, every work of a son of guru [the one initiated by guru] gets accomplished
गुरुमन्त्रो मुखे यस्य तस्य सिद्ध्यन्ति नान्यथाI
दीक्षया सर्वकर्माणि सिद्ध्यन्ति गुरुपुत्रकेII१३१II
The one having Guru Mantra in his mouth, his every work is accomplished not by others [those not having Guru Mantra], due to initiation every work of initiates is accomplished.
भवमूलविनाशाय चास्टपाश्निवृत्त्येI
गुरुगीताम्भसि स्नानं तत्वग्य कुरुते सदाII१३२II
सर्वसुद्ध पवित्रोअसो स्वभाधयत्र तिष्ठतिI
तत्र देवगणाः सर्वे क्षेत्रपीठे चरन्ति चII१३३II
Those who know the element of creation, to destroy the root of the tree of Samsara [illusion] and to end all eight types of bondage always bath in the holy waters flowing from the recitation of this Guru Gita, Holy and pure by nature are these type of persons [who end eight type of bondage and know the elements of creation] whenever they live that place becomes holy
आस्नस्था शयाना वा गच्छन्ततिस्ठन्तोअपि वाI
अश्वरूढा गजारूढा सुषुप्ता जग्रतोअपि वाII१३४II
सुचिभूता ज्ञानवन्तो गुरुगीतां जपन्ति येI
तेषां दर्शन्सन्स्पर्शात पुनर्जन्म न विद्यतेII१३५II
Sitting on Asana or lying, standing or walking, riding an elephant or horse, in the state of awakening or sleeping, the pure person who reads this Guru Gita [the one who always reads this Guru Gita] gives freedom from rebirth by their mere touch or glance
कुषुदुर्वासने देवी ह्यासने शुभ्रकंबलेI
उपविश्य ततो देवी जपेदेकाग्रमानसःII१३६II
O, Goddess! sitting on a seat made of ‘eragrostis cynosuroides’ and ‘Cynodon dactyloh’ having a white cloth spread on it one should sit in concentration and chant this Guru Gita
शुक्लं सर्वत्र वै प्रोक्तं वश्ये रक्तासनं प्रियेI
पद्मासने जपेन्नित्यं शान्तिवश्यकरं परंII१३७II
Normally white seat is suitable but in the practice of mesmerism red seat have to be used, O, beloved! to achieve peace or mesmerism one should sit in regular “Padamasana” and chant
वस्त्रासने च दारिद्रयं पाषाणे रोगसंभवःI
मेदिन्यां दुखःमाप्नोति कास्ठे भवति निष्फलंII१३८II
Sitting on the seat of cloth and chanting gives penury, the seat of stone gives diseases, chanting while sitting on earth/floor gives misery and chanting on a wooden seat is useless
कृष्णाजिने ज्ञानसिद्दिः मोक्षश्री व्याघ्रचर्मणिI
कुशषणे ज्ञानसिद्धिः सर्वसिद्धिस्तु कम्बलेII१३९II
Sitting on a seat made of the black skin of deer or ‘eragrostis cynosuroides’ gives accomplishment of knowledge, chanting on the skin of lion gives salvation, chanting on a seat made of blanket gives accomplishment of everything
आग्नेय्यां कर्षणं चैव वायव्यां शत्रुनाशनमI
नैऋत्यां दर्शनं चैव ईशान्यां ज्ञानमेव चII१४०II
chanting while facing south-east gives accomplishment in the act of enchantment, facing north-west end enemies, facing south-west gives the vision of the deity and facing north-east gives knowledge
उदंमुखः शन्तिजाप्ये वश्ये पूर्वमुखतथाI
याम्ये तु मारणं प्रोक्तं पश्चिमे च धनागमःII१४१II
Chanting while facing north gives peace, east facing gives control over others, facing south gives success in act of killing enemies, facing west gives money
इति श्री स्कन्दोत्तरखण्डे उममहेश्वरसंवादे श्री गुरुगीतायां द्वितियोअध्यायः
Thus ends the second chapter Guru Gita of the latter part of Saknda Purana which is in form of a dialogue between Shiva and Uma [In my humble opinion these first two chapters are from Skanda Purana while the last chapter is from Vishwasara Tantra]
अथ तृतीयोअध्यायः
Now starts the third chapter
अथ काम्यजपस्थानं कथयामि वराननेI
सागरान्ते सरित्तीरे तीर्थे हरिहरालयेII१४२II
शक्तिदेवालये गोस्ठे सर्वदेवालये शुभेI
वटस्य ध्यत्र्या मूले व मठे वृन्दावने तथाII१४३II
पवित्रे निर्मले देशे नित्यनुस्ठानोअपि वाI
निर्वेदनेन मौनेन जपमेतत समारभेतII१४४II
O, beautiful faced! Now I will tell places of chanting for those who chant for the fulfilment of a specific desire, on the shore of sea or river, in a holy place, In Shivalaya [Where Shiva linga is placed], in the temple of Vishnu or Devi, in cowshed, in every auspicious god’s place [not in temples of inauspicious god’s], under tree of ‘ficus bengalensis’ or ’emblic myrobalan’, in Hermitage, in forest of holy basil, in sacred pure place, one should start chanting mentally as a daily practise remaining unattached [to its fruits or other things]
जाप्येन जयमाप्नोति जप्स्सिद्धिं फलं तथाI
हीनकर्म त्यजेत्सर्वं गर्हित्स्थान्मेव चII१४५II
By chanting one gets the victory, and fruit as the accomplishment of chanting, while chanting anushthaan [until the desired number of chanting is completed] one should leave or heinous deeds and places to be condemned
स्मशाने बिल्वमूले वा वटमूलन्तिके तथाI
सिद्धयन्ति कानके मूले आम्रवृक्षस्य संनिधौII१४६ II
chanting in a cremation ground, under the tree of ‘ficus bengalensis’ ‘Aegle marmelos’ ‘mango’ or ‘Kanaka’, one gets quick accomplishment
आकल्पजन्मकोटीनां यज्ञव्रततपः क्रियाःI
ताः सर्वाः सफलाः देवी गुरुसन्तोषमात्रतःII१४७II
O, goddess! all karmas did until the end of great year cycle, of thousands of lacks lives, Yagyas has done fasts taken penances done and all actions done as per according to Shastra’s are successful only by the satisfaction of Guru
मन्दभाग्या ह्यशक्तास्च ये जना नानुमन्वतेI
गुरुसेवासु विमुखाः पच्यन्ते नरकेअसुचौII१४८II
Devoid of fortune, power, and serving his Guru the one who doesn’t follow this preaching they fall into a hell named “ghora’
विद्या धनं बलं चैव तेषां भाग्यं निरर्थकंI
येषां गुरुकृपा नास्ति अध्यो गच्छन्ति पार्वतिII१४९II
The one devoid of the mercy of Guru his knowledge, money, power and fortune is of no use, Oh, Pravati! he falls
धन्या माता पिता धन्यो गोत्रं धन्यं कुलोद्भवःI
धन्या च वसुधा देवी यत्र स्याद् गुरुभक्तताःII१५०II
The one having the devotion to his guru, his mother is blessed [because she has given birth to such a person], his father is blessed, his completed lineage is blessed, those getting birth in his lineage are blessed, complete mother earth [who nourish such person] is blessed
शरीरमिन्द्रियं प्राणच्छर्थः स्वजन्बन्धुतांI
मातृकुलं पितृकुलं गुरुरेव न शङ्सयःII१५१II
Body, senses, life, money, kinsmen, brother-sisters, mother’s lineage, father’s lineage, everyone is Guru [his form, got from his blessings], there is no doubt in this
गुरुर्देवो गुरुर्धर्मो गुरौ निष्ठा परं तपःI
गुरौः परतरं नास्ति त्रिवारं कथयामि तेII१५२II
Guru is God, Guru is Dharma, loyalty to Guru is supreme austerity, nothing is more than Guru [in any sense] I tell this three times [to emphasize it’s importance]
समुद्रे वै यथा तोयं क्षीरे क्षीरं घृते घृतंI
भिन्ने कुम्भे यथाकाशं तथात्मा परमात्मनिII१५३II
Like water in the sea, milk in milk clarified butter in clarified butter, the sky in different pot’s is integral to each other like that supreme soul and soul in living beings is one and integral to each other
तथैव ज्ञानवान जीव परमात्मनि सर्वदाI
ऐक्येन रमते ज्ञानी यत्र कुत्र दिवनिषिंII१५४II
like this those who are full of wisdom [having known their integrity with the supreme soul] always live integral to the supreme soul and in bliss, they move here and there [in this world]
गुरुसन्तोषणादेव मुक्तो भवति पार्वतिI
अनिमदिषु भोक्त्रत्वं कृपया देवी जायतेII१५५II
Oh, Parvati! By satisfying Guru-disciple gets freedom [salvation], O, Devi! by the mercy of Guru, he enjoys accomplishments like Anima [these are divine powers such as to expand oneself infinitely, to contract oneself infinitely etc]
साम्येन रमते ज्ञानी दिवा वा यदि वा निशिI
एवं विधौ महामौनी त्रैलोक्यसमतां व्रजेतII१५६II
The wise in day and night always think of the oneness with supreme soul, great silent people like this scilicet those great men situated in supreme soul moves through three worlds [Earth, above it and below it] with the same unaffection
गुरुभावः परं तीर्थमन्यतीर्थं निरर्थकंI
सर्वतीर्थमयं देवी श्रीगुरोश्चरणाम्बुजमII१५७II
Devotion to Guru is the best among visiting holy places, all other visiting of holy places are of no use, O, Goddess! the lotus like feet of Guru is like all holy placed [come into one]
कन्याभोगरतामन्दाः स्वकान्तायाः परद्मुखाःI
अतः परं मया देवी कथितन्न मम प्रियेII१५८II
O, Goddess! O, Beloved! I have not given this knowledge to those foolish people indulged in enjoying girls and adulterer
अभक्ते वञ्चके धूर्ते पाखण्डे नास्तिकादिषुI
मनसापि न व्यक्त्व्या गुरुगीता कदाचनII१५९II
Don’t even think of telling this Guru Gita to unheeded, insidious, sly, hypocritical and atheist people
गुरुवो बहवः सन्ति शिष्यवित्तपहारकाःI
तमेकं दुर्लभं मन्ये शिष्यह्यत्तापहारकमII१६०II
There are many Guru’s who snatch the money of disciple, but even one Guru is rare who takes away anguish from heart of his disciple
चातुर्यवान्विवेकी च अध्यात्मज्ञानवान शुचिःI
मानसं निर्मलं यस्य गुरुत्वं तस्य शोभतेII१६१II
Those who are clever, discriminative, knower of spirituality, pure and of serene mind only in those Gurutva is attained perfectly [only they can become perfect Guru]
गुरवो निर्मलाः शान्ताः शाधवो मितभासिनःI
कामक्रोधविनिर्मुक्ताः सदाचारा जितेन्द्रियःII१६२II
Guru is pure, calm, of nature of ascetic, speak sweet, devoid of lust and anger, sinless and have comple control over his senses
सूचकादि प्रभेदेन गुरवो बहुधा स्मृताःI
स्व्यम् संम्यक परिक्ष्याथ तत्वनिस्ठम् भेज्त्सुधिःII१६३II
Many types of Guru are told with a distinction of Suchaka etc, intelligent person should think himself of good and bad and then must go under the refuge of a Guru who knows the elements [of creation]
वर्णजालमिदं तद्वद्वाह्यशास्त्रं तु लौकिकम्I
यस्मिन देवी समभयस्तं स गुरुः सूचकः स्मृतःII१६४II
O, Devi! one who knows how to get accomplishment in a mantra and other such external worldly knowledge [by which things can be attained extrenally] and is practised in that [have achieved something using his own learnings] is known as ‘Suchaka’ Guru
वर्नाषर्मोचितां विद्यां धर्माधर्मविधायिनीमI
प्रवक्तारं गुरुम विद्धिं वाच्कस्त्वति पार्वतिII१६५II
O, Parvati! one describing nature of Dharma and giving knowledge according to one’s profession and stage of life is known as ‘Vachaka’ Guru
पञ्चक्षर्यादिमन्त्राणामुप्देस्टा त पार्वतिI
स गुरुबोर्धको भुयादुभयोर्मुत्त्ममःII१६६II
Those preaching the Mantras like Panchakshari [Namah Shivaye] is known as ‘Bodhaka’ Guru, O, Parvati! This Guru is better than first two kinds of Guru’the s [First guru gives knowledge of low mantra’s such as mantras for controlling people while this Guru deals with high spiritual mantra]
मोहमारणवस्यादितुच्छमन्त्रोपददर्शिनम्I
निषिद्धगुरुरित्याहुः पन्दित्स्त्वदर्शिनःII१६७II
Guru teaching mantras of petty things such as magnetism, killing people, mesmerism, is referred to as “Nissiddha’ Guru by those learned men in Tattwa [those having knowledge of nature of creation]
[Don’t confuse this with the first type of Guru, he teaches Mantras with no significant spiritual powers whereas this kind of guru teaches mantras of petty things but those given in texts whereas the first one only gives mantras popular between people but not given in texts]
अनित्यमिति निर्दिश्य संसारे संकटालयंI
वैराग्यपथदर्षि यः स गुरुर्विहित प्रियेII१६८II
O, Beloved! this world is perpetual and home of miseries the one who teaches this kind of knowledge to his disciples and teaches them the path of asceticism is known as ‘Vihita’ Guru
तत्त्वमस्यादिवाक्यानामुप्देस्टा तु पार्वतिI
कारणाख्यो गुरुप्रोक्तो भवरोगनिवारकःII१६९II
O, Parvati! those preaching sentences like ‘Tat-Tvam-Asi [I am thou], and preventing the disease of this Samsara [illusion], is known as “Karanakhya’ Guru
सर्वसन्देहनिर्मूलनविचक्षणःI
जन्ममृत्युभयघ्नो यः स गुरु परमो मतःII१७०II
The one who is cleaver in clearing all type of doubts and the one who annihilate the fear of birth and death is Parama Guru and is known as ‘Sad’Guru
बहुजन्म्कृतात पुण्यल्लभ्य्तेअसौ महागुरुःI
लभ्द्वाअमुं न पुनर्याति शिष्यः संसारबन्धनंII१७१II
One gets these type of Guru after committing hieratic work in many lives, by achieving him the disciple never get tied in the rope of this Samsara means he gets liberated
एवं बहुविधलोके गुरवः सन्ति पार्वतिI
तेषु सर्वप्रयत्नेन सेव्यो हि परमो गुरुःII१७२II
O, Parvati! In this world, there are many types of Guru’s in all these only Parama Guru [Sadguru – not the famous one but the one described in the text] is to be served by the thin end of the wedge
पार्वत्युवाच
स्व्यम् मूढा मृत्युभीता सुक्रित्द्विरतिम् गताःI
दैवन्निषिद्धगुरुगा यदि तेषां तु का गतिःII१७३II
Parvati Said: foolish by nature, afraid of death, disinclined of good deeds if normal people by their fortune if they serve those Guru’s who are prohibited then what happens to them [those serving such Guru’s]
श्रीमहादेव उवाच
निषिद्धगुरुसिष्यस्तु दुष्टसंकल्प्दूषितःI
ब्रह्मप्रलयपर्यन्तं न पुनर्याति मृत्यतांII१७४II
Shri Mahadeva Said: disciple of prohibited Guru being contaminated by bad resolution doesn’t get human birth [In the real sense of spiritual awakening] till the end of the great year
श्रुणु तत्त्वमिदम् देवी यदा स्यद्विरतो नरःI
तदासावधिकारीति प्रोच्यते श्रुत्मस्तकैःII१७५II
O, Devi! Listen to this fundamental knowledge [Tattva] very carefully, only when a person is disinterested he is a functionary, this is said by Upanishad’s, that is to say, that to get Guru by one’s luck and to chose Guru by one’s will are two different things
अखन्डैकरसं ब्रह्म नित्यमुक्तं निरामयंI
स्वस्मिन् संदर्षितं येन स भवेदस्य देशिकःII१७६II
The one who gives a glance of unbroken, harmonious and free by nature [free by vices of mind], without shape Brahma [Supreme God] in himself [to his disciple] is to be Guru
जलानां सागरो राजा यथा भवति पार्वतिI
गुरूणां तत्र सर्वेषां राजायं परमो गुरुःII१७७II
O, Parvati! Like the sea is king in water bodies, like that this Parama Guru is king in all Guru’s
मोहदिरहितः शान्तो नित्यतृप्तो निराश्रयःI
त्रिनिकृतब्रह्मविष्णुवैभवः परमो गुरुःII१७८II
Free from vices of temptation, calm, always satisfied, free of anyone’s shelter means living under his own shelter, the one who understands the grandeur of Brahma and Vishnu as equal to a blade of grass [not being affected by their illusion] is Parama Guru
सर्वकालविदेशेषु स्वतन्त्रो निस्चल्सुखीI
अखन्डैकरसास्वादतृप्तो हि परमो गुरुःII१७९II
Free in every time and country, guileless, happy, unanimous, fulfilled by the bliss of one Rasa [understanding] is a real Parama Guru
द्वैताद्वैत्विनिर्मुक्तः स्वानुभूतिप्रकाशवानI
अज्ञानन्धमशच्छेत्ता सर्वज्ञ परमो गुरुःII१८०II
The one who is free from duality and noon-duality, having the light of his experience [attained knowledge from experiance], one piercing the darkness of ignorance and who is omniscient is Parama Guru
यस्य दर्शनमात्रेन मनसः स्यात् प्रसन्नताI
स्व्यम् भूयात धृतिस्शान्ति स भवेत परमो गुरुःII१८१II
By only his sight mind gets happiness, patience and peace comes automatically, is Parama Guru
स्वशारिरम् शवं पश्यन तथा स्वत्मान्म्द्वयमI
यः स्त्रीकनकमोहघ्नः स भवेत परमो गुरुःII१८२II
One who understands his body like a corpse but understands his soul as nondual, the one who ends the temptation of Gold and Women [Shri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa] is Parama Guru
मौनी वाग्मीति तत्त्वग्यो द्विधाभूच्छृणु पार्वतिI
न कश्चिन्मौनिना लाभो लोकेअस्मिन्भवति प्रियेII१८३II
वाग्मीतूत्कटसंसारसागरोत्तारणक्षमःI
यतोअसौ संशयेच्छेता शास्त्रयुक्तत्यनुभुतिभिःII१८४II
O, Parvati! Listen, Tattvagya [One who knows the elements of creation] are of two types, Mauni [Silent] and Vakta [Speakers], In both of these people have no benefit from silent Guru, but speaker Guru is able to cross one to the other end of this frightful sea of world [illusion], because with knowledge of Shastra [Scriptures], Yukti [Logic] and Anubhuti [Experince] they end all doubts [of their desciples]
गुरुनामजपाधोवि बहुजन्मर्जितन्यापिI
पापानि विलयं यान्ति नास्ति संदेह्मन्वापिII१८५II
O, Devi! By chanting the name of Guru many sins accumulated from many births gets destroyed, there is no doubt in this
कुलं धनं बलं शास्त्रं बन्धव्स्सोदरा इमेI
मरणे नोपयुज्यन्ते गुरुरेको हि तारकःII१८६II
One’s caste, money, power, scriptures, kinsmen, brother are of no use at the time of death, only Guru is a saviour at that time
कुलमेव पवित्रं स्यात् सत्यं स्वगुरुसेवयाI
तृप्ताः स्युस्सकला देवा ब्रह्माध्या गुरुतर्पनातII१८७II
Really, by serving one’s Guru one’s lineage gets purified, by Tarpana [Giving water by a special method in rituals], to Guru Brahma etc all deities gets satisfied
स्वस्वरूपज्ञानशून्येन कृतमप्यकृतं भवेतI
तपो जपादिकं देवी सकलं बालजल्पवतII१८८II
O, Devi! without having knowledge of one’s own nature [that he and supreme God is same] all chanting and penance is useless, it is useless like talk of children
न जानन्ति परं तत्त्वम् गुरुदीक्षापराडमुखाःI
भ्रान्ताः पशुसमा ह्येते स्वपरिज्ञानवर्जिताःII१८९II
Those disinclined to Guru’s initiation are captious, they are devoid of their real knowledge [that they are supreme God are the same], they really are equal to animals because they don’t know the real element
तस्मत्त्कैवल्यसिद्ध्यर्थं गुरुमेव भजेत्प्रियेI
गुरुं विना न जानन्ति मूधस्तत्परं पदम्II१९०II
That’s why, O, Beloved! for ultimate salvation, one should only canticle [ chant name of ] his Guru, without Guru foolish people [their nature] can’t know that ultimate position [of their similarity with the supreme soul]
भिद्यते ह्रिदय्ग्रन्थिश्छिघन्ते सर्वसंशयाःI
क्षीयन्ते सर्वकर्मणि गुरोः करुणया शिवेII१९१II
O, Shiva! by the blessing of Guru heart’s asterisms are scattered, [here it means that doubts are gone and one is able to see the truth and false] every doubt is removed, every karma gets destroyed [because karma is the cause of suffering]
कृताया गुरुभक्तेस्तु वेद्शस्त्रनुसारतःI
मुच्यते पातकाद घोराद गुरुभक्तो विषेषतःII१९२II
By constancy to Guru, by the way, prescribed in Veda’s and Shastra’s [scriptures], the one devoted to guru even becomes free from terrible sins
दुःसंगं च परित्यज्य पापकर्म परित्यजेतI
चित्तचिन्हमिदं यस्य तस्य दीक्षा विधीयतेII१९३II
One should leave the company of bad people and stop committing sins, the one who is identified with such traits [that he have left the bad company and stop committing known sins] there is provision for him to be initiated [means only he have to be initiated]
चित्तत्यागनियुक्तश्च क्रोधगर्वविवर्जितःI
द्वैत्भावपरित्यागी तस्य दीक्षा विधीयतेII१९४II
The one who is trying for the sacrifice of mind [illusion and temptation], is free of pride and anger, the one who has left duality [things other and him and God as separate entity] is to be initiated [The one going to be initiated must have these qualities]
ऐतल्लक्षणसंयुक्तं सर्वभूतहिते रतमI
निर्मलं जीवितं यस्य तस्य दीक्षा विधीयतेII१९५II
The one whose life is having these traits is pure and is engaged in the welfare of all beings is to be initiated
अत्यन्तचित्तपक्वक्स्य श्रद्धाभक्तियुतस्य चI
प्रवक्तव्यमिदं देवी ममात्मप्रीतये सदाII१९६II
O, Devi! whose mind is extremely mature, is filled with faith and devotion, is to be preached this element [Given in Guru Gita] for my happiness
सत्कर्मपरिपाकाच्च चित्तशुद्धस्य धीमतःI
साधकस्यैव वक्तव्या गुरुगीता प्रयत्नतःII१९७II
One being pure by consequences of good Karmas, only that intelligent seeker is to be preached to this Guru Gita
नास्तिकाय कृतघ्नाय दाम्भिकाय सठाय चI
अभक्ताय विभक्ताय न वाच्येयं कदाचनII१९८II
This Guru Gita must never be told to Atheist, ungrateful, stingy, rascal, unheeded and antagonistic people
स्त्रीलोलुपाय मूर्खाय कमोपहतचेतसेI
निन्दकाय न वक्तव्या गुरुगीतास्वभावतःII१९९II
adulterer, foolish, one who mind is suffused with sexuality and cynic must never be told this Guru Gita
अकाक्षरप्रदातारं यो गुरुनैव मन्यतेI
श्वन’योनिशतं गत्वा चन्दलेश्वपि जायतेII२००II
The one who does not adore that person who preaches a mantra one syllable as Guru is born a dog in next hundred lives and lives as outcaste [This means no matter how small be the teachings of Guru it must always be respected, be it of one word of one lack words]
गुरुत्यागाद भवेन्मृत्युमन्त्रत्यागाधरिद्रताI
गुरुमन्त्रपरित्यागी रौरवं नरकं व्रजेतII२०१II
By sacrificing one’s guru one dies, by leaving mantra [given by Guru] penury comes, by sacrificing both Guru and Mantra one gets hell named ‘Raurava’
शिवक्रोधाद गुरुस्त्राता गुरुक्रोधच्छिवो न हिI
तस्मत्स्वसर्वप्रयत्नेन गुरोराज्ञां न लंघयेतII२०२II
Guru save one’s from the anger of Shiva but Shiva doesn’t save one’s from Guru’s anger, Hence, by every effort, one must not disobey Guru
सप्तकोटिमहामन्त्रश्चित्तविभ्रन्शकारकाःI
एक एव महामन्त्रो गुरुरित्यक्षर द्वयम्II२०३II
There are seven thousand lacks of Mahamantra, all of them confuses one’s mind, Guru’s name is a two syllable Mantra which is Maha-mantra
न मृषा स्यादियं देवी मुदुक्ति सत्यरूपिनिI
गुरुगीतासमं स्त्रोत्रं नास्ति नास्ति महीतलेII२०४II
O, Devi! this statement of mine will never become false, this is true in nature [of nature of truth that can never be discarded], on this earth, there is no Strotra such as Guru Gita
गुरुगीतमिमां देवी भवदुःखविनाशिनीमI
गुरु’दीक्षा विहीनस्य पुरतो न पठेक्त्वचित्II२०५II
One should not read this Guru Gita which ends the misery of this world in front of those who are not initiated
रहस्यमत्यन्तरहस्यमेतन्न पापिना लभ्यमिदं महेश्वरिI
अनेक्जन्मर्जितपुण्यपाकाद गुरोरस्तु तत्त्वम् लभते मनुष्यःII२०६II
O, Maheshwari! this secret is very confidential, those committing sins never get this, by fructification one good deed of many birth one gets knowledge of this element of Guru
सर्वतीर्थवगाहस्य संप्रा प्नोति फलं नरःI
गुरोः पादोदकं पीत्वा शेषं शिरसि धारयनII२०७II
By drinking water flowing from feet of Shri [honourable word] Guru, and by its prehension men gets results of bathing in all holy places
गुरुपादोदकं पानं गुरोरुच्छिष्टभोजनम्I
गुरुमूर्ते सदा धयानं गुरोनार्मनः सदा जपःII२०८II
One should drink water flowing from feet of Guru, one should eat food left from food taken by Guru, one should concentrate on the image of Guru and one should chant the name of Guru
गुरुरेको जगत्सर्वं ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवात्मकंI
गुरौः परतरं नास्ति तस्मत्संपूज्येद गुरुमII२०९II
Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and all world are embodied in Guru, there is nothing more than Guru that’s why he should be worshipped
ज्ञानं विना मुक्तिपदं लभ्यते गुरुभक्तितःI
गुरौः समनतो नान्यत साधनं गुरुमर्गिणाम्II२१०II
Even without having knowledge one gets salvation with his devotion to Guru, there is no appliance such as Guru and there is no path of austerity such as the path of Guru
गुरौः कृपाप्रसादेन ब्रह्मविष्णुशिवदयःI
सामर्थ्यमभजन सर्वे सृष्टिस्थितित्यन्तकर्मणिII२११II
Only by the grace of Guru Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva get their power to create, sustain and destroy the worlds
मन्त्रराजमिदं देवी गुरुरित्यक्षयद्वयमI
स्मृतिवेदपुराणां सारमेव न संशयःII २१२II
O, Devi! Guru this mantra [name as mantra] is king of all mantras, best between all mantras, this is the essence of Smriti, Veda and Purana’s, there is no doubt in this
यस्य प्रसादादहमेव सर्वं मय्येव सर्वं परिकल्पितं चI
इत्थं विज्ञनामि सदात्मरूपं तस्यघृपद्मं प्रन्तोअस्मि नित्यंII२१३II
I am everyone, everything is imagined in me, I pay my obeisance daily to feet of self-knowing Sadguru by whose grace I got this knowledge
अज्ञानतिमिरान्ध्स्य विषयाक्रान्तचेतसःI
ज्ञानप्रभाप्रदानेन प्रसादं कुरु मे प्रभोII२१४II
Oh, Lord! Being blind by the darkness of ignorance and tempted by the senses please give me the light of knowledge.
इति श्री स्कन्दोउत्तरखण्डे उममहेश्वरसंवादे श्री गुरुगीतायां त्रितियोअध्यायः
Thus ends Shri Guru Gita from the latter part of Skanda Purana which is in dialogue form between Uma and Maheshwara.
This article is humbly dedicated to my Guru Shrimad Swami Vagishananda Ji Maharaj
Gurudev only by your divine grace and mercy a person like me blinded by his ego and temptation to senses have attained some knowledge. This knowledge is nothing in front of the vast treasure-house of knowledge that can be accomplished by men and remains in my consciousness only for a little but still we ignorant people make this satisfaction for our ego.
Gurudev, kindly forgive me for my sins and O Brahma have mercy on me.
Sarvaswa Ramakrishna Arpanamastu
