In our Indian tradition, great importance has been attached to being in the presence of the Guru as much as possible and getting knowledge directly from him. While this is applicable to all forms of knowledge, this has crucial significance in the case of spiritual knowledge.

The crux of vedic wisdom are compiled in books whose titles do not contain the word wisdom or knowledge. Interestingly, such books of distilled spiritual knowledge and and deep inquiry into the nature of the ultimate reality are titled as UPANISHAD – which means sitting near, which of course is a short form for sitting near the Guru.

Coming to present times, online learning is the order of the day. Even spiritual classes are offered online. It has its use no doubt. We all remember how useful it was during Corona period. However, such mode of learning is useful in specific circumstances only. It can never fully replace the transfer of knowledge that happens in the physical presence of the master. In the physical vicinity of the master something happens   Even though sometimes it is unavoidable to attend online classes, the physical presence of the master can never be fully replaced, especially, as far as spiritual growth is concerned,

In India there are certain practices whereby people throng to the temples and burial places of masters who are long gone. No doubt people have felt positive effects in such places. But luckiest are those who are able to soak in the presence of a Guru who is alive. Such moments are priceless.

Of course most of the knowledge are available in the written form. One can study the books. But, there is a reason why in our tradition the crux of any form of knowledge is transmitted in Guru parampara. The written word has all the potential to be misinterpreted. Same goes even for the spoken word. But with a Guru certain transmissions happen without words. Hence we need a living Guru. Hence, there have been lineage of Gurus of different traditions. When you go to a Guru you get the knowledge and the vibe of all the masters of that lineage.

No doubt knowledge is timeless. But the understanding and interpretations may change from time to time. The Guru makes the timeless knowledge contemporary. The Guru puts the ancient knowledge in the present context. Hence, our scriptures put so much importance on a Guru. Guru bina gnana na hoya – Real knowledge does not dawn without the help of a Guru.

Sant Kabir has gone to great lengths to describe the importance of the Guru.

(Obtain knowledge from Guru even if you have to pledge your head. So many have floated through life feeling proud of wealth and other material possessions, but their ship never reached the shore of the Guru.)

Gurupurnima, which falls on Ashadha Purnima (the full moon day) gives us an opportunity to feel grateful to our Gurus and rededicate ourselves to be a part of his missions. Of course this need not be a once in a year opportunity. For someone in spiritual path every day is a day of opportunity to feel the presence of the Guru and be grateful.