Sri Ramana's views on the nature of the Guru and the role he plays in bringing about realization of the Self through a Q&A. Sri Ramana often said that God, Guru and the Self are identical; the Guru is God in human form and, simultaneously, he is also the Self in the Heart of each devotee. Because he is both inside and outside, his power works in two different ways. The outer Guru gives instructions and by his power enables the devotee to keep his attention on the Self; the inner Guru pulls the devotee's mind back to its source, absorbs it in the Self and finally destroys it
Q: What is Guru's grace? How does it lead to Self-realization?
A: Guru is the Self. Sometimes in his life a man becomes dissatisfied and, not content with what he has, he seeks the satisfaction of his desires through prayer to God. His mind is gradually purified until he longs to know God, more to obtain his grace than to satisfy his worldly desires. Then, God's grace begins to manifest. God takes the form of a Guru and appears to the devotee, teaches him the truth and, moreover, purifies his mind by association. The devotee's mind gains strength and is then able to
turn inward. By meditation it is further purified and it remains still without the least ripple. That calm expanse is the Self.
The Guru is both external and internal. From the exterior he gives a push to the mind to turn it inwards. From the interior he pulls the mind towards the Self and helps in the quietening of the mind. That is Guru's grace. There is no difference between God, Guru and the Self.
Q: In the Theosophical Society they meditate in order to seek masters to guide them.
A: The master is within; meditation is meant to remove the ignorant idea that he is only outside. If he is a stranger whom you await, he is bound to disappear also. What is the use of a transient being like that ? But so long as you think you are separate or that you are the body, an external master is also necessary and he will appear to have
a body. When the wrong identification of oneself with the body ceases, the master will be found to be none other than the Self.
Q: Will the Guru help us to know the Self through initiation?
A: Does the Guru hold you by the hand and whisper in the ear? You may imagine him to be what you are yourself. Because you think you are a body, you think he also has a body and that he will do something tangible to you. His work lies within, in the spiritual realm.
Q: How is the Guru found?
A: God, who is immanent, in his grace takes pity on the loving devotee and manifests himself according to the devotee's development. The devotee thinks that he is a man and expects a relationship between two physical bodies. But the Guru who is God or the Self incarnate works from within, helps the man to see the error of his ways and guides him on the right path until he realizes the Self within.
Q: There are a number of spiritual teachers teaching various paths. Whom should one take for one's Guru?
A: Choose that one where you find you get shanti [peace].
Be As you Are -- Teachings of Ramana Maharisi - by David Godman http://www.beasyouare.info/index2.html
source:http://forum.yogananda.net/index.php?/topic/24326-sri-ramana-maharishi-on-the-nature-of-a-guru/
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