This gentle, two-part kriya inspires us to love because it is our nature. In Sanskrit, the word guru speaks to darkness and light. The inner naad, or atomic sound structure, can be broken into parts: Gu means darkness or ignorance, and Ru means light or knowledge.
Guru is the active knowledge that transforms us. It embodies the journey from ignorance to awakened awareness, or from darkness to light.
Guru Dev Mata
Posture: Sit up straight in a cross-legged position.
Mudra: Place the left hand on the heart and raise the right hand to the side as if you are taking an oath. The fingers of both hands are spread and do not touch each other—this is the secret of this meditation.
Eyes: Eyes are closed.
Mantra: Sing along with the Guru Dev Mata shabad by Guru Jiwan Singh. Become it. Let Guru come in. Let the guidance of God come in. Apply yourself. Be steady.
Guru Dev Mata Shabad
Gurdev Mata Gurdev Pita Gurdev swami paramesura
Gurdev sakha agiaan Bhanjan gurdev bandhip sahodara
Gurdev daata har naam updesai Gurdev mant nirodhara
Gurdev saant sat budh moorat gurdev paras paras para
Gurdev tirath amrit sarovar gur giaan majan aprampara
Gurdev karta sabh paap harta gurdev patit pavit kara
Gurdev aad jugaad jug jug gurdev mant har jap udhra
Gurdev sangat prabh mel kar kirpa hum moor paapi jit lag tara
Gurdev satgur parabrahm parmesar gurdev Nanak har namaskara
Translation:
The Divine Teacher is my mother, the Divine Teacher is my father, the Divine teacher is my Lord and Supreme God.
The Divine Teacher is my companion, the dispeller of spiritual ignorance, is my relative and brother.
The Divine Teacher is the giver and the teacher of the Divine Name, is the Mantra which never fails.
The Divine Teacher is the Image of peace, truth and wisdom, is the Philosopher’s Stone – touching it one is transformed.
The Divine Teacher is the sacred shrine of pilgrimage, and the pool of divine ambrosia; bathing is the Guru’s wisdom, one experiences the Infinite.
The Divine Teacher is the Creator and the Destroyer of all sins; is the Purifier of sinners.
The Divine Teacher existed at the primal beginning, throughout the ages, in each and every age, is the Mantra of the Lord’s Name; chanting it, one is saved.
Oh God, please be merciful to me, that I may be with the Divine Teacher; I am a foolish sinner, but holding onto him I am carried across.
The Divine Teacher is the True Guru, the Supreme Lord God, the transcendent Lord; Nanak bows in humble reverence to the Lord, the Divine Teacher.
Continue for 31 minutes.
Aad Guray Nameh
Posture: Remain sitting in Easy Post with a straight spine.
Mudra: Place the right hand over the left hand on the heart.
Mantra: Chant in a monotone Aad Guray Nameh, Jugaad Guray Nameh, Sat Guray Nameh, Siree Guroo Dayvay Nameh.
Translation:
I bow to the primal Guru
I bow to the truth that has existed throughout the ages
I bow to True Wisdom
I bow to the Great Divine Wisdom
Continue for 3 minutes. To end, inhale deeply, hold, and press your heart center with the strength of both hands. Cannon Fire Exhale. Repeat 2 more times. Relax.
Comments:
Both exercises involve mantra meditation. Before starting, it may be helpful to familiarize yourself with the mantras, read their translation, and keep a printed copy if you don’t know the words. You will be asked to chant aloud.
Rise up. Embrace an attitude of gratitude. Praise your conception, your reality, your identity, and your soul. Understand and examine your Creator. Dwell in compassion and make this commitment: to love with a burning fire, touching every heart. Your difficulties will wash away.
Originally taught on May 2, 2000, Espanola, NM. Reprinted from A Year with the Master.