Commentary on the text “Sri Guru Charitra”
The conclusion of the text “Sri Guru Charitra,” Chapter 52 (the last).
The first chapter began when Siddhamuni gave darshan to Namadharak. The last chapter concludes with Namadharak’s attainment of samadhi. It describes how to use the text “Guru Charitra,” and is called “Guru Charitra — the Method of Worship.”
Namadharak’s Attainment of Samadhi
Namadharak attained supreme bliss while listening to “Sri Guru Charitra,” like nectar, from Siddhamuni. He drank the nectar of “Guru Charitra,” and tears of joy flowed from his eyes. His body became extraordinarily calm, and his hair stood on end. Siddhamuni understood that Namadharak had attained samadhi. He decided to awaken him in order to return him to the world. He gently passed his hand over Namadharak’s body and embraced him with love. Softly he said: “Namadharak, awaken. You have attained mukti through worldly life. If you remain in this state of samadhi, people will not benefit. Keep your mind concentrated on the Guru’s feet and lead your life with faith and dharma. If you remain in this state of samadhi, your knowledge will be buried within you. How then will people be able to cross the ocean of worldly life? I remembered this nectar, like a peach, only when you asked me. Describe it for the world.”
Then Namadharak opened his eyes and saw Siddhamuni standing before him. He said: “O Guru, ‘Sri Guru Charitra’ is more than nectar; it is the supreme ambrosia. I have attained everything by listening to it.” Having said this, he bowed his head at Siddhamuni’s feet.
Instructions for Reading “Guru Charitra”
Sri Guru lives in concealment because of the unrighteousness of Kali Yuga. But he appears before his devotees.
Always read “Guru Charitra” with faith and a pure mind.
Always reflect on the stories in your mind and meditate on them.
Sri Guru loves music very much; sing his glory.
Seven-Day Reading Practice
Read “Guru Charitra” with devotion and concentration for seven days. Perform this service early in the morning after completing sandhyavandanam. The place of reading should be clean and decorated with rangoli. Light a lamp, perform asanas on the floor, and sit facing north or east. Make a sankalpa and begin reading. Maintain silence; be calm and undisturbed.
Distribution of chapters by day:
- On the first day, read 9 chapters
- On the second — chapters 10 through 21
- On the third — chapters 22 through 29
- On the fourth — chapters 30 through 35
- On the fifth — chapters 36 through 38
- On the sixth — chapters 39 through 43
- On the seventh, complete the reading to the end
Then perform uttaraanga puja and arati, offering food and sweets as prasada to the Lord. Everyone should fast every day and sleep on the floor. Meditate on the Guru all the time. Serve him for seven days. On the last day, invite Brahmins and sumangalis for a meal. Repeat communal meals according to your ability. Give gifts and alms. Everyone should perform this form of service for seven days. There is no doubt that Sri Guru will appear before the devotee who observes these rites. One who does not believe in the Guru’s grace will have no peace in the mind.
Concluding Prayers
Just as a mother feeds her child with the nectar of her milk from her breast, so Namadharak received this divine drink, “Guru Charitra,” through Siddhamuni.
The words of the siddhas are like deposits of precious stones. Namadharak took these gems and joyfully distributed them to the devotees. “Guru Charitra” will pour devotion to the Guru drop by drop into their minds. Namadharak prayed to Siddhamuni, who is Kalpatharu and who helped people through these stories.
Kalpatharu is the wish-fulfilling tree.
O Narayana, grant me the will to serve at the feet of Sri Guru Murti, Siddhamuni, and also Namadharak.
Sri Gurunath is Narayana Himself. I prostrate before him.
Namadharak attained liberation by listening to “Guru Charitra.” Before him also I prostrate.
The “Shri Guru Charitra” is completed.
Practical Application of the Text
This text is auspicious to read for purifying consciousness, removing obstacles, pacifying worldly desires and the restless mind, especially in retreat during long meditations.
Despite the fact that from the very beginning of practice we train ourselves to rely on presence beyond images and concepts, in the first years this is extraordinarily difficult. And until you have attained mature presence, for a long time you will still need coarse or subtle-material supports that have name and form, until presence fully unfolds.
Why? Because your coarse karmas, restless mind, external circumstances, old desires, and samskaras will be stronger than your attempts to maintain a still-immature presence. At first you will feel that your presence is like a feather, while coarse karmas are a hurricane, a tidal wave, a powerful and knocking-down squall. You will understand that your exercises in contemplation are still very imperfect, while the whirlwinds of old karmas are incredibly strong.
Therefore, additional methods are always needed, which at the initial stages help to free oneself from desires, stabilize the mind, and strengthen presence. In our practice, we can use such methods by reuniting with circumstances. They purify consciousness and invoke subtle blessing, spiritual energy in practice.
