Everything is destructive if one is averse to Guru’s Lotus-Feet
English translation of a free Hindi translation of Adi Shankaracharya’s Guru Ashtakam
One may have handsome form, a beautiful wife, great fame and wealth, but all these attainments are worthless if one’s mind is not attached to the Lotus-feet of the Guru. (1)
Even if one has a wife, wealth, children, grandchildren; a big house to live with relatives, one is fortunate to possess everything in this world. It is of no use if one is not devoted to the Lotus-Feet of the Guru. (2)
The Vedas, beginning with Shad Angas, as well as lores may be on the tip of one’s tongue and one may compose poems, but what good accrues to him from these if one is averse to the Lotus-Feet of the Guru? (3)Even if one commands respect in foreign countries and the motherland, and is greatly regarded in virtue and noble thoughts. If one’s mind is not attached to the Lotus-Feet of Guru, all these virtues are harmful. (4)
Even if one’s feet are adored by the hosts of emperors, and those benevolent feet are served by kings; If one cannot meditate on Guru’s Lotus-Feet, his good fortune is also to no avail. (5)
Even if one’s fame has spread all over, and one becomes as great as Bali in charity and fame; One is the master of all material objects by Guru’s grace, all that is destructive if one is averse to Guru’s Lotus-Feet. (6)
Even if one’s mind is detached from wealth, Yoga, Kingdom and horse; one is not allured by the pleasure of women. If one cannot seek refuge at the Guru’s Lotus-Feet, the detachment of mind is also hypocrisy. (7)
One’s mind may be dissociated either from the forest or one’s own house or the beauty of one’s body; still if it is not stuck at the Lotus-Feet of the Guru, non-attachment of the mind is also a burden. (8)
If one has a priceless jewel collection, even if he has an embracing passionate wife. If one’s mind does not have faith in the Guru’s Lotus-Feet, Meaningless are all these enjoyments and opulence. (9)
A virtuous soul, be he an ascetic, a King, a celibate or a householder. Who recites this meritorious Guruashtakam, shall attain his desired object- Brahman, if his mind sticks to the words of Guru. (10)
– Nee. Shekhavat
There is only benefit to get
– Sant Thanedarji (Thakur Ram Singhji)
One should have strong faith in one’s presiding deity or SatGuru; then all works will start happening on their own. By taking refuge in SatGuru, all works should be done properly. This is the path of love and self-surrender. From being Manmukh, who follows the dictates of his mind, one should become Gurumukh, who obeys Guru’s dictates. There is only benefit to be gained from meditation on SatGuru.
Drops of Nectar
– Pujya Bapuji
* One cannot have realization of the Perfect Supreme Self until one’s heart is merged completely with God or God-realised SatGuru.