What are the characteristics of a God-realised Master in Yoga?
In Yoga philosophy, a God-realized Master (also known as a Guru or a Yogi) is someone who has achieved a state of spiritual enlightenment or union with the divine. Some of the characteristics of a God-realized Master in Yoga may include:
- Selflessness: A God-realized Master is selfless and lives for the benefit of others. They are compassionate and work tirelessly to help others find the same path of self-realization.
- Unconditional love: A God-realized Master embodies unconditional love and radiates it to everyone they encounter. They see everyone as equal and treat them with respect and kindness.
- Humility: A God-realized Master is humble and does not seek recognition or praise for their spiritual accomplishments. They understand that their attainment of union with the divine is a gift and recognize the divine in everyone.
- Wisdom: A God-realized Master possesses profound wisdom that comes from their direct experience of the divine. They can guide others on the path of spiritual awakening and help them navigate the challenges they may encounter.
- Non-dualistic perspective: A God-realized Master sees the world beyond the dualities of good and bad, right and wrong, and recognizes that everything is interconnected and part of the divine. They are able to transcend the limitations of the ego and see the unity of all things.
- Inner peace: A God-realized Master has achieved a state of inner peace that is unshakable. They are not disturbed by the ups and downs of life and remain calm in the face of adversity.
- Self-control: A God-realized Master has mastered their mind and senses and has complete self-control. They do not react impulsively to situations and are able to respond thoughtfully and compassionately.
Overall, a God-realized Master in Yoga is someone who has achieved a state of union with the divine and is able to help others attain the same goal. They embody qualities such as selflessness, unconditional love, humility, wisdom, non-dualistic perspective, inner peace, and self-control.
The term “guru” comes from Sanskrit and is often translated as “teacher” or “master.” In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism, a guru is a spiritual teacher who guides and instructs disciples on their spiritual path. The role of a guru is considered very important in these traditions, as the guru is believed to be a link between the individual and the divine.
The responsibilities of a guru vary depending on the tradition, but generally, a guru is expected to impart spiritual knowledge, provide guidance and support to disciples, and help them develop spiritually. This can involve teaching spiritual practices, offering advice on how to overcome obstacles on the spiritual path, and providing moral and emotional support. A guru may also serve as a role model for disciples, demonstrating the qualities of compassion, wisdom, and detachment.
In addition to these responsibilities, a guru is also expected to maintain a high level of ethical conduct, as disciples often look to their guru as an example to follow. This includes being honest, transparent, and acting with integrity in all aspects of their life.
