The Guru Gita

The daily recitation of the Shri Guru Gita is one of the practices of the Hard Light Center of Awakening for one simple reason... as Mark Griffin says: "I am teaching you this about the Guru because I believe it's your best chance for Awakening in this lifetime". The Guru Gita is the core section of 352 sutras in the latter portion of the ancient Indian text known as the Skanda Purana. Gita means song, and indeed these sutras are a song in praise of the Guru, and in recognition of the power of contemplating the Guru's nature, especially through the vehicle of the repetition of these verses. Mark Griffin has selected 108 of these verses for the use of serious seekers - those who are sincerely interested in spiritual training. This fresh, original translation from the Sanskrit is specifically designed for the contemporary seeker. It's important to note that the recitation is in English, as Mark feels that the meaning of these sutras is most important. These 108 verses focus on the universal nature of the Guru. When the word Guru is used here, it is known to be more than an individual person. Rather, it is a universal principle, a catalyst for enlightenment like no other. It is referred to in the text as the Guru Tattva; tattva translating as principle. This 5.5" x 8.5" perfect-bound book is 174 pages, and contains the English verses in large print, so it is easy to read and recite. It also includes the Sanskrit Devanagari text, the Sanskrit transliteration, a guide how to pronounce the Sanskrit transliteration, Mark's full introduction and a in-depth 30 page glossary.

This is a a scriptural commentary of Lahiri Mahasaya on The Guru Gita in the Light of Kriya. Lahiri Mahasaya is a polestar of Kriya Yoga, a direct disciple of Mahavataar Babaji. In previous birth, he was Kabir. He is the Sadguru of Saint Shirdi Sai Baba. Guru Gita is a part of Biswasar Tantra. Divine Mother, Parvati, was sitting with Lord Siva, her divine husband, on Kailas Mountain in the Himalayas when she requested him to impart the great teaching of Guru Gita to her. This important scripture will help the seekers of Truth to better understand and clarify the Kriya path in their pursuit of Truth: Who is Guru ?What is Guruseva (service to Guru) ?How does one meditate upon Guru ?Who is qualified to have Kriya ?

Shri Guru Gita is a hymn to the greatness of the divine Guru. It is a part of the Skanda Purana in the form of mantras or mystical verses. Shri Guru Gita is also called Mantra Raja ? the king of mantras. ?Gu?, the first syllable of the word ?Guru?, symbolizes darkness or ignorance and the second syllable ?Ru? means light or knowledge. ?Guru? is assuredly the Brahma, the divine entity, who can destroy ignorance. Thus Self-Realization is possible only through the gift of the guru?s grace.In this concise text, written as a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Parvati, special emphasis has been laid on the essential nature of the guru, the greatness of the guru, devotion to the guru, guru-seva [service to the guru] and the guru-shishya [disciple] relationship. Shri Guru Gita begins on the beautiful peak of Kailasa in the Himalayas when goddess Parvati beseeches Lord Shiva to reveal the path that can lead a human being to salvation.Shri Guru Gita provides instructions and guidance for disciples at a spiritual level. It provides specific advice to the aspirants about subjects like yoga, worship, japa, austerities, rituals, offerings, prayers, meditation mats and many other subjects.This translation and commentary on one of the most profound and respected spiritual texts is being published with the singular intent and hope that inquisitive souls and spiritual aspirants will accept this book and benefit from it by enhancing their faith in their spiritual masters.

God is Love. God is Everything. God is Guru. The Guru is not of this world, even though He created it and we won’t be able to leave this world of limitation without Him. To succeed we need His Grace. We will obtain it by knowing Him intimately in the depth of our own being. And there is no greater way to achieve that than to read the Divine Sri Guru Gita and the profound wisdom imparted by the Satguru Himself. Absorb it, treasure it, and then apply it with determination and deep reverence. You will win the greatest prize: Everything. Love. God.

For centuries, readers have turned to the Bhagavad Gita for inspiration and guidance as they chart their own spiritual paths. As profound and powerful as this classic text has been for generations of seekers, integrating its lessons into the ordinary patterns of our lives can ultimately seem beyond our reach. Now, in a fascinating series of reflections, anecdotes, stories, and exercises, Ram Dass gives us a unique and accessible road map for experiencing divinity in everyday life. In the engaging, conversational style that has made his teachings so popular for decades, Ram Dass traces our journey of consciousness as it is reflected in one of Hinduism’s most sacred texts. The Gita teaches a system of yogas, or “paths for coming to union with God.” In Paths to God, Ram Dass brings the heart of that system to light for a Western audience and translates the Gita’s principles into the manual for living the yoga of contemporary life. While being a guide to the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Paths to God is also a template for expanding our definition of ourselves and allowing us to appreciate a new level of meaning in our lives.

Guru Charitra is one of the most revered scriptural texts of Hinduism. Containing the biographies of Lord Dattatreya, (Lord Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh) and his subsequent incarnations Sripada Sri Vallabha and Sri Narasimha Saraswati, it clarifies several doubts on religious dogmas, rituals and doctrines through a conversation between the master and his disciple. This book, steeped in lofty Hindu philosophical ideas also portrays a picture of the social and economic condition of the medieval times in India, and the message conveyed by the numerous teachings of the Guru needs to be understood in the context of those days. Reading of this interactive account, written in simple and lucid language will give strength and encouragement to spiritual aspirants to continue with their sadhana (spiritual pursuit), enable them to overcome the various problems of modern day living and fulfil their inherent wishes.