YSP Study Group 10/03/09

Sutra 1.26

स पूर्वेषाम् अपि गुरुः कालेनानवच्छेदात्॥२६॥

sa pUrveShaam api guruH kaalenavachChedaat

Taimni

"Being unconditioned by time He is teacher even of the ancients"

A Solar system is a gigantic phenomenon in time and space. Many planets are born in it, live their life and then disappear, providing during a certain period of their existence a field for the evolution of the innumerable Jivatmas who are part of the Solar System. During all this period extending over billions of years only Isvara guides the different humanities and races which appear and then disappear since He alone survives these stupendous changes. Only He gives knowledge to those who become the Teachers and Leaders of mankind from time to time.

Isvara is the Supreme and the real Teacher, behind all the teachers who are trying to
spread the light of knowledge and Divine Wisdom in the world. Scientists and other
seekers after knowledge may vainly believe that they ‘discover’ knowledge; however, this belief is born of egoism and illusion. Isvara is the true source of human knowledge, and individuals merely become the instruments of
the Supreme Guru. All great Spiritual Teachers have been con-
sidered to be the embodiments of the Great Guru and have taught in His name and
through His power.

Aranya

The former teachers of knowledge are limited by time, but Isvara is not limited by time and is the teacher of all former teachers. He was present with his full powers at the beginning of the present creation as well as the past creations.

Discussion

While discussing the concept of Guru, it was mentioned that a guru can guide the student at three levels:

1. Provide a mantra for meditation to the student
2. Provide a mantra and explain the technique for meditation
3. Provide the above two and also ensure that the student is committed to a regular practice.

The student, on their part, must surrender completely to the teachings of the guru. When Isvara is the guru, it is called "Isvara Pranidhana" (one of the five niyamas).

Similar to the "four noble truths" in the Buddhist tradition, in yoga also, there are these four truths:

1. heya (things to be avoided) – suffering or the five kleshas (ignorance, ego, likes, dislikes, fear of death)
2. heyahetu (causes of avoidable) – identification of ‘purusha’ with ‘prakriti’, or the soul with the false ego
3. hana (avoidance) – understanding the separation between ‘purusha’ and ‘prakriti’
4. hanopaya (means of avoidance) – the eight-fold path of yoga (yama, niyamas etc.)