Is salvation possible by going in the refuge of any Guru?

According to Gyan Ganga, not all Gurus can lead a soul to salvation, and simply taking refuge in any Guru will not ensure liberation. The book emphasizes that only a Complete Guru (also called a Tatvadarshi Saint) can guide a soul to the Supreme God and free them from the cycle of birth and death. The book provides scriptural evidence to illustrate this concept, making it clear that one must discern between ordinary Gurus and a true Guru who possesses complete knowledge of the Supreme Being and the true method of worship.

The Concept of a Complete Guru

A Complete Guru, as described in Gyan Ganga, is one who has the true knowledge of God, the creation of the universe, and the path to salvation. The book highlights that there are many Gurus in the world, but not all have the knowledge required to free a soul from the bondage of Kaal (the negative force controlling the material world) and guide them to the Supreme God.

Scriptural Evidence Supporting the Need for a Complete Guru

1. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4, Verse 34: This verse states that one must approach a Tatvadarshi Saint to gain the knowledge of the true path.

   “Learn that through humble reverence, sincere inquiry, and service. The wise who have realized the truth will impart knowledge to you.”

   Gyan Ganga explains that this verse stresses the importance of seeking a true Guru, someone who is enlightened and can impart the knowledge necessary for liberation. Not every Guru has this realization; therefore, one must carefully choose a Guru who meets these criteria.

2. Kabir Sagar: This sacred text, referenced in Gyan Ganga, explains that only a Guru who has received direct knowledge from the Supreme God can impart the correct mantras and spiritual practices necessary for salvation. Kabir Saheb (Supreme God Kabir) Himself has revealed that most Gurus lack the essential spiritual knowledge and therefore cannot offer liberation.

   “A Guru who is not a Tatvadarshi (knower of the truth) cannot provide true knowledge. Only a Guru who has attained the Supreme God can lead you to salvation.”

   This highlights that simply taking refuge in a Guru is insufficient. If the Guru is not fully knowledgeable, the disciple remains trapped in the cycle of birth and death.

Characteristics of a Complete Guru

According to Gyan Ganga, a Complete Guru can be recognized by the following qualities:

1. Knowledge of Supreme God Kabir: The Complete Guru must have full knowledge of Satpurush (Supreme God Kabir) and the method of worshipping Him. Without this knowledge, the Guru cannot guide the soul toward liberation.

2. Ability to Provide Salvation Mantras: The Guru should be able to give initiation (Updesh) and provide mantras that have been revealed by the Supreme God. These mantras are the key to attaining salvation, and only a true Guru can impart them.

3. Alignment with Scriptures: A Complete Guru will teach in alignment with the Holy Scriptures like the Vedas, Gita, Purans, and Kabir Vani. Their teachings will not contradict these sacred texts but will be in harmony with them.

4. Beyond Material Desires: A true Guru is beyond material attachments and desires, and they live a life of spiritual simplicity. They focus solely on guiding their disciples toward salvation without being influenced by worldly gains.

The Consequences of Following an Incomplete Guru

Gyan Ganga warns that following an incomplete or false Guru can have serious consequences for one's spiritual journey. If the Guru does not have true knowledge or does not provide the correct mantras and methods of worship, the disciple will remain trapped in the cycle of birth and death, unable to achieve salvation.

1. Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 16, Verse 23: This verse states that those who perform worship without following the true scriptural method cannot achieve salvation.

   “He who discards the scriptural injunctions and acts according to his own desires will neither attain perfection, happiness, nor the supreme destination.”

   This verse highlights that if a disciple follows a Guru who does not know the correct scriptural method of worship, they will not attain salvation.

2. Kabir Saheb’s Teachings: In Kabir Sagar, Kabir Saheb explains that false Gurus lead their disciples astray, trapping them in rituals and practices that do not lead to salvation. Kabir emphasizes that a true Guru must have the correct knowledge of God and the creation of the universe to lead the disciple to liberation.

   "A disciple who takes refuge in an ignorant Guru is like a blind person following another blind person—both will fall into the ditch of ignorance."

The Role of a Complete Guru in Salvation

In Gyan Ganga, it is emphasized that the primary role of a Complete Guru is to lead their disciples to the Supreme God and provide them with the true path to worship. A Complete Guru has the authority to provide the correct mantras and guidance that align with the teachings of the Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and other holy texts.

1. Holy Yajurveda, Chapter 40, Mantra 10: This verse explains that only a saint with true knowledge can liberate the soul. A Guru who is a true knower of God can impart the correct mantras that lead to liberation.

   "Only a knower of Brahm can guide you to the Supreme Being."

   Gyan Ganga reinforces that without the guidance of such a Guru, it is impossible to achieve salvation. The Guru must be connected to the Supreme God and must be free from worldly desires to lead others on the correct path.

Conclusion

According to Gyan Ganga, not every Guru can provide the path to salvation. A true Tatvadarshi Saint, or Complete Guru, is essential for leading a soul to the Supreme God and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Following an incomplete Guru, who lacks true spiritual knowledge and proper mantras, can leave a person trapped in ignorance and worldly suffering.

The book urges seekers to carefully choose a Guru who aligns with the Holy Scriptures and has the true knowledge of the Supreme God, Satpurush Kabir. Only such a Guru can provide the correct guidance and initiate the disciple on the path of salvation.

Seekers are encouraged to examine the teachings of their Guru in light of the scriptures and seek a Complete Guru to ensure their spiritual success.