Guru Mantra

Ramanuja was the favourite disciple of his Guru. When he was to finish his training, the Guru said to him, “Ramanuja, you are my best student. Listen to me; I shall reveal to you a mantra. If you recite it everyday, religiously; you shall go to heaven. But if you reveal it to any one else, you shall go to hell. I repeat, do not reveal it to others or you shall surely go to hell.”

As soon as Ramanuja left the Guru’s ashram, he called out in a loud voice, “Who wants to go to heaven? Come and I shall tell you the way. Come one and all.” As he shouted out aloud, people started flocking towards him and he started reciting the Guru-Mantra to them. Hearing the commotion outside, the Guru rushed out and rebuked Ramanuja, “What are you doing you insolent boy? I told you not to reveal the mantra to others. You shall surely go to hell.” Ramanuja answered calmly, “Guruji, going to hell would be a small price to pay for helping so many people to go to heaven. I am ready to suffer the consequences of it.”

The teacher realized that here was no ordinary disciple; he was surely a great and realized soul. Believe in the sun, even when it isn’t shinning. Believe in God, even when you can’t see Him. Believe in doing good and in helping others even if the benefits are not forthcoming.

Baba says, “Manav seva is Madhav seva i.e. Service to man is service to God.”