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Swami Pragyamurti (Director of the
London
Satyananda Yoga Centre) kindly agreed to answer
some questions about Guru...
Swami Pragyamurti, do I need a Guru to practise yoga?
No you don't. Initially what you need is a good teacher, who knows their stuff, who is sensitive to your needs and limitations, and who teaches with respect for the ancient yogic tradition and doesn't try and jazz it up with a bit of Pilates, a touch of massage - good though these are, they are not yoga!
It's easy to buy a yoga mat or find a yoga class through the internet. But how do I go about finding a suitable Guru?
Yes, it is easy to find the gear through the internet, I agree! Finding as Guru is a completely different thing... if you are studying yoga through a tradition that has a living Guru at its head you will, obviously, have access to that person. And perhaps you have been led to the specific yoga school because it is your destiny to meet this particular Guru. I always feel that we at SYC have a role as catalyst, to bring some of our students to Swami Satyananda or, nowadays, to Swami Niranjanananda. Failing that contact, you may ask the universe to help you in your quest, or pray for guidance; keep an open heart, but don't become obsessed with the search.
I can ask to see my yoga teacher's qualifications or certificate. But how can I check my Guru's credentials, and ensure she or he is a suitable person?
A very perceptive question, especially as we are surrounded by fakes and phonies in all aspect of modern life! Firstly, observe the disciples of your possible Guru - are they happy, balanced individuals, living integrated lives, especially those who have been with the Guru for some time. Secondly, observe the Guru in action - get a chance to attend lectures/classes conducted by the Guru and see if you feel happy with what is going on and if the Guru expresses the qualities of wisdom, dedication and unconditional love that we rightly expect of such a person. Having said that, there is also a school of "crazy wisdom" which works with very unorthodox and unusual methods, in order to bring the disciples to a different level of understanding. If you have specific questions to ask of your prospective Guru, do so, and hopefully feel reassured.
Could you say briefly how you found your Guru, Swami Satyananda, or how he found you?
Swami Satyananda found me, as at that time I was definitely not looking for another man to sort my life out, nor was I looking for the life-change that was lined up for me! However, I was very appreciative of Swamiji's wonderful system of yoga, which on various levels, saved my life. When I heard that he was coming to Europe I felt compelled to sign up for his programme in France, not really knowing why. I soon found out, and am still overcome with gratitude and amazement at his presence in my life.
And finally, if I have a Guru who is far away, how can I keep in contact?
As disciples, it is up to us to keep the doors of communication open. The Guru's life is dedicated to guiding us. The Guru loves us unconditionally. The Guru does not run around after us, organising our daily life, helping us avoid challenges and filling us with endless joy. No! We must do our best to fulfil the Guru's instructions to us, such as using our mantra daily and any other practices she/he may have given; we should also study the Guru's works, books, etc. and we should also keep the company of fellow disciples whenever possible. If we live physically distant, we MUST internalise the presence of the Guru, and in this way the guidance and inspiration will always be there, nearby, accessible.
Swami Pragyamurti, thank you! |
