Pearls of Wisdom : Worth of a Guru – Series of discourse by H.H. Srimajjagadguru Shankaracharya SriSri Raghaveshwara Bharathi Mahaswamiji

Sri Samsthana

Once a disciple asked his Guru-
“How to find out the worth of a Guru?”

 

The Guru gave a diamond ring to the disciple and asked him to find out its value in the market.

 

First, the disciple showed the diamond ring to a seller of flowers.  He valued the ring equal to a hundred rupees worth of flowers.
Next, the disciple approached a merchant who said the ring was worth five measures of rice.
Later, the disciple went to a goldsmith who valued the diamond ring  at Rs 1000.
Finally, the disciple took the ring to a diamond merchant and requested-
“Please fix a price for this diamond ring.”

 

The diamond merchant replied-
“This is a very precious diamond. It is not possible to determine its worth- it is invaluable. Do not sell it, protect it properly.”

 

The disciple realised that one cannot find out the worth of a Guru because he is like the invaluable diamond.

 

Parents give us life, the teacher makes us literate, the Guru guides us on the path of spiritual liberation. Their contribution is invaluable. It is enough if we walk the path shown by the Guru.

 

Translated by : Dr. Sharada Jayagovind

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *