THE VISION, July 2025, Vol 92, Issue 10:

 

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Beloved Readers,

The month of July marks the sacred occasion of Guru Purnima—a time to honour the Guru with deep reverence and gratitude. The Guru is the awakener of the spirit, dispelling darkness and guiding seekers toward the realisation of the immortal Self.

From birth onward, we need Gurus at every stage of life—mentors who help us discover our potential and lead us to knowledge and service. As Pujya Swami Satchidanandaji reminds us: “Guru is only one, but he has different forms. Accepting a Guru is accepting God in that form.” Once accepted, we must see the Guru as God’s mercy in human form, guiding us on the right path.

Beloved Papa Swami Ramdas said, “Please the Guru by doing what pleases him—not what pleases you.” One saint beautifully expressed, “Let the world know who your Guru is by the way you live.” True Guru Seva goes beyond serving the Guru’s physical form. When a disciple once ignored a starving beggar while carrying food for Sai Baba, Baba later revealed He was that beggar. The next day, appearing as a dog, He was again denied food. These incidents teach us that loving and serving all beings is the highest service to the Guru.

May the Supreme Guru within guide us on this path—this is our humble prayer on Guru Purnima.

— EDITOR

AS WE SCROLL DOWN...

1. ‘Guru or Spiritual Teacher’ — elucidates Swami Ramdas, is a Divine Guide who awakens the soul to its immortal nature—eternal peace and bliss. His mere presence inspires inner transformation and spiritual awakening.
2. ‘Words of Beloved Papa Swami Ramdas’ — emphasise that while the Guru is essential for spiritual guidance, attachment even to the Guru's form must be transcended to realise the Self, who is the true Guru beyond all names and forms.
3. ‘Words of Pujya Mataji Krishnabai’ — make us aware that surrendering to the Guru as the formless, all-pervading Reality leads the seeker to Divine protection and unity, where every thought and action becomes a constant offering to the indwelling Guru.
4. ‘Words of Pujya Swami Satchidananda’ — remind us that Guru Purnima is a time to reaffirm our surrender to the inner Guru, live a life of purity and universal love, and strive for Self-realisation by seeing the Guru in all and aligning with His supreme will.
   
5. ‘Editor Answers’ — how we can feel the Guru’s presence within and know that Guru and God are one. It is the Inner Guru—Divine Consciousness within—that leads us to the outer Guru, who then guides us inward to realise the same Presence. The formless Reality takes the form of the outer Guru to reveal Itself and the seeming divide between God and Guru dissolves, and their essential oneness is realised.
6. ‘Guru Dakshina That Will Delight the Guru’ — explains Swami Chidanandaji, is not material offerings, but a life of sincere Sadhana, steadfast dedication to spiritual ideals and unwavering adherence to the Guru’s teachings.
7. In ‘Bhagavan Ramana on Guru’ — Bhagavan clarifies that the Guru need not always be in human form, as the world itself can serve as Guru. Experiences in life teach us what to pursue and what to avoid, ultimately guiding us inward to realise that God, Guru and the Self are one.
8. ‘Swami Vivekananda on Guru’ — reveals that there is no greater teacher than the Soul. True Gurus are illumined beings who have realised the Divine and can awaken that same Truth in others; Guru-Bhakti remains the foundation of all spiritual growth.
9. 'Dear Children' — illustrates how a young girl’s compassion, sparked by a newspaper story, leads to a powerful act of kindness that transforms not only the life of another child but also rekindles humanity in her father’s heart.
10. ‘Epistles Of Swami Ramdas’ — urges us to rise above dependence on outer forms, including the Guru’s form, and realise through total surrender that the formless, blissful, all-pervading Divine dwells within as our true Self.
11. ‘Seva Activities And Overheads for the Year Ending 31st March 2025’
12. ‘In Memoriam’
13. ‘Anandashram News’:
    • ‘15,500-Crore Nama Japa Yagna For World Peace’
    • ‘Sessions With Children In Anand Kutir’
    • ‘Mouna Sadhana’
    • ‘Guru Purnima’
14. ‘Book In Focus’
15. ‘Thought For The Month’
16. ‘Download THE VISION’ in PDF format.

GURU OR SPIRITUAL TEACHER

By Swami Ramdas

Guru is understood to be the awakener of the dormant spirit of the aspirant to the consciousness of the immortal Self or God. Guru is the guide and the leader. Guru is the Truth personified. Guru imparts the knowledge of the highest Truth, leading the thought of the aspirant to the comprehension of the deathless life. Guru is he whose life has mingled with God’s life, who is intoxicated with the bliss of the eternal and whose heart is overflowing with compassion and love for all creatures and beings in the world. The touch, society or even a sight of such a great and illumined personality would at once bring a sense of indescribable relief to the struggling soul, and set him on the path of immortality, peace and bliss. What does the Guru say to the soul in tribulation? He exhorts: “Go within yourself and behold therein the splendour and glory of the Eternal Truth. Therein resides your ultimate home of perfect release, happiness and peace. Therein find the life that never fades, that never changes but ever blesses and sanctifies. Be in tune with that Reality, if you sincerely crave for the highest consummation of life.” It is thus the Guru awakens you, and thereafter you are always awake. This is the real conception of a Guru.

WORDS OF BELOVED PAPA SWAMI RAMDAS

Attachment even to the person of the Guru is a hindrance. It is a bondage. You must transcend it. It may be useful in the beginning to free yourself from attachment to other things. But that is not the end. That attachment must also go, in order to realize the Self. You must look upon everybody as your Guru. When you lay aside your ego and see, you find everywhere your Guru. As a matter of fact, Guru is Nirguna. As the mind cannot grasp the Nirguna, He manifests Himself in form. Your goal is to realize the Self or Atman. Atman is the Nirguna Swarup of the Guru.

***

Books teach different ways. They can provoke interest or curiosity in you. Still no clear idea is given about how to walk the path. A Guru must guide you. Therefore, importance is given to the Guru. You must go to the Guru, do Namaskar to him, put questions and get instructions about the path, obey those instructions and walk on the path. This is said in the ‘Bhagavad Gita’. A spiritual guide or Master is essential.

WORDS OF PUJYA MATAJI KRISHNABAI

While surrendering himself completely to the Guru, the disciple does so looking upon the Guru as the all-pervading, Nameless, Formless Reality, who is the great Void existing all around. By so doing, the devotee reduces himself to nothingness as well as gives himself up to his Master who is already the all-pervading Void. Then (here Mataji speaks from her own experience), the Guru carries the Sadhaka like a babe in the arms, protecting him always. If any untoward experiences loom ahead, the Guru who is the Mother, wards them off and keeps the Sadhakas protected from them.”

***

Let your thought always dwell on the Guru who is seated in your heart—who at the same time pervades and transcends everything.  If any other thought arises in your mind, identify it with the Guru within.  Let your prayer always be to realise—to become one with the Guru.  Let your tongue constantly repeat Ram Nam.  Let your eyes behold the Guru everywhere.  Let your hands do every work as an offering to the Guru.

WORDS OF PUJYA SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA

The Guru Purnima Day is an occasion for us to renew our dedication to the all-merciful Guru seated in our heart. Guru is God Himself, the Absolute Truth and the entire manifestation. Guru is our saviour; Guru is our guide. Let us be ever faithful to Him and surrender our little self to Him, the Absolute Being.

Let us swear again today, each one of us make a solemn resolve to lead a life of absolute purity, love towards all beings in this universe, looking upon all as the very forms of our Guru and thus free ourselves from the lower nature that pulls us down to worldly attachments and consequent unhappiness. The Guru expects each and every one of us as Sadhakas, to remember Him constantly, see Him alone in all beings and creatures and surrender to His supreme will in all matters. He expects us as Sadhakas to give up all worldly ambitions and attainments and aspire only for Him, to merge in Him, and to realize our oneness with Him. Let us not forget that every moment we are Sadhakas and our goal is Self-realisation and let all our thoughts, words and deeds become a sufficient proof of this.

EDITOR ANSWERS

Question: How can we feel the Guru’s presence within and know that Guru and God are one?

Answer: When we hear the word ‘Guru’, we often picture someone distinct from God—a visible, living guide, while our concept of God tends to be abstract, nameless and formless. Yet it is the Guru who awakens us to the Divine Presence of God within. That is why Beloved Papa refers to the Guru as an Awakener.

To truly experience the Guru’s presence within, we must reflect and recognise that it is the Inner Guru—the Divine Consciousness dwelling in us—that first guides us to the outer Guru. Through the outer Guru, we are then led inward to realise the same Divine Presence within ourselves. In truth, God and Guru are not two—they are one. With this understanding, we come to see that the Guru is ever with us, just as God is always present.

Without God’s grace, we would remain unaware of this indwelling Divinity. The formless Reality takes the form of the outer Guru to reveal Itself. When this awareness dawns, we can lovingly honour the outer form of the Guru, while remaining anchored in the nameless, formless, all-pervading Presence within. 

Whenever we meet our outer Guru and offer salutations, we may inwardly pray: “I bow to the indwelling, all-pervading Reality—nameless and formless—whose presence has been revealed to me through this sacred form.” In this way, the seeming divide between God and Guru dissolves, and their essential oneness is realised.

GURU DAKSHINA THAT WILL DELIGHT THE GURU

By Swami Chidananda

Guru Purnima is the sacred full moon day when disciples tend to travel to be present at the place of their Guru. They also desire to show their reverence in a tangible manner, by making an offering as a symbol of their gratitude, their appreciation for what they have received from their Guru. They call it ‘Guru Dakshina’, a special offering that they make to the Guru. Now, what is the Guru Dakshina that is especially pleasing to the Guru?

Being sincere and earnest in Sadhana, rededicating themselves to the great ideals of spirituality—renunciation, dispassion, discrimination, Abhyasa, Sadhana—that indeed would be the Guru Dakshina desired by the Guru. That each disciple shines as a centre of fiery aspiration, intense fervour and total dedication to the ideal and has a resolute determination to follow the path, to pursue the ideal, come what may, to adhere to the Guru’s instructions, and to live by the lofty ideals placed before us by the ancient seers and sages of whom we are descendants—that would be the Dakshina desired by the Guru.

BHAGAVAN RAMANA ON GURU

Devotee: While all say Guru’s direction is necessary, it seems Bhagavan Sri Ramana has said a Guru is not necessary.”

Bhagavan: I have not said so. But a Guru need not always be in human form. First a person thinks he is an inferior and that there is a superior, all-knowing and all-powerful God who controls his own and the world’s destiny, and worships Him or does Bhakti. When he reaches a certain stage and becomes fit for enlightenment, the same God whom he was worshipping comes as Guru and leads him on. That Guru comes only to tell him: “The God is within yourself. Dive within and realise.” God, Guru and the Self are the same.

Devotee: In Bhagavan’s case there was no Guru.

Bhagavan: The whole world was my Guru. It has already been said that Guru need not be in human form and that the Self within, God and Guru are the same. Don’t you know that Dattatreya, when he was asked by the king which Guru had taught him the secret of bliss, replied that the earth, water, fire, animals, men, etc., all were his Gurus and went on explaining how some of these taught him to cling to what was good and others taught him what things he should avoid as bad.

Source: Day By Day With Bhagavan

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA ON GURU

Guru-Bhakti is the foundation of all spiritual development. It is easier to become a Jivanmukta (free in this very life) than to be an Acharya. For, the former knows the world as a dream and has no concern with it; but an Acharya knows it as a dream and yet has to remain in it and work. It is not possible for everyone to be a Guru. 

My dearest and nearest relative in life is my Guru; next, my mother; then my father. My first reverence is to the Guru. If my father says, “Do this,” and my Guru says, “Do not do this,” I do not do it. The Guru frees my soul. The father and mother give me this body; but the Guru gives me rebirth in the soul.  The Guru must teach me and lead me into light, make me a link in that chain of which he himself is a link. The man in the street cannot claim to be a Guru. The Guru must be a man who has known, has actually realised the Divine Truth, has perceived himself as the Spirit. 

The power that can transform life in a moment can be found only in the living illumined souls, those shining lights who appear among us from time to time. They alone are fit to be Gurus. There is no other teacher but your own soul.

DEAR CHILDREN

Shortly after Simmi turned 13, her father said, “You’re a teenager now. It’s time you start reading the newspaper every day to understand what’s happening in the world.”

Simmi, an eager reader of fairy tales and inspiring stories, was initially thrilled at the idea of doing something so “grown-up.” But after just two days of reading distressing news, she developed a headache and told her father she couldn’t bear it. Understanding her feelings, her father said gently, “Just read today’s front page. From tomorrow, you can go back to your fairy tales.”

Simmi reluctantly agreed. Her eyes landed on a headline: “Parents of two-year-old boy with cancer struggle for money for treatment.” Moved by the story, she ran to her cupboard, emptied her piggy bank, and rushed to her father. “Papa! We have to help that child,” she pleaded. Her father, overwhelmed by daily responsibilities, tried to dismiss her. But when Simmi said, “What if that child were me?” her words pierced his heart.

“You’re right,” he said, and together they went to the hospital. They met the boy and his parents, offered words of comfort, and gave them money—Simmi her savings, and her father a generous amount for the treatment. The parents were deeply touched. On the way back, her father said, “Today you helped a child… and helped me become more humane. Thank you, Simmi.” 

EPISTLES OF SWAMI RAMDAS

Beloved Ram,

…Dependence upon external objects, even upon a human form of God, whom you look upon as your Guru, is no longer desirable or necessary for you, when you know that the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Reality, the eternal, all-blissful Being is within yourself. All forms are perishable. Any particular form may help us to realise the formless Truth within us; and only so far is it of importance. We ought to rise above all forms and names. Let us give up all doubts once and for all by realising that all our activities—mental, vocal and physical—are actuated by the Divine Shakti, no matter what She makes us do. Let us, by this unqualified surrender, know that we are immortal, unchanging, formless, unaffected, ever-free, all-pervading, blissful Spirit—the Purusha…

SEVA ACTIVITIES & OVERHEADS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31ST MARCH 2025

Statement showing the details of expenditure incurred for Seva activities and overheads by Anandashram Trust, Satchidananda Charitable Medical Trust, Ramdarshan Trust and Pinakin Sharda Endowment Trust:

Particulars	Amount in ₹
Aid For Education	8,00,006
Aid For Handicapped	8,39,040
Aid For Medical Expenses	68,62,999
Aid For Palliative Care	4,10,346
Aid For Poor, Aged & Destitute	10,40,319
Aid For Self-Employment	3,26,845
Aid For Shelter/House/Well/Lavatories, etc.	20,13,136
Aid For Marriage	4,21,000
Donation Paid: Cash	17,18,465
Donation Paid: Cloth	9,49,811
Donation Paid To Charitable Institutions	17,21,017
Donation Paid: Rice/Food Distribution	15,52,553
Expenses Incurred For Annadaan (Feeding)	1,15,47,463
Expenses For Publication Printing And Postage	6,32,755
Expenses For Value Based Education	2,44,500
Expenses Incurred for Awareness Of Universal Love and Serive	3,33,016
Eco-friendly Awareness Campaign	13,31,272
Aid For Animal Welfare	6,06,481
Expenses For Overheads And Upkeep	1,60,77,642
Total	4,94,28,666

IN MEMORIAM

Smt Pushpalata R Gupta (aged 86), an ardent devotee of the Ashram from the Sargarlal family of Hyderabad, was called by Beloved Papa on the 1st of June 2025. 

Her devotion, dedication and surrender to Beloved Papa were so complete that a few days prior to her passing when she was asked by her children whether she would like to be taken to the hospital, she replied, “No.” She was content and at peace. 

We pray for Beloved Papa’s blessings on the dear departed soul for eternal rest and peace at His lotus feet.

ANANDASHRAM NEWS

15500-CRORE NAMA JAPA YAGNA FOR WORLD PEACE:

The total Japa received in the fourth round of the 15500-Crore Nama Japa Yagna for World Peace in the month of May 2025 is 210 crores, chanted by 184698 devotees. 

The grand total of the Japa done so far in this round now stands at 4980 crores.

***

SESSIONS WITH CHILDREN AT ANAND KUTIR IN ANANDASHRAM:

In the month of May 2025, 2 interactive sessions were held with children at Anand Kutir, in which 65 students participated. As the sessions are free from teaching and preaching, they help the children to bring out their own learnings:

• Vismaya M shared, “I will act in a way that brings no disturbance—at home, in school, or in the country.”
• Ananthu Krishna reflected, “I felt a deep sense of calm after the class.”
• Darshanth stated, “I will not turn friends into enemies. I will avoid conflict, respect everyone, and take responsibility for my actions.”
• Devananda KS expressed, “I must learn to live without prejudice.”
• Devananda A remarked, “I realised how a person can truly find peace.”
• Adidev AV observed, “I felt inspired to lead by example—to show the way by living rightly.”
• Nibas A said, “I learnt how to face and handle problems effectively.”
• Anushree affirmed, “I realised I had made many mistakes, and I have decided to change several of my habits.”

***

Mouna Sadhana In Anandashram:

A day-long Mouna Sadhana is scheduled on the 13th of July 2025. Devotees interested in participating may kindly inform through WhatsApp (+91-9037466744) or by email (pms.anandashram@gmail.com).

***

Guru Purnima:

The auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima will be celebrated on the 10th of July 2025. 

This occasion is a time to bring to mind the many Gurus who have guided us and helped us express our inner potential. The entire universe is the form of the Guru. Nature itself teaches us through silent examples: the earth’s patience, the tree’s selflessness, the seed’s hidden potential, the persistence of dripping drops and the orderliness that guides everything to co-exist. 

Let us pray to the Supreme Guru within to help us recognise and serve Him in all.

BOOK IN FOCUS

‘With My Master’

An autobiographical account by Swami Shuddhanandaji, offering a heartfelt narration of his intimate interactions with his beloved Master, Swami Ramdas.

This book brings to light how Beloved Papa, in his remarkably witty and jovial way, conveyed profound spiritual truths with simplicity, making them understandable and deeply relatable. 

Available in English.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

“Guru imparts the knowledge of the highest Truth. He exhorts: ‘Go within yourself and behold therein the splendour and glory of the Eternal Truth. Therein resides your ultimate home of perfect release, happiness and peace. Therein find the life that never fades, that never changes but ever blesses and sanctifies. Be in tune with that Reality.’ It is thus the Guru awakens you, and thereafter you are always awake.” 

— Swami Ramdas

DOWNLOAD THE VISION

Devotees can download the PDF version of this issue of THE VISION by clicking on the relevant links.