Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu

About this stotra

Known as the Guru mantra, this verse beautifully encapsulates the importance of the Guru in spiritual life. The true meaning of Guru is "one who dispels the darkness of ignorance". "Gu" refers to the darkness of ignorance, while "Ru" points to the one who removes ignorance. This mantra conveys that the Guru embodies the divine trinity of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Maheśvara (Shiva, the destroyer). The Guru is not just a human teacher but is viewed as the living embodiment of the Supreme Brahman, the ultimate reality that transcends all dualities. For devotees, this verse underscores the necessity of offering reverence and gratitude to the Guru, who plays a vital role in guiding the seeker toward enlightenment and liberation.
Another meaning of the word Guru is "one who is beyond attributes and forms". Gu stands for Gunaatheetha - one who transcends the three Gunas (Satva, Rajas and Tamas); Ru stands for Rupavarjitha - one who is formless. The One who is beyond all attributes and forms is none other than the Supreme Self (the Brahman) who is resident within each of us.
As the spiritual luminary, Sri Ramana Maharshi said: The Guru is both ‘external’ and ‘internal.’ From the ‘exterior’ he gives a push to the mind to turn inward; from the ‘interior’ he pulls the mind towards the Self and helps in the quieting of the mind. That is Guru-kripa (grace of the Guru). There is no difference between God, Guru and the Self.