How Do I Find My Guru? | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda describes the characteristics of a guru. This video is part of the AskSwami Q&A from June 25, 2017.
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ABOUT VEDANTA
Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions.
ABOUT US
Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

[@devashishchauhan9857]

"Simple way: develop your candidature of disciple and offer sincere prayer to God for a Guru. The guru he sends will be unmatched." This was told by my professor.

[@kotresh]

Did u get a guru?

[@SurajChaudhary-zt1os]

Yeah!!?

[@Advaitashram]

Yeah, I offered my prayers to Adiyogi to send me a guru like him and I found the guru.

[@upscaleeducation4716]

Absolutely true..bful

[@forexamsolanke4424]

@@Advaitashram I am fed up of this aimless & unsuccessful life, how do I get a guru who show me the right path?, I took a diksha also still not satisfied, doing regular meditation but can't concentrate, I tried a lot, I want to live this life with the combination of material as well as spiritual, read alot, watched so many spiritual videos but no use....

[@matter2684]

i found my guru on youtube. will come to take ur blessings.

[@riyaisme6324]

"A guru shud not be making millions on the Guru business ❤️" That's y I have that much respect for Swamiji 🙏 most genuine teacher I cld ever find in this life

[@rightinthefeels3798]

This is one place I disagree with Swamy. Nothing wrong with money if done ethically

[@Peace-tg3ip]

What you are seeking is seeking you ~ Rumi.

[@vivekkrishna6238]

No one can make you spiritual but your own soul... ------ swami vivekananda

[@addicssy_]

He wrote this quote after he met ram krishna paramhansa ,

[@pankaj2129]

​@@addicssy_And from where did Ram Krishna Paramhangsha gained Spiritual knowledge? Name of his Guru?

[@magnamia]

His statements are always padded with the benefit of doubt to everyone. That shows his compassionate nature. Respect. :)

[@klasgroup]

When the guru comes along, the disciple should be ripe enough to recognise the guru. One can't think of a guru better than Swamiji Sarvapriyananda himself, who so fluently and with such clarity communicates the realised truths of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda.

[@venkytarus]

Hi there,Namaskar or Salutations to you from Mother India,few years back i was travelling in the same road that which your travelling,Trust me you shall find a Guru shortly,as Swami Sarvaprayananda sir Stated it very clearly its Guru/Teachers job to find the ardent student and not the (v)wise versa. Elevate your self,certainly things will happen.i pay my respects to you too.

[@DewanandSahu01]

When student is ready the Guru appears out of thin air. Develop Paatrata and pray to God

[@koustavsinha9712]

Swamiji your voice is very charming and sweet.

[@fitonation]

You don't choose your guru. Your guru finds you when you are ready. Till then you have to prepare yourself for it.

[@WeightliftingGodmode]

Swami ji , your voice is like a kid😊

[@richa4i01]

Ayush singh it is sweet.

[@MotoRider23605]

But words are like learned man

[@sharauro]

Nice to see you swamiji! Thank you for your service. If I may add a couple of key important points Swami Vivekananda stressed when choosing a guru. 1) The background of the person to be selected as a Guru must be observed in detail for a period of time before choosing him/her as a Guru. Swami Vivekananda tested Sri Ramakrishna so many times for many years before accepting him as a Guru. 2) Spiritual knowledge is unlike secular knowledge, it has to be taught by someone whose lifesytle is pure and sacred. The person imparting this knowledge must have no desire for fame, money, lust and a pure mind is a must. Swami Vivekananda stressed that Raja Yoga must be taught by persons who are pure mentally and practice absolute celibacy ( Bramachari ).

[@allnone4277]

Pranams to my Guru on this Guru Paurnima 2022

[@seemab1397]

Swamiji you have answered a persistent question of mine.

[@amruthaom8928]

With much respect ,, thank you😊🙏

[@nikita6995]

Very helpful. Thank you so much

[@kavitapalit2241]

Your explanation is the best i have heard so far... thank you

[@anagha.aniruddha16]

Pranam Swamiji 🙏🏻

[@nimritakoul]

Thank you Swamiji

[@amrutaj28]

I have recently gained interest in the path of enlightenment and this was definitely the perfect video to start with. Thank you so much for this clarity.

[@Anonymous-8080]

How are you doing?

[@lawrence.5898]

Thank you so very much for sharing this.... 🙏🌷☘️

[@deepacapricorn2926]

Simply superb Dr deepacmd md

[@rosappan]

Namaskaram Guru 🙏 🙏🙏 🙏🙏 🙏🙏 🙏

[@rajoshkumarpt4465]

Pranam swamiji

[@firstchoice7874]

I know the Maharaj...and also join his class...He is very intelligent..

[@MT-ob6bl]

Thanks from 🇨🇦

[@mokshajetley9244]

Jai Sri Ramakrishna

[@meerabhide4888]

Hari Om, Pranam ,Swamiji. This Is my serious question for many yrs.let me see whether I found the ans.

[@somyatiwari8071]

He found me 🙏

[@senthilcm]

guru will do anything for free , people think it is business , but guru never seek or never promote how power full he ..

[@Viewer_dd]

Pranam Maharaj ❤

[@Viewer_dd]

Very practical advice

[@manjukodwaney5022]

Hare Krsna 🙏🌷

[@kavitapalit2241]

Well explained

[@riyanarzari3505]

I don't know when i will find my real Guru... Maybe i am not ready... But i wish i could find him soon ..

[@swamivedantanandapuri1322]

Pranaam maharaj🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@abantimajumdar9577]

অপূর্ব ।প্রণাম মহারাজ ।

[@tishachatterjee4047]

Swamiji , i would very much like to be your shishya !! when will the divine benevolence shine upon me ??

[@shrirambhandari1463]

Shrotriyam, I feel must be something where person is learned in Vedantic texts, Christianity doesn't require you to follow a Guru it requires you to believe in the Nicene Creed only, once you believe that you are saved as per the Christian doctrine . So this Shrotriya even if extended only to the Dharmika faiths .

[@noneall]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@harikrishnaraghuraman3348]

Shankaram Loka Shankaram 🙏

[@bhaskarbansode3087]

🙏🙏🙏

[@abantimajumdar9577]

প্রণাম মহারাজ

[@chemzard]

Pranams to Guru Sarvapriyananda ji. I loved your answer. It was interesting to see that the last frame of the video solicited donations - kinda ironic, after talking about how an ideal guru should not expect any material thing from the seeker in return for the knowledge.

[@indbap1]

Chem zard here no guru is demanding your money.The spiritual organisation runs on support of public.They can represent you such knowledge beacuse the society is alive and it is alive due to public donation that is why they say donation appreciated not stated you have to pay donation.You can give or you cannot no one snatching money from you.Due to public donation Society can arrange and telecast such valuable lectures.That is why they tell donation appreciated never told if you not give you will be unwanted.It is purely on your wish.It is a humble appeal there is nothing wrong.

[@MsLadybull]

Donation opportunity given is not the same as solicitation! How do you think you are able to listen to Swamiji on KZbin and benefit from these teachings ? Because of many many people right from the creators of KZbin to the volunteers of the vedanta society & Swamiji who have willingly supported this noble cause by means of donating their time and resources . He teaches for free always but you will not receive it worldwide if nobody supports it . Simple .

[@adityadixit4602]

Krishandevam jagad guru

[@DewanandSahu01]

Crash course of art of living !

[@RikthDcruze]

Im still looking for a guru... please pray for me so I can find my guru. 🙏🏼

[@soumavagoswami7487]

You have to pray and seek. Do it.🙏

[@rocky821]

analysis which type of devotee you are and then search for that type of guru

[@parikshitchoudhury9909]

Guru is a very complex matter. As we heard already even the so called demons hv had their gurus like Shukracharya n so on. So did these guru free from material desire?

[@JuanPreciado87]

It's very difficult to find a guru in Spain :(

[@MsSumandas]

What's the story of a girl who was talking to phone late night... can't remember the story

[@devadatta365]

Where can i find a traditional Shakta Guru?

[@hirenratnani]

Thrusts would always finds water 🙏

[@parbatibhattacharyya3895]

Respected swami gohonanondo ji gave montro 2000in jashedpur pronamai janai.parbati+charu bhattacharyya. You are also fond of me you are philosophy professor?

[@srinivassai9450]

Sri Sathya Sai Baba is my guru

[@laxxdood]

I like this guy way better than osho or sadhguru

[@VivekYadav-np8gd]

Do guru found us or we must find guru' .who is real guru ?

[@nethrakanagasabai1040]

Local global , people like Deepak Chopra are wonderful as they have understood the religious, spiritual, medical, and the metaphysical aspect of religion. So wonderful books have been churned out and I must admit I learned tremendously from them. But deep inside I wonder if they are all just theoretical, well researched Knowledge and whether he has actually experienced ONENESS!

[@jason6360]

Deepak is a huckster guru. Just making millions of dollars off schleps.

[@stefos6431]

The term "Satguru or Sadguru" means the Guru who has attained SAT or Brahman..........If they haven't, they aren't a Satguru.......Period.

[@Asamrt-boro]

swamiji i want to be your disciple

[@njhbeats]

What are your thoughts on characters such as Eckhart Tolle charging sometimes thousands for teachings?

[@rocky821]

its not worth paying 1000s of dollars when Eastern knowledge is available for free or lesser price. visit self-realization fellowship founded by paramahansa yogananda

[@preciousjewel8851]

I think he already answered to ur question.

[@jason6360]

Eckhart is a huckster guru. Only doing it for the ego and money. True gurus won't make or want any money.

[@hbctrading6427]

Swami ji, will you be my guru?? Can you please let me know when would you be in India??

[@thomasklugh4345]

Amit Singh ... I feel your desire. I feel the same way. Your Guru will come when it's time.

[@harikrishnaraghuraman3348]

VEDANTA SOCIETY OF NEW YORK 34 WEST 71st STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10023, USA. Phone -> 212 - 877 - 9197

[@vedant3417]

bro hbc trading why don't u go to Rishikesh? u will never found a place which is as good as Rishikesh.

[@rocky821]

visit ramakrishna mission there are many gems there

[@syamalgoswami6177]

What brand of "guru" is reliable as per you?

[@thomasklugh4345]

I know it's considered uncouth to ask gurus if they're realized. I'm told that if they ARE realized, then humility won't let them say so. But IF they ARE realized, then they won't lie about it. Instructional (shiksha) gurus are nice, but all of us want a real (diksha) guru - not anything less. A scholastically adept person might be fun to listen to at a TED talk, but again - what we all really want is someone like Prabhupada, Muktananda, or Ramakrishna.

[@Shreya8b]

True.

[@twilit]

If we can learn practices and truths and apply them to ourselves skillfully it shouldn’t matter - is it not easier to follow someone not too far ahead of you on the path so you can still see them? A realized person may not be the best teacher and may not seek to teach at all while someone on a dedicated and growing spiritual path can be highly skilled in opening their students up and acting as a channel for a higher being to operate through to their followers even if they personally are not fully realized at every moment. An example would be ram dass who was able to reach many and who was able to hold himself aside so that neem karoli baba could operate through him to the lives of the people he worked with. He himself never claimed to be enlightened but he was on the path and growing.

[@rajveer_ahir]

Because I am student and i am unable to find any spiritual guru for a long time with the quality that you have mentioned.,.. Is it possible and effective to choose and imaginary guru..who is not realy present with me physically, as i have choosen the swami vivekanand and i used to read his book and i can feel his presence ..... Yet i require a guru plz tell me ......

[@Dorapretty]

kzbin.info/door/d4E-EvdwsDQHdcd_BsAdyw he is great!!

[@klasgroup]

Indeed, it is possible to have a guru who is not physically present, also referred to as a maanasika guru. So long as there is the thirst for spiritual knowledge the guru will come along, not necessarily in a physical form. I can't think of a guru better than Swamiji Sarvapriyananda himself, who is so ably communicating the realised truths of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda.

[@FabSia]

5:37 onwards.. Why I have never liked people who charge money for teaching something. Knowledge cannot be chargeable.

[@ritwikgoswami6704]

Anucool Thakur is the coolest Guru

[@vijisoman5023]

What about we women who want to experiencet he highest realisation but wnot able to just walk out in search of gutu who is totally tied to family duties . Swamiji......for women like us....what is your advice.

[@venkytarus]

swami Ji is more competent certainly to answer this,but i can assuage certain this,your talking at a very gross level,men women etc,continue to do your duties 100%,let the desire become profound,you shall see that no force can stop you except our self.be good do good ,dont worry its a process.wish you best of every thing in life.

[@sadhikaany4157]

Who said you need to " just walk out in search of guru " or abandon your duties/dharma, anyways? That is not what is being told in the above video nor said in our scriptures. . When the seeker is ready, the Guru will come automatically. Women especially have the power of motherhood and dedication within them.Any seeker can devote to readying themselves in their daily life amidst living in the family and society - by means of constant prayer and seeking, by doing selfless good deeds or karma yoga, by practicing senses-control etc, IMHO.

[@ladhamohamed4008]

Work is worship,duty is god.

[@twilit]

With spiritual work your outer actions may stay the same, but you change inside, and your reason for doing them changes. Away from grasping and self interest to ability to operate selflessly and joyfully in ones daily matters. Practice in this way the matters of life shouldn’t be an impediment but a vehicle to spiritual liberation while also allowing the things in life to flow more easily with you as the friction decreases - friction that comes from ones personal likes dislikes and needs to control for ones own personal motives. An attitude develops away from “I’m raising my children this way so they will reflect good on me and I will look good in society” to “I’m giving my children the support to be and explore who they are and lovingly allow their development to come forth for the highest potential of this life to be expressed in its glory, however that may happen to manifest in them, for the sake of all life, not for my personal gratification or desire they fit a certain mold.”

[@adityaSingh-gk1kw]

swami ji is looking quite tired

[@princessjavellana898]

Himnario pasugo

[@kylebarnett9234]

Can I succeed without a real life guru? Can I practice with just videos and books if I dedicate myself?

[@thelonewolfproduction5200]

Yes why not. But it needs a lott efforts. Its like u r in the boat in big ocean and u dont have boatman who knows exact route, Who knows where are dangers and where to rest on the the way. So yes its possible but it may take really a long time and efforts. May be one of the luckiest guy can be at destination by luck early as well. But its always better to have guide. One of the sufi poet says, I walk the path of mystics without a master thousand times and every time I failed. :)

[@pranava7625]

Not possible.. Knowledge can be transferred the way one lamp lits up another one (says Sw Vivekananda)... Thats why Guru is must to transfer knowledge to you... Better you visit Ramakrishna Ashrama nearest to you and talk with Swamijis over there.

[@kylebarnett9234]

Chaitanya RKM Hmmm I don't believe it's impossible. In a literal sense. Especially if I am learning through q and a self inquiry many many books and lectures etc. Not to mention association with sang ha. However I can see the more you devote to a guru the better guidance you will have. I'm only objecting because I feel like if you say it's impossible someone might go "Oh I can't access a guru right now, time to give up." Which I won't do. I will absolutely seek a guru but I have to drive a few hours to get to a vedanta temple in my area. I only have access to iskcon but they go against the grain of my vedant practice of ghana. What are your thoughts? I guess If I spent my whole life without a teacher or guru. Yes I would most likely get trapped in the ego

[@thelonewolfproduction5200]

Kyle Barnett my experience is we dont choose guru. He chooses us. And we r already chosen. Like bird never touches the fruit on the tree till the fruit is not ready to eat, same applies to guru and shishya. Guru always has eye on the disciple. Whenever he gets that level what his/her master is expecting he himself will come to you. Yes one can not stop this path because only he/she has not met master yet. One indian saint and great guru says, whether u have guru or not never stop. Everything will happen on that time. Dont keep worrying that how can I progress if I have no guru physically. Because guru is not just a person its an entity present everywhere.

[@pranava7625]

Dear Kyle Barnett Guru 'initiates' disciple. This process of initiation means 'Diksha' by which he literally transfers his knowledge, realization, power ( which he has earned through his tradition and his personal efforts) into disciple but in seed form, in potential form. (Hence most of the times disciple dont feel that he/she has actually received Guru's realizations.) After that it depends on disciple's sincerity, dedication towards spiritual practice that in how much time he also will be realised. There are many ways of initiation (by a touch, by a glance, by a mantra etc etc) depending on Guru's spiritual tradition and his capacity Its a one time process i.e. you do not have to visit Guru's place for initiation later on, obvious for other purposes like to attend discourse, celebration etc you can do And you do not have to give up until you dont get Guru. Sri Ramakrishna says if you are sincere enough God Himself will arrange everything for you, till then pray Him sincerely for Realization, for right path, for Guru and keep doing whatever you feel correct. May God bless you.

[@DewanandSahu01]

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev !!!???? Acharya prashant ???? Ramakrishna mission Iskcon ???? Chinmaya mission Uss ?

[@rocky821]

ramakrishna mission, chinmaya mission and yss of india is authentic rest i don't know. it all depends on which type of devotee you are, if you are into bhakti yoga then isckon if you are into raja yoga yss of india. ramakrishna mission is great

[@achitnis379]

Sadhguru one of if not the biggest dhongi baba, biggest con-artist, thug and straight up thief ..

[@devashishchauhan9857]

5:36 he was talking about Sadhguru😁😁

[@Kumarrr9]

I don't think Sadhguru comes from any proper tradition either. It is said he was spontaneously enlightened.

[@jsr1827]

@@Kumarrr9 he does come from a Guru shishya Parampara. See documentary on Sadhguru Shri Brahma by Samyukta Productions.

[@YT-uo7fc]

No.

[@achitnis379]

Sadhguru, probably one of the most biggest con-artist fake baba or fake guru of our time !! Literally looting people for his personal gain !

[@whole4339]

There is no need of a guru. When asked Deepak Chopra answered in abbreviated form "Gee U R U." So you are your guru.

[@sadhikaany4157]

Haha. And Deepak Chopra is WHO ? A sage ? A monk ? A vedanta gurukul teacher ? Nah.

[@whole4339]

Sadhikaa NY, How do you judge a person whether he is monk or sage or gurukul teacher ? by his apparel ? I understand that you are under traditional impression that one has to be in saffron dress, if one follows the path of God. Deepak Chopra has written nearly 100 books mostly on spirituality and 21 of them are New York Times best sellers and his books have been translated in 43 languages.....I request you to please read his books, listen to his lectures/debates on videos, then judge. His wisdom is unfathomable. He himself is an institution.

[@pranava7625]

local global Deepak Chopra might be learned, scholar but need not be illumined.

[@blissfull8274]

Deepak 🤣 Great for the unserious

[@manishdebnath1258]

Is Guru essential in life? For a honest person 'work is worship'. Then , why Guru? I'm confused.

[@cbmcbm2845]

@@hrxmotive8311 Work is worship - was said in Kannada language by Shri Jagajyothi Basaveshwar (also known as Bhakthi bandhaari Basavanna) in 12th century (Karnataka - India) What he said then were recorded as Vachana. He used very simple plain local language and even today the very words are used in day to day usage by Kannada speaking population!!! One of his Vachana for your reference, trying my best to give it's meaning: There is no heaven, no hell somewhere else. Everything is here itself and right now! Knowledge of ultimate happiness itself is enough to make you BE IT forever!!! For purity of internal and external Worlds of Maya in your experience just stop stealing, killing, lying, blaming, being jealous, self-praing, criticism !!! And this is only way to be blessed by God.

[@cbmcbm2845]

Om Namah Shivaya.

[@vedant3417]

the thing u are referring work is worship is of karma yog u don't need guru for karama yog i mean its well and good if u have one but not then it's okay be in community of ppl who follow it. guru needs for those who are following gyan marg[advaita Vedanta] bhakti,raja yog

[@jason6360]

I love Vedanta but I disagree on this point. I honestly think you are more likely to find a huckster guru than a true guru today. Sorry but that's how it is. Furthermore: I am a Vedantist, but I have to agree with Buddha on this one, 'be your own light '. If you have your ethics, knowledge, love and meditation right, you can do it. P.S. sorry most (99%) of gurus are huckster gurus.