How does one know if he/she has found his/her true guru for self-realization (enlightenment)?

Upon encountering their guru and being in His presence, one's instinct guides them to bow in reverence. In that sacred moment, a profound realisation dawns—their arduous search has come to an end, and they have arrived at their destined destination. Here, they will find the answers to their deepest problems and embark on a transformative journey towards something extraordinary, something that will reshape their entire existence: the attainment of Self-realisation or enlightenment.

Here are a few considerations to help you discern if you have found a true Guru:

• A genuine Guru establishes a profound resonance within you. Their teachings and guidance should authentically align with your spiritual aspirations. As you integrate their teachings into your life, you begin to witness tangible positive changes in your relationships, work, and social interactions.

• Your faith in your Guru remains unwavering, and in fact, it strengthens further whilst you are in their presence. Their steadfast commitment and spiritual presence inspire a deepening trust and belief in their guidance.

• In the presence of the Guru, you are embraced and supported in every situation you encounter. His association serves as a constant source of inspiration, guidance, and protection. With his unwavering care, you are empowered to transcend all obstacles that cross your path, ultimately reaching your final destination.

• The enlightened Guru embodies a multitude of qualities that reflect their state of enlightenment awakening. They transcend the confines of ego and intellect, residing in a realm of perpetual inner stability and divine Self. Detached from notions of possession and self-centeredness, they transcend the limitations of their physical body. Liberated from the shackles of negative emotions such as anger, pride, deceit, and greed (known as kashays), which are the root causes of suffering, they radiate pure compassion.

• The enlightened Guru goes beyond all forms of partiality and discrimination, embracing a profound sense of unity and oneness with every living being. Their experience of oneness allows them to extend boundless compassion to all.

• The enlightened Guru introduces us to our true Self and helps us attai
Self-realisation. He gives us the real vision of “I am a pure Soul”, with which we can see things as they really are. This huge transformation in our vision can happen only by the grace of a worthy Guru.

• A Guru is someone that liberates us from all our worldly suffering because he is liberated himself meaning is fully enlightened and has the spiritual power to bestow the same gift of Self-realisation, to all those who seek to be enlightened like he is.

After receiving this precious gift of Self-realisation from a true Guru we start to experience the same bliss of the Soul as He does. And this is done through the vision of the Self and the right understanding which prevails in all situations and people we encounter in our life.

Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan, the founder of the Akram Vignan movement says, “The Guru who helps one attain freedom from worldly life is a true Guru. Otherwise, there are many other Gurus, but of what use are they? For that matter, even if you want to go from here to the station, you need to make someone who knows the way there, a Guru.”

Therefore, we need a Guru in every aspect of our life, but a true Guru is the one that can liberate us from all suffering and put us on the path towards ultimate liberation through enlightenment or Self-realisation.