Bodhinatha's Sun One Video. Most Recent update: June 8, 2003, Bodhinatha speaks on Siddhanta Shravana, Scriptural Listening, Niyama #6.

Study and listen to learned people and our primary scriptures, the Vedas and Upanishads and other holy texts. This guides us to become more spiritual people. But it is listening, more than reading, that is meant by this practice, for listening is more powerful. As Yogaswami said, "It is not in books, you fool!" Rather it is through hearing that the more subtle forms of knowledge are passed from the knower to the listener, from the teacher to the student. This happens most potently when the speaker has had spiritual experiences.
Bodhinatha continues with a second subject on the importance of the Guru in our religious lives.

Today's Inspired Talk
Title: The Role of the Guru Category: The Guru Duration: 13 minutes, 57 seconds Date Given: July 8, 2003 Date Posted:July_24_2003 Given by: Bodhinatha

Cybertalk: Choose a sect of Hinduism and a guru and dedicate yourself to him. The need for a guru is preeminent in Saiva Siddhanta. A guru focuses on our weakest areas, and thus helps us strengthen them and improve our life. To maximize spiritual progress scriptures and wise men all claim we must have a guru. It is the guiding hand of the guru that assures continued unfolding, as the guru tells the shishya, "You can do better! I know you can." Be loyal to your guru. Stick with him and follow his directions carefully.

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