Spirituality is a subject meant to be understood, never competed in. Every soul is destined to attain liberation — whether that person follows religious practices or not. However, if a person makes no spiritual effort at all, no one can predict how many lifetimes it may take. Across countless births, after experiencing joys and sorrows, there comes a time when the inner being becomes weary and begins turning toward devotion. After this turning point, in some lifetime, the person receives the blessing of a Sadguru. Once the Guru enters, the soul’s true spiritual journey begins and liberation becomes possible.
If one sincerely follows religious duties and family traditions, the Guru will naturally come at the right time. But if a true Guru is found early in life, liberation becomes much faster. As Samarth Ramdas Swami writes in *Dasbodh*: “Only after countless merits from many births does spiritual fulfilment arise; then the Supreme enters the heart.”
In short: without a Sadguru, there is no liberation; without a Sadguru, a human cannot become divine (Nara → Narayana); even God does not directly rescue anyone from the cycle of birth and death. Every soul is born according to past karmas, prarabdha, and sanchit tendencies. Depending on these, life becomes difficult, smooth, or progressive. Belief or disbelief in God does not change this cosmic law.
What must one do so that tamasic and rajasic tendencies reduce, sattvic qualities increase, thoughts become pure, behaviour becomes righteous, and one becomes dear to the Divine? This requires deep reflection. Life and death are part of a divine plan. Every soul must go through many births until liberation. The question naturally arises: Does God guide the soul personally? Does God help in liberation? Or does God do nothing directly?
God’s role is to maintain the accounting of karma. According to accumulated karma, God decides where, when, and how a soul will take birth, what destiny it will carry, and what circumstances it must face. But God does not interfere with inner transformation. From birth to death, a person has freedom to act — according to prarabdha, effort, and merit. When a Guru enters, through the Guru’s guidance, the person can refine his nature, improve actions, increase spiritual wealth, and progress rapidly.
Every soul functions automatically by divine law. But how to change inner tendencies, transform negative traits, overcome anger, greed, attachment, pride, and jealousy — this knowledge only a Sadguru can give. A Guru shapes the soul; God does not do this, nor can a person do it alone. A Sadguru can transform thoughts, habits, emotions, senses, intellect, character, and the entire direction of one’s life. Their influence is the same upon anyone who comes under their grace. Because of this extraordinary capacity, a Sadguru — not God — is the one who turns a human into the divine (Nara → Narayana). Hence, the Guru is called “Brahmanda Nayaka — Master of the Universe.”
Ultimately, spirituality means bringing disciplined transformation into body, senses, mind, intellect, actions, and karma. This transformation is possible only through a Sadguru. When transformation occurs within one lifetime, the soul rises toward liberation. In this science, there is no place for blind belief or empty ritualism. The true purpose is shaping and uplifting the soul.
Today, many so-called “gurus” exist. It often feels like a marketplace — each one advertising, attracting followers, competing for wealth and prestige. But a true Sadguru, who works only for the upliftment of souls, has no competition. Those who can transform a human into the divine, who hold authority even above the gods, and who work selflessly for liberation — such masters do not live for personal gain. Without selfish motive, there is no question of competition. A Sadguru does not chase wealth or fame; their life reveals only selfless service. Instead of being distracted by society’s spiritual competition, one must seek a Guru who truly transforms life.
A man named Sharad Ambekar once visited the saint Prahlad Maharaj of Sakhar Khed and prayed: “Please bless me and accept me as your disciple.” Prahlad Maharaj — who lived with total simplicity and selfless service — replied: “My child, you do not have my blessing. Your Guru belongs to the Nath tradition. You will meet him after six months. He will give you initiation.”
Six months later, by complete coincidence, Ambekar met Vyakta Nath Maharaj. The moment Maharaj saw him, he said: “Child, you want initiation, don’t you? Six months ago Prahlad Maharaj told you this, right? Come tomorrow; I will give you initiation.”
This incident shows the essence of true spirituality: no competition, no commercial motive, no desire to gather followers — only pure concern for the soul’s welfare.
Spirituality is not a field of competition. Choose your Guru wisely. Look for one who works selflessly, belongs to an authentic lineage, has no desire for wealth or fame, and has the power to transform your inner being. Such a Guru alone can uplift the soul.