The Guru Removes the Ego of the Disciples

The divine experiences described in the *Gurucharitra* still occur today. The moment we think of *Gurucharitra*, we remember Datta Jayanti. During the traditional week-long reading (Saptah), people follow strict rules of purity, food discipline and inner focus. The atmosphere becomes calm, sacred and spiritually charged. While reading, the mind becomes absorbed in the stories of Bhagwan Dattatreya’s three incarnations — *Sripada Srivallabh*, *Narasimha Saraswati* and *Dattatreya* Himself. As devotion grows, we often forget the deeper truth: It is Bhagwan Dattatreya Himself who is speaking through the scripture. Though the text says “Shri Guru said…”, we imagine a human Guru instead of the Lord. Because of this separation, we fail to realise that while reading *Gurucharitra*, we are actually sitting before Dattatreya in His invisible form.

Dattatreya is Smrutirgami — the moment His name arises in our mind, He becomes present. Therefore, while reading, we must maintain the feeling: “I am in the presence of Dattatreya. He is speaking to me.” If we read mechanically, transformation may take lifetimes. But with devotion, faith and awareness, spiritual change begins immediately and a living Sadguru enters our life.

Every true Guru is a form of Bhagwan Dattatreya. But a disciple must be inwardly pure and emotionally sincere to recognise Him. Until we rise to the Guru’s standard, we cannot merge with Guru-consciousness. Even with physical Gurus, the mind creates doubts: “He is just like me.” This alone blocks spiritual progress. When the disciple becomes one with the Guru, progress becomes rapid, powerful and blessed.

Vyankatanath Maharaj was the 15th Nath in the unbroken Nath lineage originating from Machhindranath. Though he lived like an ordinary man, his power was that of Bhagwan Dattatreya. He taught naturally, through simple actions, revealing his inner strength only when necessary.

Once, Vyankatanath Maharaj was staying at Narendra’s home. Maharaj was old and weak and needed support to stand. One morning he said, “Give me your hand so I may stand up.” Narendra offered his hand with the thought: “I must lift Maharaj strongly because his body is weak.” Maharaj sensed the subtle ego — the idea of “I am strong; Maharaj is weak”.

To remove it, Maharaj said playfully: “Oh! You are so strong! Then lift me completely. I am sitting here — raise me up!” Maharaj folded his legs and sat firmly. Narendra tried with full force. Maharaj did not move even an inch. Maharaj said, “What happened? Can’t you lift me? Call more people!” Two or three more people joined. They tried together — Maharaj remained unmoved, solid as a mountain.

Realising the truth, they bowed at his feet. Maharaj then said gently, “Just give me your hand without force.” Narendra obeyed. Maharaj stood up effortlessly, as though weightless. This was his way of showing that the Guru’s strength is divine, infinite and beyond imagination.

One morning in Pune, four or five visitors sat casually with Maharaj. The talk turned to yogic powers. They asked, “Maharaj, in *Gurucharitra* we read that the Guru transported a weaver instantly to the Mallikarjuna temple. Is such a thing possible today?” Maharaj replied, “Yes, it is possible.” They joked lightly, “Then Maharaj, can you take us somewhere like that?” Maharaj said, “I will take you. But wherever I leave you, you must return on your own.” They thought he was joking.

Maharaj instructed, “Sit cross-legged. Close your eyes. Do not open them until I tell you.” They obeyed. Within moments he said, “Open your eyes.”

Each person found himself standing alone in different unknown places, all in distant farmlands. Shocked and confused, they somehow reached the main road, took help from strangers, and returned after five to six hours — hungry, tired and humbled.

When they finally met Maharaj, they said, “Maharaj, we doubted you. Forgive us.” Maharaj blessed them. This incident proved exactly what *Gurucharitra* teaches: A true Yogi can take anyone anywhere instantly.

To receive full Guru-grace, one must:

*  read *Gurucharitra* with devotion  
*  feel the presence of Dattatreya  
*  merge the mind with the Guru  
*  remove ego and doubt  
*  maintain purity and sincerity  

When these qualities arise, everything else happens automatically through the Guru’s grace.