Karmanye vadhikaraste Maa Phaleshu kadachana
Maa Karma Phala hetur bhoor maate sangostwa Karmana.
THE TRADITION OF “GURU” WORSHIP(PUJA) :
Since Vedic times,in the Land of India ,teachers are held in high esteem and the reverence is reflected in the following verse.According to my uncle,Capt.R.R.Rao,”there is no ‘Mantra’ greater than this”:
Guru Brahma,Guru Vishnu,Guru Devo Maheswara
Guru Sakshaat ParaBrahmam,Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.
MY GURU :
After joining Kurnool Medical College in 1965,I had started visualizing Lord Sri Krishna as my personal Guru.I had a pocket-size edition of BHAGAVAD GITA published in Gorakhpur,Uttar Pradesh.The book included the verses in Sanskrit with its literal meaning in English.That format had allowed me to read the verse in its original form and understand its purport through my own efforts.I had a hectic time at the School and was exposed to new information every day.Over four and half years time,I had studied Physics,Anatomy,Physiology,Biochemistry,Pharmacology,Microbiology, Pathology,
Forensic Medicine,Ear,Nose&Throat diseases,Ophthalmology,Social&Preventive Medicine,General Medicine,Surgery, and Obstetrics&Gynecology.Simultaneously,I was reading one or more chapters from Gita every day and was slowly incorporating Krishna as my Guru.I was more attracted to His teaching of ” KARMA YOGA ” and I would still consider Him as my Guru even if “GITA” is the only known contribution made by Him.My elder brother Pratap stressed about the importance of ” GURU KRUPA “( Master’s Compassion).My Guru’s Mercy is revealed to me in the fact that I am able to work seven days a week.I can very easily manage to work eighty or more hours per week on account of this Guru-Sishya relationship.I do not experience any stress or mental fatigue on account of sixteen hour work schedules.At the same time,I am mentally alert and could indulge in a bit of creative writing every now and then.Apart from this ability to work 365 days each year while I am 59 years old, the following verse shows that they are advantages in having Krishna as personal Guru :
Bhagavad Gitaa kimchi dhadheetaa,
Gangaa jala lava kanikaa peetaa
Sakrudapi yena Murari samarchaa,
Kriyatey tasya Yamena na charchaa.
Bhaja Govindam,Bhaja Govindam
Govindam Bhaja muuda matey.
MY OTHER GURU :
Fortunately,I did not spend any time and energy to search and discover the right Guru.The choice was made for me the moment I had arrived on this planet.I grew up in a family which followed the ” SMARTHA ” tradition established by Adi Sankaracharya.I had the freedom to designate SHIVA as my personal Protector.I am free to choose RAMA as my Benefactor.I seek favors from SARASWATHI in my pursuit of Pure Knowledge.I make the perilous journey across the ocean with encouragement from HANUMAN.GANESHA assures me of success in my personal endeavors.In my struggles and battle of life,Krishna guides me to find the winning strategy.If I have to defend my self,I draw courage from Bhavani.With the blessings from my other Guru,I had described my attitude about human existence as that of ” INDIVIDUALISM “. I love to read and memorize the beautiful verses composed by him.I would just quote a verse which my eldest brother,Prof.R.Subbarao had observed to be a very powerful thought:
Shadamgaadi Vedo mukhe sastra vidyaa
Kavitvaadi gadyam supadyam karoti
Guroramghri padme manachenna lagnam
Tatah kim, Tatah kim,Tatah kim,Tatah kim.
Even after learning every thing that is humanly possible,we still need to desire and focus upon the lotus feet of the Master,the giver of Knowledge.
Dr. R. Rudra Narasimham,
Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool, A.P., India.,
M.B.B.S., Class of April, 1970
The Rudi-Grant Connection 