Meditation to Experience the Essence of a Teacher

Taught by Yogi Bhajan on 4/22/97

“I have given you the words of Nanak, which define the essence of a Spiritual Teacher. It's not a commercial thing, it is real. And the key to that, joining into that, is the mantra, Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. That is the mantra, that's a key to the essence of that shabad, Gurdev Mata."

Mudra: Place the palms flat together at the heart center in Prayer Pose.

Eyes: Closed.

Music/Time:

1. 3-1/2 minutes Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo sung by Nirinjan Kaur. Sing along with the tape. Rhythm is slow.

2. Meditate on one full repetition of the shabad Gurdev Mata sung by Guru Jiwan Singh.3. Chant for 1 minute with the CD Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo

To End: Inhale deeply. Hold for 12 seconds, while you go deep into your soul, finding the Divine tranquility within. Exhale. Repeat 3 times. Relax.

“You have come here to become teachers. It is my responsibility to tell you what a teacher is. We are putting the tape of that shabad of Nanak in which a Teacher is described. If you understand what is written in this shabad, and you understand that is the way you want to be, you are a Teacher. As long as I live, I will keep on hammering you, that's all it is.”

Yogi Bhajan translated the lines of the shabad Gurdev Mata, which appears on page 250 of Siri Guru Granth Sahib, and was written by the 5th Nanak, Guru Arjun:

Gurdev maataa Gurdev pitaa. Gurdev swami parmeysuraa.The Teacher is Madre and Padre. Transparent Mother, Transparent Father. The Teacher is the Master, like God.

Gurdev daataa har naam updeysai, Gurdev mant nirodharaaGurdev is the Giver, the Teacher of the Lord's Name. Gurdev is the Mantra which never fails.

Gurdev shaant sat budh moorat, Gurdev paaras paras paraaGurdev is a saint and wisdom personified. The Teacher is like the Philosopher's stone; whatever it touches, changes. The power of the Teacher is the touch of the Teacher, whether it's through words, body gesture, sight, or presence.

Gurdev teerath amrit sarovar, Gur giaan majan aparanparaaThe Teacher is like a pilgrimage to a pond of nectar. His uplifting knowledge is beyond, beyond, beyond.

Gurdev kartaa sabh paap hartaa, Gurdev patit pavit karaaGurudev does everything and removes all sins, is honorable, and stands with purity.

Gurdev aad jugaad jug jug, Gurdev mant har jap udharaaThe Teacher is from the very start, through all time, and always shall be. Guru Dev meditates, repeats the mantra of the Divine, ever, and perfects it.

Gurdev sangat prabh mel kar kirpaa. Ham moor paapee jit lag taraaThe Teacher creates the union between the congregation and God. Through blessings, the Teacher removes the arrogance and ignorance and takes the human across.

Gurdev satgur paarbrahm parmeshar, Gurdev naanak har namskaraaThe Spiritual Teacher is a divinely true Teacher and true guide, like God. Through a Teacher, Nanak salutes God.

Comments/Effects: There is a very correct way to fold your hands at the heart center, which will bring the proper effect. Place the two palms flat together, with the thumbs slightly extended away from the palms to form a "V.” The fingers need to be pointing straight up, at exactly 90 degrees. The base of the palms, the lines on the wrists, should be placed at the middle of the heart center. The tip of the tallest finger should be just a few millimeters below the chin. The elbows are bent and out to the sides, not pointing down.

The incorrect way to do this posture, which sometimes is done, is to place your palms flat together at the heart center, and to angle the fingers forward at a 45 degree angle, and some people even angle the fingers down towards the floor. This will not bring the proper effects.

In Kundalini Yoga we do not start without this mantra: Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. It's a telephone number of Shakti, with its own area code number, and it is a direct line.

This is a simple kriya which you all must know. You may read about Kundalini Yoga, you may write about Kundalini Yoga, but you will never be in a position to project Kundalini Yoga with your word, and through your body, if you do not have a mastery of this mantra.

© The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan

[From The Master's Touch: On Being a Sacred Teacher for the New Age]