The origin of Shrimad Bhagavat is attributed to compassion. Guru is the very embodiment of compassion. In this Sandesh, on the occasion of Guru Purnima, Pujya Bhaishri explains what a spiritual seeker can do to be eligible for this divine grace of Sadguru.
As we see in Shrimad Bhagavat, saṁsāriṇāṁ karuṇayāha purāṇa-guhyaṁ taṁ vyāsa-sūnum upayāmi guruṁ munīnām
I offer my respectful obeisances unto Shri Shukadevji, the spiritual master of all sages, the son of Vyāsadeva, who, out of his great compassion for those gross materialists who struggle to cross over the darkest regions of material existence, spoke this most valuable scripture, the essence of the Vedas and the highest in the Puranas.
Compassion is the only premise that motivates the speech of the Sadguru. It impels saints and learned men to abandon their vows of silence and through their speech, deliver teachings that instruct and guide us on the path of spiritual progress. King Parikshit paid obeisance to Shri Shukadevji praising the same benevolence, “siddho ’smy anugṛhīto ’smi bhavatā karuṇātmanā śrāvito yac ca me sākṣād anādi-nidhano hariḥ; I have now achieved the purpose of my life, because a great and merciful soul like you has shown such kindness to me).
If we truly understand and assimilate the compassionate words of the Guru, and the spirit of compassion has truly touched us, then our lives will be pervaded by the same compassion. As soon as we are infused with the spirit of compassion, the essence of Lord Shiva incarnates within us.
Lord Shiva has been glorified with the verses, Karpūragauraṁ karuṇāvatāraṁ… (Oh Lord, You are pure, like the white camphor, You are the incarnation of Compassion…). If the sentiment of compassion manifests in us, then know that the journey that marks our welfare and propitiousness has already begun.
Tulsidasji said, “Dayā dharma kā mūl he, pāp mūl abhimān Tulsi dayā na chhādiye, jab lag ghat me prāṇ.” “Compassion and mercy form the roots of every religion whilst egotism is the root of sin. Do not abandon compassion so long as we live”.
When our actions reflect the same compassion, the mercy of the Guru permeates and fills us with its essence, it will emerge as a stream of benevolence that will positively influence not only us, but also, the lives of all those around us. May you always be filled with the spirit of compassion.