Twilight of the Sultanate c18.s1.32

c18.s1.32

Union with God can be realised; but not just through inspiration and intense devotion (Bhakti). It is of the utmost importance to seek a spiritual preceptor (Gurū), for a devotee faces many temptations and doubts in his Sādhanā, and Māyā is ever intent on attracting man away from God.²² Great caution is needed in the selection of Gurū. A wrong choice would only lead both the Gurū and the disciple into the well of darkness.²³ A Gurū is that Sadhū who has already realised union with Him and can inspire faith in his disciple. But once the Gurū is selected, confidence in him should be unconditional. "Consider the Gurū as Govind (God)",²⁴ nay he is even superior to Him, for "If Harī becomes angry, Gurū is the refuge, but if Gurū is angry then there is no place to go to."²⁵ In the *panth* of Kabīr, Gurū holds the same position as Pīr in any Sūfi order.