The daily recitation of the Shri Guru Gita is one of the practices of the Hard Light Center of Awakening for one simple reason... as Mark Griffin says: "I am teaching you this about the Guru because I believe it's your best chance for Awakening in this lifetime". The Guru Gita is the core section of 352 sutras in the latter portion of the ancient Indian text known as the Skanda Purana. Gita means song, and indeed these sutras are a song in praise of the Guru, and in recognition of the power of contemplating the Guru's nature, especially through the vehicle of the repetition of these verses. Mark Griffin has selected 108 of these verses for the use of serious seekers - those who are sincerely interested in spiritual training. This fresh, original translation from the Sanskrit is specifically designed for the contemporary seeker. It's important to note that the recitation is in English, as Mark feels that the meaning of these sutras is most important. These 108 verses focus on the universal nature of the Guru. When the word Guru is used here, it is known to be more than an individual person. Rather, it is a universal principle, a catalyst for enlightenment like no other. It is referred to in the text as the Guru Tattva; tattva translating as principle. This 5.5" x 8.5" perfect-bound book is 174 pages, and contains the English verses in large print, so it is easy to read and recite. It also includes the Sanskrit Devanagari text, the Sanskrit transliteration, a guide how to pronounce the Sanskrit transliteration, Mark's full introduction and a in-depth 30 page glossary.

This is a a scriptural commentary of Lahiri Mahasaya on The Guru Gita in the Light of Kriya. Lahiri Mahasaya is a polestar of Kriya Yoga, a direct disciple of Mahavataar Babaji. In previous birth, he was Kabir. He is the Sadguru of Saint Shirdi Sai Baba. Guru Gita is a part of Biswasar Tantra. Divine Mother, Parvati, was sitting with Lord Siva, her divine husband, on Kailas Mountain in the Himalayas when she requested him to impart the great teaching of Guru Gita to her. This important scripture will help the seekers of Truth to better understand and clarify the Kriya path in their pursuit of Truth: Who is Guru ?What is Guruseva (service to Guru) ?How does one meditate upon Guru ?Who is qualified to have Kriya ?

Shri Guru Gita is a hymn to the greatness of the divine Guru. It is a part of the Skanda Purana in the form of mantras or mystical verses. Shri Guru Gita is also called Mantra Raja ? the king of mantras. ?Gu?, the first syllable of the word ?Guru?, symbolizes darkness or ignorance and the second syllable ?Ru? means light or knowledge. ?Guru? is assuredly the Brahma, the divine entity, who can destroy ignorance. Thus Self-Realization is possible only through the gift of the guru?s grace.In this concise text, written as a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Parvati, special emphasis has been laid on the essential nature of the guru, the greatness of the guru, devotion to the guru, guru-seva [service to the guru] and the guru-shishya [disciple] relationship. Shri Guru Gita begins on the beautiful peak of Kailasa in the Himalayas when goddess Parvati beseeches Lord Shiva to reveal the path that can lead a human being to salvation.Shri Guru Gita provides instructions and guidance for disciples at a spiritual level. It provides specific advice to the aspirants about subjects like yoga, worship, japa, austerities, rituals, offerings, prayers, meditation mats and many other subjects.This translation and commentary on one of the most profound and respected spiritual texts is being published with the singular intent and hope that inquisitive souls and spiritual aspirants will accept this book and benefit from it by enhancing their faith in their spiritual masters.

This compilation of Swami Muktananda's talks and writings about his guru, Bhagawan Nityananda, forms an absorbing biography and loving portrait of one of the greatest spiritual masters of modern India.

The Guru can grant us everything - from the most mundane to the highest. His glories are infinite and his position, especially for a spiritual seeker, is supreme. Then what to speak of the glory of his padukas that serve him always, and which represent all that he stands for - Truth, God, knowledge, divinity and virtues. Shri Guru Paduka Stotram is a hymn that enumerates 25 glories of the padukas of the Guru. Swami Tejomayananda, with words soaked in devotion of his own Guru and the entire lineage of Gurus, expounds on these glories in a though-provoking and heart touching way. Reading, reflecting and revelling in this hymn will surely bring all that is promised.

Guru Charitra is one of the most revered scriptural texts of Hinduism. Containing the biographies of Lord Dattatreya, (Lord Bramha, Vishnu and Mahesh) and his subsequent incarnations Sripada Sri Vallabha and Sri Narasimha Saraswati, it clarifies several doubts on religious dogmas, rituals and doctrines through a conversation between the master and his disciple. This book, steeped in lofty Hindu philosophical ideas also portrays a picture of the social and economic condition of the medieval times in India, and the message conveyed by the numerous teachings of the Guru needs to be understood in the context of those days. Reading of this interactive account, written in simple and lucid language will give strength and encouragement to spiritual aspirants to continue with their sadhana (spiritual pursuit), enable them to overcome the various problems of modern day living and fulfil their inherent wishes.

This is Swami Venkatesananda's longer Yoga Vasiṣṭha. His two volume book is here offered between two covers. Its purpose is to provide a means to eliminate psychological conditioning and to attain liberation. Containing the instructions of the sage Vasiṣṭha to Lord Rama, this scripture is full of intricately woven tales, the kind a great teacher might tell to hold the interest of a student.

Revised 2nd Edition Sanatana Dharma (AKA Hinduism) is founded upon the Guru-disciple relationship. The Guru Gita is the most comprehensive work on the subject. While there are many versions of the Guru Gita, this effort contains an original translation of the complete version, which consists of 352 couplets (called shloka-s). Additionally, this book, The Authoritative Guru Gita, includes a commentary that is notable for a few different reasons. First, it provides insight into the philosophies and traditions that the author (or authors) of the Guru Gita draw from: namely, Kashmir Shaivism, Shri Vidya, and, possibly, some form of Vaishnavism. All of these fall under the broader umbrella of Tantra in this case. The commentary found here is also practical in nature. It is intended to serve as an aid in the practice of the yoga associated with the Guru Path. Incidentally, The Authoritative Guru Gita also includes the full 352-shloka Guru Gita in its original Sanskrit (in Roman script rather than Devanagari) in order to facilitate the chanting of the Guru Gita, which is one of its purposes. Finally, the above-mentioned commentary is noteworthy in that it was composed at the request and under the close supervision of Mahamandaleshwar Swarupananda, one of Hinduism's eighty Mahamandaleshwars. By definition, a Mahamandaleshwar is a theological authority, the weight of whose stance is second only to four Shankaracharyas. Thus, this truly is the authoritative position on the Guru Gita.