A Beacon in the Dark
A Sadguru is one who triggers spiritual development in his devotee and takes him towards God-realization. He appears in many forms in the life of a devotee: in some instances as a friend, or guide and during other occasions as parent, sibling, householder, ascetic or as a common man to show the path of righteousness. Due to the merit of previous births, a devotee comes in contact with the Sadguru and gets attracted towards him. Like sun rays which fill the earth with light and dispels darkness, Sadguru fills the devotee’s mind with devotion after banishing ignorance.
As quoted in Shri Guru Bhagavat Vol.1,
Dibya gyaana debaa aagaru | Agyaana kaatanti Shri Guru
Sadgurunka dibya shakti | Bhaktare jagaae sumati ||
[Before imparting divine knowledge, the Sadguru (Perfect Master) destroys (cuts off) the devotee’s ignorance. Thereafter, the spiritual power of the Sadguru evokes pious thoughts in the mind of the devotee.]