The Wealth of Wisdom: Teachers as the Architects of Knowledge!
- Tejal Rathod
- Sep 26
- 8 min read
A journey of encountering teachers to meeting with the guru, from discovering information to developing an understanding of knowledge.
Often, we consider and accept gurus in the form of a teacher, a coach/mentor/guide, or a role model to progress in our material pursuits. And often when the ceiling hits the fan, one's spiritual quest begins, asking to pursue real meaning behind the activities carrying intentions only as that of a materialistic nature, which can look very much like pursuing the status, power, monetary benefits, position, fame, accolades, etc., with less or no tinge of using all of those for a truly progressive self & the society. Often, when such means remain the end goal, that is where it all starts to seem mundane, repetitive, unmanageable, stressful, unmotivating, burdensome, and a reality to deal with within us, affecting our surroundings as well. For many, a true quest for the most beneficial knowledge begins at this stage. Amidst such quests, a teacher who shows the path takes the title of a Guru, imparting profound knowledge that is beyond mere mundane information. What does that mean? In times of a well-connected world, we have many avenues to gain so-called knowledge (which is rather only Information) through short and long format online video content on worldly subject matters. But such information remains static for most parts if not applied well to build something of it, create an experience, reflect, and learn from it. A guru is the one who expedites such a process for us by being a persistent, trusted guide who can throw some light on seemingly complex situational questions, at the same time challenge us to follow a path less traveled, growing beyond the shame in adopting something which is more meaningful to us & is meant for our highest good, but not accepted widely.
A guru has essentially three primary responsibilities to impart to their disciples:
Show them the path of higher consciousness to exist in society, following civil morality and good ethics in whatever they pursue; breaking the barriers imposed by false ego-centric living.
Understand the seekers' proclivities and accordingly exercise compassion and tough love as needed to convey the message effectively.
Practice what they preach with humility.
On 5th September 2025, Teacher's Day, I had the privilege of spending time in the presence of H.G. Amogh Lila Das, a disciple of my guru, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Founder Acharya of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (a.k.a ISKCON). And I was overjoyed as he graciously accepted the very book that came out of inspiration from him. Spending this day in spiritual contemplation at the golden hours, so many memories of how he impacted my life deeply came to my mind, followed by his immense contributions in spreading devotional yoga practices around the globe. For the longest time, working in the high-tech corporate world, shuttling between being an atheist and an agnostic, I often found myself questioning life to have a bigger & better meaning. 16 years back, my early explorations led me to inquire from the spiritual motivational speakers like Jiddu Krishnamurti, Osho of Rajneesh Movement, Sadguru of Isha Foundation, Om Swami, Dandapani, B.K.Shivani of Brahma Kumaris and Daisaku Ikeda of Soka Gakkai International (SGI). Their literary work (and some Buddhist practices of SGI) gave me regular nudges to keep pursuing my curiosity to better my life, but only the works of Om Swami, B. K. Shivani, and Daisaku Ikeda could lead me to take some concrete action to progress in my spiritual quest while pursuing my duties and making an impact through the work I did. Until one day, I read through the Bhagavad Gita, the version written and translated by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The true influence of an author is determined not by the best-selling author tag but by the experiences & practices he has followed in life to gain intrinsic influencer stature. I explored trials and turbulations that Bhaktivedanta Swami undertook while trying to follow his guru's guidance to preach the life philosophy from the Bhagavad Gita in the Western world. Within about 10-12 years, starting at the age of 69, he pursued relentless efforts in curating authentic, unadulterated commentary & translation in multiple languages on 70 volumes of Vedic literature to guide the population of the 21st century, an ambitious generation towards leading a harmonious way of living. Believing in the power of deep knowledge & education leading a civilized society, he established 'Books are the Basis' as a motto through the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), traveling the world to spread values of pursuing higher consciousness, and initiating thousands of disciples from diverse backgrounds (westerners & indians included), transforming the lives of many people with his message of peace & spiritual experience. Also, establishing a worldwide movement with over 100 temples and centers for understanding & practicing philosophy on every continent. Along with establishing temples (places of worship for mental stillness & peace), ashrams (spaces of retreat), Vedic gurukulas (schools promoting values-based education), and vegetarian restaurants (for body-mind alignment), it makes pure spirituality accessible globally.
Despite so many accomplishments, I frequently came across short videos and articles written with harsh criticism of adulterated messages & practices followed through the movement. Not wanting to assume or believe them at face value, when I read his condensed biography, additionally referred to his direct commentary videos on Vedic literature, accounts presented by his disciples, books like Perfect Questions Perfect Answers, and Science of Self-Realization helped in establishing hidden truths that often are covered by short-sighted extremist opinions through videos & articles. Amidst so much backlash, I found in many accounts Bhaktivedanta Swami handled them with such deep care for human life, tact to deliver the message patiently, simplifying the message to influence positively, yet not once interfering in anyone's free will of decision-making to follow it, welcoming tough accusations & questions as an opportunity to invite understanding rather than create resistance, and exhibiting a true well-wisher's attitude every single time. The more I read about his life, the more I thought that he actually established an institution that runs like an organization but more harmoniously than any corporate organization does; as he truly transformed the lives of people and put them on the path of evolution, inviting peace, harmony, deeper meaning, and happiness in their lives. Not just reading but seeing proof of his oratory, organizational, management, leadership, and visionary capabilities made me realize that he is the best CEO the 21st century has seen, doing the most difficult thing of inspiring others to willingly transform their lives, pursuing this task at an old age with bare minimum funds & with unflinching conviction to follow his guru's instructions, showing high degree of accountability & integrity to follow guru's words while he is not around to fact-check them, and lead lives to develop the taste of 'Simple Living, High Thinking' in everything that they pursue.
Following these reflections on my guru, that morning on Teacher's Day, H.G. Amogh Lila Das (A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami's disciple monk) exhibited some of these qualities that many may miss.
A calm, humble, very pleasant personality with an abundance of patience to observe & listen attentively, with only focus on delivering the goal of service with purest intention throughout the day.
Following a simple life, starting from observing serene meditative practices, gratitude prayers, and when even a minute permits non-stop serving without being concerned with the stature of the undertaken service.
Honouring the vows of monkhood, silently accepting the discomforts of comforts arranged to make retreat easy for participants with rich foodstuffs & stay, but barely honoring simple food. Taking service for 21 hours & resting for only 2-3 hours, followed by high vigour and vitality to continue the next day. Undertaking services of the nature to address participants' questions openly, humbly answering them, having an open dialogue yet controlled speaking (i.e., speaking of something necessary, kind, truthful, and good), conducting meditations & non-stop chanting, and preaching to support better integration of spiritual infusion in existing life.
Behind that everlasting jovial smile and a popular contemporary preaching style appealing to youth, I could see utter simplicity, calmness, and humility with utmost compassion. It made me wonder, his sacrifice is to look past the adverse effects of his preaching style on his own spiritual progress, for the sake of delivering service while focusing on the intrinsic message. It seemed to me that he adopted the approach of meeting others where they are was an exhibition of taking penances and putting oneself through it to share the simplest practices of life. Why do that? As a token of a humble submission of their efforts to revere those from whom they have learnt, their guru. I thought, that's a true disciple of his guru, following his footsteps yet willingly bending as per the needs of others. He showed the spirit, modeling A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami's (Srila Prabhupada) teachings with its most authentic exhibition. I felt I was with Srila Prabhupada. At that moment, H. G. Amogh Lila Das, accepting the book authored by me, meant something different, not mundane for sure. It was a spiritual experience, a gift I received on Teacher's Day, which I never thought would give me such deep happiness. Once again, the power of meaning over the mundane was delivered in that moment, an exhibition of silent preaching of my guru through his disciples. That's the identity of a real guru!
As I reflected on my personal learnings from the retreat, what came through was
An inspiration to simplify my life in its dualities & lifestyle.
Continue service mindset with more rigour.
Infuse more spiritual practices and incrementally establish spiritual priorities in my life. Another nudge towards continuing to bring 'Simple living, High thinking' into practice.
I thought that I could finally give something to my guru, but as I reflected on my personal learnings from the retreat, what I understood was that the guru gives more than you could ever anticipate to give back. Yet humbly & compassionately, he exhibits quiet sensitivity towards everyone. Accepting one's efforts to support their enthusiasm & assists in their growth silently, while letting them take the credit of a giver! :)
Those of you who read my work would know of my love for wisdom quotes to conclude written thoughts. When I requested H. G. Amogh Lila Das to write a note that could inspire me through the difficulties of life, here is what he wrote in the book I was reading.
It was another serendipitous moment.
What he wrote was an idea that changed my life seven years ago! ...and continuing to do so every single day. Cultivating purity in virtues is a lifelong effort, but made easy and approachable through simple practices like these, where everything that you truly need to advance in is revealed through every meditative practice, slowly, incrementally, and in the most personalized form. Making spirituality a practice to invoke sensitivity in everything we do, deeply & widely.
I'd love to read about your reflections on your teachers and/or gurus so far.
Share your comments & experiences.
About Author: Tejal Rathod (she/her) is a 'Management Psychology & Workplace Well-being' Peter Drucker Management Excellence Award-winning expert, Success Coach & Therapist, Author, Speaker, and Founder at eDC (www.elementsdcoach.com), having over two decades of diverse corporate work experience (Ex: IIM-A, Amazon). She believes in leaving a legacy of positive work culture through personal growth and elevating one’s consciousness for meaningful success in life. Tejal engages with Individuals, Professionals, and Organizations worldwide while specializing in Work Dynamics & Culture, Executive Coaching, Leadership Development, Behavioral Transformation, Professional Skills Development, Mental Health & Emotional Well-being, and Holistic Lifestyle Coaching.
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