Sam Needleman: Is a guru really necessary?

Swamishri: [firmly] Absolutely.

Question: Are you saying that without a guru, one cannot attain God?

Swamishri: That's right. Just like when we go to school we only acquire knowledge by learning from the teachers.

Question: But there are many who educate themselves.

Swamishri: Even they need books don't they!? The book becomes their guru.

Question: So then why only follow one guru?

Swamishri: If one approaches many gurus, they will teach him different things. What does he accept? So then nothing substantial is achieved.

Sam Needleman: [with relief and joy etched on his face] In coming here, I have finally realized the fruit of 69 years of penance.