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.
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