ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः
This is a beautiful verse from Shatashloki on the glory of the Guru.
दृष्टान्तो नैव दृष्टस्त्रिभुवनजठरे सद्गुरोर्ज्ञानदातुः
स्पर्शश्चेत्तत्र कल्प्यः स नयति यदहो स्वर्णतामश्मसारम् ।
न स्पर्शत्वं तथापि श्रितचरणयुगे सद्गुरोस्स्वीयशिष्ये
स्वीयं साम्यं विधत्ते भवति निरुपमस्तेन वाऽलौकिकोऽपि ॥
There is nothing in all the three worlds that can be compared to the Sadguru who imparts knowledge of the Self. The legendary Philosopher's stone may perhaps be suggested as a comparison, because it has the capacity to convert a piece of metal into gold on touch, just as the Guru converts an ordinary disciple into an enlightened person.
But even this comparison cannot stand, because the Sadguru, "even without touch" makes the disciple, who has surrendered at His feet like Himself. He blesses the disciple (through teaching) and makes the disciple an enlightened Guru, like Himself capable of enlightening and transforming others. The Philosopher's stone does not have the capacity to convert a piece of metal into another Philosopher's stone. Therefore the Sadguru is incomparable and transcends the world in His glory.
It is like the case of a lamp lit from another lamp. What would be the difference between the two? The second lamp also can light other lamps; thus there is no difference at all between them. प्रवर्तितो दीप इव प्रदीपात्.
