The sacred texts of India have, for centuries, taught that the ultimate aim of life is the recognition of the unity between one’s own Self and the supreme Self. This knowledge, brimming with exquisite joy and benevolence, is attained by the grace of a Self-realized Guru and a disciple’s dedicated effort on the path shown by the Guru.
Understanding the immense value of what one receives from the Guru, a sincere disciple cultivates arpaṇa. In Sanskrit, arpaṇa means an offering made with pure intention. The spirit of this offering is one in which the disciple gives to the Guru with selfless love and a clear, one-pointed intention behind the offering.
The scriptural verses presented in this section describe the attitude and intention with which to perform an offering, and reveal how such acts of giving lead the giver into the realm of oneness with the Supreme. The practice of studying, reciting, and imbibing the teachings of scriptural verses is one way to pay homage to the Guru and to honor the precious knowledge the Guru imparts.