How to Identify a True Saint: A Path to God

Identifying a true saint or a qualified teacher (sadguru) is a pivotal step towards the spiritual journey and finding one's way to divinity. In this essay, we'll explore the criteria for identifying a true saint, backed by spiritual texts like the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita, and provide insights into how personal intent and self-reflection can guide this discernment.

Understanding the Significance of Personal Intent

Being true to oneself is foundational to the spiritual path. Our intentions and desires heavily influence whether we are drawn to and recognize true spiritual guidance. Much like a thirst drives us to seek out water, a sincere desire for truth and enlightenment drives us to seek a true guide. Just as a person with thirst will know if a well is genuine, someone with a genuine spiritual thirst will recognize a true saint.

It is said: 'Jo mm Sant sat updesh drdaavae bataavae, vaake sang sabhi raad badaavae,' meaning that the true saint who clearly teaches the right path will be honored and venerated by all. Similarly, 'Satguru ke lakshan kahoon madhure baen Vinod, Char ved shat shastr kahae athaara bodh' emphasizes that a true guru should be a complete knower of all spiritual texts.

Criteria from Holy Scriptures

The Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, and other spiritual texts provide clear criteria for identifying a true saint. Here, we delve into some of these guidelines based on Kabir Sahib Ji's teachings and Satguru Garibdas Ji Maharaj's descriptions.

First Identity: Kabir Sahib Ji explains in his teachings that the true saint will be the one who knows the correct path. All other spiritual leaders and teachers (mahants) will contest his teachings. This emphasizes the importance of the authenticity and clarity of the teachings.

Second Identity: Satguru Garibdas Ji Maharaj describes that a true saint should be a complete knower of all religious texts. He states, 'Satguru ke lakshan kahoon madhure baen Vinod, Char ved shat shastr kahae athaara bodh,' indicating that he will be able to explain the essence of the four Vedas, six shastras, and eighteen puranas.

Third Identity: The true saint should offer three types of initiations (mantras) for Nam Diksha (name initiation) at three different times. This practice allows the individual to open up and awaken specific chakras in the body, preparing them for deeper spiritual practices.

Call to Self-Reflection and In-Depth Inquiry

Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the individual to inquire deeply and recognize genuine spiritual guidance. Our own purity of intent and reflection on the coalescence between words and deeds can help us identify a true saint. 'Hari om, it takes one to know one.' This means that by embodying and practicing the qualities of a saint, one can discern a true spiritual teacher.

Engage in deep introspection and self-reflection. Look into the mirror of the self to recognize true saints and the teachers you are seeking. Remember, 'Om Tat Sat: God within, God without, but ever alert!' The Paramatma (Supreme Soul) within us will guide us towards the truth if we remain sincere.

Additional Resources

For further guidance on finding a true and qualified teacher, you may refer to the following resources:

Odde Siva Kesavams answer to Who is sadhguru More detailed insights from the teachings of Kabir Sahib Ji and Satguru Garibdas Ji Maharaj.

By combining the wisdom of spiritual texts with personal introspection, you can identify and engage with a true saint or sadguru who can guide you on your path to God.