Hindus: Why do we protect the Guru under an umbrella whenever s/he goes?

Question

Arent they One with the creation? Why hide the sun & other elements from the Guru?

Serious answers only please, if they arent, they'll be reported. Thanks.

Answer 1

The devotee doesnt "Protect" the Guru under an umbrella. If you check the symbolism of Hindu and Buddhists items, a Parasol is symbolic of being the "most High", it coincides with the Brahma Net which appears above only the Highest of Deities. It is firstly a symbol of the Highest respect for the Guru, just like how we touch the feet of the Guru as a blessing.... as symbolic of without humility in heart and mind, no learning can happen.

Secondly: The Parasol is one of the 7 royal emblems, by offering a parasol, we are NOT protecting the Guru, but it is signifying a call to the Guru to protect us, just as an umbrella protects us from the outer elements, so too shall the Guru's teaching and guidance protect us from the raging of our inner elements. And until we ourselves gain Union with the Universal Divine, we are dependent on our Guru's teachings to evolve ourselves... and therefore need his protection from our own inner storms, inner terrors and inner demons.

Answer 2

The most well known form of the Guru-shishya relationships is the bhakti guru-shishya relationship. Bhakti (Sanskrit) "Devotion" means surrender to God, gods or guru (sanskrit guru bhakti = devotion to the teacher). Bhakti extends from the simplest expression of devotion to the ego-decimating principle of prapati, which is total surrender. The bhakti form of the guru-shishya relationship generally incorporates three primary beliefs or practices:

- Devotion to the guru as a divine figure or avatar
- The belief that such a guru has transmitted, or will eventually impart moksha, diksha or shaktipat to the (successful) shishya
- The belief that if the shishya’s act of focusing his or her devotion (bhakti) upon the guru is sufficiently strong and worthy, then some form of spiritual merit will be gained by the shishya

Within the bhakti form of the guru-shishya relationship, a certain type of fixed dependency sometimes develops between the guru and the shishya, that may in some ways be similar to the relationship between a parent and a child.

So, disciples consider Guru at the most highest level and do all requirements of guru with utmost care. They also see full confort is extended to the Guru. So you have seen the disciples follow him with umbrella in order to protect from sun and rain. -

Answer 3

The Guru or Master is the most precious for the disciples. He is the most beloved for his disciples. You and me always try to take utmost care of things that are precious to us and which we love immensely.The umbrella is a sign of these emotions. A gesture symbolic of the disciples love and respect for the Master, --- that no discomfort from sun,s rays and heat may come to the Master. You may argue that the Master is so great and powerful that nothing leave alone the sunrays can cause any harm to him. But havent you seen a toddler run and try to save his adult, grown-up, father when he is in trouble-- say for instance when he has fallen down on the ground. You see you love from the heart and heart knows no reason and rationality and intelligence and logic and argument. It is just emotion full and complete and blind. I hope i have been able to convey things to you.

Answer 4

To protect them from the elements as they travel, so that they won't become sick, sunburned, etc., and unable to relay their divine wisdom.