THE LAMP IN THE CAVE : A STORY OF THE  GURU

Author Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh  – The Warrior Monk
 Indian Martial Arts Guru | Spiritual Visionary | Founder, Agasthyam Foundation | Author & Filmmaker 

Long ago, in a vast and ancient forest, there lived a boy named Sivayogi. From childhood, he had one deep question that haunted his heart:

“Who am I… really?”

People around him spoke of gods, heaven, rebirth, rituals… but none of it touched that raw yearning within him. He wasn’t looking for belief. He was looking for truth.

One day, while walking through the forest, Sivayogi came upon a dark cave. Something pulled him in. As he stepped inside, the world outside faded, and only darkness surrounded him. He walked deeper and deeper… but no light. No sound. Only stillness.

Suddenly, panic rose in his chest. He couldn’t see. He didn’t know the way.
The cave became a symbol of his own mind  filled with questions, doubts, and ignorance.

He sat down… trembling. And in the silence, he cried,
 “If there is a truth, let it reveal itself to me.”

The Arrival of the Guru

In that very moment,

he felt a gentle warmth the faint glow of a lamp.

He turned and there,

at the edge of the darkness, stood an old man.

Silent. Radiant.

Holding a small oil lamp in his hand.

He said nothing.
He didn’t offer answers.
He simply walked ahead, deeper into the cave… carrying the flame.

Sivayogi followed.

Walking the Inner Path

 As they walked, the flame revealed the walls of the cave  symbols, markings, echoes of ancient truths.

Sivayogi asked, “Who are you?”

The old man smiled,
 “I am no one but the flame you called for.”
 “I do not give you light. I show you that the light was always within you waiting to be seen.”

And as they reached the heart of the cave, the old man placed the lamp into Sivayogi’s hands.

Suddenly  everything became clear. He wasn’t just holding the lamp… he was the light.

The Guru vanished.

The Realization

That’s when Sivayogi understood.

The Guru is not someone outside.

The Guru is the one who comes when you are ready,
when your longing becomes pure, 

when you stop seeking the world and begin seeking yourself.

He doesn’t give you information. 

He doesn’t control your life. 

He simply removes the darkness and leaves you with the light of your own Being.

As the verse says:

गु - andhakārasya (darkness)
 रु - nirodhakaḥ (remover)

So, What Is the Guru?

Not just a person.
Not just a teacher.
But the one who shows you that:

 You were never the body, never the mind

You are the light behind it all.

And when you touch that, you bow not to the person, but to the Guru Tattva the principle of illumination itself.

Let this story live in your heart. And whenever you're lost… remember: The Guru doesn’t take you somewhere. The Guru brings you back to your Self.

ABOUT AUTHOR

Gurukkal Dr. S Mahesh, is a fifth-generation Kalaripayattu master, celebrated as a “Warrior Monk”,a self-realized spiritual leader and founder of Agasthyam kalaripayattu. Deeply rooted in a 129-year-old lineage, his journey is marked by profound self-awakening and dedication to Kalaripayattu. His teachings unify physical mastery, mental clarity, and spiritual insight, making Kalaripayattu a global path for holistic well-being. As co-principal investigator of the IKS Center for Kalaripayattu and Siddhar Tradition, he promotes Kalaripayattu’s healing wisdom as vital for modern life. An author and filmmaker, Dr. Mahesh’s legacy inspires resilience, self-discovery, and unity in seekers worldwide