[1] The relation of guru and disciple is discussed in Siva Samhitã, iii, 10-19: "Now I shall tell you how easily to attain success in Yoga, by knowing which the Yogis never fail in the practice of Yoga. Only the knowledge imparted by a Guru, through his lips is powerful and useful; otherwise it becomes fruitless, weak and very painful. He who is devoted to any knowledge, while pleasing his Guru with every attention, readily obtains the fruits of that know1edge. There is not the least doubt that Guru is father, Guru is mother, and Guru is God even; and as such he should be served by all with their thought, word and deed. By Gurus favour everything good relating to ones self is obtained. So the Guru ought to be daily served; else there can be nothing auspicious. Let him salute his Guru after walking three times round him, and touching with his right hand his lotus feet.

"The person who has control over himself attains verily success through faith; none other can succeed. Therefore, with faith, Yoga should be practised with care and perseverance. Those who are addicted to sensual pleasures or keep bad company, who are disbelievers, who are devoid of respect towards their Guru, who resort to promiscuous assemblies, who are addicted to false and vain controversies, who are cruel in their speech, and who do not give satisfaction to their Guru never attain success. The first condition of success is the firm belief that it (vidyã) must succeed and be fruitful; the second condition is having faith in it; the third is respect towards the Guru; the fourth is the spirit of Universal equality; the fifth is the restraint of the organs of sense; the sixth is moderate eating, these are all. There is no seventh condition. Having received instructions in Yoga, and obtained a Guru who knows Yoga, let him practise with earnestness and faith, according to the method taught by the teacher."

[2] Hatha Yoga Pradîpikã, i, 68-69.