Guru

In theSanskritlanguage,gurumeansteacher.Easternreligions,such asHinduism,Jainism,Buddhism,Sikhismand newer movements such asTranscendental Meditationuseguruas a title. They give it to a teacher (or guide) of religious matters.

In Western usage, any person who has followers may be called a guru, even if he is followed for things other than religion or philosophy. A person with knowledge or expertise may be called a guru if he influences by personal teaching.Modern terms which have a rather similar meaning arementorandtutor.

Satguru

ManyHindushave a satguru as well.The word "guru" means the one who removes the darkness from our heart. Satguru means true guru or true teacher. The title means that his students know that the guru can be trusted and will lead them toenlightenment.A satguru is a greatsoulwho has realizedGodand is able to lead others along the path. God shines out from the satguru more brightly than from other people because he is very pure and enlightened. The satguru is devoted full time toreligiouslife, is unmarried and has given up all possessions, personal life, family and friends. He has received an initiation from his satguru that gives him greatspiritualpower and authority. He can teach parents how to raise children, adults how to avoid problems and overcome any challenge in life, and in general he can make people feel close to God.

Examples of gurus

• Lao Zi
• Chuang Tzu
• Dalai Lama
• Gurdjieff
• Krishnamurti
• Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
• Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
• Deepak Chopra